In an environment that is constantly changing and increasingly interconnected, many states are finding new ways to use existing assets. In New Jersey, one valuable asset previously used primarily for collecting and analyzing information on terrorist threats played a leading role in the rapid sharing of disaster-response information before, during, and after Hurricane Sandy in late 2012.
In a fast-paced world, it makes sense to increase the speed of transportation. However, as plans are being created, there is much more to consider than simply the costs, design, and location of new high-speed rail projects. For one thing, this new mode of transportation will also draw significant attention from those who wish to harm American citizens and U.S. interests in general.
Since 9/11 and Katrina, significant federal funding has been invested in planning for similar incidents and events that may (or may not) happen in the future. Meanwhile, state and local planners must focus their efforts on the incidents most likely to occur within their own jurisdictions. This approach seems eminently reasonable, but raises new questions about the level of catastrophic planning needed and the ability to cope with sudden disasters of any type.
Established in 1920 as the "National Advisory Board on Highway Research," the Transportation Research Board (TRB) facilitates information sharing and broadly disseminates valuable transportation research. Understanding where to find the data needed to make policy and procedural decisions is the first step in managing all-hazards incidents.
The detonation of a weapon of mass destruction within a U.S. seaport is one of the most frightening scenarios facing the nations security and intelligence professionals. Although complying with a 100-percent screening mandate would be very costly, "randomly" selecting a few containers to search may be a huge gamble. The probability of such attacks is low, but the damage caused would be devastating.
When the In Amenas Gas Refinery was attacked at the beginning of 2013, the swift actions of workers prevented the terrorists from fully implementing their plans, which would have created a greater tragedy and an even greater loss of lives. A lot can be learned by reviewing the events that unfolded in Algeria and making changes that may save even more lives in the future.
When the In Amenas Gas Refinery was attacked at the beginning of 2013, the swift actions of workers prevented the terrorists from fully implementing their plans, which would have created a greater tragedy and an even greater loss of lives. A lot can be learned by reviewing the events that unfolded in Algeria and making changes that may save even more lives in the future.
Improving national resilience is a process that requires developing and promulgating new policies, defining missions and capabilities, and implementing change through training and education. As the two-year anniversary of Presidential Policy Directive 8 approaches, policy makers and responders are learning much more about the planning opportunities, and new challenges, they are likely to encounter in the years to come.
The U.S. government's chemical security program helps to identify high-risk targets for terrorist attacks based on the type of chemical being manufactured or delivered and the physical location of the facility where it is stored.
Joplin High School and Sandy Hook Elementary School both suffered devastating disasters - one natural and one manmade. In both cases, the residents rallied behind their schools and their communities to rebuild and recover. Lesson learned: From unexpected events, unexpected leaders often emerge who are both willing and able to lead their communities back to some form of "normal."
