Updates

Bird Flu Experiments Pose Risk of Accidental Release

Researchers from the Harvard School of Public Health and the Yale School of Public Health reported in an editorial that experiments involving the creation of dangerous flu strains that are transmissible between mammals pose too great a risk to human life because of the potential for accidental release.

EKU Online: Homeland Security Degree Programs

Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) offers a 100-percent online homeland security degree program with instruction on: border protection; security for airports, waterways, and seaports; preparation for and response to natural and manmade disasters; counterterrorism strategies and law enforcement intelligence support; and the latest security technology.

Pennsylvania Vigilant Guard Enhances Military-Civilian Response to Multiple Disasters

The Pennsylvania National Guard recently conducted an exercise designed to improve interoperability between agencies in multiple simulated disaster situations.

New York State DHSES Distributes Belt Trauma Kits to Law Enforcement Statewide

Z-Medica, LLC has announced that their Belt Trauma Kit (BTK+) will be standard issue to law enforcement officers in the State of New York. Distributed by the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES), this initiative represents the largest standardization of advanced first aid kits ever deployed by a state.

Agriculture Secretary Vilsack Announces Action to Combat Increased Risk of Forest Fire

Agriculture Secretary Thomas "Tom" Vilsack recently announced an action to help 94 national forest areas in 35 states address insect and disease threats that weaken forests and increase the risk of forest fires.

Toledo Fire Department Purchases RescueSim Incident Response Training Simulator

To further enhance its training courses and allow in-depth training for any thinkable incident, the Toledo Fire and Rescue Department has purchased and implemented the RescueSim virtual incident-command training platform.

Study Validates Air Sampling Techniques to Fight Bioterrorism

A Saint Louis University researcher found that air and surface sampling techniques currently used by the U.S. government are effective in fighting bioterrorism and potentially saving lives.

Readout of Secretary Johnson's Remarks at the National Homeland Security Conference

Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson delivered keynote remarks at the National Homeland Security Association's 2014 National Homeland Security Conference in Philadelphia. He highlighted the Department of Homeland Security's partnerships with state and local governments, as well as first responders, to strengthen safety and enhance security.

CDC Concludes Indiana MERS Patient Did Not Spread Virus to Illinois Business Associate

After completing additional and more definitive laboratory tests, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) officials have concluded that an Indiana MERS patient did not spread the virus to an Illinois associate during a business meeting they had before the patient became ill and was hospitalized.

Federal Agencies Sign MOU to Leverage Expertise During Foodborne Outbreak Investigations

The U.S. Department of Agricultures Food Safety and Inspection Service and the Centers for Disease Control and Preventions Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that will provide a more comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach to address foodborne health hazards associated with meat, poultry and processed egg products.