In memory of the September 11 terrorist attacks and National Preparedness Month, the authors in this September edition of the Domestic Preparedness Journal address community outreach, responder fatigue, first responder equipment, crisis communications, and threat awareness.
Although the U.S. has not experienced another terrorist attack like the one on September 11, 2001 (9/11), the threat remains. In fact, the Federal Bureau of Investigation has warned that the danger of an Islamic extremist-inspired terrorist attack inside the country is at the highest point since 9/11. Learn how this threat is spreading and what protective measures are needed to thwart it.
The September 11 terrorist attacks in 2001 spurred a pivotal change in the way the U.S. approaches preparedness for threats to the homeland. In recognition of National Preparedness Month, the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory showcases how national laboratories address homeland security threats by developing the technology and other resources first responders need to combat those threats.
Emergencies require immediate action by people trained to extinguish fires, treat injuries, protect the public, and perform other life and safety tasks. Responders who repeatedly encounter high-stress scenarios may face additional life and safety concerns in the form of fatigue. Learn about three types of fatigue and how to combat them.
Generation Z and millennials encompass almost half of the worldās population, and their communication style, preferences, and ideals differ from those of their older counterparts. Crisis communication plans must account for these differences to reach that demographic. Navigating these variations helps ensure that alerting organizationsā efforts are well-received and effective.
From natural disasters to sophisticated cyberthreats, the risks to public safety are evolving fast. As unexpected events can strike at any moment, the systems designed to protect people ā 911 call centers ā face unprecedented challenges. Artificial intelligence (AI) is changing the landscape by increasing efficiencies and risks. Learn about the benefits and challenges AI-driven 911 systems pose for communities.
Preparing for any special event includes many unknowns. When an event involves national security, the stakes are even higher. Public safety agencies have been sharing their lessons learned and providing recommendations to prepare the nation for the upcoming election events. Read some of the takeaways they shared at the D.C. Interoperability Summit.
Each September, communities across the United States reexamine their preparedness goals and resources during National Preparedness Month. By educating and empowering individuals and families to prepare for emergencies, communities can be better positioned to face any disaster. In 2024, the Federal Emergency Management Agency urges people to āStart a Conversationā but make sure the information is presented in a way that others can understand.
When community leaders in emergency preparedness, response, and recovery invest in engagements with community members, the return on investment can be measured in lives, properties, and money saved. The authors in this August edition of the Domestic Preparedness Journal describe ways to strengthen the entire community against known and not-yet-known threats.
Disasters inherently come with known and unknown threats. One looming emerging threat is human trafficking because traffickers capitalize on the vulnerability these events create to exploit victims. However, when properly trained, emergency management and disaster responders are uniquely positioned to identify, prevent, and mitigate exploitation before and after an emergency.