Part 1 of 5: This exclusive behind-the-scenes look at Baltimore Mayor’s Office of Emergency
Management (MOEM) highlights the multidiscipline planning efforts required for day-to-day operations as
well as for natural and human-caused disasters. While wearing multiple “hats,” the men and women of MOEM
cultivate valuable interagency relationships to prepare the communities they serve.
Critical Infrastructure – Preparing for the “Long Haul” by Joe D. ManousCritical Infrastructure – Addressing an Overarching Concept (Podcast) by Joe D. ManousCritical infrastructure, sustainability, and resilience are terms that are commonly […]
Since 9/11, critical infrastructure has evolved from a basic awareness of security into robust
discussions on how to sustain entire communities. Each natural and manmade disaster emphasizes the need
for greater sustainability and resilience. In this podcast, subject matter experts discuss some of these
lessons learned, as well as development of career fields and bodies of knowledge.
The terms critical infrastructure, sustainability, and resilience are common in the preparedness
fields, but these concepts are not consistent across disciplines. To test novel ideas, develop program
consistency, and establish a long-term effort, some issues must be addressed: separate fields vs.
crosscutting concepts; entry-level vs. advanced topics; and “bodies of knowledge.”
The Ebola outbreak, droughts, and the Elk River chemical spill are just a few of the environmental
health concerns that have occurred in 2014. With many societal and cultural changes, such broad topics
can be difficult to effectively address, but this podcast brings together subject matter experts to do
just that.
A topic that often bridges various disciplines and jurisdictions – and sometimes is overlooked in
the “big picture” – is security related to environmental health. To address questions surrounding this
topic, DomPrep asked readers how they define environmental health and where it fits within the national
and international security arena.
The natural and built environments affect personal and population health, but the effects are often
only visible over time. Countering the threat of harmful substances and organisms in food, water, air,
and soil requires a multidiscipline approach. Determining where environmental health and security fits
alongside public health strategy and homeland security will help the nation better prevent, mitigate,
and respond to such threats.
An article, a flash poll, and a podcast each addressed the same question: Where does the nation
stand on preparedness for biological threats? As the world watches to see how West Africa manages the
latest Ebola outbreak, public health officials must continue to train, educate, staff, and fund their
forces to be ready when they too must face a major biological threat.
In 2001, almost 3,000 people died after the 9/11 attacks. In 2005, more than 1,800 people died because of Hurricane Katrina and the subsequent floods. Receiving less attention, in the United States alone, more than 3,000 people die of influenza each year. With other public health threats having already crossed the border, it is time to connect the dots and better address national public health security.
An article, a flash poll, and a podcast each addressed the same question: Can a country that faces
daily civil disturbances adequately secure a major special event? Many factors involved in training
public and private security personnel make this question difficult to answer – temporary staff, types of
training, and level of training to cite a few.
Part 1 of 5: This exclusive behind-the-scenes look at Baltimore Mayor’s Office of Emergency
Management (MOEM) highlights the multidiscipline planning efforts required for day-to-day operations as
well as for natural and human-caused disasters. While wearing multiple “hats,” the men and women of MOEM
cultivate valuable interagency relationships to prepare the communities they serve. 
In 2001, almost 3,000 people died after the 9/11 attacks. In 2005, more than 1,800 people died because of Hurricane Katrina and the subsequent floods. Receiving less attention, in the United States alone, more than 3,000 people die of influenza each year. With other public health threats having already crossed the border, it is time to connect the dots and better address national public health security. 