CBRNE ARCHIVES

Bridging Preparedness: State Medication Reserves for Pandemics and Beyond

New human cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza have been confirmed in the United States. Although most cases like this do not escalate to pandemic status, it is critical that communities be better prepared than they were for COVID-19. However, one study shows that preparedness gaps may hinder these efforts.

Fentanyl Hazards and Detection

The deadly opioid epidemic in the United States does not stop at overdoses. It also poses life-threatening exposure to first responders who arrive on scene. Learn about the new ways scientists at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory are expanding detection strategies and technologies to keep these responders safe.

A Modern Take on an Age-Old Biological Weapon

Reports about North Korea launching balloons filled with fecal matter and propaganda into South Korean territory were intriguing. However, this incident raises public health concerns and the question of whether fecal matter could be utilized in modern times as an effective biological weapon.

National Security: A Range of Threats

From organized foreign terrorist groups to homegrown terrorists inspired by them, members of the intelligence community have indicated that the threat of attack inside the U.S. has increased to its highest point since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. Communities must explore solutions to meet the ongoing challenges and

The Missing Plague Vials

A true story of missing bubonic plague vials, an airport bomb threat, and other suspicious activities again demonstrate continued national and homeland security vulnerabilities and threats. Perspectives may differ, but the concerns are real and provide an opportunity to learn and prepare.

Protecting Infrastructure – Cyber, Physical, and EMP Attacks

Imagine 3,500 spiders, each with their own style, getting together to create a giant web. That’s how this author describes the U.S. power grid and the complexities related to protecting the nation’s critical infrastructure from cyber, physical, and electromagnetic pulse attacks.

Repeated Intelligence Failures – Not Connecting the Dots

Gathering intelligence about potential threats is a daunting task that many agencies perform. When agencies do not effectively share intelligence, they may miss connecting the dots necessary to create actionable plans to thwart attacks and save lives.

The [Evil] Empire Strikes Back: National Security Emergencies

After the Cold War fears of the 1980s ended, attention shifted from nation-state threats to terrorism and large-scale natural hazards. However, a federal emergency planner says the return of these threats should prompt a review of the national security emergencies concept to ensure communities are prepared to address them.

Beyond Patient Care: Family Reunification Planning for Hospitals

To meet a community’s mass care family reunification needs after a disaster, hospitals and other healthcare facilities must have plans and procedures in place for mass casualty incident response, which goes beyond patient care. Here are some recommendations for them to develop a collaborative strategic plan.

Healthcare and Public Health Sector Perspectives

According to the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, National Health Expenditures (NHE) accounted for $4.3 trillion, or 18.3% of the U.S. gross domestic product. Find out how the Healthcare and Public Health Sector’s interdependencies can affect any community.

Cybersecurity in Hospitals and the Public Health Sector

Cyberattacks on healthcare systems affect millions of patients each year. It is critical for agencies and organizations to build a culture of compliance and awareness for the system’s security and the safety of the patients.

Responding to the Call – The Cost of Caring for Others

There is a cost to caring for others, but it does not need to be a lifelong debt that continues to overwhelm the people who stepped up and those around them. The cost can be manageable with the right plan of support and the willingness to explore coping options.

TWITTER

Follow Us

Get Instant Access

Subscribe today to Domestic Preparedness and get real-world insights for safer communities.

Translate »