Editor's Message: 6-Month Review - June 2022

Dear Domestic Preparedness Readers, 
 
The first half of 2022 certainly has been busy! As businesses fully reopen and people around the world begin to explore life in the new normal, the Domestic Preparedness Journal has been exploring its new normal as well. The journal was launched in 1998 to bridge the communication and collaboration gaps between disciplines and across jurisdictions. While the journal has now been entrusted to a new steward, the mission of bridging gaps across disciplines and jurisdictions remains the same. 

One of the expectations of the journal’s transition was that the Texas Division of Emergency Management, under the Texas A&M University System would expand the journal and continue the legacy of the founding publisher. I am happy to report that this is exactly what has been happening in the first six months of 2022. A larger team has been formed to expand the journal’s online presence and expand its multi-media capabilities. A new Advisory Committee of 21 subject matter experts from various disciplines was recruited to recommend and review content to maintain the journal’s high level of credibility and reliability among emergency preparedness and response professionals across the entire country. 

In just the past three months, the journal has been represented at six major events and conferences across the country, with many more planned in upcoming months. Subscription numbers and article submissions are rising quickly. For example, a new offering for readers who prefer to listen to articles rather than read them is already averaging 600 listens each week. For anyone who has not yet discovered this new feature, the Articles Out Loud can be found on the website’s Podcast Channel and streamed in podcast applications. 

To manage the growing number of quality article submissions, the amount of content published in the journal each month will also be growing in the second half of 2022. As we all explore our new normals, we need to continue to inform and support the numerous community stakeholders who are tasked with preparing for, responding to, and recovering from emergencies and disasters. New threats will undoubtedly emerge even as recurring threats continue year after year. Sharing lessons learned, best practices, and new technologies are how communities will strengthen their resilience by increasing awareness of vulnerabilities in this new environment. 

On behalf of the entire Domestic Preparedness team, we thank you for everything you do to protect and serve your communities. Please do not hesitate to contact me directly if you would like us to help share your knowledge and experience with other emergency preparedness professionals around the world. 

 
Catherine (Cathy) Feinman, Editor 
cfeinman@domprep.com

To view the six months in review click HERE.