Hazard Mitigation: Today’s Needs & Recommendations
Megan Clifford and William Meyer
June 20, 2012
In the United States today, losses caused by natural disasters and the frequency of such events are both on the rise. Moreover, because state and federal budgets are still declining, the nation’s emergency management community is constantly challenged to do more with less, while still continuing to improve disaster resilience capabilities. A recent high-level panel discussion in the nation’s capital developed recommendations for immediate and continuing improvement.
All-Hazards Planning for Special Events
Glen Rudner
June 20, 2012
To avoid a recipe for disaster, the following prescription is recommended for all-hazards
preparedness: two-thirds planning and one-third execution. Anything and everything can happen at a
special event in communities throughout the nation, so the advance planning and training should reflect
that fact.
Upgrading Florida Air National Guard’s Communications
Blair Heusdens
June 20, 2012
Communications is a responsibility that can be particularly challenging during emergency-disaster operations. By communicating across a broad spectrum of frequencies and networks, members of Florida’s Air National Guard are able to share their resources with civilian agencies and help bridge the information gap.
Event Management: Visibility in the Fog of Response
W. Craig Vanderwagen
June 19, 2012
Part 4 of Dr. Vanderwagen’s groundbreaking five-part series on the numerous – and extremely difficult – challenges involved in implementing the U.S. National Health Security Strategy. This white paper addresses challenges related to event management and “seeing through the fog” during the intense phase of response – i.e., when events are fluid and information is not only changing but also lacks clarity.
The National ‘Public Health’ Preparedness Report
Raphael M. Barishansky
June 13, 2012
The 2012 NPR assessment of the nation’s “Public Health and Medical Services” capabilities was encouraging, but there were concerns. Where do these capabilities and concerns stand today?
National Drill – Training Added to ‘BE Safe America’
Len Pagano
June 13, 2012
A lot can be accomplished in 60 days with 2 million people. By emphasizing training, drills, and education, Safe America will be helping families and businesses be better equipped to handle the next major disaster.
Special Events: Pre-Event Planning Checklists
Kay C. Goss
June 13, 2012
Thorough planning that takes into account all of the potential problems, pitfalls, and outright disasters that might be encountered is key to the success of any major special event. Here is a comprehensive list, compiled by a highly respected career professional, of the questions to ask, the intangibles to remember, and the essential resources required to ensure that nothing spoils the party.
The Medical Component of Mass Gatherings
Joseph Cahill
June 6, 2012
During a medical emergency, navigating through large crowds requires more than just lights and sirens. By strategically placing resources, understanding the type of crowd, and preparing for all-hazards events, medical teams will be better equipped to rapidly respond as needs arise.
Honoring Fallen Heroes: Special Security Requirements
David Squires
June 6, 2012
In 2011, the City of Virginia Beach hosted a day of special ceremonies honoring members of a Navy SEAL Team who had been killed in action during a high-risk operation in Afghanistan. The short-notice decision to salute these fallen heroes was fraught with numerous potential difficulties – but the City, with the help of numerous other agencies, overcame the potential obstacles and set a new standard for special event planning.
Laboratory Pandemic Preparedness: Maintaining a Warm Base
Kelly Wroblewski
June 6, 2012
Whether deciding to close local schools or to change treatment and testing guidelines at a national
level, public health decisions for influenza pandemics are dependent on laboratory results. By
developing assays, holding training sessions, developing and utilizing laboratory capacity models,
building intra-state communication systems, and introducing other initiatives, the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL) are helping to
build and maintain a “warm base” for effective laboratory response.
