Biothreats – Advocating Action Through Transition
Robert C. Hutchinson
November 29, 2017
On 15 November 2016, the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST) released a letter report to the president on “Action Needed to Protect Against Biological Attack.” PCAST urged the president for immediate action to ensure that the nation has the ability to meet these challenges with near-, medium-, and long-term goals. It is critical that the recommendations in this letter are conveyed to the current administration, and not lost in transition.
Protecting the Homeland From Nefarious Drone Use
Richard Schoeberl and Kendall J. Smith
November 22, 2017
The 2016 Legislative Session of the Indiana General Assembly passed Senate Enrolled Act 147 requiring the Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS) to establish minimum standards and approve best practices no later than 1 July 2017 for a school emergency response system. The new guidelines are helping to improve school safety and security across the state and offer a template for other states to consider when reviewing and updating their emergency response systems.
Freight Rail Safety and Emergency Management
Kay C. Goss
November 22, 2017
During the second week of October 2017, the DomPrep Journal hosted and Draeger sponsored a series of presentations and discussions, which included most of the major federal agencies engaged in freight rail safety and security, as well as the American Association of Railroads. To add to that discussion, several states have made significant contributions to freight rail safety. Three major state and local emergency management agencies that have made these major strides in rail safety and security are described here.
So Much More Than Having a Kit & Making a Plan
Catherine L. Feinman
November 20, 2017
For years, emergency preparedness professionals have been preaching the message, “Have a Kit, Make a Plan.” As a result, everyone is now ready for the next disaster … of course
Chemical Attack on Public Transport – A Likely Scenario
Zamawang Almemar
November 15, 2017
Some experts say that a chemical attack plot on Western public transportation systems such as this one is inevitable: It is 0753 on a Tuesday morning at the busy red line subway station in Washington, D.C. The Islamic State group (IS) just claimed responsibility for a chemical attack that took place there by three IS supporters (two males and one female) about half past the hour. The Metrorail transportation staff and first responders are rushing to care for the victims of what seems to be a sulfur mustard attack.
Critical Infrastructure Partnerships – Prioritizing Assets
Christopher Ryan
November 15, 2017
A key early step for critical infrastructure protection (CIP) programs is to identify and prioritize the most important facilities and assets for maintaining community safety, normalcy, and quality of life. Within single jurisdictions, CIP program managers typically choose prioritization criteria to determine the most critical assets. However, developing customized prioritization criteria for multiple, closely interconnected jurisdictions in the National Capital Region (NCR) – where public safety authority is decentralized – recently proved much more challenging. Here is how they overcame this challenge.
Staying “PRIMED” for a Radiation Event
Grant Coffey
November 13, 2017
Chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive (CBRNE) events are low in frequency, but high in consequence, requiring a frequent and more targeted emphasis on the way that responders train and learn. Radiation is often not well understood. It can be intimidating for both the public and for first responders. Radiation cannot be seen, smelled, or heard. Yet, risk is relatively easy to mitigate when responders have been adequately trained and equipped.
Unmanned Aircraft Systems – On the Way to the Jetsons’ Era
Charles J. Guddemi
November 8, 2017
Debuting in 1962, “The Jetsons” depicted the family of the future, with people movers, tube travel,
vehicles that folded up into brief cases for parking purposes, home computers, internet, microwave
ovens, CT x-ray for medical purposes, cellphones, and speed limits of up to 2,500 miles per hour.
Fast-forward to today, as roadways become more congested, one logical alternative is to go up. Unmanned
aircraft systems bring the nation a step closer to the Jetson way of life.
Drones – Both a Force Multiplier & Headache
Catherine L. Feinman
November 1, 2017
Until the federal government decides how to best secure the skies from unmanned aerial systems (UAS), first responders, emergency managers, and public safety professionals will have a big problem to
