Public Health Security for Mass Gatherings
Bruce Clements
January 20, 2010
A mass gathering has been defined by the World Health Organization as a planned or unplanned event at which the number of attendees is “sufficient to strain the planning and response resources of the community, state, or nation.” Fortunately, the strategies needed to address the public health challenge represented by mass gatherings have rapidly evolved in recent years, but emerging threats such as pandemic diseases and terrorism have further complicated the challenges of preparing for such events.
Virtual USA to Enhance Disaster Management
Rodrigo (Roddy) Moscoso
January 20, 2010
The technological journey from VIPER to Virtual Alabama to Virtual USA is long and sometimes tedious. But it is probably the best and perhaps only sure way to take today’s communications systems from the dangerous present to a future that is safer, technologically sounder, and economically more prudent.
Special Events: Detail-Oriented Details
Joseph Cahill
January 13, 2010
A visit by the president or any other world leader qualifies as a Special Event. So do visits by other celebrities and dignitaries. For security personnel such visits also entail special workloads, the consideration of all potential hazards and dangers, the emphasis on a clear chain of command, and a rare
exception to a time-honored EMS lifesaving principle.
Special-Event Planning - Processes & Procedures
Glen Rudner
January 13, 2010
In today’s complicated world the definition of “”Special Events”” has expanded exponentially and now includes a host of activities ranging from Super Bowls and presidential inaugurations to high-school all-star games and spelling championships. Whatever the event, though, the keys to proper preparation are advance planning, the assignment of specific responsibilities to specific agencies, and the establishment of a clear chain of command.
Improving Individual Protection from CBRN Threats In a Down Economy: Challenges and Solutions for 2010
Gary Dunn
January 13, 2010
A judicious combination of grant funds and dual-purpose equipment, the building of integrated protection ensembles, and a continuing focus on new product development will be the keys to company success in the coming year, and probably well beyond, says Gary Dunn, Avon Protection Systems’ vice president of Sales and Marketing.
New and Emerging Shelter Technology Provides Solutions for Responders
Ron Houle
January 13, 2010
In many emergency situations the most important and longest-enduring task is finding proper shelter for disaster victims and their families. Ron Houle, DHS Systems’ vice president of government relations, points out that the use of new high-tech fabrics and a focus on advanced technology is leading to the development of more durable and more efficient shelters that should ameliorate this problem considerably both now and for years to come.
Emergency Planning for Special Events
Kay C. Goss
January 6, 2010
Special Events are exciting, enjoyable, and frequently historic – last year’s U.S. presidential inauguration is the prime example. For emergency managers, security personnel, and other behind-the-scene participants, though, they also are a massive responsibility fraught with hidden dangers, an unending workload, and – far too often – enjoyable only when “”nothing happens.””
The Multi-Tracking Evolution for Emergency Preparedness: 2010 and Beyond
Andy Nunemaker
January 6, 2010
The increase in terrorist attacks in recent years – combined with the ability, and need, to deal both more promptly and more effectively with natural disasters – has led to a greater emphasis on new multi-tracking technologies that, EMSystems CEO Andy Nunemaker points out, give political leaders as well as emergency managers more accurate and more comprehensive information updates – in real time.
Impact of eLearning on Hospital Emergency Preparedness
Howard Levitin
January 6, 2010
Rapid advances in eLearning technology have led to rapid advances in the preparedness training available to Emergency Department personnel in hospitals throughout the country, according to DQE President Howard Levitin. However, he adds, that training should be very carefully planned not only to be compatible with the individual hospital’s incident command system but also to accommodate the budgetary and staffing realities affecting, and usually constraining, the daily operations of those same hospitals.
What Gets Measured, Gets Done - The Long and Winding Road of Preparedness Measurement
Timothy Beres
December 30, 2009
How does one measure preparedness, particularly in the field of homeland defense? Slowly, most of the time – and very carefully – is the correct answer. But there are other relevant questions that first must be answered. What is being measured, for example? And who, or what agency, is in charge of the measuring? And how will the measurements taken being used?
