Most recently published
National Preparedness Efforts Among Tribal Communities
Lynda Zambrano and Catherine L. Feinman
October 9, 2023
Participants at the National Tribal Emergency Management Council’s annual conference in August shared some key takeaways for tribal and nontribal communities to improve their disaster preparedness efforts. Understanding the concerns and challenges is essential.
COVID-19 – Emergency Plans and Readiness Exercises
Rick Christ
October 4, 2023
During the COVID-19 pandemic, plans’ failures had little to do with the genomic sequence of the virus and more about what these plans were not: familiar, equitable and inclusive, interconnected and scalable, clear and actionable, and resilient.
Water and Wastewater Sector Perspectives
Elston Johnson
October 4, 2023
The Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency defines the Water and Wastewater Systems Sector as one of “16 critical infrastructure sectors.” Read about this sector’s numerous challenges in maintaining the high level of service necessary to the communities they serve.
Always Prepare for the Future, But Never Forget the Past
Catherine Feinman
September 27, 2023
This September edition of the Domestic Preparedness Journal addresses these and other key preparedness efforts that should be considered when planning for future incidents. Reflecting on the events of 9/11, consider the personal costs that emergency responders pay for serving their communities and develop mitigation strategies to reduce those costs.
Reducing Workplace Violence in Healthcare Facilities
Corina Solé Brito
September 27, 2023
Violence in healthcare facilities significantly challenges patients, providers, support staff, visitors, and first responders. However, healthcare-specific information and tools can help protect staff, patients, and others in these facilities.
Planning for A Cross-Country Special Event
Mark Howell and Laurel J. Radow
September 27, 2023
A solar eclipse is a unique form of special event that does not always fall under emergency planning protocols, but it should. This article urges preparedness professionals to collaborate with eclipse planning committees to ensure the safety and security of all those involved.
Cybersecurity in Hospitals and the Public Health Sector
Dan Scherr and Tanya M. Scherr
September 20, 2023
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.
Beyond Registries: Better Solutions for People With Disabilities
June Isaacson Kailes
September 20, 2023
Emergency planners often identify volunteer disaster registries as a solution for assisting people with disabilities during a disaster. However, registries have flaws. Learn about eight common registry problems and the author’s better solutions that should be considered.
Responding to the Call – The Cost of Caring for Others
Mary Schoenfeldt
September 13, 2023
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.
Three Puzzle Pieces That Increase Community Preparedness
Paul Gunnels
September 13, 2023
This author reflects on his team’s direct mission to New York in response to the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, commonly referred to as 9/11, to consider if communities are more prepared today than they were in 2001.
Citizen Soldiers and American State Defense Forces
James P. Howard Ⅱ
September 6, 2023
State defense forces can be activated in times of emergency to assist with disaster response, homeland security, and other missions. However, more awareness within communities nationwide is needed to support the efforts of these assets.
Bioterrorism – Could Smallpox Return?
Robert C. Hutchinson
September 6, 2023
Although smallpox was eradicated from its human population and reservoir, it is still in designated stockpiles controlled by two nations and possibly in other unknown locations. Learn about the possible threat and the need for greater preparedness and discussion.
Emerging Technologies, Part 1 – Information and Communication
Ian Pleet
October 10, 2023
This is Part 1 of a five-part series on emerging technologies that can enhance the management of and response to future emergencies and disasters. This part focuses on an all-hazards emergency management approach and information and communication technologies.
National Preparedness Efforts Among Tribal Communities
Lynda Zambrano and Catherine L. Feinman
October 9, 2023
Participants at the National Tribal Emergency Management Council’s annual conference in August shared some key takeaways for tribal and nontribal communities to improve their disaster preparedness efforts. Understanding the concerns and challenges is essential.
COVID-19 – Emergency Plans and Readiness Exercises
Rick Christ
October 4, 2023
During the COVID-19 pandemic, plans’ failures had little to do with the genomic sequence of the virus and more about what these plans were not: familiar, equitable and inclusive, interconnected and scalable, clear and actionable, and resilient.
Water and Wastewater Sector Perspectives
Elston Johnson
October 4, 2023
The Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency defines the Water and Wastewater Systems Sector as one of “16 critical infrastructure sectors.” Read about this sector’s numerous challenges in maintaining the high level of service necessary to the communities they serve.
Always Prepare for the Future, But Never Forget the Past
Catherine Feinman
September 27, 2023
This September edition of the Domestic Preparedness Journal addresses these and other key preparedness efforts that should be considered when planning for future incidents. Reflecting on the events of 9/11, consider the personal costs that emergency responders pay for serving their communities and develop mitigation strategies to reduce those costs.
Reducing Workplace Violence in Healthcare Facilities
Corina Solé Brito
September 27, 2023
Violence in healthcare facilities significantly challenges patients, providers, support staff, visitors, and first responders. However, healthcare-specific information and tools can help protect staff, patients, and others in these facilities.
Planning for A Cross-Country Special Event
Mark Howell and Laurel J. Radow
September 27, 2023
A solar eclipse is a unique form of special event that does not always fall under emergency planning protocols, but it should. This article urges preparedness professionals to collaborate with eclipse planning committees to ensure the safety and security of all those involved.
Cybersecurity in Hospitals and the Public Health Sector
Dan Scherr and Tanya M. Scherr
September 20, 2023
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.
Beyond Registries: Better Solutions for People With Disabilities
June Isaacson Kailes
September 20, 2023
Emergency planners often identify volunteer disaster registries as a solution for assisting people with disabilities during a disaster. However, registries have flaws. Learn about eight common registry problems and the author’s better solutions that should be considered.
Responding to the Call – The Cost of Caring for Others
Mary Schoenfeldt
September 13, 2023
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.
Three Puzzle Pieces That Increase Community Preparedness
Paul Gunnels
September 13, 2023
This author reflects on his team’s direct mission to New York in response to the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, commonly referred to as 9/11, to consider if communities are more prepared today than they were in 2001.
Citizen Soldiers and American State Defense Forces
James P. Howard Ⅱ
September 6, 2023
State defense forces can be activated in times of emergency to assist with disaster response, homeland security, and other missions. However, more awareness within communities nationwide is needed to support the efforts of these assets.
Targeted Violence in Schools: Are Future Educators Prepared?
Danielle Arias, Jesse Spearo and Kelley L. Davis
August 23, 2023
Targeted-violent events threaten staff and students’ physical, psychological, and emotional well-being in public schools. However, the increasing frequency of these incidents raises concerns about the preparedness of incoming teachers and current staff to handle such incidents.
Fireproofing the Future: Safeguarding Against Wildfires
Roy Thun
August 23, 2023
July 2023 was the world’s hottest recorded month in history. Increasing heat events increase the risk of wildfires. However, good land and waste management practices can significantly prevent and mitigate the risk and consequences of these events.
Deploying With Adult Non-Prescription Medication Kits
Richard (Kirk) Higgins
August 16, 2023
The availability of non-prescription medications may mean the difference between a successful deployment and needing to return home ahead of schedule. As such, first responders should consider non-prescription medication kits as part of their pre-deployment planning.
Training for Hazardous Tasks in Virtual Environments
Ryan Putman
August 16, 2023
Being able to recreate complex hazardous materials incidents in a classroom setting teaches life-saving lessons in a safe environment. Advances in virtual and augmented reality training systems provide instructors with new tools to train the next generation of first responders.
Community Preparedness for the Socially & Civically Isolated
George Schwartz
August 9, 2023
Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, about half of American adults reported feeling lonely. A lack of engagement can have serious health effects for socially isolated individuals and implications for the work of emergency management professionals.
Recruitment and Retention Panel Discussion
Aaron Alvarez, Nathan DiPillo, Anthony S. Mangeri, Elizabeth Saunders and Michael Valiente
August 9, 2023
On August 3, 2023, Domestic Preparedness hosted a panel of five emergency management professionals who discussed today’s recruitment and retention challenges.
Sports Celebrations – Expect the Best, Plan for the Worst
Robert Leverone
August 2, 2023
Large sports-related celebratory events necessitate a coordinated response from municipal government agencies and the community. Thorough planning, intelligence-based risk assessments, and stakeholder input are critical components of a comprehensive plan.
7 Best Practices for Implementing Housing Recovery Programs
Daina Ruback
August 2, 2023
Implementing Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery housing recovery programs can be complex and challenging and, if not done correctly, can result in delays, inefficiencies, and inequitable outcomes. These seven best practices can help avoid common program pitfalls.
AI Partners – Filling Law Enforcement Experience Gaps
Jeff Henderson
July 26, 2023
As the hiring gap in law enforcement widens, agencies must find innovative solutions to maintain the experience and wisdom of their seasoned officers. Artificial intelligence is one solution being explored to transfer this critical knowledge.
Three Keys to Life-Saving Hurricane Season Communication
Brian Toolan
July 26, 2023
Years of strategy and planning go into crisis response and developing a communication plan that keeps people safe, clearly outlines the situation, and empowers them to act. Learn about the three key factors to a successful communications plan during hurricane season.
Maintaining Planning Strategies for Evolving Threats
Catherine L. Feinman
July 25, 2023
Research and evaluation help emergency preparedness professionals stay current on emerging threats, new technologies, and resource and training gaps. The authors in this July edition of the Domestic Preparedness Journal share important research and lessons learned to assist in the planning process for any organization.
Long-Term Care Facilities in Emergency Preparedness Planning
Tanya M. Scherr and Dan Scherr
July 19, 2023
An important part of community emergency preparedness planning includes long-term care facilities such as nursing homes, dialysis, home care centers, or hospice facilities. Plans must in place for these facilities to care for the residents in their care during emergencies.
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