Hazmat

Cybersecurity in Hospitals and the Public Health Sector

Daniel Scherr and Tanya M. Scherr September 13, 2023

Healthcare cyberattacks continue to increase in frequency. The primary methods used in these attacks include phishing and email compromise (e.g., ransomware and other malware), fraud scams, network server breaches, inappropriate access to medical records, insider threats, and standard theft. In 2022, HHS published The Impact of Social Engineering on Healthcare, which found that phishing attacks were the top threat, representing 45% of all attacks. Ransomware (most commonly delivered through phishing emails, malicious links, or…

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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.

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.

Swatting: Combatting a Lethal and Expensive Prank

Daniel Scherr and Tanya M. Scherr June 14, 2023

May 3, 2023, saw a rash of hoax calls claiming to report active shooters in schools across Tennessee. While the calls initially affected the Middle Tennessee area, the issue quickly moved to additional areas within the state, affecting at least 16 schools on the same day. Local, state, and

HAZMAT Archives

How One Town Stood Up to a Category 4 Storm

Jennifer Languell January 4, 2023

When Category 4 Hurricane Ian crossed Florida in September 2022, more than 4 million Florida homes and businesses lost power. However, one town kept the

The Importance of Strong Leadership for a Unique Discipline

David Fogerson December 21, 2022

A transformational leadership style can help bridge relationship and communication gaps between leaders and other community stakeholders. Learn how one young deputy fire chief learned from

Building Strength in Workforce and Structure

Catherine L. Feinman December 21, 2022

Each person plays a critical leadership role, from top leadership to frontline workers. The authors in the December edition of the Domestic Preparedness Journal share

How Technology Systems Impact Critical Infrastructure

Nathan DiPillo and Paul Galyen December 21, 2022

Operational technology systems that run many critical infrastructure functions are becoming more dependent on information technology. As these worlds converge, emergency preparedness professionals must address

Applying Environmental Design to Prevent Active Shooters

Rodney Andreasen December 14, 2022

Active shooter trainings can help prevent some injuries and deaths. However, additional measures should also be taken to prevent the attack from occurring. This article describes

Implementing “Stop the Bleed” for Future K-12 Educators

Will Brewer, Peggy Bergeron and Wayne Bergeron December 14, 2022

How have recent school shootings impacted future K-12 educators and what new skills will help better prepare them for potential threats? One study at the