Domestic Preparedness

Full article by Aaron Titus, an Article Out Loud from Domestic Preparedness, May 8, 2024.

In this feature article, the executive director for Crisis Cleanup shares how elegant community preparation offers a process that simplifies disaster planning efforts for community members. Communities need to prepare together and focus on disruptions rather than disasters.

Listen to expert insights on collaborative community preparations that are easily understood to help individuals and families be better prepared for anything.

Full article by Alicia Johnson, an Article Out Loud from Domestic Preparedness, May 8, 2024.

In this feature article, an emergency manager with extensive experience in risk communications and public affairs informs readers about the multifaceted nature of earthquake risks and delineates the indispensable role organizations play in mitigating the impacts of such calamities through informative, equitable, and persuasive techniques. 

Listen to expert insights on the Pacific Ring of Fire, a moniker that evokes images of volatility and destruction. It is not merely a geographic term but a constant reminder of humans’ vulnerability to the earth’s whims.

Full article by Anthony Mottola and Richard Schoeberl, an Article Out Loud from Domestic Preparedness, May 1, 2024.

In this feature article, two law enforcement and counterterrorism experts discuss the growing threats from organized foreign terrorist groups to homegrown terrorists inspired by them. Members of the intelligence community have warned that the threat of attack inside the U.S. has increased to its highest point since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.

Listen to expert insights on how communities must explore solutions to meet these ongoing challenges and “range of threats.”

Full article by Jolie Wills, an Article Out Loud from Domestic Preparedness, April 24, 2024.

In this featured article, a cognitive scientist and psychosocial disaster recovery specialist emphasizes the importance of supporting those working in emergency response roles before, during, and after emergencies and disasters. Leaders and their teams can face periods of prolonged stress, which can take a toll on their health and well-being.

Listen to expert insights on how those in high-stress roles can use a hazards approach to better equip themselves to navigate immense pressure without succumbing to burnout.

Full article by Angie Im, an Article Out Loud from Domestic Preparedness, April 17, 2024.

In this featured article, a healthcare research and policy expert describes the importance of community health centers and their impact on community resilience. These medical lifelines for millions of Americans are facing financial and workforce challenges, but there are resources that can help.

Listen to expert insights on how new initiatives and additional investments could build resiliency and meet community healthcare needs during a crisis.

Full article by Robert C. Hutchinson, an Article Out Loud from Domestic Preparedness, April 17, 2024.

In this featured article, an experienced federal agent shares a true story of missing bubonic plague vials, an airport bomb threat, and other suspicious activities that demonstrate continued national and homeland security vulnerabilities and threats. Perspectives may differ, but the concerns are real and provide an opportunity to learn and prepare.

Listen to expert insights and the lessons learned from each historical event.

Full article by Andrew (Andy) Altizer, an Article Out Loud from Domestic Preparedness, April 17, 2024.

In this featured article, an emergency manager with military experience points out that emergency managers, public health officials, and first responders often stress the importance of physical fitness, but sometimes neglect mental fitness. Without focused mental agility in even one of the emergency management phases, mistakes or subpar performance are likely.

Learn about this author’s new acronym that can help prioritize mental health in the planning process.

Full article by Michael Etzel and Michael Prasad, an Article Out Loud from Domestic Preparedness, April 10, 2024.

In this featured article, two emergency managers describe how advanced technologies are offering new ways to train personnel, exercise public health responses like COVID-19, and prepare response agencies for many other threats and hazards. Gamification integrates realistic scenarios in a controlled environment that can enhance community capabilities and build interagency collaboration and coordination.

Listen to expert insights on this innovative training and exercise tool that can change how professionals prepare for public health and other disaster responses.

Full article by George Schwartz, an Article Out Loud from Domestic Preparedness, April 10, 2024.

In this featured article, an associate professor at Immaculata University addresses the challenge of defining resilience and the need to go beyond hazard mitigation. With 2024 being the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s “Year of Resilience,” it is a good time for professionals to start rethinking this concept.

Listen to expert insights on a new vision of resilience for public health, emergency, and homeland security management professionals.

Full article by Charles Guddemi and Catherine Feinman, an Article Out Loud from Domestic Preparedness, April 3, 2024.

In this featured article, the District of Columbia’s Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency’s statewide interoperability coordinator and the editor of Domestic Preparedness highlight the key takeaways from a 2024 interoperability workshop. During a mass casualty incident, response agencies must be able to communicate in real time. However, lessons learned from incidents have shown that hospitals and other often overlooked “responders” are not always included in interoperability plans. 

Listen to what agencies in Washington, DC, are doing to close communication gaps during a mass casualty incident.

Full article by Joseph J. Leonard, Jr., an Article Out Loud from Domestic Preparedness, April 1, 2024.

In this featured article, a retired U.S. Coast Guard commander points out that the Key Bridge collapse was not the first of its kind, and it will not be the last. Now in Week 2 of the response and recovery, it is critical to understand the short-term and long-term goals after such an incident. How will Baltimore and other communities restore these severely impacted transportation lifelines?

Learn about some measures community leaders can take to strengthen infrastructure and instill resilience.

Full article by Kay C. Goss and Catherine L. Feinman, an Article Out Loud from Domestic Preparedness, March 27, 2024.

In this featured article, two attendees of a Senate briefing on “The State of Emergency Management” discuss the assistance needs of emergency managers working behind the scenes to ensure the safety, security, and resilience of communities before, during, and after a disaster.

Listen to their account of what the leaders from three nationwide organizations told Congress at that briefing in Washington, D.C.

Full article by Heather Issvoran, an Article Out Loud from Domestic Preparedness, March 27, 2024.

In this featured article, the director of strategic communications for the Center for Homeland Defense and Security describes how homeland security education expanded after the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, to ensure that local, state, tribal, territorial, and federal agencies had the tools they needed to combat these threats.

Listen to this academic leader share how homeland security programs are changing to meet new challenges and evolving threats.

Full article by Joseph J. Leonard, Jr., an Article Out Loud from Domestic Preparedness, March 26, 2024.

In this featured article, a retired U.S. Coast Guard commander describes the transportation, supply chain, and other critical impacts that are likely from the Key Bridge collapse in Baltimore. Any such incident or event can easily disrupt the supply chain, whether local, regional, or international.

Listen to his six recommendations to ensure the plans, training, resources, capabilities, and facilities to safeguard the nation’s transportation networks.

Full article by Inés Bebea, an Article Out Loud from Domestic Preparedness, March 20, 2024.

In this featured article, the deputy press secretary for the New York City Emergency Management Department shares how Emergency Management Assistance Compacts are helping communities and building new skills. Some people enter the field directly from college, some as a second career, and others have circumstances that lead them to this career over time. Each has a story.

Listen to the inspiring accounts that led three professionals to the emergency management field.

Full article by Kay C. Goss, an Article Out Loud from Domestic Preparedness, March 20, 2024.

In this featured article, a former Associate Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency describes some of the agency’s accomplishments as well as some challenges she and the agency encountered during her tenure. FEMA has spent decades preparing for and responding to disasters.

Listen to expert insights on the latest efforts that FEMA is making to revamp its recovery process.

Full article by Heather McGaffin, an Article Out Loud from Domestic Preparedness, March 13, 2024.

In this featured article, the director of The Office of Unified Communications in Washington, DC, provides a glimpse inside emergency communications centers and the strategic planning needed to ensure that someone is always there to answer calls for help.

Listen to expert insights on 911 call centers and the people, training, and technology that make this lifesaving resource available 24-7.

Full article by Laurel J. Radow, an Article Out Loud from Domestic Preparedness, March 13, 2024.

In this featured article, a member of the American Astronomical Society Solar Eclipse Task Force shares an operational checklist for communities that will experience a total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024. Eclipse event planners may not have considered all the risk and safety concerns related to their special events. However, preparedness and response professionals have valuable knowledge and experience they could share with these planning groups. 

Listen to this expert’s insights on ensuring safe and successful solar eclipse events in jurisdictions across the middle of the United States – From Mexico to Canada. Is your community ready for a potential surge in eclipse spectators as planning groups move from planning to operations?

Full article by Desiree Baccus, an Article Out Loud from Domestic Preparedness, March 6, 2024.

In this featured article, a public relations committee member for the National Association for Amateur Radio describes how volunteers are transforming emergency preparedness with an inclusive, diverse movement of impactful community engagement. Talented operators nationwide prove that emergency management and preparedness are everyone’s responsibility.

Listen to inspiring stories of some remarkable women breaking barriers and building resilient communication networks in the heart of amateur radio.

Full article by Kim Guevara, an Article Out Loud from Domestic Preparedness, March 6, 2024.

In this featured article, the founder and CEO of Mozaik Solutions applies the concept of Executive Function to crisis leadership roles. By understanding how the brain works and the role that executive function plays, crisis leaders can be better equipped to make tough decisions and lead effectively under the toughest pressures.

Listen to expert insights on how to manage mental processes and reduce stress in a fast-paced and complex environment.

Full article by Margaret (Margie) Graves, an Article Out Loud from Domestic Preparedness, February 28, 2024.

In this featured article, a senior fellow with the IBM Center for The Business of Government describes the benefits and challenges as nation states race to harness the power of artificial intelligence and quantum computing. As many countries find new ways to leverage these technologies for the public good, some are leveraging them for geopolitical influence, cyberattacks, and other nefarious reasons. Listen to expert insights on what measures could protect against threats as these technologies continue to evolve.

Full article by Ernesto Ballesteros, an Article Out Loud from Domestic Preparedness, February 28, 2024.

In this featured article, a cybersecurity state coordinator for CISA explains how cybersecurity is a core business process that involves the entire organization or agency. The continuity of government and operations depends on a collaborative approach. Listen to an expert’s recommendations for making cybersecurity more than just an “IT Thing.”

Full article by David Winks, an Article Out Loud from Domestic Preparedness, February 21, 2024.

In this featured article, a cyber defense expert describes the complexities of protecting the power grid from cyber, physical, and electromagnetic pulse attacks. Like a giant spider web, the grid connects power companies and resources with the customers who rely on those services in their daily lives. Listen to an expert’s recommendations on preventing hostile actions against critical infrastructure, or at least reducing the consequences if an attack were to occur.

Full article by Marek N. Posard and Jessica Jensen, an Article Out Loud from Domestic Preparedness, February 21, 2024.

In this featured article, a military sociologist and policy researcher at RAND Corporation explore how foreign governments can undermine domestic disaster response efforts. In August 2023, rumors on social media spread as fast as the wildfires the island of Maui was battling. That misinformation campaign claimed that Oprah Winfrey was the cause of the fires. Listen to expert insights on why foreign actors are drawn to spreading such rumors and what local professionals can do to combat these falsehoods.

Full article by Gene Seroka, an Article Out Loud from Domestic Preparedness, February 14, 2024.

In this featured article, the executive director of the Port of Los Angeles shares the port's efforts to combat millions of cyber-intrusion threats each year. Listen to this expert’s experience with protecting cargo shipping ports, which are highly visible and vulnerable targets for cybercriminals.

Full article by Robert Leverone and Darren E. Price, an Article Out Loud from Domestic Preparedness, February 14, 2024.

In this featured article, two homeland security experts discuss how combating potential threats and avoiding intelligence failures involves identifying the signals and warnings in available information and connecting the dots. Listen to the authors’ key takeaways and recommendations to avoid common themes evidenced in previous surprise attacks.

Full article by Jeanne Benincasa Thorpe, an Article Out Loud from the Domestic Preparedness Journal, February 7, 2023.

From “Lord of the Flies” to the terrorist attacks of 9/11, significant consequences have been blamed on failures of imagination. In this featured article, a national security and resiliency expert encourages leaders to think outside the box to counter domestic risks. Avoid past mistakes and increased risk through innovation, new technologies, and forward-thinking.

Full article by Robert J. (Bob) Roller, an Article Out Loud from Domestic Preparedness, February 7, 2024.

In this featured article, a federal emergency planner explains how preparedness strategies have shifted over the years based on the threats that are most likely to affect communities. After the Cold War fears of the 1980s ended, attention shifted away from nation-state threats. However, we should not assume that past threats will not resurface. Listen to an expert’s recommendations on how to move forward to resolve conflicting guidance and revisit the concept of national security emergencies.

By Kole (KC) Campbell, an Article Out Loud from Domestic Preparedness, January 31, 2024.

In our featured article, experts dive deep into the sprawling world of commercial facilities that not only dominate the U.S. economy but also play an instrumental role in contributing trillions of dollars to the U.S. gross domestic product. These facilities are more than just brick and mortar; they are the beating heart of our economic engine, employing and supporting millions of jobs that form the backbone of our nation.

By Michael R. Valiente, an Article Out Loud from Domestic Preparedness, January 31, 2024.

In our featured article, we explore how these key figures form the nucleus of community leadership, acting as a driving force for collaborative relationships with local stakeholders. Their roles extend far beyond the political spectrum, reaching into the very fabric of community resilience and security.

By Cedric Ling, Debashish Kar, Nur Yazdani, Eyosias Beneberu, Maria Koliou, and Yong Yoo, an Article Out Loud from Domestic Preparedness, January 24, 2024.

In this article, experts explore a crucial aspect of flood mitigation as homeowners make the bold choice to elevate their homes. But, there's a catch – the method matters. Follow along as the authors unravel the complexities of maintaining structural integrity during elevation and how a groundbreaking decision tool is bridging gaps left untouched by current guidelines and building codes. Stay tuned for insights into a transformative approach that ensures homes rise above flood levels without compromising safety.

By Tara Goode, an Article Out Loud from Domestic Preparedness, January 24, 2024.

In this article, we focus on Grant County, Minnesota, where tough decisions become a necessity as threatening weather looms on the horizon. Join us as we explore the lessons learned from past severe storms and how this community is proactively building a foundation for better preparedness. Discover the strategies, challenges, and triumphs that shape their path towards resilience in the face of adversity.

By Nathan DiPillo and Derek Kantar, an Article Out Loud from Domestic Preparedness, January 17, 2024.

Without transportation and communications, emergency response can move at an uncomfortably slow pace, enough so that life, property, and the environment may be unnecessarily compromised. The integrated transportation network must be protected from threats and other risks.

By Michael Prasad, an Article Out Loud from Domestic Preparedness, January 17, 2024.

To meet a community’s mass care family reunification needs after a disaster, hospitals and other healthcare facilities must have plans and procedures in place for mass casualty incident response, which goes beyond patient care. Here are some recommendations for them to develop a collaborative strategic plan.

By Wayne P. Bergeron, An Article Out Loud from Domestic Preparedness, January 10, 2024.

Conferences are full of important and interesting sessions, but attendees do not always take away actionable knowledge or have long-term retention of the information. This article summarizes a crowd-sourced conversation with panelists, attendees, resilience experts, and Chat GPT.

By Eric Easton, An Article Out Loud from Domestic Preparedness, January 10, 2024.

From the alarm clock that wakes people in the morning, to the natural gas used to cook breakfast, to the refined petroleum products powering vehicles for daily commutes, the Energy Sector plays an integral role in daily life activities.

In October 2023, four hazardous materials subject matter experts led a discussion at the HotZone Conference in Texas. The topic of conversation included the worst intentional and unintentional threats that they face within their regions, as well as the roles that local emergency planning committees (LEPCs) and fusion centers play in protecting their communities from these threats. Listen to the highlights of that conversation in this podcast with retired U.S. Coast Guard Commander Joe Leonard, Dave Donohue from the National Fire Academy, Battalion Chief Toby Frost from LaFayette, Indiana, and Michael Glanville from the Texas Division of Emergency Management.

By Emily Wasley, An Article Out Loud Flashback from Domestic Preparedness, originally published on April 2018.

Many communities have been impacted by “acute climate shocks” such as wildfires, hurricanes, floods, heatwaves, and severe winter storms – resulting in the loss of lives, livelihoods, and infrastructure. The five steps shared in this 2018 article can help enhance climate resilience.

Narrated by Bonnie Weidler

By Charles L. Werner, An Article Out Loud Flashback from Domestic Preparedness, originally published on June 2018.

Despite ongoing efforts to protect communities against attacks involving transportation, buildings, historic sites, sporting events, and so on, this 2018 uncrewed aerial system (UAS) checklist is still applicable today.

Narrated by Bonnie Weidler

By MARY LILLEY, An Article Out Loud Flashback from Domestic Preparedness, originally published on November 18, 2009.

How prepared are counties to manage the current influenza season? Revisit this 2009 case study to learn how one county in California assessed its public health threats as cases of influenza and H1N1 rose.

Narrated by Bonnie Weidler.

By CRYSTAL KLINE AND KIM FULLER, An Article Out Loud Flashback from Domestic Preparedness, originally published on March 12, 2014.

After Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow in February 2014, the National Weather Service issued a winter weather advisory affected at least 26 states. Current plans still need to consider these 10 recommendations.

Narrated by Bonnie Weidler.

By AKSHAY BIRLA , An Article Out Loud from the Domestic Preparedness, November 08, 2023.

Deadly blizzards and violent tornado outbreaks recently occurred in areas that do not typically experience these events. Preparedness and response technologies can help manage the onslaught of unique weather emergencies and severe climate conditions.

Narrated by Bonnie Weidler.

By IAN PLEET, An Article Out Loud from the Domestic Preparedness, November 08, 2023.

This is Part 5 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 the legal and privacy concerns with emerging technologies.

Narrated by Niquey Garfield.

By Tanya Ferraro, An Article Out Loud Flashback from Domestic Preparedness, originally published on February 5, 2014.

Social media platforms may have changed, but the message in this 2014 article remain the same. Find ways to share life-saving information and engage the public through innovative and interesting means.

Narrated by Michael Grubb.

By Nicolette Louissaint, An Article Out Loud Flashback from Domestic Preparedness, originally published on May 16, 2017.

COVID-19 tested each community's resilience against that and other simultaneous threats. This 2017 article points out, though, that improving preparedness and response capabilities requires more than just grit.

Narrated by Michael Grubb.

By Terry Hastings, An Article Out Loud Flashback from Domestic Preparedness, originally published on May 10, 2017.

Emergency managers (and others) often fail to fully engage and educate the whole community. This 2017 article discusses the need to over-communicate and explore new ways to educate people.

Narrated by Elisa DeLeon.

By Joseph W. Trindal, An Article Out Loud Flashback from Domestic Preparedness, originally published on February 24, 2010.

The 2010 earthquake in Haiti exposed many weaknesses in the local infrastructure. Learn how security gaps and concerns presented even more problems for the relief effort.

Narrated by Elisa DeLeon.

By CHARLES GUDDEMI AND CATHERINE L. FEINMAN , An Article Out Loud from Domestic Preparedness, November 01, 2023.

The Boston Marathon Bombing demonstrated the dedication, commitment, and strength of those who responded that day. The lessons learned from that event continue to strengthen community resilience as participants gather to focus on building interoperability within and between jurisdictions.

Narrated by Rickey Johnson.

By IAN PLEET, An Article Out Loud from Domestic Preparedness, November 01, 2023.

This is Part 4 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 robotics and automation for enhancing efficiency, safety, and effectiveness in crisis response and mitigation.

Narrated by Niquey Garfield. 

By TANYA SCHERR & DAN SCHERR, An Article Out Loud from the Domestic Preparedness, October 25, 2023.

The Healthcare and Public Health Sector is one of 16 sectors identified as critical infrastructure under the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency. According to the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, National Health Expenditures (NHE) accounted for $4.3 trillion, or 18.3% of the U.S. gross domestic product. The HPH Sector employed 14.7 million in 2022, accounting for 9.3% of employment in the United States. Domestic Preparedness invited subject matter experts to answer questions about this sector, including how the sector and its interdependencies can affect any community.

Narrated by Madison Leeves.