Domestic Preparedness

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 hi...

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 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. Narra...

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 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 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 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 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 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 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 jurisdiction...

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...

By IAN PLEET, An Article Out Loud from the Domestic Preparedness, October 25, 2023. This is Part 3 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 roles of artificial intelligence and machine learning in responding to emergencies. Narrated by Madison Leeves. 

By PAUL GALYEN AND NATHAN DIPILLO, An Article Out Loud from the Domestic Preparedness, October 18, 2023. The Information Technology Sector is one of 16 sectors identified as critical infrastructure under the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency. Domestic Preparedness invited subject matter experts to answer questions about this sector, including how the sector and its interdependenci...

By IAN PLEET , An Article Out Loud from the Domestic Preparedness, October 18, 2023. This is Part 2 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 technologies designed to perform tasks and reduce human risk. Narrated by Bonnie Weidler. 

By O. SHAWN CUPP, An Article Out Loud from the Domestic Preparedness Journal Flashback, August 25, 2017. This 2017 article addresses an “unimaginable” event that preparedness professionals must anticipate and manage and shares resources that can assist in the process. Narrated by Niquey Garfield.

By MARY LASKY, An Article Out Loud from the Domestic Preparedness Journal Flashback, November 25, 2014. Disasters can occur at anytime. This 2014 article describes some of the cascading effects that can follow a disaster when the electric power grid goes down and how communities can better prepare for them. Narrated by Niquey Garfield. 

By IAN PLEET , An Article Out Loud from the Domestic Preparedness, October 11, 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. Narrated by Madison Leeves.

By LYNDA ZAMBRANO AND CATHERINE L. FEINMAN, An Article Out Loud from the Domestic Preparedness, October 11, 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. Narrated by Bonnie Weidl...

By STEVEN P. BUCCI, An Article Out Loud from the Domestic Preparedness Journal Flashback, October 28, 2015. There is no single solution to cybersecurity concerns. Technology is advancing, but this 2015 article reminds everyone that nothing can replace solid planning and training. Narrated by Elisa DeLeon.

By JAMES M. RUSH SR. , An Article Out Loud from the Domestic Preparedness Journal Flashback, February 13, 2008. Public health and healthcare must determine their ability to respond to potential threats. This 2008 article explains how they can work together to identify gaps that, under current conditions, may not be met. Narrated by Elisa DeLeon.

By RAPHAEL BARISHANSKY & AUDREY MAZUREK , An Article Out Loud from the Domestic Preparedness Journal Flashback, April 15 2015. This 2015 article touches on what can be learned from and implemented into faith-based organizations to provide greater community resilience and ensure the safety of attendees on a regular basis. Narrated by Madison Leeves.

By VAYL S. OXFORD, An Article Out Loud from the Domestic Preparedness Journal Flashback, May 08, 2012. In 2011 and 2012, Domestic Preparedness conducted a nationwide survey followed by an executive briefing to discuss preparedness gaps and goals associated with a nuclear threat. Some gaps still exist. Narrated by Bonnie Weidler.