Domestic Preparedness

By H. STEVEN BLUM, An Article Out Loud Flashback from the Domestic Preparedness Journal, February 15, 2012. CDC reported that U.S. drug overdose deaths more than doubled between 2015 and 2021. This 2012 article outlined three major hurdles that will continue contributing to this increase until they are addressed. Narrated by Randy Vivian.

By DAN SCHERR & TANYA SCHERR, An Article Out Loud from the Domestic Preparedness Journal, June 14, 2023. Swatting is making prank calls to bring armed responders to a specific location, usually a SWAT team. As such, responders need to be aware of this challenge and develop policies and procedures locally to address these calls.  Narrated by MacGregor Stephenson.

By JOSEPH CAHILL, An Article Out Loud Flashback from the Domestic Preparedness Journal, February 1, 2012. In 2012, many response agencies had not yet incorporated Narcan into their daily operations. Since then, some agencies have developed new ways to distribute the antidote, including Narcan-dispensing machines. Narrated by Randy Vivian.

A Podcast from the Domestic Preparedness Journal, June 14, 2023. On May 30, 2023, Domestic Preparedness hosted a multidiscipline panel discussion at the annual Texas Emergency Management Conference in Fort Worth. Listen to what five leaders had to share about the lessons they have learned along their paths to developing good leadership skills. Narrated by the panel.

By AURELIA BERISHA, ISAAC DIETRICH, BEN DINSMORE, BERT CRAMER, & HEATHER ALLEN, An Article Out Loud from the Domestic Preparedness Journal, June 07, 2023. The Food and Agriculture Sector is one of 16 sectors identified as critical infrastructure under the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency. Domestic Preparedness invited subject matter experts to answer important questions about...

By MELISSA RESNICK, An Article Out Loud from the Domestic Preparedness Journal , June 07, 2023. Service animals are trained to perform specific daily tasks, which are often still required when responders are assisting during a hurricane, mass casualty event, or another emergency. As such, emergency planning efforts should include service animals to ensure responders can identify the animals’ criti...

By CHUCK PERINO, An Article Out Loud Flashback from the Domestic Preparedness Journal , August 12, 2015. This 2015 article summarizes an earthquake research project to help better understand the economic, geopolitical, and social factors needed to identify and address future recovery challenges before the next disaster. Narrated by Randy Vivian.

By MICHAEL SOHMER, An Article Out Loud Flashback from the Domestic Preparedness Journal , September 21, 2005 A pharmacist and member of a Disaster Medical Assistance Team share his personal account of the challenges his team overcame when responding to Hurricane Katrina in this 2005 article. Narrated by Randy Vivian.

By MICHAEL BRESLIN & TRISH MCCALL, An Article Out Loud from the  Domestic Preparedness Journal , May 24, 2023. An existential danger is the exploitation of children. As the threat landscape evolves, first responders have a paramount role to play in protecting these vulnerable populations and maintaining a resilient homeland security enterprise. One program leading the effort is creating a reas...

By KENNETH BELL, An Article Out Loud from the Domestic Preparedness Journal, May 24, 2023. Despite advancements in field identification and classification of substances with advanced instrumentation and tools, there is still a response gap regarding the proper decontamination of instruments and the people who use them. Take steps now to bridge this gap. Narrated by MacGregor Stephenson.

By CRAIG DEATLEY, An Article Out Loud Flashback from the Domestic Preparedness Journal, May 23, 2012. Learn how the National Capital Region took a giant step forward with the formation of a coalition partnership to cope with evacuations during catastrophic emergencies in this 2012 article. Narrated by Randy Vivian.

By GLEN RUDNER, An Article Out Loud Flashback from the  Domestic Preparedness Journal , May 06, 2009. When firefighters, hazmat specialists, or other responders report for duty at a possibly contaminated scene, they must be properly dressed. The key factors to consider in 2009 are still critical considerations today. Narrated by Randy Vivian.

By KEVIN JONES, An Article Out Loud from the  Domestic Preparedness Journal , May 17, 2023. History has shown many instances where warning signs were missed before workplace violence occurred. However, understanding the five categories can help organizations and agencies prepare for and, ideally, prevent these types of incidents.   Narrated by MacGregor Stephenson.

By ANDREW (ANDY) ALTIZER, An Article Out Loud from the  Domestic Preparedness Journal , May 17, 2023. Comprehensive planning documents are vitally important, but they can easily become simple “check-the-box” requirements that result in sizeable unread documents that sit on the shelves. Organizations must take steps to avoid this pitfall.  Narrated by MacGregor Stephenson.

By KATHRYN LASKEY, An Article Out Loud Flashback from the Domestic Preparedness Journal, September 20, 2016. Public safety technologies are constantly evolving. Perhaps innovative concepts like “Bring Your Own Protection,” which researchers at George Mason University proposed in 2016, is a solution for today's challenges. Narrated by Randy Vivian.

By ROB SCHNEPP, An Article Out Loud Flashback from the Domestic Preparedness Journal, February 23, 2005. What started as a new trend in patient care in 2005 continues today with robust medical training for the fire service to manage hazardous materials incidents such as chemical spills and biological hazards. Narrated by Randy Vivian.

By  TANYA SCHERR & DAN SCHERR, An Article Out Loud from the  Domestic Preparedness Journal , May 10, 2023. The hands of the so-called Doomsday Clock are now set to 90 seconds to midnight, reflecting that experts believe the world is closer to a global nuclear catastrophe than it has ever been. All-hazards plans and threat assessments should reflect this potential increased threat. Narrated by...

By MICHAEL PRASAD & JENNIFER RUSSELL, An Article Out Loud from the  Domestic Preparedness Journal , May 10, 2023. Infant and toddler life-sustaining feeding during disasters – via human milk and commercial infant formulas – requires a complex set of logistical and operational missions, including federal support and whole-community partnerships. Learn what organizations need to do. Narrated by...

By GORDON HUNTER, An Article Out Loud Flashback from the Domestic Preparedness Journal,  April 23, 2014. A Domestic Preparedness report published in March 2014 revealed some misconceptions about a valuable National Guard resource. This article and accompanying report remove those misconceptions. Narrated by Randy Vivian.

By THOMAS COTTER & EARL STODDARD, An Article Out Loud Flashback from the Domestic Preparedness Journal, June 19, 2013. As the world realizes that the SARS-CoV-2 virus is likely here to stay, biosurveillance experts add to the lessons learned described in this 2013 article to enhance the detection and prevention of future pandemics. Narrated by Randy Vivian.

By RICHARD SCHOEBERL, ANTHONY MOTTOLA, & DAVID GONZALEZ, An Article Out Loud from the  Domestic Preparedness Journal , May 03, 2023. Countless immigrants like Marco do not self-identify as labor trafficking victims, yet this increasing crime needs to be addressed. Learn how communities can better protect these vulnerable populations. Narrated by MacGregor Stephenson.

By TOM COTTER, An Article Out Loud from the  Domestic Preparedness Journal , May 03, 2023. The current albuterol solution shortage crisis could impact tens of millions of individuals, families, and frontline providers. This article shares some actionable steps the healthcare sector and its partners can take to remedy the shortage and mitigate damage. Narrated by Randy Vivian.

By CRAIG DEATLEY, An Article Out Loud Flashback from the  Domestic Preparedness Journal , December 03, 2008. Some states are considering bills to better protect hospital workers from violence. Although trends show an increase in violence, this 2008 article explains how this important issue has been a longtime concern. Narrated by Randy Vivian.

By VINCENT B. DAVIS, An Article Out Loud Flashback from the  Domestic Preparedness Journal ,  June 03, 2015. A peaceful protest can quickly turn to violence, and private-sector corporations sometimes get caught in the middle. Learn how one company ensures the safety of its personnel in this 2015 article. Narrated by Randy Vivian.

By MAXWELL PALMER, An Article Out Loud from the  Domestic Preparedness Journal , April 26, 2023. Certain populations are more vulnerable when faced with disasters. By adapting a public health model, community leaders can identify common vulnerability indicators and close the gaps between emergency management plans and target population vulnerabilities. Learn how. Narrated by MacGregor Stephenson.