Domestic Preparedness

By LAUREL J. RADOW, An Article Out Loud from the  Domestic Preparedness Journal , April 26, 2023. An eclipse is not just about the sky getting dark. There are many considerations for emergency planners and public safety professionals to ensure the safety of their communities. Learn the lessons from the 2017 eclipse to better prepare for the next event. Narrated by Randy Vivian.

By TANYA SCHERR & DAN SCHERR, An Article Out Loud from the  Domestic Preparedness Journal , April 19, 2023. The Covenant School shooting is another reminder of active shooter trends. This article reviews the chain of events from that tragic event, post-incident reviews, and what communities are and should be doing to prepare for and prevent future active shooter incidents. Narrated by MacGrego...

By RICHARD SCHOEBERL, ANTHONY MOTTOLA, & DAVID GONZALEZ, An Article Out Loud from the  Domestic Preparedness Journal , April 19, 2023. Labor trafficking affects many more people in the U.S. than sex trafficking, but it gets much less attention. Learn what the government is doing and what else community stakeholders can do now to better protect people from this growing threat. Narrated by MacGr...

By CRAIG DEATLEY, An Article Out Loud Flashback from the  Domestic Preparedness Journal , June 08, 2011. In 2011, a "45-second" tornado proved that just because something has never happened here doesn't mean that it cannot happen here. A wealth of lessons learned from that day continue to prepare communities today. Narrated by Randy Vivian.

By STEVEN JOHNSON, An Article Out Loud Flashback from the  Domestic Preparedness Journal , May 24, 2016. Few preparations made in anticipation of a disaster pay bigger dividends than how the team communicates with the news media and the public during a disaster. This 2016 article explains why. Narrated by Randy Vivian.

By ROBERT C. HUTCHINSON, An Article Out Loud from the  Domestic Preparedness Journal , April 12, 2023. Biosafety labs and lab leaks continue to be an area of discussion and concern, especially in a search for the source of SARS-CoV-2. It was international, but there are domestic risks too. This article explains how. Narrated by Bonnie Weidler.

By PATRICK B. MCNIECE, An Article Out Loud from the  Domestic Preparedness Journal , April 12, 2023. Besides the main mission of defending the homeland, Department of Defense capabilities also provide critical support to local, state, and federal civilian partners during major disasters. Learn how Army North’s defense coordinating element’s mission and composition ready their units to perform this...

By KAY C. GOSS, An Article Out Loud Flashback from the  Domestic Preparedness Journal , January 28, 2015. This 2015 article describes some of the many tools and guides that the Federal Emergency Management Agency offers to assist communities in planning now for a rapid recovery after a devastating incident. Narrated by Randy Vivian.

By JOSEPH CAHILL, An Article Out Loud Flashback from the  Domestic Preparedness Journal , March 06, 2013. Having an expandable plan, reinforced by and during daily operations, is the best way to prepare for the next major disaster. The planning model described in this 2013 article was as invaluable then as it is today. Narrated by Randy Vivian.

By GLEN RUDNER, An Article Out Loud from the  Domestic Preparedness Journal , April 05, 2023. As the train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, attracted nationwide attention, emergency preparedness professionals have been taking steps to ensure their first responders have the tools, resources, and training needed to respond to rail incidents involving hazardous materials within their jurisdictions...

By KAY C. GOSS, An Article Out Loud from the  Domestic Preparedness Journal , April 05, 2023. Preparing the next generation of emergency preparedness and response professionals requires educational programs that teach critical thinking and life-saving strategies. Many programs and resources address these needs, but more educational and collaborative opportunities should be considered to meet the g...

By RAPHAEL M. BARISHANSKY, An Article Out Loud Flashback from the  Domestic Preparedness Journal , June 13, 2012. The 2012 NPR assessment of the nation's "Public Health and Medical Services" capabilities was encouraging, but there were concerns. Where do these capabilities and concerns stand today? Narrated by Randy Vivian.

By CRAIG DEATLEY, An Article Out Loud Flashback from the  Domestic Preparedness Journal ,  March 07, 2012. First responders and hospital staff can become secondary casualties to certain types of incidents. This 2012 article describes precautions that personnel must take when responding to chemical and detergent suicides. Narrated by Randy Vivian.

By CHRIS SHEACH, An Article Out Loud from the  Domestic Preparedness Journal , March 22, 2023. No single communication solution can apply to every situation. To better prepare the next generation of public safety professionals, one professor is challenging young adults to develop social media messaging that reaches diverse populations and encourages action to protect lives and property during emer...

By JAMES L. GREENSTONE & WELDON WALLES, An Article Out Loud from the  Domestic Preparedness Journal , March 22, 2023. When a disaster strikes, responders face scenarios that deviate from normal routines, protocols, and resources. This newly proposed sufficiency testing and training guidance for disaster responders aims to prepare professionals mentally for these worst-case scenarios. By attemp...

By CHAS EBY, An Article Out Loud Flashback from the  Domestic Preparedness Journal , April 26, 2017. “Emergency management” is a term broadly defining a field that includes federal, state, and local government agencies, voluntary organizations active in disasters, and private sector stakeholders that conduct a variety of activities to prepare for, mitigate against, respond to, and recover from inc...

By THEODORE (TED) TULLY, An Article Out Loud Flashback from the  Domestic Preparedness Journal , September 19, 2012. Whether responding to mass casualties from a nuclear blast or an attack by a single "Lone Wolf" shooter, hospital preparedness requires careful planning, effective coordination, and collaboration in the sharing of critical resources. Inter-hospital cooperation and training...

By ROBERT J. (BOB) ROLLER, An Article Out Loud from the  Domestic Preparedness Journal , March 15, 2023. In March 2023, FEMA published the Response and Recovery Federal Interagency Operational Plan. Learn about this big step forward for the emergency management community – the development and content of this new plan as well as the next steps for key stakeholders. Narrated by MacGregor Stephenson.

By CAMERON GONTESKI, An Article Out Loud from the  Domestic Preparedness Journal , March 15, 2023. Common terms like “Tornado Alley” should not get in the way of planning for evolving environmental threats. Meteorologists look at trends and recognize that tornadoes are one natural hazard that is shifting eastward. Make sure state and local hazard mitigation plans are updated and ready for this shi...

By COURTNEY GAVITT, An Article Out Loud Flashback from the  Domestic Preparedness Journal , April 16, 2014. Misinformation about the type of device used during the Boston Marathon bombing caused confusion. This 2014 article clarifies the important differences people need to know about explosive devices. Narrated by Randy Vivian.

By RAPHAEL M. BARISHANSKY, An Article Out Loud Flashback from the  Domestic Preparedness Journal , May 08, 2013. This 2013 article is a reminder of how the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act was designed to support communities in preparing for, responding to, and recovering from major public health emergencies. Narrated by Randy Vivian.

By TAYLOR BONSALL-WINN, An Article Out Loud from the  Domestic Preparedness Journal , March 8, 2023. Emergency managers often go unnoticed until a disaster occurs. However, disaster response efforts are much more effective when communities work together and trust their local responding agencies. Learn how one county has changed its mindset to develop stronger community partnerships and buy-in befo...

By BARB CLARK, An Article Out Loud from the  Domestic Preparedness Journal , March 8, 2023. In the wake of a disaster, time is critical for locating survivors and recovering bodies. This type of work requires training, skills, and abilities acquired by canines due to their unique anatomy and physiology. However, there are key considerations before implementing K9 programs. Narrated by Bonnie Weidl...

By KAY C. GOSS, An Article Out Loud Flashback from the  Domestic Preparedness Journal , June 12, 2013. Protecting a nation's food supply chain is a major concern in all political jurisdictions, but can be made less difficult by, among other actions: implementing mitigation controls; enforcing inspections, assessments, and compliance; ensuring international food safety; improving rapid-response...

By JOSEPH CAHILL, An Article Out Loud Flashback from the  Domestic Preparedness Journal , April 22, 2009. Whether building a house or an entire community, the emphasis on lowering the carbon footprint and/or reducing energy costs could and should be complemented by "off the grid" considerations and a broad spectrum of disaster-resistant features more needed today than ever before. Narrat...