Domestic Preparedness

In January 2025, Major Rhonda Lawson of the Texas Department of Public Safety discussed her journey into domestic preparedness with Domestic Preparedness Marketing Coordinator Nicolette Casey. Learn how Major Lawson incorporates preparedness principles into her law enforcement role as an operations liaison. Now to the featured podcast.

This is an article by Joanmarie Verrico Wallster and Michael Prasad, an Article Out Loud from Domestic Preparedness, January 22, 2025. Nonmedical concerns such as security and safety, unaccompanied minors, and governmental relations can adversely impact a hospital when responding to a mass-casualty incident. Failure to plan for these issues, including consequence management, could risk life and sa...

This is an article by John Johnson, an Article Out Loud from Domestic Preparedness, January 22, 2025. Opioid deaths have surged dramatically since the pandemic. Manufacturers exploit legal loopholes and use precursor chemicals that often evade detection and regulation. Learn about new and growing threats that present challenges to public safety and demand innovative solutions and a proactive appro...

In 2005, the Superdome in New Orleans served as a mass shelter and accommodated over 25,000 people during Hurricane Katrina. Those accommodations, though, were inadequate, with limited power, plumbing, and other resources. To avoid a similar scenario, the Mission Ready Venue Initiative enables stadiums to be a resource for immediate assistance following a disaster and to be fully prepared in advan...

This is an article by Christy Anderson, an Article Out Loud from Domestic Preparedness, January 15, 2025. In 2024, senior officials from hospitals, healthcare organizations, public health, emergency management, and other responder communities convened at two workshops to share the lessons they learned as leaders during the COVID-19 pandemic. Learn more about how communities can better prepare for...

This is an article by Greg Hoffnung, an Article Out Loud from Domestic Preparedness, January 8, 2025. Despite their critical role in disaster response, public works agencies are not always included in the emergency planning process. Key steps can help ensure that these and other agencies can more effectively respond to the next disaster. To bridge planning gaps, learn how to better integrate publi...

This is an article by Jamie Hannan and Kristina Clark, an Article Out Loud from Domestic Preparedness, January 8, 2025. During a derecho in May 2024, Texas agencies contacted and conducted wellness checks on residents with disabilities or with functional and access needs. One tool facilitated the process, sharing critical information about registrants to the emergency responders and planners who n...

This is an article by Douglas Yeung and Aaron Clark-Ginsberg, an Article Out Loud from Domestic Preparedness, December 26, 2024. AI’s ability to ingest and synthesize data on hazards and vulnerabilities could prove invaluable in addressing one of the biggest long-standing challenges of emergency management: truly engaging the whole community. Learn how to engage the whole community with AI as a to...

This is an article by Glenn Fueston and Michael Breslin, an Article Out Loud from Domestic Preparedness, December 26, 2024. From the rise of advanced criminal networks and borderless crimes to the persistent hurdles of limited resources, inadequate training, and outdated tools, law enforcement departments navigate an increasingly demanding landscape. Learn how big data and artificial intelligence...

This is an article by Alex Hagen and Jon Barr, an Article Out Loud from Domestic Preparedness, December 18, 2024. Recent research into the relationship between AI and emergency management uncovered an environment prepared for AI-based solutions. While AI must overcome some infrastructure hurdles, technologies to prevent, mitigate, and recover from emergencies are on the horizon. Learn how much res...

This is an article by Lenora G. Borchardt, an Article Out Loud from Domestic Preparedness, December 18, 2024. AI can contribute to professional competency and learners’ success while efficiently training emergency management professionals and managing the bottom line. Learn how AI can create competency and outcomes-based learning tailored to each learner’s unique needs and learning style preferenc...

This is an article by Nick Betzsold and Grant Tietje, an Article Out Loud from Domestic Preparedness, December 11, 2024. The next-generation EOC, which implements cutting-edge technology and AI, does not promise perfect disaster management, but it does mean responders at all levels will have better situational awareness, plan more efficiently, and act faster. Learn more about the EOC of the future...

This is an article by Dan Cotter, Christina Bapst-Stump, Ann Lesperance, and Rachel Bartholomew, an Article Out Loud from Domestic Preparedness, December 11, 2024. More frequent and intense disasters put pressure on emergency managers and emergency operations centers to share and analyze data faster than ever before and with more reliability and defensibility. The future of emergency management is...

Electricity substations are traditionally only protected by chain-link fences and signage warning of the dangers of high voltage. However, this still leaves property vulnerable, especially to weaponized drones attacking from above, a mode of terrorism being used more extensively across the world and at home. Learn about the vulnerability of electric utilities and the available options to combat th...

This is an article by Soraya Sutherlin, an Article Out Loud from Domestic Preparedness, November 27, 2024. Effective, timely, and unified communication across jurisdictions is essential for saving lives. The 2015 ExxonMobil refinery explosion highlighted the urgent need for coordinated, cross-jurisdictional alerting. Emergency managers, public safety officials, and policymakers must come together...

This is an article by Madeline Mann and Lindsey Lane, an Article Out Loud from Domestic Preparedness. Most available data do not support the misconception that large-scale events lead to increased human trafficking. Rather, available evidence underscores a harsh truth: Human trafficking is a pervasive problem every day, not just when large events come to town. Learn how communities can better prot...

What does it take to bridge science and strategy in the world of emergency preparedness? Caroline Agarabi, Ph. D., shares how her work shapes disaster response plans, supports lifesaving countermeasures, and prepares communities for the unexpected. Learn about Dr. Agarabi's unique journey and insights in this compelling conversation.

Full article by Anthony “Tony” Mottola and Richard Schoeberl, an Article Out Loud from Domestic Preparedness. The Federal Bureau of Investigation has classified the Sovereign Citizen movement as a domestic terrorist threat. To prepare law enforcement officials and other public safety agencies for the risks associated with this movement, agencies need to revise policies, procedures, and training to...

Full article by David C. Williams II, an Article Out Loud from Domestic Preparedness. In the base camp of his fifth federally declared disaster this year, a disaster finance coordinator reflects on a friend’s recent question: “How can I best help in a disaster?” His answer might be surprising: be selfish and small-minded. Learn how one emergency responder approaches disasters.

Full article by Ines Bebea, an Article Out Loud from Domestic Preparedness. After the conclusion of a large-scale event, the planning for its next iteration starts again. If the public doesn’t notice emergency management’s moving parts during an event, it’s a success. Learn what goes on behind the scenes of the United States’ most famous large-scale events.

Robert DesRosier Sr., former director of Blackfeet Tribal Emergency Management and Homeland Security, discussed his journey into emergency management with Domestic Preparedness Journal editor Catherine Feinman. Beginning with his career as a first responder and his role in the Blackfeet Nation, he highlights the importance of domestic preparedness and its opportunities and challenges, including ne...

Lynda Zambrano is on the advisory board for the Domestic Preparedness Journal. Lynda is the executive director of the Northwest Tribal Emergency Management Council and the National Tribal Emergency Management Council and has been inducted into the International Association of Women in Emergency Management’s Hall of Fame. She sat down with Journal Editor Catherine Feinman to share her story.

Full article by Glen Woodbury, an Article Out Loud from Domestic Preparedness. This is Part 2 of a two-part article that explores the nation-state threat and its implications for the emergency management community, regarding the operations, resilience, resourcing, strategies, and policies necessary to better prepare for future events. Learn how to address the possibility of a nation-state threat i...

Full article by Glen Woodbury, an Article Out Loud from Domestic Preparedness. Part 1 of a two-part series explores the nation-state threat and its implications for the emergency management community, regarding the operations, resilience, resourcing, strategies, and policies necessary to better prepare for future events. Learn how two address the question, “What would success look like if emergenc...

As the demand for evidence-based decision-making continues to grow, emergency management professionals must commit to ethical data practices that respect the needs of the community and the rights of individuals. In times of crisis, data can save lives, but only if managed with care, responsibility, and respect for ethical principles. Learn how to incorporate data management principles like account...