..read more

Articles, Communication & Interoperability, Emergency Management, Feature Aaron Titus Article Out Loud Are preparation trainings simple or elegant? Simplicity and elegance may seem similar, but they handle complexity differently. Simple solutions place a burden on the end user. In contrast, elegant solutions internalize complexity away from the end user. For example, compare a telegraph with a telephone. A telegraph is a simple circuit over a wire, yet using a telegraph is complex because users must know Morse code. Users can only communicate one-on-one within a certain distance ..read more

Articles, Emergency Management, Emergency Medical Services, Feature Alicia Johnson Article Out Loud In the dynamic and often unpredictable theater of natural disasters, the Pacific Ring of Fire stands as a formidable protagonist. This extensive geographical belt, notorious for its seismic activity, encapsulates a broad spectrum of risk that commands attention, respect, and action. For community-centered organizations, the imperative is unequivocal to champion initiatives that ensure preparedness for the inevitable occurrence of earthquakes. It is critical to underscore the multiface ..read more

Full Article 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 geogra ..read more

Articles, CBRNE, Feature, Law Enforcement, Terrorism Anthony (Tony) Mottola and Richard Schoeberl Article Out Loud The United States faces myriad threats, from the porous southwest border to common adversaries – Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea. Combining the known actors, the ongoing threat of spillover violence from the Israel-Hamas War, and a surge of confidence among Islamic State Khorasan (ISIS-K) supporters, the United States has cause for concern. The heightened level of imminent threats raises concerns across the intelligence community spectrum: On April 12, 20 ..read more

Unlike other public health emergencies in recent history, COVID-19 affected every community and spurred extensive discussion and research regarding critical health topics. The emergence of the global threat highlighted the importance of information sharing and lessons learned to better prepare for the next major incident. It also raised awareness about the key role public health plays in tracking disease outbreaks and gathering statistics related to infection rates, including monitoring health outcomes and the effectiveness of medical countermeasures such as vaccinations. However, public hea ..read more

Download Full Issue Preparing for the Next Public Health Emergency Catherine Feinman April 24, 2024 Public health is not just about pandemics but also about a wide range of threats that can affect the health and well-being of communities. In this April edition of the Domestic Preparedness Journal, practitioners share ways to prepare for the next public health emergency. Sustaining Those Working in Disasters Jolie Wills April 24, 2024 Those working in emergency response roles can face periods of prolonged stress, which takes a toll on their health and well-being. It is important to know ..read more

Articles, Emergency Management, Feature, Public Health Jolie Wills Article Out Loud Continual and prolonged stress is taking a toll on the health and well-being of those who work in emergencies. Two questions that are currently top of mind for those in emergency response sectors are: What can we do to support the well-being of those working in emergencies? How can leaders and teams be equipped to navigate immense pressure without succumbing to burnout? These questions were also on leaders’ minds in Christchurch, New Zealand, more than a decade ago. On September 4, 2010, a powerful ma ..read more

Full Article 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 pres ..read more

Articles, Critical Infrastructure, Feature, Hospitals, Public Health Angie Im Article Out Loud Community health centers (“health centers”) are a cornerstone for medically underserved communities across the U.S. and its territories. Beacons of healthcare accessibility, health centers play an indispensable role in addressing the multifaceted needs of communities, particularly for vulnerable populations. The significance of these centers becomes especially evident during crises, which can lead to a rapid influx of patients that overwhelms health facilities and causes other disruptions to ..read more