COMMENTARY
Three Puzzle Pieces That Increase Community Preparedness
When wondering if the nation is better prepared today than it was 22 years ago on September 11, 2001, first responders would like to say it is. The following details are a personal account of actions in response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks and key takeaways for increasing community preparedness. For anyone who watched the 9/11 incident unfold on live television, it initially seemed unreal and unbelievable. With my eyes glued to the screen…
Most Recent
Close to Home
Catherine L. Feinman
August 30, 2023
This August 2023 issue of the Domestic Preparedness Journal focuses on several ways disasters can suddenly hit close to home and suggestions for mitigating potentially devastating consequences.
Recruitment and Retention Panel Discussion
Aaron Alvarez, Nathan DiPillo, Anthony S. Mangeri, Elizabeth Saunders and Michael Valiente
August 9, 2023
On August 3, 2023, Domestic Preparedness hosted a panel of five emergency management professionals who discussed today’s recruitment and retention challenges.
Maintaining Planning Strategies for Evolving Threats
Catherine L. Feinman
July 25, 2023
Research and evaluation help emergency preparedness professionals stay current on emerging threats, new technologies, and resource and training gaps. The authors in this July edition of the Domestic Preparedness Journal share important research and lessons learned to assist in the planning process for any organization.
Getting Ready for the Next Emergency
Catherine L. Feinman
June 27, 2023
During an emergency, it is common for communities – comprising private citizens to large agencies – to come to the aid of others. It is imperative to be prepared now because emergencies will not wait for us to get ready.
Commentary Archives
Publisher’s Note: Auld Lang Syne (A Chance to Recollect and Restore)
MacGregor Stephenson
December 28, 2022
As we come to the end of a challenging year and a tumultuous period, please know that your efforts
are appreciated, and the sacrifices of you
The Importance of Strong Leadership for a Unique Discipline
David Fogerson
December 21, 2022
A transformational leadership style can help bridge relationship and communication gaps between
leaders and other community stakeholders. Learn how one young deputy fire chief learned from
Building Strength in Workforce and Structure
Catherine L. Feinman
December 21, 2022
Each person plays a critical leadership role, from top leadership to frontline workers. The authors in the December edition of the Domestic Preparedness Journal share
Find Chances to Make Positive Changes
Catherine L. Feinman
November 30, 2022
Emergency preparedness and response professionals willingly insert themselves into many emergencies and disasters that they could have avoided in other professions. However, they use these
PPD-44: Implications for Domestic Incident Management
Robert J. (Bob) Roller
November 23, 2022
An essential national incident management guidance document is finally available to responders nationwide. This document will significantly improve a unified response to and recovery from
Avoiding the Complacency Trap After This Hurricane Season
Mark Misczak
November 23, 2022
Despite punishing hurricanes in Puerto Rico and Florida, the 2022 season has been relatively quiet for much of the Gulf coast and Atlantic seaboard. This
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Domestic Preparedness
November 16, 2022
Interested in sharing your thoughts on ways to improve the Domestic Preparedness Journal? Willing to help by participating in a 60-minute market research interview? We’re
The Role of Faith in Disasters
Michael Prasad
November 9, 2022
Many faith-based organizations have disaster response and recovery components as major elements of their own missions. By partnering with governmental and nongovernmental organizations, faith-based groups
Training the Next Generation of Cyber Guardians
Steve Stein
November 2, 2022
Despite small local governments being overrun with malware, ransomware, and myriad other threats,
it is difficult to find experienced cybersecurity professionals. Meanwhile, students search for
nonexistent entry-level
Commentary
Most Recent
You’re the Leader. Now What?
Catherine L. Feinman
June 14, 2023
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reported that, as of May 8, the United States had experienced seven
Making Planning Documents More Than Words on Paper
Andrew (Andy) Altizer
May 17, 2023
President Harry S. Truman once said, “I believe in plans big enough to meet a situation which we can’t possibly foresee now.”
Planning for Future Events Requires Updated Plans
Catherine L. Feinman
April 26, 2023
Threats, hazards, and risks change over time as numerous variables change. This means preparedness professionals must be forward-thinking when planning
Information Sharing – A Powerful Life-Saving Tool
Catherine L. Feinman
March 29, 2023
Information sharing is a valuable tool used for various purposes. However, this tool’s power in preparing for and responding to
Commentary Archives
Beachie Creek Fire – A Practitioner’s Firsthand Account
Charles (Chuck) Perino
January 4, 2023
When disaster strikes, sometimes those trained to respond find themselves and their families fleeing from the fire. Once their families are safe, they jump back
Rationale for Structuring Pandemic Response on a War Footing
Thomas Russo
October 26, 2022
Given 20 years of pandemic planning, is it not surprising when people ask, “Why were we not ready?”
This question should be explored whether the time
Listen to the Warnings, Plan for Threats
Catherine L. Feinman
October 26, 2022
Emergency preparedness professionals continually strive to protect the lives and health of those within their communities. This October edition of the Domestic Preparedness Journal describes
Lessons From Leading Virtual Operations
Jennifer Pearsall
October 5, 2022
Over the past two and a half years, most emergency preparedness professionals experienced some level of virtual work, even at emergency operations centers (EOC). And
Resources Not to Be Overlooked
Catherine L. Feinman
September 28, 2022
The term “whole community” is frequently used in preparedness materials and discussions. In
practice, though, how often is the whole community represented and all community resources
Building Resource Capacity – Start Now
Andrew (Andy) Altizer and Timothy S. Murphy
September 21, 2022
Building resource capacity involves research, planning, and execution that should begin now. Identifying potential dangers, considering “what if” scenarios, capitalizing on other events and incidents,
