Tornadoes – Adapting Plans for a Changing Environment | Domestic Preparedness Photo: (Source: NWS Fort Worth, May 4, 2021)
Preparedness

Tornadoes – Adapting Plans for a Changing Environment

by Cameron Gonteski -

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 shift.

 
Resilience

A National Plan to Link Response and Recovery

by Robert J. (Bob) Roller -

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.

Resilience

Leader of the Pack – Canine Detection

by Barb Clark -

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.

Preparedness

Fostering Public Buy-In to Support Public Safety

by Taylor Bonsall-Winn -

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 before the next disaster.

Resilience

An Integrated Public Safety Approach for Evolving Threats

by Eva Jernegan -

Evolving threats require integrated public safety approaches. Concepts like the Rescue Task Force, models like the Cynefin Framework, and numerous other available resources can help communities develop collaborative response plans for evolving threats and complex coordinated attacks like fire as a weapon.

Resilience

Data Sharing – A Necessary Public Safety Tool

by Michael Breslin -

Criminal activities are not limited to jurisdictional boundaries, nor should the ability to share information collaboratively. Cooperative data sharing within and between jurisdictions is essential for today’s law enforcement demands. As such, law enforcement and other public safety agencies must work together to create a safer and more just society.

Commentary

Technological Strategies for Organizational Leadership

by Nathan DiPillo -

Integrating information technology (IT) into emergency management and public safety agencies involves understanding an organization’s structure, culture, and mindset, making sound investments, facing challenges, and implementing change. Communication at the federal, state, and local levels is improving, but gaps exist between adapting IT solutions and organizational leadership principles.

Preparedness

Protests: Balancing First Amendment Rights and Public Safety

by Matthew Loeslie -

Peaceful protests can occasionally escalate into civil disobedience or unlawful rioting, with those in and around the gathering exhibiting varying behaviors. By working with law enforcement agencies, public safety planners and responders are better equipped to plan and train for events and effectively respond if conditions change. Communication and collaboration are critical.

Commentary

Threat Awareness – Actions Now Mitigate Disasters Later

by Catherine L. Feinman -

Reducing or eliminating the long-term risks associated with natural, human-caused, or technological disasters begins with an awareness that specific threats exist, followed by actions to mitigate those threats. The authors in this February edition of the Domestic Preparedness Journal share some strategies and technologies they use.

Updates

News Release: DHS S&T Awards Funds to Brooklyn Startup Developing Flood Analytics Tech

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) announced a Phase 1 Other Transaction award of $195,260 to Cloud to Street (commercially conducting business as Floodbase), a Brooklyn, New York-based startup to develop flood analytics technology that will help the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) improve preparedness and response efforts.

DHS Releases FY23 Targeted Violence and Terrorism Prevention Notice of Funding

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) today released the Fiscal Year 2023 Targeted Violence and Terrorism Prevention (TVTP) Grant Program Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). Administered by the DHS Center for Prevention Programs and Partnerships (CP3) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the TVTP Grant Program supports local communities in their efforts to prevent targeted violence and terrorism.

Statement by Secretary Mayorkas on the President’s Fiscal Year 2024 Budget

The Biden-Harris Administration today released the President’s Budget for Fiscal Year 2024, which provides $60.4 billion in discretionary funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and an additional $20.1 billion for the Disaster Relief Fund to address major disasters. The FY 2024 Budget invests in border security, cybersecurity, maritime security, natural disaster recovery and resilience, and other critical DHS missions.

Statement from Secretary Mayorkas on President Biden’s National Cybersecurity Strategy

DHS will continue to bolster partnerships and strengthen the nation’s cyber resilience. Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas released the following statement on President Biden’s National Cybersecurity Strategy.

DHS Announces $2 Billion in Preparedness Grants

Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro N. Mayorkas announced more than $2 billion in funding for eight fiscal year 2023 preparedness grant programs to help state, local, tribal, and territorial officials prepare for, prevent, protect against, and respond to acts of terrorism.