COMMENTARY
Publisher’s Message: 25 Years of Domestic Preparedness
Some people dedicate and risk their lives to protect people they have never met, whether during domestic disasters or foreign wars. They find strength and determination to run toward danger as others run away. Veterans Day symbolizes that spirit as it honors the millions of men and women who have served in the U.S. military. This day reminds us of historical events that should not be forgotten and highlights future opportunities made possible only because…
Most Recent

Technology: Can’t Live With It, Can’t Live Without It.
Catherine L. Feinman
October 25, 2023
The October edition of the Domestic Preparedness Journal takes a deeper dive into some of these considerations within national preparedness, critical infrastructure, and emerging technologies.

Always Prepare for the Future, But Never Forget the Past
Catherine Feinman
September 27, 2023
This September edition of the Domestic Preparedness Journal addresses these and other key preparedness efforts that should be considered when planning for future incidents. Reflecting on the events of 9/11, consider the personal costs that emergency responders pay for serving their communities and develop mitigation strategies to reduce those costs.

Three Puzzle Pieces That Increase Community Preparedness
Paul Gunnels
September 13, 2023
This author reflects on his team’s direct mission to New York in response to the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, commonly referred to as 9/11, to consider if communities are more prepared today than they were in 2001.

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.
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
We Want to Hear from You!
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
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Commentary
Publisher’s Message: 25 Years of Domestic Preparedness
Some people dedicate and risk their lives to protect people they have never met, whether during domestic disasters or foreign wars. They find strength and determination to run toward danger as others run away. Veterans Day symbolizes that spirit as it honors the millions of men and women who have served in the U.S. military. This day reminds us of historical events that should not be forgotten and highlights future opportunities made possible only because…
Most Recent

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

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

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
Commentary Archives
Threat Awareness – Actions Now Mitigate Disasters Later
Catherine L. Feinman
February 22, 2023
Reducing or eliminating the long-term risks associated with natural, human-caused, or technological disasters begins with an awareness that specific threats exist. For example, a
Strong Foundations – What Every Disaster Plan Needs
Catherine L. Feinman
January 25, 2023
The initial goal of a disaster plan should be to avoid the disaster. The secondary goal should be to respond effectively when a disaster cannot
How One Town Stood Up to a Category 4 Storm
Jennifer Languell
January 4, 2023
When Category 4 Hurricane Ian crossed Florida in September 2022, more than 4 million Florida homes and businesses lost power. However, one town kept the
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
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