This report outlines the role states play in paying for disasters and key findings about the approaches they take to budgeting for natural catastrophes. The intent is to help all levels of government be ready to meet immediate needs, cover the costs of long-term recovery efforts, and invest in preparedness and mitigation activities.
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to progress, most jurisdictions have implemented physical distancing measures to reduce further transmission, which have contributed to reductions in numbers of new cases. This report considers transmission risks and proposed measures for phased reopenings by decision makers at the state level.
This guide identifies the capabilities and activities necessary to prepare and successfully implement disaster financial management while maintaining fiscal responsibility throughout response and recovery operations. The principles, concepts, and resources contained in the guide can support jurisdictions in identifying the resources needed to support their community, increase the efficiency of recovery efforts, and reduce the likelihood of audits and financial penalties for the jurisdiction.
The National Academy of Public Administration Standing Panel on Intergovernmental Systems developed a case study assessing the system specific to emergency response in the United States. The case research investigates how government emergency management strategies and disaster preparation and mitigation efforts have evolved over time in this country, to highlight steps backward and forward.
This report surveys three emerging technologies – synthetic biology, additive manufacturing (commonly known as 3D printing), and unmanned aerial systems – and examines the nexus of each with nuclear, biological, and chemical weapons agent proliferation. It examines how non-state actors might use these emerging technologies to overcome traditional barriers against the development and employment of weapons of mass destruction (WMD).
The FDA ensures that medical countermeasures – including drugs, vaccines and diagnostic tests – to counter chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and emerging infectious disease threats are safe, effective, and secure. This is the FDA’s annual report detailing its medical countermeasure activities for the latest fiscal year available.
A new FEMA publication, “Earthquake Safety at Home,” identifies why and where earthquakes might occur and how readers can “prepare, protect, survive, respond, recover, and repair” from an earthquake. The guide discusses wide-ranging steps that readers can take to adequately prepare and protect themselves, their family, and their belongings.
This National Counterintelligence Strategy of the United States of America 2020-2022 report outlines a new approach to counterintelligence. This new strategy focuses on five key areas where foreign intelligence entities are hitting the United States hardest and greater attention is needed – critical infrastructure, key U.S. supply chains, the U.S. economy, American democratic institutions, and cyber and technical operations.
Many federal agencies created to prepare and respond to man-made and natural disasters may have returned to Pre-9/11 status. Too many important positions are filled by acting personnel or are vacant. Discontent is on the rise and retention is low. One reader's logical and reasonable explanations and solutions to these concerns, spurred DomPrep to create a readership flash poll. The results of that poll and the comments and recommendations provided by more than 100 emergency preparedness professionals are shared in this report. Warning: Many of the responses are disturbing.
Ready or Not provides an annual assessment of states’ level of readiness to respond to public health emergencies and recommends policy actions to ensure that everyone’s health is protected during such events. This 2020 edition reports overall preparedness improvement but also identifies areas that need attention.