Today's Top Picks
Meeting the Psychosocial Needs of Child Survivors
Without adequate support and resources, disasters can leave lasting psychological effects on children. In the United States, an estimated 14% of children experience a natural disaster during childhood. Providing psychosocial support is essential in helping them cope with these challenges, thereby building resilient communities.
Podcast – Seasonal Forecasts & Their Limitations With Dr. Philip Klotzbach
This is an interview with Philip Klotzbach, a podcast by Domestic Preparedness, May 22, 2025.
Philip Klotzbach, Ph.D., is a research scientist in the Department of Atmospheric Science at Colorado State University. Dr. Klotzbach developed the two-week forecasts currently being issued during peak months of the hurricane season between August and October. Learn how seasonal hurricane forecasts are developed and how emergency planners can use them effectively.
Physical and Mental Injuries in First Responders: Why Wait?
First responders undergo intense physical training to ensure they are physically prepared for emergencies. Yet despite the high-stress nature of their work, mental fitness is not given the same priority. To truly support first responders, mental wellness must be fully integrated into recruit training programs and proactively addressed throughout their careers.
Not Lost in Translation: A Multilingual Corps Approach
Disaster survivors and responders often face psychological hazards like acute stress disorder, depression, and post-traumatic stress. These issues are worsened in multilingual communities, where language barriers hinder communication and delay aid. Effectively addressing these challenges goes beyond basic translation or ad hoc interpreting to address the whole community.
Disaster Stress Management in an Emergency Operations Center
Disasters affect responders and community members, but they also bring trauma to those working inside emergency operations centers. Distance from the scene does not create a shield from stress. Secondary traumatic stress can impair leadership, so managing this stress is vital for effective emergency response.
Trending
Emergency Management has Evolved: Why the… While initially useful, the term “all hazards” no longer accurately describes the functions or mission of the emergency management discipline.…
Cost Analysis: Protecting the Grid and Electronics… Because modern societies are increasingly reliant on electronics, they are more vulnerable to the effects of an electromagnetic pulse event.…
Bridging Communication Gaps: Lessons from Hurricane Helene Hurricanes in 2024 caused widespread damage to infrastructure, leading to a critical but often overlooked issue: isolation. Physical and technological…
A Systems Thinking Approach to Improving Emergency… “PACE” planning helps organizations fail gracefully, but systems thinking reduces the likelihood of failure altogether. Combining both approaches helps organizations…Trending
Bridging Communication Gaps: Lessons from Hurricane Helene Hurricanes in 2024 caused widespread damage to infrastructure, leading to a critical but often overlooked issue: isolation. Physical and technological…A Systems Thinking Approach to Improving Emergency… “PACE” planning helps organizations fail gracefully, but systems thinking reduces the likelihood of failure altogether. Combining both approaches helps organizations…Emergency Management has Evolved: Why the… While initially useful, the term “all hazards” no longer accurately describes the functions or mission of the emergency management discipline.…Cost Analysis: Protecting the Grid and Electronics… Because modern societies are increasingly reliant on electronics, they are more vulnerable to the effects of an electromagnetic pulse event.…Domestic Preparedness Journal
Featured in this issue: Editor’s Note: Emergency Communications—Tough Lessons From the Maui Wildfires, by Catherine L. Feinman; Emergency Alerts: The Missing Link, by Rodrigo (Roddy) Moscoso; Hidden Barriers to Public Safety Interoperability, by Gabe Elias; AI Software in 911 Dispatch Centers: An Innovative Solution, by Tanya M. Scherr; A Systems Thinking Approach to Improving Emergency Communications, by William Chapman; Connectivity: The Foundation of Disaster Response and Preparedness, by Cory Davis; Know the Audience: Five Keys to Effective Communication, by Marc Hill; Bridging Communication Gaps: Lessons From Hurricane Helene, by Greg Hauser; A Regional Approach to Public Safety Communications Planning, by Charles (Charley) Bryson
Articles Out Loud
Article Out Loud – Meeting the Psychosocial Needs of Child Survivors
May 21, 2025
This is an article by Emily Heard, an Article Out Loud from Domestic Preparedness, May 21, 2025. Without adequate support
Article Out Loud – Perspective From the Field: How I Became an Accidental Disaster Mental Health Specialist
May 21, 2025
This is an article by Adrienne J. Heinz, an Article Out Loud from Domestic Preparedness, May 21, 2025. Dr. Adrienne
How I Became an Accidental Disaster Mental Health Specialist