Social Media: A Seismic Opportunity
Jordan Scott
January 11, 2012
On 23 August 2011, a 5.9-magnitude earthquake struck Mineral, Virginia, and rattled a large area up and down the U.S. East Coast – an area unaccustomed to such seismic events.
IT Preparedness: At Long Last, a Major DHS Priority
Jordan Nelms
January 11, 2012
In today’s complex world, information technology (IT) systems serve as both the intellectual libraries and operational brains of virtually all components of the vital infrastructures of businesses, utilities, and the organizations and agencies of all levels of government. For this reason, among others, the maintenance, protection, and preservation of IT systems have now moved to the forefront of the nation’s high-tech operational and preparedness priorities.
Funding Realities & Emergency Preparedness: A Grim Outlook
Raphael M. Barishansky
January 11, 2012
Most U.S. states and major cities, and the nation as a whole, are now better prepared to cope with terrorist attacks and natural disasters than they were prior to 9/11. But the gains made over the past decade will need a steady stream of continued funding, both to maintain the higher level of preparedness capabilities now evident and to protect the U.S. homeland and its people from the even greater dangers lying in wait just over the horizon.
New CERT Training Now Available
Domestic Preparedness
January 6, 2012
The National Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Program offered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) includes two new courses – CERT Train-the-Trainer and CERT Program Manager – that are now available to States and local jurisdictions throughout the country.
Emergency Responder 24/7 Information Tool Available Online
Cortney Streets
January 4, 2012
So-called official channels used to be plagued by what was politely described as “a paucity of information.” Thanks to the combination of improved communications systems and the birth of social media, what was once a desert is now a flood. Fortunately, the Responder Knowledge Base provides an easy way to turn the spigot on and off.
The Role of Social Media Before, During, and After a Disaster
Christina Spoons
January 4, 2012
The new all-hazards safety rule for young children, senior citizens, and everyone else in between: Don’t leave home without your smartphone. Be careful what you say, though – several billion people may be listening in… or looking in. But that is not necessarily a bad thing. Ask anyone who has ever been lost in a storm drain in Australia.
