U.S. Reactors and Earthquake Risk
A recent article in the USA Today suggested a limited number of U.S. reactors are in seismic zones which could place them at risk for a catastrophic failure like occurred [...]
National Level Exercise- New Madrid Earthquake Scenario- An Opportunity Lost
Exercising our nations' preparedness for an event similar to the devastating earthquake and subsequent tsunami as occurred in Japan seems a prudent opportune moment to shine a light on what [...]
Guest Blog – Radiation and Media Reporting
I’m not an expert in radiation, but for years many of us have been teaching that the number one concern of a “dirty bomb” is the “fear” of radiation perpetuated [...]
Preparedness Anyone?
The United Nations, International Strategy for Disaster Reductions is sponsoring a campaign called Making Cities Resilient: "My city is getting ready" Campaign kits are available in multiple languages and this [...]
Radiation – There is a time to panic – now is not the time!
The extent of the challenges facing Japan and surrounding countries due to radiation contamination is yet to be finalized, but reason should prevail over undue fear. Radiation is energy, and [...]
Tsunami Hazard Zone – When To Evacuate
The tragedy unfolding in Japan should be a sobering reminder to elected officials, emergency managers and public safety providers all along the coastline of the United States, but I would [...]
Terrorists Get It – Why Don’t We?
In October 2002, Chechen rebels seized a theater in downtown Moscow, holding nearly 1,000 people hostage. The siege ended when Russian authorities introduced a fentanyl-type derivative to render all parties [...]
NIMS and Communism – Both Good In Concept
The National Incident Management System (NIMS) was determined to be the solution to challenges of command, communication, coordination, cooperation and resource management at major disaster in the aftermath of the [...]
Swine Flu – Pandemic Bust or Dry Run?
Millions of dollars were spent on pandemic planning and stockpiling of masks, hand sanitizers and antiviral medications. The "Swine Flu" emerged in Mexico and soon spread to the United States [...]
Best Practices in Establishing Medical Shelters
My consulting work typically involves public safety activity, and I'm always on the search for best practices in this field. These practices do not need to be based solely in [...]