Although the probability of a terrorist attack on US soil is low; after 9/11 the nation became more aware of threat of terrorism in their backyards. In response, first responders such as police, fire, and emergency medical services have increased training in response, mitigation, and recovery efforts in the event of a terrorist attack. Although an agency may alter their training to include terrorism response, the risks associated with a terrorist attacks are still present. Some of the risks that affect first responders can include various hazardous materials such as biological, radiological, and chemical hazards as well as other secondary threats including instability of an infrastructure, fire, and secondary explosives/fire arms; unfortunately, …show more content…
Hazardous materials response can be difficult for first responders to respond safely, due to the unpredictability of the agents being used. It is difficult to determine what chemicals are being used, therefore difficult to predict the appropriate way to mitigate and conduct rescue operations. As stated by IFSTA, international fire service training association, “Responders must be familiar with SOPs/SOGs for handling chemical terrorist attacks and hazardous materials incidents.” (Miller. 2010, pg 352) It is through the IFSTA hazardous materials awareness and operations training, standardized for firefighters across the nation, that they teach first responders to follow specific protocols and standard operating procedures that rely heavily on the use of an ERG, Emergency Response Guide, to determine the proper course of action in responding to a hazmat incident. Although these guidelines are in place, things such as inadequate training in terrorism response and lack of proper resources, will determine whether or not that agency can respond effectively to a terrorist …show more content…
The funding needed to facilitate and equip a full hazmat team, is not only unfeasible for most local agency’s but also, with the low probability of a terrorist incident happening in their jurisdiction, it becomes unrealistic to maintain such a team. Because of this specialized teams are developed on a county level, or above, making those districts rely heavily on mutual, state, or federal assistance. As stated in National Response Framework “ The state is the gateway to many government resources that help communities respond. When an incident grows or has the potential to grow beyond the capability of a local jurisdiction and responders cannot meet the needs with mutual aid and assistance resources, local officials contact the state.” (National Response Framework,2016. pg
The National Response Framework is a guide designed to assist local, State, and Federal governments in developing functional capabilities and identifying resources based on hazard identification and risk assessment. It outlines the operating structure and identifies key roles and responsibilities. It established a framework to identify capabilities based on resources and the current situation no matter the size or scale. It integrates organizational structures and standardizes how the Nation at all levels plans to react to incidents. The suspected terrorist attack will have health, economic, social, environment and political long-term effects for my community. This is why it is essential that local government’s response is coordinate with all responders. Response doctrine is comprised of five key principles: (1) engaged partnership, (2) tiered response, (3) scalable, flexible, and adaptable operational capabilities, (4) unity of effort through unified command, and (5) readiness to act. An introductory word about each follows. (Homeland Security, 2008)
Of particular concern are how DHS responds to a terrorist attack, how prepared DHS is for a terrorist attack, and how much effort DHS puts into coordinating with state and local governments in both preparedness and response to terrorist attacks. These problems can be broken down into seven components, Awareness, Prevention, Protection, Response, Recovery, Service, and Organizational Excellence. (Stephens, 2007, p54) The idea behind the creation of DHS was resolute; the actual implementation of the department is the real challenge as new regulations and boundaries are set then reset. Because of the magnitude of the mission DHS faces, the poor execution of its implementation means that we will still have questionable policies and over-reaching regulations.
Every incidence, of whatever kind, that occurs to a person, a corporation or a country leaves an impact of its kind. The most important thing is the lessons, which the stakeholders concerned learn from that incidence. Bombing incidences are often a result of terror attacks and the lessons or the action plans that ensue from any successful terror attack are not something intelligent minds can underscore (Knowles, 2003). One of the major targets in these bombings and occurrences of a similar kind is the business community. Critical analysis of explosions and bombings is very important to both the security agencies and the businesses. This is primarily because businesses thrive only in secure environment and therefore safety is a priority for any business setting. The World Trade Center (WTC) explosion in 1993 unearthed critical safety issues which any business development plan must observe. However, before exploring these issues, it is important to have a recap of how the incident was.
Burke, Robert. Counter-Terrorism for Emergency Responders. 2nd ed. Florida: CRC Press Taylor & Francis Group, 2007. Print.
The CPP is inherently different from traditional models developed by federal entities in several ways, the most important being that it is a “bottom-up” planning method as dictated by one of the directives of the Act of 2007. FEMA was asked to partner with State, local and tribal governments, emergency responders, the private sector, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in addition to other federal agencies typically involved with disaster preparedness, response and recovery efforts. Most FEMA and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) systems and methods in the past have been driven from the “top down”, such as the Incident Command System (ICS) and the National Incident Management Systems (NIMS) and have focused on the structure of command and control rather than coordinated partnerships (Ruback et al., 2010). Another significant directive of the Act of 2007 is the specific focus on preparedness for catastrophic events rather than disasters, which are more regional in scope.
Gaining a better understanding of what exactly my hospital is dealing with will determine the appropriate course of action. Did the explosion send poisonous chemicals into the air or are the patients simply having a reaction from smoke? As the incident commander on duty it is my responsibility to implement the three key strategies of disaster response; protect and preserve life, stabilize the disaster scene, and protect and preserve property. I will also begin implementation of the hospital’s emergency operation plan. Although I have not yet established the cause of illness in the patients, it is important to treat the incident as a potential mass disaster situation. I will proceed with implementing the “3 C’s” of incident leadership; coordination, communication, and cooperation (Reilly & Markenson, 2011). Effective management of this crisis weighs heavily on my ability to coordinate, communicate, and cooperate not only
September 11, 2001 marked the most horrific day in history for United States of America. The events of this day changed the lives of those residing in America forever. United States was considered somewhat safe, in regards to terrorists’ attacks. However, this all came to a screeching halt when 19 militants known to be a part of the Al-Qaeda terrorist group hijacked four planes for the purpose of destroying targeted areas in the United States. As a result of the deadly attack on the United States, security measures drastically changed. Although, security measures throughout the United States have been in place, extreme caution came into effect. All departments looked at different measures to improve preventing terrorists’ attacks. Department of Homeland Security, Aviation and US Customs and Immigration were some of the main areas that changed their security measures.
Being the oldest daughter of a Senior ATF Agent, I have been exposed to domestic terrorism all of my life. My father has investigated thousands of bombings, fires, and explosions for more than twenty years now. Many of these incidents were examples of the terrorism that I speak about. His experiences have taught me countless lessons and informed me of many current events. The information that I have obtained from him is far more valuable than anything that the media could ever possibly convey. Though he is always strictly guarded with the confidences of his profession, he has always provided me with a firsthand knowledge of the impact that domestic terrorism has on the citizens and law enforcement. Through him, I learn the facts of these incidents without the media’s exaggerations. Today I will share with you some of these facts. I will talk to you about the impact that domestic terrorism has on our citizens. These impacts include: the monetary damages that terrorism inflicts, along with the injuries to the victims, the shocking repercussions that are embedded into the minds and souls of the people who come to sort through the rubble to find the survivors and the remaining evidence.
Details the formation and growth of the homeland security field in the U.S. National warning systems, as well as government and citizen groups are summarized. Also, des...
Terrorism originated back as early as the 14th century. The French Revolution originated the word of “terrorist” and “terrorism” (Terrorism Research, n.d.). The use of the word "terrorism" began in 1795 in reference to the Reign of Terror initiated by the Revolutionary government. (Terrorism Research, n.d.). In recent years, there have been major terrorism events in the United States such as 9/11, U.S.S. Cole, Boston marathon, and the federal building bombing in Oklahoma. Shortly after 9/11, Homeland security implemented five threat conditions (Red, Orange, Yellow, Blue, Green) with red being severe and green being the lowest threat condition. The author further states that local police are in the best position to learn about intelligence regarding terrorist threats and potential targets. Many of the resources available to local law enforcement include crime prevention seminars, community policing and partnerships with local businesses particularly banks, realtors, car rental agencies and
Every year communities struggle each year around the nation with issues of life safety. In 2012, the nation’s fire departments responded to 31,854,000 responses that resulted in the deaths 0f 2,855 civilians and injuring 16,500 causing an estimated $12,427 million dollars in damage. (United States Fire Administration, 2014) These incidents put at risk 345,950 career and 783,300 volunteer firefighters that resulted in the deaths of 81 individuals (U.S. Department of Homeland Security, 2013) and nearly 70,000 reported injuries. ( Karter & Molis, 2013) These numbers represent incidents that are determined to be in the line of duty but do not take into consideration the long-term health risk issues that may develop. Evidence shows that he hazards associated with Fire and Emergency Services are consistent across the board whether paid or volunteer and jeopardize the lives and health of each individual, placing administrative and physical control measures reduces this risk to firefighter within an organization. While it is impossible to eliminate the hazards firefighters face, it is important to identify these hazards as the first step in reducing the potential for loss of life and wellbeing both physically and mentally.
Cashman, J. (2000). Emergency Response to Chemical and Biological Agents. Boca Raton, FL. Lewis Publishers.
September 11, is a time etched in history of the United States, more so than the majority any past conflicts or disasters felt on domestic land. This caused our country to consider its safety for family, friend, and country that has caused a shift in considered career paths or chosen professions. Larsen address the need for a different type expert needed to talk the threats of homeland security (n.d). Studies now show that the past prerequisite degrees like, biomedical are chemistry are no longer the normal backgrounds in the profession of homeland security. Furthermore, to meet the demand of the new career path, many colleges, and university to introduce and address the needs of the field. By 2012 nearly a quarter of all federal jobs were related to homeland security, while ...
There are a variety of reasons why it is important from a HAZMAT perspective to know the names of hazardous materials. First, it is important to know names of hazardous materials for risk management. When planning for a response, employing proper risk management is critical. Therefore, knowing the material involved enables responders to know the risks associated with the material such as if it is flammable, toxic, corrosive, or reactive with other materials. This ensures that responders have the proper personal protective equipment to prevent injury when responding. In addition, it is important to know the names of hazardous materials for planning the response. Each hazardous material has different components and hazards. Therefore, each hazardous
Hazardous material is any material that may cause hazard to human health or environment. Hazardous material can be solid, liquid or gas. There is 9 classes of hazardous material are known in the United Nation. The solid hazardous material can cause hazard to human by contacting or by dust form so the human will inhale it. The liquid hazardous material can cause hazard to human by flowing into draining system and waterways so it will affect the person by the drinking water and it will also affect the wildlife. There is 2 main ways that hazardous material can get in human body and cause harm, one of them is inhalation so it will damage the lungs and respiratory system, and also ingestion so the material will enter the body with the food or water and it will damage the digestive system.