It is extremely important to understand the steps to prepare for countering and responding to a terrorist attack to protect US National Security and the health and safety of people and property within. But first we must understand four key terms, preparedness, response, recovery and terrorism in order to adequately understanding the steps in countering and responding to an event. Preparedness involves activities undertaken in the short term before disaster strikes that enhance the readiness of organizations and communities to respond effectively. Response activities are undertaken immediately following a disaster to provide emergency assistance to victims. Recovery includes short- and long-term activities undertaken after a disaster that are …show more content…
Guns, knives, and conventional explosives have so far remained the weapons of choice for most terrorists; however, recently terrorist have gone to the tactics of using vehicles as well, since such weapons can cause many casualties and are relatively easy to acquire and use. But some terrorist groups now show interest in acquiring the capability to use chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear (CBRN) materials [Federal Emergency Management Agency, (July 2002)]. It is difficult to predict the likelihood of a CBRN attack, but most experts agree that today's terrorists are seeking the ability to use such agents in order to cause mass casualties [Federal Emergency Management Agency, (July 2002)]. Cyber-attacks are often considered in the same context with CBRN. Respectable experts have published sobering scenarios about the potential impact of a successful cyber-attack on the United States. Already, hackers and criminals have exploited some of our vulnerabilities [National Research Council. (2007)]. Terrorists are making extensive use of the new information technologies, and a conventional terrorist attack along with a coordinated cyber-attack could exponentially compound the damage [National Research Council. (2007)]. This changing nature of the terrorist threat raises the stakes in getting American counterterrorist policies and practices …show more content…
The paramount goal of disaster management activities is to reduce, as much as possible, the degree to which a community’s condition is worsened by a disaster relative to its pre-disaster condition. If a disaster strikes it important to know what to do or were to find the information if do not know. First responders who are well-prepared will have the peace of mind to focus on the task at hand if well prepared and trained. First responders can also serve as role models for other members of the community, leading by example to encourage preparedness. First responders can encourage their communities to make family plans and to be informed about the types of emergencies and disasters. Law enforcement should look to do training such as the Emergency Management Institute (EMI) which offers self-paced courses free-of-charge courses [Department of Homeland Security. (2017)]. Planning and being prepared for a terrorist attack provides the structure and mechanisms for national level policy and operational coordination and provides emergency managers, the understanding, the knowledge, and the steps to prepare, counter and respond to a terrorist attack. It more importantly helps to instill confidence and cohesion within
Tragic events that cause damage to property and life may destroy the social, cultural and economic life of a community. Communities must be engaged in the various phases from prevention to recovery to build disaster resilient communities. In order to do this, there must be a disaster preparedness plan in place that involves multiple people in various roles.
By understanding the steps to prepare for countering and responding to a terrorist, the well-being of US national security interests can be promoted and the exposure to risk and susceptibility to experiencing harm can be efficiently managed for communities, families and individuals in the event of a terrorist incident. The welfare of US national security, citizens and property can be effectively safeguarded through the understanding of protection strategies administered collectively by local communities, families and individuals. Local emergency operations planning, family disaster planning, as well as self-protection planning each represent important protective measures, which serve to educate the nation and its citizens how to
The attacks were more localized than most catastrophic disasters, did not overwhelm emergency shelters or food distribution centers, and did not destroy the city infrastructure in either New York or Washington.. However, the 9/11 experience highlights one critical concept. One cannot ignore the importance of maintaining highly trained local emergency responders as well as properly staffed and equipped local emergency response agencies; local first responders are on scene first, handle the vast majority of rescue operations, and cannot be practically replaced by federal responders, especially when disasters strikes without
With the events that happened on September 11, 2001, the American people and all government leadership realized that the U.S. was fight a whole new other type of war. The U.S. has dealt with foreign terrorist networks abroad and the 1993 World Trade Center bombings. With the tragic event of 9/11, it became something of a nightmare because no American in history had the knowledge to deal with this kind of attack. Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTO) wants nothing more than to destroy America and the threat of another attack is imminent but, when? Every year these FTO’s will evolve and want to use chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear weapons (CBRN).
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) coordinates the federal government's position in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, which now including acts of terror. FEMA leads and supports the nation in a risk-based, comprehensive emergency management system of preparedness, protection, response, recovery and mitigation. A key component of community preparedness and participation is the citizen. The CERT program strives to familiarize citizens with the facts about what to expect following a major disaster in their community and to deliver the message about their responsibility for mitigation and preparedness. CERT educates individuals
Over the years, the National Response Framework (NRF) has evolved to meet the growing need of a more comprehensive and logical approach to a nationwide emergency management strategy. Stemming from the National Response Plan in 2008, it is one of the five frameworks designed to aid in organizing national preparedness activities, the others being Prevention, Protection, Mitigation and Disaster Recovery. The NRF’s main function is to guide how the agencies and communities respond to all types of disasters and emergencies. The framework was designed to be scalable, flexible and adaptable to account for the differing scopes, particulars and complications that arise from these events. Its application can range from grave but local incidents, such
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
The burden of emergency management has grown great deal in the last few decades. We have seen an increase in natural disasters, a new threat of terrorism on our front door and an increase in manmade disasters. All of these have tested emergency management in a number of cities and towns across the nation. It is not always disasters that present problems for emergency managers. We have to look beyond our traditional view of emergency management of helping us during times of disasters and view what issues they consider may affect their emergency response. Issues that emergency management see that are moving into the critical area are issues of urbanization and hazard exposure, the rising costs of disaster recovery, and low priority of emergency management.
After reviewing the assigned text this week, I determined that a successful counterterrorism can consist of many different tactics and strategies (Maras, 2012). Some on which I agree with and some, not so much so. For the sake of the assignment I will highlight what I believe to be the most important.
Various arguments have been posed regarding the use of CBRN weapons by terrorist organizations. Both sides of the discussion have valid points and neither can be dismissed entirely. The argument that believes terrorist organizations have the capability and intention of using CBRN weapons employ historical evidence of attacks that have been carried out and plans that have been foiled. The opposing argument cites many limitations faced by terrorist organizations including a lack of expertise and funding. Because the implications of a CBRN attack are so potentially large the issue cannot be dismissed entirely. In contrast however the countermeasures required to deter or prevent such attacks are expensive and labor intensive so they must be applied
According to Furnell and Warren (1999), Evidence suggests that technology is growingly seen as a potential tool for terrorist organizations and the widespread use of information technology by terrorist groups and organizations has led to the birth of a new class of menace termed “Cyberterrorism”. Cyberterrorism could be used in many diverse ways. Sometimes, a country’s pivotal infrastructures could be shut down and harmed using computer network and tools. There have been impediments in trying to give a clear and concise definition to the term “cyberterrorism”. But Denning (2007) which supersedes Denning (2000) gives an unambiguous definition to cyberterrorism:
Terror attacks have become a norm in the modern society, and the occurrence of these attacks has escalated in the past few years. Back in September 2001, the United States of America oversaw the darkest period in their history. A total of 19 militants affiliated with the terrorist group Al-Qaeda, hijacked four commercial passenger planes and flew 2 of them into the World Trade Centre, 1 hit the Pentagon, while the other one crash landed in Pennsylvania. In the wake of these attacks, a trail of death, destruction, and emotional instability was left behind. What followed was the realization of the importance of emergency management and emergency preparedness in the United States.
Risk for disasters is a part of life; emergency situations occur more frequently than many people believe. A wise person plans for the worse, and hopes for the best. After a disaster, how well a community can recover will depend largely on how well they prepared in advance. Risk management includes identifying any potential risks to a community and proactively planning to minimize the threat. Proactive organization of resources and people to respond to emergencies can mean the difference between a community’s ability to regroup and recover, and the loss of life. To better
Terrorism is a multi-faceted construct that has evolved into a systematic weapon of violence. At the surface level, terrorism is still identified as an inculcated tool to propagate fear and violence. The risk factors associated with this context have increased exponentially as acts of terrorism have become more pervasive and extreme. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Risk Lexicon defines risk as, "potential for an adverse outcome assessed as a function of threats, vulnerabilities, and consequences associated with an incident, event, or occurrence" (Department, 63). Vulnerability analysis and problem-solving policing are two tactics that are used to decipher risk and develop methodologies to deter terrorist attacks. Emergency first-responders, formally referred as law enforcement, fire, and medical personnel, utilize these tactics accordingly to counter terrorist ploys and substantially diminish their secondary effects. Accordingly, planning is a crucial phase for first-responders to increase community awareness, improve local interoperability, institutionalize regimented training, fuse communication networks, and reinforce security tactics and procedures. Nonetheless, emergency first-responders are not only susceptible to direct terrorist threats but to the environmental scene hazards.
This subject aims to teach students the main elements of emergency management for natural disasters and to a lesser degree terrorist attack. Students will understand the principles involved in emergency