Measures In an increasingly global world the domestic terrorism of the past has shifted dramatically towards international terrorism. Events like 9/11, San Bernadino, Orlando, Fort Hood, and others have been engrained in the minds of the American people. Emergency Managers reduce the vulnerability to hazards and respond to disasters that are increasingly becoming more interconnected and interdependent (Lynch, 2016). Emergency Manager’s must focus on systemic changes designed to detect, deter, and respond to terrorism. In order to detect a terrorist plot Emergency Managers must first understand that attacks do not come from any one group or any one individual. Attacks can come from abroad or from a local neighborhood.
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Emergency Managers can train the community in how to alert the proper authorities or implement a local alert system. A system of easily reporting suspicious activity (phone/internet) must be implemented on a local level that can easily initiate a nationwide suspicious activity alert based on key words. These key words such names, addresses, purchases should flag agencies involved in investigating these activities not just at the local level but the state and federal level as well. Information sharing amongst agencies quickly and efficiently is a key aspect in detecting possible terrorist attacks (Lynch, 2016). Detection is only one element of an Emergency Manager’s …show more content…
Depending on the severity of the attack there should be a system in place where there is a smooth transition from the local EMM to state or federal EMM. The primary objective is the protection of lives, health, and safety. The fact still remains that it is a crime scene as well so the perimeter should be tightly controlled (FEMA, 2002). According to FEMA, (2002) “rapid and secure communication is important to ensure a prompt and coordinated response. Strengthening communications among first responders, clinicians, emergency rooms, hospitals, mass care providers, and emergency management personnel must be given top priority” (pg. 25). Once the emergency has passed and the criminal investigation has begun the leadership roles will change from EMM to law
Emergency Managers can train the community in how to alert the proper authorities or implement a local alert system. A system of easily reporting suspicious activity (phone/internet) must be implemented on a local level that can easily initiate a nationwide suspicious activity alert based on key words. These key words such names, addresses, purchases should flag agencies involved in investigating these activities not just at the local level but the state and federal level as well. Information sharing amongst agencies quickly and efficiently is a key aspect in detecting possible terrorist attacks (Lynch, 2016). Detection is only one element of an Emergency Manager’s …show more content…
Depending on the severity of the attack there should be a system in place where there is a smooth transition from the local EMM to state or federal EMM. The primary objective is the protection of lives, health, and safety. The fact still remains that it is a crime scene as well so the perimeter should be tightly controlled (FEMA, 2002). According to FEMA, (2002) “rapid and secure communication is important to ensure a prompt and coordinated response. Strengthening communications among first responders, clinicians, emergency rooms, hospitals, mass care providers, and emergency management personnel must be given top priority” (pg. 25). Once the emergency has passed and the criminal investigation has begun the leadership roles will change from EMM to law