Initially, when the Department of Homeland Security was created I, along with many Americans believed its sole function was to assist in the prevention and management of future terrorist incidents. However, as time progressed, and the department became more established and reorganized it began to emphasize on; preparation, prevention and mitigation of a much wider scope of hazards (Haddow, Bullock, & Cappola, 2014). Some of that wider scope contains natural disasters in addition to the threat of terrorism. Furthermore, the Department of Homeland Security also involves the assessment on infrastructure and communities to help businesses and local government manage resources to enhance security and recovery before and after an event (DHS, 2017).
…show more content…
Natural disasters and terrorist incidents can be classified as low probability and high consequence events (Kunreuther, 2006). It can be argued that the reason for the greater concern of terrorism is due to the high consequences of the shock and awe, even though significant storms have impacted various regions of the country lately resulting in high consequence and recovery. Unfortunately, a good number of people do not consider the threat of natural disaster such as a storm, as a serious concern. They may be aware of a pending weather event and prepare with extra food to shelter in place or securing their homes during a serious weather event. Although, it is not necessary for anyone to panic or become anxious about a storm, I believe some consider a storm as an expected part of life but, they must have equal concern as they do terrorist events. When it comes to natural disasters, many people including officials believe prior to a catastrophic event that it will not happen here, or it will not happen to me (Kunreuther, 2006). I reside on the New Jersey coast line and even though the risk of hurricanes is possible, the threat is not as high as in other areas such as Florida. People in my area do not prepare accordingly or believe the hurricane threat is a risk to consider …show more content…
Individuals must become focused to the all hazards approach like emergency management to understand risk and mitigation. However, technology hazards are often not considered a threat because, it may be forgotten about or not believed to be a threat or risk. These hazards occur after the failure or damage to structures and systems in which humans rely on but, are much less understood than the natural hazards (Haddow et, al 2014). Electrical grids are controlled by computer programs, social media and other communications platforms essential for community notification are dependent upon technology. Hence, the importance of grasping the all hazards risk and threat assessment for preparedness and
Natural disasters and terrorist incidents can be classified as low probability and high consequence events (Kunreuther, 2006). It can be argued that the reason for the greater concern of terrorism is due to the high consequences of the shock and awe, even though significant storms have impacted various regions of the country lately resulting in high consequence and recovery. Unfortunately, a good number of people do not consider the threat of natural disaster such as a storm, as a serious concern. They may be aware of a pending weather event and prepare with extra food to shelter in place or securing their homes during a serious weather event. Although, it is not necessary for anyone to panic or become anxious about a storm, I believe some consider a storm as an expected part of life but, they must have equal concern as they do terrorist events. When it comes to natural disasters, many people including officials believe prior to a catastrophic event that it will not happen here, or it will not happen to me (Kunreuther, 2006). I reside on the New Jersey coast line and even though the risk of hurricanes is possible, the threat is not as high as in other areas such as Florida. People in my area do not prepare accordingly or believe the hurricane threat is a risk to consider …show more content…
Individuals must become focused to the all hazards approach like emergency management to understand risk and mitigation. However, technology hazards are often not considered a threat because, it may be forgotten about or not believed to be a threat or risk. These hazards occur after the failure or damage to structures and systems in which humans rely on but, are much less understood than the natural hazards (Haddow et, al 2014). Electrical grids are controlled by computer programs, social media and other communications platforms essential for community notification are dependent upon technology. Hence, the importance of grasping the all hazards risk and threat assessment for preparedness and