By MELISSA RESNICK, An Article Out Loud from the Domestic Preparedness Journal, June 07, 2023.

Service animals are trained to perform specific daily tasks, which are often still required when responders are assisting during a hurricane, mass casualty event, or another emergency. As such, emergency planning efforts should include service animals to ensure responders can identify the animals’ critical roles, acknowledge their specialized training, and provide more-effective assistance to the humans who need their help.

Narrated by Randy Vivian.

By CHUCK PERINO, An Article Out Loud Flashback from the Domestic Preparedness Journal, August 12, 2015.

This 2015 article summarizes an earthquake research project to help better understand the economic, geopolitical, and social factors needed to identify and address future recovery challenges before the next disaster.

Narrated by Randy Vivian.

By MICHAEL SOHMER, An Article Out Loud Flashback from the Domestic Preparedness Journal, September 21, 2005

A pharmacist and member of a Disaster Medical Assistance Team share his personal account of the challenges his team overcame when responding to Hurricane Katrina in this 2005 article.

Narrated by Randy Vivian.

By MICHAEL BRESLIN & TRISH MCCALL, An Article Out Loud from the Domestic Preparedness Journal, May 24, 2023.

An existential danger is the exploitation of children. As the threat landscape evolves, first responders have a paramount role to play in protecting these vulnerable populations and maintaining a resilient homeland security enterprise. One program leading the effort is creating a reason for hope.

Narrated by MacGregor Stephenson.

By KENNETH BELL, An Article Out Loud from the Domestic Preparedness Journal, May 24, 2023.

Despite advancements in field identification and classification of substances with advanced instrumentation and tools, there is still a response gap regarding the proper decontamination of instruments and the people who use them. Take steps now to bridge this gap.

Narrated by MacGregor Stephenson.

By CRAIG DEATLEY, An Article Out Loud Flashback from the Domestic Preparedness Journal, May 23, 2012.

Learn how the National Capital Region took a giant step forward with the formation of a coalition partnership to cope with evacuations during catastrophic emergencies in this 2012 article.

Narrated by Randy Vivian.

By GLEN RUDNER, An Article Out Loud Flashback from the Domestic Preparedness Journal, May 06, 2009.

When firefighters, hazmat specialists, or other responders report for duty at a possibly contaminated scene, they must be properly dressed. The key factors to consider in 2009 are still critical considerations today.

Narrated by Randy Vivian.

By KEVIN JONES, An Article Out Loud from the Domestic Preparedness Journal, May 17, 2023.

History has shown many instances where warning signs were missed before workplace violence occurred. However, understanding the five categories can help organizations and agencies prepare for and, ideally, prevent these types of incidents.  

Narrated by MacGregor Stephenson.

By ANDREW (ANDY) ALTIZER, An Article Out Loud from the Domestic Preparedness Journal, May 17, 2023.

Comprehensive planning documents are vitally important, but they can easily become simple “check-the-box” requirements that result in sizeable unread documents that sit on the shelves. Organizations must take steps to avoid this pitfall. 

Narrated by MacGregor Stephenson.

By KATHRYN LASKEY, An Article Out Loud Flashback from the Domestic Preparedness Journal, September 20, 2016.

Public safety technologies are constantly evolving. Perhaps innovative concepts like “Bring Your Own Protection,” which researchers at George Mason University proposed in 2016, is a solution for today's challenges.

Narrated by Randy Vivian.