By DAVID GEARY & TRACY FESSLER, An Article Out Loud Flashback from the Domestic Preparedness Journal, March 23, 2011.

For understandable reasons, major disasters - e.g., earthquakes and tsunamis - get most of the headlines and more of the public funds available even in economically difficult times. Local jurisdictions would be well advised, therefore, not only to focus greater attention on emergencies closer to home but also to ask for neighborly assistance if and when needed.

Narrated by Randy Vivian. 

by MICHAEL MELTON, An Article Out Loud from the Domestic Preparedness Journal, November 16, 2022.

Since the emergence of COVID-19, many trainings have had to adapt to an online presence. In one case, an active shooter training not only successfully transitioned to support the online delivery of these skills, but the developer embraced it and has now made it publicly available for everyone.

Narrated by Randy Vivian.

By JUDY KRUGER & CHRIS PAQUET, An Article Out Loud from the Domestic Preparedness Journal, November 16, 2022.

A multi-year pandemic has resulted in organizations looking to reframe traditional workforce management practices to retain seasoned staff and prevent burnout. To address these issues, state, local, tribal, and territorial emergency management offices can consider implementing workplace engagement strategies to address the mental and physical health concerns resulting from this type of work and reduce sources of psychological distress. 

Narrated by Randy Vivian.

By JORDAN NELMS & AMANDA FAUL, An Article Out Loud Flashback from the Domestic Preparedness Journal, May 22, 2013.

Change is often accompanied by challenges. This article shares the challenges that state and local jurisdictions faced in 2013 as they began implementing the guidance provided by Presidential Directive 8. 

Narrated by Randy Vivian. 

By DIANA HOPKINS, An Article Out Loud Flashback from the Domestic Preparedness Journal, July 06, 2009 .

Technology and sensor innovation must be interoperable across jurisdictions. Look how much global sensor networks for disaster warnings have evolved internationally since 2009.

Narrated by Randy Vivian.

By DANIEL RECTOR, An Article Out Loud from the Domestic Preparedness Journal, November 09, 2022.

After-action reviews highlight the successes and expose the failures of disaster preparedness and response efforts. Four significant events demonstrate how communities managed when power outages, communication failures, and healthcare concerns emerged in their aftermath. Unfortunately, these same issues will resurface in future disasters unless lessons are learned.

Narrated by MacGregor Stephenson.

By MICHAEL PRASAD, An Article Out Loud from the Domestic Preparedness Journal, November 09, 2022.

Many faith-based organizations have disaster response and recovery components as major elements of their own missions. By partnering with governmental and nongovernmental organizations, faith-based groups can coordinate locally to support response and restoration efforts, as well as provide mental health and spiritual care when resources are critically needed.

Narrated by MacGregor Stephenson.

By LEWIS EAKINS, An Article Out Loud Flashback from the Domestic Preparedness Journal, January 21, 2015.

When a tornado touches down, a school is under fire, or another disaster strikes, patrol officers often are the first response personnel at the scene. In addition to their traditional crime-fighting roles, patrol officers must be able to manage an incident until more support arrives, which requires additional training for these officers and more collaboration within the community.

Narrated by Randy Vivian. 

By JUDSON M. FREED, An Article Out Loud Flashback from the Domestic Preparedness Journal, May 31, 2017.

A top-down approach provides guidance and support from federal agencies to local jurisdictions. A bottom-up approach ensures that local needs are being heard at the top. However, when local agencies are tasked with national security efforts, more guidance and support may be needed from above. It is time to prioritize resources, measure preparedness and response capabilities, and build and support national capabilities locally by redefining homeland security in today’s environment.

Narrated by Randy Vivian.

By STEVE STEIN, An Article Out Loud from the Domestic Preparedness Journal, November 02, 2022.

Despite small local governments being overrun with malware, ransomware, and myriad other threats, it is difficult to find experienced cybersecurity professionals. Meanwhile, students search for nonexistent entry-level jobs. One Washington State-based nonprofit is seeking to close this cybersecurity gap.

Narrated by Randy Vivian