-
Experts urge the inclusion of social science insights into disaster planning
In Japan they wear face masks; in the U.S. they do not — this and other insights from cultural studies should be incorporated into disaster planning, experts argue
-
-
Do not rely on government in case of pandemic
Nevada health and emergency officials have a blunt message to state citizens: Fend for yourselves
-
-
Inspector General: DHS knew in April 2005 of inability to respond to catastrophic incidents
DHS IG reveals that in April 2005 government-wide exercise showed inadequacy of DHS plans for coping with hurricane disaster in the Gulf
-
-
Legislators propose to restore FEMA as an independent, cabinet-level agency
FEMA’s performance in Katrina prompts calls to release “trapped agency” from DHS fold
-
-
Last-minute battle over TRIA extension
Terrorism insurance was supposed to be a temporary, post-9/11 measure, but insurers and realtors got so used to it, they want it extended; the White House and Senate want to limit the measure’s scope, the House want to expand it; either way, it expires on 31 December unless extended
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
SAIC wins $68 million contract to help CDC implement biosurveillance
CDC to rule out nationwide biosurveillance with the help of SAIC
-
-
Ridge: DHS did not employ disaster plan in Katrina
FEMA’s disaster plan was never implemented — but it was untested, so it is not clear it would have made a difference
-
-
-
-
The long view
Strengthening School Violence Prevention
Violence by K-12 students is disturbingly common. Ensuring that schools have effective ways to identify and prevent such incidents is becoming increasingly important. Expanding intervention options and supporting K-12 school efforts in Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management (BTAM) would help.
Huge Areas May Face Possibly Fatal Heat Waves if Warming Continues
A new assessment warns that if Earth’s average temperature reaches 2 degrees C over the preindustrial average, widespread areas may become too hot during extreme heat events for many people to survive without artificial cooling.
Trump’s Cuts to Federal Wildfire Crews Could Have “Scary” Consequences
President Donald Trump’s moves to slash the federal workforce have gutted the ranks of wildland firefighters and support personnel, fire professionals warn, leaving communities to face deadly consequences when big blazes arrive this summer. States, tribes and fire chiefs are preparing for a fire season with minimal federal support.