Good Morning…
Happy holidays, and welcome back to Disaster Discourse Monthly!
We’re closing out this year by looking at new technology for active threat events, innovative solutions to climate change’s effects, and important local preparedness tips.
In Active Threat…
We’ve reached a point where active threat events are almost a daily occurrence, and students aren’t surprised when they happen at their schools. While the root cause of this issue may take time to address, new technology from Carnegie Mellon University could aid public safety officials in locating active shooters following an attack.
About Cyber Security…
Another in a long string of cyber-attacks, a T-Mobile data breach recently exposed the personal data of its customers. While the impact was reported as minimal, the National Infrastructure Advisory Council (NIAC) warns that cyber risks pose an “existential threat to continuity of government, economic stability, social order, and national security.”
On the Environment…
New York City’s (NYC’s) Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) is preparing for the possibility of disastrous flooding caused by climate change by retrofitting subway entrances to hold back up to 14 feet of water. Meanwhile, Mississippi River communities could save billions of dollars in future disaster recovery by conserving vacant lands within their flood plains. And across the world, three tropical rain forests’ trees are doing their part to mitigate the effects of climate change.
In Pre/Post Disaster Recovery…
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is concerningly short staffed, which makes local and state preparedness and recovery efforts even more important. Even the simple act of including pets in your local planning can have a huge impact on how your community reacts during and after a disaster. Similarly, ensuring that your drills, not just your plans, effectively include people with access and functional needs (AFN) can make or break truly whole community preparedness.
About Public Health…
Ebola, which has affected the world since the mid ‘70s, may have met its match. The World Health Organization just prequalified a vaccine to treat the virus.