Initiatives and Challenges in Consequence Management After a WMD Attack

Initiatives and Challenges in Consequence Management After a WMD Attack PDF

Author: Bruce W. Bennett

Publisher:

Published: 2004

Total Pages: 38

ISBN-13:

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In the past decade, as the threat from rogue states and terrorist groups has increased, the U.S. and its allies have devoted far greater attention to how to manage the consequences of prospective uses of weapons of mass destruction (WMD). Consequence management1 is a process to mitigate the effects of the use of weapons of mass destruction, including: " detecting and characterizing weapons of mass destruction attacks; " measures that protect public health, ensure safety, and protect the environment; " measures to medically counter the effects of weapons of mass destruction attacks; " measures that restore essential services to government, businesses, and individuals; and " planning, training, and equipping to coordinate/synchronize the civil-military response.2 A thorough review and discussion of U.S. plans for consequence management will include the following: " The history of consequence management of the effects of weapons of mass destruction, with particular focus on the period since 1993. " The mandate for consequence management in the recent U.S. National Security Strategy and National Strategy to Combat Weapons of Mass Destruction.3 These strategies direct U.S. efforts both in the homeland and in support of U.S. forces and allies overseas, though these efforts are organized differently.

Responding to Catastrophic Events

Responding to Catastrophic Events PDF

Author: J. Larsen

Publisher: Springer

Published: 2013-05-30

Total Pages: 276

ISBN-13: 1137336439

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An introduction to the range of potential disaster scenarios, covering the issues and organizational relationships of importance to the student of consequence management. These include the roles, responsibilities, and coordination requirements of first responders, the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Defense, and the military.

Preparing for the Psychological Consequences of Terrorism

Preparing for the Psychological Consequences of Terrorism PDF

Author: Institute of Medicine

Publisher: National Academies Press

Published: 2003-08-26

Total Pages: 184

ISBN-13: 0309167922

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The Oklahoma City bombing, intentional crashing of airliners on September 11, 2001, and anthrax attacks in the fall of 2001 have made Americans acutely aware of the impacts of terrorism. These events and continued threats of terrorism have raised questions about the impact on the psychological health of the nation and how well the public health infrastructure is able to meet the psychological needs that will likely result. Preparing for the Psychological Consequences of Terrorism highlights some of the critical issues in responding to the psychological needs that result from terrorism and provides possible options for intervention. The committee offers an example for a public health strategy that may serve as a base from which plans to prevent and respond to the psychological consequences of a variety of terrorism events can be formulated. The report includes recommendations for the training and education of service providers, ensuring appropriate guidelines for the protection of service providers, and developing public health surveillance for preevent, event, and postevent factors related to psychological consequences.

Wmd Terrorism: Strategy For Consequences Management

Wmd Terrorism: Strategy For Consequences Management PDF

Author: M.S. Patial

Publisher:

Published: 2005-01-01

Total Pages: 228

ISBN-13: 9788170492535

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One Of The Debated Aspects Of The Study Of Terrorism Over Last Few Years Has Been The Likelihood Of Using Weapons Of Mass Destruction (Wmd) By Terrorists. A Rash Of Terrorist Spectaculars, Pushing As Never Before The Possibility Of Wmd Use By Non-State Actors Into The Spotlight, Has Brought The Immediacy Of The Question Home. Aum Shinrikyo'S Sarin Gas Attack On The Tokyo Subway In March 1995 Represented The First Large-Scale Use Of Mass-Casualty Weapons By A Non-State Actor For The Express Purpose Of Causing Large Numbers Of Deaths And Injuries. These Attacks Make The Question Of Potential Use Of Wmd By Terrorists An Important And Timely One, Especially When Considered In The Light Of The Explosion In Information Technology Availability And Growing Concerns Over Proliferation And Material Control Issues. The Level Of Physical Destruction, Injury And Loss Of Life From These Weapons Is So Great That The Potential For Acquisition And Use By Terrorists Warrants Serious Consideration.(Published In Collaboration With Usi, New Delhi)

Chemical and Biological Terrorism

Chemical and Biological Terrorism PDF

Author: Committee on R&D Needs for Improving Civilian Medical Response to Chemical and Biological Terrorism Incidents

Publisher: National Academies Press

Published: 1999-02-26

Total Pages: 303

ISBN-13: 0309523141

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The threat of domestic terrorism today looms larger than ever. Bombings at the World Trade Center and Oklahoma City's Federal Building, as well as nerve gas attacks in Japan, have made it tragically obvious that American civilians must be ready for terrorist attacks. What do we need to know to help emergency and medical personnel prepare for these attacks? Chemical and Biological Terrorism identifies the R&D efforts needed to implement recommendations in key areas: pre-incident intelligence, detection and identification of chemical and biological agents, protective clothing and equipment, early recognition that a population has been covertly exposed to a pathogen, mass casualty decontamination and triage, use of vaccines and pharmaceuticals, and the psychological effects of terror. Specific objectives for computer software development are also identified. The book addresses the differences between a biological and chemical attack, the distinct challenges to the military and civilian medical communities, and other broader issues. This book will be of critical interest to anyone involved in civilian preparedness for terrorist attack: planners, administrators, responders, medical professionals, public health and emergency personnel, and technology designers and engineers.

Terrorism and the Electric Power Delivery System

Terrorism and the Electric Power Delivery System PDF

Author: National Research Council

Publisher: National Academies Press

Published: 2012-11-25

Total Pages: 165

ISBN-13: 0309114047

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The electric power delivery system that carries electricity from large central generators to customers could be severely damaged by a small number of well-informed attackers. The system is inherently vulnerable because transmission lines may span hundreds of miles, and many key facilities are unguarded. This vulnerability is exacerbated by the fact that the power grid, most of which was originally designed to meet the needs of individual vertically integrated utilities, is being used to move power between regions to support the needs of competitive markets for power generation. Primarily because of ambiguities introduced as a result of recent restricting the of the industry and cost pressures from consumers and regulators, investment to strengthen and upgrade the grid has lagged, with the result that many parts of the bulk high-voltage system are heavily stressed. Electric systems are not designed to withstand or quickly recover from damage inflicted simultaneously on multiple components. Such an attack could be carried out by knowledgeable attackers with little risk of detection or interdiction. Further well-planned and coordinated attacks by terrorists could leave the electric power system in a large region of the country at least partially disabled for a very long time. Although there are many examples of terrorist and military attacks on power systems elsewhere in the world, at the time of this study international terrorists have shown limited interest in attacking the U.S. power grid. However, that should not be a basis for complacency. Because all parts of the economy, as well as human health and welfare, depend on electricity, the results could be devastating. Terrorism and the Electric Power Delivery System focuses on measures that could make the power delivery system less vulnerable to attacks, restore power faster after an attack, and make critical services less vulnerable while the delivery of conventional electric power has been disrupted.