NCJ Number
194364
Journal
The Beacon Volume: 4 Issue: 2 Dated: January 2002 Pages: 5-7
Date Published
January 2002
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This article focuses on preparation for weapons of mass destruction (WMD) incidents.
Abstract
Planning, preparation, and practice are the keys to survival of a WMD. First response agencies are the front line of defense. These agencies should broaden their scope to be multi-jurisdictional. The local response must include all elements of police and fire rescue, Emergency Medical Services (EMS), and emergency management. Public health services, the hospitals, and the entire medical community must be engaged in the process. During a WMD incident, rapid detection and containment are key. Threat assessments can help the community determine some of its unique vulnerabilities. A multi-disciplinary team can best do this, including law enforcement, fire, EMS, public works, public health, emergency management, and hazardous materials. There is no room for interagency competition. All key individuals and agencies must make an honest assessment of their capabilities and determine where the holes are in the system. One of the best ways to prepare is to do a full-scale drill of the agencies’ capabilities. Communications is one of the key elements to consider. The coordination of communications systems is important. Now is the time to “think outside the box.”