NCJ Number
205484
Journal
Homeland Defense Journal Volume: 2 Issue: 3 Dated: April 2004 Pages: 27-28
Editor(s)
Robert Jordan
Date Published
April 2004
Length
2 pages
Annotation
This article examines the blackout of 2003 and its implications for homeland security.
Abstract
The blackout of 2003, which left millions of people stranded in darkness at the height of evening rush hour, caught the Nation’s terrorist enemies by surprise and unprepared to act. However, given the adaptable and opportunistic nature of international terrorism, the next time a blackout occurs, Americans may not be so lucky. According to officials from the eight States affected by the blackout, reliable communications and effective resource management are key to ensuring that future blackouts do not result in chaos and confusion which could lead from inconvenience to loss of life. The primary, if not only role, played by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) during this crisis, was to assure Americans that the blackout was not the work of terrorists. Most State and local official learned the extent of the crises, not from DHS, but rather from the media. Yet most State officials acknowledge that all terrorist incidents or massive infrastructure emergencies are local in nature and, as a result, the information flow is usually one way -- to the Federal Government. The response by the State of Michigan and the city of Detroit is used as an example of the work that needs to be done to ensure communication at all levels of government, especially with first responders.