NCJ Number
190513
Date Published
October 2000
Length
39 pages
Annotation
This document presents results of the hazard mitigation/domestic preparedness survey of the Minnesota Public Safety Emergency Management division.
Abstract
A series of six public meetings were sponsored to gather information and opinions on the types of hazards of greatest concern across Minnesota’s State Agencies, emergency management, and response community. The meetings also solicited ideas on the types of strategies that have been or could be effective in mitigating the impact of hazards. An additional purpose of the public meetings was to provide advice to responders for dealing with potential/emerging hazards and risks. Approximately 100 people from 30 counties attended the meetings. Results showed that the dominant concerns were generated in Technological Hazards (defined as man-made and typically accidental), followed by Domestic Preparedness (a terrorist situation where the location, material, and delivery devices were often unknown and difficult to predict). The main mitigation strategies should focus on improving policies and procedures, and then planning followed by improvement of logistical needs, such as equipment and software for response efforts. Another survey was provided to emergency management and first responder personnel statewide. Sixty-four responses were received from local, county, and State agencies. The State composite poll on the survey was led by the following categories: severe storm; tornadoes; and flood-related hazards. However, the results revealed some regional differences in prioritization. Resources, training, and warning were listed as the leading information needs. Planning should be a primary objective strategy for terrorism mitigation. The second mitigation action would be to conduct a hazard vulnerability study, which would form a basis for distribution of limited resources. Equipment needs should follow, as the need appeared consistently across every region.