Homeland Security: The Ripple Effect
This emergency disaster preparedness conference explored the cascading impacts of terrorism and natural disasters on smaller communities.  It addressed the resources, planning, and training needed to prepare for such an event.  Considerable legislative, planning, and media attention have been directed toward the impact of a major catastrophe—natural or man-made—on large cities.   However, local emergency management and the impacts on small towns, counties, and states surrounding metropolitan areas have received less focus.
 
Session videos, audio, and presentations are now available. Visit www.apus.edu/disaster/presentations.

February 6-7, 2007
National Press Club (directions)
Washington, D.C. (area guide)
Hosted by American Military University

Participants in this two-day event combined practice with policy to develop a systematic approach to assist communities in responding to future disasters.

Speakers included:

• Hon. Bennie G. Thompson, chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security, U.S. House of Representatives

• Hon. Gary Hart, former senator, presidential candidate, and the Wirth Chair in Environmental and Community Development Policy at the University of Colorado at Denver & Health Sciences Center

• Hon. James S. Gilmore, III, chairman of the National Council on Readiness and Preparedness (NCORP); chairman of the Congressional Advisory Panel to Assess Domestic Response Capabilities for Terrorism Involving Weapons of Mass Destruction; and former governor of Virginia.
     
• R. David Paulison, Under Secretary of Federal Emergency Management, Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency

• Lieutenant General Russel L. Honoré, commanding general of the U.S. First Army in Fort Gillem, GA, and former commander of the Joint Task Force-Katrina

• James W. Spears, Homeland Security Advisor and Secretary of Military Affairs and Public Safety, State of West Virginia

-> Who Attended?

This conference was designed to initiate a dialogue between federal, state, and local officials; scholars; and practitioners in the related fields of emergency and disaster management, homeland security, and criminal justice.  This included:

• Fire Professionals
• Police Officers and Officials
• Federal Policy Makers
• State, Local, and Non-Government Officials
• County Organizations
• Emergency Planners

-> What Was Discussed?

View the agenda.  Conference tracks included:

• Planning and preparation
• Training,  education, and awareness
• Command, control, and operations

Sessions addressed topics such as:

• Funding and resources
• Healthcare systems in outlying communities
• Transportation and mobility
• Training, education, and public awareness
• Local government planning:ensuring continuity after disaster strikes
• Emergency preparation and response for special populations
• Food and water safety and emergency response
• Federal response: policy gaps