Terrorist attacks are progressively arising these days. There has been an extreme consideration given to current practices of emergency management notably subsequent to the September 11 terrorist incident in World Trade Center. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have come-up with a program such as terrorist readiness plan so as to enhance the response to emergencies and disasters. Lack of preparedness, lack of joint training exercises and inadequate medical community preparedness are only some of the few dilemmas that should be well addressed to the community.
And in so doing, these activities should also take notice on the issues that include risk assessment, emergency planning and capability assessment to support the public. Based on the September 11 terrorist attack, limited sharing of information and lack of coordination among the agencies transpired because of difficulties experienced with communication equipments so we have to obtain innovative ways to better communicate, cooperate, and coordinate between government agencies at all levels to resolve the first problem cited.
Disaster drills must involve government employees, contractors, public officials and volunteers. Government contractors should be called on to provide additional support during major preparedness exercises (Lipowicz 1). Attentiveness and alertness are some of the approaches that should be instilled during joint training exercises. The fact that most emergency service agencies do not have the appropriate personal protective clothing and equipment (PPE) which are necessary to respond to a potential chemical and nuclear terrorist incidents.
This issue would appear particularly pertinent to both law enforcement and EMS personnel and firefighters, many of whom do not presently have protective equipment to enable them to enter a potentially toxic environment (Staten 1). Recommendation for training and emergency management education should be extended immediately if we are to avoid a major disaster.
Works Cited
Canada, Ben. “State and Local Preparedness for Terrorism: Policy Issues and Options. ” FPC State. 5 February 2002. Congressional Research Service.20 April 2008 < http://fpc. state. gov/documents/organization/8037. pdf>. Lipowicz, Alice. “Joint forces to sharpen disaster response. ” Defense systems. 21 April 2008. Strategic Intelligence for Info-centric Operations. 21 April 2008 < http://www. defensesystems. com/news/wt/daily_news/1308-1. html>. Staten, C. L. “Homeland Defense review Emergency Service Issues. ” Emergency. 24 October 2001. Emergency Response and Research Institute. 20 April 2008 < http://www. emergency. com/2001/homeland-defense2. htm>.