Security Issues

Citation

(2004), "Security Issues", Disaster Prevention and Management, Vol. 13 No. 1. https://doi.org/10.1108/dpm.2004.07313aae.004

Security Issues

Progress Report on the Federal Building and Fire Safety Investigation of the World Trade Center DisasterNIST Special Publication 1000-32003128 pp.Free

For availability of printed copies, contact the Superintendent of Documents, US Government Printing Office, Washington, DC. 20402-9325; (202) 512-1800, Fax: (202) 512-2250. The complete document can be downloaded from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Web site: www.nist.gov/public_affairs/releases/wtc05-07-03.htm

This report contains an update on the ongoing federal investigation into fire safety at the World Trade Center (WTC). Although there are no major conclusions, the document presents information on the floor system fireproofing; an assessment of the most probable structural collapse sequence; data on occupant behavior, evacuation, and emergency response; and the implementation of the National Construction Safety Team Act. Persons interested in learning more about this effort can contact the WTC Investigation Team, NIST, 100 Bureau Drive, Stop 8610, Gaithersburg, MD 20899-8610; Fax: (301) 975-6122; e-mail: wtc@nist.gov

Evacuation Planning Matrix2003.4 pp.Free

This guide can be downloaded from the US Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration Web site: www.osha.gov/dep/evacmatrix/index.html. A checklist of resources can be found at: www.osha.gov/dep/evacmatrix/evacplan_appb.html

Recent terrorist events in the USA underscore the importance of workplace evacuation planning. Consequently, OSHA developed this Evacuation Planning Matrix to provide employers with planning considerations and on-line resources that may help them reduce their vulnerability to a terrorist act.

"Terrorism and Disaster: New Threats, New Ideas" Research on Social Problems and Public Policy, Vol. 11Elsevier2003160 pp.ISBN 076231043X$90.00

The terrorist attacks of 11 September 2001 signalled that people are increasingly put at risk of not only natural and technological disasters, but terrorism as well. Since that day, scholars have been asking new questions about catastrophe and made important and interesting innovations in methods, concepts, and theories regarding disaster and terror. This volume brings together a set of papers about the attacks and their implications. Terrorism and Disaster draws from several disciplines to address key questions: what lessons does the response to the collapse of the World Trade Center have for disaster planning? What has 11 September meant for civil liberties in the USA? How will survivors react over the long run? How do we conceptualize panic and mass response?

Homeland Protection ProfessionalMay/June 2003Annual subscription: $46.95 for ten issues

To subscribe, contact Homeland Protection Professional, 4057 Forest Avenue, Western Springs, IL 60558; (708) 246-2525; Web site: www.hppmag.com

This publication addresses topics of interest to responders and those who must deal with homeland security issues. Articles in this issue address the National Urban Search and Rescue Response System, the use of quarantines, local family preparedness programs, continuity of government at the local level, and a cooperative effort between civilian emergency responders and a local Marine Corps base.

Guidelines for Preparing the University for SARS20037 pp.Free

Copies are available from the American College Health Association (ACHA) Web site: www.acha.org/health_alert_03.cfm

For further information, contact the ACHA, PO Box 28937, Baltimore, MD 21240-8937; (410) 859-1500; Fax: (410) 859-1510; Web site: www.acha.org

Most of the US cases of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) have occurred among travelers returning to the USA from other parts of the world. SARS is of concern, therefore, to college and university officials because of the high volume of faculty, students, and visitors travelling to and from affected regions and because of the potential for rapid transmission in the highly congregated campus setting. ACHA drafted these guidelines to help college health officials prepare for SARS-related issues. They cover pre-event planning, planning for hosting arrivals to campus from SARS-affected areas, and planning for university students, faculty, and staff who will be traveling to SARS-affected countries.

Strategies for Incident Preparedness: A National ModelDunaway, W.M.2003105 pp.Free

Available from the National Bioterrorism Civilian Medical Response Center (NBCMRC) at Drexel University, c/o Noesis, Inc., 4100 North Fairfax Drive, Suite 800, Arlington, VA 22203; (703) 741-0300; Web site: www.cimerc.org/projects/StrategiesforIncidentPreparedness/SIP.pdf

In 2001, a project to prepare the medical and healthcare community of southeastern Pennsylvania for the possibility of a medical emergency resulting from an act of terrorism concluded that there was minimal awareness and preparedness on the part of the regional medical and healthcare community. In addition, there was no available model for hospitals, clinics, or healthcare organizations to consult to identify response requirements, provide training scenarios, or coordinate partners. The Delaware Valley Disaster Preparedness Task Force, formed as a result of the study, has created this guidebook to aid community hospitals, medical clinics, and other organizations to plan, coordinate, and train for large-scale medical emergencies arising from mass casualty events across the USA. The guide comprises a variety of exercise scenarios, along with information about national-level agencies, suggestions for evaluation strategies, and a section on lessons learned.