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National Preparedness month (September) is an appropriate time to take stock of our security situation, particularly from a local community perspective. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) leads this annual campaign which is designed to better educate the public and improve local response efforts to minimize the potential loss of life and property resulting from a man-made or natural disaster. Clearly, the information disseminated to the American public needs to emphasize the more likely threats and provide a certain “depth-of-understanding” that would avoid panic or inappropriate response. Most experts would agree that a “dirty bomb” consisting of radioactive material wrapped in conventional explosives represents a serious threat. Such an attack would inevitably cause massive disruption and may lead to “mass casualty situations” depending on the amount and type of radioactive material and explosives used. Other factors include the bomb’s detonation point relative to nearby populations as well as atmospheric conditions, such as prevailing winds at the time of the blast. Various scenarios have been done to estimate the relative severity and scope of such an attack. One such study was recently completed by the DHS Center of Excellence known as CREATE at the University of Southern California. Risk experts and economists examined the ports of Los Angeles/Long Beach to evaluate as realistically as possible the impact of a medium size “dirty bomb” detonated at or near port infrastructure. The “medium” scenario estimated relatively few initial deaths (0-10) in the immediate area of the explosion and radiation exposure. However, longer term effects included latent cancer victims (0-20) and decontamination and other indirect economic costs totaling up to three hundred million dollars. This research suggests that the American public would benefit by being better able to differentiate between the exposure effects of a radiological device compared to a nuclear weapon. Lack of awareness could lead to panic or failure to judge an emergency situation correctly. In short, how can ordinary citizens improve their chances of surviving such an attack and what can our government do to promote a better understanding of the threat ... more

Within the universe of potential terrorist targets, most would agree that large commercial establishments that cater to the general public represent soft targets. Practically all of the resources allocated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security have been directed to various governmental agencies at the federal, state and local levels including quasi-public entities such as airports, seaports and transit authorities. In some cases, the private owners and operators of critical infrastructure have obtained grants to “harden” their facilities against potential terrorist attacks. What is left out is the retail sector of the American economy which deals with large numbers of patrons within a well defined commercial space, e.g. a shopping mall. In recent years, local governments have substantially upgraded their ability to handle emergencies. However, a Rand Corporation study found that the vast majority of attacks on shopping centers involved the use of explosives whose lethal effects are immediate and relatively little can be down to reduce the consequences following the blast. Therefore, public spaces where large numbers of Americans congregate, such as shopping malls or stadiums, appear to be an area of vulnerability. Although these facilities may have “in-house” security and evacuation procedures; it is by no means clear that the private operators (owners, tenants, employees) could effectively deal with a well planned terrorist attack, particularly in the critical early stages. editorial

Technology Review

Guided Search and Rescue - In this edition, we describe the emergence of an innovative technology that represents a logical extension of Geographical Information Systems (GIS). This commercially available technology can be used to capture spatial and other relationships within interior environments. GIS analysis, information management, and navigation is essentially a large scale representation of a defined geographic space. However, the spatial relationships can also be presented in a more limited, sub-geographic or sub-address context. This is suitable for the mapping of complex, man-made environments such as airports, shopping malls, corporate and university campuses, manufacturing and chemical plants, office buildings, hotels, and resorts where millions of Americans find themselves. It is also the critical environment which first responders, FEMA and the National Guard will most likely be required to operate when a natural disaster or terrorist attack occurs.

In the event of a large scale emergency, GIS can provide first responders and others with the crucial information on the location, disposition and relationship of buildings and major infrastructure in geographic space. While, interior location technology can provide essential support to rescuers who need to have a reliable, mobile access to information about the location and disposition of people, supplies and infrastructure inside the complex, man-made environments that characterize our society. Essentially what is required is a technology that links simple maps and floor plans describing a campus, building or plant with information about the people, materials equipment or processes associated with that space. This information must be delivered to handheld devices—light weight, battery powered and wirelessly connected tools that can be carried by first responders, law enforcement officials and others who are on the scene...continue

Featured Member

HLSIA is proud to introduce Robert Stern who is the Managing Partner and founder of Defense Research, LLC. He might be best described as a serial entrepreneur having established various IT enterprises over the years. For example, he founded Technimation, Inc. a computer animation and simulation company, which was one of the first companies to develop 3D animation utilizing the PC. He hails from the University of Washington where he earned an advanced degree in Graphic/Industrial Design. He became Senior Advisor, Technology and Design, at IBM’s West Coast Research Center where he directed the design of convergent technology products. He also served as Creative Director for several Silicon Valley technology companies and has provided consulting services to Microsoft, Cisco, Apple Computers, and other Fortune 500 companies.

Rob Stern had always been interested and, at great personal effort, systematically educated himself in civil defense and emergency response information systems. His latest venture at Defense Research was to develop the most comprehensive reference available for planning and responding to mass casualty disasters. This project which involved compilation and distillation of thousands of pages of official text has been three years in the making. Soon this resource will be accessible on the internet with direct application to terrorist and natural disaster situations. The product is easy to navigate and quickly gives the user critical information to deal decisively with emergency situations.

Finally, a word about Defense Research firm capabilities... more

Featured Event

Featured Publication

Securing Global Transportation Networks by Luke Ritter, J. Michael Barrett & Rosalyn Wilson

This publication, in association with Trident Global Partners challenges the reader to adopt Total Security Management as a way to improve transportation security in the context of sound business practices.
See also http://www.ridgeglobal.com/news/2008/luke_ritter/index.asp Cost: $49.95. Visit McGraw Hill Professional Book Store to order.