The all hazards approach for homeland security is very important. If the focus was just on
terrorism it would not be beneficial or a smart approach. The all hazards approach in both
emergency management and homeland security allows for America and the Nation to be
prepared for the possible hazards that are possible to each and every individual community.
Being able to be prepared and determining which hazards can effect certain communities is done
by identification and risk assessment. To have an all hazards approach which is to focus on man-
made, natural and possible terrorism hazards is more beneficial rather then only focusing on
terrorism. Terrorist attacks are very freighting, in the US 9/11 will always be the main reason
people have a very strong fear of possible terrorist attacks. Although individuals are faces with
various risks everyday such as natural hazards such as tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes,
landslides, flooding, etc. The all hazards approach is not to diminish and make it seem as if
terrorism is not a primary focus or important hazard because it is, but it is the rather be prepared
for possible hazards that are more likely to occur.
There are three hazards that contain a higher probability of occurring no matter what
portion of the country or world you are in; natural, accidental, and man-made hazards (Kilroy,
2008). As the warm weather approaches, I would say the number one hazard that my community
faces are flooding. I like right next to the Delaware River and Rancocas Creek in New Jersey.
Being located between two water ways can be difficult at times of weather such as server
thunderstorms, heavy rain, and even possible hurricanes when the season comes. “There will be
great earthquakes, and in various famines and pestilences. And there will be terrors and great
signs from heaven” (Luke 21:11, ESV). The Bible speaks about the many various hazards that
we face in life. “I form light and create darkness, I make well-being and create calamity, I am the
Lord, who does all these things” (Isaiah 45:7, ESV).
The San Bruno explosion and the 2010 Haiti earthquake provided many takeaways from
the lessons learned to the best practices during the crisis. The following list will serve as the best
lessons learned and practices to take away from both disasters. The first take away would be
mitigation. Mitigation is a valuable tool in disaster management, which was discussed in the text
in regard to the Haiti Earthquake. When mitigation is done properly it can reduce the loss of life
and property, the Haiti Earthquake showcased the outcome of when mitigation is not conducted
or not conducted properly.
The second take away from these events is the need for all jurisdictions to include
pipeline explosions to the threat and hazard identification (Ramsay & Kiltz, 2014). Pipelines run
throughout the whole country. Pipelines can pose as a technological hazard and can be used as a
tool for terrorists as well (Ramsay & Kiltz, 2014). All jurisdictions should take pipeline
explosions into consideration before it is possibly too late.
The third take-away would be that emergency management is not just for emergency
personnel and first responders and emergency managers, it is for the whole community.
Emergency Management applies to the whole community from personal preparedness, local
businesses, NGOs, FBO’s, construction companies, volunteer organizations, and even insurance
companies. In order to assure that emergency management is focused in all areas and is limited
to the essential would be to make sure all phases of the emergency management cycle are
successful.
The fourth take away is from the Haiti earthquake and is about avoiding secondary public
health emergencies. This can happen after a major disaster. During the Haiti earthquake there
was a lack of knowledge regarding the local geography, infrastructural limitations, and cultural
practices during the response and recovery phases. This led to many more deaths due to the
cholera outbreak. In this case, the human errors were caused the secondary effect to the original
disaster that could have been prevented.
The last take away is the opportunity to use the technology that we have to be creative in
development and new methods that can be used to create better and more functional fund-raising
tools. Obviously the local, state, and federal government cannot simply provide all of the funding
that is needed and necessary for the response and recovery phases. Donations are a large part and
take a big impact on when disasters occur. The American Red Cross and International Red Cross
usually create a text messaging system that allows donations to be easily donated to the response
and recovery phases of such event. Due to the advance in technology, it would be very beneficial
for the NGO’s to use technology to their advancement to help gain more donations in a more
efficient way.
Kilroy, R. J. (2008). Threats to homeland security: An all hazards perspective. Hoboken, NJ:
Wiley.
Ramsey, J. D., & Kiltz, L. (2014). Critical issues in homeland security: A casebook. Boulder,
CO: Westview.
