MHE509 Emergency Planning and Methodology Module 3 Case - Essay Example

This paper will discuss and answer the following question: 4) What are a few of the most important consideration that should be taken into account when evaluating the decision making abilities of the incident Commander Can his decision making abilities be evaluated by a supervisor or other responsible person without the experience from having to perform in similar situations 1. Based on the statements presented above, do you believe that the new Department clearly recognizes the importance of local government in responding to and controlling small to moderate size disasters Please justify your position The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) employs approximately 180,000 people.

It has a daunting mission: lead the nation's unified effort to secure America which encompasses the deterrence and prevention of terrorist attacks and protection from and response to threats and hazards. The department ensures safe and secure borders and promotes the free flow of commerce. (Light, 2007) The DHS clearly recognizes the importance of local government in responding to and controlling small to moderate disasters. The department develops a comprehensive overview of American strategic interests and objectives for the security strategy.

It identified the alternatives to implement the national security strategy by defining the security goals for American society, and by describing the internal and external policy instruments required. Furthermore, it identified the sequence of measures needed to respond to external threats. (Parachini, 2003) The DHS works in close coordination with the local government. A clear example of this is that the DHS relies on the first responders such as EMS personnel, public works, fire and rescue and police agencies.

Whenever an emergency arises, one of these local agencies is the first to get notified and/or arrive to the scene, and hence, these local agencies are heavily involved. The state homeland security directors' top strategy is to link interoperable communications for first responders. The second strategy is to merge the response strategies of state and local agencies. The third strategy is to develop a state intelligence fusion center where emergency responses can be analyzed and solved. The fourth strategy is to confirm and protect critical infrastructure.

The Department of Homeland Security also helps state and local emergency management efforts by providing huge budgets in grants, and program support. A major case is the Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG) which is an all-hazards emergency preparedness grant program in support of capacity building at the state and local level. The Homeland Security Grant Program