Local Planning for Terror and Disaster: From Bioterrorism to Earthquakes

“In summary, this book is an excellent read and the way the various incidents and subsequent responses are recounted, one cannot help but to reevaluate how to plan for disasters and emergencies to be better prepared for not only realistic worst case events but also for the Black Swan.” (Journal of Chemical Health & Safety, 1 April 2013)

“Local Planning for Terror and Disaster: From Bioterrorism to Earthquakes, is required reading for anyone involved in responding to Mass Casualty Events which means all of us, because we could all become first responders.”―Nancy Hartevelt Kobrin, PhD, familysecuritymatters.org

“‘Local Planning’ may be among the most important books published this year. . . .”―Warren Boroson, newjerseynewsroom.com

“Leonard Cole and Nancy Connell have produced an essential book, not just for counterterrorism and disaster preparedness professionals, but for each and every American. We can’t prevent disasters but we can mitigate them, and the key to mitigation is preparedness. I know of no better place to look for that key than in the pages of this book.”―Clark Ervin, Former Inspector General, US Department of Homeland Security

“A great read. At a time when funding for local preparedness efforts is waning, this book is a clarion call for reversing that trend. Leading experts and practitioners from across the preparedness spectrum provide vivid case studies and give valuable judgments about what matters most in responding to disasters and terrorism. Read it and be reminded how much depends on local response when catastrophe strikes.” ―Thomas Inglesby, MD, Director of the Center for Biosecurity of UPMC

“This text is an excellent addition to the discipline of disaster management. It includes realistic case studies to introduce the diverse range of disaster and terror situations that medical, security, or other professionals should be prepared to address. Any disaster professional would benefit greatly from heeding its lessons.” ―Jane Bullock, Former Chief of Staff, Federal Emergency Management Agency

“This book provides a unique approach to the true interdisciplinary requirements for responses to terrorist and disaster events as it translates findings from case studies into actions needed for preparedness. Thus, it provides much needed information for the disciplines that comprise disaster medicine, including administration and security. It is an important read that will enhance our levels of preparedness.” ―Marvin Birnbaum, MD, PhD, Chair, Board of Directors, World Association for Disaster and Emergency Medicine

From bioterrorism to earthquakes — a unique guide for emergency responders

“A great read. At a time when funding for local preparedness efforts is waning, this book is a clarion call for reversing that trend. . . . Read it and be reminded how much depends on local response when catastrophe strikes.”

—Thomas Inglesby, MD, CEO, Center for Biosecurity of UPMC

“An excellent addition to the discipline of disaster management. . . . Any disaster professional would benefit greatly from heeding its lessons.”

—Jane Bullock, former Chief of Staff, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

“This book provides a unique approach to the true interdisciplinary requirements for responses to terrorist and disaster events. . . . It is an important read that will enhance our levels of preparedness.”

—Marvin Birnbaum, MD, PhD, Chair of the Board of Directors and former president, World Association for Disaster and Emergency Medicine

Local Planning for Terror and Disaster presents a truly integrated approach to emergency response. It offers real-world strategies for handling all types of emergencies, covering such areas as bioterrorism, natural disasters, infectious disease outbreaks, public health policy, and emergency medicine. Written by leading experts on the cutting edge of terror medicine and other disciplines involved in local preparedness, the book clearly shows how proven techniques for dealing with terrorist attacks can be applied to accidental and natural disasters as well.

The authors begin with an overview of topics crucial for successful response efforts, discussing terror medicine, security, and communications among emergency responders. Throughout the remainder of the book they provide fascinating case studies, exploring the role of all involved in a given scenario—from emergency physicians and managers to law enforcement personnel and even bystanders and survivors. Each scenario includes detailed guidance on how to best communicate and coordinate response efforts among responders, assessment of the success or failure of response efforts, and suggestions for improvement.