Assignment Instructions

Develop a 4 - 5 page essay that fully responds to the following prompt:

Prompt: The Department of Homeland Security's 2014 Quadrennial Homeland Security Review identifies six strategic challenges (found on page 28 of this document) that it believes will drive risks facing the nation over the next several years. Explain the process used by local communities (counties or cities) in determining which of these threats pose the greatest risks to their respective communities, and how these communities prioritize their resources in attempting to prevent or mitigate these threats. In addition, what steps and actions might be taken by these communities to prepare for such events in a proactive and effective manner?

(Note: The six strategic challenges are: The terrorist threat, cyber threats, biological concerns, nuclear terrorism, transnational criminal organizations and natural hazards. Do not confuse these with the Department of Homeland Security's five missions)

National Preparedness Report

Required annually by Presidential Policy Directive 8: National Preparedness, the NPR summarizes national progress in building, sustaining, and delivering the 31 core capabilities outlined in the National Preparedness Goal ("the Goal"). The NPR is considered "a baseline evaluation of the progress made to date toward building, sustaining, and delivering the core capabilities described in the Goal" (DHS, 2012). The report analyzes all 31 core capabilities and assesses each for successes and weaknesses.

Along with the NPR, DHS developed a website that is used to track any weaknesses from a particular response (https://www.llis.dhs.gov). This site includes many documents, mitigation best practices, knowledge base and the core capabilities initiative. When you review the core capabilities section, it is evident that the National Preparedness Report was created to "Strengthening Communities Through Shared Knowledge" (DHS, 2014).

From all perspectives the National Response Plan and Lessons Learned website were developed to increase the overall success while responding to any event. The ability to measure success and weakness, while also providing a forum to disseminate critical information and learn from it is a tremendous resource for communities across the Nation.

Presidential Policy Directive (PPD-8)

Presidential Policy Directive (PPD)-8, which went into effect 30 March, 2011, directed the development of a National Preparedness Goal, which is "a secure and resilient nation with the capabilities required across the whole community to prevent, protect against, mitigate, respond to, and recover from the threats and hazards that pose the greatest risk" (National Preparedness Goal, 2011). Additionally, PPD-8 also directs an annual National Preparedness Report (PPD-8, 2011). This annual National Preparedness Report is basically structured from the National Preparedness Goal, to include the five identified mission areas of Prevention, Protection, Mitigation, Response, and Recovery. Each mission area contains core capabilities which relate to one or more specific mission areas. Additionally, within the National Preparedness Goal, there are three core capabilities (Planning, Public Information and Warning, and Operational Coordination) which are considered common core capabilities and are included in all five mission areas (National Preparedness Goal, 2011).

Department of Homeland Security. (2012, March 30). National Preparedness Report. Washington D.C.

Department of Homeland Security. (2014, January 14). Lessons Learned Information Sharing LLS.gov. Retrieved fromhttps//www.llisdhs.gov