Please answer the following four questions by writing your original response to each question. In addition to the grading rubric below, please also comply with the following instructions: (2.5) pages for each question [1.5 paragraph line spacing for each answer; at least two scholastic external references [i.e., not part of the class materials] for each question; all in-text/parenthetical citations and reference lists in accordance with APA style guidance; 12-point text font; and 1-inch margins.

In developing your various responses, example issues/items to consider as you formulate your answer can include, but are not limited to, the following:

- what are the key issues, risks, and vulnerabilities?
- what combination of federal and state activities are affected?
- what primary mitigation and risk reduction measures are applicable?
- which aspects of preparedness are present and/or lacking?
- what pathways, solutions and ideas suggest ways to improve future results or outcomes?

Question #1: When we look at Hurricane Katrina's worst effects on Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama, and the aftermath of the Hurricane Sandy event which devastated much of the northeast including New Jersey and severely impacted a variety of infrastructures, what does it suggest as to the proper role of various states versus the federal government in preparing for, managing, and responding to massive natural disasters which feature maximum complexity, destruction, and disruption to our critical infrastructures?

Question #2: Loss of the nation's electric grid for an extended period of time (more than 15 days) is a real risk we must prepare for whether it results from natural disaster, accident, or terrorism. In determining the priorities that we must assign to diverse segments of our society for protection, rapid restoration, and sustained operations, what are the pros and cons behind supporting the rapid restoration of military and government activities first before other aspects of the civilian and industrial economy?

Question #3: Vulnerability assessments of critical infrastructure are seen as essential in any risk management strategy. Given rates of periodically significant natural disasters which can disrupt and destroy infrastructure (such as earthquakes, floods, tornados, etc.) in many areas, how best should energy sector and government leaders and managers gauge key risks, assess vulnerabilities, and prepare adequately for future emergencies?

Question #4: You now work for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and are part of a team tasked to update the NIPP 2013: Partnering for Critical Infrastructure Security and Resiliencedocument. The DHS team lead has asked everyone to review the NIPP 2013 document and provide at least three recommendations regarding updates, changes, modifications, additions, deletions, etc. that you would propose for potential inclusion into what would become a "new" NIPP 2016document. Identify your three (or more) recommendations, and provide an accompanying explanation/rationale for each recommendation.