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Presidential Policy Directive 8 : Browse Recent Ideas

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  Presidential Policy Directive 8 »

  Preparation & Hope are Life Saving

  A study by the U.S. Dept. of Defense (DOD) disclosed that American prisoners of the North Vietnamese communists (during the Vietnam War) died at a much faster rate if they lacked strong religious conviction, or some other basis of hope for the future. In my three years of combat, during that same war, I discovered that the very best jungle survivors had several survival courses, over a period of years, starting with the ...more »

  A study by the U.S. Dept. of Defense (DOD) disclosed that American prisoners of the North Vietnamese communists (during the Vietnam War) died at a much faster rate if they lacked strong religious conviction, or some other basis of hope for the future. In my three years of combat, during that same war, I discovered that the very best jungle survivors had several survival courses, over a period of years, starting with the Boy Scouts. In times of major disaster, its best to be with persons who have hope (based on confidence) ...and who have the extensive training needed to make them fully prepared. In addition, every person needs to develop these skills as part of personal emergency preparedness.

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  1 comment for Idea: Preparation & Hope are Life Saving

  Submitted by David Nuttle 1 year ago

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  Presidential Policy Directive 8 »

  Target & Hazard Classifications

  Part of the defense against natural and man-made disasters is making responsible authorities and the public more aware of targets, and their related hazards in our target-rich nation. As an example, most of us know that a dam might be damaged by several types of disasters, and if its reservoir waters are suddenly released, the hazard is usually high. A dam therefore needs high target and high hazard classifications. ...more »

  Part of the defense against natural and man-made disasters is making responsible authorities and the public more aware of targets, and their related hazards in our target-rich nation. As an example, most of us know that a dam might be damaged by several types of disasters, and if its reservoir waters are suddenly released, the hazard is usually high. A dam therefore needs high target and high hazard classifications. By making these classifications public, we help make our citizens more aware of the risks they need to know about. Handbooks on how to deal effectively with these risks need to be classified and carefully controlled, so terrorists cannot easily discover preventive/ defensive plans.

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  1 comment for Idea: Target & Hazard Classifications

  Submitted by David Nuttle 1 year ago

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  Presidential Policy Directive 8 »

  Captain Robert Kamansky, MSC,DC-FBI-CJIS TRAINED FORENSICS, NCIC

  THE FOCUS OF PPD-8 IS NATIONAL EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS .H.R. 570 THE DENTAL EMERGENCY RESPONDER ACT OF 2011 NOW BEFORE A SENATE SUBCOMMITTEE DOES JUST WHAT PPD-8 DEMANDS. I JUST RETURNED FROM AN ATLANTA COMBINED ADA-SCDI-FBI-INTERPOL MEETING WHERE ALL PRESENT KNEW THAT H.R. 570 WAS CRITICAL TO USE OUR NATIONS DENTAL PROFESSION AT THE HIGHEST LEVELS IN ANY NATIONAL EMERGENCY. WITHOUT H.R. 570 THAT I HAVE WORKED CLOSELY ...more »

  THE FOCUS OF PPD-8 IS NATIONAL EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS .H.R. 570 THE DENTAL EMERGENCY RESPONDER ACT OF 2011 NOW BEFORE A SENATE SUBCOMMITTEE DOES JUST WHAT PPD-8 DEMANDS. I JUST RETURNED FROM AN ATLANTA COMBINED ADA-SCDI-FBI-INTERPOL MEETING WHERE ALL PRESENT KNEW THAT H.R. 570 WAS CRITICAL TO USE OUR NATIONS DENTAL PROFESSION AT THE HIGHEST LEVELS IN ANY NATIONAL EMERGENCY. WITHOUT H.R. 570 THAT I HAVE WORKED CLOSELY WITH SEVERAL SENATORS AND MR. ROBERT BURNS AT THE ADA IN MATTERS H.R. 570, OUR DENTAL RESPONSE WOULD NOT BE AS ROBUST AS NEEDED IN A NATIONAL EMERGENCY. FROM WHAT ALL CONCERNED IN WASHINGTON , DC TELLS ME H.R. 570 HAS A GOOD CHANCE TO PASS AND BE PART OF OUR PPD-8 NATIONAL EMERGENCY FRAMEWORK. I AM WORKING ON THIS MATTER AT THIS VERY POINT IN TIME AND HOPE YOU ALL WHO READ THIS MESSAGE ARE ALERTED TO H.R. 570. DR. ROBERT KAMANSKY, CAPTAIN US ARMY, MSC, DC 1969-1975

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  1 comment for Idea: Captain Robert Kamansky, MSC,DC-FBI-CJIS TRAINED FORENSICS, NCIC

  Submitted by Robert Kamansky 1 year ago

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  Presidential Policy Directive 8 »

  Planning for Rapid Urban Emergency Evacuation(s)

  There are some potential major disasters that may require rapid urban evacuation of large numbers of people. Our transportation systems were not designed or constructed to facilitate such mass movement of people within a limited time. Large numbers of vehicles, all attempting to move at the same time, soon drain fuel supplies ...and the passengers soon consume available food, while over-crowding sanitation facilities. ...more »

  There are some potential major disasters that may require rapid urban evacuation of large numbers of people. Our transportation systems were not designed or constructed to facilitate such mass movement of people within a limited time. Large numbers of vehicles, all attempting to move at the same time, soon drain fuel supplies ...and the passengers soon consume available food, while over-crowding sanitation facilities. If the disaster has polluted most available drinking water, obtaining enough potable water can become a real problem. In brief, if sheltering in-place is not an option, and rapid evacuation is needed to save lives, this cannot be easily or effectively be accomplished without advance planning and preparation. I don't see these efforts taking place ... and I fear that there is far too much wishful thinking (by urban/ emergency planners) that they will never have to deal with any mass evacuation. It is time to adjust out thinking and start the planning process.

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  1 comment for Idea: Planning for Rapid Urban Emergency Evacuation(s)

  Submitted by David Nuttle 1 year ago

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  Presidential Policy Directive 8 »

  Preparation for Information Technology Failures

  Most American cannot even imagine how they would now sustain themselves without information technology at their "fingertips." Yet, any one of several possible types of cyberterrorist attacks could make our information systems and computers ineffective for many long hours. There are several significant potential disasters that may occur during this type of event based on the fact that many of our utilities and critical ...more »

  Most American cannot even imagine how they would now sustain themselves without information technology at their "fingertips." Yet, any one of several possible types of cyberterrorist attacks could make our information systems and computers ineffective for many long hours. There are several significant potential disasters that may occur during this type of event based on the fact that many of our utilities and critical services also depend on information networks. Most people assume that such information system failures are problems that government must deal with. Yet, when the time comes government may not have a rapid or adequate response to cyberterrorist attacks or other causes of electronic systems failure. Each individual, family, business, and organization needs to inventory their dependence on computers and electronic information/ communication technologies. Then ways need to be found to overcome short-term and long-term loss of these technologies. If a major cyberterrorist attack occurs, as may be possible, it could be too late to find answers.

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  4 comments for Idea: Preparation for Information Technology Failures

  Submitted by David Nuttle 1 year ago

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  Presidential Policy Directive 8 »

  Encourage Forum Participation

  To "grow" our emergency preparedness capabilities, all ideas (good, mediocre and bad) need to be encouraged and debated. Positive things can even come from suggestions that seem foolish. As part of this effort, we need to respect each other to encourage all levels of participation. Use of negative and abusive language defeats the purpose of this forum. I have not experienced this myself, but I know other forum members ...more »

  To "grow" our emergency preparedness capabilities, all ideas (good, mediocre and bad) need to be encouraged and debated. Positive things can even come from suggestions that seem foolish. As part of this effort, we need to respect each other to encourage all levels of participation. Use of negative and abusive language defeats the purpose of this forum. I have not experienced this myself, but I know other forum members who have ... and they seem less inclined to post, vote, or comment. In the final analysis, we can all learn from each other and improve our national security in the process.

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  Submitted by David Nuttle 1 year ago

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  Where are buffers being addressed

  I feel there may be a major omission within these new sets of directives. As most are all very well aware, within the flood mitigation, buffers offer significant protection. Upland buffers such as forests, wetlands, floodplains…protect downstream communities. Off shore buffers such as barrier islands, spits, reefs… protect our coastlines. Buffers provide a very low cost coast risk reduction if maintained. They ...more »

  I feel there may be a major omission within these new sets of directives.

  As most are all very well aware, within the flood mitigation, buffers offer significant protection. Upland buffers such as forests, wetlands, floodplains…protect downstream communities. Off shore buffers such as barrier islands, spits, reefs… protect our coastlines. Buffers provide a very low cost coast risk reduction if maintained. They can be very expensive to replace.

  The way I read PPD-8 and the PNG Mitigation is confined to reducing impacts and Protection is restricted to terrorism. Where do we provide for a discussion of buffers. Prevention may provide a handle, but Prevention is a mission area that is also restricted as defined.

  Who, or which mission, is addressing this key approach.

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  1 comment for Idea: Where are buffers being addressed

  Submitted by bfreitag 1 year ago

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  Presidential Policy Directive 8 »

  Micro Preparedness: High Likelihood AND High Consequence Events

  We have developed a series of household preparedness efforts centered around high consequence "disasters" which seems unrealistic to community members. Often times, this leads to the question: "Why should I prepare so intensely for something that is not likely to happen?" This is a challenge to those charged with preparedness education; especially in the northeast. We have an opportunity to incorporate basic safety ...more »

  We have developed a series of household preparedness efforts centered around high consequence "disasters" which seems unrealistic to community members. Often times, this leads to the question: "Why should I prepare so intensely for something that is not likely to happen?" This is a challenge to those charged with preparedness education; especially in the northeast.

  We have an opportunity to incorporate basic safety and preparedness concepts such as high likelihood events like fires, flooding, medical emergencies, and power outages; events to which they can relate. This approach should include emergency management, police, fire, ems, and public health for a comprehensive preparedness message. If they have micro preparedness, which becomes just another part of a healthy community, it is more likely that events in the news will serve as a reminder of being prepared.

  Community preparedness is community health.

  This framework can be used for public safety agencies to have a consistent preparedness message for fire prevention and safety, crime prevention, CPR and first aid, disease prevention (ex. flu), and overall emergency preparedness. If people are armed with awareness and skills around these concepts, it is likely they will be prepared for the larger "disaster" events.

  Public safety resources can be better leveraged if this information is presented as a concerted effort. I recognize that this is not new. However, it should be the standard as oppose to the exception. Let's break down some of the silos across public safety disciplines often leading to divided messages.

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  1 comment for Idea: Micro Preparedness: High Likelihood AND High Consequence Events

  Submitted by S. Atyia Martin 1 year ago

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  Presidential Policy Directive 8 »

  The Ready Initiative

  The Ready Initiative leverages game play and the tools of the technology generation (the internet, social networking, and mobile communication) to enable individuals, families, small businesses, and communities to prepare for disasters, and to increase the effectiveness of FEMA in mitigating, managing, and communicating disaster impacts for those who are most in need (and historically the least ready) when a disaster ...more »

  The Ready Initiative leverages game play and the tools of the technology generation (the internet, social networking, and mobile communication) to enable individuals, families, small businesses, and communities to prepare for disasters, and to increase the effectiveness of FEMA in mitigating, managing, and communicating disaster impacts for those who are most in need (and historically the least ready) when a disaster strikes.

  Highlights:

  - Simple Steps planning process, empowering users to build and maintain a plan for themselves and those they love;

  - Sponsored help in building and maintaining a preparedness kit;

  - Social networking to connect their efforts to friends, family, work, and community;

  - Actionable data for use at the municipal, county, state, and federal level to notify, prepare, and respond, and assist when needed.

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  2 comments for Idea: The Ready Initiative

  Submitted by bill.ashland 1 year ago

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  Presidential Policy Directive 8 »

  Financial Disaster Preparedness - FEMA is spread too thin

  It is predicted that 2011 was the most expensive year for disasters globally in recorded history -- $350B in economic losses. Yet only $108B was covered by insurance. The US had twelve billion dollar events this year alone and FEMA needed more emergency funding. The cost of disasters is increasing and FEMA is being spread too thin. We should work to find ways to transfer the financial risk (and cost) of these disasters ...more »

  It is predicted that 2011 was the most expensive year for disasters globally in recorded history -- $350B in economic losses. Yet only $108B was covered by insurance. The US had twelve billion dollar events this year alone and FEMA needed more emergency funding. The cost of disasters is increasing and FEMA is being spread too thin. We should work to find ways to transfer the financial risk (and cost) of these disasters away from taxpayers and into the global insurance market. This way victims of disasters can focus on rebuilding their lives and not worry about increased taxes or government budget cuts as well. We should be pre-financing these disasters to ensure the funds are there when we need them most.

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  12 comments for Idea: Financial Disaster Preparedness - FEMA is spread too thin

  Submitted by alexkaplan413 1 year ago

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  Presidential Policy Directive 8 »

  Integrate Social Media & Web 2.0 Technology into Operations

  There are many tools available to help share information such as video, text, images, maps & sound. There are many different types of social media (twitter, youtube, FB, mapping). Social Media and Web 2.0 technology can handle larger capacities, is scalable, flexible and adaptable. This should be integrated into the day to day operations building community resilience between officials, agencies, and civilians (all-of-Nation) ...more »

  There are many tools available to help share information such as video, text, images, maps & sound. There are many different types of social media (twitter, youtube, FB, mapping). Social Media and Web 2.0 technology can handle larger capacities, is scalable, flexible and adaptable. This should be integrated into the day to day operations building community resilience between officials, agencies, and civilians (all-of-Nation) and leveraged during emergent times (optimize the use of available resources). Social media is used by the masses, supports multiple languages and when one goes down, the others are still up and running. There is no long down time for any. This could not be used for everything (sensitive information) but could be used to support many of the information/communication requirements listed in PDD-8. Also, use an expert, a professional to build and implement a design and not government cronie. This is to ensure that a system as described, will be implemented by a knowledgeable team of collaborators.

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  2 comments for Idea: Integrate Social Media & Web 2.0 Technology into Operations

  Submitted by connie white 1 year ago

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  Presidential Policy Directive 8 »

  HSPD-8 vs. PPD8

  HSPD-8 vs. PPD8 Sitting here, rereading both of these documents...I am still trying to figure out what the REAL differences are between them. Considering the fact that the HSPD-8 is referenced in many areas of FEMA documentation, and that there really is no MAJOR changes from the HSPD-8, one can only wonder if this directive was issued as a political move, which really has no merit in emergency planning, or if it is ...more »

  HSPD-8 vs. PPD8

  Sitting here, rereading both of these documents...I am still trying to figure out what the REAL differences are between them.

  Considering the fact that the HSPD-8 is referenced in many areas of FEMA documentation, and that there really is no MAJOR changes from the HSPD-8, one can only wonder if this directive was issued as a political move, which really has no merit in emergency planning, or if it is really worth the time, and expense, and most of all the distraction from REAL issues being addressed.

  So far, other than a few words that are changed here and there (which say the same thing, just in a slightly different way). Looks to me to be the same "box" as before, just looking at it from a different side....the box is still the same "box".

  Since HSPD 8 is now REPLACED by PPD8, What has this done in regards to the training and direction that many of us have spent years teaching? For example, Will everyone have to retake something as simple as IS 700 due to the chage in the directive? How much time and money will it draw away from other areas while 80% to 90% of the current training and documentation is changed to reflect these small changes?

  My question is, Is it really worth the time and effort to go through all of this ?

  What were the driving factors to make this change? Were they driven by reality ? or was this just an expensive ant time consuming political stunt?

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  3 comments for Idea: HSPD-8 vs. PPD8

  Submitted by creativeogre 1 year ago

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  Presidential Policy Directive 8 »

  Create comprehensive seismic safety plan

  Encourage communities in seismically active areas to create long-range plans for seismic safety in privately owned buildings. San Francisco has created a draft 30-year plan with 50 important steps that will be taken to retrofit our buildings, strengthen our communities, and prepare in advance for the next big earthquake. Here in California, we know a big one is coming, it's just a question of when, where, and how large. ...more »

  Encourage communities in seismically active areas to create long-range plans for seismic safety in privately owned buildings.

  San Francisco has created a draft 30-year plan with 50 important steps that will be taken to retrofit our buildings, strengthen our communities, and prepare in advance for the next big earthquake. Here in California, we know a big one is coming, it's just a question of when, where, and how large. That's why Mayor Lee believes that it is important to take steps NOW to strengthen our City and plan for a more resilient San Francisco.

  Other cities in seismically active areas should do the same -- look at their building stock broadly and create an action plan to make their communities more resilient.

  The entire San Francisco plan can be found at the following link:

  http://www.sfgsa.org/Modules/ShowDocument.aspx?documentid=8119

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  7 comments for Idea: Create comprehensive seismic safety plan

  Submitted by jason.elliott 1 year ago

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