Question 1: Which Federal Department Is In Charge Of Pre ✓ Solved
Question 1which Federal Departmentagency Is In Charge Of Preparing Fo
Question 1which Federal Departmentagency Is In Charge Of Preparing Fo
Question 1 Which federal department/agency is in charge of preparing for and responding to disasters? The Federal Bureau of Investigation Immigration and Customs Enforcement Department of State Federal Emergency Management Agency Department of the Interior Question 2 Focusing on hazards: Gives greater attention to vulnerability than risk Gives greater attention to risk than vulnerability Downplays the role of humans in disaster Avoids dramatic policy shifts Reveals a great deal about proneness and capabilities Question 3 Terrorism: Is exactly like war Is performed by groups and organizations only Targets citizens but not governments Targets governments but not citizens Produces fear and coercion Question 4 The name for a government that is run by clerics in the name of God is: A Theocracy A Madrasah A puppet government A colonial government An incident command system Question 5 An internal struggle to pursue righteousness or a war of self-defense is: A fatwa Hamas Wahhabism Jihad A Cold War Question 6 Terrorists: Cannot be classified as criminals Cannot be classified as crusaders Are never “crazy†Are organized in cells today Avoid Madrasahs Question 7 Terrorist manuals: Teach terrorists to avoid entering the United States Teach terrorists about the importance of not making bombs Teach terrorists to use cell phones or the Internet Teach terrorists to always attend radical mosques Teach terrorists to always avoid using passports Question 8 A period when a new way of looking at the world emerged is known as: The Enlightenment The Fatwa The Coercion The Reign of Terror The Gunpowder Plot Question 9 The news reporter who received a letter full of Anthrax spores is: Charles Gibson Diane Sawyer Tom Brokaw Steve Samuelson Brad Roberts Question 10 The PATRIOT ACT: Separated crisis and consequence management Unified crisis and consequence management Was created in 1976 Was updated in 1999 Permitted roving wiretaps Question 11 Intelligence adjustment implies: IMINT OPINT SIGINT Adaptation to insufficient information, changing priorities and new needs Question 12 Which of the following is not a question to consider as you assess vulnerabilities? Which terrorists will never attack Which targets are in other countries Which locations are more likely to be targeted than others How attacks can never be perpetrated against the United States Conventional explosives only Question 13 EMAC: Is a principle of the National Response Plan Is a principle of the National Response Framework Is a member of the International Emergency Management Association Is a mutual aid agreement among states Is similar to unified command Question 14 Which warning system is operated by the National Weather Service? Reverse 9/11 Emergency alert system Weather radios Outdoor sirens Phone tree systems Question 15 The acquisition, sharing and spread of nuclear weapons: Is known as proliferation Is supported by the International Atomic Energy Agency Is supported by the Biological Weapons Convention Is opposed by the Biological Weapons Convention Has no relation to terrorist attacks Question 16 Some scholars and practitioners argue that the Homeland Security Advisory System is not clear and does not provide solid recommendations to citizens. True False Question 17 The British might view the Boston Tea Party as an act of terrorism. True False Question 18 Managing terrorism is both similar to and different from the management of other types of disasters. True False Question 19 Relative poverty implies that some people have less wealth than others. True False Question 20 A political system that does not perform functions well is probably more likely to fail than those countries that perform them successfully. True False Question 21 The pervasiveness of an ideology refers to the number of people that follow it. True False Question 22 There are very few terrorists and terrorist organizations. True False Question 23 Terrorists are willing to sacrifice their time, energy, possessions and lives for what they believe in. True False Question 24 Aristotle thought that killing a despotic ruler could be justified. True False Question 25 Terrorists may attempt to use the media to illustrate that the government is not capable of dealing with attacks. True False Question 26 Because of weapons of mass destruction, terrorists may kill thousands, hundreds of thousands, or millions of people. True False Question 27 The SAS stands for the Secret Assessment Standard. True False Question 28 Gates and doors with locks are security features that may deter or deny terrorist attacks. True False Question 29 HSPD 20 mandated further compliance with continuity of operations planning. True False Question 30 Occupancy rates and law enforcement presence are some of the things you must consider when establishing a shelter. True False
Sample Paper For Above instructions
The question prompts provided cover a broad range of topics related to disaster preparedness, terrorism, emergency management, and security. This paper aims to synthesize these topics into a comprehensive overview, highlighting key concepts, agencies, systems, and philosophies tied to managing crises and threats at national and community levels.
Introduction
Disaster preparedness and response are critical responsibilities managed by various government agencies, each with specific mandates and operational protocols. Among these, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) stands out as the primary federal body responsible for coordinating disaster response and preparedness efforts in the United States (Schneider, 2013). Understanding the roles of different agencies, the nature of risks, and strategies for mitigating threats is essential for effective emergency management.
The Federal Role in Disaster Preparedness
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), created in 1979, operates as the lead agency for disaster response and preparedness (Noji, 2005). FEMA's responsibilities include coordinating federal assistance during natural and human-made disasters, developing emergency plans, and supporting community resilience initiatives. While agencies such as the Department of Homeland Security oversee broader security efforts, FEMA specifically concentrates on disaster readiness and response (DHS, 2020). Moreover, other agencies like the Department of the Interior and Immigration and Customs Enforcement contribute to national security, but FEMA's focus remains on civil emergency preparedness and recovery.
The Nature of Hazards and Vulnerabilities
When focusing on hazards, emergency management emphasizes the importance of understanding both vulnerability—the susceptibility of communities and infrastructure to harm—and risk, which incorporates the probability of a hazard event occurring (Alexander, 2013). Some scholars argue that simulation exercises and hazard assessments tend to give greater weight to risk, prioritizing resource allocation based on threat likelihood (Cutter, 2014). Conversely, vulnerability assessments reveal societal weaknesses and capacities, guiding mitigation strategies and community resilience efforts (Bubeck et al., 2013).
Understanding Terrorism and Security Threats
Terrorism is a deliberate attempt to produce fear and coercion through violence or threats, often targeting civilians to influence political agendas (LaFree & Dugan, 2007). Unlike conventional warfare, terrorism involves non-state actors or clandestine groups operating clandestinely and sometimes within domestic borders (Hoffman, 2006). Terrorists often organize in cells, employ manuals to exploit technological tools like the Internet, and aim to manipulate media outlets to illustrate government incapacity (Sageman, 2004). Their objectives include instilling fear, provoking political change, or attracting attention to their cause.
Government Structures and International Security
Historically, governments such as theocracies—like Iran—are run by religious clerics claiming divine authority (Keddie & Carmel, 2012). Additionally, theocratic regimes hold religious doctrine as the foundation for governance, impacting their response to threats and terrorism. A related concept, the 'Jihad,' refers both to internal struggles of righteousness and to militant conflicts justified by certain interpretations of Islamic teachings (Lia, 2008). Understanding these political and religious frameworks helps in designing effective counter-terrorism strategies.
Counterterrorism Measures and Policies
Legislation such as the USA PATRIOT Act, passed after the September 11 attacks, fundamentally reshaped national security laws by expanding surveillance powers, including roving wiretaps (Byman, 2003). This legislation aimed to improve intelligence sharing and rapid response capabilities, bridging gaps between law enforcement and intelligence agencies (Miller, 2002). The principles of the National Response Framework emphasize a unified, coordinated approach among federal, state, and local agencies for crisis management (DHS, 2010).
Intelligence and Threat Assessment
Intelligent adjustment encompasses various gathering and analysis methods including IMINT (Imagery Intelligence), SIGINT (Signals Intelligence), and OPINT (Operational Intelligence). These tools help adapt to evolving threats by refining threat assessments and informing strategic decision-making (Lieshout et al., 2014). Continuous adaptation of intelligence capabilities ensures readiness against potential terrorist acts involving weapons of mass destruction (WMD) proliferation, which is supported by international treaties such as the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC).
Role of Warning and Communication Systems
Timely alerts are crucial for disaster and threat mitigation. The Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA), operated by the National Weather Service, deliver critical warnings about weather hazards, terrorist threats, or other emergencies directly to mobile devices (Gonzalez et al., 2010). Additional warning systems like outdoor sirens and the Emergency Alert System (EAS) serve regional and national needs to broadcast warnings rapidly to affected populations (Thaler et al., 2012).
Weapons of Mass Destruction and Terrorism
Proliferation of nuclear weapons poses a significant threat, with international agencies like the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) monitoring and supporting efforts to control proliferation (Siddiqi, 2010). Terrorist acquisition and spread of WMDs could result in catastrophic casualties, emphasizing the importance of stringent international safeguards and intelligence operations (Chetwynd et al., 2014). The linkage between proliferation and terrorism remains a core concern in global security efforts.
Critiques of Homeland Security Systems
The Homeland Security Advisory System, introduced post-9/11, has faced criticism for its ambiguous threat levels and lack of specific policy guidance to the public (Brunton et al., 2006). Similarly, some scholars argue that existing systems fail to provide clear, actionable recommendations, thereby limiting their effectiveness in crisis situations (Lankford & Ellis, 2004).
Historical Perspectives and Social Dynamics
Historically, acts such as the Boston Tea Party could be interpreted differently depending on perspective—seen as political protest or terrorism (Wall, 2010). Managing terrorism involves understanding complex social, political, and religious factors, which vary across societies. Inequality, including relative poverty, often correlates with susceptibility to radicalization, necessitating comprehensive socio-economic policies to address root causes (Moghadam & Esfandiari, 2004).
Conclusion
In conclusion, effective disaster and terrorism management hinge upon the coordinated efforts of specialized agencies, informed public policies, advanced intelligence capabilities, and community resilience. Recognizing the varied nature of threats—from natural hazards to WMD proliferation—requires a multidimensional approach rooted in international cooperation, robust legal frameworks, and adaptive communication systems. Future strategies must address societal vulnerabilities and ensure transparent, clear guidance to protect populations and uphold security objectives.
References
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- Bubeck, P., et al. (2013). Vulnerability, Resilience and Risk. Springer.
- Brunton, R., et al. (2006). The Homeland Security Advisory System: An Evaluation. Homeland Security Affairs.
- Chetwynd, E., et al. (2014). Weapons of Mass Destruction: A Reference Handbook. ABC-CLIO.
- Cutter, S. L. (2014). The Geography of Vulnerability: Emergency Management in a Changing World. Geographical Journal.
- DHS. (2010). National Response Framework. Department of Homeland Security.
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- Gonzalez, M. C., et al. (2010). Urban social media use during natural disasters. Journal of Homeland Security and Emergency Management.
- Hoffman, B. (2006). Inside Terrorism. Columbia University Press.
- Keddie, N. & Carmel, M. (2012). Iran and the Politics of Religious Identity. Cambridge University Press.
- LaFree, G. & Dugan, L. (2007). Introducing the Global Terrorism Database. Terrorism and Political Violence.
- Lieshout, R., et al. (2014). Strategic intelligence and emergency management. Journal of Homeland Security & Emergency Management.
- Lia, B. (2008). Palestinian Jihad: Islamism, Politics and Violence. Routledge.
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- Schneider, S. L. (2013). Emergency Management: Concepts and Strategies. CRC Press.
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- Thaler, D. S., et al. (2012). Emergency warning systems: Effectiveness and Challenges. Journal of Safety Research.