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Emergency Preparedness

Because natural and manmade disasters can occur at any time, individuals, communities, and governments must be prepared. RAND has developed guidelines for individual preparedness in response to terrorist attacks; evaluated, modeled, and enhanced preparedness policy options for government officials at all levels; and recommended actions that communities should take to prepare for bioterrorist attacks, pandemic flu outbreaks, and other large-scale emergencies.

Research conducted by: RAND Health; RAND Infrastructure, Safety, and Environment; International Programs; RAND Gulf States Policy Institute; RAND National Security Research Division; Homeland Security and Defense Center

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Simple Steps for Preparedness and Response to Terrorist Attacks

Individuals can take simple steps to protect themselves from the harmful effects of potential terrorist attacks involving chemical, radiological, nuclear, and biological weapons.

Commentary (15)

Emergency Departments, Medicaid Costs, and Access to Primary Care—Understanding the Link — May 16, 2012

The fact that many ED (emergency department) visits could be managed in primary care settings does not mean that such care is available, write Arthur L. Kellermann and Robin M. Weinick.

Commentary

Quake a Disaster 'Drill' D.C. Flunked — Aug 29, 2011

Fortunately for the nation's capitol, Hurricane Irene and the East Coast earthquake proved to be relatively minor events, as far as disasters go. But before everyone breathes a sigh of relief, it would be wise to reflect on how people responded to what were essentially dress rehearsals for much bigger events, write Lynn E. Davis and Arthur L. Kellermann.

Commentary

Policymakers and Public Need to Be Able to Track and Account for Federal Disaster Funds — Jul 15, 2011

If the U.S. does not improve its ability to track federal spending and develop reliable measures of effectiveness, precious federal disaster aid will continue to be at risk of being squandered, writes Agnes Gereben Schaefer.

Commentary

Obama, Congress Can Improve FEMA, Homeland Security — Dec 21, 2008

In his campaign, President-elect Barack Obama pledged to rebuild the Gulf Coast — one of the country's most wounded, yet economically strategic, regions. To keep this laudable promise, he will need to make a sustained commitment not only to a national disaster recovery plan, but also a comprehensive economic development strategy for the Gulf Coast, writes Melissa Flournoy.

Katrina Proved We Must Do Better Job of Protecting Our Protectors — Aug 13, 2007

Protecting our [emergency] protectors is more than just the right thing to do; it is critical to maintaining America's capability to respond to future disasters, writes Brian A. Jackson.