NCJ Number
202566
Date Published
2002
Length
133 pages
Annotation
Intended as a reference document, this guide provides governors and their staffs with policies, procedures, and general information regarding homeland security.
Abstract
Chapter 1 outlines basic steps a governor should take to be prepared for a terrorist attack. Before a terrorist attack occurs, a governor should designate a homeland security director; establish a homeland security team; compile essential emergency management information; and assess the State's resources and capabilities for dealing with a terrorist incident that involves weapons of mass destruction (WMD). The first chapter also describes the authority and powers a governor has during a terrorist attack and discusses the interaction needed among the governor's office, the homeland security director, the State emergency management office, other State agencies, local governments, the private sector, volunteer organizations, and the Federal Government. Chapter 2 details important considerations in implementing an effective communications strategy for managing the public's emotions and expectations while ensuring that State government speaks with one voice. This is followed by a chapter that describes the challenges many States face as they develop state-of-the-art radio communications networks for emergency first responders, including law enforcement and fire personnel, emergency medical services workers, and other public health professionals. Chapter 4 recommends that governors and State homeland security officials begin a comprehensive and proactive procedure for identifying the State's critical infrastructures; assess their risk of and vulnerabilities to terrorist attack; and establish plans to protect the State's critical infrastructure. The fifth chapter describes actions States should take to prepare for and respond to a bioterrorist attack, including improvement of the network of infectious disease surveillance, upgrading laboratory facilities, advancing diagnostic techniques, and expanding training of health-care personnel. Chapter 6 describes the serious threat agroterrorism poses to the population, the economy, and the Nation's food supply; and chapter 7 highlights the potential for terrorists to develop chemical weapons. Chapter 8 discusses the threats posed by nuclear and radiological terrorist weapons, preventive approaches to securing sources of radioactive materials, the nature of the response, and major Federal assets available to governors in the event of an attack. Chapter 9 discusses the robust cyberprotection, detection, warning, response, and recovery capabilities States must have to meet potential terrorist threats. The final chapter profiles the Federal Government's response to a terrorist incident and presents the Federal Response Plan along with other Federal resources. Appended listing of sources for further information, including Web sites