An emergency response worker arriving first at a scene may need to fill the role of incident commander to communicate and manage networks between agencies during the incident.
The first trained responder to arrive at an emergency takes the role of incident commander. Unless a more qualified official arrives to take command, this individual becomes responsible for managing the networks and communication needed for incident response at state, federal, and global levels. Emergency responders must be prepared to serve in an incident command role as needed, communicate with a variety of incident commanders, and network with other agencies to respond effectively.
Prompted by the attacks on the U.S. on September 11, 2001, many states in the country developed their own state-managed homeland security offices. These state offices provide a vital role during emergencies allowing for communication and collaboration across other state offices and the Department of Homeland Security. Communication and collaboration are vital to ensure that emergencies are managed appropriately and that the people in the state are safe and secure from natural and man-made disasters.
Which state closest to your state of residence has an established homeland security office? Which approach did this state use when establishing its homeland security office (stand-alone security unit, stand-alone emergency management unit, or combined security and emergency management unit)?
How does this state’s approach to structuring its homeland security office affect its ability to communicate and collaborate with the Department of Homeland Security?