ABSTRACT
This chapter documents the results of an exploratory study examining the state of preparedness in the United States. In 2012, there were many different disasters, including Superstorm Sandy, lethal wildfires, regional droughts, domestic terrorism, and the spread of West Nile virus. While one must address immediate crises and apply the lessons learned from 9/11, Hurricane Katrina, the Haiti earthquake, and the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, the study looks beyond the storms of pressing events to identify strategic opportunities that would make the nation better prepared and more secure through a new focus on long-term mitigation, response, and resilience. The initial focus of the study was critical infrastructure protection (CIP), but ultimately it extended to the broader concepts of preparedness and resilience, as the research pointed toward a different strategic view. Empirical data revealed a fragmented planning and risk assessment process yet fail to recognize the complex interdependencies of the broader homeland security enterprise.
