Category: Emergency management

There are a considerable amount of dangers on the fire ground due to building construction, as we saw in the USFA TR-061 Four Firefighters Killed, Trapped by Floor Collapse, USFA TR-073 Floor Collapse Claims Two Firefighters, and USFA TR-102 Structural Collapse at Dwelling Fire Results in Two Firefighter Fatalities readings.
After reading each of this week’s required readings and conducting your own research into the topic, write a post that answers the following:  
1. Considering the dangers on the fire ground caused by the construction of buildings in your area, how would you rate the preparation of your department for a structural emergency?
2. Are there any training activities on structures, evacuation, and rescue of personnel? 
3. Are there guidelines that provide standard ways of dealing with a situation that traps firefighters? 
4. Now the hard part, what changes would you make in the procedures of your department in order to correct the deficiencies or to improve the procedures now in use.
5. If you are not with a department, please state that in your post, and then discuss some of the recommendations made in the USFA reports.
6. Back up your discussion by providing proper attribution to this week’s readings, and/or other suitable sources from your research.
Grading:  Discussion posts are graded on timeliness, relevance, knowledge of the weekly readings, the quality of original ideas, the conversational exchanges with other students, and the attribution given to the authors or creators work.  
Refer to the Weekly Discussion Requirements below and the provided rubric for a more detailed explanation of what I expect out of the discussions

I have attached the start of the paper and what the idea of the paper should look like. I just need it finished. Also attached is some data to use. I have data that I will add when completed to finish it out. Thank you. the paper can be more or less than 10 pages with everything.

This research paper explores the integration of backup power systems—such as generators, solar panels, wind turbines, and battery backups, like the tesla power wall—into residential settings to enhance community resilience and national security during disasters. The main body of the paper must be a minimum of 50 pages in length and in APA 7th edition formatting. 

Stuart wk 7
What authorities do the fictional Carol County public health and the Bobsville healthcare community retain to implement an isolation process?
According to the state of Oklahoma statute Title 63-1-502 and 504 the governor has the right to order a health emergency or quarantine. This in turn gives the power of health workers and law enforcement to implement and enforce such quarantine regulations. (NCSL, n.d.). This would allow the authorities of Carol County and Bobsville to quarantine any suspected or believed to be infected by the Sarin Gas attack until such quarantine is served. The main goal of this is protecting the mass spread of a communicable disease or infection/contamination.
When can Carol County public health issue a quarantine order?
As soon as it is deemed that it is a communicable disease or something that can spread through infection. They can then request a quarantine through the Governor. Once the Governor has signed off on legalizing the quarantine at that time Carol County can begin the implementation of the quarantine and do what is needed to enforce it. (NCSL, n.d.).        
Is there a legal requirement to provide information to the public about the incident?  Why or why not?
Yes, there is a legal requirement to provide information to the public about an incident. This is covered in the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) which makes it legal for government entities to release any information that someone or someone’s request. In instances like this it is likely that news channels will be present and requesting information through the FOIA so that they can inform the public with updated news. As long as this is not a national security issue and personal identifiable information is not being given out this is ok. If the government or authorities wish to not release information, they must be able to justify it as a national security issue if they do or be able to articulate that it could impede law enforcement activities through like an investigation. We typically see this in major events as law enforcement will hold a press conference to release any information allowed to be released at the time to keep the public informed.  
Sources:
(FOIA), F. of I. A. (n.d.). Foia.gov (Freedom of Information Act) learn. Freedom of Information Act: Learn. https://www.foia.gov/about.html#:~:text=Federal%20agencies%20are%20required%20to,national%20security%2C%20and%20law%20enforcement.
NCSL. (n.d.). Summary state quarantine and isolation statutes. National Conference of State Legislatures. https://www.ncsl.org/health/state-quarantine-and-isolation-statutes
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Should people that supply funds (money) to terrorist groups, without participating in terrorist acts, face the same legal consequences as the terrorists?
https://education.cfr.org/learn/reading/terrorist-money-trail

Week 7 – Young
Georgina Young 
Primary Question: 
The primary question was to discuss the authorities that Carol County Public Health and the Bobsville healthcare community retain to implement an isolation process. The first thing to note is the organizations that are the frontline for defense against infectious diseases and have put a great deal of work into these guidelines are the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) (Lewis, p. 44, 2004). However, it is important to note that states have sovereign authorities, and each state has created its own legal framework for infectious disease response (Lewis, p. 51, 2004). These two organizations are primarily the guidelines that I will analyze when understanding authorities. 
The CDC states in its “Selected Federal Legal Authorities Pertinent to Public Health Emergencies” that the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) will assist states and local authorities in the prevention and suppression of communicable diseases, including enforcing quarantine regulations (CDC, p. 4, 2017). The Secretary also has authorization to accept state and local authorities’ voluntary assistance with enforcement of federal quarantine regulations (CDC, p. 8, 2017). Furthermore, the U.S. Constitution states that the quarantine power of individual state governments is not prohibited by the states. This was reflected in Gibbons v. Ogden, which set the premise that while quarantine laws may affect commerce, they are, by nature, health laws under the guidance of the state government (Lewis, p. 51, 2004). Carol County Public Health and the Bobsville healthcare community have the authority to quarantine the victims of the sarin gas attack due to these provisions. The CDC and the WHO do not want the victims who were exposed but not showing symptoms to be wandering around the community and possibly exposing other people to the residual effects of the gas. 
Additional Question:
I want to address an additional question about when Carol County can issue a quarantine order. Given that the quarantine regulations are written in the Tenth Amendment of the United States Constitution, the state has the authority to issue a quarantine order. The Model State Emergency Health Powers Act (MSEHPA) was drafted to revise and standardize the outdated quarantine laws (Lewis, p. 51, 2004). The MSEHPA states that the quarantined person or person must receive a written order from a health official specifying the premises to be quarantined and the suspected communicable disease (Lewis, p. 51, 2004). 
In the case of Carol County, the pursuant would be notified in person because health officials need to act immediately to prevent the sarin gas from spreading. The law states there needs to be an order within 24 hours, and if anyone chooses to petition, they have to file within five days, but the court cannot extend more than 30 days (Lewis, p. 51, 2004). Carol County did the right thing by providing food, shelter, and necessities while waiting for the Red Cross to arrive. The state should quarantine until the individuals have been medically cleared before they are allowed to be released. Sarin gas is highly volatile, which means it evaporates quickly. It can dissipate within minutes to hours, but Sarin gas can persist longer on surfaces, even for several days (CDC, 2024). The individuals should be quarantined until they are decontaminated.
References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2017). Selected federal legal authorities pertinent to public … https://www.cdc.gov/phlp/docs/ph-emergencies.pdf 
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024a, April 26). Sarin (GB): Nerve agent. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/ershdb/emergencyresponsecard_29750001.html
Lewis, B. E. (2014). “An Ounce of Prevention Is Worth a Pound of Quarantine”: National and International Quarantine Laws vs Prevention and Control Measures as Applied to XDR-TB. Journal of Biosecurity, Biosafety and Biodefense Law, 5(1), 43-63. https://doi.org/10.1515/jbbbl-2014-0004

Wk 7 – Scenario 2 Module 3 Questions – Carrie E. Martin
Primary Question:
What authorities do the fictional Carol County public health and the Bobsville healthcare community retain to implement an isolation process?
In the scenario involving the attack on Bobsville, the fictional Carol County public health authorities and the Bobsville healthcare community have several statutory and regulatory authorities to implement an isolation process.  Carol County public health likely operates under the broader framework of Oklahoma state public health laws.  These laws provide the authority to isolate individuals to prevent the spread of infectious diseases and to protect public health.  For instance, Oklahoma law grants health departments the power to take necessary actions during public health emergencies, including the isolation of individuals who pose a threat to public health (Oklahoma State Department of Health, 2020).
At the county level, Carol County public health may have specific ordinances that empower it to act swiftly in public health emergencies.  These ordinances can detail procedures for isolation, including the criteria for determining who should be isolated, the duration of isolation, and the rights of those isolated.  Bobsville healthcare facilities, such as Bunnyville Hospital, operate under established policies and procedures for infection control.  These internal protocols, developed in line with state and federal guidelines, give healthcare providers the authority to isolate patients to prevent cross-contamination within healthcare settings (Gostin & Wiley, 2016).
During a terrorist attack involving CBRNE agents like sarin gas, federal agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provide critical guidance.  While the implementation is local, federal guidelines help shape the isolation protocols, ensuring they meet national standards for safety and efficacy (CDC, 2017).
Additional Questions:
What are the overarching public health laws that impact people placed under medical surveillance?
State quarantine and isolation laws allow state and local health authorities to isolate individuals who may pose a threat to public health.  They typically require that the isolation is necessary, based on medical evidence, and is the least restrictive means to protect the public.  The Public Health Service Act grants the federal government, through the CDC, the authority to detain, medically examine, and release individuals suspected of carrying communicable diseases.  While primarily a state and local responsibility, the federal government can intervene if a disease has the potential to cross state lines or international borders (Public Health Service Act, 1944).  Individuals placed under medical surveillance are protected by legal safeguards to ensure their rights are not unduly infringed.  This includes the right to be informed of the reason for their isolation, access to legal counsel, and the ability to challenge the isolation order through the courts (Gostin & Wiley, 2016).
When can Carol County public health issue a quarantine order?
Carol County public health can issue a quarantine order under the following circumstances.  When there is credible evidence that individuals have been exposed to a hazardous agent, such as sarin gas in this scenario, and pose a potential risk to public health.  If the exposed individuals, even if not symptomatic, could potentially spread the hazardous agent, quarantine can be justified to prevent secondary exposure and protect the broader community.  When there is insufficient medical data to conclusively determine who might develop symptoms, it is prudent to quarantine individuals until they are medically cleared.  Local quarantine orders are typically issued in coordination with state health authorities to ensure consistency with state laws and public health policies.  This coordination is crucial in managing resources and maintaining public trust.  In some cases, especially if individuals resist quarantine orders, Carol County public health may seek judicial support to enforce compliance, ensuring that due process is followed while protecting public health (Gostin & Wiley, 2016).
In summary, the isolation and quarantine processes in response to a CBRNE attack in Bobsville involve a coordinated effort between local, state, and federal authorities, guided by established public health laws and emergency response protocols.  These measures are designed to protect public health while ensuring the rights of individuals are respected.
References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2017). Legal authorities for isolation and quarantine. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/quarantine/aboutlawsregulationsquarantineisolation.html
Gostin, L. O., & Wiley, L. F. (2016). Public health law: Power, duty, restraint (3rd ed.). Berkeley, CA: University of California Press.
Oklahoma State Department of Health. (2020). Oklahoma public health laws. Retrieved from https://www.oklahoma.gov/health/laws-regulations.html
Public Health Service Act, 42 U.S.C. § 264 (1944).
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2016). Public health emergency response guide. Retrieved from https://www.phe.gov/preparedness/pages/default.aspx
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Choose the EOP format that best suited to use in creation of a plan for your area. My Area is Chula Vitsa, CA
Chapter 3 attached. 

Using the format provided, create a PowerPoint (or similar) presentation on a grant proposal application
you are tasked with submitting for an Opioid Overdose Response program.
Assume you are working for a 100-member public safety agency (police or fire service) within your
community and that the Opioid Addiction Crisis has resulted in 15 overdose deaths this year.
A
$20,000 grant is available through the U.S. Department of Justice, which will allow your agency to
purchase Naloxone (Narcan) nasal spray devices for each member. The devices will allow members to
treat opioid overdose victims at the scene of the incident, potentially saving lives.   
Instructions: 
Conduct research on the Opioid Addiction Crisis and Naloxone nasal spray devices, including costs,
effectiveness, training requirements, and proper use and application. You must use visual aids to
enhance your presentation, which you will present to administrators in your agency and local elected
officials. 
Note: You do not have to research the actual grant, as it is notional. 
Requirements: 
Format. The following format must be used to create your grant proposal presentation: 
Executive Summary and Research 
• Introduce the Opioid Addiction Crisis problem and Naloxone nasal spray devices 
• Provide information on your research into both, including facts and figures   
Need 
• Describe the purpose and objectives of the program 
• Briefly describe how this grant will help the community during this crisis 
Program Description 
• Describe the program (what you will do, who will do it, and how you will evaluate it) 
• Identify key program stakeholders and the impacts you hope the program will achieve 
• Provide a basic budget for the program 
• Explain any potential impacts on your agency’s budget
Conclusion 
• Provide brief concluding remarks on key points of your proposal presentation
References
• Provide your research references using APA style formatting
Your presentation should have 7-12 slides.   

You will complete the Budget Worksheet to show expenses for your grant proposal program.
Information from this worksheet will be included in your Grant Proposal Presentation due in
Unit 8. We know the grant will provide $20,000, which will allow your agency to purchase
Naloxone (Narcan) nasal spray devices for each of its 100 members. The course project
requires you to provide a basic budget for the program to detail how the $20,000 will be
spent and explain any potential impacts on your agency’s budget. Remember, the $20,000 is
only to be used for purchasing the nasal spray devices. All other expenses will be incurred
by the agency. You will need to create at least four expense items for this worksheet.
Expenses should be based on reason and research.
Although you are encouraged to come up with your own expense items, here are some
potential expense issues to consider when composing your budget: 
• How much will the Naloxone nasal spray devices cost? 
• How much will training cost? 
• Is a public information campaign needed to announce the use of the new devices? 
• How will the devices be disposed of once used? Note – The devices are considered
bio-hazard/medical waste once used. 
• Are there any supplies that need to be purchased for the program? 
• What are the administrative costs? 
• Are there any in-kind (donated) services (i.e., using medical waste bins at the local
hospital)?