Why comprehensive emergency management models are critical for terrorist threats

Management

Managing Terrorism

It is important, even critical, to apply a comprehensive emergency management model to the terrorist treat because that threat is constantly increasing becoming increasingly complex, and to ensure efficient response, a comprehensive emergency management model must be in place in locations around the United States. Author Waugh notes, "While exposure to the risk of terrorist violence is increasing, the design of antiterrorism polices ahs been difficult and has tended to reflect piecemeal solutions to a few aspects of the hazard" (Waugh, 2001, p. 660). The six models of Waugh's terrorist violence that Americans have had to face can apply to just about any form of terrorism, and they have been used in the country throughout history. Because these activities are on the increase, and Americans face a continued threat from overseas-based terrorist organizations, a comprehensive emergency management model must be applied to any terrorist threat, no matter whether it is internal or external.

The lack of a cohesive model was apparent in the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, when the various emergency response agencies could not communicate with each other, and rescue efforts were thwarted by the magnitude of the emergency, the collapse of the buildings, and the great loss of life of rescue personnel, all of which was unprecedented and unimaginable. Today, emergency managers know there are more risks than ever, and emergency management efforts must be coordinated and applied to the terrorist threat, because, no matter how much we don not want to face it, another attack will occur, and emergency management procedures will come into play. Develop a cohesive model now to make the country a little more manageable and coherent during a terrorist attack. Waugh also notes that we must alter the process of terrorism to make it less beneficial to the terrorists. Developing a comprehensive emergency management model can assure a better response from emergency workers, creating fewer deaths and fewer "rewards" for the terrorists, as well.