Institute for Crisis, Disaster, and Risk Management

Crisis and Emergency Management

Newsletter Website
return to mainpage

April 2004                                                                            Volume 6 - Number 3

Related Sites:

Perspectives...

What is role of Mitigation in Homeland Security?

Min Woo Kwak

Defense of the United States has evolved into a new, more complex series of threats significantly different form those previously seen before. In response to the September 11 terrorist attack, we really recognized how mitigation role is important to reduce the loss of life and property and protect our nation’s institution from all type of hazard. Theerefore, Bush’s administration’s new budget proposes a dramatic increase in Federal spending for Homeland security.

The definition for Homeland Security is: The preparation for, prevention of, deterrence of, preemption of, defense against, and response to threats and aggressions directed towards U.S. territory, sovereignty, domestic population, and infrastructure; as well as crisis management, and other domestic civil support. Like this definition, the role of homeland security is so complex and must be supported by both Homeland Defense and Civil Support. Also, the program in Homeland security requires funding from Government.

With the basic ideas for Homeland Security I mention above, Mitigation action is one of key critical feature in Homeland Security. I can define mitigation as activities that reduce the degree of short and long-term risk to human life and property. Mitigation activities identified by state and/ or local combination acts. Because of the nature of the contemporary terrorist threat, federal, state, and local governments have a shared responsibility in preventing further attacks and to prepare for and respond to terrorist events should they occur. Generally speaking, Government and Homeland Security Department are charged with developing a comprehensive strategy to enhance preparedness and response to future terrorist incidents. To obtain more specific mitigation acts, following activities are including: develop a statewide strategy for preventing, planning, and responding to threats and acts of terrorism; ensure that an effective and coordinated mechanism exists to continuously assess risks and treatments; identify resource opportunities and recommend appropriate lead agencies for specific grants; identify, develop, and recommend standards for the equipment and training for personnel statewide; provide a forum for general coordination and the exchange of information among federal, state, and local governments.

Again, mitigation in Homeland Security is core activities to protect and save our property and life. I think that only time, efforts, and experience will allow us to answer what well-organized mitigation acts are.