Author: Jamie Epstein

Posted on

Natalia Ramon Threat and Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (THIRA) in Colorado

Fire in Colorado.

In this THIRA, Ramon assesses the natural, technological, and human-caused threats and hazards in Colorado, U.S. The natural threats include droughts, floods, wildfires, and tornadoes. Prominent technological hazards include system outages, water contamination, high-risk artificial intelligence, and transportation accidents. Human-related hazards and threats include biological attacks, ransomware attacks, cyber attacks, and active shooters.

Continue reading “Natalia Ramon Threat and Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (THIRA) in Colorado”
Posted on

Catherine Reyes Threat and Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (THIRA) in Connecticut

Flood in Connecticut.

In this THIRA, Reyes assesses the natural, technological, and human-caused threats and hazards in Litchfield County, Connecticut, U.S. The natural threats include floods, winter storms, droughts, and tornadoes. Prominent technological hazards include power grid failure and dam failures. Human-related hazards and threats include drug abuse, cybercrime, and fraud.

Continue reading “Catherine Reyes Threat and Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (THIRA) in Connecticut”
Posted on

Brianna Baez’s Threat and Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (THIRA) in Colorado

Drought near the edge of the Colorado River.

In this THIRA, Baez assesses the natural, technological, and human-caused threats and hazards in Colorado, U.S. The natural threats include droughts, floods, and wildfires. Prominent technological hazards include loss of power, road accidents, and utility disruptions. Human-related hazards and threats include arson, biological attacks, and cyber attacks on data.

Continue reading “Brianna Baez’s Threat and Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (THIRA) in Colorado”
Posted on

Natalia Ramon’s Brief on the Great Texas Freeze Preparedness and Response

Texas winter storm.

In this brief, Ramon reviews the disaster preparedness and response measures of 2021’s Great Texas Freeze. The state was not equipped with the necessary resouces to prepare for the freezing temperatures, leading to a breakdown of Texas infrastructure. The impacts included nearly 5 million homes without power for weeks, 57 deaths, and $195 billion in property damage.

Continue reading “Natalia Ramon’s Brief on the Great Texas Freeze Preparedness and Response”
Posted on

Ishita Nair’s Brief on Pandemic Preparedness and Response

Doctors working during COVID-19

Nair uses this brief to discuss how health communication has altered pandemic preparedness and response for public health officials. Critical differences during pandemics such as COVID-19, H1N1, and the Spanish flu were driven by technological advancements, improved information dissemination trust in healthcare systems, and available resources for treatment. 

Continue reading “Ishita Nair’s Brief on Pandemic Preparedness and Response”
Posted on

Rachel Rosenberg’s Brief on Pulse Nightclub Shooting Preparedness and Response

Pulse nightclub.

The 2016 mass shooting at Pulse, a nightclub in Orlando, Florida, led to the death of 49 people and long-lasting physical and emotional hardships for the wider community. In this brief, Rosenberg reviews the Orlando Police Department and Pulse’s preparedness for and response to the event. 

Continue reading “Rachel Rosenberg’s Brief on Pulse Nightclub Shooting Preparedness and Response”
Posted on

Luis Guillermo Gómez Escobar’s Threat and Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (THIRA) in Kenya

Children in Kenya.

In this THIRA, Escobar assesses the natural, technological, and human-caused threats and hazards in Kenya. The natural threats include droughts, floods, and disease outbreaks. Prominent technological hazards include cybersecurity incidents, road accidents, and fires. Human-related hazards and threats include terrorism and political tension.

Continue reading “Luis Guillermo Gómez Escobar’s Threat and Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (THIRA) in Kenya”
Posted on

Jose Flores Hernandez’s Threat and Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (THIRA) in Zimbabwe

High temperatures in Zimbabwe.

In this THIRA, Hernandez assesses the natural, technological, and human-caused threats and hazards in Zimbabwe. The natural threats include droughts, extreme heat, floods, and extreme storms. Prominent technological hazards include health system failures, as well as cybersecurity threats and electrical system damage. Human-related hazards and threats include gender-based and politically motivated violence, underground mining, and exposure to disease.

Continue reading “Jose Flores Hernandez’s Threat and Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (THIRA) in Zimbabwe”
Posted on

Recent Report Finds ICE Detainees Suffer Preventable Deaths

ICE Contract Detention Facility in San Diego.

A recent study found critical issues within the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facilities, particularly focusing on the inadequate medical care provided to detainees. The research references a report written by three advocacy groups, the American Civil Liberties Union, American Oversight, and Physicians for Human Rights, which highlights numerous systemic failures. 

Continue reading “Recent Report Finds ICE Detainees Suffer Preventable Deaths”