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Lesson 6: Hazards: Mitigation/Prevention and Preparedness

Strategic National Risk Assessment

In accordance with PPD-8, and in coordination with federal departments and agencies, a Strategic National Risk Assessment (SNRA) was conducted. The results of the assessment indicate that a wide range of threats and hazards pose a significant risk to the nation, affirming the need for an all-hazards, capability-based approach to preparedness planning. 

  SNRA key findings reveal the following risks:

Table 6.1: Strategic National Risk Assessment Key Findings from the Department of Homeland Security, 2011
NaturalTechnological/AccidentalAdversarial/Human Caused
  • Animal Disease
  • Earthquake
  • Flood
  • Human Pandemic Outbreak
  • Hurricane
  • Space
  • Weather
  • Tsunami
  • Volcanic Eruption
  • Wildfire
  • Biological Food Contamination
  • Chremical Substance Spill or Release
  • Dam Failure
  • Radiological Substance Release

 

 
  • Aircraft as a Weapon
  • Armed Assault
  • Bio Terrorism Attack (Non Food)
  • Chemical/Bio Food Contamination Terrorism Attack
  • Cyber Attack against Data
  • Cyber Attack against Physical Infrastructure
  • Explosive Terrorism Attack
  • Nuclear Terrorism Attack
  • Radiological Terrorism Attack

 

There is no doubt that the nation has made many positive strides toward improving preparedness for the full range of hazards at all levels of government and across all segments of our society. National preparedness has improved not only for the countless threats posed by those who wish to bring harm to the American homeland, but also for the many natural and technological hazards that face the nation’s communities.  

Reference

US Department of Homeland Security. (September, 2011). National Preparedness Goal. Retrieved May 29, 2012 from www.fema.gov/pdf/prepared/npg.pdf


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