National Plans and Activities of the Department of Homeland Security
B.B. Buddemeier (Department of Homeland Security)
As the Department of Homeland Security passes its second anniversary, it has made the nation safer and more prepared through several major initiatives. The National Response Plan and the National Incident Management System establish a comprehensive all-hazards approach to enhance the ability of the United States to prevent, prepare for, respond to, and recovery from domestic incidents. The National Preparedness Goal identifies target capabilities to be developed and maintained at all levels of government. These efforts and others by the Department represent a significant change in how the nation protects against, prepares for, and responds to radiological terrorism and emergencies. During this time of significant change for our government, the health physics professional has an opportunity to become engaged through personal efforts and through professional societies.