Module 4 Case - Disaster Response and Recovery

Module 4 - Case

Disaster Response and Recovery

Assignment Overview

This assignment allows you to demonstrate your understanding of how a hypothetical natural disaster might impact homeland security. We shall make use of a fictional event in order to examine this issue, specifically with regard to an often overlooked but potentially catastrophic natural disaster impacting a critical component of homeland security: the national electrical power grid. By examining this system and its interrelation to the myriad systems that rely on this grid (even on a regional level), we have an opportunity to provide a creative but informed disaster response plan for a realistic potential homeland security issue created by a natural disaster.

The scenario is as follows:

A major, ongoing winter storm system occurring along the Eastern Seaboard (specifically, from Maine to Virginia) has, as of yesterday, knocked out the electrical grids supplying power to large sections of the region, with no current estimates as to when the electrical grids will be repaired and functional. This has caused the shutdown of the majority of national and international airports, halted traffic in major seaports, and hindered the flow of much-needed supplies and rescue personnel via snow-covered roadways. Communications have also been impacted with widespread outages of cellular phone service and internet accessibility. This disaster occurred approximately 24 hours ago, and some repairs are under way; however, reports indicate the damage to the power grid is extensive and not yet fully assessed.

The next level – Video - Experts: Cyberattack could target US power grid. 

Case Assignment

For your Case Study, you are expected to:

Briefly outline a simple emergency response plan for the loss of the electrical power grid along the Eastern Seaboard. This plan should include only the resources available to DHS and its state offices.

Properly cite the quotations you use to support your statements. For more information, please consult the  OWL : https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/ 

Assignment Expectations

Length: This Case Assignment should be 3-5 pages, not counting the title page and references.

References: At least two references should be included from academic sources (e.g., peer-reviewed journal articles). Required readings are included. Quoted material should not exceed 10% of the total paper (since the focus of these assignments is critical thinking). Use your own words and build on the ideas of others. When material is copied verbatim from external sources, it MUST be enclosed in quotes. The references should be cited within the text and listed at the end of the assignment in the References section (preferably in APA format).

Organization: Subheadings should be used to organize your paper according to question.

Grammar and Spelling: While no points are deducted for minor errors, assignments are expected to adhere to standard guidelines of grammar, spelling, punctuation, and sentence syntax. Points may be deducted if grammar and spelling impact clarity. 

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