Disaster and Emergency Management
Course
Security
Services
Unit IX
Disaster and
Emergency
Management
Essential
Question
What is
Emergency
Management?
What constitutes
a disaster and a
Terrorist Attack?
TEKS
§130.298(c)
(7)(A)(B)
Prior Student
Learning
History of
Security
Estimated Time
2 to 4 hours
Rationale
Security personnel play a key role in crisis situations. Knowledge of disaster
and emergency management is essential for them to act effectively during
an emergency.
Objectives
The student will be able to:
1. Summarize the characteristics of terrorism as a criminal act
2. Examine the elements and techniques of critical infrastructure
protection to reduce the risk to key terrorist targets and the impact of
natural disasters
3. Summarize what constitutes terrorism
4. Explain the role of private security personnel during a natural
disaster or terrorism activity
Engage
Ask students if they recall a historical event in the United States that
initiated the Homeland Security Act, nationwide preparation for disaster
support, and antiterrorism preparations. Ask students if they know how
security personnel can assist with preventing terrorism and support during
disasters. Use these questions for a class discussion. Use the Discussion
Rubric for assessment.
Key Points
I. What is terrorism?
A. Defining terrorism is difficult. Some options are:
1. The systematic application of violence to promote or
maintain a political or religious system
2. The unlawful use of force and violence against persons or
property to intimidate or coerce a government, a civilian
population, or any segment thereof, in furtherance of political
or social objectives (Code of Federal Regulations)
3. The use of force or violence against persons or property in
violation of criminal laws of the U.S. for purposes of
intimidation, coercion, or ransom
4. Premeditated, politically motivated violence perpetrated
against noncombatant targets by sub-national groups or
clandestine agents
B. Characteristics of terrorist groups
1. Adapt as times change
2. Most are unsuccessful in their long-term goals
3. Work with other organizations, including organized crime
groups, to finance activities and mobilize resources
4. Creative in their tactics – anything can happen
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II. What is the U.S. doing about terrorism?
A. Developed the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in 2003,
consolidating 22 separate agencies under one unified
organization
1. The first single federal department with homeland security as
its primary objective
2. DHS’ mission is to protect the American people and our way
of life from terrorism
3. DHS’ expectations are to work to ensure the highest level of
protection and preparedness for the country and its citizens
through partnerships with state, local, and tribal governments
and the private sector
B. Passed the Homeland Security Act (HLS) in 2002, a direct result
of the terrorist acts of 9/11/01 – HLS’ mission is to
1. Prevent terrorist attacks in the U.S.
2. Reduce U.S. vulnerability to terrorism
3. Minimize the damage and assist in recovery from terrorist
attacks in the U.S.
C. The private sector prepares by
1. Staging evacuation drills
2. Securing computer networks
3. Increasing protection around critical infrastructure assets
4. Increasing awareness of and security against terrorist
attacks, and developing a response plan in case an attack
occurs at the workplace
III. How does the U.S. reduce vulnerability to terrorist attacks?
A. Recognize that terrorism takes many forms
1. Biochemical warfare
2. Biological weapons
3. Bio-terrorism
4. Agro-terrorism
5. Explosives or other forms, such as on 9/11
6. Nuclear Weapons
B. Protect critical infrastructure assets
1. Communications – put plans in place to reassure, instruct,
and share information to prevent rumors and panic
2. Leadership – review emergency planning; know how to
respond in a disaster, and how to appropriate the necessary
resources
3. Transportation – plan alternatives for rescuing stranded
employees, delivering paychecks, shipping supplies, etc.
4. Geographic location – consider diversifying or relocating
5. Personnel backup – succession planning in the event of
catastrophic loss
6. Database backup – some redundancy can be helpful if
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computers and LANs are destroyed
7. Key dependencies – understand dependence on key
vendors in case a shipment of supplies is delayed or
manufacturing cycles are disrupted
8. Security – review physical and logical security efforts,
including the physical security of buildings and the security of
IT systems
9. Power supply – consider electrical power systems, oil and
gas, and water and food supplies
IV. How does the U.S. reduce the impact of natural disasters?
A. Communicate – inform people of approaching storms or fire
B. Protect critical infrastructure assets (see III. B. above)
C. Evacuate – more common than many realize, evacuations occur
hundreds of times each year as a result of fire, flood, the release
of harmful substances via industrial accidents, etc.
D. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has the
mission to reduce the loss of life and property and protect the
nation from all hazards, including natural disasters, acts of
terrorism, and other manmade disasters
V. What is private security’s job during a natural disaster or act of
terrorism?
A. Collaboration between law enforcement agencies and private
security organizations is important, even necessary, but has not
reached its potential
B. Private security is a key element in protecting our homeland from
terrorist attacks because the private sector owns 85 percent of the
nation’s infrastructure
C. Private security has three main roles:
1. Information, gathering, and sharing to provide early warnings
of terrorist threats or natural disaster
2. Acting as first responders – private security professionals are
often first responders on the scene. Their first priority is to
protect people and property until police or other authorities
arrive
3. Providing assistance and aid after a terrorist attack or natural
disaster
Activities
1. Have students research the internet, periodicals, and library for recent
past terrorist attacks on the United States and present a briefing to the
class. These briefings must address event, date, location, agencies
involved, impact on civilian population, involvement, and reactions by
private security personnel. The briefings must also address changes in
public laws and the way private security personnel are able to get
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involved in the activities against terrorism and support of disasters. Use
the Presentation Rubric.
Assessments
Disaster and Emergency Management Exam and Key
Disaster and Emergency Management Quiz and Key
Discussion Rubric
Individual Work Rubric
Presentation Rubric
Materials
Disaster and Emergency Management computer-based presentation
Disaster and Emergency Management Key Terms
Resources
9780205592401, Introduction to Private Security: Theory Meets Practice,
Roberson & Birzer, Prentice Hall, 2010.
Texas Department of Public Safety- Private Security Bureau and Homeland
Security Random Anti-terrorism Suggestion
http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/psb/news/archive/homeland_security.htm
Accommodations for Learning Differences
For reinforcement, have students participate in a disaster recovery role.
This activity will allow all students to participate in various roles without the
barriers of learning differences. Use the Individual Work Rubric for
assessment.
For enrichment, students can make a list of potential terrorist targets in their
community and discuss how to harden those targets against terrorist
attacks. Use the Individual Work Rubric for assessment.
State Education Standards
Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Career and Technical Education
§130.298 Security Services (One to Two Credits).
(7) The student investigates disaster response in emergency situations as it
relates to the duties of a security officer for the protection of persons,
property, and information. The student is expected to:
(A) Summarize the characteristics of terrorism as a criminal act; and
(B) Examine the elements and techniques of critical infrastructure
protection to reduce the risk to key terrorist targets and the
impact of natural disasters.
College and Career Readiness Standards
English/Language Arts
V. Research
C. Produce and design a document.
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1. Design and present an effective product.
2. Use source material ethically.
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Disaster and Emergency Management Key Terms
1. Critical infrastructure assets – items that are vital to a nation’s security, governance,
public health and safety, economy, and public confidence, such as telecommunications,
electrical power systems, gas and oil distribution and storage, water supplies, banking
and finance, transportation, emergency services, industrial assets, information systems,
and continuity of government operations
2. Biochemicals – the chemicals that make up or are produced by living things
3. Biological weapons – intentional use of biological agents as weapons to kill or injure
humans, animals, or plants, or to damage equipment
4. Antiterrorism – defensive measures used to reduce the vulnerability of individuals and
property to terrorist acts, including limited response and containment by local military
forces
5. Biological weapons agents – living organisms or the chemical compounds derived from
them that cause disease or disrupt physiological activity in humans, animals, or plants, or
that cause deterioration of material. Biological agents may be dispersed as liquid
droplets, aerosols, or dry powders
6. Bioterrorism – the illicit use of biological agents such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites
to cause illness and spread fear
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Name:
Date:
_________
Disaster and Emergency Management Exam
_____1. Although terrorism is difficult to define, which of the following can be agreed upon as
true of terrorist acts?
a.
b.
c.
d.
The use of unlawful force for the purposes of intimidation or coercion
A legitimate bargaining tool between opposing governments
Terror is not the primary objective of the acts
None of the above
_____2. Which of the following are true of terrorist groups?
a. Most are unorganized
b. Most are unsuccessful in their long-term goals
c. Most are stuck in their ways and not open to change
d. None of the above
_____3. Why was the Department of Homeland Security formed?
a. To ensure the highest level of protection and preparedness for the country and its
citizens through partnerships with state, local, and tribal governments and the
private sector
b. To protect the American people and our way of life from terrorism
c. Both a and b
d. Neither a nor b
_____4. Why is private security a key element in protecting our homeland from terrorist
attacks?
a. The private sector owns 85 percent of the nation’s infrastructure
b. Information, gathering, and sharing to provide early warnings of terrorist threats or
natural disaster is a role of private security
c. None of the above
d. Both a and b
_____5. What are critical infrastructure assets?
a. Living organisms that cause disease or disrupt physiological activity in humans,
animals, or plants
b. Items that are vital to a nation’s security, governance, public health and safety,
economy, and public confidence
c. Chemicals that make up or are produced by living things
d. None of the above
_____ 6. The mission of the Homeland Security Act is to
a. Prevent terrorist attacks in the U.S.
b. Reduce U.S. vulnerability to terrorism
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c. Minimize the damage and assist in the recovery from terrorist attacks in the U.S
d. All of the above
_____7. Critical infrastructure assets include which of the following?
a. Biochemical and biological weapons
b. Communications, transportation system, power, and food supply
c. Family photos and personal computer data
d. None of the above
_____8. What can the country do to reduce the impact of natural disasters?
a. Evacuate areas threatened by fire or storms and advance communication
b. Protect Items vital to national security, governance, public health, safety,
economy, and public confidence
c. Only a and b
d. None of the above
_____9. What is private security’s job in a natural disaster or act of terrorism?
a. Gather and share information to provide early warnings of terrorist threats or
natural disasters
b. Act as first responders, protecting people and property until police arrive
c. Provide assistance and aid after a terrorist attack or natural disaster
d. All of the above
_____10. What are some of the steps a private security officer can take after a natural disaster
at their job?
a. Act as first responders, protecting people and property until police arrive
b. Provide assistance and aid after a terrorist attack or natural disaster
c. Share information to provide early warnings
d. All of the above
_____ 11. Terrorism is a difficult concept to explain
a. True
b. False
_____ 12. Terrorism is only a psychological attack that is aimed at general victims.
a. True
b. False
_____ 13. Threat assessment refers to an assessment of a potential terrorist.
a. True
b. False
_____ 14. The private security individual’s role as a first responder is not as limited as a police
officer.
a. True
b. False
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_____ 15. The relationship between law enforcement and private security varies considerably.
a. True
b. False
_____ 16. After 9/11 the department of Homeland Security absorbed law enforcement and
private security organizations.
a. True
b. False
_____ 17. Law enforcement officials do not understand the functions of private security.
a. True
b. False
_____ 18. The food supply is a potential terrorist target.
a. True
b. False
_____ 19. Obstacles that tend to keep law enforcement from working with private security
include
a. Private security agencies do not receive timely information
b. Police fear that private security organizations may not treat information discreetly
as needed.
c. a and b only
d. None of the above
_____ 20. Any definition of terrorism includes
a. Individuals being threatened
b. The meaning of the act is derived from the choice of the target and victim
c. a and b
d. None of the above
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Disaster and Emergency Management Exam Key
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
A
B
C
D
B
D
B
C
D
D
A
B
A
B
A
A
A
A
C
C
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Name________________________________ Date__________________________
Disaster and Emergency Management Quiz
_____1. Although terrorism is difficult to define, which of the following can be agreed
upon as true of terrorist acts?
a. The use of unlawful force for the purposes of intimidation or coercion
b. A legitimate bargaining tool between opposing governments
c. Terror is not the primary objective of the acts
d. None of the above
_____2. Which of the following are true of terrorist groups?
a. Most are unorganized
b. Most are unsuccessful in their long-term goals
c. Most are stuck in their ways and not open to change
d. None of the above
_____3. Why was the Department of Homeland Security formed?
a. To ensure the highest level of protection and preparedness for the country
and its citizens through partnerships with state, local, and tribal
governments and the private sector
b. To protect the American people and our way of life from terrorism
c. Both a and b
d. Neither a nor b
_____4. Why is private security a key element in protecting our homeland from terrorist attacks?
a. The private sector owns 85 percent of the nation’s infrastructure
b. Information, gathering, and sharing to provide early warnings of terrorist threats or
natural disaster is a role of private security
c. None of the above
d. Both a and b
_____5. What are critical infrastructure assets?
a. Living organisms that cause disease or disrupt physiological activity in humans,
animals, or plants
b. Items that are vital to a nation’s security, governance, public health and safety,
economy, and public confidence
c. Chemicals that make up or are produced by living things
d. None of the above
_____ 6. The mission of the Homeland Security Act is to
a. Prevent terrorist attacks in the U.S
b. Reduce U.S. vulnerability to terrorism
c. Minimize the damage and assist in the recovery from terrorist attacks in the U.S
d. All of the above
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_____7. Critical infrastructure assets include which of the following?
a. Biochemicals and biological weapons
b. Communications, transportation systems, power, and food supply
c. Family photos and personal computer data
d. None of the above
_____8. What can the country do to reduce the impact of natural disasters?
a. Evacuate areas threatened by fire or storms
b. Communicate in advance of pending weather emergencies
c. Protect Items that are vital to a nation’s security, governance, public health and
safety, economy, and public confidence
d. All of the above
e. Only a and b
_____9. What is private security’s job in a natural disaster or act of terrorism?
a. Gather and share information to provide early warnings of terrorist threats or natural
disasters
b. Act as first responders, protecting people and property until police arrive
c. Provide assistance and aid after a terrorist attack or natural disaster
d. All of the above
_____10. What are some of the steps a private security officer can take after a natural disaster
at their job location?
a. Act as first responders, protecting people and property until police arrive
b. Provide assistance and aid after a terrorist attack or natural disaster
c. Share information to provide early warnings
d. All of the above
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Disaster and Emergency Management Quiz Key
1. A
2. B
3. C
4. D
5. B
6. D
7. B
8. D
9. D
10. D
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Name_______________________________________
Date_______________________________
Discussion Rubric
Objectives
4 pts.
Excellent
3 pts.
Good
2 pts. Needs Some
Improvement
1 pt. Needs Much
Improvement
N/A
Pts.
Participates in group discussion
Encourages others to join the
conversation
Keeps the discussion progressing
to achieve goals
Shares thoughts actively while
offering helpful recommendations to
others
Gives credit to others for their ideas
Respects the opinions of others
Involves others by asking questions
or requesting input
Expresses thoughts and ideas
clearly and effectively
Total Points (32 pts.)
Comments:
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Name______________________________________
Date_______________________________________
Individual Work Rubric
4 pts.
Excellent
Objectives
3 pts.
Good
2 pts. Needs Some
Improvement
1 pt. Needs Much
Improvement
N/A
Pts.
Follows directions
Student completed the work as directed,
following the directions given, in order and to the
level of quality indicated
Time management
Student used time wisely and remained on task
100% of the time
Organization
Student kept notes and materials in a neat,
legible, and organized manner. Information was
readily retrieved
Evidence of learning
Student documented information in his or her
own words and can accurately answer questions
related to the information retrieved
*Research/Gathering information (if relevant)
Student used a variety of methods and sources
to gather information. Student took notes while
gathering information
Total Points (20 pts.)
Comments:
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Name:____________________________________
Date:_____________________________
Presentation Rubric
4 pts.
Excellent
Objectives
3 pts.
Good
2 pts. Needs
Some
Improvement
1 pt. Needs
Much
Improvement
N/A
Pts.
Topic/Content
 Topic discussed completely and in-depth
 Includes properly cited sources (if used)
Creativity/Neatness
 Integrates a variety of multimedia
effects to create a professional
presentation (transition and graphics)
or appropriate visual aid used
 Title slide, table of contents,
bibliography are included, using
acceptable format
Mechanics
 Grammar, spelling, punctuation, and
capitalization are correct
 Image and font size are legible to the
entire audience
Oral Presentation
 Communicates with enthusiasm and eye
contact
 Voice delivery and projection are
dynamic and audible
Audience Interaction
 Presentation holds audience’s attention
and relates a clear message
 Clearly and effectively communicates the
content throughout the presentation
Total Points (20 pts.)
Comments:
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