Using this chapter’s recommended Web sites, conduct an online investigation of homeland preparedness and planning resources and policy challenges.

Web sites:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Biological and Chemical Terrorism: Strategic Plan for Preparedness and Response
   
• Federal Emergency Management Agency
   
• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Medical Surge Capacity and Capability Handbook
   
• U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Reference Manual to Mitigate Potential Terrorist Attacks Against Buildings
   
• U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission

• White House, Homeland Security Presidential Directive 21

1. Are there certain Federal or local agencies which are better configured than others to engage in homeland security preparedness and planning?
    
2. Read the executive summaries of the documents referenced in this chapter. Do they reflect objective and realistic approaches for coordinating preparedness and planning nationally?
    
3. In your opinion, how effective are proposals for homeland security preparedness and planning?

To conduct an online search on research and monitoring organizations, activate the search engine on your Web browser and enter the following keywords:

• Federal homeland security preparedness
   
• Homeland security state agencies