Community Preparedness and Response to Terrorism: [3 Volumes]

What can we do to protect ourselves from a terrorist attack, and how can communities respond most effectively if the unthinkable should happen? The next large-scale terrorist attack on the United States could be carried out using any number of agents and delivery methods, including anthrax, smallpox, the water system, the agriculture industry; threats to bridges, tunnels, trains, airlines, and other transportation systems; suicide bombings in crowded cities, convention centers, and shopping malls; the possibilities are many, but not endless. Local preparation is critical. Until now, scant attention has been paid to the role of communities in preparing for and responding to terrorism. This invaluable set covers chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive scenarios. Throughout, the focus is on community preparedness and response. Volume I, The Terrorist Threat and Community Response, focuses on local, state, regional and federal coordination of efforts and interaction. Volume II, The Role of Community Organizations and Business, includes chapters on the public health system, counterterrorism training, cyberterrorism, negotiating with terrorists, nonprofit organizations, and schools. Volume III, Communication and the Media, addresses the role of the media in alerting the public to a terrorist attack, and the need to prevent terrorists from using public information against the very citizens the media is trying to serve in times of crisis.

About the Author :
JAMES A. JOHNSON is Professor of Health Sciences at Central Michigan University. He has published nine books on a wide range of health-related topics. He is actively involved in international health development, including work with the World Health Organization. GERALD R. LEDLOW is Associate Professor and Director of the Doctor of Health Administration Program at Central Michigan University and former U.S. Army Medical Logistics Officer in the Medical Service Corps. In the 1990s he directed managed care for Military Health Systems. MARK A. CWIEK is Professor of Health Sciences at Central Michigan University. He has served as president and CEO of hospitals in Michigan and Illinois and he has led a Physician Hospital Organization.

Review :
Terrorism is perceived as a social disease to which all populations are susceptible. Thus this three-volume work makes a cogent, sober argument that community preparedness on many levels is required to manage terrorist attacks, whether the assaults be biomedical in nature or involve bombing or communication systems. The authors clearly convince readers that the consequences of lack of preparation would be horrible….The authors argue that terrorism is an act of communication, and that it is only through competent communication that terrorism can be managed. This three-volume work is scholarly, well documented, rich in resources, and straightforward. It also conveys a sense of foreboding as it analyzes in detail how terrorists cause disruption, drain resources, grab attention through the media, and generate profit. This work is meant to generate not only thoughtful reflection but an action plan within each local community. Recommended. Upper-level undergraduates and above; general readers. [A] well-rounded reference for the citizenry and for the leadership, written by experts with substantial experience in a variety of fields.