Terrorism: Reducing Vulnerabilities and Improving Responses

Download Terrorism: Reducing Vulnerabilities and Improving Responses PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : National Academies Press
ISBN 13 : 0309089719
Total Pages : 255 pages
Book Rating : 4.3/5 (9 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Terrorism: Reducing Vulnerabilities and Improving Responses by : Russian Academy of Sciences

Download or read book Terrorism: Reducing Vulnerabilities and Improving Responses written by Russian Academy of Sciences and published by National Academies Press. This book was released on 2004-07-23 with total page 255 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book is devoted primarily to papers prepared by American and Russian specialists on cyber terrorism and urban terrorism. It also includes papers on biological and radiological terrorism from the American and Russian perspectives. Of particular interest are the discussions of the hostage situation at Dubrovko in Moscow, the damge inflicted in New York during the attacks on 9/11, and Russian priorities in addressing cyber terrorism.

Countering Terrorism

Download Countering Terrorism PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : National Academies Press
ISBN 13 : 0309127076
Total Pages : 244 pages
Book Rating : 4.3/5 (91 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Countering Terrorism by : Russian Academy of Sciences

Download or read book Countering Terrorism written by Russian Academy of Sciences and published by National Academies Press. This book was released on 2009-03-26 with total page 244 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book presents the proceedings of the fourth U.S.-Russian interacademy workshop on the general theme of countering terrorism, which was held in Moscow in March 2007. The fourth in a series, this volume continues to explore topics related to urban terrorism, but with a new emphasis on potential attacks involving biological agents, transportation networks, and energy systems. The other books in the series include: High Impact Terrorism: Proceedings of a Russian-American Workshop (2002) Terrorism: Reducing Vulnerabilities and Improving Responses: U.S.-Russian Workshop Proceedings (2004) Countering Urban Terrorism in Russia and the United States: Proceedings of a Workshop (2006)

Making the Nation Safer

Download Making the Nation Safer PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : National Academies Press
ISBN 13 : 0309182727
Total Pages : 440 pages
Book Rating : 4.3/5 (91 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Making the Nation Safer by : National Research Council

Download or read book Making the Nation Safer written by National Research Council and published by National Academies Press. This book was released on 2002-09-05 with total page 440 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Vulnerabilities abound in U.S. society. The openness and efficiency of our key infrastructures â€" transportation, information and telecommunications systems, health systems, the electric power grid, emergency response units, food and water supplies, and others â€" make them susceptible to terrorist attacks. Making the Nation Safer discusses technical approaches to mitigating these vulnerabilities. A broad range of topics are covered in this book, including: Nuclear and radiological threats, such as improvised nuclear devices and "dirty bombs;" Bioterrorism, medical research, agricultural systems and public health; Toxic chemicals and explosive materials; Information technology, such as communications systems, data management, cyber attacks, and identification and authentication systems; Energy systems, such as the electrical power grid and oil and natural gas systems; Transportation systems; Cities and fixed infrastructures, such as buildings, emergency operations centers, and tunnels; The response of people to terrorism, such as how quality of life and morale of the population can be a target of terrorists and how people respond to terrorist attacks; and Linked infrastructures, i.e. the vulnerabilities that result from the interdependencies of key systems. In each of these areas, there are recommendations on how to immediately apply existing knowledge and technology to make the nation safer and on starting research and development programs that could produce innovations that will strengthen key systems and protect us against future threats. The book also discusses issues affecting the government's ability to carry out the necessary science and engineering programs and the important role of industry, universities, and states, counties, and cities in homeland security efforts. A long term commitment to homeland security is necessary to make the nation safer, and this book lays out a roadmap of how science and engineering can assist in countering terrorism.

Terrorism and the Chemical Infrastructure

Download Terrorism and the Chemical Infrastructure PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : National Academies Press
ISBN 13 : 0309097215
Total Pages : 153 pages
Book Rating : 4.3/5 (9 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Terrorism and the Chemical Infrastructure by : National Research Council

Download or read book Terrorism and the Chemical Infrastructure written by National Research Council and published by National Academies Press. This book was released on 2006-07-21 with total page 153 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The chemical sector is a key part of the national economy and has been designated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) as one of 17 sectors comprising the nation's Critical Infrastructure. Although its products represent only 2 percent of the U.S. gross domestic product, those products underpin most other manufactured goods. To assist DHS in characterizing and mitigating the vulnerabilities faced by the nation from the chemical industry, this study examines classes of chemicals and chemical processes that are critical to the nation's security, economy, and health. It identifies vulnerabilities and points of weakness in the supply chain for these chemicals and chemical processes; assesses the likely impact of a significant disruption in the supply chain; identifies actions to help prevent disruption in the supply chain and mitigate loss and injury should such disruption occur; identifies incentives and disincentives to preventative and mitigating actions; and recommends areas of scientific, engineering, and economic research and development. The report concludes that the consequences of a deliberate attack on the chemical infrastructure would be expected to be similar in nature to the accidents we have already experienced. Under limited circumstances, such an attack could cause catastrophic casualties and loss of life, but it would take several simultaneous events to cause catastrophic economic consequences. Poor communication could amplify societal response. Overall, the recommendations in this report emphasize the benefit of investments to improve emergency preparedness for and response to chemical events. They also highlight the potential to minimize the physical hazards through development of cost-effective, safer processes that reduce the volume, toxicity, or hazardous conditions under which chemicals are processed.

Terrorism: Reducing Vulnerabilities and Improving Responses

Download Terrorism: Reducing Vulnerabilities and Improving Responses PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : National Academies Press
ISBN 13 : 0309166233
Total Pages : 254 pages
Book Rating : 4.3/5 (91 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Terrorism: Reducing Vulnerabilities and Improving Responses by : Russian Academy of Sciences

Download or read book Terrorism: Reducing Vulnerabilities and Improving Responses written by Russian Academy of Sciences and published by National Academies Press. This book was released on 2004-06-23 with total page 254 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book is devoted primarily to papers prepared by American and Russian specialists on cyber terrorism and urban terrorism. It also includes papers on biological and radiological terrorism from the American and Russian perspectives. Of particular interest are the discussions of the hostage situation at Dubrovko in Moscow, the damge inflicted in New York during the attacks on 9/11, and Russian priorities in addressing cyber terrorism.

Countering Urban Terrorism in Russia and the United States

Download Countering Urban Terrorism in Russia and the United States PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : National Academies Press
ISBN 13 : 030918018X
Total Pages : 256 pages
Book Rating : 4.3/5 (91 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Countering Urban Terrorism in Russia and the United States by : Russian Academy of Sciences

Download or read book Countering Urban Terrorism in Russia and the United States written by Russian Academy of Sciences and published by National Academies Press. This book was released on 2006-10-31 with total page 256 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In January-February 2005, the National Academies Committee on Counterterrorism Challenges for Russia and the United States and the Russian Academy of Sciences Standing Committee on Counterterrorism held a workshop on urban terrorism in Washington, D.C. Prior to the workshop, three working groups convened to focus on the topics of energy systems vulnerabilities, transportation systems vulnerabilities, and cyberterrorism issues. The working groups met with local experts and first responders, prepared reports, and presented their findings at the workshop. Other workshop papers focused on various organizations' integrated response to acts of urban terrorism, recent acts of terrorism, radiological terrorism, biological terrorism, cyberterrorism, and the roots of terrorism.

Understanding, Assessing, and Responding to Terrorism

Download Understanding, Assessing, and Responding to Terrorism PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : John Wiley & Sons
ISBN 13 : 1119237785
Total Pages : 516 pages
Book Rating : 4.1/5 (192 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Understanding, Assessing, and Responding to Terrorism by : Brian T. Bennett

Download or read book Understanding, Assessing, and Responding to Terrorism written by Brian T. Bennett and published by John Wiley & Sons. This book was released on 2018-01-18 with total page 516 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A comprehensive guide to understanding, assessing, and responding to terrorism in this modern age This book provides readers with a thorough understanding of the types of attacks that may be perpetrated, and how to identify potential targets, conduct a meaningful vulnerability analysis, and apply protective measures to secure personnel and facilities. The new edition of Understanding, Assessing, and Responding to Terrorism updates existing material and includes several new topics that have emerged, including information on new international terrorist groups as well as a new chapter on Regulations and Standards. A vulnerability analysis methodology, consisting of several steps—which include the techniques necessary to conduct a vulnerability analysis—is introduced and applied through several sample scenarios. By using easily customized templates for the screening process, valuation of a critical asset as a target, vulnerability analysis, security procedures, emergency response procedures, and training programs, the book offers a practical step-by-step process to help reduce risk. Each different type of terrorism is briefly discussed—however, the book focuses on those potential attacks that may involve weapons of mass destruction. There is a discussion of what physical and administrative enhancements can be implemented to improve a facility's ability to devalue, detect, deter, deny, delay, defend, respond, and recover to a real or threatened terrorist attack—whether it be at a facility, or in the community. Techniques on how personnel safety and security can be improved through the implementation of counter-terrorism programs are also outlined. An overview of the major counter-terrorism regulations and standards are presented, along with the significant governmental efforts that have been implemented to help prevent terrorist attacks and foster preparedness at both private and public sector facilities and for personnel. Understanding, Assessing, and Responding to Terrorism, Second Edition: Updates existing material, plus includes several new topics that have emerged including information on new international terrorist groups, new terrorist tactics, cyber terrorism, and Regulations and Standards Outlines techniques for improving facility and personnel safety and security through the implementation of counter-terrorism programs Unites the emergency response/public sector community with the private sector over infrastructure protection, thus allowing for easier communication between them Includes questions/exercises at the end of each chapter and a solutions manual to facilitate its use as a textbook Understanding, Assessing, and Responding to Terrorism, Second Edition is a must-have reference for private and public sector risk managers, safety engineers, security professionals, facility managers, emergency responders, and others charged with protecting facilities and personnel from all types of hazards (accidental, intentional, and natural).

Science and Technology to Counter Terrorism

Download Science and Technology to Counter Terrorism PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : National Academies Press
ISBN 13 : 0309104998
Total Pages : 180 pages
Book Rating : 4.3/5 (91 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Science and Technology to Counter Terrorism by : International Strategic and Security Studies Programme of the National Institute of Advanced Studies

Download or read book Science and Technology to Counter Terrorism written by International Strategic and Security Studies Programme of the National Institute of Advanced Studies and published by National Academies Press. This book was released on 2007-03-27 with total page 180 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This volume presents the papers and summarizes the discussions of a workshop held in Goa, India, in January 2004, organized by the Indian National Institute of Advanced Science (NIAS) and the U.S. Committee on International Security and Arms Control (CISAC). During the workshop, Indian and U.S. experts examined the terrorist threat faced in both countries and elsewhere in the world, and explored opportunities for the U.S. and India to work together. Bringing together scientists and experts with common scientific and technical backgrounds from different cultures provided a unique opportunity to explore possible means of preventing or mitigating future terrorist attacks.

Making the Nation Safer

Download Making the Nation Safer PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : National Academies Press
ISBN 13 : 0309084814
Total Pages : 440 pages
Book Rating : 4.3/5 (9 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Making the Nation Safer by : National Research Council

Download or read book Making the Nation Safer written by National Research Council and published by National Academies Press. This book was released on 2002-10-05 with total page 440 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Vulnerabilities abound in U.S. society. The openness and efficiency of our key infrastructures â€" transportation, information and telecommunications systems, health systems, the electric power grid, emergency response units, food and water supplies, and others â€" make them susceptible to terrorist attacks. Making the Nation Safer discusses technical approaches to mitigating these vulnerabilities. A broad range of topics are covered in this book, including: Nuclear and radiological threats, such as improvised nuclear devices and "dirty bombs;" Bioterrorism, medical research, agricultural systems and public health; Toxic chemicals and explosive materials; Information technology, such as communications systems, data management, cyber attacks, and identification and authentication systems; Energy systems, such as the electrical power grid and oil and natural gas systems; Transportation systems; Cities and fixed infrastructures, such as buildings, emergency operations centers, and tunnels; The response of people to terrorism, such as how quality of life and morale of the population can be a target of terrorists and how people respond to terrorist attacks; and Linked infrastructures, i.e. the vulnerabilities that result from the interdependencies of key systems. In each of these areas, there are recommendations on how to immediately apply existing knowledge and technology to make the nation safer and on starting research and development programs that could produce innovations that will strengthen key systems and protect us against future threats. The book also discusses issues affecting the government's ability to carry out the necessary science and engineering programs and the important role of industry, universities, and states, counties, and cities in homeland security efforts. A long term commitment to homeland security is necessary to make the nation safer, and this book lays out a roadmap of how science and engineering can assist in countering terrorism.

Combating Terrorism

Download Combating Terrorism PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher :
ISBN 13 :
Total Pages : 44 pages
Book Rating : 4.F/5 ( download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Combating Terrorism by : United States. General Accounting Office

Download or read book Combating Terrorism written by United States. General Accounting Office and published by . This book was released on 2001 with total page 44 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

The Next Catastrophe

Download The Next Catastrophe PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Princeton University Press
ISBN 13 : 9781400838516
Total Pages : 432 pages
Book Rating : 4.8/5 (385 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis The Next Catastrophe by : Charles Perrow

Download or read book The Next Catastrophe written by Charles Perrow and published by Princeton University Press. This book was released on 2011-02-07 with total page 432 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Charles Perrow is famous worldwide for his ideas about normal accidents, the notion that multiple and unexpected failures--catastrophes waiting to happen--are built into our society's complex systems. In The Next Catastrophe, he offers crucial insights into how to make us safer, proposing a bold new way of thinking about disaster preparedness. Perrow argues that rather than laying exclusive emphasis on protecting targets, we should reduce their size to minimize damage and diminish their attractiveness to terrorists. He focuses on three causes of disaster--natural, organizational, and deliberate--and shows that our best hope lies in the deconcentration of high-risk populations, corporate power, and critical infrastructures such as electric energy, computer systems, and the chemical and food industries. Perrow reveals how the threat of catastrophe is on the rise, whether from terrorism, natural disasters, or industrial accidents. Along the way, he gives us the first comprehensive history of FEMA and the Department of Homeland Security and examines why these agencies are so ill equipped to protect us. The Next Catastrophe is a penetrating reassessment of the very real dangers we face today and what we must do to confront them. Written in a highly accessible style by a renowned systems-behavior expert, this book is essential reading for the twenty-first century. The events of September 11 and Hurricane Katrina--and the devastating human toll they wrought--were only the beginning. When the next big disaster comes, will we be ready? In a new preface to the paperback edition, Perrow examines the recent (and ongoing) catastrophes of the financial crisis, the BP oil spill, and global warming.

The Terrorism Threat and U.S. Government Responses

Download The Terrorism Threat and U.S. Government Responses PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher :
ISBN 13 :
Total Pages : 318 pages
Book Rating : 4.3/5 (91 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis The Terrorism Threat and U.S. Government Responses by : USAF Institute for National Security Studies

Download or read book The Terrorism Threat and U.S. Government Responses written by USAF Institute for National Security Studies and published by . This book was released on 2001 with total page 318 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The dual mission of the USAF Institute for National Security Studies is to promote national security research for the Department of Defense within the military academic community and to support the Air Force national security education program. INSS coordinates and focuses outside thinking in various disciplines and across services to develop new ideas for USAF and DOD policy making. Located within the staff of the Dean of the Faculty at the USAF Academy in Colorado Springs, INSS is an independent research center supported by various DOD organizations. In addition to the USAF Academy Dean, the primary INSS sponsor is the National Security Policy Division, Nuclear and Counterproliferation Directorate, Headquarters US Air Force (AF/XONP). The Institute helps to develop research topics, select researchers, administer sponsored research, and host conferences and workshops that facilitate the dissemination of information to a wide range of private and government organizations. Its research centers on arms control, proliferation, regional security, environmental security, information operations, Air Force policy, and space policy.

Terrorism Financing and State Responses

Download Terrorism Financing and State Responses PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Stanford University Press
ISBN 13 : 9780804755665
Total Pages : 388 pages
Book Rating : 4.7/5 (556 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Terrorism Financing and State Responses by : Jeanne K. Giraldo

Download or read book Terrorism Financing and State Responses written by Jeanne K. Giraldo and published by Stanford University Press. This book was released on 2007 with total page 388 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book takes a broadly comparative approach to analyzing how the financing of global jihadi terrorist groups has evolved in response to government policies since September 11, 2001.

Countering Bioterrorism

Download Countering Bioterrorism PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : National Academies Press
ISBN 13 : 0309086078
Total Pages : 105 pages
Book Rating : 4.3/5 (9 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Countering Bioterrorism by : National Research Council

Download or read book Countering Bioterrorism written by National Research Council and published by National Academies Press. This book was released on 2003-01-03 with total page 105 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The attacks of September 11 and the release of anthrax spores revealed enormous vulnerabilities in the U.S. public-health infrastructure and suggested similar vulnerabilities in the agricultural infrastructure as well. The traditional public health response-surveillance (intelligence), prevention, detection, response, recovery, and attribution-is the paradigm for the national response not only to all forms of terrorism but also to emerging infectious diseases. Thus, investments in research on bioterrorism will have enormous potential for application in the detection, prevention, and treatment of emerging infectious diseases that also are unpredictable and against which we must be prepared. The deciphering of the human genome sequence and the complete elucidation of numerous pathogen genomes, our rapidly increasing understanding of the molecular mechanisms of pathogenesis and of immune responses, and new strategies for designing drugs and vaccines all offer unprecedented opportunities to use science to counter bioterrorist threats. But these same developments also allow science to be misused to create new agents of mass destruction. Hence the effort to confront bioterrorism must be a global one. Countering Bioterrorism makes the following recommendations: Recommendation 1: All agencies with responsibility for homeland security should work together to establish stronger and more meaningful working ties between the intelligence, S&T, and public health communities. Recommendation 2: Federal agencies should work cooperatively and in collaboration with industry to develop and evaluate rapid, sensitive, and specific early-detection technologies. Recommendation 3: Create a global network for detection and surveillance, making use of computerized methods for real-time reporting and analysis to rapidly detect new patterns of disease locally, nationally, and ultimately- internationally. The use of high-throughput methodologies that are being increasingly utilized in modern biological research should be an important component of this expanded and highly automated surveillance strategy. Recommendation 4: Use knowledge of complex biological patterns and high-throughput laboratory automation to classify and diagnose infections in patients in primary care settings. Recommendation 5: USDA should create an agency for control and prevention of plant disease. This agency should have the capabilities necessary to deal effectively with biothreats.

Review of the Department of Homeland Security's Approach to Risk Analysis

Download Review of the Department of Homeland Security's Approach to Risk Analysis PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : National Academies Press
ISBN 13 : 0309159245
Total Pages : 160 pages
Book Rating : 4.3/5 (91 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Review of the Department of Homeland Security's Approach to Risk Analysis by : National Research Council

Download or read book Review of the Department of Homeland Security's Approach to Risk Analysis written by National Research Council and published by National Academies Press. This book was released on 2010-10-10 with total page 160 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The events of September 11, 2001 changed perceptions, rearranged national priorities, and produced significant new government entities, including the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) created in 2003. While the principal mission of DHS is to lead efforts to secure the nation against those forces that wish to do harm, the department also has responsibilities in regard to preparation for and response to other hazards and disasters, such as floods, earthquakes, and other "natural" disasters. Whether in the context of preparedness, response or recovery from terrorism, illegal entry to the country, or natural disasters, DHS is committed to processes and methods that feature risk assessment as a critical component for making better-informed decisions. Review of the Department of Homeland Security's Approach to Risk Analysis explores how DHS is building its capabilities in risk analysis to inform decision making. The department uses risk analysis to inform decisions ranging from high-level policy choices to fine-scale protocols that guide the minute-by-minute actions of DHS employees. Although DHS is responsible for mitigating a range of threats, natural disasters, and pandemics, its risk analysis efforts are weighted heavily toward terrorism. In addition to assessing the capability of DHS risk analysis methods to support decision-making, the book evaluates the quality of the current approach to estimating risk and discusses how to improve current risk analysis procedures. Review of the Department of Homeland Security's Approach to Risk Analysis recommends that DHS continue to build its integrated risk management framework. It also suggests that the department improve the way models are developed and used and follow time-tested scientific practices, among other recommendations.

High-Impact Terrorism

Download High-Impact Terrorism PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : National Academies Press
ISBN 13 : 0309169909
Total Pages : 294 pages
Book Rating : 4.3/5 (91 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis High-Impact Terrorism by : Russian Academy of Sciences

Download or read book High-Impact Terrorism written by Russian Academy of Sciences and published by National Academies Press. This book was released on 2002-05-14 with total page 294 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In June 2001 the National Academies and the Russian Academy of Sciences held a bilateral workshop in Moscow on terrorism in a high-technology society and modern methods to prevent and respond to it. The purpose of the workshop was to begin a dialogue on high-impact terrorism that could lead to further U.S.-Russian collaboration. This volume includes papers presented at the workshop by 31 Russian and American experts on various types of high-impact terrorism, including biological and agricultural terrorism, nuclear and electromagnetic terrorism, explosives, chemical, and technological terrorism, and cyber terrorism. The papers also address legal issues, Russian internal affairs, and the future of international cooperation in this area.

Preparing for Terrorism

Download Preparing for Terrorism PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : National Academies Press
ISBN 13 : 0309169364
Total Pages : 330 pages
Book Rating : 4.3/5 (91 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Preparing for Terrorism by : Institute of Medicine

Download or read book Preparing for Terrorism written by Institute of Medicine and published by National Academies Press. This book was released on 2002-07-11 with total page 330 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The Metropolitan Medical Response System (MMRS) program of the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) provides funds to major U. S. cities to help them develop plans for coping with the health and medical consequences of a terrorist attack with chemical, biological, or radiological (CBR) agents. DHHS asked the Institute of Medicine (IOM) to assist in assessing the effectiveness of the MMRS program by developing appropriate evaluation methods, tools, and processes to assess both its own management of the program and local preparedness in the cities that have participated in the program. This book provides the managers of the MMRS program and others concerned about local capabilities to cope with CBR terrorism with three evaluation tools and a three-part assessment method. The tools are a questionnaire survey eliciting feedback about the management of the MMRS program, a table of preparedness indicators for 23 essential response capabilities, and a set of three scenarios and related questions for group discussion. The assessment method described integrates document inspection, a site visit by a team of expert peer reviewers, and observations at community exercises and drills.