MITIGATION AND RISK REDUCTION-4

MITIGATION AND RISK REDUCTION-4

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: language measures to prevent or reduce the impact of a portable nuclear weapon used by the Al-Qaida group

In any terrorist disaster mitigation plan , there should be four phases involved , namely hazard mitigation , preparedness , response and recovery Frequently , hazard mitigation tends to be overlooked and the other three phases tend to be given a greater amount of importance . A thorough analysis needs to be conducted before any structural and non-structural measures are placed . Hazard mitigation involves taking certain interventions in to reduce the impact

of a potential disaster . It is of two types namely structural mitigation and non-structural mitigation . Structural mitigation involves reinforcing bracing , anchoring , strengthening or replacing a part of a structure that is vulnerable to a terrorist attack . This includes :-

Having reinforced building with strong walls and roofs

Having strong foundations

Having an underground facility to provide extra-protection during a nuclear attack

Using radiation proof shutters for doors and windows

Non-structural mitigation measures mainly include operative measures to help reduce the impact of a nuclear terrorist attack . It includes certain principles such as retrofit , replacing , relocating and choosing a backup plan . They do not contribute towards structural integrity The non-structural mitigation measures includes :-

Medical equipment - to help people affected from the nuclear attack to recover faster

Removing hazardous material which can increase the dangers of the nuclear attack

A fire-protection system

Having protective film to prevent glass from breaking

Securing and reinforcing all heavy objects

Alternative means of communications , power generation , vital systems support , etc ? Describe barriers in implementing these mitigation measures

There could be several problems in implementing the mitigation measures These include :-

High costs of developing radiation protection features

Difficulty in incorporating certain characteristics as the building has already been constructed

Difficulty in changing several structures within a short period of time

Coordinating the various mitigation measures ? Describe implementation strategies to overcome these barriers

Prioritizing the implementation of mitigation measures in certain buildings

Having more effective surveillance , preparedness , response and recovery strategy in to overcome the limitations in hazard mitigation

Shifting the operations of certain vital organizations to newer building which have incorporated the mitigation measures

Giving greater amount of importance to insurance from terrorist attacks ? Do you believe that an organization such as the European Police Office (Europol ) can be potentially more effective in preventing a nuclear device used as a terrorist weapon than the system that has developed in the United States

To a certain extent , The European Police Office (Europol ) have learnt from the mistakes made by their American counterparts that finally led to the 911 attacks . However , the United States police departments have stepped up their police operations strategy against terrorism . The Europol have developed an international network formed between member nations that could effectively help tackle international terrorism They have recognized terrorism as an international issue and have pledged cooperation in this regard . On the other hand , the United States have kept their security an internal issue . The...