Studying the Asymmetric Threat

“NPS provides high-quality, relevant and unique advanced education and research programs that increase the combat effectiveness of the Naval Services, other Armed Forces of the U.S. and our partners, to enhance our national security.”

- NPS Mission Statement

“In addition to facing enemies on traditional battlefields, the United States must now be prepared for asymmetric threats… These threats and hazards include terrorism, natural disasters, large-scale cyber attacks, and pandemics… To succeed, we must update, balance, and integrate all of the tools of American power and work with our allies and partners to do the same.”

- National Security Strategy, 2010

Southwest Wildfires$1 billion

Southern Plains Drought$12 billion

Midwest Flooding$2 billion

Mississippi River Flooding$4 billion

Tornadoes$28.7 billion (7 events)

Hurricane Irene$7.6 billion

Groundhog Day Blizzard$1.8 billion

Source: National Climatic Data Center, NOAA

In 2011, the U.S. endured 14 separate weather and climate disasters causing over $1 billion in damage

Despite improvements in disaster mitigation and warning efforts, disaster costs are rising rapidly due to increased urbanization and the inherent complexity of integrated infrastructure.

- GDIN Disaster Information Task Force, 1997

Tropical Storm Lee$1.3 billion

The Rising Cost of Disaster

Lessons Learned: Planning

Even small businesses have the resources to develop an effective plan

There are a number of tools and many templates available for businesses to use

A plan ensures effective and economical allocation of resources for the maximum benefit and protection of persons and property

Only the most unique threats require unique planning considerations

Deliberate planning accomplishes much of the work that would need to be done in response to a disaster

Lessons Learned: Interdependency

You don’t have to be the target to be a victim

Everybody is dependent on critical infrastructure

Everybody is connected over a network

Everybody is dependent on vendors and suppliers

Everybody’s business counts on customers

The efforts of your organization to plan for resiliency can be undermined by those to which you are connected

Lessons Learned: Community

The small business community is typically too concerned with day-to-day operations to assign priority to planning and preparation

Solutions must be cost-effective and simple

A whole community approach must be reinforced

Small businesses must assume that nobody is coming to help in a disaster

Leverage the strengths of your neighbors and partners

You will have to share resources with those who have similar requirements

Get creative