Ready Report: WIS Preparedness News of The Week (11/26/23-12/2/23)
Unwavering Vigilance: A Week in Preparedness
Welcome to this week's edition of Ready Report from What If Survival (WIS), where we bring to light the crucial developments in safety and preparedness from around the globe. This past week has been a whirlwind of events that underscore the importance of being prepared for anything.
11/28/23 - Strengthening Defenses Against Disasters in Louisiana
At a House Homeland Security Subcommittee Field Hearing in Louisiana, Chairman D’Esposito highlighted the urgent need to bolster our defenses against natural disasters. He stressed, “We can’t only focus on disaster recovery. We have to ensure that our infrastructure can withstand the next storm.” The takeaway was clear: investing in hazard mitigation saves substantially in the long run, with every dollar spent potentially saving six in recovery costs.
Key topics discussed included:
- Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Preparedness Grants
- Increasing frequency of storms
- Terrorism threats
Cyber Threats in Pennsylvania: A Wake-Up Call
In a startling incident, Iranian-backed hackers, identified as the Cyber Avengers, breached the Aliquippa Municipal Water Authority in Pennsylvania. By shutting down a crucial pump, they temporarily disrupted the water supply to two townships. Although the water flow was swiftly restored without compromising safety, this incident highlights the vulnerabilities of U.S. infrastructure to cyber-attacks.
This event is a stark reminder of the lurking threats from countries like China, Russia, and Iran, potentially capable of crippling our critical infrastructure with a mere click. It raises a pressing question: How prepared are we for extended disruptions in essential services like water, power, fuel, and food?
11/29/23 - Federal Facility Security: A Critical Assessment in Washington D.C.
The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee shed light on the security at federal facilities. The Federal Protective Services (FPS) reported over 25,000 security audits from 2017-2021, with a worrying trend of recommendations being ignored or under-implemented by federal agencies.
Concerning findings included:
- A 25% vacancy in FPS positions, leading to heightened vulnerability.
- A need for extended authority to counter Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) threats, given the increasing use of drones in conflicts worldwide.
- An uptick in assaults on power distribution sites, making critical infrastructure like the power grid more vulnerable than ever.
11/30/23 - Alarming Migration Trends at the Southern Border in Washington D.C.
The House Foreign Affairs Committee examined the escalating situation at the southern border. Chairman McCaul described it as the worst he has ever witnessed. The discussion brought forth alarming statistics and concerns:
- Record high illegal alien border apprehensions.
- Over 7.8 million encounters since February 2021, with a significant number of 'gotaways'.
- Challenges in vetting millions of illegal aliens.
- A staggering 80% of women and girls suffering sexual abuse during their journey to the U.S.
The need for individual preparedness was emphasized, with a focus on establishing safe family rally points in case of emergencies.
12/1/23 - Mysterious Illness in China Sparks Concern
A surge in unidentified respiratory illnesses in China has prompted calls for travel restrictions. U.S. senators, including Marco Rubio and JD Vance, are urging for preventive measures citing China's history of opacity in public health matters. The World Health Organization is yet to determine the nature of these illnesses, raising concerns about global health security.
Israel-Hamas Conflict: A Shifting Landscape
Recent reports indicate a significant movement of Hamas fighters and leaders from Gaza to Qatar, Iran, and Turkey. This development, alongside Israel's vow to hunt down Hamas leaders globally, marks a significant shift in the ongoing conflict.
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As we navigate through these turbulent times, the importance of being prepared cannot be overstated. From natural disasters to cyber threats and global health emergencies, the spectrum of risks is diverse and ever-evolving. At What If Survival, we are committed to providing you with the knowledge and tools needed to stay safe and resilient. For more insights and preparedness resources, visit our website at [www.whatifsurvival.com](http://www.whatifsurvival.com). Stay informed, stay prepared, stay safe.
Welcome to this week's edition of Ready Report from What If Survival (WIS), where we bring to light the crucial developments in safety and preparedness from around the globe. This past week has been a whirlwind of events that underscore the importance of being prepared for anything.
11/28/23 - Strengthening Defenses Against Disasters in Louisiana
At a House Homeland Security Subcommittee Field Hearing in Louisiana, Chairman D’Esposito highlighted the urgent need to bolster our defenses against natural disasters. He stressed, “We can’t only focus on disaster recovery. We have to ensure that our infrastructure can withstand the next storm.” The takeaway was clear: investing in hazard mitigation saves substantially in the long run, with every dollar spent potentially saving six in recovery costs.
Key topics discussed included:
- Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Preparedness Grants
- Increasing frequency of storms
- Terrorism threats
Cyber Threats in Pennsylvania: A Wake-Up Call
In a startling incident, Iranian-backed hackers, identified as the Cyber Avengers, breached the Aliquippa Municipal Water Authority in Pennsylvania. By shutting down a crucial pump, they temporarily disrupted the water supply to two townships. Although the water flow was swiftly restored without compromising safety, this incident highlights the vulnerabilities of U.S. infrastructure to cyber-attacks.
This event is a stark reminder of the lurking threats from countries like China, Russia, and Iran, potentially capable of crippling our critical infrastructure with a mere click. It raises a pressing question: How prepared are we for extended disruptions in essential services like water, power, fuel, and food?
11/29/23 - Federal Facility Security: A Critical Assessment in Washington D.C.
The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee shed light on the security at federal facilities. The Federal Protective Services (FPS) reported over 25,000 security audits from 2017-2021, with a worrying trend of recommendations being ignored or under-implemented by federal agencies.
Concerning findings included:
- A 25% vacancy in FPS positions, leading to heightened vulnerability.
- A need for extended authority to counter Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) threats, given the increasing use of drones in conflicts worldwide.
- An uptick in assaults on power distribution sites, making critical infrastructure like the power grid more vulnerable than ever.
11/30/23 - Alarming Migration Trends at the Southern Border in Washington D.C.
The House Foreign Affairs Committee examined the escalating situation at the southern border. Chairman McCaul described it as the worst he has ever witnessed. The discussion brought forth alarming statistics and concerns:
- Record high illegal alien border apprehensions.
- Over 7.8 million encounters since February 2021, with a significant number of 'gotaways'.
- Challenges in vetting millions of illegal aliens.
- A staggering 80% of women and girls suffering sexual abuse during their journey to the U.S.
The need for individual preparedness was emphasized, with a focus on establishing safe family rally points in case of emergencies.
12/1/23 - Mysterious Illness in China Sparks Concern
A surge in unidentified respiratory illnesses in China has prompted calls for travel restrictions. U.S. senators, including Marco Rubio and JD Vance, are urging for preventive measures citing China's history of opacity in public health matters. The World Health Organization is yet to determine the nature of these illnesses, raising concerns about global health security.
Israel-Hamas Conflict: A Shifting Landscape
Recent reports indicate a significant movement of Hamas fighters and leaders from Gaza to Qatar, Iran, and Turkey. This development, alongside Israel's vow to hunt down Hamas leaders globally, marks a significant shift in the ongoing conflict.
---
As we navigate through these turbulent times, the importance of being prepared cannot be overstated. From natural disasters to cyber threats and global health emergencies, the spectrum of risks is diverse and ever-evolving. At What If Survival, we are committed to providing you with the knowledge and tools needed to stay safe and resilient. For more insights and preparedness resources, visit our website at [www.whatifsurvival.com](http://www.whatifsurvival.com). Stay informed, stay prepared, stay safe.