2 forum responses 150 words each use apa format with citations:
1. Megan Sonnek
Risk, threat and consequence share a symbiotic relationship where each relies on the functionality of the previous and subsequent factor. Risk is the measurable variable of threat and consequence. The Department of Homeland Security provided an equation that illustrates the dynamics of risk, threat and consequence:
R (risk) = T (threat) x V (vulnerability) x C (consequence)
To accurately explain the relationship between risk, threat and consequence it is imperative to define each respectively and separately before applying them collaboratively. As defined by the Department of Homeland Security risk is the "function of the likelihood and potential impacts of different homeland security threats and hazards" (DHS, 2014). Essentially, risk is the ability to identify variables that pose a threat to a community or situation. The ability to identify risk is not merely a government issue but also one that applies on all levels of community. For example, risk does not pertain entirely to physical threat against individuals but also environmental threats against crops and agriculture. The Department of Agriculture often discusses and analyzes food supply and agricultural security against terrorism (Department of Homeland Security).
The risk of contamination by means of terrorism is evaluated not only by the Department of Agriculture but also other agencies that share a close relationship with the safety of our nations vegetation. The FDA evaluates risk by the detailed analysis of vulnerability; specifically, to retail food stores and food service establishments. The FDA and USDA are able to practice more effectively at local levels to determine crop vulnerability through subsidiary offices and employees. Furthermore, by establishing a relationship with local farmers both government entities can evaluate risk by processing the threat, vulnerability and consequence of inadequate mitigation.
Agroterrorism is not often highlighted as a national security risk because of the more obvious and apparent employments of attack; however, agroterrorism and its close relationship to bioterrorism highlights the vulnerability of the nation's food supply and the exposure agriculture has in terms of safety and security. Moreover, in the evaluation of risk by the consideration of risk and vulnerability an detailed assumption of consequence can be made if proper steps of prevention fail.
Works Cited
Department of Homeland Security. (n.d.). Risk Assessment: Agriculture & Food Supply. Retrieved March 6, 2017, from Department of Homeland Security: https://www.hsdl.org/?view&did=765715
2. Laura Sackett
In order to make appropriate choices to prepare and protect society we have to look at the risks, threats and consequences associated with those choices. Accepting risks may end up with negative consequences and leave us vulnerable to threats. To understand the relationship between the three, you need to know the definition of a risk to begin with. "Risk is the potential for an unwanted outcome resulting from an incident, event, or occurrence, as determined by its likelihood and the associated consequences." (DHS, 2013, pg1)
Risk assessments are the best way of understanding the relationship of risks, threats, and consequences. There is a formula to demonstrate this relationship: R (risk) = T (threat) x V (vulnerability) x C (consequence). "A risk assessment collects information regarding the threats and hazards, including the projected consequences or impacts." (DHS, 2011, pg2) Collecting this information is how appropriate choices are made for the well being and function of a society.
There are many examples of risk assessments at the local level because it directly and immediately effects society. An example that is a currently effecting my local area is the risk of having to evacuate for a hurricane. We only have a couple two lane roads that lead north towards the intestate. I live on the gulf coast where hurricanes hit often and flooding occurs, so evacuating thousands of citizens causes mass chaos and traffic backups. They are mitigating this risk by widening these roads to four lanes, however it is a 2 year project which could cause further delays if bad weather were to occur while still under construction. Evacuating under this condition is a risk because of the threat of a hurricane occurring while thousands are sitting in traffic in the middle of bad weather with the consequences of much more damage and many lives in danger.
Another example that effects specifically my local area is the growing population and the outdated and lacking infrastructure to support it. A community needs the appropriate amount of resources to thrive. There are not enough businesses or industries in the area to support the cost of living in this area, school systems are over populated, and traffic is always an issue do to the lack of roadways. There is one main highway that runs east to west and it has many street lights on it causing backups for hours and multiple accidents. Emergency vehicles have a hard time getting through during rush hour. A way to mitigate risks of a thriving society in this area for the infrastructure to grow with it. Building more roads, industries, and schools means more jobs, less traffic and accidents, and a thriving society.
References:
Department of Homeland Security (2011). National preparedness system. Washington, D.C.: Government Printing Office.
Department of Homeland Security (2013). Threat and hazard identification and risk assessment, comprehensive preparedness guide, 2nd edition. Washington, D.C.: Government Printing Office.