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Public Safety

Public safety, in the national security sense, is the work of protecting the country and its people from attacks, disasters, and threats that cross borders. It brings together homeland security, emergency response, border control, and the defense of vital systems such as power grids and computer networks. Federal, state, and local agencies share the work, and the military supports it in limited ways.

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September 28last updated

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Latest in Public Safety

Counterterrorism Operations

How U.S. Counterterrorism Works

See how NCTC, FBI, DHS, CIA, NSA and the military divide counterterrorism duties, and how they coordinate under the laws that govern them.

Terrorism Threats

Domestic Terror Investigations, Explained

In early January 2026, the FBI announced it had stopped an ISIS-inspired attack plot targeting a high school in central Indiana. The case was one of…

Topics in Public Safety

Threats and attacks

Terrorism Threats covers the groups and dangers behind attacks, and Counterterrorism Operations covers the efforts to stop them. Chemical Biological Radiological Nuclear Threats covers weapons and materials meant to cause mass harm.

Borders and travel

Border Security covers the control of who and what enters the country, and Aviation Security covers the protection of air travel.

All Articles on Public Safety

Understanding Your FEMA Determination Letter: What It Means and What to Do Next

After applying for federal disaster assistance, you will receive a determination letter from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Receiving this letter can be…

26 Min Read

FEMA Vehicle Damage Assistance: Eligibility, Limits, and How to Apply

When a disaster strikes, the loss of a vehicle can be devastating, cutting off access to work, school, medical care, and essential supplies. In…

25 Min Read

FEMA Child Care Assistance After Disasters: Eligibility and How to Apply

When a major disaster strikes, families face overwhelming challenges. Beyond the immediate needs for safety and shelter, the disruption to daily life creates immense…

33 Min Read

FEMA’s Maximum Grant Amount: What You Can Receive

When a major disaster strikes, the President of the United States can issue a Major Disaster Declaration, unlocking federal aid to support affected communities.…

24 Min Read

How to Replace Lost Documents After a Disaster

Losing your home, your belongings, and your peace of mind in a disaster is a devastating experience. The added burden of replacing essential documents,…

29 Min Read

FEMA Disaster Aid and Federal Benefits: Will Your Social Security or SNAP Be Affected?

After a disaster, your focus is on safety, shelter, and recovery. The last thing you should worry about is whether getting the help you…

27 Min Read

Is FEMA Assistance Taxable Income? What You Need to Know

When you're navigating the aftermath of a disaster, the last thing you need is confusion about your taxes. Financial assistance from the Federal Emergency…

22 Min Read

Disaster Recovery Centers: Your One-Stop Shop After a Disaster

When a major disaster strikes—a hurricane, wildfire, flood, or tornado—the path to recovery can seem overwhelming. Homes may be damaged or destroyed, essential documents…

30 Min Read

FEMA Identity and Ownership Verification: Required Documents and How to Prove Eligibility

When a disaster strikes, applying for federal aid through the Federal Emergency Management Agency is a critical step for many households on the road…

23 Min Read

FEMA Disaster Assistance for Immigrant Families with U.S. Citizen Children

When a presidentially declared disaster strikes, the immediate aftermath is a time of confusion, fear, and urgent need. For immigrant families, particularly those with…

23 Min Read