Although the phrase homeland security evokes images of cataclysmic terrorist attacks, and a massive web of government agencies, it also comprises the prevention, mitigation, response and recovery from any disaster, man-made or natural, from the grassroots level to the federal government. Since September 11, federal, state and local governments, national organizations, and citizens have undertaken many diverse initiatives to enhance American emergency preparation and response programs. This handbook collects essays documenting numerous best practices in homeland security from throughout the United States since the attacks of September 11, 2001. The essays, by many experts (including former Department of Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge), describe case studies from the municipal level to the federal government. Also covered are the history and future of homeland security.