WICHITA, Kansas - The first biennial Kansas Homeland Security Summit will be held Dec. 8-10 in Wichita. Designed for senior-level decision makers involved in homeland security response issues, the event will take place at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, 400 West Waterman.

"In an ever-changing world where new, potential dangers threaten our state and our nation's security, it is critical that Kansas' homeland security responders come together, discuss issues and continue to strengthen our communication and coordination," said Governor Mark Parkinson.

"This working summit will provide an opportunity for Kansas leaders involved in homeland security preparedness planning and response to engage in discussions and work through disaster and terrorism scenarios," said Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting, director of Kansas Homeland Security, Kansas Division of Emergency Management, and the Adjutant General. "By bringing together the knowledge and experience of the various response sectors with an array of professional presenters, we ensure better planning and improved communication."

Attendees will include police and fire services, emergency medical services, hospitals, trauma and emergency medicine, public health, National Guard, elected officials plus local, state and federal officials and the private sector.

Presentations will discuss Middle Eastern intelligence and terrorist organizations, emerging domestic threats, addressing vulnerabilities, terrorism tactics, along with several other presentations to familiarize leaders with the scope and nature of potential threats to the heartland and, accordingly, be able to appropriately integrate that information into disaster response plans. Homeland security leaders focusing on man-made threats will hear lectures on improvised explosive devices (weapons of mass destruction), evidence collection and current threats.

Kansas-specific presentations will focus on familiarizing local leaders on vulnerabilities, communications and threats. Attention will also be given to Kansas-specific medical capabilities and limitations, including rural communities.

Attendees will be able to identify and recognize the roles and responsibilities of other emergency response agencies-especially as related to pre-hospital patient care; and thus able to participate in integrated disaster planning and promote communication among response agencies.

The summit is sponsored by the Kansas Adjutant General's Department (including Kansas Homeland Security and Kansas Division of Emergency Management), along with the Kansas Highway Patrol, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, National Preparedness Directorate and the University of Kansas Medical Center.

For more information about the event and to register, go to www.kansas-antiterror.org