Showing papers in "The Australian journal of emergency management in 1999"

Community Risk in Cairns: A Multi-hazard Risk Assessment

Abstract: A report detailing the research towards the mitigation of the risks posed by a range of geohazards such as earthquake, landslide, flood and cyclone to Australian urban communities in Cairns is presented. The project is undertaken by AGSO Cities Project with an ultimate objective to improve the safety of communities, and consequently make them more sustainable and prosperous.

Re-defining Community and Vulnerability in the Context of Emergency Management

Abstract: Communities are now being accepted by emergency managers as an integral and fundamental part of the emergency management structure because they realise that if they have a better understanding of the situation they have to deal with, it will help them develop strategies and actions across prevention, response and recovery. When vulnerabilities and resilience are identified, social issues or trends that are not necessarily part of emergency management are also identified.

The Age of Accountability?: Future Community Involvement in Disaster Reduction

Abstract: Genuine participation and community involvement in disaster reduction and community based approaches in disaster management is highlighted. The theme of the TIEMS '99 conference is 'Defining the Agenda for the Third Millennium'. The trends noted above - the disaster-resistant community, voices for victims, participatory methodologies, victims as consumers and the several drives towards greater accountability - are all likely to feature on that agenda at its outset, over the next decade or two. How prominently each will feature remains to be seen, but it is very likely that emergency and disaster management is now entering an 'age of accountability'.

Simplifying Disasters: Developing a Model for Complex Non-linear Events

Abstract: The different ways to reduce the complexity of disasters thus making them less severe, less traumatic, less disruptive, and damaging are illustrated by understanding the relation of different facets of a disaster. A generic model is hence provided, focusing on practical disaster management needs, with its strength lying in an ability to help the disaster manager or researcher define and understand the relationship between inputs and impacts.

Participatory Planning for Flood Mitigation: Models and Approaches

Abstract: A study on the range of approaches developed to deal with different flood conditions, institutional arrangements and cultural practices with examples drawn from a developed world context in the United Kingdom, United States of America and Portugal is illustrated. A vital characteristic of community-based mitigation is participation of people in analysis of problems and development of proposals.

Stop Propagating Disaster Myths

Abstract: The international response to the recent tragic earthquakes in Turkey, Greece and Taiwan reinforces the need to reassess the myths and realities surrounding disasters, and to find ways to stop these destructive tales. Most of those myths cover the fear of epidemics and the place of external assistance in the rescue effort. It is urged that the media and donor community should work together to channelise the funds and use them effectively, particularly for planning and making sure that help reaches in the hour of need and not after the emergency has lapsed.

Gender and Earthquake Preparedness: A Research Study of Gender Issues in Disaster Management: Differences in Earthquake Preparedness Due to Traditional Stereotyping or Cognitive Appraisal of Threat?

Abstract: Despite the fact that males and females appear to differ in their hazard preparedness and mitigation attitudes and behaviours, emergency managers typically have not focused their efforts on this area. Psychological explanations of differences in gender preparations have traditionally revolved around gender stereotyping. PIE theory suggests that differing attitudes and behaviours result from differences in appraisal of resources relative to threat. The present study was conducted to investigate masculine and feminine differences in earthquake preparedness and to explore reasons for these differences. Results suggest that males and females may engage in different types of earthquake preparedness and mitigation activities, and that these differences may be the result of the way that males and females cognitively appraise the threat of an earthquake, an explanation that would be consistent with PrE theory. Disaster preparedness and mitigation is a topic of much concern, especially in earthquake-prone areas such as California (e.g. Bourque, Shoaf, & Russell, 1995; Duval & Mulilis, in press; Mulilis & Duval, 1995a, 1995b, 1995c, 1996, 1997; Russell, Goltz, & Bourque, 1995). Furthermore, this same body of literature reveals that males and females appear to differ in their efforts along these lines. Examples of such differences include (I) that due to the structure of many societies, females may be more at risk in a general way to the consequences of hazards and disasters than males (e.g. Morrow, 1995a; Valdes, 1995), (2) both formal and informal personal post-disaster community response services are more likely to be performed by females than males (e.g. Morrow, 1995a; Neal & Phillips, 1990; Reskin & Padavic, 1994; Valdes, 1995), (3) males tend to be more active in early post-disaster recovery efforts, while females tend to be more active in later post disaster recovery efforts (Morrow, 1995a), and (4) the family unit which has specific gender-related functions in the preparedness, mitigation, response, and recovery aspects of the disaster cycle (e.g. Abel & Nelson, 1990; Drabek, 1986; Finch & Groves, 1983; Fitzpatrick & Mileti, 1991; Fogelman & Parenton, 1956; Hill & Hanson, 1962; Nigg & Perry, 1988; Perry, 1987; Quarantelli, 1960; Shelton, 1992). The above behavioural differences between males and females seem to point to the existence of a gendered dimension in disaster-related activities. Such a dimension would be consistent with the findings of Morrow (1995b) who notes that women are generally involved in more mitigation and preparedness activities than men, particularly for activities centred inside the house. Furthermore, mitigation and preparedness activities that men do perform, usually revolve around behaviours related to the outside of the residence (e.g. structural reinforcement of walls).

In Remembrance: Post-disaster Rituals and Symbols

Abstract: A study examines different forms of formal and informal post-disaster rituals and symbols in the United Kingdom and significant implications for disaster management. These commemorative events are not only occasions for remembering those killed or injured but are also important ways of expressing personal and collective grief like a sense of shock, anger, disbelief, grief and other emotions associated with the disaster.

Strengthening Community Participation in Disaster Management by Strengthening Governmental and Non-governmental Organisations and Networks: A Case Study from Dinar and Bursa (Turkey)

Abstract: A study related to the Dinar 1995 earthquake examining the attitudes and expectations of the survivors, the different phases of disaster management and also examining the impact of the earthquake on social-economical dimensions is illustrated. Disaster management is a multi-faceted process with various stages and effective planning and action involves various social units like the central and local governmental agencies, NGOs, local communities and international agencies to work together.

The April 1999 Sydney Hailstorm

Abstract: The pattern of the Sydney hailstorm, the patterns of the damage caused by them, the description of the particles of hailstone, and the distribution of the hail falls are presented. Improved risk management, disaster mitigation, and response strategies are expected from the experience and the knowledge gained, providing impetus for the development of measures to reduce losses from such future happenings.

The Experience of Traumatic Stress among Urban Firefighters

Abstract: Findings provide evidence that it is possible for emergency responders to become ‘locked into’ a regular cycle of trauma exposure that includes rapid returns to operationally ready status (i.e. being made available for another turnout immediately, or soon after returning from a previous emergency situation). Without the opportunity to interrupt the emotional reaction of an earlier traumatic response, a downward spiral of inescapable stress response may be instigated and with ongoing exposure. This paper details evidence suggesting the existence of a relationship between the work tasks of the fire fighters and a propensity for certain physiological responses and stress reactions noted during on-the-job research. Sensitivity to such processes may be gradually built up among emergency responders as their career progresses. The work suggests that in addition to instances of critical incident stress, that could be expected among emergency workers, the turn-out mechanism used actually pre-disposes the fire fighters to ongoing traumatic responses.

The Katherine-Daly Flood Disaster 1998

Abstract: The life and property of Katherine-Daly, a regional centre vital to a number of smaller communities was disrupted in 1998 due to a devastating flood. The region had to be evacuated as important lifelines were severed, the Stuart, Victoria and Arnhem highways were impassable, power and water supplies, communications and community functions were severely disrupted.

Traditional Aboriginal Knowledge and Sustained Human Survival in the Face of Severe Natural Hazards in the Australian Monsoon Region: Some Lessons from the Past for Today and Tomorrow

Abstract: The essential element of the timeless traditional north Australian Aboriginals in particular Yolngu tribe's approach to sustainable living and coping over the hazards and vulnerabilities associated with their remote living is explored. Proper planning, design, construction and management of remote contemporary human settlements will reduce their critical vulnerabilities to dysfunctional natural hazards and make them safer.

Demographics and Emergency Management: Knowing Your Stakeholders

Abstract: The impacts of demographic changes on society, the use of demographics in emergency management, and basic emergency management techniques are discussed. The variables that affect the community need...

From Efficiency to Risk Sensitivity: Reconstructing Management Capabilities after Economic Rationalism

Abstract: Large-scale crises are partly the result of unintended and misunderstood interactions between managerial limitations in thought and action and planning constraints in organisational response mechanisms. Various reconstructing management capabilities and the administrative reforms are hence highlighted, which would lead to the proliferation of networks within organisations.

Ecological impacts of flood mitigation and drainage in coastal lowlands

Abstract: The Australian government has been extremely successful in controlling excess water and promoting productivity and development in the coastal lowlands, which are subject to frequent flooding by mitigating flood impacts through drainage, stream redesign, levies and floodgates. The problem is that now almost all of Australia's coastal embayment and estuarine floodplains are underlain by brackish water sediments containing naturally-occurring iron sulfide minerals that forms a toxic brew harmful to both terrestrial and aquatic species.

Using Cyberspace to Enhance Disaster Mitigation, Planning and Response: Opportunities and Limitations

Abstract: To enhance mitigation, planning, and response through the use of cyberspace, information technologies to be currently addressed are CD-ROM, email, web sites and distance learning through web-based university courses. Cyberspace interaction eliminates the restrictions of time and place and facilitates ongoing communication throughout the year.

Managing Change within the Emergency Services to Ensure the Long-term Viability of Volunteerism

Abstract: The importance of the strength and commitment of volunteers for the success of emergency services is highlighted and information for implementation of appropriate strategies to manage change and ensure long term organisational viability of volunteer-based emergency service organisations is provided. Embracing change and establishing priorities is the challenge they face which they can overcome with an environment of cooperation and agency coordination.

Media Coverage of Mass Death: Not Always Unwelcome

Abstract: A discussion of media's relationship to death, including mass death is illustrated. When a normal death occurs, memories of loved ones occur during a visit to a familiar setting or because of a familiar piece of music or on anniversaries but in case of mass death, the trigger for such memories is often the media.

New Thinking on Disasters; The Link between Safety Culture and Risk-taking

Abstract: Risk being a fixed attribute is a misconception ingrained into the industry and is a product of the science of risk management, which has created an illusion that risk can be quantified on the basis of probability, exposure to risk, and from likely consequences of accidents occurring. Whereas in actual fact, risk is not a physical quantum but a social construction and everyone has a unique set of assumptions and experiences that shape their interpretations of objects or events.

Improving the Management of Emergencies: Enhancing the ICS

Abstract: An enhanced model of the Incident Control System (ICS) component of the Australian Inter-service Incident Management System (AIIMS) that has the potential to overcome some of the concerns held by emergency managers on the functionality of the ICS in Australia as well as world is introduced. The system titled as AIEMS, if properly developed and implemented offers a low-risk means of instituting a truly, common, multi-agency multi-level management system that would cope with all forms of emergencies.

Cyclone Surge and Community Preparedness

Abstract: Cyclone surges normally have a warning time of wavering probability likely to extend over some days thus making it difficult to judge until about 12 hours before landfall. Last minute evacuation is likely to be compromised by road flooding. A combination of political support, education, public involvement, billet brokers, mobile sirens and ad hoc precautionary evacuation will help in minimising the social impacts of major cyclone surges.

The Acute Stress Disorder Scale: A Tool for Predicting Post-traumatic Stress Disorder

Abstract: A new diagnosis of acute stress disorder (ASD) was introduced in DSM-IV, American Psychiatric Association in 1994 to identify people at risk of developing post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The project's main aim was to develop a self-report measure that permit identification of acutely traumatised individuals who are at risk of chronic PTSD and provide opportunities for early intervention of people at risk.

Public Safety Risk Management: Assessing the Latest National Guidelines

Abstract: The National Emergency Management Committee, 1996 has agreed to develop guidelines for the National Emergency Risk Management and incorporate the risk management approach into other emergency management products. A risk management approach, centered on considerations of vulnerability and processes of communication and participation will provide a flexible and holistic framework to better advice emergency management.

A Reconsideration of the Nature and Role of Resettlement Housing and Housing Materials in Natural Disaster Recovery in Indigenous Communities

Abstract: The built environment can play a very supportive role and therapeutic role in helping people adjust to dramatic change, catastrophe, and personal and family loss. This paper explores the Aetas' per...

Assessing the Risk Associated with Importing and Keeping Exotic Vertebrates in Australia

Abstract: A study of the regulation of exotic animal imports in Australia, and finding ways to make assessments simpler, less subjective and more reliable by developing a more quantitative approach is illustrated. Importing exotic species can have economical and social benefits whereas banning imports could pose the risk of encouraging illegal smuggling, hence a scientific and evidence-based, transparent risk assessment model will allow the balance between free trade and risk to agriculture and the environment to be optimised.

Damage: The Truth But Not the Whole Truth

Abstract: Disaster management is concerned not only with saving lives before and after an event but damage reduction for buildings, infrastructure or economic activity. However, that damage reduction has been totally neglected. This is neglect is due to a lack of focus on damage issues by relevant disaster management agencies caused by a lack of funds and skills, and absence of political will to focus on anything but short-term goals.

Administrative Law and Response to Emergencies

Abstract: The implications of administrative law concerned with the legality of administrative acts and consequences of administrative irregularities are reviewed along with their relevance with emergency reactions. The basic assumptions and cost-benefit analyses, which underlie administrative law decisions, indicate that administrators need the power to act quickly.

Developing an Understanding of Urban Geohazard Risk

Abstract: The Australian Geological Survey Organisation's Cities Project established in 1996 undertakes applied research directed towards mitigation of risks that are posed by a range of geohazard and faced by Australian urban communities. The main focus of hazard science research is based on mechanisms that cause, create, generate or drive hazard phenomena, like what causes earthquakes and what influences transmission of their energy through different strata.

Observations on the Tsunami Disaster in Papua New Guinea

Abstract: The tsunami tragedy struck people in the Aitape region on the north coast of Papua New Guinea (PNG) in 1998, leaving total destruction, stripping all habitation structures and all vegetation except casuarinas pines and surviving mature coconut trees. PNG could not respond effectively to this tragedy, as there was no established and working disaster management systems and it is hence making a serious effort to improve its disaster management capacity.