Showing papers on "Emergency management published in 1975"

Federal Financial Exposure to Natural Catastrophe Risk

Abstract: The objective of this paper is to estimate the expected annual costs to taxpayers of federal disaster-related expenditures to provide guidance to federal policymakers in budgeting and formulating disaster relief policy. Our estimates take into account recent trends in the generosity of federal disaster policy as well as statistical data on the frequency and severity of losses from natural catastrophes. Our estimates of the costs of disasters are based on two sources: (1) simulation analysis by Applied Insurance Research, a leading catastrophe modeling firm, and (2) historical data on insured catastrophe losses from Property Claims Services, an insurance industry statistical firm. We estimate the average expected federal expenditures for disaster assistance related to hurricanes, earthquakes, thunderstorms, and winter storms to be about $20 billion a year. In a bad year, corresponding to a catastrophic event of severity expected only once every century, the bill could exceed $100 billion. Given the current approach to disaster relief funding, we project an unfunded liability for disaster assistance over the next 75 years comparable to that of Social Security. The magnitude of the projected liability strongly suggests that government should adopt a proactive, ex ante approach to disaster relief policy rather than the current ad hoc reactive approach.

Valley triage: an approach to mass casuality care.

Abstract: Organizations prepared to respond to war, fire, flood, earthquake, or attack are essential for effective disaster control. "Valley Triage" the San Fernando Valley Medical Triage Team in Los Angeles, was formed to meet this need. The team is a mobile medical unit staffed by physicians and coordinated with civilian and military emergency services. It incorporates innovative means of communication, transportation, equipment, and training. The primary aim of Valley Triage is to provide on-site medical attention to disaster victims, and to coordinate their transfer to adequately staffed and equipped hospitals. Valley Triage offers a new approach to disaster management and can serve as a model for the development of other teams throughout the nation. Language: en

“National Emergency” in India

Abstract: (1975). “National Emergency” in India. Journal of Contemporary Asia: Vol. 5, No. 4, pp. 462-470.

A National Policy for Disaster Planning

Abstract: Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on a national policy for disaster planning. Disaster planning is a matter of coordinating—coordinating people and coordinating agencies. As each body can be involved in comparatively few disasters, the lessons learned in each disaster should be passed on to other agencies and other regions. Large disasters can produce situations where help can be required from neighboring regions. Most disasters happen in built up areas and it is clear whose responsibility it is in each agency to take action. In the countryside, it should be ascertained that no delay in response occurs when the disaster is on a borderline between two areas. A national agency can investigate the kind of help that can be needed and the best way it can be given. The government is responsible for ensuring that there are adequate plans and resources for dealing with disasters, and only the government has necessary authority and resources for discharging this responsibility.

Systems for Disaster Management

Abstract: Publisher Summary This chapter discusses systems for disaster management and describes some advanced systems presented in the form of a mobile casualty unit—the Lifeliner—an experimental unit designed to stimulate the discussion and development of new techniques of disaster management. The Lifeliner is based on a standard bus frame and includes advanced systems for control, treatment, documentation, supplies, and casualty handling. Identification of the control point is by means of green and white checker markings and a beacon, which alternately flashes green and white. Transport of the casualties and rescue personnel at the scene of the disaster can be more readily achieved by a four-wheel drive, four-wheel steer, stretcher shuttle, and small hovercraft. Communications, control, and documentation facilities are provided at the front of the unit and include a miniature personal walkie-talkie radio system linked to the control desk. Other facilities include television monitoring of on-site movements and treatment areas, pollution monitoring, a data bank and data print out, and a tape cassette system for patient documentation. The treatment area is in the main body of the unit and provides six positions for the assessment and resuscitation of patients as they are categorized at the triage area. The ambulance loading point is located at the rear of the unit and allows the rapid transfer of casualties from the treatment area to the ambulance and on to hospital.