Showing papers on "Emergency management published in 1990"

Community Emergency Planning: False Assumptions and Inappropriate Analogies

Abstract: Community emergency planning had its roots in military analogies which viewed emergencies as extensions of “enemy attack” scenarios. Such thinking was embedded in early structural arrangements and was generalized as the appropriate normative model for all emergencies. This model viewed emergencies as conditions of social chaos which could be rectified by command and control. It is argued here that such a view is inadequate based on a knowledge of behavior in emergencies and the model is dysfunctional for planning. A more adequate model is presented, based on conditions of continuity, coordination and cooperation. This problem solving model, based on research rather than military analogies, provides a more adequate set of assumptions as the basis for planning. However, legislative and technological “improvements” often make emergency planning more rigid and increasingly inadequate.

Local government's problem with disaster management: a literature review and structural analysis1

Abstract: In response to the recent attention given the disaster management responsibilities of local governments, this study asks two questions: how have local governments managed the demands associated with major natural disasters, and what explanation have been offered for the perfor- mance patterns observed? In the first part of the paper the social science disaster literature is reviewed to ascertain performance across four disaster stages (predisaster planning, emergency, early recovery, and long-term recovery). Among the explanations offered for the performance patterns, it was surprising to find little attention devoted to underlying structural factors. In the second part of the paper, “the disaster management problem” is stipulated and a structural analysis of it is undertaken, focusing on the role of local government within both the intergovernmental system and the local power structure. The conclusion is that the disaster management problem has roots deep within American society and culture, and any attempts to redress the problem will require attention to limiting struc- tural realities.

Disaster epidemiology: or why most international disaster relief is ineffective.

Abstract: A report of a major disaster overseas, particularly in a developing country, generally evokes a powerful desire to help. We in the West are rich and have technology. They are poor and it seems a reasonable assumption that our resources must be of value. Any publicized major disaster is likely to be followed by a gift of government aid, fundraising by voluntary agencies and often by the spontaneous organizations of individuals who wish to travel to the disaster area to assist. The desire to help another people in time of great need is natural, and the gift of aid often received with gratitude by the recipients, who are often touched by the knowledge of outside interest. However, enormous resources can now be devoted to disaster relief operations, and their effects are far beyond that of a simple gift. All evidence is that our power to help is more limited than we might think: worse, there is much evidence that much, if not most, international disaster assistance is not only useless for its intended purpose but often, by its nature and quantity, actively obstructs actions which might be of use. This paper has two themes. The first is an attempt to define the health problems caused by disasters, a subject known as ‘disaster epidemiology’: that is who suffers, why, how this varies between disasters and, crucial for relief, the timing of these effects. The second is concerned with what can be achieved by international disaster relief. The material presented here is based on a book (Seaman et al., 1984) in which the topic is discussed in more depth and where more source material is given.

The Counter-Terrorism Handbook: Tactics, Procedures and Techniques

Abstract: Terrorism: An Overview New Game Global War on Terrorism Meaning of Terrorism What Is Terrorism? Brief History of Terrorism Terrorism in the United Kingdom Modern Terrorist Groups Terrorism as a Political Statement The Nature of Terrorism Characteristics of Terrorism Financial Terrorism Terrorist Actions Other Terrorist Actions Intimidation and Threats Disinformation and Propaganda Assassination Common Elements of Terrorism Purpose of Terrorism Modern Terrorist Groups Why Terrorists Succeed Mobility Communications Security Democratic Legal System Access to Arms Vulnerability of Targets Counterterrorist Response Weapons of Mass Destruction Role of the Military Homeland Defense Implementation of Homeland Security Organizing Homeland Security Border and Transportation Security Emergency Preparedness and Response Science and Technology Information and Infrastructure Protection Task Force Initiatives Local Law Enforcement Capabilities Local Significance Private Sector Cooperation Terror Defense Planning Introduction to Risk Assessment Security Advisory System Structuring a Preincident Plan Information Gathering Targets Target Profiles Terrorists Target Analysis Organization Training Terrorist Tactics The Suburban Threat Risk Analysis Risk Avoidance Hostage/Kidnap Defense Bomb Defense Planning Bomb Incidents The Bomb Threat Rationale of Bomb Threats A Note of Warning Warning or Hoax? Taking a Bomb Threat Call Bomb Threat Decision Making Evacuation Options Evacuation Procedure Overview Putting Out the Message Planning Issues Bomb Threats and the Police The Bomb: Terrorist Weapon of Choice Types of Bombers Motivation of Bombers Hostage Situations A Rare Occurrence Who Takes Hostages? Panic Reaction Suicide by Cop Why Hostages Are Taken The Magic Triangle Munich, 1972 Deadlines Killing on Deadline Evaluation Responsibilities of the First Responding Officers The Mobilization Point Location of the Mobilization Point Decision Makers Evacuation Keeping Track of People Start Intelligence Gathering Inner Perimeter Tactical Units Communications First Response Review Summary Kidnapping Kidnapping as a Weapon Risks Involved Differences between Hostage Taking and Kidnapping Uses of Kidnapping Types of Kidnappers Post-Cold War Political Kidnapping Domestic Spousal Confrontation/Emotionally Disturbed Persons During and after the U.S. Operation in Iraq Private Industry's Role The Police Role Police Response to Residence or Workplace of Victim Response to the Kidnap/Extortion Threat "Do Not Contact the Police" McKidnapping Hoax Prevention Tactics What the Individual Can Do Journalists Do Not Have Exemptions What the Family Can Do One Man's Ordeal What the Corporation Can Do On Becoming a Victim Terrorism on Public Transportation Dorothy Moses Schulz Overview Where Are Terrorists Likely to Strike? Transit as a Target-Vulnerable and Attractive Overlapping Jurisdictions Complicate Response Efforts A Brief Case Study-Virginia Metro Incident Terrorists and Criminals Ride the Rails Freight Trains Are Also Targets International Rail Transit Terrorism Chechen Separatists Target the Moscow Subway System Gas and Arson Attacks Buses-Mobile Explosives and Hostage Sites Waterborne Terrorism Attacks and Hijackings Piracy-Updating an Old Crime to New Purposes Conclusion Weapons of Mass Destruction A Long History Definition of Weapons of Mass Destruction The Threat Today Aum Shinrikyo Incident U.S. Anthrax Attack Chemical and Biological Agents Transmission of Infectious Agents Chemical Agents Common Nerve Agents Blood Agents Blister (Mustard) Agents Choking/Lung/Pulmonary Agents Riot Control Common Terms Associated with Biological Agents Common Biological Agents: Class A Common Biological Agents: Class B Common Biological Agents: Class C Other Biological Agents Nuclear Weapons Response to a WMD Incident First Responders Federal Assistance Local Initiatives Protective Gear Requirements for WMD Response Domestic Terrorism Leaderless Groups and Lone Wolves Ecoterrorism Discovery Channel Hostages Other Ecoterror Groups Animal Rights Groups Animal Liberation Front Food Fights ALF Lone Wolf Islamic Lone Wolves Abortion Clinic Violence Antiglobalism Contemporary Homegrown Islamic Terrorists Non-Islamic Homegrown Contemporary Terrorists Early Homegrown Terrorists Using America as a Battleground Bomb Searches Overview General Concepts Building Searches Exterior Searches Interior Searches Search Teams Setting Up a Program Alternative to Search Teams Mechanics of the Search Room Search Common Bomb Placement Locations Precaution Vehicle Search Antipersonnel Car Bombs Vehicle-Borne Explosive Devices Aircraft Searches Preincident Executive Search Explosive Detection Canines Suspected Packages Energetic Materials and Explosive Devices Energetic Materials Explosives Defined Types of High Explosives Identifying Improvised Explosive Devices Firing Train Initiation Systems IED Packaging Characteristics of Military Ordnance Hostage Incidents What Is Involved Communicating with the Hostage Taker The Making of a Hostage Incident The Announcement Reaction of Law Enforcement Professionals The Application of Time Criminal Role Police Role Containment Evacuation and Intelligence Advances in Technology in Gathering Intelligence Why Police Do the Negotiating Postincident Crisis Intervention Teams Controlling the Environment Dynamics of Hostage Negotiation Gathering Intelligence of the Hostage Taker Words and Phrases A Note on Weapons Saying No The Art of Negotiation Courses of Action Rescue The Surrender and Suicide Ritual Thought Interruption Never Take a Weapon from the Hand of a Surrendering Perpetrator Special Qualifications Certification of Hostage Negotiators Transportation Terrorism Countermeasures Dorothy Moses Schulz Overview Tabletop Exercises Drills Public Information and Outreach Employee Information, Outreach, and Training Emergency Responder Information, Outreach, and Training Patrol by Uniformed and Plainclothes Police/Security Officers Behavioral Recognition Canine Teams Passenger and Baggage Screening Surveillance Technology Redesigning and Minimizing Station Furniture Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED) Protecting America's Ports Deterring Piracy Postblast Environment Getting Back to Normal The Incident Types of Explosions First Responders Search and Rescue Phase Command Post Operations Recovery Blast Damage Types of Building Collapses SAR Marking Systems Exterior Marking Investigative Phase Search Equipment Establishing the Parameters of the Investigation Preliminary Actions Seat of the Explosion Gathering Physical Evidence Examining Fragments Evidence Recovery Physical Evidence Postblast Investigative Process Mini Case Studies Hostage/Kidnapping Aftermath The Dangers Involved The Immediate Reaction of Victims Long-Term Reactions The Family Police Handling of the Incident The Stockholm Syndrome Transference When an Incident May End in the Use of Deadly Physical Force Ransom: To Pay or Not to Pay? Making the Payoff The Recovery Victimology Historical Background Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Courses of Action Immediate Postincident Reaction Longer-Term Reaction Returning to Normal Postincident Effects on Rescue Officers Surviving Hostage-Taking Situations Follow Instructions Try to Rest Escape? Should You or Shouldn't You? Be Observant Don't Be Argumentative Be Patient Get Rid of Items That Single You Out Interviewing Victims Frank Ochberg Intrusive Recollections Emotional Anesthesia: Constricting Life Activity Lowered Threshold for Anxiety and Arousal PTSD Is Not Always the Same Who Gets PTSD? Other Difficulties A Guide to Interviewing Timing Setting the Stage Eliciting Emotion Informed Consent Stages of Response The Humanitarian Role of the Investigator Secondary Traumatic Stress Disorder Role of the Commander Who's in Charge? Preincident: Developing Guidelines Makeup of the Team Maintenance of Manpower and Equipment Keeping Up-to-Date on New Developments and Strategies Evaluate and Update Liaisons with Other Agencies During the Incident: Intelligence Gathering Evaluate Alternatives Sharpshooters Chemical Agents Food Alcohol and Drugs Contain and Negotiate Impact of the Events on the Public Postincident Debriefing Formal Debriefing Evaluate New Developments and Outcomes Case History: Russian Theater Takeover Panic Reaction Who Negotiations at the Theater Tactical Preparations Sharpshooter Chemical Agents Rescue/Dynamic Entry Russian Hostage Litigation Theater Reopens Continued Terrorism The Command Post The Nerve Center Forward Command Post Mobilization Point Point of Negotiation Staffing the Command Post Bomb Incident Command Post Log and Situation Map Equipment and Supplies Communications Concealment vs. Cover Handling the Media Counterterrorism Command Center Appendix A: Government-Sponsored Terrorism Appendix B: Foreign Terrorist Organizations Index

System Study of Urban Response and Reconstruction due to Earthquake

Abstract: The functioning of lifeline systems after a major earthquake is critical to the modern urban center. A system study of lifeline response to catastrophic earthquakes is the essential prerequisite for the emergency management authority to form a mitigation and reconstruction plan to minimize the total loss caused by the earthquake. This paper develops an applied formulation of lifeline-restoration processes in the post-earthquake period, on the basis of a discrete-state, discrete-time Markov process. There are a finite number of damaged lifelines that each require a resource for reconstruction. The lifelines have values associated with their functioning capacity. We wish to assign limited resources to lifelines so as to minimize the total loss caused by malfunction of damaged lifelines. Dynamic programming is used to optimize the distribution of limited reconstruction resources. By computer simulation, various scenarios are examined, and useful information that is important to the emergency management authority is obtained.

Multiple Objective Analysis of Input-Output Models for Emergency Management

Abstract: This paper shows how a visual, interactive, dynamic multiple objective linear programming decision support system can effectively be used for analyzing input-output models. We have applied our approach to studying the quantitative effects of economic or political crises to the Finnish economy. Examples of such crises are nuclear power plant accidents, trade embargoes, and international conflicts. An input-output model of the Finnish economy with 17 industries sectors is employed. Our system has been implemented on a microcomputer and is being used by the National Board of Economic Defense. Several typical case situations are discussed.

The place of exercises in disaster management

Abstract: This article sets out the personal experience of the author in three types of disaster exercise, acted out exercises carried out at Belfast International Airport, talk-through exercises carried out with personnel at the four Area Boards in Northern Ireland, and a tabletop exercise organized by the Health Emergency Planning Officer of the North West Thames Region in connection with a specific scenario at Heathrow Airport. The advantages and costs of the various exercises are discussed. In order to collect experience from different people carrying out disaster exercises and to increase the professionalism of such exercises, a national centre for disaster teaching and research is recommended.

The role of the media in hazard mitigation and disaster management.

Abstract: The International Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction, which began in January 1990, will embrace efforts to reduce death, injury and property losses stemming from rapid-onset natural disasters. Our expanding science and technology base makes possible this concerted cooperative international effort, and communications is a central part of that effort - for public education, early warning, evacuation and coordination of post-disaster relief. Mass communication is inextricably entwined with disasters and hazard mitigation. Reflecting the public's great interest and concern, the electronic and print media extensively cover natural disasters and significantly affect how and what the public learns about and how it perceives natural hazards. Improving the linkages between the media and disaster-mitigation researchers and practitioners could prepare the public to act promptly on warnings, helping to mitigate disasters. This could also accelerate the shift of the societal emphasis from post-disaster relief toward pre-disaster initiatives.

Recommended Emergency Preparedness Guidelines for Urban, Rural, and Specialized Transit Systems

Abstract: Urban, rural and specialized transit services provide an important source of transportation for many individuals in the U.S. To ensure the safety of passengers during emergencies, a number of concerns must be addressed. This document contains recommendations for the use by urban, rural, and specialized transit systems which utilize motor vehicles to provide transportation service to the general public, elderly or disabled persons, clients of human service agencies, etc. Section 2 presents a brief review of emergency response considerations (including the transit environment, vehicle and passenger characteristics, typical emergency scenarios, and response personnel) which infljuence the type of response that may be necessary and which determine whether passengers should be evacuated. Sections 3 and 4 include minimum recommendations, procedures, and criteria which should be employed by transit systems to enhance their specific emergency plans, procedures, and training. Section 5 presents minimum recommendations for vehicle features which are intended to minimize the effects of an emergency on passengers, shorten emergency response time, and improve the effectiveness of passenger evacuation. The guidelines in that section are intended to be used primarily for the procurement of new vehicles and vehicle rehabilitation.

Mental Health Sequelae in Disaster Workers: Prevention and Intervention

Abstract: When a disaster imposed by natural forces and/or man-made actions strikes a community, the immediate response of formally designated intervention personnel rarely takes into consideration the emotional impact of their tasks. Moreover, rarely do disaster planning and training deal with the potential for injury that is inherent in rescue and recovery operations [1]. It is assumed that the general training and conditioning afforded by work experience under normal conditions will suffice to protect the worker from both the physical and the mental trauma that may be suffered at a disaster site. Normal precautions against physical injuries and their treatment are considered to be covered by the use of protective clothing and devices, safety regulations in policies and training programs, and instruction in response and first-aid procedures. The potential for physical injury and monitoring of that potential are well-established administrative issues in planning disaster relief. Only recently, however, have administrators given attention to the potential for, and occurrence of, mental trauma that may result from service at a disaster site. Much of the literature recognizes the existence of disaster-induced trauma in rescue and recovery workers (generally in anecdotal reports) and discusses the nature of the job-related stress, but without documenting its magnitude [2]. Efforts to predict and control disaster-induced trauma are severely hampered by lack of a construct for analyzing and assessing events that may adversely affect the ability to perform occupational roles. Despite the considerable body of knowledge regarding stress in the protective services (police, fire, corrections, and emergency medical technicians), there has been no reliable and valid method for directly measuring levels of stress and post-traumatic reactions in workers deployed at specific disaster sites. O'Neill and co-workers [3] have pointed out that stressors are transitory conditions present, especially during a disaster, under abnormal circumstances. Sewell [4] attempted to develop a scale of critical professional life-events experienced by law-enforcement officers in order to predict times of high potential for stress in

The Federal Emergency Management System in the United States: Past and Present

Abstract: The paper begins by providing a historical overview of wartime and peacetime emergency preparedness in the United States in terms of major historical trends and unresolved issues which preceded the establishment of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in 1979. With the unresolved issues serving as a historical backdrop, FEMA's contemporary role in the federal emergency management system is then examined to see what progress toward their resolution is being achieved. The paper closes with a brief comment on what the historical evolution of federal emergency management in the United States suggests about what can and cannot be accomplished.

Ignorance and Disasters

Abstract: While ignorance has long troubled efforts to prevent, prepare for, or manage the aftermath of disasters, relatively little work has been done on the specific varieties of ignorance and the roles they play in disasters. The classical frameworks for decision-making under "uncertainty" are too restrictive, and many prescriptions for disaster management simply call for better communication or more data collection by way of reducing ignorance. Unfortunately, in connection with disasters, ignorance often is irreducible. This article presents a framework for understanding the various kinds of ignorance and utilizes that framework to provide some insights and tools that may improve disaster preparedness, management, recovery, and learning. Language: en

Disaster prevention measures of NTT for telecommunications network systems

Abstract: In Japan, earthquakes and other natural disasters such as typhoons and heavy rains occur frequently. Developing measures to prevent communication interruptions caused by natural disasters, especially earthquakes, is a major priority of telecommunication service companies. Recent disaster damage in Japan is outlined, and preventive measures being taken by Nippon Telegraph and Telephone (NTT) are described. NTT's design guidelines are based on three fundamental principles: improving network reliability, whereby facilities are physically reinforced and strengthened; preventing isolation, ensuring that communication with disaster-stricken districts is constant; and rapidly restoring services. Each of these principles and the methods used for their implementation are discussed. >

FEMA, Federalism, Hugo, and 'Frisco

Abstract: This article examines intergovernmental performance during natural disasters. The United States has an ongoing response system which requires the cooperation of national, state, and local governments. This system was severely tested during the fall of 1989 by four major crises: Hurricane Hugo in the Caribbean, South Carolina, and North Carolina, and the Loma Prieta earthquake in San Francisco. The intergovernmental response functioned very differently in the four situations. Three patterns emerge to describe the intergovernmental dynamics of disaster relief. The article discusses the causes and consequences of these different patterns.

Managing Crises in Defense Industry: The PEPCON and Avtex Cases

Abstract: National planning for the expeditions recovery and expansion of essential industrial production facilities is often geared only to large-scale declared emergencies. Under the worst scenario of a global war, all necessary authorities and funding are assumed to be available. But more often, lesser emergencies require responses without the broad powers and commitment associated with a declared national emergency. A real emergency can provide insight into the appropriateness of planned management approaches and the adequacy of available authorities. This account of two actual emergencies provides lessons on how statutory procedures could be improved, regulations clarified, the government data base expanded, and steps taken to speed up the process to be followed in the event of other crises. In May 1988, the United States lost half of its capacity to produce ammonium perchlorate when explosions and fire destroyed one of the two producing plants. Ammonium perchlorate is the oxidizer essential to solid-fuel rocket motors. Here, without question, was an excellent test case. Existing ammonium perchlorate had to be carefully allocated and additional production capacity was needed; numerous ongoing production programs for both strategic and conventional systems needed the product, and some would be curtailed if sufficient ammonium perchlorate was not available. This paper documents the government's actions and decision-making process in dealing with various legal and administrative hurdles in both restoring the capacity and allocating available ammonium perchlorate. The examination of the Nevada plant emergency serves as a case study that not only illustrates how government organizations took action to correct this problem but also suggests how they might function in a large-scale emergency. After providing some background to the incident, the paper deals with four issues in more depth: --Financing of the recovery and expansion of defense production in an emergency; --Balancing of the safety and environmental laws and concerns with those of national security; --Management roles and decision-making at the national level; --Allocations of the critically short material among defense and other users. In a second and related case, Avtex Fibers--the sole source of long-fiber rayon used in rocket motors and reentry vehicles--stopped production in 1989 for financial reasons. This case is examined and, whenever appropriate, compared with the issues in the PEPCON case. The PEPCON-Kerr McGee Case On May 4, 1988, the United States lost nearly half its production capacity for ammonium perchlorate when explosions and fire destroyed the Henderson, Nevada, plant of Pacific Engineering and Production (PEPCON). Ammonium perchlorate is the oxidizer that constitutes the bulk of the fuel in our large solid-fuel rocket motors and numerous smaller conventional missiles. Although the threat to national security was the problem in a larger sense, the initial news stories about the 4 May 1988 PEPCON explosions in Henderson, which registered 3.5 on the Richter scale of California earthquake seismographs, focused on the injuries and destruction. The explosions leveled the PEPCON plant as well as other nearby structures and blew out windows for miles around. Injuries from the explosions were surprisingly light: two people were killed and 350 people were treated for injuries. Caring for the injured and repairing damage to the surrounding community were the immediate concerns. The town took action to recover and to prevent a recurrence. Meanwhile, the only other domestic producer of ammonium perchlorate, Kerr McGee Chemical Company, located approximately two miles away in the same town, closed briefly and then reopened after a self-assessment showed no significant safety problems. State and local officials requested emergency disaster assistance from the regional Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) office. …

The Uses of Satellite Technology in Disaster Management

Abstract: Various kinds of Satellites, including communications, meteorology, remote sensing and geophysics satellites, are, or may become, useful tools in disaster prevention, preparedness and relief. They already provide operational capability for storm warnings and search-and-rescue efforts. Other capabilities, such as improved flood prediction and global mobile communications during relief, are close within reach. Still others, such as earthquake prediction, require considerable research. Close cooperation and communication between space technologists and disaster-management specialists will be needed in guiding research and designing and testing satellite systems. It is hoped that the International Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction can provide a framework for such activities.

International Assistance Operations in Disaster Situations

Abstract: Sound disaster preparedness and a well-organized, local and material response will considerably reduce the necessity for calling on international assistance in the event of disaster. However, despite an excellent level of preparedness, some dramatic situations in the wake of a large-scale disaster always will make the mobilization of international resources absolutely essential.The international network for disaster relief is quite complex. Many governments have set up emergency relief teams to cope with disasters in their own countries and are able to assign these teams to international relief operations. This type of governmental assistance is provided under agreement with the other governments involved. The United Nations (UN), through the Office of the UN Disaster Relief Coordinator (UNDRO), can play a role in coordinating emergency operations.

Objectives to direct the training of emergency medicine residents on off-service rotations: emergency medical services.

Abstract: Emergency Medical Services are an area of special interest in emergency medicine. Many emergency physicians are called upon to direct, train, or manage emergency medical services. Residents training in emergency medicine have a need for a defined curriculum in emergency medical services. Residency training should provide a basic foundation in EMS including on- and off-line medical control, medicolegal aspects, communications, disaster management, and EMS history, structure, and function. The resident must gain experience through on-scene observation, EMT/Paramedic education, medical direction, and quality assurance activities. This paper is one in a continuing series of goals and objectives to direct resident training in off-service rotations. Specific resources, learning objectives, and experiences are suggested.

Disasters big and small.

Abstract: The history, methods, problems, errors, statistics and misidentification of disaster management in forensic dentistry are discussed.

Emergency Planning for Maximum Protection

Abstract: Introduction Defining the Terms An Example of an Extraordinary Event What Is Crisis Management? Defining an Organization's Needs Assessing an Organization's Vulnerabilities A General or Event-Specific Plan: Assumptions and Decisions Some Essential Elements Writing the Plan Coordinating and Testing the Plan Emergency Plan Considerations Recovery Appendixes - A) Sample Security Strike Contingency Plan B) Sample Emergency Plan C) Sample Afteraction Report D) Sample Event-Specific Plan E) Sample Crisis Management Plan F) Bomb Threats and Search Techniques G) Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Publications Index

The Zeebrugge ferry disaster Elements of a communication and information processes scenario

Abstract: On Friday 6 March, 1987, at approximately 19:30 the Herald of Free Enterprise ferry boat capsized just outside the Belgian harbour of Zeebrugge. Almost 200 people died as the ship sank very quickly. This article examines the emergency operations that followed the disaster from the perspective of information and communication dynamics. Five specific aspects are thus analyzed in greater detail and elements of an alternative scenario are suggested for each of them: the initial alert and the subsequent mobilization of the emergency services; the information- handling performance of the crisis center; interorganizational communication between disaster- relief agencies; external communication to survivors, families and next of kin, the management of the mass media. It is concluded that, when examining the crisis management operations more closely, the alleged success of Belgian disaster relief operations at Zeebrugge appears in many respects something of a myth. The paper is commented on by John P. Heck, Head of Civil Defense at the Dutch Ministry of the Interior.

Explaining Differential Outcomes In The Small Business Disaster Loan Application Process

Abstract: Several methods currently exist for compensating victims of major disasters including: pay-outs from various forms of insurance; material assistance from private agencies, such as the Red Cross and the Salvation Army; individual and family grants administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and its counterparts on the state level; and disaster loans to businesses and households, administered by the Small Business Administration (SBA).

Hurricane Hugo: effect on state government communications

Abstract: The impact of Hugo on state government communications in South Carolina and activities in the wake of the disaster are discussed. The state of South Carolina has been chosen, along with California, as a model state for development of the National Communications System/Telecommunications Services Priority (NCS/TSP) model plan for emergency restoration of telecommunications services. This effort is being undertaken in conjunction with the National Communications System Organization in Washington, DC. They are assisting the state in development of the telecommunications services priority (TSP) plan, to be used in the future for coordinating restoration of critical federal, state, and local telecommunication services. A private sector partnership has been initiated with the telecommunications and utility companies in South Carolina to provide fiber-optic alternate routing and other communications backup capability to each of the emergency preparedness offices in South Carolina counties in future disasters. An exchange of disaster recovery plans with other states has been undertaken. Information regarding each of these efforts is provided. >

Disasters and market response

Abstract: The post—World War II era has seen an enormous output of scientific research on the mitigation and behavioral response to disasters, both natural and otherwise. Over this same period, world gross economic product has surged, sparked by the performance of market-oriented economies in the West and Far East. An attempt to blend some of the insights ofsocial scientists on disasters with the record ofmarketdriven economic activity is, I think, a potentially useful exercise whose findings can simultaneously inform, constrain, and enhance the role of government in disaster management. In this paper, I will begin with a working definition of a disaster followed by an analysis of the American response, particularly that of the U.S. government, to the oil-supply disruptions of the 1970s and 1980s. The oil shocks, which have been thoroughly studied in the economics literature, readily qualify as a disaster under my definition. They also serve as a convenient reference for the market adjustments that follow an economic shock and to which a variety of government responses is possible. Finally, since the energy shocks have been the major disturbances to the post—World War II economies, it seems fitting that an economic analysis of disaster management begins with a re-examination of experience during the energy crises. My assessment ofthe American government’s management of the oil price shocks is not very positive in terms of either efficiency or

United States Programs in Disaster Mental Health

Abstract: My subject is United States experience with disaster mental health. I shall discuss governmental activities at federal, state, and local levels and describe quasi-governmental and private agency activities at those levels. The experience involves four substantive areas, which will be addressed in turn: research, education and training, planning, and services. A fifth section deals with our collaboration with other countries in disaster mental health planning. Disaster mental health efforts are part of a much larger disaster management system of the U.S. Government. At the federal level, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), an independent agency reporting directly to the White House, takes the lead in planning responses to emergencies. It coordinates with the Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of Defense, the Department of Health and Human Services, and other appropriate federal agencies. FEMA has its own National Emergency Training Center, in Emmitsburg, Maryland, for the training of administrators and planners at federal, state, and local levels. Each state has an office of emergency services that, from the governor's office, coordinates all emergency-related planning of all state departments. Localities have varying arrangements, often in cooperation with others nearby, for handling small disasters. They have, or should have, specific agreements with state and federal agencies for situations in which additional funds, supplies, and personnel are needed.