Showing papers on "Emergency management published in 1992"

Behavioral foundations of community emergency planning

Abstract: An overview of emergency management community emergency planning functional analysis of organizational response to emergencies organizational actions in protective action selection and population warning models of warning responses processes disaster images and their origins - pre-impact factors affecting warning response warning reception and response protective action selection and implementation involving the community in emergency preparedness and response.

Selecting criteria for designating hazardous materials highway routes

Abstract: Passage of the 1990 Hazardous Materials Transportation and Uniform Safety Act in the United States will result in state designation of hazardous materials through routes. Several alternative criteria have been recommended for consideration in implementing this policy, many of which represent explicit trade-offs in terms of safety and operating efficiency. The impact of using alternative criteria and criteria weighting for route selection is explored. This is examined through the use of a network analysis tool designed explicitly for hazardous materials distribution risk management. A study region consisting of the truck highway network in Southern California is used to illustrate several considerations that will need to be addressed during the implementation process. A number of findings are reported concerning route selection, risk equity, public perception, and emergency preparedness. Collectively, they identify the types of problems that may be encountered in the establishment of routing guidelines by the state, implementation of state route selection procedures, and issues related to federal preemption. Areas in need of additional study are also described, with an eye toward establishing some standardization in approach and perhaps analysis tools that would satisfy both state and industry concerns.

Disaster Reanimatology Potentials: A Structured Interview Study in Armenia. III. Results, Conclusions, and Recommendations

Abstract: National medical responses to catastrophic disasters have failed to incorporate a resuscitation component.Purpose:This study sought to determine the lifesaving potentials of modern resuscitation medicine as applied to a catastrophic disaster situation. Previous articles reported the preliminary results (I), and methodology (II) of a structured, retrospective interview study of the 1988 earthquake in Armenia. The present article (III) reports and discusses the definitive findings, formulates conclusions, and puts forth recommendations for future responses to catastrophic disasters anywhere in the world.Results:Observations include: 1) The lack of adequate construction materials and procedures in the Armenian region contributed significantly to injury and loss of life; 2) The uninjured, lay population together with medical teams including physicians in Armenia were capable of rapid response (within two hours); 3) Due to a lack of Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) training for medical teams and of basic first-aid training of the lay public, and scarcity of supplies and equipment for extrication of casualties, they were unable to do much at the scene. As a result, an undetermined number of severely injured earthquake victims in Armenia died slowly without the benefit of appropriate and feasible resuscitation attempts.Recommendations:1) Widespread adoption of seismic-resistant building codes for regions of high seismic risk; 2) The lay public living in these regions should be trained in life-supporting first-aid (LSFA) and basic rescue techniques; 3) Community-wide emergency medical services (EMS) systems should be developed world-wide (tai-lored to the emergency needs of each region) with ATLS capability for field resuscitation; 4) Such systems be prepared to extend coverage to mass casualties; 5) National disaster medical system (NDMS) plans should provide integration of existing trauma-EMS systems into regional systems linked with advanced (heavy) rescue (public works, fire, police); and 6) New techniques and devices for victim extrication should be developed to enable rapid extrication of earthquake casualties within 24 hours.

The Failure of Hindsight

Abstract: One of the most disturbing features of man‐made disasters is that often the cause has been known beforehand but little or nothing has been done to prevent the occurrence or often re‐occurrence. Examines the failure to implement the lessons from previous experience.

Disaster epidemiology: challenges for public health action.

Abstract: Better epidemiologic knowledge of the causes of death and types of injuries and illnesses caused by disasters is clearly essential to determine appropriate relief supplies, equipment and personnel needed to respond effectively to such situations. The overall objective of disaster epidemiology is to scientifically measure and describe the health effects of disasters and contributing factors to these effects, with the goals of assessing the needs of disaster-affected populations, efficient matching of resources to needs, further prevention of adverse health effects, evaluation of program effectiveness, and contingency planning. In addition, the epidemiologist has an important role to play in providing informed advice about the probable health effects which may arise in the future, in establishing priorities for action and in emphasizing the need for accurate information as the basis for relief decisions. This presentation outlines a number of important areas where epidemiologists can contribute to making disaster management more effective.

Environmental management and urban vulnerability

Abstract: Many metropolitan areas throughout the world are susceptible to disasters that seriously disrupt the process of economic development and cause unparalleled social upheaval. This conference provided an opportunity for experts in the environment, hazards, and urban development fields to gather and discuss issues concerning the relationship between environmental degradation and disaster vulnerability in cities, as well as effective, environment-based strategies for managing risk. Because both natural and human systems are affected by extreme events, the Bank must continue its support for improving the capacity of cities to deal with disaster and for reducing the negative impacts of natural and technological hazards through specific policies and operations. Between 1985 and 1991, the Bank directly contributed about three percent of its total lending for recovery from emergencies. Special attention is being devoted to the need for strengthening institutional frameworks and reforming policy. In cooperation with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Centre for Human Settlements (UNCHS/Habitat), the Environment Department has begun work on a project to establish adequate institutional frameworks for dealing with the impacts of environmental degradation and natural or manmade disasters in cities.

A framework for the application of group decision support systems to the problem of planning for catastrophic events

Abstract: During the last two years the US has endured extensive property damage and loss of life from the Hurricane Hugo and Loma Prieta natural disasters and expended billions of dollars in the aftermath of a major oil spill in Prince William Sound. Ineffective precrisis planning was, according to most observers, a primary factor contributing to the failure of these response efforts. The application of decision analysis methods and decision support tools to the development of a scenario-driven planning process is discussed. The methodology and structured group interactions on which this technology should be based are demonstrated and are discussed in the context of planning for earthquakes and catastrophic oilspills. The improvement of the contingency planning process through the application of group decision support technology could provide a new foundation for the management of the response to catastrophic natural and technological events. >

Disaster planning and recovery: a how-to-do-it manual for librarians and archivists

Abstract: This is a guide for librarians who need to make an immediate response to a disaster or to formulate a plan and take preventive measures. The more common disasters of fires, storms, floods, construction accidents, power failures, and earthquakes which cause water damage, fire damage, or biopredation are the main consideration here. The manual discusses disaster prevention, from evaluating and upgrading the physical plant to assessment of collections, emphasizing storage. A step-by-step outline of what to include in a disaster plan covers personnel training, the availability of outside expertise and a checklist of sources and suppplies. The final chapters focus on disaster recovery and beyond, including insurance, treatment of damaged materials in various formats, and a discussion of new building ideas from a disaster prevention/recovery perspective.

Disasters and the Small Dwelling : Perspectives for the UN IDNDR

Abstract: Introduction * Conferences on 'Disasters and Small Dwelling' Opening Speech * Disasters and the Small Dwelling - Process, Realism and Knowledge: Towards an Agenda for the IDNDR * Review of Twelve Years' Experience of Disasters and Small Dwellings * The Global Vulnerability * Materials and Construction Techniques for Disaster Protection * Disaster Prevention and Mitigation in Latin America and the Caribbean: Notes on the Decade of the 1990s * Problems in Post-Disaster Resettlement: Cross Cultural Perspectives * The Socio-Cultural and Behavioural Context of Disasters and Small Dwellings * A View of the Role of NGOs in Natural Disaster Work * Cross Cultural Disaster Planning: The Alice Springs Flood * Disasters and Housing Policy for Rural Bangladesh * Choice of Technique: Housing Provision by NGOs the 1988 Floods in Bangladesh * Floods in Bangladesh: Vulnerability and Mitigation Related to Human Settlement * Earthquake Reconstruction for Future Protection * Hazards, Mitigation and Housing Recovery: Watsonville and San Francisco One Year Later * the Reconstruction of Kalamata City after the 1986 Earthquake: Some Issues on the Process of Temporary Housing * Disaster Aid Equity First * Introducing Disaster Mitigation in a Political Vacuum: the Experiences of the Reconstruction Plan Following the Alto Mayo Earthquake, Peru, 1990. Wind effects on the Tongan 'Hurricane House' * Disaster Resistant Construction for Small Dwellings in Solomon Islands * Occupant Behaviour * Rebuilding of Fao City, Iraq: A Case of Central Government Post-war Reconstruction * La Zurua: A Unique experience in the Integral Urban Development of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic * Housing in El Salvador: A Case Study * Mitigation Program Selection and Evaluation: Assessing Effectiveness * Assessment of the Iranian Earthquake 10 June 1990: A Field report * Conclusions * Index

Hazard Management and Emergency Planning: Perspectives in Britain

Abstract: This book assesses critically the British approach to hazard management and emergency planning. It identifies the principal legal, organizational and cultural impediments to more effective hazard management and emergency planning, postulates explanations for the shortcomings in the British approach and examines a number of promising avenues for improving current practice. It comprises 18 chapters written by experts with a wide range of practical experience in the many different aspects of the field. Many of the authors introduce international perspectives and comparisons. From it all, the editors conclude, sadly: 'The overall hazard and emergency management approach currently adopted in Britain appears to be inadequate and current standards of protection appear to be inefficient for the 1990s and beyond'

9-1-1 EMS Process in the Loma Prieta Earthquake

Abstract: The Santa Cruz County 9-1-1 emergency response system was taxed severely with over 1,000 calls during the first seven hours following the Loma Prieta earthquake. It remained functional and responsive, making 229 ambulance runs in the 72-hour period following the earthquake. Initially, the demand was very high compared to normal, but decreased to slightly greater than normal levels during the second day. A fewer than normal number of advanced life support transports were required, and the number of vehicular accident cases were fewer than normal following the earthquake. The 9-1-1 center adopted an abbreviated procedure and only attempted to determine if the call was a medical emergency and the location for dispatch. During the initial emergency period, there were an unusually low proportion of transports and an unusually high number of cases in which the patient was not located. The medical system in Santa Cruz County was able to accommodate the injury load: the health care system was extensive; its three community hospitals were not damaged severely; and there was light demand. Based on this experience, a revised 9-1-1 emergency medical services (EMS) procedure is recommended for disaster periods: 1) the dispatcher inquires whether the patient can be transported by other means; 2) the caller is asked to explain the need for an ambulance in order to assign a priority to the request; and 3) the caller is asked to cancel the call if there no longer is a need. This procedure is expected to improve disaster management of limited ambulance resources during and following a disaster, while maintaining rapid call processing.

Thermal agent disaster and fire disaster: definition, damage, assessment and relief operations

Abstract: The attention of experts today is more directed at analysis of disaster management than at disaster prevention. It is in fact widely believed that the results of studies of disasters, although they have helped to reduce their number, will not be able to eliminate the percentage risk of their occurrence, in view of the imponderability of human and technical errors.

The Scientific Basis of Disaster Management

Abstract: Discusses the origins of the new science of disaster management, which has evolved during the last decade or so from unorganized, ad hoc disaster assistance. Looks at the development of international aid agencies – the Red Cross, the UNRRA and the WHO. Defines disaster and medicine, and highlights three areas where scientific underpinning has been effective and where the scientific basis of disaster management is being strengthened: the scientific approach; epidemiological advances; training for disaster management.

Analysis of severe fire disasters

Abstract: The Executive Board of the WHO has defined disasters as situations where there are unforeseen, serious, and immediate threats to public health. Every year about 150 disasters of different kinds occur in peacetime all over the world, each with more than 20 deaths at the scene and an immediate cost of more than US$ 8 million. Thirty per cent of these disasters are caused by earthquakes, environmental pollution, floods, etc.; 70% are classified as severe fires and explosions due to train crashes, air accidents, underground disasters, etc.

The scientific basis of disaster medicine

Abstract: While sharing the most elemental cause — the thermal factor — burns and fire disasters have long been considered separately, on the one hand as a purely clinical medical problem, and on the other as a societal, environmental problem. It is becoming increasingly evident that there is close interrelationship between the two at all levels — prevention, response, care, management and rehabilitation — and such rapprochement cannot but strengthen the efficiency and efficacy of all concerned. This paper proposes a scientific basis for disaster medicine, in which more burn surgeons are becoming involved.

The use of wide area computer networks in disaster management and the implications for hospital/medical networks.

Abstract: Computer-mediated communication in various forms is already being used in all phases of disaster management--preparation, response, recovery, and long-term mitigation. However, to date wide area computer networks--particularly the Internet (the supernetwork of networks)--have been used only to a limited extent in disaster management and prevention. Some of these applications are described in this paper. Nevertheless, the high speed and ease of information transfer by computer network and the vast resources becoming available on the Internet make it inevitable that the use of computer networks to temper disasters will increase enormously in the next decade. The Internet will provide a key means through which networks initially dedicated to solely medical purposes and the individuals who use them will become involved not only in disaster response and mitigation worldwide, but in the global community and consciousness that is the Internet.

When the lines go down (telecommunications)

Abstract: Telecommunications planning for national security and emergency preparedness in the post-divestiture (of AT&T) environment is examined. To ensure emergency telecommunications, a web of emergency structures, plans, and procedures are in place, with links from the local provider level to the national level. Involved in this web are: individual companies and providers, regional and national corporate entities, and state and local emergency management centers. Some of the measures in place are discussed. The augmentations or other equipment that can be deployed in any emergency and the role of satellite and wireless communication are described. The importance of human preparation is addressed. Lessons learned in past emergencies and the potential impact of emerging technologies in future emergencies are discussed. >

The role of the veterinarian in hurricanes and other natural disasters.

Abstract: Hurricanes create a multiplicity of complicated problems and hazards ranging from outbreaks of infectious disease to animal control problems precipitated by destruction of property. A multidisciplinary response is required to solve such problems. The pool of knowledge derived from various professionals interacting with multiple levels of government agencies (federal, state, and local) will provide the expertise needed. Because the veterinarian is trained to deal with disease involving populations of animals (e.g., herds or flocks) as well as individuals, and because of his/her intensive clinical training, the veterinarian is uniquely qualified to deal with the disaster situation. The veterinarian possesses extensive knowledge in disease and disease processes and has the capability of disease and injury management in affected populations, which qualifies him/her for an essential role, with unlimited potential as a member of any disaster relief team. There is considerable potential for veterinarians to play a role in responding to natural disasters. The areas of disease control, animal care, animal control, protection of the food supply, disinfection/sterilization, and planning are all areas where veterinarians can take an active part. Inclusion of the veterinarian in the process of planning for and responding to natural disasters will yield significant public health benefits.

Implementation of Seismic Hazard Mitigation in the Central United States: The Policy - Setting Role of the States

Abstract: This research examines the potential for state-level seismic hazard mitigation policies in the seven member states of the Central United States Earthquake Consortium. The federal government requires mitigation to be a significant component of emergency preparedness activities, but such activities are only beginning to be implemented in the Central U.S. This paper describes current activities by the seven states and identifies future needs. The research found that awareness and preparedness activities have increased markedly over the past few years, five of the states now have state seismic building code requirements, several states have active seismic advisory councils, and some states are using innovative funding methods to finance seismic zonation mapping. The greatest future needs are to continue these efforts as well as initiate programs for existing building hazards and non-structural hazards. Programs should emphasize critical facilities.

Uncommon Hazards and Orthodox Emergency Management: Toward a Reconciliation

Abstract: Effective emergency management requires a close fit between the state of risk and the state of hazard management. If these components get out of phase, a marked increase in societal vulnerability is likely to prevail. Recognizing that the major burden for developed societies has shifted from risks associated with natural processes to those arising from technological development and application, disaster-relevant organizational networks have adopted a Comprehensive Emergency Management (CEM) "all-hazards" approach. However, in Australia, as elsewhere, technological hazards present major problems for emergency managers because they pose different and often more difficult predicaments than do the more familiar natural hazards. While CEM is a good "in principle" strategy, the practices needed to protect society from a diversity of disaster-producing agents are more difficult to achieve. Two explanations are given for this: misperceptions about common features of hazard types; and differential progress among social components. The concept of cultural lag provides an explanatory framework as to why predicaments like this occur, and the concept of disaster subculture may provide a solution.

Preparing EBS messages

Abstract: Warning messages transmitted to populations at risk from an accidental release of chemical agent must be carefully designed to maximize appropriate responses from affected publics. This guide develops an approach for preparing Emergency Broadcast System (EBS) messages for the Chemical Stockpile Emergency Preparedness Program (CSEPP). Sample messages illustrate the application of this approach. While the sample messages do not cover every emergency situation, the texts are generic in that accident and location specific factors can be incorporated into the final message developed by local emergency planners. Thus they provide a starting point, not an end product, for emergency planners.

Reducing environmental vulnerability and managing disasters in urban areas.

Abstract: The relationship between environmental degradation and disaster-proneness and sound urban environmental management and disaster prevention are discussed. About 250000 deaths and nearly US $40 billion a year in physical damage are caused by hazards. During the 1980s in Asia Latin America Africa and Eastern Europe cities were overwhelmed by growing populations and environmental degradation that make them increasingly vulnerable to disasters. The problems of industrial emissions traffic congestion vehicle exhausts and solid waste are compounded by a high proneness to natural hazards in Addis Ababa Algiers Antanarivo Bangkok Beijing Caracas Dhaka Jakarta Khartoum Mexico City Rio de Janeiro and Santiago. By the year 2000 more than two thirds of the 30 largest cities in the world will be in developing countries where high-risk metropolitan areas will have a population of over 10 million. Latin America had a population of 230 million in 1990 and it is expected to be 85% urbanized by 2025. In Africa 31% of its 646 million people live in cities but urbanization is accelerating and by 2020 there will probably be 30 cities with more than 1 million inhabitants and several with over 10 million. By 2025 Asias urban population is expected to rise to nearly 2.6 billion people. The rapid urbanization has not been accompanied by a comparable increase in economic growth in most developing countries. Emerging technologies offer new approaches to risk assessment environmental protection and disaster management. However efforts required to (a) introduce risk assessment and management in urban development activities; (b) assist local governments to develop hazard prevention strategies; and (c) identify mechanisms required for forecasting monitoring and warning of hazards. There are various means of building national and local natural disaster prevention and mitigation capacities.