Showing papers on "Emergency management published in 2000"

Revealing the Vulnerability of People and Places: A Case Study of Georgetown County, South Carolina

Abstract: Losses from environmental hazards have escalated in the past decade, prompting a reorientation of emergency management systems away from simple postevent response. There is a noticeable change in p...

The public health consequences of disasters.

Abstract: Although disasters have exacted a heavy toll of death and suffering, the future seems more frightening. Good disaster management must link data collection and analysis to the decision-making process. The overall objectives of disaster management from the viewpoint of public health are: 1) needs assessments; 2) matching available resources with defined needs; 3) prevention of further adverse health effects; 4) implementation of disease-control strategies; 5) evaluation of the effectiveness of the application of these strategies; and 6) improvement in contingency planning for future disasters. The effects of sudden-onset, natural disasters on humans are quantifiable. Knowledge of the epidemiology of deaths, injuries, and illnesses is essential to determine effective responses; provide public education; establish priorities, planning, and training. In addition, the temporal patterns for the medical care required must be established so that the needs in future disasters can be anticipated. This article discusses: 1) the nature of disasters due to sudden-onset, natural events; 2) the medical and health needs associated with such events and disasters; 3) practical issues of disaster responses; and 4) the advance organization and management of disasters. The discussion also includes: 1) discussions of past problems in disaster management including non-congruence between available supplies and the actual needs of the affected population; 2) information management; 3) needs assessments; 4) public health surveillance; and 5) linking information with decision-making. This discussion is followed by an analysis of what currently is known about the health-care needs during some specific types of sudden-onset, natural disasters: 1) floods; 2) tropical cyclones; 3) tornadoes; 4) volcanic eruptions; and 5) earthquakes. The article concludes with descriptions of some specific public-health problems associated with disasters including epidemics and disposition of corpses. All natural disasters are unique in that the regions affected have different social, economic, and health backgrounds. But, many similarities exist, and knowledge about these can ensure that the health and emergency medical relief and limited resources are well-managed.

Businesses and Disasters: Empirical Patterns and Unanswered Questions

Abstract: Through five systematic, large-scale mail surveys conducted since 1993, the Disaster Research Center has obtained data on hazard awareness, preparedness, disaster impacts, and short- and long-term recovery among 5,000 private-sector firms in communities across the United States (Memphis/Shelby County, Tenn.; Des Moines, Iowa; Los Angeles, Calif.; Santa Cruz County, Calif.; and South Dade County, Fla.). This paper summarizes findings from those studies in three major areas: (1) factors influencing business disaster preparedness; (2) disaster-related sources of business disruption and financial loss; and (3) factors that affect the ability of businesses to recover following major disaster events. Implications of the research for business contingency planning and business disaster management are discussed.

New Approaches to Assessing Vulnerability and Resilience

Abstract: Different perspectives on how resilience and vulnerability may be assessed are illustrated because lack of understanding often constrains the effective practice of emergency management. Incorporated into a coherent framework and understanding of vulnerability and resilience will help to integrate it with other disciplines such as community development, social psychology, community economics and environmental management.

Disaster response: risk, vulnerability and resilience

Abstract: The assumption of an automatic link between disaster exposure and pathological outcomes is increasingly being questioned. Recognition of the possibility of positive reactions and growth outcomes in this context necessitates the development of alternative models and, in particular, the accommodation of the resilience construct in research and intervention agenda. Reviews possible vulnerability and resilience factors and adopts a risk management framework to outline its potential for modelling the complex relationships between these variables and both growth and distress outcomes. Resilience and vulnerability is discussed at dispositional, cognitive and organisational levels. The paradigm developed here focuses attention on facilitating recovery and growth in professionals for whom disaster work and its consequences is an occupational reality.

Weapons of mass destruction events with contaminated casualties: effective planning for health care facilities

Abstract: Biological and chemical terrorism is a growing concern for the emergency preparedness community. While health care facilities (HCFs) are an essential component of the emergency response system, at present they are poorly prepared for such incidents. The greatest challenge for HCFs may be the sudden presentation of large numbers of contaminated individuals. Guidelines for managing contaminated patients have been based on traditional hazardous material response or military experience, neither of which is directly applicable to the civilian HCF. We discuss HCF planning for terrorist events that expose large numbers of people to contamination. Key elements of an effective HCF response plan include prompt recognition of the incident, staff and facility protection, patient decontamination and triage, medical therapy, and coordination with external emergency response and public health agencies. Controversial aspects include the optimal choice of personal protective equipment, establishment of patient decontamination procedures, the role of chemical and biological agent detectors, and potential environmental impacts on water treatment systems. These and other areas require further investigation to improve response strategies.

Natural Disasters in Latin America and the Caribbean: An Overview of Risk

Abstract: This paper integrates information from both economics and the physical sciences to survey the effects of natural disasters in the region. A first section surveys the human and economic impact of natural disasters in the region at both the household and aggregate levels, noting both the geographical distribution of disaster risk and its long-term implications for development. A second section reviews types of disasters prevalent in the region, and future disaster risks, as well as the socio-economic sources of vulnerability to disasters resulting from development and migration patterns. A third section discusses risk management strategies at the household and community level, with public policy options and proposals for emergency response and finding an appropriate mix of local, national and market-based solutions.

Living with Hazards, Dealing with Disasters: An Introduction to Emergency Management: An Introduction to Emergency Management

Abstract: Drawing on sources in Japanese, Chinese, and American archives and libraries, this book reassesses another facet of Woodrow Wilson's agenda at the 1919 Paris Peace Conference at the end of World War I. Breaking with accepted scholarly opinions, the author argues that Wilson did not "betray" China, as many Chinese and Western scholars have charged rather, Wilson successfully negotiated a compromise with the Japanese to ensure that China's sovereignty would be respected in Shandong Province. Rejecting the compromise, Chinese negotiators refused to sign the Treaty of Versailles, creating conditions for the Soviet Union's entry into China and its later influence over the course of the Chinese revolution.

A case study of co-ordinative decision-making in disaster management

Abstract: A persistent problem in the management of response to disasters is the lack of co-ordination between the various agencies involved. This paper reports a case study of inter-agency co-ordination during the response to a railway accident in the UK. The case study examined two potential sources of difficulty for co-ordination: first, poorly shared mental models; and, second, a possible conflict between the requirements of distributed decision-making and the nature of individual decision-making. Interviews were conducted with six individuals from three response agencies. Analysis of reported events suggested that inter-agency co-ordination suffered through a widespread difficulty in constructing a reflexive shared mental model; that is, a shared mental representation of the distributed decision-making process itself, and its participants. This difficulty may be an inherent problem in the flexible development of temporary multi-agency organizations. The analysis focused on a distributed decision over how to transport casualties from an isolated location to hospital. This decision invoked a technique identified here as the progression of multiple options, which contrasts with both recognition-primed and analytical models of individual decision-making. The progression of multiple options appeared to be an effective technique for dealing with uncertainty, but was a further source of difficulty for inter-agency co-ordination.

Using GIS in Emergency Management Operations

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to describe the use of a geographic information system (GIS) in emergency management efforts for disaster preparedness, mitigation, and response, and summarize an ongoing effort to build a GIS-based decision support system for the Douglas County Emergency Management Agency in the state of Kansas. Emergency management historically has focused on the immediate and urgent aspects of a disaster, response, and post-disaster recovery. However, there is a growing awareness that emergency management is much more complex and comprehensive than traditionally perceived. The primary function of government is to protect life and property. This involves not just crisis-reactive responses to emergencies, but also finding ways to avoid problems in the first place and preparing for those that undoubtedly will occur. The aim of this project is to build a database in a GIS frame that helps emergency management officers in decision making, focusing on Douglas County's preparedness, mitigation, an...

Managing disaster risk in emerging economies

Abstract: This book presents papers on several events organized by the World Bank's Disaster Management Fund (DMF). The DMF's objectives are to help the Bank provide a more strategic and rapid response to disaster emergencies and to integrate disaster prevention and mitigation measures in all Bank activities. Part I of this book on risk identification contains chapters on the economic impacts on natural disasters in developing countries, including flooding, with the example of Buenos Aires; and time scales of climate and disaster. Part II explores aspects of reducing disaster risk, such as the relationship of infrastructure, natural disasters, and poverty; flooding issues in the United States, incentives for risk management and mitigation concerning cultural heritage; issues related to single-family housing, women, and children; and climate change from a development perspective. Part III looks at strategies for developing countries to more effectively share and transfer disaster risk from the angles of risk and insurance by the poor in developing countries; financing disaster mitigation for the poor; moral dimensions of risk transfer and reduction strategies; incentives for mitigation investment and risk management to encourage public-private partnerships; and linking catastrophe insurance and mitigating disaster losses.

Multiattribute risk analysis in nuclear emergency management.

Abstract: Radiation protection authorities have seen a potential for applying multiattribute risk analysis in nuclear emergency management and planning to deal with conflicting objectives, different parties involved, and uncertainties. This type of approach is expected to help in the following areas: to ensure that all relevant attributes are considered in decision making; to enhance communication between the concerned parties, including the public; and to provide a method for explicitly including risk analysis in the process. A multiattribute utility theory analysis was used to select a strategy for protecting the population after a simulated nuclear accident. The value-focused approach and the use of a neutral facilitator were identified as being useful.

Cities, disasters and livelihoods

Abstract: This paper describes the impacts of recent disasters in urban areas and their contribution to poverty, and highlights how little attention urban development planning and disaster relief organizations give to disaster mitigation. It also describes CARE International’s Household Livelihood Security (HLS) model and how this allows an urban livelihoods approach to integrating measures for reducing poverty with measures for reducing risks from disasters. It pays particular attention to supporting low-income groups and community organizations in building and diversifying their asset bases. A focus on reducing household vulnerability to shocks and stresses (including disasters) also reveals the supporting actions needed from municipal authorities and disaster relief organizations.

Scenario methodology for teaching principles of emergency management

Abstract: Scenarios are discussed in terms of their various uses in emergency planning and management. Their function in teaching programs is assessed with respect to various sorts of curricula for training emergency personnel. The format of scenarios is discussed and the potential for using the methodology creatively is explored. It is concluded that scenario methods are useful in developing such skills as time management, cognitive mapping, mediation, team management, and decision making under stress. A brief example of an emergency training scenario is presented and evaluated in terms of its teaching potential. Finally, scenarios are assessed in relation to other forms of modelling and simulation, such as table‐top games and field exercises, which are commonly used for training emergency managers.

Cities, Disasters and Livelihoods

Abstract: Recent natural disasters show that it is almost always the poorest who are worst affected. The rapidly urbanizing cities of Asia, Africa and Latin America present unprecedented concentrations of poverty, and in so doing mark new levels of vulnerability. Increasing urbanization brings new challenges to reducing the threat of disaster. Yet disasters are often ignored until they strike, when the damage has been done and relief is the only response. The situation is compounded by the separation of urban programming from disaster management. In a future context of increased urban growth, however, marked by an inevitable increase in urban disasters, new approaches that ‘mainstream’ disaster mitigation into urban development interventions at all levels are needed. Livelihood methodologies being practised by an increasing number of developmental organizations take account of the threat of disaster as intrinsic to developmental strategies. Livelihoods offer one approach that unifies understandings of both disaster management with development planning. Such an approach has major policy implications for decision makers aiming to make cities truly sustainable.

A Framework for Designing a Global Information Network for Multinational Humanitarian Assistance/Disaster Relief

Abstract: Large-scale Humanitarian Assistance/Disaster Relief (HA/DR) operations, particularly in developing countries, require the intervention and aid of various agencies from all over the world in a concerted and timely manner. As a result, HA/DR operations involve dynamic information exchange, planning, coordination and above all negotiation. Although a number of studies have reported the benefits of using information and communication technologies to support negotiation activities, it remains unclear how such technologies could be adapted to large-scale HA/DR operations. This paper examines negotiational issues involved in a multinational HA/DR environment and presents a framework that would help in developing a Global Information Network (GIN). The proposed framework can be used to assess and characterize individual disaster situations so that the GIN functional and design requirements can be accurately identified early. Future implications to GIN architecture are also discussed.

Emergency fund‐raising for disaster relief

Abstract: Two hundred members of the public were interviewed in high street and railway station locations in central London to ascertain the considerations that encourage them to donate generously to a disaster relief fund‐raising appeal. It emerged that the major fund‐raising triggers involved media representations of the indigency of aid recipients, portrayals of people helping themselves, and highly emotive advertising imagery. Although they were potentially patronising and demeaning to disaster victims, such depictions seemingly exerted powerful influences on donation decisions. Factors discouraging donations included media reports of unfair aid distributions, warfare or internal insurrection, and inefficiency in the relief operation. Combined fund‐raising efforts covering several organisations were viewed more favourably than individual charity initiatives. State endorsements of particular campaigns exerted little influence. Some but not all of the variables known to determine levels of donations to charity in...

Training Decision Makers – Tactical Decision Games

Abstract: There is growing recognition of the need to train non-technical skills, especially decision making, for emergency management in high reliability industries as well as in contained environments such as prisons. This article presents a training method, Tactical Decision Games, which appears to provide a good opportunity to practise the non-technical skills that would be required in the management of an emergency situation. Case studies from the UK nuclear power industry and the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) illustrate the adaptability and general application of TDGs for training of emergency response teams in a range of operational settings.

Remote sensing for natural disaster management

Abstract: Natural disasters are extreme events within the earth's system that result in death or injury to humans, and damage or loss of valuable goods, such as buildings, communication systems, agricultural land, forest, natural environment etc. The economic losses due to natural disasters have shown an increase with a factor of eight over the past four decades, caused by the increased vulnerability of the global society, but also due to an increase in the number of weather-related disasters. For the management of natural disasters a large amount of multi -temporal spatial data is required. Satellite remote sensing is the ideal tool for disaster management, since it offers information over large areas, and at short time intervals. Although it can be utilised in the various phases of disaster management, such as prevention, preparedness, relief, and reconstruction, in practice up till now it is mostly used for warning and monitoring. During the last decades remote sensing has become an operational tool in the disaster preparedness and warning phases for cyclones, droughts and floods. The use of remote sensing data is not possible without a proper tool to handle the large amounts of data and combine it with data coming from other sources, such as maps or measurement stations. Therefore, together with the growth of the remote sensing applications, Geographic Information Systems have become increasingly important for disaster management. This chapter gives a review of the use of remote sensing and GIS for a number of major disaster types.

Disaster Management and Preparedness

Abstract: Contents Identifying the Risks Natural Risks Emerging Risks Governmental Regulations Structural Preparedness Coordinating with Local Assets Preplanning for a Disaster Eliminating, Minimizing, and Shifting Risks Developing an Action Plan Developing the Written Plan Effective Communications Selecting the Right People Training for Success Media Control Shareholder Factor After A Disaster - Minimizing the Damage Governmental Reactions Legal Issues Disability Issues Disaster Preparedness Assessments Personal Disasters - Use of Criminal Sanctions Appendix A - OSHA Inspection Checklist Appendix B - Employee Workplace Rights Appendix C - Web Sites for Disaster Preparedness Information and Equipment Appendix D - Typical Responsibilities Appendix E - Potential Sources of Disaster Preparedness and Management Assistance Through Local Colleges and Universities

Disaster planning, emergency management and civil protection: the historical development of organized efforts to plan for and to respond to disasters

Abstract: The human race has been faced with natural disasters since it has evolved. In more recent times it has had to contend also with technological disasters. Our interest is in how human beings have organized themselves collectively to deal with such threats and damages to their lives, property and their everyday routines. More specifically, in a selective fashion we discuss how societies and their subdivisions (particularly at the local community level) have in the past and now prepare for and respond to natural and technological disasters.

NEHRP Guidelines and Commentary for the Seismic Rehabilitation of Buildings

Abstract: Based on the conclusion that the primary barrier to widespread seismic rehabilitation of buildings in the United States was the lack of a consensus‐backed, nationally applicable, professionally accepted rehabilitation standard, the Federal Emergency Management Agency supported the development of the NEHRP Guidelines and Commentary for the Seismic Rehabilitation of Buildings (FEMA 273 and 274). A six‐year effort by a team of experienced professional practitioners and university researchers who were motivated to produce a standard that specifically addressed the differences in designing for seismic resistance in new buildings, as opposed to existing buildings, resulted in the NEHRP Guidelines and Commentary for the Seismic Rehabilitation of Buildings. These NEHRP Guidelines will provide the tools for design professionals of varying expertise in seismic design to design economical and appropriate seismic rehabilitation for buildings of essentially any size, commonly used building material and config...

A template-based methodology for disaster management information systems

Abstract: Timely and accurate processing of crisis information and effective communication have been documented as critical elements of disaster relief operations. Despite the lessons learned from previous crises, preparing information for humanitarian assistance and ineffective information sharing remain a recurring and almost impossible task for relief agencies. The purpose of the paper is to propose a template based methodology to archive past disaster relief operations, create "descriptive" templates for advanced preparedness, and design "normative" templates for fast execution of assistance operations, while reducing miscommunications among aid agencies.

Primary Containment for Biohazards: Selection, Installation and Use of Biological Safety Cabinets

Abstract: Emergency management/Emergency preparedness; Emergency management/Emergency response; Terrorism and threats/Biological terrorism

Crisis management in construction projects

Abstract: Crisis Management in Construction Projects shows how to prevent crises on construction projects and, when crisis is inevitable, how to turn it to advantage. Based on a decade of crisis management research and consulting in the construction and engineering industries, Martin Loosemore provides lessons drawn from a wide range of high-risk industries. Adopting both a reactive and preventative focus, this book presents crises as opportunities for growth, defying the notion that crises are managerial failures to be avoided and suppressed at all costs. ""Crisis Management"" challenges readers to think about projects in new ways, using contemporary research from crisis management, risk management, psychology, and the behavioral sciences. Case studies provide an excellent vehicle for readers to examine others' experiences and gain insight into their behavior during a real-life crisis. The topics include: Planning for Crises; The Dynamics of Crisis Management; Emergency Planning in Construction Projects; Crisis Managers as Social Architects; Lessons for Crisis Managers; and Creating an Optimistic Organization.

Managing Disaster Risk in Emerging Economies

Abstract: This book presents papers on several events organized by the World Bank's Disaster Management Fund (DMF) The DMF's objectives are to help the Bank provide a more strategic and rapid response to disaster emergencies and to integrate disaster prevention and mitigation measures in all Bank activities Part I of this book on risk identification contains chapters on the economic impacts on natural disasters in developing countries, including flooding, with the example of Buenos Aires; and time scales of climate and disaster Part II explores aspects of reducing disaster risk, such as the relationship of infrastructure, natural disasters, and poverty; flooding issues in the United States, incentives for risk management and mitigation concerning cultural heritage; issues related to single-family housing, women, and children; and climate change from a development perspective Part III looks at strategies for developing countries to more effectively share and transfer disaster risk from the angles of risk and insurance by the poor in developing countries; financing disaster mitigation for the poor; moral dimensions of risk transfer and reduction strategies; incentives for mitigation investment and risk management to encourage public-private partnerships; and linking catastrophe insurance and mitigating disaster losses