Showing papers on "Emergency management published in 2005"

Social-Ecological Resilience to Coastal Disasters

Abstract: Social and ecological vulnerability to disasters and outcomes of any particular extreme event are influenced by buildup or erosion of resilience both before and after disasters occur. Resilient social-ecological systems incorporate diverse mechanisms for living with, and learning from, change and unexpected shocks. Disaster management requires multilevel governance systems that can enhance the capacity to cope with uncertainty and surprise by mobilizing diverse sources of resilience.

Natural Disaster Hotspots: A Global Risk Analysis

Abstract: Earthquakes, floods, drought, and other natural hazards cause tens of thousands of deaths, hundreds of thousands of injuries, and billions of dollars in economic losses each year around the world Many billions of dollars in humanitarian assistance, emergency loans, and development aid are expended annually Yet efforts to reduce the risks of natural hazards remain largely uncoordinated across different hazard types and do not necessarily focus on areas at highest risk of disaster Natural Disaster Hotspots presents a global view of major natural disaster risk hotspots - areas at relatively high risk of loss from one or more natural hazards It summarizes the results of an interdisciplinary analysis of the location and characteristics of hotspots for six natural hazards - earthquakes, volcanoes, landslides, floods, drought, and cyclones Data on these hazards are combined with state-of-the-art data on the sub-national distribution of population and economic output and past disaster losses to identify areas at relatively high risk from one or more hazards

Satellite remote sensing of earthquake, volcano, flood, landslide and coastal inundation hazards

Abstract: Satellite remote sensing is providing a systematic, synoptic framework for advancing scientific knowledge of the Earth as a complex system of geophysical phenomena that, directly and through interacting processes, often lead to natural hazards. Improved and integrated measurements along with numerical modeling are enabling a greater understanding of where and when a particular hazard event is most likely to occur and result in significant socioeconomic impact. Geospatial information products derived from this research increasingly are addressing the operational requirements of decision support systems used by policy makers, emergency managers and responders from international and federal to regional, state and local jurisdictions. This forms the basis for comprehensive risk assessments and better-informed mitigation planning, disaster assessment and response prioritization. Space-based geodetic measurements of the solid Earth with the Global Positioning System, for example, combined with ground-based seismological measurements, are yielding the principal data for modeling lithospheric processes and for accurately estimating the distribution of potentially damaging strong ground motions which is critical for earthquake engineering applications. Moreover, integrated with interferometric synthetic aperture radar, these measurements provide spatially continuous observations of deformation with sub-centimeter accuracy. Seismic and in situ monitoring, geodetic measurements, high-resolution digital elevation models (e.g. from InSAR, Lidar and digital photogrammetry) and imaging spectroscopy (e.g. using ASTER, MODIS and Hyperion) are contributing significantly to volcanic hazard risk assessment, with the potential to aid land use planning in developing countries where the impact of volcanic hazards to populations and lifelines is continually increasing. Remotely sensed data play an integral role in reconstructing the recent history of the land surface and in predicting hazards due to flood and landslide events. Satellite data are addressing diverse observational requirements that are imposed by the need for surface, subsurface and hydrologic characterization, including the delineation of flood and landslide zones for risk assessments. Short- and long-term sea-level change and the impact of ocean-atmosphere processes on the coastal land environment, through flooding, erosion and storm surge for example, define further requirements for hazard monitoring and mitigation planning. The continued development and application of a broad spectrum of satellite remote sensing systems and attendant data management infrastructure will contribute needed baseline and time series data, as part of an integrated global observation strategy that includes airborne and in situ measurements of the solid Earth. Multi-hazard modeling capabilities, in turn, will result in more accurate forecasting and visualizations for improving the decision support tools and systems used by the international disaster management community.

Review of Building Evacuation Models

Abstract: Disclaimer Certain commercial entities, equipment, products, or materials are identified in this document in order to describe a procedure or concept adequately or to trace the history of the procedures and practices used. Such identification is not intended to imply recommendation, endorsement, or implication that the entities, products, materials, or equipment are necessarily the best available for the purpose. Disclaimer The policy of NIST is to use the International System of Units (metric units) in all publications. In this document, however, units are presented in metric units or the inch-pound system, whichever is prevalent to the discipline. Building Research Establishment provided guidance in the use of their models and egress modeling in general. In addition, the authors acknowledge the support of all of the model developers who aided in the understanding of their individual models by answering emails, phone calls, and/or sending publications.

Population Evacuation: Assessing Spatial Variability in Geophysical Risk and Social Vulnerability to Natural Hazards

Abstract: Developing an effective evacuation strategy for hurricane zones presents challenges to emergency planners because of spatial differences in geophysical risk and social vulnerability. This study examines spatial variability in evacuation assistance needs as related to the hurricane hazard. Two quantitative indicators are developed: a geophysical risk index, based on National Hurricane Center and National Flood Insurance Program data, and a social vulnerability index, based on census information. These indices are combined to determine spatial patterns of evacuation assistance needs in Hillsborough County, Florida. Four evacuation dimensions are analyzed: population traits and building structures, differential access to resources, special evacuation needs, and a combination of variables. Results indicate that geophysical risk and social vulnerability can produce different spatial patterns that complicate emergency management. Different measures of social vulnerability also confound evacuation strategies and can result in ineffective practices. It is argued that careful consideration be given to the characteristics of local populations.

Emergency relief logistics: an evaluation of military, non-military and composite response models

Abstract: The nature of a particular disaster or emergency determines the form of response and the mix of military or non-military commitment. Whatever the balance between military and non-military involvement, logistical support and replenishment of supplies form crucial aspects of the stabilisation process. This paper examines the processes involved in emergency relief and highlights the relationships between the participating bodies. A generic portrayal of emergency response was initially proposed by Jennings et al. (Emergency relief logistics: a disaster response model, Occasional Paper No. 64, Cardiff University, 2000) and discussed further by Beresford et al. (Emergency relief logistics: a disaster response model, in Proceedings of the Logistics Research Network Conference, 2002, pp. 121–128). This paper presents recent research that proposes a refined model for logistics requirements in emergency conditions, taking account of existing response models, both military and non-military, and of results from field research conducted partially under sponsorship by the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport. The composite model proposed here, which incorporates Jennings et al. 's model as well as the military/non-military dimension, appears to be robust and workable in a range of geopolitical and operational circumstances.

Interorganizational Coordination in Dynamic Context: Networks in Emergency Response Management 1

Abstract: for this study. Further, I thank public managers from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, theU.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Department of Health and Human Services, and managers of the nonprofitorganizations in New York City who gave their time and thoughtful observations to this research. CONNECTIONS 26(2): 9-10 http://www.insna.org/C onnections-Web/Volume26-2/2.Kapucu.pdf© 2005 INSNA

Improving supply chain disaster preparedness: A decision process for secure site location

Abstract: Purpose – Terrorist attacks, natural disasters, and regional power outages from the past several years have all highlighted the low levels of disaster preparedness that exist at many firms. Supply chain disruptions caused by external events can have a significant financial and operational impact on firms not properly prepared. Therefore, improving disaster preparedness in supply chains is critical. One critical component of disaster management planning in supply chains is the storage of emergency supplies, equipment, and vital documents that will be needed in times of crisis. The goal of this paper is propose a decision process for establishing an efficient network of secure storage facilities that can effectively support multiple supply chain facilities.Design/methodology/approach – The authors use the five‐stage disaster management process for supply chains as the framework for a proposed decision process for secure site locations. The decision process combines recommendations from FEMA's Disaster Manag...

Risk, security, and disaster management

Abstract: ▪ Abstract This review examines the policies and practices that address the evolving conditions of risk, security, and disaster management in U.S. society. Although each condition presents particular challenges to public agencies and the communities they serve, all represent varying states of uncertainty and require different approaches for informed action. This analysis reframes the issue of managing risk by focusing on the distinction between policies and practices developed in reference to natural and technological hazards and those developed to enhance security from hostile acts. The author concludes that building networks of organizations committed to a process of continual inquiry, informed action, and adaptive learning is a more flexible, robust strategy than the standard practice of establishing greater control over possible threats through administrative structures. Supported by methods of network analysis, computational simulation, information infrastructure, and long-term policy goals, networke...

Towards the development of a standard in emergency planning

Abstract: Purpose – Given the widespread lack of homogeneity, consistency and quality control in emergency planning, this paper sets out to offer some suggestions, guidelines and models for the processes of drawing up, testing, revising and utilising an emergency plan.Design/methodology/approach – The paper considers some definitions of the term “standard” and discussing the utility of the concept with respect to emergency planning. The subsequent analysis is based on the application of logical and observational criteria to the process of systematically building a framework on which to base a planning standard.Findings – The paper enumerates 18 principles that can be used to judge the quality of emergency plans. The principles are treated as basic criteria to be used when formulating a standard. Next, the paper reviews existing standards in civil protection, risk management, emergency preparedness and humanitarian relief. After a brief discussion of the consultative process used in preparing an instrument for measu...

The Indian Ocean Tsunami: Economic Impact, Disaster Management, and Lessons

Abstract: This paper documents and analyzes the immediate economic impact of the Indian Ocean tsunami generated by the Sumatra-Andaman earthquake of 26 December 2004, with a focus on Indonesia (Aceh province) and Sri Lanka, and assesses the disaster management process. The preliminary findings point to the importance of educating the public about simple precautions in the event of a disaster and enforcing coastal environmental regulations. The findings also argue for designing policies and programs, as an integral part of national development strategies, for mitigating the impact of natural disasters on the poor and highlight the need for combining international aid commitments with solutions to the limited aid-absorptive capacity in disaster-affected countries.

Computer-based Model for Flood Evacuation Emergency Planning

Abstract: A computerized simulation model for capturing human behavior during flood emergency evacuation is developed using a system dynamics approach. It simulates the acceptance of evacuation orders by the residents of the area under threat; number of families in the process of evacuation; and time required for all evacuees to reach safety. The model is conceptualized around the flooding conditions (physical and management) and the main set of social and mental factors that determine human behavior before and during the flood evacuation. The number of families under the flood threat, population in the process of evacuation, inundation of refuge routes, flood conditions (precipitation, river elevation, etc.), and different flood warnings and evacuation orders related variables are among the large set of variables included in the model. They are linked to the concern that leads to the danger recognition, which triggers evacuation decisions that determine the number of people being evacuated. The main purpose of the model is to assess the effectiveness of different flood emergency management procedures. Each procedure consists of the choice of flood warning method, warning consistency, timing of evacuation order, coherence of the community, upstream flooding conditions, and set of weights assigned to different warning distribution methods. Model use and effectiveness are tested through the evaluation of the effectiveness of different flood evacuation emergency options in the Red River Basin, Canada.

Review of Policies and Practices for Hurricane Evacuation. I: Transportation Planning, Preparedness, and Response

Abstract: Although evacuation planning and operations have long been topics of critical significance to the hazards preparedness and response community, only in the past several years have they emerged to become important issues among transportation professionals. The increased level of interest has been the result of several recent high-profile evacuations and the realization that, in the wake of the September 11 terrorist attacks, the potential need to rapidly evacuate large populations is perhaps greater than it has ever been. This paper is the first in a two-part series that reviews transportation engineering aspects of hurricane evacuations, addressing policies and practices for transportation system planning, preparedness, and response. (Part II focuses on traffic operations, management, and control.) Results of a survey of state evacuation practices are presented, including command and control strategies, types of evacuations used, and implementation and enforcement criteria. Evacuation modeling methods are reviewed and recent transportation community initiatives are discussed. Although this study focused primarily on issues pertaining to hurricane evacuations, many of the findings are also applicable to multihazard evacuation planning and operations.

How Accurate are Disaster Loss Data? The Case of U.S. Flood Damage

Abstract: Policy makers need accurate disaster loss data for decisions about disaster assistance, policy evaluation, and scientific research priorities. But loss estimation is difficult in a disaster situation, and initial loss estimates are seldom evaluated in comparison with actual costs. This paper uses the example of historical flood damage data in the U.S. to evaluate disaster loss data. It evaluates the accuracy of historical flood damage estimates from two federal agencies. The U.S. National Weather Service (NWS) has compiled annual flood loss estimates for each state since 1955. Comparison of the NWS data with similar estimates from five state emergency management agencies reveals substantial disagreement between estimates from different sources. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) began in the 1990s to systematically collect damage estimates and cost data associated with its disaster assistance programs. Comparison of early damage estimates with actual expenditures in a California flood disaster reveals large errors in some estimates for individual counties, but no statistically significant tendency to underestimate or overestimate. Positive and negative errors tend to average out and the total damage estimate for the state approximates the final expenditures. Both comparisons indicate that damage estimates for small events or local jurisdictions often are extremely inaccurate. On the other hand, estimates aggregated over large areas or long time periods appear to be reasonably reliable; that is, this study finds that independent estimates for events with losses greater than $500 million disagree by less than 40. The paper suggests ways of interpreting and using such loss estimates to reduce the likelihood of misinterpretation.

Public health issues in disasters

Abstract: Objective:This article outlines a number of important areas in which public health can contribute to making overall disaster management more effective. This article discusses health effects of some of the more important sudden impact natural disasters and potential future threats (e.g., intentional

MASCAL: RFID Tracking of Patients, Staff and Equipment to Enhance Hospital Response to Mass Casualty Events

Abstract: Most medical facilities practice managing the large numbers of seriously injured patients expected during catastrophic events. During mass casualty events, as the demands on the healthcare team increase, and the challenges faced by managers escalate, workflow bottlenecks begin to develop and system capacity decreases. This paper describes MASCAL, an integrated software-hardware system designed to enhance management of resources at a hospital during a mass casualty situation. MASCAL uses active 802.11b asset tags to track patients, equipment and staff during the response to a disaster. The system integrates tag position information with data from personnel databases, medical information systems, registration applications and the US Navy's TACMEDCS triage application in a custom visual disaster management environment. MASCAL includes interfaces for a hospital command center, local area managers (emergency room, operating suites, radiology, etc.) and registration personnel. MASCAL is an operational system undergoing functional evaluation at the Naval Medical Center, San Diego, CA.

Emergency call handling system

Abstract: An emergency call handling system and method that accepts emergency services requests (e.g., 9-1-1 calls), routes and delivers them to appropriate emergency services call takers (e.g., Public Safety Answer Points or “PSAP” and other appropriate recipients). The centralized design of the system provides additional functionality such as emergency management capabilities.

Bringing Children into Focus on the Social Science Disaster Research Agenda

Abstract: Significant progress has been made in the social science disaster research field since its inception several decades ago. Despite the advances in knowledge, important areas of research have been seriously understudied, including the impact of hazards and disasters on children and youths. In this paper, it is argued that such knowledge is needed to deepen our understanding of the impacts of disasters on society and to provide a firmer basis for disaster management policy and practice. It is suggested that children should be brought into clearer focus in the disaster research field through studies, particularly those of a comparative nature, that consider (1) children’s vulnerability and the outcomes they experience because of their youth, (2) actions taken by the adult society to reduce the vulnerability of children, and (3) actions children and youths undertake for themselves and others to reduce disaster impacts.

Review of Policies and Practices for Hurricane Evacuation. II: Traffic Operations, Management, and Control

Abstract: This paper is the second in a two-part series reviewing highway transportation aspects of hurricane evacuations. While the first focused on transportation-related policies and practices for evacuation planning, preparedness, and response, this paper summarizes the state of current practice from the perspective of evacuation traffic operations, management, and control. Results of a survey of state evacuation practices are presented, concentrating on design and operational aspects of contraflow evacuations and the use of intelligent transportation systems for evacuation management. Means of dissemination of information to travelers/evacuees are addressed, along with strategies for promotion of general public awareness of evacuation plans and procedures. Management of poststorm reentry into evacuated areas and planning and contracting issues regarding construction activities on evacuation routes during the hurricane season are also considered. Although this study focused on issues pertaining to hurricane evacuations, many of the findings are also applicable to multihazard evacuation planning and operations.

Indicators of Disaster Risk and Risk Management

Abstract: The objective of this program is to facilitate access to relevant information on disaster risk and risk management by national decision-makers, thus making possible the identification and proposal of effective policies and actions.

Towards resilient communities in developing countries through education of children for disaster preparedness

Abstract: In developing countries, educating all levels of the society for disaster threats is not always possible due to lack of expertise and educational materials. Consequently, one of the best ways of publicising awareness programmes can be the integration of these initiatives into children's activities. Since over half of the population in many developing countries is under 18 years of age, it is possible to convey vital information to most of the population via the knowledge, skills and enthusiastic motivation of children. They are able to disseminate messages throughout their societies, starting with their parents. Fortunately, the level of acceptance in parents from their children is generally high in these countries. The first objective of this paper is to look at awareness-raising as a core to all disaster mitigation programmes. The paper then focuses on earthquake education through children. The study will also illustrate this process through a selection of examples of educational campaigns in different developing countries resulting in successful public awareness-raising for children. These programmes strengthen resilience among communities by enabling them to withstand shocks, cope with emergencies when they occur and bounce back from disaster impact.

Disaster Management and Civil Society: Earthquake Relief in Japan, Turkey and India

Abstract: Natural disasters have a profound impact upon the societies they affect but one important aspect that has yet to receive attention is how the relationship between state and society is affected in the aftermath of such events. How the state responds to such events can generate powerful forces within society for political, economic and social change.

Again and again: Is a disaster what we call a “disaster”?

Abstract: Similar to the beginning of sociology as a science, the subdiscipline of disaster sociology faces the problem of defining its object of study. To myself, already, the distinction between two different classes of objects, natural and manmade disaster, seems fairly unsociological. Moreover, the definition of disaster as an event raises more questions than any sociological elucidation. In contrast to other scholars in the field, I suspect more dissent than consensus in the ways of conceptualizing the domain of our object of study. The vast number of definitions of “disaster” as an event (Fritz 1961:655) or as an acting entity (Kreps 1993:6) may be mistaken as consensus. But it should be seen as the outcome of a scientific tradition that is “concentrated in time and space.” It is an American specialty, developed and elaborated during the postwar development of the sociology of disaster (see Anderson 1979). However, an emancipation of the field from everyday knowledge and from the practical needs of disaster management has been neglected during this phase of its establishment. Up to today, there is no epistemology of the sociology of disaster. Consequently, almost no sociological definition of disaster does exist. Thus, instead of harmonizing the views in the field, I will explicate as pointedly as possible my understanding of a sociological definition of disaster,because from a European perspective there still is a lack of sociology in sociological disaster research (Pelanda 1982a; Gilbert 1992).

A Florida County Locates Disaster Recovery Centers

Abstract: In 2001, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) required every Florida county to identify potential locations of disaster recovery centers (DRCs). The DRCs are to be opened and staffed by FEMA personnel, subsequent to any declared disaster. The Emergency Management Division of the Alachua County Department of Fire/Rescue Services sponsored a project to identify potential DRC sites. The project team used a mathematical analysis tool called the covering location model in a two-stage approach to find, recommend, and have accepted DRC locations. The "stage 1" approach gave three idealized DRC locations requiring each residence in the county to be within 20 miles of the closest DRC. Next, the team relaxed the 20-mile requirement and identified locations close to the "stage 1" locations that also satisfied evaluation criteria not included in stage 1. The "stage 2" results provided significant improvements to the original FEMA location criteria, while maintaining acceptable travel distances to the nearest DRC.

Hurricane Katrina: Social-Demographic Characteristics of Impacted Areas [November 4, 2005]

Abstract: Emergency management/Emergency response; Emergency management/Public safety; Public health/Public health policy

Future UK emergency management: new wine, old skin?

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to review the changes made to civil protection in the UK, both legislative and capacity building, that aim to make the UK more resilient.Design/methodology/approach – Reviews the background to changes in UK civil protection and compares these with the work being done by the broader disaster management community on the meaning and development of resilience to a range of threats.Findings – Finds that the UK approach has been deflected by the terrorist attack of 11 September 2001 and is clearly focused on organisational resilience. This top‐down approach does not augur well in terms of promoting a more resilient society. The paper also questions if it is time to take a broader view of what constitutes an emergency.Originality/value – The recent changes in UK civil protection are in many ways welcome. But the promotion of more resilient communities requires a bottom‐up as opposed to a top‐down approach. Government funding is aimed mainly at institutional resilience. This...

Emergency preparedness curriculum in nursing schools in the United States.

Abstract: With concern about bioterrorism and inadequacies in responding to mass casualty events, health care professionals have been placed in the category of first responders. The International Nursing Coalition for Mass Casualty Education (INCMCE) was established to plan strategically to address the educational needs of the nation's nurses. This study sought to determine the types and levels of disaster preparedness curricula being delivered or in development in nursing programs at all levels. INCMCE surveyed 2,013 deans or directors of nursing schools as to curricula for emergency preparedness prior to September 11, 2001, and during the two following academic years. Initial requests were sent via email and the US postal service. Respondents were invited to answer the online survey so data could be directly entered into a database for purposes of data analysis. Responses were received from 348 schools of nursing. Curriculum plans, followed by competency lists, were selected as most helpful for teaching ...

Canadian Disaster Management Policy: Moving Toward a Paradigm Shift?

Abstract: In light of rising disaster losses in recent years and predictions of a more hazardous natural environment in the future, many countries around the world are revising their policies for disaster management to incorporate a stronger emphasis on disaster mitigation and risk reduction. In this paper, we argue that Canada has not sufficientl y integrated mitigation into disaster management and we discuss several barriers that impede progress in this area.

Gender Dimensions in Disaster Management: A Guide for South Asia

Abstract: Preface 1. Introduction 1.1 Disasters - a growing problem 1.2 Seeing disasters differently 1.3 Understanding vulnerability to disaster 1.4 Linking disasters and development 1.5 Current "development", a cause of disasters? 2. An alternative approach to disasters 2.1 The Alternative Perspective 2.2 The issue of gender 2.3 Gender issues in disasters 3. Impact of disasters on women and men, Realities of South Asia 3.1 Differences in social and cultural impacts 3.2 Differences in economic impacts 3.3 Differences in psychological impacts 4. Recognizing community capacities 4.1 Gender based differences in coping with disasters 4.1.1 Gender based differences in community preparedness for disaster 4.1.2 Coping as disaster strikes 4.1.3 Re-building after a disaster 5.Current practice, the absence of gender sensitivity in disaster management 6. Agendas for change, policy and practice 7. Agendas for policy makers 8. Guidelines for disaster management practitioners 81. Overall disaster preparedness 8.2 Focus on women specific concerns 8.3 Planning initial disaster responses/emergency management 8.4 Planning for rehabilitation / reconstruction 8.5 Monitoring and evaluation Glossary of terms Recommended reading

Believe in the Model: Mishandle the Emergency

Abstract: “You can hardly tell where the computer models finish and the dinosaurs begin.”Laura Dern, on the film Jurassic ParkDuring the past quarter century there have been many developments in scientific models and computer codes to help predict the ongoing consequences in the aftermath of many types of emergency: e.g. storms and flooding, chemical and nuclear accident, epidemics such as SARS and terrorist attack. Some of these models relate to the immediate events and can help in managing the emergency; others predict longer term impacts and thus can help shape the strategy for the return to normality. But there are many pitfalls in the way of using these models effectively. Firstly, non-scientists and, sadly, many scientists believe in the models’ predictions too much. The inherent uncertainties in the models are underestimated; sometimes almost unacknowledged. This means that initial strategies may later need to be revised in ways that unsettle the public, losing their trust in the emergency management process. Secondly, the output from these models form an extremely valuable input to the decision making process; but only one such input. There is a need to draw on much tacit knowledge which by definition cannot reside in a decision support system. Most emergencies are events that have huge social and economic impacts alongside the health and environmental consequences. While we can model the latter passably well, we are not so good at modelling economic impacts and very poor at modelling social impacts. Our knowledge of them is tacit and they lie in the complex space of Snowden’s Cynefin categorisation of decision contexts. Thus we draw upon recent thinking in both decision support and knowledge management systems to suggest that we need a more socio-technical approach to developing crisis response system; and, in particular, we explore how model predictions should be drawn into emergency management processes in more balanced ways than often has occurred in the past.