...Abstract Disasters have devastating and severe acute and long-term consequences for individuals and communities. The paper expounds on the social ramifications of disasters, while highlighting a disaster’s effects in vulnerable populations. The collaborative actions of communities, governments, public health, media, and health professionals are also depicted in the paper. Lastly, implications for Advanced Practice Nurses concerning leadership, involvement in public policy and education, and development of advanced disaster planning are illustrated. Keywords: disaster, disaster response and planning, social ramifications, advanced practice nursing. Disaster--the term itself invokes feelings of dread, despair, and devastation. Furthermore, the effects of disasters on human condition are far-reaching and unpredictable. For health care professionals, disaster preparedness and response entails an understanding of the socio-economic issues and the collective responsibilities of multiple agencies when a disaster strikes. Disasters affect individuals, families, societies, and communities, with little time for any warning or preparation.1 The collective obligations of government, communities, hospitals, and medical professionals are underscored during this trying time. Introduction What is a disaster? Calamity, catastrophe, tragedy, are just some of the words uttered when a disaster occurs. Perry and Quarantelli2 explained that disaster has several meanings depending...
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...Group B: Social Media’s Role in Disaster Preparedness Social Media presence in this day and age is viral. The media not only covers so called everyday matters but also focuses on world events. Some of the most horrific and widely covered events are disasters. During times of disaster, our populations turn to some form of mass media for information. Few have not used the Internet during severe weather to check for warnings? Few have not turned on the television to check for the last developments or for directions on how to respond appropriately to a disaster? According to Veenema (2013) when asked where people usually turn to for information in the case of a local emergency, in 2007, 61% of respondents named TV; 29%, radio; 6%, the Internet; 2%, newspapers; 1% did not know. This presents the question, what is the role of mass media in the time of natural disasters? Mass media’s presence during disaster can expose a community’s strengths or weaknesses related to disaster preparedness. Media agenda is referred to as the deliberate coverage of topics or events with the goal of influencing public opinion and public policy (Barnes, et al., 2008). In the case of Hurricane Katrina, the gulf coast appeared to be in a panic. The media repeatedly highlighted the flaws in local, state, and federal emergency preparedness procedures. One should note that during this same time, there were many courageous and dangerous rescues made, all of which seemed to be over looked or over...
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...efforts of these first responders and government entities together, health care organizations will ultimately bear the heaviest burden as sick and injured citizens arrive at their doors. This paper will explore disaster preparedness from a health care organization’s perspective, looking at the extensive preparation required to adequately deal with an event of serious magnitude. The Importance of Planning Ahead In today’s highly complex world, with the threat of terrorist attacks and natural disasters impacting virtually every major population center, there are myriad scenarios that must be considered and planned for in advance of an actual event. To not do so would render communities woefully unprepared and thus potentially increase the number of casualties through ineffective treatment or no treatment at all. Disasters, both man-made and natural, are characterized through four stages: mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery (National Governors' Association, 1979). While prevention would be the desired mode for disasters, mitigation is sometimes the best case scenario. Since mitigation can only dampen the impact of disasters, preparedness is the key stage, because it ultimately determines the following stages of response and recovery. Within the context of a health care organization, detailed preparations, both on paper and in resources, are vital to a hospital’s ability to cope with an onslaught of casualties. This anticipated burden of responsibility...
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...REPORT ON EUROTOWN DISASTER Introduction On the 14 Oct 11 the Municipalities Emergency Preparedness Group was in meeting. At 1000 hrs it was reported that there was a major electrical failure affected the greater part of Eurotown. No initial assumptions were made but the respective service agencies were contacted. At 1200 hrs the situation deteriorated with a serious fires starting in a factory units in Bromley Hill. A Major Incident was declared at 1205 hrs and the ‘Eurotown Emergency Plan’ was activated in accordance with the Civil Contingencies Act 2004. The following actions were undertaken: * Traffic Management plan implemented. * Emergency media plan implemented (and throughout all stages of the incident). * Multi-agency action plan implemented (mutual aid response). * Communication and co-ordination with ‘Tactical Coordination Group. * Impact of power outages on critical infrastructure. * Vulnerable groups such as schools and care homes were contacted. At 1330 hrs the fire had spread to adjacent properties which housed an LPG storage tank and 10 tonnes of chlorine. The risk of explosion and the release of a toxic plume were considered severe and priority was given to evacuating residential and business properties within 500 metres of the site around the LPG storage facility and evacuation of the personnel calculated to be effected by the plume. It was agreed that evacuation of both these groups should be co-ordinated and given equal priority...
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...PrinciPles and rules for red cross and red crescent Humanitarian assistance www.ifrc.org Saving lives, changing minds. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is the world’s largest volunteer-based humanitarian network, reaching 150 million people each year through our 187 member National Societies. Together, we act before, during and after disasters and health emergencies to meet the needs and improve the lives of vulnerable people. We do so with impartiality as to nationality, race, gender, religious beliefs, class and political opinions. For more information, please visit www.ifrc.org. © International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, Geneva, 2013 Any part of this document may be cited, copied, translated into other languages or adapted to meet local needs without prior permission from the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, provided that the source is clearly stated. Requests for commercial reproduction should be directed to the IFRC at secretariat@ifrc.org. Principles and Rules for Red Cross and Red Crescent Humanitarian Assistance 1263500 10/2013 E 250 PrinciPles and rules for red cross and red crescent Humanitarian assistance adopted by the XXi international conference of the red cross (istanbul, 1969) – revised by the XXii, XXiii, XXiV, XXV and XXVi international conferences, tehran (1973), Bucharest (1977), manila (1981), Geneva (1986, 1995 noted)1 2 > PrinciPles and...
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...suffering from drought like situation of varying degrees from many years and the coastal areas are prone to cyclones. There is no comprehensive, integrated disaster management policy at national level for dealing with major disasters like earthquake of 2005 and floods of 2010 and 2011 partially due to limited resources, economic instability and partially due to absence of well trained and equipped disaster management infrastructure. We also lack proper system for disaster prevention and preparedness that could ensure effective mitigation to reduce the loss of life and property damage in the face of a natural disaster. 2. Disaster management is unfortunately seen as provision of relief rather than the management of all of its phases and long term management of risk. We therefore need a comprehensive preparedness, prevention and mitigation strategy with a view to better manage and coordinate activities of various line ministries, departments and civil society. Pakistan has a traditional relief and response oriented disaster management system, however over a short period of time it is experiencing constructive changes. Present system to respond to medium level disasters is fairly structured and it is quite in place to handle disasters. Nevertheless, our disaster management system to respond small to large scale disasters needs capacity building and...
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...Popul Res Policy Rev (2010) 29:127–141 DOI 10.1007/s11113-009-9133-x The Role of Community in Disaster Response: Conceptual Models Olivia Patterson • Frederick Weil • Kavita Patel Received: 1 May 2007 / Accepted: 15 October 2008 / Published online: 5 November 2009 Ó Springer Science+Business Media B.V. 2009 Abstract We focus on the role that community plays in the continuum of disaster preparedness, response and recovery, and we explore where community fits in conceptual frameworks concerning disaster decision-making. We offer an overview of models developed in the literature as well as insights drawn from research related to Hurricane Katrina. Each model illustrates some aspect of the spectrum of disaster preparedness and recovery, beginning with risk perception and vulnerability assessments, and proceeding to notions of resiliency and capacity building. Concepts like social resilience are related to theories of ‘‘social capital,’’ which stress the importance of social networks, reciprocity, and interpersonal trust. These allow individuals and groups to accomplish greater things than they could by their isolated efforts. We trace two contrasting notions of community to Tocqueville. On the one hand, community is simply an aggregation of individual persons, that is, a population. As individuals, they have only limited capacity to act effectively or make decisions for themselves, and they are strongly subject to administrative decisions that authorities impose on them....
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...Emergency Preparedness Planning Guidelines Version 3, October 2006 Table of Content Foreword 4 Part 1 - Introduction to Emergency Preparedness Planning 5 CARE Approach to Emergency Preparedness 5 Measurement of Preparedness 6 Emergency Preparedness and Contingency Planning 6 Emergency Preparedness Planning Steps 8 Writing and Distributing the Plan 8 Monitoring and Updating the Plan 8 Part II – The Written Plan 10 Executive Summary 10 1. Formation of Emergency Response Team 10 2. Information Collection 11 3. Country Office Capacity Inventory 12 3.1. Country Office Organization Chart 13 3.2. Country Office Human Resources 13 3.3. Country Office Physical Resources 13 3.4. Country Office Key Staff Contact Information 13 3.5. RMU, CARE Lead Member, and CARE International Key Contacts 13 3.6. In Country Coordination Mechanisms and Contacts 13 4. Risk Analysis 13 5. Scenario Development 15 5.1. Scenario 1 16 5.1.1. Scenario Description 16 5.1.2. Impact Analysis 16 5.1.3. Identification of Risk Reduction Measures 17 5.1.4. CARE Prevention and Mitigation Measures 19 5.1.5. CARE Response Strategy 19 5.1.5.1. Criteria for Engagement 20 5.1.5.2. Partnership Analysis 20 5.1.5.3. Geographical Focus 21 5.1.5.4. Objectives of CARE Interventions 21 5.1.5.5. Trigger Indicators 21 5.1.5.6. Key Interventions/Actions 22 5.1.5.7. Entry and Exit/Transition Strategy 24 5.1.6. Local Considerations 24 ...
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...On the Crisis Management of the Modern Enterprise BIAN Tingting1, 2, TAN Zhanglu2 1 School of Management, Beijing Union University, Beijing, China, 100101 2 School of Management, China University of Mining &Technology, Beijing, 100083 teacherbian@126.com Abstract: Modern enterprises are facing more and more crisis from the external environment. This paper starts from the four major foreign crisis management theories, then analyzes the main problems of the enterprise crisis management in our country, finally it raises the three aspects ideas of the modern crisis management. The three aspects are named crisis prevention, crisis resolving and summer up after crisis. From the three aspects, we should strengthen the crisis management, and control the deterioration of the crisis in time to ease the crisis finally to turn crises into opportunitiesin order to minimize or avoid the loss of the enterprise caused by crisis. Keywords: Modern enterprise, crisis, crisis management 1 Introduction With the acceleration of economic and social globalization, internal and external business environment becomes more complex and changeable, and are full of uncertainty. This uncertainty has brought the potential for the enterprise crisis. Today's economic and social development is more than ever vulnerable to social conflict, terrorism, technological disasters, and financial crisis. Crisis exists anywhere and anytime...
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...Barneveld, Wisconsin Your Place in the Emergency Management System Case Study: Hazardous Chemical Release Activity: Where Do I Fit? Unit 2: Overview of the Principles of Emergency Management and the Integrated Emergency Management System Introduction and Unit Overview FEMA Mission and Purpose Response Authorities History Principles of Emergency Management Recent Changes to Emergency Planning Requirements Why an Integrated Emergency Management System? Emergency Management Concepts and Terms Partners in the Coordination Network Activity: Partners in the Coordination Network Emergency Management in Local Government Activity: Where Is Emergency Management in My Community? Unit 3: Incident Management Actions Introduction and Unit Overview Introduction to the Spectrum of Incident Management Actions Prevention Preparedness Response Activity: Response Operations Recovery Mitigation Unit 4: Roles of Key Participants Introduction and Unit Overview The Role of the Local Emergency Program Manager State Emergency Management Role How the Private Sector and Voluntary Organizations Assist Emergency Managers Federal Emergency Management Role The National Response Framework Activity: Emergency Management Partners Emergency Management Functional Groups Case Study: Emergency Management Coordination Unit 5: The Plan as a Program Centerpiece Introduction and Unit Overview What Is an EOP and What Does It Do? Activity: Where Do I Fit Into the...
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...Abertay, Dundee, UK Abstract Purpose – The aim of this exploratory paper is to consider the strategic importance of crisis management and integration of crisis planning with the organisation’s strategy processes, in particular the utilisation of scenario planning as a crisis planning activity. Design/methodology/approach – A review of the crisis management literature was undertaken and key issues identified, subsequently strategic aspects of crisis management were developed in the context of scenario planning. Findings – The paper contains a discussion of major factors related to a strategic approach to crisis management and a more proactive approach to building relationships with the media. Particular attention should be given to the roles and responses of the media and agencies acting on behalf of the company, as both should been treated in the same way as other relatively powerful stakeholders. The authors suggest that firms can obtain significant advantages through proactive preparation for major relevant contingencies, and its incorporation into the strategic management process. Originality/value – This paper brings together the debate on the strategic position of crisis management with scenario planning processes to provide a mechanism for designing, evaluating and managing crisis futures. It should prove useful to managers considering the development of crisis management, especially in a strategic context. Keywords Strategic planning, Strategic management Paper type Conceptual...
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...abolishment of FEMA for good. The point at issue here is whether FEMA is effective in doing what it is suppose to do. We would identify the strength FEMA possesses, as well as the weaknesses the agency contained. Recommendations would be made in the end by using organizational behavior tools. What is FEMA? The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) was established as an independent agency by presidential executive order on March 31, 1979. However, after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11th, FEMA became a part of Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on March 1, 2003. Basically, FEMA integrates the emergency-related programs of Nations and is the central agency within the Federal Government for emergency planning, preparedness, mitigation, response and recovery. FEMA works closely with State and local governments so that FEMA has the capability to offer money for emergency programs, technical guidance and training and also sets the resources of Federal in time when disaster takes place. Thereby, these coordinated activities ensure a perfect program to protect life...
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...Collection, Analysis and Dissemination v. Media Partnership c. Conclusion 2. Case Studies a. Risk Communication During the Washington D.C. Sniper Crisis b. The Homeland Security Advisory System c. A Comparison of Leadership Between Two Outbreaks of Smallpox in the United States: New York City, 1947, and Milwaukee, 1894 3. Additional Sources of Information 4. Glossary of Terms 5. Acronyms 6. Discussion Questions a. General b. Washington, DC Sniper c. Homeland Security Advisory System d. Smallpox Outbreaks 7. Suggested Out of Class Exercises Introduction Communications has become an increasingly critical function in emergency management. The dissemination of timely and accurate information to the general public, elected and community officials and the media plays a major role in the effective management of disaster response and recovery activities. Communicating preparedness, prevention and mitigation information promotes actions that reduce the risk of future disasters. Communicating policies, goals and priorities to staff, partners and participants enhances support and promotes a more efficient disaster management operation. Mission The mission of an effective disaster communications strategy is to provide timely and accurate information to the public in all four phases of emergency management: mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery • Mitigation – to promote implementation...
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...Faculty of Economics Seminar paper on the subject: English 4 Crisis management June, 2012 Crisis management is the process by which an organization deals with a major event that threatens to harm the organization, its stakeholders, or the general public. The study of crisis management originated with the large scale industrial and environmental disasters in the 1980. Three elements are common to most definitions of crisis: (a) a threat to the organization, (b) the element of surprise, and (c) a short decision time. Venette argues that "crisis is a process of transformation where the old system can no longer be maintained." Therefore the fourth defining quality is the need for change. If change is not needed, the event could more accurately be described as a failure or incident. In contrast to risk management, which involves assessing potential threats and finding the best ways to avoid those threats, crisis management involves dealing with threats before, during, and after they have occurred. That is, crisis management is proactive, not merely reactive. It is a discipline within the broader context of management consisting of skills and techniques required to identify, assess, understand, and cope with a serious situation, especially from the moment it first occurs to the point that recovery procedures start. Introduction Crisis management consists of: * Methods used to respond to both...
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...Disaster Management Theory Many changes are abounding in the field of emergency management. These changes include how policy is written, how research is conducted, and how responses are being handled. Questions are brought to light such as are the four fundamental concepts of emergency management (preparedness, mitigation, response and recovery) truly guiding in today’s modern world or is it out dated? There is a delicate balance in finding the right level of emergency management and how much of it plays into terrorism and the Department of Homeland Security. Some argue that “Homeland security is a step back from the proactive approaches being recommended today, and it de-emphasizes all hazards other than terrorism” (MacEntire, 2004). Research is changing and students in academic research are finding there is more to the larger picture than many modern day professionals want to see in the world around them. Many have forgotten the past and only focus on the present, and on occasion the future. Typically, however, these focuses on the future are derived from some kind of catastrophic event having taken place that is forcing them to see a problem or error in the system they have come to rely on. They react to changes in society and bureaucratic changes in government. In fact, according to Sjoberg (1962), the government takes more control of situations and decisions after a disaster has occurred. In trying to come up with answers to how society reacts, how disasters...
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