Disaster Management Handbook

Using a case-based approach, Disaster Management Handbook is a comprehensive reference that shares firsthand accounts and theoretical analyses of disasters and the interrelated issues of disaster preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation. It provides in-depth examinations of both man-made disasters--such as airplane crashes, computer network hacking, and terrorism--as well as earthquakes, floods, tsunamis and other natural or environmental disasters. This book provides the necessary understanding of concepts and offers helpful insights to assist practitioners in crafting constructive public policy that contributes to the prevention of such catastrophic events.

Record breaking hurricane seasons, tornados, tsunamis, earthquakes, and intentional acts of mass-casualty violence, give lie to the delusion that disasters are the anomaly and not the norm. Disaster management is rooted in the fundamental belief that we can protect ourselves. Even if we cannot control all the causes, we can prepare and respond. We can craft constructive, workable policy that will contribute to the prevention of enormous financial impact, destruction of the environment, and needless loss of life. Integrating scholarly articles from international experts and first hand accounts from the practitioner community, Disaster Management Handbook presents an analytical critique of the interrelated, multidisciplinary issues of preparedness, response, and recovery in anticipating and rebuilding from disasters. Beginning with an introduction to the theoretical constructs and conceptual foundations of disaster management, the book reviews the relationship of modern development to disaster vulnerability, the politics of disaster management, leadership, and the role of agency coordination. The second and third sections examine case studies and lessons learned through natural disasters in North America and around the world. They compare and contrast the efficacy of different management strategies from national, provincial, and local governments, as well as non-governmental agencies. Taking a narrower scope, the fourth section focuses on emergency personnel and the methods and issues faced in on-the-scene response and preparation. It also considers the special needs of hospitals and the effective use of the media. Contributions in the final two sections present strategies for limiting and ameliorating the psychological impact of disaster on victims and personnel, and look forward to how we can be better prepared in the future and rebuild stronger, more resilient communities.

Introduction, theoretical constructs, and conceptual foundations Development and Disaster Preparedness: The Delusion of Preparedness in the Face of Overwhelming Forces, J. Pinkowski Rising Disasters and their Reversal: An Identification of Vulnerability and Ways to Reduce It, R. Misomali and D. McEntire The Politics of Disaster Management: The Evolution of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, M.R. Daniels Katrina and her Waves: Presidential Leadership, Intergovernmental Disaster Management, and Hurricane Response and Recovery, B. Gerber and D.B. Cohen The Role of Coordination in Disaster Management, R. Prizzia CASE STUDIES AND LESSONS LEARNED: U.S. NATURAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL DISASTERS A Different Approach to Disaster Recovery: Alaskan Earthquake Disaster Recovery, D. Ink Hurricane Hugo: Two States’ Responses to the Disaster, N.S. Lind and P. Lafeber Hurricanes Katrina and Rita: The Critical Role of the Nonprofit Community in the San Antonio Disaster Response, S.A. Palomo-Gonzalez and D. Rahm Small Town Disaster Management: Lessons Learned from Katrina in Mississippi, J. Pinkowski and G. Bass Emergency Contracting for Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans Gulf Area, M.M. Dickens Johnson Debris Disposal and Recycling for the Cedar and Paradise Wildfires in San Diego, O. Debraal and  W.T. Williams CASE STUDIES AND LESSONS LEARNED: INTERNATIONAL DISASTERS Disaster in the United States and Canada: The Case of the Red River, D.R. Kemp Variability of Natural Hazard Risk in the European Alps: Evidence from Damage Potential Exposed to Snow Avalanches, S. Fuchs and M. Keiler Disaster Management Structure in Turkey: Away from a Reactive and Paternalistic Approach? N.E. Ganapati HIV/AIDS in Africa: Botswana’s Response to the Pandemic, K.C. Sharma and T. Seleke Toward Disaster Resilient Communities: A New Approach for India, Africa, and South Asia, U. Medury FIRST RESPONSE AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT National Incident Management System: Bringing Order to Chaos, B.J. Moeller Hospital Emergency Preparedness, N.V. Cagliuso, E.J. Lazar, A.N. Lazar, and L.J. Berger Media Relations and External Communications during a Disaster, M. Lee Responding to Natural Disasters: An Increased Military Response and Its Impact on Public Policy Administration, D.S. Miller, M. Pavelchak, R. Burnside, and J.D. Rivera Military Involvement in Disaster Response, J. Levinson HUMAN, PERSONAL, AND INTERPERSONAL ISSUES Disaster Management and Populations with Special Needs, S.J. Penner and C. Wachsmuth Disaster Psychology: A Dual Perspective, G. Coultman-Smith Managing the Spontaneous Volunteer, B.J. Gallant First Responders and Workforce Protection, P.J. Havice-Cover Disaster Rehabilitation: Towards a New Perspective, A. Dhameja The Half-Full Glass: How a Community Can Successfully Come Back Better and Stronger Post-Disaster, D.W. Sears and J.N. Reid PLANNING, PREVENTION, AND PREPAREDNESS The Role of Training in Disaster Management: The Case of Hawaii, R. Prizzia Disaster Management and Intergovernmental Relations, P. LaFeber and N.S. Lind Issues in Hospital Preparedness, R. Powers Strategic Planning for Emergency Managers, R. Sturgis Index