Argues that natural disasters impact society and community differently than do manmade disasters and that this distinction is important to the recovery of communities that have experienced a disasterous event.
1,650 words (approx. 6.6 pages), 5 sources, 2002, $ 62.95
Abstract Natural disasters include such occurrences as hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, avalanches or earthquakes. Manmade disasters would include such things as airplane crashes, chemical or nuclear accidents and, of course, war. This paper will demonstrate that the distinction between these two types of disasters is significant, as each triggers different reactions in those individuals and communities who experience them. Such post-disaster impact assumes many forms depending upon variables such as locus of control, and degree of exposure to trauma. It will be argued that community planning to deal with post-disaster impact is equally as important as the reconstruction of the physical landscape after disaster.
Abstract This paper discusses the Comet jet airplane accidents of the early 1950?s, and the profound effects they had on certain aspects of our society. The author examines the various effects a technological disaster has on our lives and the world around us, as well as how our views towards the technology may be altered after a technological disaster.
From the Paper:
"By examining the jet aircraft industry, but in particular the British jet aircraft industry after the accidents, we are able to gain insight into what people's conceptions were, and why certain events unfolded as they did. With any technological disaster, trust in the product is often lost very quickly, and various actions are often taken to try and restore this trust. By examining these actions we can better understand how many people felt about the technology after the disasters. Lastly, not all technological disasters have purely negative connotations. Much can be learned from technological accidents that eventually lead to important improvements in the technology. By examining one major technological failure and its various effects we can gain a better understanding of how we are affected by technology as well as how our views towards the technology may be altered."
Tags: airplane, disaster, effects, history, social, technology, aircraft, industry
Abstract This paper examines a model disaster plan for a small regional airport. The paper explains why the Federal Aviation Authority is encouraging travelers to use regional airports and discusses how important it is for even small facilities to have practical and working disaster plans. The author points this out in light of the 9/11 terrorist attack. The role of various staff members of the airport is highlighted in the paper. The paper includes an appendix of airport safety procedures.
Outline:
Abstract
Statement of Problem
Disasters Included/Excluded from Consideration
Rationale for Included/Excluded Disasters Personnel and Their Duties: Authority and Responsibility
Personnel Internal and Response Team
Interfaces to Persons both Internal and External to Your Operation
Response Plan and Procedures
Scenario of Events
Fire/Chemical/ Biohazard Threat or Spill
Weather or Natural Disaster Concerns
Regional Power Failure
Earthquake
Tornado
On-site Medical Emergency
In-Flight Emergencies
Terrorist Activity/Security Violations
Requirements for Response Team Activities
Communication and Documentation
References to Supporting Literature
Appendix 1 (recommendations of pre-flight responsibilities including legal and suggested by Willamette Aviation)
Pilot Responsibilities Checklist/ Violation of which will require review and potential suspension of flight privileges:
From the Paper "Disasters that are likely to occur include natural disasters such as regional, onsite or aircraft fires and or collisions, power failure, individual medical emergencies (including one or more people) floods, earthquakes, heavy winds and biochemical and or chemical hazards, such as spills are included as well as those that must be accounted for but are less likely to occur such as hijacking, terrorist attack and or infiltration or intentional biochemical or chemical attacks either originating at this airport or as an attack on it."
Abstract The paper compares the natural disasters of New Orleans and South Africa in terms of survival statistics in relation to their effect on children in terms of symptomatic trauma, interventions and resources in rebuilding the urban places after the disaster. The paper examines both South Africa and New Orleans to analyze what could have been done to mitigate some of the damage inflicted in these two instances and further to envision what might be done in retrospect to strengthen the response of humanitarian efforts at times of natural disasters. The paper includes a map and tables.
Outline:
Objective
Introduction
Disaster Assessment of South Africa & New Orleans
Flooding Greatest Risk in South Africa and New Orleans
Findings of Risk Assessment
Disaster Mitigation Requires 'Spirit of the Law' Application
Summary and Conclusion
From the Paper "Those most affected were individuals who lived in homes that were constructed poorly. Identification of areas and communities that were affected had no uniformity. The results show that some communities received relief while others did not. Relief agencies were not well represented insofar as informing these individuals of what relief they were entitled to with many failing to miss such relief funding as Social Security for water-damaged property replacement. The report states: "...In these communities, rain or flood-affected households managed their losses alone or, in the case of many farm-workers residing on farms, repaired their homes with the farmer's assistance."
Abstract This paper reviews a number of disaster recovery issues. The paper focuses on the national economic impacts of natural disasters both long- and short-term. The paper also addresses the financial impact of disasters at the personal and community levels.
Abstract This paper explores many of the emotional issues the elderly encounter when faced with a natural disaster. The author addresses feelings of vulnerability and isolation that are particular to the senior population. The writer also discusses how problems the elderly already experiences, such as mental health issues and dementia, may be compounded by a natural disaster. A natural disaster may also bring out previous traumas from the senior's life. The author concludes that natural disasters can increase and exacerbate stress and anxiety in the elderly and possibly lead to serious psychological issues.
From the Paper "Studies have also focused on the fact that the elderly experience certain identifiable and particular stress factors and vulnerabilities in the face of natural disasters. "We must acknowledge that certain vulnerabilities exist among many elders and that these vulnerabilities are likely to intensify at times of disaster and during the often lengthy recovery process" (Oriol W.) The realization of the vulnerability of older people to disaster is evidenced by the collaboration between Center for Mental Health Services (CMHS) and The National Council on the Aging (NCOA), in bringing an important resource to communities to improve crisis counseling for the elderly. (Oriol W.) Therefore there is a growing body of research which mirrors the concern about the effects of emotional and psychological stress on the elderly in times of natural disaster."
Abstract This paper explores both past and current methods of disaster management when volcanic activity occurs. The paper focuses on monitoring and detection as approaches to handling potentially disastrous situations. Various methods of detection are explained, such as seismic monitoring. The author concludes that new methods offer hope for better predictions of volcanic activity, yet more must be done for disaster preparation. This is imperative in order to better predict volcanic events and save the lives of those who witness such a natural disaster.
From the Paper "Seismic monitoring is one of the most common ways to keep track of volcanic activity (Choi, 2004; Mileti, 1999). Seismometers monitor earth movement, including the earthquakes and tremors that sometimes indicate volcanic activity like underground magma movement (Choi, 2004). Though seismic activity is often linked to volcanic events successfully, not all seismic events indicate a coming eruption (Kerr, 2003). For this reason, seismometer readings do not always provide accurate predictions (Choi, 2004)."
Abstract This paper looks at two issues arising from the Exxon Valdez disaster in 1989, the extent of Exxon's liability and the effect on hydrographic survey technology. It also explains why Exxon was responsible for the environmental disaster.
From the Paper "When the foot Exxon Valdez ran aground at Blight Reef during the first minutes of March,its cargo tanks ruptured, as a consequence, nearly million gallons of crude oil spilled into Prince William Sound contaminating more than miles of seashore and defiling a ..."
Abstract This paper looks at the causes and motivations for environmentalism, and the effect of large-scale environmental disasters on various environmentalist movements. The paper looks specifically at the role of globalization and privatization of water and other natural resources, the role of the commons and the effects on the natural world. The paper further discusses the possible alternatives presented by the Deep Ecology movement.
Abstract This paper highlights the necessity of a well-organized evacuation plan in the case of natural or other sorts of disasters. Mass evacuations and the different situations in which they are necessary are described. The author stresses the importance of proper information dissemination during evacuation and sheltering the evacuees. The paper concludes with warnings about looting during emergencies and the need for appropriate law enforcement.
Outline:
Introduction
Evacuation Procedures
Reference List
From the Paper " Mass evacuation normally happens when a major threat to a certain community, building or anyplace were majority of the people therein are at risk. There are different types of mass evacuation namely pre-event evacuation, post-event evacuation, voluntary evacuation and mandatory evacuation. A pre-event evacuation occurs 'when the level of risk is uncertain while post-evacuation occurs if it has been assessed that the situation has been contained. On the other hand, voluntary evacuation happens when the people themselves choose to move out of their place, with or without instructions from the outsiders. A mandatory evacuation occurs when a lead agency imposes the people to leave the area (Mass Evacuation, 2006). "
This research study identifies and evaluates how various environmental disasters occur and impact the environment and the populace residing in the area of different environmental calamities.
Abstract This study explains that natural as well as man-made disasters have the potential to impact life on earth; the best defenses against natural disasters, such as earthquakes, volcanoes, floods, hurricanes and storm, are public awareness and offering the public sufficient time for evacuation. The author points out that the world's developed countries consider insurance an essential aspect of their lives, but this dependency on insurance is not shared by citizens of developing countries who might not be able to avail themselves of this facility. The paper relates that, when compared to natural disasters, many of the man-made disasters could have been prevented; understanding the risks involved in any situation is the first step to developing a successful plan to manage the risks involved.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Statement of the Problem
Purpose of this Study
Importance of the Study
Scope of the Study
Rationale of the Study
Definition of Terms
Limitations of this Study
Overview of the Study
Literature Review
Natural Disasters and their Consequences
Man-Made Disaster and the Risks Associated
Life Expectancy and Risk Evaluation
Disaster Response Planning and Insurance Requirements
Methodology
Approach Used
Validity of the Study
Discussion
Summary and Conclusions
From the Paper "Petroleum exploration, for example, has the ability to impact regions that are geographically very far apart. Environmental issues are becoming increasingly important for the petroleum industry, which has the potential to impact the global economy on a major scale. The three sharp spikes (early 70s, late 70s and 1991) in oil prices observed over time-period of this industry have indicated just how dependent the world economy is on petroleum products. It is easy to correlate these price increases to the recessions that occurred in the U.S. and many world economies during these times. Countries therefore, in addition to investing heavily in the scouring of new petroleum reserves, are also looking for new ways to optimize the processes in their refineries. Increasing storage capacities is a major concern and a potential endeavor. This implies that countries have to build refineries to process the crude oil, support tank farms to store the crude oil before it is processed. Lastly, they have to store the finished products as well as develop shipping and land transportation (rails and roadways) to transport the oil from the supply point to the demand point. Issues such as global warming, fresh water pollution and spills on the high seas are however, forcing countries to reevaluate their strategies when dealing with the environmental issues related to this industry."
Abstract This paper discusses how Hurricane Katrina was a perfect example of what a natural disaster can do to an economy. It looks at how natural disasters affect production and consumption of an economy in several major ways and points out that one way natural disasters disrupt production and consumption is the loss of jobs and displacement of a work force. Another way natural disasters disrupt production and consumption in he economy is a rise in the prices of certain goods and services. The paper also contends that one positive result of a natural disaster is the increase in jobs in other sectors connected to reconstruction, the flow of money into the economy, and increased production in the end due to the modernization of structures.
Outline:
Introduction
Natural Disasters The Loss of Jobs and Displacement of the Workforce
Short Term Rise in Employment and Influx of Money into the Economy
Increase in Production from Modernization of Infrastructure and Capital
Conclusion
From the Paper "Moreover, natural disasters must occur in highly populated areas that are vulnerable to its forces in order to be considered a disaster. Thus, a wildfire or an earthquake in an unpopulated area would not be considering a disaster. Most of major U.S. cities are situated close to water sources such as oceans, rivers or, fault lines in the case of California. These areas are prone to natural disasters. As a result, their larger economies are at a high risk of being disrupted by a natural disaster and have a greater economic impact on the rest of the country."
Abstract This paper looks at how, in times of disaster, local, national, and international authorities are supposed to interfere in order to help the victims of the disaster and reduce its effects to a minimum level. However, the authorities' intervention is not always to the benefit of the population, as sometimes the interventions only increase the damage. The paper uses the examples of the Katrina hurricane and the Crandall Canyon Mine collapse to demonstrate this point, noting that, in both cases, the interference of the law enforcements increased the number of casualties. Thus, the paper argues that the need for improved capabilities to interfere in crisis situations becomes more and more obvious. This is needed not only because of the actual incapacity of the law enforcements to actually aid the victims, but also because of the shifting nature of disasters. The paper concludes that as the potential causes of disaster increase rapidly, so must the emergency management programs.
Table of Contents:
Thesis Statement
Disasters Emergency Management
Standard Procedures to Follow in Case of Disasters Wrongful Emergency Management
Management of Hurricane Katrina
Crandall Canyon Mine Collapse
Conclusions
From the Paper "In order to explain their failure to properly manage a disaster, authorities argue that the emergency management does not solely apply to the government and its subsidies, but to the overall population. The police explain that in crisis situations, the population panics and they have far too high demands from the local authorities. Furthermore, another argument of the law centres is that during peaceful times, the population does not engage in activities to prevent disasters, the way they should."
Tags: unreliable, social phenomenon, new orleans, second collapse, victims
This paper tailors a disaster management plan to serve as a guide in disaster management planning development and implementation for an insurance company in Miami.
Abstract This paper describes a disaster management plan for an insurance company that suffered recent losses from a hurricane. The writer details the various stages of developing a risk mitigation plan for the organization that is realistic, workable and tailored specifically to the organization. The writer explains how this process involves design, development, implementation, and dissemination to the organization stakeholders. Also integral are assessment, practice, and simulation, along a continuum of constant updating of the plan to ensure that the plan is relevant and appropriate as indicated by trending. This paper contains a figure.
Outline:
Scenario
Disaster Plan
Objective
The Need of a Disaster Management Plan
Coordination and Integration of Networks
Disaster Management Plan Tailored to Organization
Clearly Stated Plans Disaster Mitigation and Recovery
Simulation for Testing and Practice
Prevention, Mitigation, and Continuity of the Organization
Testing, Assessment, and Practice Following by Ongoing RM
Security in the Organization
Summary and Conclusion
From the Paper "Also important in this plan will be the component of effective coordination with public authorities. This will involve the establishment of policies as well as procedural methods in what will serve as a continuum of collaborative interaction with the organizations: (1) employees; (2) employee's families; (3) key customers; (4) Critical suppliers; (5) owners/stockholders, and corporate management during a crisis. Execution of the plan is dependent upon first defining the problem with clarity and understanding the various roles and levels of accountabilities among the various levels of management in the organization and as well teams must be identified along with their respective responsibilities; Risk evaluation will include the examination of loss potentials or 'threats' that present to the organization which include those of the nature of: (1) natural ; (2) manmade; (3) accidental; (4) intention; (5) internal; and (6) external."
