Abstract
The paper examines the role to be played by the US Federal government and its responsibility in matters relating to disaster response and relief within the United States. The paper briefly discusses types of possible disaster before concentrating on natural disasters. The paper contends that Federal agencies are not adequately prepared for natural disasters and postulates that it is might be preferable for local agencies to handle disaster relief and to only turn to Federal agencies when there is a real need. The paper also contends that local communities should take more responsibility for their safety and reaction to disaster situations.

From the Paper
"It is no secret that many people believe the National Response Plan (NRP) failed drastically during and after Hurricane Katrina hit Louisiana in 2005. This plan was created by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to be implemented when just such a disaster occurred (Dunham, 2002). The Department of Homeland Security is designed to protect the country against various threats (Eggen, 2003; Eggen & Mintz, 2003). Most notably, though, it is designed to protect the United States from terrorism on American soil and is not really set up for natural disasters in the way that people hoped it would be. This particular department was created after the terrorist attacks that took place on September 11, 2001. It is a cabinet-level post and the need for it was seen after the attacks.
"Originally, it appeared that very few, if any, people in the United States, in the government or otherwise, thought that the United States would be or could be vulnerable to terrorists. Natural disasters seemed more likely."

Tags:hurricane, nrp, homeland, security, nature, mississippi, louisiana, katrina, disaster

Abstract
The paper looks at how in Gerber's (2007) view a "disaster" occurs because of people and their actions; the "extreme event", such as hurricane, terrorist attack or tornado, only "triggers" the disaster to begin. The paper discusses how in the past few decades the United States has witnessed many extreme events that have been labeled disasters based on Gerber's (2007) view. The paper shows how much discussion has either placed the blame for these disasters on the local, state or federal authorities, citing a lack of preparedness as the primary cause. Yet, the paper notes that there is no government on any level that does not have a disaster plan. The paper points out however, that views on proper preparedness vary, as do the needs of the people in different locales, and so a clash of planning occurs when local authorities, states and the federal government set about implementing recovery actions.

Tags:disaster, planning, government

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."

Tags:airport, disaster, plan, regional, airport

Abstract
The National Fire Protection Agency developed the 1600 Disaster in January of 1991. The purpose of the NFPA 1600 is to define recommended disaster management practices. It was completed in 1995 but it was not an official standard at that point in time. It was not until the year 2000 when it went from a recommendation to a standard. The NFPA is a standard for the development of Disaster, Emergency Management, and Business Continuity Programs. It applies to Public, Private, and non-profit agencies to prevent, mitigate, prepare, respond, and recover from disasters.

From the Paper
"As per the NFPA 1600 Emergency Management programs must have plans for prevention, mitigation, preparation, response, and recovery phases. The prevention phase of an incident includes the following: the development of a strategy, establishing prevention programs, implementing preventative systems, preparation plan and performing preventative actions. The mitigation phase includes the following: control the impact of hazardous incidents and emergencies, reduce the severity of hazardous incidents and emergencies, and limit the damage and loss that tends to occur when prevention fails. The preparation phase means being ready to deal with future disasters and emergencies. When an organization has reached a state of preparedness it means it has established all the activities, systems, and procedures needed to manage a future disaster. The response phase is used to manage incidents that threaten people, property, operations, or the environment. The response phase of a plan should address either immediate or on-going long-term threats. The recovery phase is a means to restore services, facilities, programs, and infrastructure after a disaster or emergency occurs."

Tags:National Fire Protection Assocation, NFPA, Disaster, Emergency Management, Business Continuity Plans

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)."

Tags:volcanoes, eruptions, explosions, population, evacuation, hazards, geology, natural, disasters, disaster, management

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.

Tags:Disaster planning, community, financial

Disaster recovery

Economic aspects

Abstract
This paper discusses hurricanes and the dangers they pose, then examines disaster planning and emergency preparedness for hurricanes. Future concerns about global warming and other climatic issues affecting hurricanes are discussed.

From the Paper
"The far southern United States, along the eastern seaboard and the Gulf Coast, has a high incidence of hurricanes and a history of substantial hurricane-related damage. Hurricanes, revolving storms originating nearthe equator that are accompanied by torrential rain and wind speeds exceeding ...mph, are a potent threat in this area that need to be prepared for in advance to minimize potential destruction of property by wind and water as well as loss of power and other utilities due to destruction of..."

Tags:emergency, preparedness, prepare, prepared, disaster, recovery, hurricane, cyclone, tornado, global warming, business plan, family plan, safety, FEMA, skills, evacuation, evacuate

Abstract
This paper identifies the importance of a disaster recovery plan for one's personal computer, including keeping files off-site. The paper dentifies the types of files that might be on a typical computer.

From the Paper
"Like most people who have a personal computer, I have many files that I rely on. However, I do not have a personal disaster recovery plan in place and thinking about it, I realize just how much I would lose if my computer were suddenly unavailable due to a hard drive failure, the destruction of the computer or even if the computer is stolen. I use my computer mainly for school work but I also have personal finance files and..."

Tags:disaster recovery plan, personal computer

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 ..."

Tags:Exxon Valdez, liability, hydrographic survey, environmental disasters

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."

Tags:strategic, collaboration, catastrophic, insurance, decision-making, coordination, simulation, contingency