| Papers [1-15] of 100 :: [Page 1 of 7] | | Go to page : 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 —> | Search results on "BUFFALO CREEK DISASTER": |
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Gerald Stern's "The Buffalo Creek Disaster".
This paper discusses the events of this story and the details of the landmark lawsuit are retold in Gerald Stern's "The Buffalo Creek Disaster".
925 words (approx. 3.7 pages), 0 sources, $ 32.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that, in February of 1972, a dam built of coal waste refuse collapsed, unleashing a torrent of water and waste, sludge derived from coal-mining and coal-washing operations, killing 25 people and leaving the four thousand survivors homeless, their lives devastated, and their personal properties destroyed. The author recounts that Washington DC-based Arnold and Porter, for which Gerald Stern worked, took on the case; Stern's work as an advocate for disenfranchised minority citizens of the American Deep South made him an ideal and idealistic lawyer representing the survivors of the Buffalo Creek disaster. The paper relates the two main aspects to the Buffalo Creek Disaster lawsuit, which Stern won,: (1) The plaintiffs had to prove that Pittston was not simply careless or negligent, but was actually recklessly responsible for the disaster; and (2) Stern had to come up with monetary figures for his plaintiffs, assessing the damages due to them should the lawsuit be successful.
From the Paper
"Following the disaster, which occurred in a section of rural Logan County, West Virginia, the coal company blamed nature, calling the dam failure an "act of God." This vague term was meant to assuage the survivors of the disaster and ease the pain of losing their loved ones and friends. However, the collapse of a waste water dam was obviously no "act of God" and it became apparent that the only way to prevent the coal company from getting away with their gross negligence was to sue and sue big. Stern had hoped to file criminal as well as civil charges against Pittston, the New York corporation that owned the Buffalo Mining Company. Although the Buffalo Mining Company was itself the owner of the dam, Stern reasoned that it would be far simpler and more effective to directly sue Pittston. Part of this decision was based on what Pittston describes as "piercing the corporate veil.""
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The Buffalo Creek Disaster, 2004.
An in-depth overview of the 1972 Buffalo Creek disaster which killed over 100 people and the long-term effects on the communities affected.
3,123 words (approx. 12.5 pages), 7 sources, MLA, $ 90.95
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Abstract
On February 26, 1972, the coal waster dam at Buffalo Creek collapsed and flooded Logan County's communities with water, sludge, waste and rubble. More than 125 people were killed, 1000 were injured and 4000 left homeless. This paper focuses on this disaster which was not attributed to mother nature. The Buffalo Creek Disaster of 1972, in many circles within the Appalachian community, was considered to be the fault of a mining company. In contrast, the mining company's upper management claim that the dam breaking was an act of God. From an outside point of view, it is difficult to decide which is correct and this is what continues to create controversy. This paper looks at the disaster from many standpoints. First, this paper describes exactly what happened that fateful morning. It looks at different accounts and descriptions of the event. Second, this paper examines the existing trauma still evident among the disaster's survivors and also explores how this event has affected the coal mining industry from the worker's perspective. Third, this paper looks at the lawsuit that quickly followed as part of the aftermath. Finally, this paper attempts to determine who is to blame. The paper looks at steps that the coal-mining executives have taken to improve dam technology and other business practices that seem to incriminate.
Paper Outline:
Introduction
The Disaster
Survivors' Trauma and Long Term Affects
The Lawsuit
Who is to Blame?
Conclusion
Works Cited
From the Paper
"The people of Buffalo Creek would like to see someone accountable for the disaster. Even before the collapse, many citizens had gone to Pittston to complain and display their concern over the dam's safety. Giardina writes, "residents of Buffalo Creek had repeatedly complained to the company that dam was unsafe but had received no response" (2). This would later become an issue as the settlement was being decided based on three out of five manifestations of survivor syndrome. The three being: death imprint, death guilt and psychic numbing."
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Gerald Stern's "The Buffalo Creek Disaster", 2002.
Summary of a book that chronicles the events that led up to a mining disaster in a small town in West Virginia.
752 words (approx. 3.0 pages), 0 sources, MLA, $ 26.95
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Abstract
This paper reviews the horrific mining disaster that took place in a West Virginia mining town in 1972. Information regarding the loss of life and property is taken from Gerald Stern's book, "The Buffalo Creek Disaster: How the Survivors of One of the Worst Disasters in Coal-Mining History Brought Suit Against the Coal Company--And Won". The paper also looks at the negligence of the Buffalo Mining Company, which caused one of the worst man-made disasters in history and the legal case brought against them by survivors of the tragedy.
From the Paper
"A few days prior to February 26, 1972, rain fell almost continuously, which was typical for this time of year. Buffalo Mining officials, concerned about the condition of the highest dam, measured water levels every two hours the night of the twenty-fifth. Although a Pittston official in the area was alerted to the increasing danger, the residents of the hollow were not officially informed. The one positive about living in a small town is that news travels fast. So, despite the lack of warning from company officials, some residents discerned the danger and moved to higher ground. At 8:05 a.m., the dam collapsed and the water obliterated the other two impoundments. Approximately 132 million gallons of black, waste water hurried through the narrow Buffalo Creek concave."
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Kai T. Erikson's "Everything In Its Path", 1991.
This paper discusses Kai T. Erikson's "Everything In Its Path: Destruction of Community in the Buffalo Creek Flood". which analyzes the relationship of culture and social structure before and after the 1972 destruction of Buffalo Creek by flood.
1,575 words (approx. 6.3 pages), 1 source, $ 55.95
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From the Paper
"This study will provide a book report on Kai T. Erikson's "Everything In Its Path: Destruction of Community in the Buffalo Creek Flood".
The study will explain how culture and social structure are related in the case of Buffalo Creek, will describe the culture (the mountain ethos) and the elements of social structure (both local and national) and how a change in one aspect of the social structure affects a change in the other, will argue that the changes are reciprocally related, and will discuss the personal traumas (chronic and/or acute) of Buffalo Creek residents in terms of the destruction of both culture and social structure in that community.
Clearly, Erikson argues that the culture and social structure of Buffalo Creek are intimately related, both before ... "
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Environmental Perception and Post-Disaster Impact, 2002.
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, $ 62.95
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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.
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Queens' Disaster Plan, 2002.
A paper reviewing the disaster plan for the community of Queens, New York.
1,360 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 0 sources, $ 45.95
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Abstract
The paper reviews the disaster plan put out by Queens, N.Y. It shows that awareness about the importance of Community Disaster plans is on the rise and the American Red Cross and fire department are doing their best to educate the community of Queens, New York. The paper shows that what is important is that the disaster plan is practiced regularly and carried out as planned during times of emergency. It surmises that the disaster plan is very effective and covers nearly all issues helping to save more lives and property.
From the Paper
"The Disaster Plan although very useful and helpful can be further improved upon by giving more importance and consideration to a few issues. The most important is working out a plan on how to help the disabled and handicapped members of the neighborhood. This also applies to elderly people who may have mobility problems. Although the above disaster plan applies to them, a few more points should be taken into consideration. The old and the disabled should provide a spare key to their house to any of the nearby neighbors. All emergency health supplies and necessary medicines should be kept within easy reach."
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The Challenger Disaster, 2006.
An exploration behind the scenes of the Challenger space shuttle disaster.
2,235 words (approx. 8.9 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 69.95
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Abstract
In this paper the author looks behind the scenes of the Challenger space shuttle disaster. Although the popular reason for the disaster is known as the technical failure of the O-rings, the author explores the intra-personal and inter-personal processes within the Challenger project which, in his opinion, led to the making of the flawed decision to launch the shuttle. He examines all of the processes of communication, leadership, monitoring and group dynamics which played significant roles in the disaster and looks at the roles of named individuals who, in the author's opinion, contributed to incorrect decisions being made by the launch team. In conclusion, the author blames inter-personal and intra-personal processes, which were flawed and problematic, with no one person able to correct the problems evident as the main cause for the disaster.
From the Paper
"Apart from physical communication problems during the project, there were also communication problems relating to areas in the project's planning stages. For instance, launch commit criteria and limits on booster surface temperatures were not communicated between NASA and Thiokol, primarily because they either did not exist, or were not part of the reporting network (Bell, p.47). In not relaying important information such as launch commit criterion, a process was occurring with individuals at various stages prior to the launch, whereby each person was using the communication and reporting process as the locus of responsibility for information disclosure rather than individually accepting responsibility for deciding whether or not to pass on information which he believed to be of significance."
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Model Disaster Plan for Airport, 2007.
A discussion of an airport disaster plan.
4,454 words (approx. 17.8 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 116.95
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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."
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Disaster Management and Volcanoes, 2007.
A discussion of disaster management in the event of volcanic activity.
979 words (approx. 3.9 pages), 3 sources, APA, $ 34.95
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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)."
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Disaster & Fire Defense Planning, 2002.
A study on advance planning and training for fire and emergency disaster relief.
1,070 words (approx. 4.3 pages), 3 sources, $ 37.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the planning and management of disaster and fire relief workers and their efforts. It describes the need for a large management system for orchestrating the disaster response; the system used is the incident command system (ICS) for commanding, controlling and coordinating the efforts of individual agencies as they work toward the common goal of stabilizing an emergency or disaster, while making every effort to protect life, property and the environment. The paper examines this system accomplishes these tasks effectively and economically through centralized communications and training.
From the Paper
"The ICS was created as a response to other non-standard terminology?s failure to expand or contract as required by the situation. By enabling various agencies to communicate with each other and expand and contract to help emergency situations, the ICS prevents chaos, individualism, injury, and further damage, while enabling agencies to collect, evaluate and disseminate information about the development of the incident and use of resources."
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Disaster and Fire Defense Planning, 2002.
An illustration of an Emergency Response Plan (ERP) that every city should have in place and practice on a regular basis in order to save as many lives as possible in the event of a disaster occurring.
1,565 words (approx. 6.3 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 51.95
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Abstract
The paper defines the different types of disasters that can occur and explains why every local fire department should have a disaster plan in place. The paper presents the four phases of Emergency Management: mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery. The paper focuses on the response phase by detailing the systems and structures that should be in place in every city in order to respond efficiently to any disaster.
From the Paper
"The first portion of direction and control is establishing an Incident Command System at the site of the disaster. The second portion of direction and control is the establishment of an Emergency Operations Center (EOC) (FEMA, SLG 101, 2002). The functions of these two centers are different. The ICS is concerned with the immediate disaster and information dissemination to the EOC. Both the ICS and EOC are concerned with two phases. For both the ICS and EOC primary concern is protecting life and later the sustainability of services to sustain life. Direction and control is about the integration of services during a disaster. It is important for maintaining organization and structure."
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Disaster Management, 2002.
Discusses the disaster management policies of states and how these policies can be improved.
1,400 words (approx. 5.6 pages), 3 sources, $ 53.95
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Abstract
This paper briefly looks into the disaster management practices of any given state and how the management practices can be improved to ensure that the risks and damages are minimized during the occurrence of a disaster. It focuses on the four main steps that are taken to ensure that disasters are managed effectively.
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The NASA Challenger Disaster.
This paper discusses the problems and organizational dysfunction that contributed to the NASA Challenger Disaster.
1,710 words (approx. 6.8 pages), 4 sources, APA, $ 55.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that organizational behavior focuses on the study of behavior within the organizational construct, concentrating on how an individual, group, and structure affect the behavior within the organization. The author points outs that learning from the Challenger Disaster required the NASA organization to look carefully at (1) forces contributing to the flawed decision, (2) reasons for the decisions and behavior that contributed to them, and (3) organizational shortcomings that affected the outcome. The paper stresses that communication can lead to misunderstanding, but so does lack of action; people within the chain of command at NASA did not act upon information that may have changed the outcome.
Table of Contents
Introduction
The NASA Challenger Disaster
Recommendations
Conclusion
From the Paper
"In exploring the history behind the Challenger disaster, one discovers, as the Presidential Commission did, that information threatened the "can-do" ideology of the space agency was routinely suppressed by managers at the agency's Marshall Space Flight Center. When Thiokol's engineers raised their concerns a full six months before the disaster, the information they provided was distorted as it made its way up the organizational chain of command, primarily to suit the career interests of Center managers eager to please NASA headquarters. Bosses were told what they wanted to hear and not what they needed to know. Ultimately, Thiokol's engineers were told, in effect, to "sit down and shut up" the night before the launch because the final decision would be made by management."
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Exxon Valdez Disaster, 2004.
An exploration of two issues arising from the Exxon Valdez disaster.
690 words (approx. 2.8 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 23.95
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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 ..."
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Disaster Planning, 2005.
A discussion of disaster recovery issues.
920 words (approx. 3.7 pages), 4 sources, APA, $ 31.95
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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.
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