Assessing Social Risks and Disaster Vulnerability Comparison Essay by scribbler

Assessing Social Risks and Disaster Vulnerability
An assessment and comparison of the risks and vulnerabilities in McKinley County, New Mexico, and Calvert County, Maryland.
# 152741 | 3,528 words | 10 sources | APA | 2013 | US
Published on Apr 24, 2013 in Political Science (State and Local Politics) , Geography (Physical)


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Description:

The paper uses the Social Vulnerability Index (SoVI) to assess the risks and vulnerability McKinley County, New Mexico and Calvert County, Maryland, and finds that the social vulnerability in McKinley is much higher than that of Calvert County. The paper explores social vulnerability, disaster vulnerability and risk-mitigating institutions in these counties and finds that being a much richer county than McKinley, Calvert County appears to be somewhat better prepared in terms of disaster mitigation. The paper does note, however, that McKinley has demonstrated a remarkable spirit of community and entrepreneurship, which will doubtlessly go a long way towards the ability of citizens to provide support when this is needed most.

Outline:
Demographics and Social Vulnerability
Disaster Vulnerability
Risk-Mitigating Institutions

From the Paper:

"McKinley County is situated in the northwest corner of New Mexico State (Joyce Planning and Development, 2009). The town Gallup is the county seat and market center for a number of surrounding cities and counties. According to a demographic table constructed for population changes between 2001 and 2007 in McKinley shows that the county is losing population, with a drop of 4,362 citizens during this time. The population in the county is dominated by Native Americans, followed by significant numbers of Whites and Hispanics.
"Education rates in the county are low when compared to New Mexico and the United States as a whole. This is a factor that contributes to the social vulnerability of the county. Data from Gallup High School for example shows that, while Caucasian students met proficiency goals in math and reading, Hispanic students only met these goals in reading, while American Indian and economically disadvantaged students did not meet either proficiency goals. Dropout rates varied from school to school and among racial and ethnic groups, with 2.5 percent of Whites, 3.6 percent of Hispanics, and 6.6 percent of American Indians dropping out of school."

Sample of Sources Used:

  • Calvert County Government (2010). Profile. Retrieved from http://www.co.cal.md.us/references/profile/
  • Calvert County Government. (2010). Public Safety. Retrieved from http://www.co.cal.md.us/residents/safety/emergency/
  • Gossett, A. and Taylor, S. (2004, Mar. 18) State of Maryland Sample Disaster Recovery Report. Retrieved from http://doit.maryland.gov/support/Documents/security_response/sampledrpfinal__rv2_0_.pdf
  • Hazards & Vulnerability Research Institute. (2010). Social Vulnerability Index for the United States. Retrieved from http://webra.cas.sc.edu/hvri/products/sovi.aspx
  • Joyce, J.M. and Scott, M.S. (2005, Aug.) An Assessment of Maryland's Vulnerability to Flood Damage. Maryland Department of the Environment. Retrieved from http://franklin.salisbury.edu/esrgc/pdf/hazus/An%20Assessment%20of%20Maryland's%20Vulnerability%20to%20Flooding.pdf

Cite this Comparison Essay:

APA Format

Assessing Social Risks and Disaster Vulnerability (2013, April 24) Retrieved March 29, 2023, from https://www.academon.com/comparison-essay/assessing-social-risks-and-disaster-vulnerability-152741/

MLA Format

"Assessing Social Risks and Disaster Vulnerability" 24 April 2013. Web. 29 March. 2023. <https://www.academon.com/comparison-essay/assessing-social-risks-and-disaster-vulnerability-152741/>

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