Challenges for the disaster workforce during a compound hurricane–pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (7) ◽  
pp. 9-18
Author(s):  
Jennifer Marshall, PhD, MPH, CPH ◽  
Juita-Elena (Wie) Yusuf, PhD ◽  
Elizabeth Dunn, MPH, CPH ◽  
Kelsey Merlo, PhD ◽  
Joshua G. Behr, PhD ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Management ◽  
Nonprofit Organizations ◽  
Social Services ◽  
Planning Process ◽  
Effective Means ◽  
Health Resources ◽  
Management Planning ◽  
Support Strategies ◽  
Emergency Management Planning ◽  
State And Local

The COVID-19 pandemic has created new workforce considerations for emergency management community in addressing cumulative and cascading disasters. This research identifies how emergency management planning for both the changing dynamics of COVID-19 and the upcoming hurricane season may change under a compound threat. Many jurisdictions have faced challenges in providing adequate staffing of shelters before the pandemic. Now, fatigue among staff further exacerbates these challenges as resources are stretched thin. Six workshops, involving 265 national, state, and local leaders, staff, experts, and advocates from 22 states, and a range of disciplines (disaster planning, public health, social services, academia, and healthcare), were convened to identify concerns and potential strategies to address staffing, training, logistics, and support. Strategies proposed to increase the number and skill set of staff available involve increased reliance upon volunteers and nonprofit organizations. Mental health resources, personal protective equipment, sanitation supplies, and defining roles within emergency shelters were recommended to reduce fatigue and redistribute responsibilities. Findings illuminate additional research avenues regarding assessing the underlying stressors contributing to the planning process and effective means of implementing these interventions to bolster emergency management shelter operations during a prolonged pandemic and in the future.

Preparing communities: The critical integration of faith-based organizations into emergency planning and response

2009 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jessica L. Hurst, BS, JD ◽  
Jessica P. George, BA, JD
Keyword(s):  
Paradigm Shift ◽  
Legal Issues ◽  
Emergency Planning ◽  
Federal State ◽  
Management Planning ◽  
Faith Based ◽  
Emergency Management Planning ◽  
Response And Recovery ◽  
Faith Based Organizations ◽  
State And Local

This article discusses the paradigm shift that is taking place in emergency management planning with regard to the integration of faith-based organizations in federal, state, and local preparedness, response, and recovery efforts. In addition, this article explores potential legal issues related to government funding and support of faith-based emergency planning initiatives. Finally, the article proposes recommendations for initiating and expanding emergency planning among faith-based organizations to fully utilize the unique knowledge these groups have of the needs of their communities.

On the horizon: The role of aviation in local emergency management planning

2012 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 109
Author(s):  
Timothy S. Wallace, BS ◽  
Jonathan L. Katz, PhD, PMP
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Management ◽  
Local Governments ◽  
Emergency Planning ◽  
Current Position ◽  
Management Planning ◽  
State Authority ◽  
Emergency Management Planning

The authors wished to identify available guidance for local emergency management agencies (LEMAs) on the use of aviation resources in local emergency management (EM) planning. If handled properly, aviation is a proven asset that can be effectively used before, during, and after emergencies.The authors determined that literature on LEMA planning provides little evidence of local governments systematically addressing the role of aviation in their planning for emergencies. Most localities could improve their response capabilities if they integrate aviation into their planning. To provide ideas and to spur discussion in the LEMA community, this article addresses the current position of aviation in local emergency planning, what aspects of the role of aviation in emergencies that LEMAs should take into account including federal and state authority in EM aviation, and possible means and templates to assist LEMAs in incorporating aviation into their planning.

Social Equity in Local Emergency Management Planning

2009 ◽  
Vol 41 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susan Gooden ◽  
Dale Jones ◽  
Kasey J. Martin ◽  
Marcus Boyd
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Management ◽  
Social Equity ◽  
Management Planning ◽  
Emergency Management Planning

scholarly journals Disaster Management: A State-of-the-Art Review

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jared Bly ◽  
Louis Hugo Francescutti ◽  
Danielle Weiss
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Management ◽  
Disaster Management ◽  
Disaster Preparedness ◽  
Disaster Response ◽  
The Other ◽  
Management Planning ◽  
Coastal City ◽  
Emergency Management Planning ◽  
Response And Recovery ◽  
Climate Change Governance

Disaster management involves the pillars of emergency management: planning and preparation, mitigation, response, and recovery. Emergencies are serious events that threaten health, life, and property and can be managed within the capabilities of the affected organization. Disasters, on the other hand, are hypercomplex emergencies, requiring resources not immediately available. Disaster management follows the principles of emergency management, and emphasizes flexibility, collaboration, and teamwork. Lack of resources will challenge people and organizations both in effects of disasters and the ability to manage them. Poverty, climate change, governance, and education are foundations to improve capacity. Hospitals play an important role in disaster response and can prepare accordingly. Plans, to be effective, must be implemented through appropriately-targeted exercises. Building on an all-hazards approach, to more hazard-specific considerations can improve disaster preparedness as well as day-to-day efficiency. Disaster management is complex and crucial. These principles are explored through the fictional tale of 1Tucci, a coastal city in the worst flood anyone can remember. Well, almost anyone…

Conservation districts and emergency management: New partners for tight fiscal times

2011 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 67
Author(s):  
Jason Weinerman, MPA
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Management ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Federal Budget ◽  
Active Management ◽  
Management Planning ◽  
Response Planning ◽  
Emergency Managers ◽  
State Budgets ◽  
History Of ◽  
Emergency Management Planning

Declining state budgets and pressure on the federal budget are likely to leave local emergency management efforts in a precarious position. During these challenging times, all government agencies will need to reach out and establish new partnerships to accomplish their missions. Emergency management situations, such as blizzards, fire, floods, and drought, are likely to originate in rural areas, and finding a partner who has a good working relationship with rural landowners is critical. Conservation districts are special- purpose government units that have a long history of working with rural landowners and getting active management installed on the ground. In addition, conservation districts have existing partnerships with other state and federal agencies, which can bring additional financial resources into the emergency management arena in a multipurpose framework. Although conservation districts are unlikely to be able to work in preparation and response planning, they can provide valuable assistance in mitigation and recovery operations. By including these special-purpose units of government in the emergency management planning and implementation efforts, emergency managers can extend their reach while not having to add additional resources.

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