Review and Discussion How Technology Has Shaped the Way Emergency Managers Mitigate Disasters The frequency of manmade disasters, natural disasters, and complex disasters is increasing, and the incidence of their occurrence rate is also increasing (Lu & Xi, 2007). In recent years, a number of computer- and Internet-based technologies have emerged to help emergency managers mitigate disasters (Fincher, 2004), with geographical information systems representing some of the more promising applications that can be used to support the decision-making processes during emergency risk management (Lu & Xi, 2007)
Finally, a summary of the research and important findings are provided in the conclusion. Review and Discussion How Technology Has Shaped the Way Emergency Managers Mitigate Disasters The frequency of manmade disasters, natural disasters, and complex disasters is increasing, and the incidence of their occurrence rate is also increasing (Lu & Xi, 2007)
In addition, emergency managers also use geographic information systems on a routine basis (Wayne, 2003). Organizations Responsible for Emergency and Disaster Preparation Besides traditional first responders such as law enforcement, fire and medical teams, the Department of Homeland Security, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Department of Health and Human Services, Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Agriculture are all involved in preparing for cases of biological and chemical terrorism (Mughai, 2002)
3). In addition, emergency managers also use geographic information systems on a routine basis (Wayne, 2003)
Holmes was heavily armed; "Police say Holmes, 24, dressed head-to-toe in protective tactical gear, set off two devices of some kind before spraying the Century 16 theater with bullets from an AR-15 rifle, a 12-gauge shotgun and at least one of two .40-caliber handguns police recovered at the scene." (Pearson, 2012)
As well there are existing enhanced security and military activities on the home front." (Keefer and Loayza, 2008, p
FEMA is to accomplish this through providing leadership and support to the national in a "risk-based, comprehensive emergency management system of preparedness, protection, response, recovery, and mitigation." (Prelas, et al
139) Included in the programs for chemical and biological defense are the following initiatives: (1) contamination avoidance, protection, and decontamination equipment packages; (2) emergency response capability for consequence management; and (3) others. (Stopa, et al
The authors also note that new technology is vital in order to ensure continued efficiency and interoperability. Specifically, they note the high-definition video, portable Web cameras, and streaming and archiving solutions can be used to increase such efficiency (Chandler & Feinberg 2007: 62)
These facilities play a key role in providing care to both natural and man-made disasters (Premier, 2012). The phenomenon, issue, or condition to be researched In order to create a safe surrounding in the community, emergency management and traumatic centers have to be established (Trunkey & Potter, 2006)
466) reports that four states (Alaska, Kansas, South Carolina, and Utah) have extended "discretionary immunity" when emergency responders are operating "within an existing plan to conduct disaster drills and exercises." Author David Alexander explains that when there is a legal obligation to save people who are either injured or threatened by a disaster then failure to honor that obligation "could be construed as criminal negligence" and that opens the door to prosecution (Alexander, 2002, p
The Stafford Act states that the federal government "…shall not be liable for any claim based upon the exercise or performance of or failure to perform a discretionary function or duty on the part of a federal agency ort an employee of the Federal Government in carrying out the provisions of this Act" (42 U.S. Code, section 5148) (Lindell, et al
Evidently, many graduates from colleges have had many problems fitting in the emergency response systems of various departments because of the poor training they receive. Tutors majorly focusing on the theoretical aspects of disaster management arising from the lack of any practical skills normally teach such graduates (Alexander, 2000)
Various regions and countries have taken up the initiative of training people expected to play a critical role in the management of disasters. There has been an argument whether teachers handling disaster management programs need to have practical field experiences coupled with their academic qualifications (Neal, 2000)
.pose a threat to people, structures and economic assets" (Gaillard 2006)
The question of vulnerability also forms an integral part of the theoretical foundations of disaster management in that it reflects the daily conditions of society. (Wisner 1993) in essence therefore, disaster vulnerability is viewed as "
The question of vulnerability also forms an integral part of the theoretical foundations of disaster management in that it reflects the daily conditions of society. (Wisner 1993) in essence therefore, disaster vulnerability is viewed as "
It is like preparing to fight the last war. Only careful planning and attention to projecting impacts of the full range of probable disaster intensities can give appropriate or cost-effective mitigation measures and budgets" (Smith, 2006)
In contrast to the agencies in the Reagan era, the agencies moved to DHS now faced a set of statutes with conflicting goals-their legacy mandates vs. The new homeland security mandate" (Cohen, Cuellar & Weingast, 2006)
It also revealed the inherent weakness of centralization and, alarmingly, it revealed also an administration eager to justify the assumption of new, and potentially abusive, powers. The real lessons of Katrina are that acts of power, exercised in top-down fashion by the federal government, are not the way to go" (Yates, 2005)