Before moving forward with implementing an Emergency Management Agency, we have to first
understand the functions of emergency management. There are four functions identified by the
Department of Homeland Security which include: mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery.
Today we will look at the mitigation and preparedness functions. Arguably, these two functions are
considered to be the most important functions of emergency management. First, we will define the two
functions and then elaborate further as to their importance to our agency.
Mitigation- The goal of mitigation is to reduce or eliminate the risk to people and property using
man-made, or natural, hazards or disasters (Sylves, 2019). Mitigation function within emergency
management is the process of identifying, measuring, and addressing potential vulnerability in a
particular location that is at risk of being attacked, or susceptible to significant damage via a natural
disaster.
Preparedness- To save lives and reduce the potential for damage and/or injury, the
preparedness function of emergency management involves the development of a training and action
plan for first responders, contingency plans, mutual aid agreements, and the procurement and allocation
of resources (Sylves, 2019). Being properly prepared for an emergency leads to effective and efficient
response and recovery efforts after a disaster.
Preparedness Plan
As the Emergency Manager of our agency, it is important for us to must identify hazards before
they become disasters, plan, and train, understand the resources available, and locate the best people
who can excel in high-stress situations, and experience handling emergencies (Eby, 2019).
To fulfill the functions of mitigation and preparedness, the agency must begin with identifying
potential threats within the community. To do this, all parties within the local government and social
service organizations must be involved with the planning process. This includes, but is not limited to,
elected officials, members from various departments such as police, fire, roads, public works, and local
hospital leaders. The idea of involving the individuals from the community and governmental agencies is
to make them aware of their responsibilities during an emergency and to gain support for emergency
management programs (Henstra, 2010).
Once the leaders from the local government and social service organizations are on board, the
agency will develop a process that identifies hazards, assesses vulnerability, and conducts a risk
assessment. This process of identifying hazards, within the jurisdiction of our agency, will be done so by
estimating the likelihood of an emergency, or event, and its potential impact on the community.
Assessing vulnerability includes examining the relationship between the identified hazard, the citizens,
and physical property to attempt to determine the results of a disaster (i.e. injuries, deaths, damages).
Risk analysis estimates the financial and personal costs within a specific geographic area and over a
specific period as it relates to a potential hazard.
Upon the identification of potential hazards, our agency will develop training and action plans which will
help to reduce the response times and improve the recovery efforts. The development of preparedness
plans will serve as operational manuals during emergency response. The plan will designate who is in
charge, articulates operational procedures, and gives guidance for allocating resources (Henstra, 2010).
Due to the uncertainty of the types and severity of a hazard, our department should develop
contingency plans that address serious hazards that the community may face.
To ensure the plans that are developed by this department remain relevant and up-to-date,
scenario-based training will be conducted to improve and adjust the response by the emergency
management organizations that reflects the changing vulnerabilities and hazards. Training and scenario-
based exercises are extremely important during the preparedness phase. Other than first responders,
many individuals who play a role within the functions of emergency management do not have
experience handling these situations. Training will provide the participants the information regarding
their role during an emergency event and the issues and problems they are likely going to encounter
(Henstra, 2010).
Mitigation Plan
As mentioned above, the role of mitigation is to reduce or eliminate the risk to people and property
using man-made, or natural, hazards or disasters (Sylves, 2019). Our organization can prevent certain
emergencies, or at least, lessen the impact emergencies may have on people and/or property. Many
mitigation techniques involve structural advancements, like levees and flood gates, however, there are
other courses of action this organization can take to mitigate emergencies. One way to mitigate hazards,
especially in areas that are prone to certain hazards, would be the implementation of land-use
restrictions. Although development cannot be stopped, limitations and regulations can be put into place
to minimize the risk to people and/or property. For example, in areas susceptible to flooding, designating
land for recreational instead of residential or commercial will accomplish this goal.
Biblical worldview
1 Peter 5:8 says, “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring
lion looking for someone to devour” (New International Version, 2011). Several verses in the Bible teach
us to not be caught unprepared when Christ returns. We must be on guard for what the devil may throw
at us, which could be a stumbling block in our walk of faith. The Biblical concept of preparedness and
mitigation provides us with a lesson in how we prepare for emergencies we may face in everyday life.
Our country must always be on the watch for potential threats and risks, and develop strategies that can
mitigate the threats, or be prepared for what may be thrown at our country.
Reference
Eby, C. (2019, March 13). The seven and a half traits of the ultimate emergency manager. International
Media Representatives Inc. (IMR Group Inc.). Domestic Preparedness.
https://www.domesticpreparedness.com/commentary/the-seven-and-a-half-traits-of-the-
ultimate-emergency-manager
Henstra, D. (2010). Evaluating local government emergency management programs: What framework
should public managers adopt?. Public Administration Review, 70(2), 236-246.
New International Bible. (2011). The NIV Bible. https://www.thenivbible.com/ (Original
work published 1978)
