HLSC510
Forum 6 (Module 6)
Topic: The Science Informing the Policy and Politics of Disaster
Mackenzie Donnell
The role of science in developing policy and politics of disasters/terrorism-related matters.
When it comes to science, there is no arguing that through the systematic study of the practical
observation of structure and behavior of an event, such as a disaster, that the application of
lessons learned and then applied in future instances would prove invaluable. It is through the use
of scientific means that often times policies are drafted with supporting examinations that push
political ideas and justifications into action. For instance, within this week’s readings by Sylves,
there are many supporting areas that focus on the major advancements within disaster research
that have led to the increased knowledge and understanding of both natural and man-made
incidents that ultimately produced policies that put into effect early warning detection mandates
and plans to help mitigate unnecessary risk to associated populations and citizens in certain areas
(Sylves, 2020). Through research and the analytical processing of disaster management by way
of academic studying, the United States has been able to develop laws, regulations, and
guidelines against terroristic actions and disaster response.
How science applies and relates to each phase of a disaster
Science, through its every day means of examination, has led to numerous instances of
application related to the emergency management process/cycle. Within the mitigation phase,
one is able to use scientific research for mean of understanding vulnerabilities and identifying
weak faults in certain systems and infrastructure that could lead to additional loss of life or value.
By highlighting these issues through confirmed routes, one is then able to use methods of
strengthening and mitigation to ensure intent of mitigation is not lost. Within the preparedness
phase, the same concept is applied. For instance, science states that the hazards associated with
different magnitudes of earthquakes would lead to different levels of preparedness being taken.
For example, an area along the San Andreas fault in California is closely monitored by items
such as a Richter scale that can detect tremors and give the ability to map out areas more prone
to large scale earthquakes thus allowing the government to instill specific guideline for
prepositioning supplies and equipment in the need of emergency response as well as enforcing
strict zoning and construction codes that require areas at risk to be built to a certain level (NAP,
2006). Finally, with regards to the response and recovery phases, science has long helped us
dictate the timing and forecasted means to provide relief in a reasonable manner and within a
reasonable time. For instance, in a CBRN environment following a terrorist attack, the goal
would not be to rush into the affected area blinding and cause more casualties, but rather enact
means of detection to examine the potential flow of contaminants spreading to reduce excessive
loss while still responding with immediate medical care to those at ground zero through means of
decontamination.
The most useful scientific concept, principle, or tool as it pertains to the management of
disaster/ terrorism
Vulnerability analysis was highlighted as the most useful means of a scientific tool with regards
to disaster management because of its important in understanding the potential impact of
disasters and making choices about how to intervene (Benson & Twigg, 2007). As discussed in
previous weeks, mitigation often times is considered the most important phase within the
emergency management cycle because through awareness and the ability to reduce or prevent an
event, disaster, or attack from happening we ultimately save lives and dollars from unnecessary
recourse. By applying the scientific approach of identifying weaknesses and correcting off-
vectored courses of action, we are then able to focus on prevention through deterrence and
continuing to evolve our processes as the world is ever changing. Means of mitigation and
prevention, as referenced in the bible, can be traced to proverbs 22:3 where it states “The wise
see danger ahead and avoid it, but fools keep going and get into trouble”. We too must continue
to look forward for danger in order to avoid otherwise we will be caught in a moment where we
will only be able to be reactive rather than proactive.
References:
Sylves, R. (2020). Disaster policy & politics: Emergency management and homeland security
(3rd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: CQ Press. ISBN: 978-1506368689
National Academic Press. (2006). Facing Hazards and Disasters Understanding Human
Dimensions. Consensus Study Report. Retrieved from:
https://www.nap.edu/catalog/11671/facing-hazards-and-disasters-understanding-human-
dimensions
Benson, C. & Twigg, J. (2007). Tools for Mainstreaming Disaster Risk Reduction: Guidance
Notes for Development Organizations. Provention Consortium. Retrieved from:
https://www.preventionweb.net/files/1066_toolsformainstreamingDRR.pdf
Powered by TCPDF (www.tcpdf.org)
