Discussion Forum 8 Module 8
“Wrapping it All Up”
Discuss the phases of disaster management and the most important phase and why.
Phillips et al. (2016) outlined the disaster life cycle phases as mitigation, preparedness,
response, and recovery (p. 39). Phillips et al. (2016) outlined the disaster life cycle phases as
mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery (p. 39). Mitigation measures are done mainly
from a structural or nonstructural perspective. An example of structural mitigation includes
constructing buildings that could withstand the blast of an explosion or elevating structures to
reduce flooding incidents. Also, regarding nonstructural mitigation, Islam and Ryan (2016) note
that the use ordinances can set building height requirements and prohibit structures from being
built in hazardous locations (p.287). McEntire (2019) characterizes preparedness as actions
done before a disaster occurs (p.18). Preparedness actions may include establishing emergency
operation centers [EOCs] and conducting mock drills or functional exercises to prepare for
natural and human-induced hazards or threats.
Sylves (2019) notes that response commences when a disaster occurs or threatens to
materialize (p. 443). Moreover, Sylves (2019) explains that response includes operations,
legislation, policies, and procedures to save lives and property, avoid secondary disaster
consequences, and restore government functions (p. 443). Response actions include activation of
EOCs and emergency operations plans and conducting search and rescue operations to find
victims impacted by disasters or to remove them to areas of safety. McEntire (2019)
describes recovery as the lengthy operations required to rebuild following a disaster or terrorist
attack (18). Sylves (2019) adds that the response activities may include putting in laws or
policies to restore the impacted government, communities, and people to pre-disaster conditions
(p. 444). Recovery, according to Sylves (2019) is also the most expensive phase in the disaster
cycle (p. 443). Recovery actions may include debris cleanup activities or rebuilding structures to
improve their capacity to withstand the effects of hazards. I consider mitigation as the most
important phase in the disaster cycle because the concept can be applied to all phases of the
emergency management process to better prepare and respond to crises or catastrophes more
efficiently and promptly.
Examine public-private partnerships, with a particular emphasis on the role of faith-based
response organizations.
Faith-based institutions can act as organizational multipliers for public-private
partnerships, providing various benefits. For example, faith-based institutions can link public-
private partners to other stakeholders, such as nonprofit entities, to help meet community needs.
They can also aid them by providing social and health services to the communities and provide
support by funding activities. In addition, these faith-based institutions provide essential
services and assist the community in preparing for, mitigating, responding to, and recovering
from incidents (Federal Emergency Management Agency, 2018). This community approach can
aid communities to become resilient and able to achieve sustainability long-term after a disaster
occurs.
Elucidate the role that special needs populations play in disaster response and recovery
efforts.
Developing and executing a response and recovery strategy for the vulnerable population
is critical. This notion exemplifies a community approach perspective which entails looking out
for all people regardless of their socioeconomic status and physical and mental disabilities.
Incorporating the at-risks populace in emergency planning ensures that they receive adequate aid
and resources during and after a disaster. Disabled individuals may require special equipment to
enable first responders to rescue them or receive the medical attention they need.
God loves us and provides the resources to enable our ability to sustain ourselves daily.
According to Matthew 5:45, "...For he raises his light on the just and the wicked, and sends rain
on the just and the unjust" (King James Bible, 1769/2022). Furthermore, Romans 2:11-12 states,
"God has no respect for persons. Many who sin without law perish without law..." (King James
Bible, 1769/2022).
References
Federal Emergency Management Agency. (2018, June). Engaging Faith-based and Community
Organizations: Planning Considerations for Emergency Managers. FEMA.Gov.
https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/2020-07/engaging-faith-based-and-community-
organizations.pdf
Islam, T., & Ryan, J. (2016). Hazard Mitigation in Emergency Management (1st ed.).
Butterworth-Heinemann.
McEntire, D. A. (2019). Introduction to homeland security: Understanding terrorism prevention
and emergency management (2nd ed.). John Wiley & Sons.
King James Bible. (2022). King James Bible Online. https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org
(Original work published 1769)
Phillips, B. D., Neal, D. M., & Webb, G. R. (2016). Introduction to Emergency Management
(2nd Edition). Taylor & Francis.
https://bookshelf.vitalsource.com/books/9781315394688
Sylves, R. T. (2019). Disaster policy and politics: Emergency management and homeland
security (3rd ed.). CQ Press.
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