FEMA
Definition
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is a discipline of disaster politics that deals with the management and coordination of federal resources in response to a disaster. It is responsible for assisting state and local governments in the aftermath of a disaster, and for coordinating federal support.
Discussion
The need to facilitate the preparation of the federal government to engage in preventing, responding, and even mitigating the impacts of natural disasters led to the formation of FEMA. Issues such as the extensive fire and terror attacks prompted the nation to enhance preparedness against such events. The FEMA works together with the office of Homeland Security to ensure proper coordination of emergency management.
Relation
The country must be well prepared to deal with emerging calamities that might affect the citizens. The FEMA has been at the forefront to facilitate the training of responders to handle challenging situations. Currently, the agency promotes and coordinates responses to both man-made and natural disasters in the country. FEMA is tasked with ensuring the gaps that might give room to catastrophic outcomes are properly managed.
Deepwater Horizons Oil Spill 2010
Definition
The Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill of 2010 was a disaster in which an oil well exploded, causing a massive oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. The incident caused a significant impact on the environment, wildlife, and people living in the area. The disaster had political implications, as it raised questions about the safety of offshore drilling and the role of the government in regulating the oil industry.
Discussion
In 2010, a catastrophic disaster happened in the Gulf of Mexico where the Deepwater Horizon Oil rig exploded. The incident caused a severe oil spill in the ocean that endangered the lives of people and sea creatures. During the calamity, over 11 people died and more than 17 individuals sustained serious injuries (Haddow et al., 2014). The people tried to activate the mechanism called blowout preventer to reduce the spillage but the effort yielded insignificant results.
Relation
The incident prompted the US government to initiate appropriate measures to prevent and mitigate such disasters. The accident was a major disaster that highlighted the need for a coordinated and effective response from the Federal government (Haddow et al., 2014). The Federal Response Program and the Federal Response Framework were two key components of the national approach established to facilitate the emergency response to calamities in the country.
Federal Response Program
Definition
The Federal Response Program is a national guideline that outlines how the government responds to major disasters and emergencies. The Federal Response Program is led by FEMA which is a part of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). FEMA is responsible for directing the federal government’s reaction to major disasters and emergencies, such as hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, and terrorist attacks.
Discussion
The Federal Response Program is designed to provide a coordinated, comprehensive, and effective federal response to major disasters and emergencies. The program is based on the National Response Framework, which outlines the roles and responsibilities of federal, state, local, tribal, and private sector partners in responding to major disasters and emergencies. The Federal Response Program is coordinated by the National Response Coordination Center (NRCC), which is staffed by representatives from FEMA, DHS, and other federal agencies.
Relation
The Federal Response Program relies on the National Incident Management System (NIMS) to provide a framework for coordinating the national government’s response to emergencies. Through NIMS, the authorities have a well-established procedure that guides the management of the risks. The standardized platform is used by government agencies and other concerned bodies to facilitate effective action.
Federal Response Framework
Definition
The Federal Response Framework (FRF) is a national procedure that establishes a unified approach to disaster response and recovery. It guides how federal agencies can work together to assist state, and local governments, tribes, and individuals. The FRF was created in response to the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill and was later updated in 2012.
Discussion
The Federal Response Framework outlines the roles and responsibilities of Federal agencies in incident response. Using the guidelines, it is easier for the involved parties to mobilize the necessary resources to combat the dangers. The platform takes into consideration all types of calamities that can strike the country.
Relation
To have an effective and efficient emergency response process, there must be a clear guideline that dictates the roles and responsibilities of the respondents. The approach enhances the proper management of disaster thus lowering the impacts on the people. In most cases, the framework is scalable, adaptable, and flexible to enable it to meet the needs of various calamities. It facilitates the ability of a nation to develop functional areas to respond during a catastrophe.
All Hazard Approach
Definition
The All-Hazard Approach is a comprehensive hazard preparedness that focuses on the prevention and mitigation of all types of disasters. It is based on the principle that all dangers should be considered when planning for and responding to emergencies.
Discussion
Generally, when establishing a response plan, it is necessary to consider all aspects that might occur. All hazard approach gives the authority and other agencies to create an effective response capacity. The procedure makes it easier to incorporate the necessary efforts that are vital in mitigating risks.
Relation
Based on the prevalence of disasters, most agencies have formulated effective all-hazard approaches to provide them with the ability to overcome challenges. Governments are cable of increasing their response based on the plan. The approach ensures there is a standard protocol for specific calamities (Haddow et al., 2014). It is essential in lowering injuries and destruction of properties. Having the platform allows the responders to execute tasks accordingly.
Preparedness
Definition
Preparedness is the ability of individuals, communities, response agencies, and the government to speculate and respond effectively to the impacts of calamities.
Discussion
The process encompasses the identification, assessment, and even management of catastrophic hazards. For instance, examining the strength of a building to withstand the intensity of an earthquake may make the builders improve the quality of materials. The aspect makes citizens psychologically prepared thus they are less hit by anxiety and depression due to the outcomes of the disaster.
Relation
Preparedness is an essential practice in disaster management because it makes people, governments, and other responsible agency to be fully prepared for possible calamity. The aspect facilitates the ability of the individuals to cope with the situation accordingly (Haddow et al., 2014). For instance, the US government has conducted several preparations to counter the effects of nuclear war. Having in mind that such hazards can happen prepares people psychologically thus limiting cases of anxiety. Before the condition, the government highlights various measures that the public will follow during the event.
Civil Defense
Definition
Civil defense on the line of adversity control refers to the efforts that are in place to protect the citizens of a country from possible calamities. It is the engagement of people through training to enhance their ability to be responsive during disasters.
Discussion
During a disaster, the need to protect the people and properties is the key interest of the government. Civil defense is centered on the population to increase the ability of citizens to manage tragedies. In other words, it promotes resilience in the country to withstand possible cases of catastrophes. The focus is to save lives and properties as well as motivate the citizens to become more responsive.
Relation
The aspect of civil defense is essential to emergency management. The practice promotes overall public awareness and prepares citizens to be able to thwart the impacts of disaster. It further enables individuals to effectively participate in moderating the effects of catastrophes. Through effective civil defense training, it becomes easier for the government to manage the impacts of calamities.
Dual Use Approach
Definition
In the context of disaster management dual-use approach involves the creation of another problem to mitigate a second greater risk. It is a scientific expedition to find relevant tools or products that can be used to mitigate calamities.
Discussion
To deal with unforeseen situations, sometimes government agencies are forced to create a disaster. The approach aims at enabling the country to manage similar hazard if it happens in the future. It is a common practice, especially in the health sector. For instance, a virus can be developed in the lab and then tested on people to determine its ability to mutate. Through the process, the responsible bodies are prepared to deal with such a situation in case it occurs in the future.
Relation
Generally, the federal government fund several research activities aimed at researching and giving insight into a possible problem. The approach is to improve understanding of the incident thus making it easier for the emergency team to be ready (Haddow et al., 2014). By engaging in such practices, the authority is making it easier to prevent and manage greater risks.
Haiti Earthquake (2010)
Definition
The Haiti earthquake of 2010 was one of the most devastating calamities in the country. It affected over three million people causing the death of approximately 160,000 individuals. The catastrophe raged cities and destroyed several properties.
Discussion
Earthquake occurrence is a challenge to the community and the environment. The Haiti incident affected the operations of the country calling for an immediate response. Several lives as well as properties were lost following the massive tremor. The disaster interfered with communication lines, transport system, and other useful aspects of the nation.
Relation
The Haiti government faced a fierce challenge to tackle the effects of the earthquake. The process of resource mobilization to address humanitarian was not effective. The citizens were not prepared to respond and mitigate the incident to prevent severe damage. The authority did not engage in civil defense practice to enable the people to manage the disaster effectively (Haddow et al., 2014). The event made different nations improve their emergency management system to deal with similar calamities.
Presidential Disaster Declarations
Definition
The presidential disaster declaration is the process by which the incumbent president announces calamities that pose threat to the federal interest. The president is guaranteed powers by the constitution to declare natural and man-made calamities as a threat to the country.
Discussion
The constitution gives the president powers during calamities to declare their issues of concern and national emergency. The presidents announce the disaster on behalf of the federal government. The approach facilitates easy mobilization of necessary resources such as state funds to enhance the management and prevention of such risks. In addition, through the declaration, the local agencies are engaged to enable the citizens to overcome and cope with the situations.
Relation
Major disasters such as earthquakes, war, and pandemics may prompt presidential declarations. Generally, the constitution requires the president to protect the citizens. This aspect allows the federal government through an emergency announcement to execute various roles to mitigate calamities. The involvement is essential because it shows to the public the president’s concern on matters of safety. There are significant policies that guide disaster relief in the country.
Reference
Haddow, G. D., Bullock, J. A. & Coppola, D. P. (2014). Introduction to emergency management (5th ed.). Butterworth-Heinemann.