CJUS 381

In this module, you see that emergency managers face both traditional risks such as floods and earthquakes, as well as new risks. Though emergency management deals with managing disasters, no firm definition exists. You will also review the origin of the four phases of emergency management.

In this module you will see disaster preparedness and mitigation are generally low and vary in due to dissimilar access to resources. Therefore, when disasters occur they impact some groups more than others. However, steps can be taken to enhance readiness for disasters as demonstrated by Noah before the Flood.

This module shows that plans must assume that unpredictable events will occur, and that improvisation and group emergence will develop to respond. Disaster coordinators must engage all those involved in response as seen with Joseph during the famine in Egypt. An effective planning process is critical to domestic incident management.

In this module you will see that emergency managers are more effective when they emphasize coordination and communication instead of command and control. Also included are important aspects of the response phase of a disaster, the common components of response efforts, and the public's response.

In this module you will learn that recovery describes the process of getting people back into permanent housing, work and re-establishing normal routines. It can also be an opportunity to become more resilient. Ideally, recovery planning serves as an opportunity to identify risks and form strategies to reduce those risks.

In this module you will learn that resilient communities embrace mitigation, defined as a set of strategies to reduce future risks. Two kinds of mitigation are typically pursued: structural and non-structural mitigation. Mitigation planning involves people making decisions about local risks and prioritizing solutions in an economically feasible manner.

This module will serve as an introduction to the National Incident Management System. You will learn of the integration of the incident command system and the areas of command, operations, and planning.

This module will serve as a guide to the application of NIMS. You will learn about the National Response Framework, the Implication of NIMS and NIMS Evaluation and Maintenance.

Why are there "natural disasters" (ex. storms, earthquakes, plagues)?  Do you agree or disagree with Clough's explanation from the readings over evil in man and nature?  Explain your reasons.

We see how Paul organized relief efforts for the Church in Jerusalem in his third missionary journey.  We also see how organizations like Samaritan's purse use relief efforts as a ministry to those outside the Church.  Which is the correct approach for disasters, caring primarily for brothers and sisters in Christ or reaching out to aid all people?  Explain your answer.

In your own words, describe the Operations Section of an Incident Command and what it is involved with.  Do you think it is the most important section of the staff?  Why or why not?