Catastrophic Disaster Planning and Response
This volume is a thorough study of the planning process and response procedures for catastrophic disasters. Topics discussed include: the history of catastrophic events, both in and outside the United States; how catastrophes differ from disasters and emergencies and how they are all part of the emergency management continuum; the varying definitions of catastrophes and their political and societal implications; the main ethical and value dilemmas that one will likely face before, during, and after a catastrophe; the legal framework associated with government response to catastrophes; the post-catastrophic environment that an emergency manager might experience, with a focus on logistics, critical infrastructure, mass care, and mass evacuation; planning strategies and skills an emergency manager can employ to mitigate the effects of such an event; and the use of crisis leadership skills and how to lead and influence others in a catastrophic situation.—In MCEER, June 2011