Discussion
1. What are the benefits of becoming familiar with FEMA? (Please be sure to quote the resources if you use any)
Having an early warning system for upcoming dangers can help in preventing damages to properties and most importantly the loss of lives. With the establishment of FEMA, it is now much easier for the public to be aware of natural disasters and prepare for them. As an individual, becoming familiar with the directives of FEMA can contribute to the proper way of mitigating upcoming disasters accompanied by inevitable natural events. In this aspect, if a person had the opportunity to read through FEMA’s instructions, it would be very easy for the individual to plan ahead in minimizing the effects of unwanted events. This capability can eventually save one’s life and his family especially in severe cases such as tornadoes, tsunamis hurricanes and earthquakes. Moreover, a person who is familiar with the assistances provided by the institution can avail of financial help and other non-monetary assistances in restructuring his life if affected by a natural calamity and during identified emergency scenarios. Primarily, the public agency can work with local government states in recovery and rescue efforts after a national incident (FEMA, 2007).
2) How do we mitigate natural disasters, such as tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes, heat storms, and flooding?
Apparently, it is very hard to combat the ill effects of natural disasters. However, with the development of research studies and the availability of technology, we can significantly lessen the impact of such unwanted events. In terms of weather related natural disasters such as tornadoes and hurricanes and heat storms, what the government can do is to provide up to date and credible information for the public to prepare. Since these weather phenomenon have a corresponding time frame before they affect a location, people still do have a chance to prepare for negative incidents related to the disasters. As an after-effect, flooding may occur due to heavy precipitations. Still, public works have already designated action plans by constructing flood gates, area pumps and dikes. These are all preventive facilities to gradually lessen the impact of natural disasters. In the case of an earthquake, training in the form of drills is being implemented especially in schools and public offices. Since it is very hard to predict when an earthquake will strike, measures on how to keep a person safe is the best defense.
3) How does risk assessment influence the management of events or critical incidents?
In determining the degree of critical incidents, risk assessments provide the rate of reaction which can be initiated to prevent fatal incidents from happening. A reliable risk assessment procedure can provide an equivalent value action which will then provide the amount of preparedness against critical events such as natural disasters. Some of the most common factors employed in risk assessments are location, infrastructure, population and scientific observation of a phenomenon. All of these factors are used by specialists in disaster management to know the level of action correspondence and improve the capacity of the general public to face calamity dangers. For example, a risk assessment composed of factors such as high population density, cluttered concert establishments and the poor social service facility in a location may be identified to have a high risk status compared to other places. In this case, the management of possible disastrous events must be provided in terms of information dissemination, manpower and monetary funding.
References
FEMA. 2007. University Of New Orleans Kiefer Arena Benefits From Fema Funds. US Department of Homeland Security. Retrieved February 13, 2008 from http://www.fema.gov/news/newsrelease.fema?id=33508.
