Module 1
discussion
Bio-Terrorist and Other Emergency Responses
Few people in emergency management will disagree that an
immediate response to a bio-terrorism emergency is appropriate; however, very
few people agree as to what is an acceptable and a timely response.
An immediate problem that arises with bio-terrorism
responses is that it may take several days after the event has been activated
before anyone realizes that they have been exposed and involved in such an
incident.
In your opinion should local, state, and federal disaster
management agencies develop different response plans for bio-terrorist
emergencies and natural and other types of emergencies?
Remember to support your position with quotations.
Module 2
discussion
The Internet and Security—Emergency Operations
Although emergency planning and operations have been
conducted without a real consideration of integrating Internet into emergency
operations, recent developments in Internet and computer technology have made
it possible to change the ICS to allow for stronger (an assumption) external
control of all types of emergencies.
There are obvious advantages and disadvantages to using
Internet during emergencies. One problem is that the Internet was not developed
with security in mind. There is no governing body on the Internet to ensure
compliance with security measures. Although freedom from authority fosters
innovation, it has an adverse effect on security.
The distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks in February
2000 illustrate how lax individual security can affect Internet security.
Attackers used intermediary sites to launch attacks on the targeted sites.
These activities were not transparent to the intermediate sites. Consequently,
the intermediate sites did not realize they needed to implement security
measures to prevent the attackers from using them to attack the targeted sites;
further, they had no motive, other than general good will, to close the
vulnerabilities on their sites that facilitated the DDoS attacks.
Without some central authority to ensure full implementation
of security measures, each organization is more or less on its own and can be
at the mercy of other organizations whose concern about security is far less
than their own, or maybe even nonexistent. For local and state emergency
response agencies to trust the Internet with their most sensitive data,
additional precautions must be taken to ensure the right people are accessing
the emergency response networks and that only authorized users can read
transient data.
Based on this brief discussion, do you believe that the
significant use of Internet in emergency operations will be limited until they
can be conducted safely on the Internet?
Module 3
discussion
Mitigation and a Perceived Lower Risk
During a forum titled Cities and Megacities at Risk
(sponsored by Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR), Stanford University’s John A. Blume
Earthquake Engineering Center, and the World Seismic Safety Initiative, on
Capitol Hill on January 21, 1998) Kendra Briechle, International City/County
Management Association, reported the results of a recent study on Needs,
Barriers, and Opportunities to Mitigation in Local Government.
The survey indicated many governments are confused about
mitigation, and most perceive a lower risk for their area than actually exists.
In addition, smaller governments generally have fewer tools for mitigation,
including a lack of capacity and enforceable building codes.
In your opinion why do many local governments perceive a
lower risk of a disaster for their communities than actually exists?
Do you believe that your community may down-play disaster
risks?
Remember to support your statements with quotations.
Module 4
discussion
Full Government Control in an Emergency?
It is characteristic in all major disasters that many regard
their role to assess survivors’ needs. There may be confusion within government
departments about where this responsibility lies.
Health, housing and emergency planning officials have often
regarded it as their particular task. In addition, groups such as the military
frequently make their own assessments—as do voluntary organizations, and
representatives of international agencies. They often do so either to suit
their own views and operational policies, or as verification of official
assessments which they may be inclined to distrust, or which may not be
sufficiently detailed for their purposes.
Given this situation, if the government is to maintain full
control during disasters can it enter into a close working relationship with
all assisting agencies and groups, and still maintain full control?
Is it necessary for government to maintain full control
during disasters?
Module 4
reflective discussion
Assignment Expectations:
Address concept A and B in about 150 words each.
You will be graded on how well you demonstrate knowledge and
understanding of the concept, and critical thinking pertaining to the
applicability of the concept to your professional practice. Points awarded will
follow breakdown below.
You will neither be required to, nor graded on responses to
your peers. One posting will suffice.
The Assignment: Given the readings and assignments in the
course, identify and discuss two concepts or lessons learned that you believe
will be most applicable to your professional discipline.
Concept A (points 10/20):
Identify /define (points 4/20): ……
Your professional discipline: ……..
How applicable (points 6/20): ……
Concept B (points 10/20):
Identify /define (points 4/20): ……
Your professional discipline: ……..
How applicable (points 6/20): ……
All information in the postings can be shared by all for the
betterment of your project.
Module 1 –
Case
INTRODUCTION TO EMERGENCY OPERATIONS; TYPES OF EMERGENCIES
AND DISASTERS
Case Assignment
You have been assigned by the City Manager to develop an
Emergency Management Plan for the city. Although you have experience in
emergency response this is the first time that you are involved in the planning
process. You read that effective emergency planning begins with the following:
Defining an emergency in terms relevant to the organization
doing the planning.
Establishing an organization with specific tasks to function
immediately before, during, and after an emergency.
Establishing a method for utilizing resources and for
obtaining additional resources during the emergency.
Providing a recognizable means of moving from normal
operations into and out of the emergency mode of operation.
Although the above steps to develop an effective emergency
plan appear to be reasonable and necessary, you have doubts about which item is
most important in the initial planning stages. You agree that defining an
emergency in terms relevant to the city is important; however, you believe that
the city already has an organization with specific tasks to perform immediately
before, during, and after an emergency. That organization is the city’s fire
department.
Question 1: Do you concur with the opinion that the city’s
fire department should be the lead organization for disaster management in a
typical city in the United States? State your position and justify it in terms of
authority, responsibility, and the organizational position the fire department
must assume in order to be effective.
Question 2: Which of the above stated steps to develop an
effective emergency plan do you believe would be well outside of the scope of
duties assigned to the fire department? Justify your response.
Regardless of the type of crisis, there are a series of
common requirements that must be taken into account for an organization to be
successful when a critical incident occurs. These include:
Deciding policy
Assessing threat
Identifying resources
Selecting crisis team personnel
Locating the crisis management center
Equipping the crisis center
Training crisis team personnel
Testing contingency plans and emergency procedures
The city’s fire chief recently appeared before city council
and presented a strong recommendation that a specific organization with a
well-defined line of authority for planning, mitigating, and responding to
emergencies and disasters be established. The fire chief justified this
position with the above stated common requirements that must be considered for
an organization to be successful when an emergency occurs.
Question 3: Which of the above stated requirements should
involve participation and approval well beyond the authority usually granted to
a department head such as the fire chief? Justify your response.
Question 4: Which of the above stated requirements do you
consider to be critical to the effective development and implementation of a
disaster/emergency planning and coordination program/unit in the city? Which of
the above stated requirements do you consider to be rather unimportant or
insignificant, if any, to the success and effectiveness of the city’s Emergency
Management Plan? Justify your response to both questions.
Submit your assignment when it is completed by the last day
of this module. Papers should be at least three pages long.
Assignment Expectations
Critical analysis of the complex management issues relevant
for emergency response should be provided. Demonstrate a clear understanding of
the multiple requirements of an effective emergency response plan.
References: At least two references should be included from
academic sources (e.g., peer-reviewed journal articles). Required readings are
included. Quoted material should not exceed 10% of the total paper (since the
focus of these assignments is critical thinking). Use your own words and build
on the ideas of others. When material is copied verbatim from external sources,
it must be enclosed in quotes. The references should be cited within the text
and also listed at the end of the assignment in the References section
(preferably in APA format).
Organization: Subheadings should be used to organize your
paper according to the questions.
Format: APA format is recommended.
Grammar and Spelling: While no points are deducted for minor
errors, assignments are expected to adhere to standard guidelines of grammar,
spelling, punctuation, and sentence syntax. Points may be deducted if grammar
and spelling impact clarity.
The following items will be assessed in particular:
Relevance: All content is connected to the question.
Precision: Specific question is addressed. Statements,
facts, and statistics are specific and accurate.
Depth of discussion: Points that lead to deeper issues are
presented and integrated.
Breadth: Multiple perspectives and references, and multiple
issues/factors are considered.
Evidence: Points are well-supported with facts, statistics,
and references.
Logic: Presented discussion makes sense; conclusions are
logically supported by premises, statements, or factual information.
Clarity: Writing is concise, understandable, and contains
sufficient detail or examples.
Objectivity: Paper avoids use of first person and subjective
bias.
Module 1 –
SLP
INTRODUCTION TO EMERGENCY OPERATIONS; TYPES OF EMERGENCIES
AND DISASTERS
Project Summary
The Session Long Project for this course will involve
developing an emergency response plan (ERP) for a specific community which is
subjected to at least three major emergencies or disasters each year. The plan
is not required to be detailed but should focus on the operational requirements
for managing these disasters or emergencies. The ERP will include a hazard
analysis, and mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery plans.
The outcome for the SLP will be a completed ERP that you
would present to the city council and others during public hearings on its
implementation. This completed ERP is due in the Module 4 SLP.
Module 1 Assignment
Select a community for your Session Long Project.
What are the three types of disasters or emergencies, other
than routine emergencies, that you intend to plan for in your ERP?
Briefly discuss why you selected these disasters.
Remember to include graphics such as maps, charts, photos,
tables, and figures to supplement your writing.
Note
You will use the remaining four modules, as well as this
one, to build the presentation piece by piece. In the Module 4 SLP, you will
synthesize materials from the Module 1-4 SLPs into a final project of 15-20
pages.
This Module 1 SLP paper should be no longer than three
pages.
SLP Assignment Expectations
Selection of a community and critical assessment of three
types of potential disasters faced by this community are to be provided.
References: At least two references should be included from
academic sources (e.g., peer-reviewed journal articles). Required readings are
included. Quoted material should not exceed 10% of the total paper (since the
focus of these assignments is critical thinking). Use your own words and build
on the ideas of others. When material is copied verbatim from external sources,
it must be enclosed in quotes. The references should be cited within the text
and also listed at the end of the assignment in the References section
(preferably in APA format).
Organization: Subheadings should be used to organize your
paper according to the questions.
Format: APA format is recommended.
Grammar and Spelling: While no points are deducted for minor
errors, assignments are expected to adhere to standard guidelines of grammar,
spelling, punctuation, and sentence syntax. Points may be deducted if grammar
and spelling impact clarity.
The following items will be assessed in particular:
Relevance: All content is connected to the question.
Precision: Specific question is addressed. Statements,
facts, and statistics are specific and accurate.
Depth of discussion: Points that lead to deeper issues are
presented and integrated.
Breadth: Multiple perspectives and references, and multiple
issues/factors are considered.
Evidence: Points are well-supported with facts, statistics,
and references.
Logic: Presented discussion makes sense; conclusions are logically
supported by premises, statements, or factual information.
Clarity: Writing is concise, understandable, and contains
sufficient detail or examples.
Objectivity: Paper avoids use of first person and subjective
bias.
Module 2 –
Case
PLANNING FOR EMERGENCIES: NIMS; HAZARD AND VULNERABILITY
ANALYSIS
Case Assignment
The results of the Hazard and Vulnerability Analysis
prepared by your staff found that your community is equally at risk for at
least four different types of disasters. You believe that you have to plan for
all four potential disasters. However, your City Manager with the support of
the city council is urging you to develop a general EMP that can be utilized
for all disasters. You have been requested to prepare a report to the City
Manager supporting your position as to why a general plan will not best serve
the interests of the community in case of a disaster.
List and describe your arguments in support of a
disaster-specific plan. Briefly, justify your response.
List and describe your arguments in support of a general
EMP. Briefly, justify your response.
Do you believe that NIMS (ICS) will work effectively
regardless of which type of plan is ultimately developed? Support your answer.
Papers should be at least three pages long.
Assignment Expectations
Critical analysis of the strengths and limitations of
specific and general response plans should be provided. Demonstrate an
understanding of the broad applicability of NIMS.
References: At least two references should be included from
academic sources (e.g., peer-reviewed journal articles). Required readings are
included. Quoted material should not exceed 10% of the total paper (since the
focus of these assignments is critical thinking). Use your own words and build
on the ideas of others. When material is copied verbatim from external sources,
it must be enclosed in quotes. The references should be cited within the text
and also listed at the end of the assignment in the References section
(preferably in APA format).
Organization: Subheadings should be used to organize your
paper.
Format: APA format is recommended.
Grammar and Spelling: While no points are deducted for minor
errors, assignments are expected to adhere to standard guidelines of grammar,
spelling, punctuation, and sentence syntax. Points may be deducted if grammar
and spelling impact clarity.
The following items will be assessed in particular:
Relevance: All content is connected to the question.
Precision: Specific question is addressed. Statements,
facts, and statistics are specific and accurate.
Depth of discussion: Points that lead to deeper issues are
presented and integrated.
Breadth: Multiple perspectives and references, and multiple
issues/factors are considered.
Evidence: Points are well-supported with facts, statistics,
and references.
Logic: Presented discussion makes sense; conclusions are
logically supported by premises, statements, or factual information.
Clarity: Writing is concise, understandable, and contains
sufficient detail or examples.
Objectivity: Paper avoids use of first person and subjective
bias.
Module 2 –
SLP
PLANNING FOR EMERGENCIES: NIMS; HAZARD AND VULNERABILITY
ANALYSIS
For this assignment, identify the types of emergencies and
disasters that your emergency response plan (ERP) will cover for your community
(which you identified in the Module 1 SLP).
Conduct a Hazard and Vulnerability Analysis for the
disasters or emergencies you identified above. Begin with the disaster or
emergency that you believe poses the greatest threat to your specific subject
for the SLP.
Complete the following table by identifying hazards as
described in the Hazard Analysis section of the Module 2 Home page.
|
Hazard |
Magnitude |
Frequency |
Seasonal Pattern |
Duration |
Speed of Onset |
Priority |
How vulnerable is your population to each of the hazards?
Describe the potential impact in terms of property damage, cost, loss of
critical services and infrastructure, displacement, morbidity, and mortality.
Assign severity ratings using the scale described in the reading. Refer to the
section on vulnerability analysis.
What are the strengths and weaknesses in your Hazard and
Vulnerability Analysis for your ERP? How can this aspect of the plan be
improved?
Cite references used.
Description of Terms Used in Table
MAGNITUDE: Indicate the potential magnitude for each hazard
using the following scale: Catastrophic (more than 50%), Critical (25%-50%),
Limited (10%-25%), Negligible (less than 10%).
FREQUENCY: Indicate the frequency of occurrence for each
hazard using the following scale: Highly Likely (likely to occur in the next
year), Likely (likely to occur in the next 10 years), Possible (likely to occur
in the next 100 years), Unlikely (less than 1% chance of occurring in the next
100 years).
SEASONAL PATTERN: Is there a seasonal pattern for any of the
possible hazards? Describe.
DURATION: What is the probable duration of each hazard?
SPEED OF ONSET: What is the potential speed of onset for
each hazard using the following scale: Minimal (no warning time), 6-12 hours’
warning, 12-24 hours’ warning, more than 24 hours’ warning.
PRIORITY: Prioritize hazards based on frequency of
occurrence, magnitude, speed of onset, and community impact.
Submit your SLP for Module 2 by the end of the second week
of this module.
Papers should be no longer than three pages.
SLP Assignment Expectations
A clearly justified and presented Hazard and Vulnerability
Analysis should be provided. Integration of the myriad complex issues impacting
such an analysis is required.
References: At least two references should be included from
academic sources (e.g., peer-reviewed journal articles). Required readings are
included. Quoted material should not exceed 10% of the total paper (since the
focus of these assignments is critical thinking). Use your own words and build
on the ideas of others. When material is copied verbatim from external sources,
it must be enclosed in quotes. The references should be cited within the text
and also listed at the end of the assignment in the References section
(preferably in APA format).
Organization: Subheadings should be used to organize your
paper according to the questions.
Format: APA format is recommended.
Grammar and Spelling: While no points are deducted for minor
errors, assignments are expected to adhere to standard guidelines of grammar,
spelling, punctuation, and sentence syntax. Points may be deducted if grammar
and spelling impact clarity.
The following items will be assessed in particular:
Relevance: All content is connected to the question.
Precision: Specific question is addressed. Statements,
facts, and statistics are specific and accurate.
Depth of discussion: Points that lead to deeper issues are
presented and integrated.
Breadth: Multiple perspectives and references, and multiple
issues/factors are considered.
Evidence: Points are well-supported with facts, statistics,
and references.
Logic: Presented discussion makes sense; conclusions are
logically supported by premises, statements, or factual information.
Clarity: Writing is concise, understandable, and contains
sufficient detail or examples.
Objectivity: Paper avoids use of first person and subjective
bias.
Module 3 –
Case
INCIDENT COMMAND SYSTEM; PRINCIPLES AND FEATURES PART I;
MITIGATION AND RISK REDUCTION
Case Assignment
You live in Moonachie, New Jersey, and your community just
experienced a widespread disaster caused by Superstorm Sandy. You have recently
been designated by the city council and the City Manager to determine if the
community’s emergency response plan was effective in reducing property loss.
Prepare a short plan to investigate the disaster and assess
the flood damage in the city. Identify specific persons you will meet with
during your investigation.
You found that over 70% of the property in the flood-prone
area was damaged and that there was no significant improvement in damage
control since the last flood, which occurred five years ago due to a failure of
the levee system. List at least four reasons that may explain the apparent
failure to implement an effective mitigation program. Adequately support your
reasons for this apparent failure.
Develop two recommendations that you would make concerning
improvements in the city’s mitigation plan based on the latest disaster
experience.
State and discuss the general principle in this case
concerning the necessity and implementation of mitigation measures.
Upload your Case Assignment by the last day of Module 3.
Papers should be at least three pages long.
Assignment Expectations
A comprehensive analysis of the causes, response, and
mitigation of flood disasters including clear delineation of the complex
reasons for repeated flood losses should be demonstrated.
References: At least two references should be included from
academic sources (e.g., peer-reviewed journal articles). Required readings are
included. Quoted material should not exceed 10% of the total paper (since the
focus of these assignments is critical thinking). Use your own words and build
on the ideas of others. When material is copied verbatim from external sources,
it must be enclosed in quotes. The references should be cited within the text
and also listed at the end of the assignment in the References section
(preferably in APA format).
Organization: Subheadings should be used to organize your
paper according to the questions.
Format: APA format is recommended.
Grammar and Spelling: While no points are deducted for minor
errors, assignments are expected to adhere to standard guidelines of grammar,
spelling, punctuation, and sentence syntax. Points may be deducted if grammar
and spelling impact clarity.
The following items will be assessed in particular:
Relevance: All content is connected to the question.
Precision: Specific question is addressed. Statements, facts,
and statistics are specific and accurate.
Depth of discussion: Points that lead to deeper issues are
presented and integrated.
Breadth: Multiple perspectives and references, and multiple
issues/factors are considered.
Evidence: Points are well-supported with facts, statistics,
and references.
Logic: Presented discussion makes sense; conclusions are
logically supported by premises, statements, or factual information.
Clarity: Writing is concise, understandable, and contains
sufficient detail or examples.
Objectivity: Paper avoids use of first person and subjective
bias.
Module 3 –
SLP
INCIDENT COMMAND SYSTEM; PRINCIPLES AND FEATURES PART I;
MITIGATION AND RISK REDUCTION
In the Module 2 SLP you identified specific emergencies and
disasters which could impact your community. You also conducted a Hazard and
Vulnerability Analysis for the greatest threat to your selected community or
organization. In this SLP for Module 3 you will identify the following:
Who will be responsible for the direction and control of the
disaster operations?
What are the criteria you would establish for determining
the lead position during an emergency?
How much authority would this person have during an
emergency?
What methods of communication would you recommend to
maintain control during an emergency?
How many persons or what type of personnel would you allow
to make independent decisions in the field?
In your opinion is it necessary or prudent to allow for
input into the disaster management process during an emergency?
Be sure that your response is related to or applies to the
types of disasters identified in the Module 1 SLP.
Note to the student: It is impractical to require that you
prepare an entire Emergency Management Plan for your community as a SLP for
this course. Therefore, you should respond to the above questions in a general
manner. For instance, under direction and control of the operations you should
indicate who is in charge of the overall disaster and how you anticipate
controlling the response to the disaster. What are your plans for life safety
related to the ability of your community to respond to various levels of a
disaster? The planned response is always a function of the severity of the
disaster. If you need help with any aspect of this SLP, send the instructor an
e-mail and you will receive a response as soon as possible. The main point is
not to panic over the assignment and “calmly” think through its basic
issues. Think of this as “performing under stress” as you may need to
do under emergency conditions.
Papers should be no longer than three pages.
SLP Assignment Expectations
Clear recognition and critique of the leadership,
communication, and flexibility needs of disaster response must be demonstrated.
References: At least two references should be included from
academic sources (e.g., peer-reviewed journal articles). Required readings are
included. Quoted material should not exceed 10% of the total paper (since the
focus of these assignments is critical thinking). Use your own words and build
on the ideas of others. When material is copied verbatim from external sources,
it must be enclosed in quotes. The references should be cited within the text
and also listed at the end of the assignment in the References section
(preferably in APA format).
Organization: Subheadings should be used to organize your
paper according to the questions.
Format: APA format is recommended.
Grammar and Spelling: While no points are deducted for minor
errors, assignments are expected to adhere to standard guidelines of grammar,
spelling, punctuation, and sentence syntax. Points may be deducted if grammar
and spelling impact clarity.
The following items will be assessed in particular:
Relevance: All content is connected to the question.
Precision: Specific question is addressed. Statements,
facts, and statistics are specific and accurate.
Depth of discussion: Points that lead to deeper issues are
presented and integrated.
Breadth: Multiple perspectives and references, and multiple
issues/factors are considered.
Evidence: Points are well-supported with facts, statistics,
and references.
Logic: Presented discussion makes sense; conclusions are
logically supported by premises, statements, or factual information.
Clarity: Writing is concise, understandable, and contains sufficient
detail or examples.
Objectivity: Paper avoids use of first person and subjective
bias.
Module 4 –
Case
INCIDENT COMMAND SYSTEM; PRINCIPLES AND FEATURES PART II;
DISASTER PREPAREDNESS
Case Assignment
During a recent disaster (Hurricane Anne) the Incident
Commander informs you at the Emergency Operations Center that he needs extra
medical supplies as soon as possible since the number of persons injured has
risen faster than anticipated. Additionally, the IC informs you that it appears
that there will be a significant shortage in drinking water, food, and
temporary shelter. The heavy rains and possible flooding have made the use of
tents rather dangerous.
Based on these limited facts, briefly state the decisions
that the Incident Commander must make at this time to respond to the problems.
How would you prioritize the problems that you have been
informed of by your staff?
Describe how you as Incident Commander would handle each
problem within the context of the ICS.
Do you believe that you would be better able to control and
manage the disaster if the planning process were more effective? You may
outline what steps you would take to ease the critical situation.
Papers should be at least three pages long.
Assignment Expectations
Understanding of the complex response needs necessary during
most hurricane disasters should be demonstrated. Clear understanding of the
priority and planning needs should be provided.
References: At least two references should be included from
academic sources (e.g., peer-reviewed journal articles). Required readings are
included. Quoted material should not exceed 10% of the total paper (since the
focus of these assignments is critical thinking). Use your own words and build
on the ideas of others. W
