Disaster Management Planning in Los Angeles: Evaluating General versus Disaster-Specific Emergency Management Plans
Overview
This case study examines disaster management planning for Los Angeles by presenting arguments both for and against implementing a general Emergency Management Plan (EMP). The paper analyzes the tension between consolidated, comprehensive disaster response frameworks and disaster-specific planning approaches, while discussing the role of the National Incident Management System (NIMS) in effective disaster mitigation.
What this case study covers
- Arguments Against a General EMP - discusses limitations of consolidated disaster response plans and the need for disaster-specific planning
- Arguments in Support of a General EMP - presents benefits of comprehensive approaches for managing co-occurring disasters in high-density urban areas
- National Incident Management System (NIMS) - examines proper implementation requirements for effective disaster management
Preview
Case Assignment: Los Angeles
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Case Assignment: Los Angeles
Arguments Against a General EMP
Disaster management aims to minimize or eliminate the potential risks and losses from hazards, warranting prompt and appropriate assistance to the victims of the disaster, as well as achieve rapid and effective recovery measures. Disaster management plan is an illustration of the on-going process through which governments, civil society, and businesses plan for the mitigation of potential impacts, or react during the occurrence of hazards, and make decisions to assist in disaster recovery. Each disaster has its own potential to overwhelm the local system and stress the healthcare systems. When planning for disaster response and management, it is essential to consider each potential disaster individually and develop a plan that will alleviate or reduce the impacts as much as possible. While the steps involved in responding to each disaster may complement each other, there are very specific and unique skills that must be applied during the process of disaster response (Warfield, n.d.).
Merging the disasters and risks accruing from the four disasters would limit the capacity and effectiveness of disaster response teams. When responding to disasters, it is essential to eliminate unnecessary bureaucracies in order to maximize the effectiveness of response efforts. Each potential disaster or hazard must be evaluated and particular risks outlined, ranking them in terms of importance. Since each disastrous event has its own impacts, it is essential to outline the possible measures that can be to address specific disaster needs.