ABSTRACT

Based on a popular course for the FEMA Higher Education project, this volume provides important insight into plans to mitigate and respond to the devastation caused by large-scale catastrophic events. Written by top disaster scholars and practitioners, the book defines what constitutes a catastrophic event, outlining both the factors that can lead to catastrophes and the unique logistical, planning, and response challenges posed by them. It explores how catastrophes can dramatically affect populations and addresses new, innovative, and fundamentally unique strategies communities can institute to better prepare populations for catastrophic events and their aftermath.

chapter 4|32 pages

- Political and Legal Issues

chapter 5|22 pages

- Economics of Catastrophes and Disasters

chapter 8|14 pages

- Public Health Role in Catastrophes

chapter 13|18 pages

- Pandemic Scenario

chapter 14|22 pages

- Training and Exercises for Catastrophes

chapter 15|36 pages

- Catastrophes in Haiti and Japan

chapter 16|10 pages

- Summary and Call to Action