The student will examine all phases of disaster management including an overview of the emergency management discipline; key concepts, definitions, and perspectives; mitigation to include prevention; and preparedness, planning, response, and recovery. The following subtopics will be included within the respective phase they best fit: human behavior, warnings, evacuation, sheltering, special needs populations, triage, damage assessment, disaster declarations, debris removal, media relations, crisis counseling, and assistance, as well as fiscal issues. Decision-making, unified command, incident command, EOC operations, along with coordination efforts will be examined. The roles of faith-based agencies as well as public-private partnerships will be discussed. The student will approach it from a holistic manner considering all potential disciplines that might be involved in any phase of dealing with a disaster. Finally, biblical foundations should be addressed.
Please see the attached rubric and assignment instructions for details.

Sample Outline (Order for Original Paper)

I. Introduction:

• Briefly introduce the concept of disaster management.
• Highlight the importance of a holistic approach.

II. Overview of Emergency Management Discipline:

• Define emergency management and its key concepts.
• Discuss various perspectives within the emergency management discipline.

III. Mitigation (Prevention):

• Explore strategies and measures to prevent disasters.
• Highlight the significance of proactive planning.

IV. Preparedness:

• Discuss the importance of planning and training.
• Explore how resources are allocated to ensure readiness.

V. Response:

• Examine immediate actions taken during a disaster.
• Explore decision-making processes and command structures.

VI. Recovery:

• Discuss post-disaster activities and restoration efforts.
• Highlight the importance of damage assessment and debris removal.

VII. Human Behavior:

• Analyze how people typically react in emergency situations.
• Explore the psychological aspects of disaster response.

VIII. Warnings:

• Examine systems for communicating imminent threats.
• Discuss the role of public alert systems in disaster management.

IX. Evacuation:

• Explore the planning and execution of evacuations.
• Address considerations for special needs populations.

X. Sheltering:

• Discuss the establishment and management of shelters.
• Explore support mechanisms for displaced individuals.

XI. Triage:

• Examine the prioritization and categorization of medical treatment.
• Discuss the efficient use of resources in medical response.

XII. Disaster Declarations:

• Explore the criteria for declaring a state of emergency.
• Discuss the roles of federal and state entities in the declaration process.

XIII. Media Relations:

• Discuss the importance of effective communication during crises.
• Explore strategies for managing information flow.

XIV. Crisis Counseling and Assistance:

• Explore the provision of emotional support to affected individuals.
• Discuss assistance programs for post-disaster recovery.

XV. Fiscal Issues:

• Discuss budgeting and financial considerations in disaster management.
• Explore various funding sources for emergency response and recovery.

XVI. Decision-Making:

• Analyze the process of making critical decisions in emergency situations.

XVII. Unified Command and Incident Command:

• Discuss the importance of coordinating efforts among various agencies.
• Explore effective command structures during emergencies.

XVIII. EOC Operations:

• Explore the functions and operations of Emergency Operations Centers.

XIX. Coordination Efforts:

• Discuss collaborative efforts between different agencies and organizations.

XX. Roles of Faith-Based Agencies and Public-Private Partnerships:

• Explore the involvement and contributions of faith-based organizations.
• Discuss collaborations between the public and private sectors.

XXI. Biblical Foundations:

• Explore ethical and moral considerations in disaster management.
• Discuss the integration of biblical principles into emergency response.

XXII. Conclusion:

• Summarize the key points discussed in the paper.
• Emphasize the importance of a holistic approach in disaster management.