Premium Essay

Earthquake Response and Planning

In:

Submitted By cwalsh1112
Words 1349
Pages 6
Introduction

On April 22, 2015 ScienceDaily released a news article that discussed the potential consequences of an earthquake on the west coast. This article references a recent report from the Seismological Society of America which has estimated that 143 million Americans living in the United States are exposed to the hazards of an earthquake (Seismological 2015). This report further estimates that the average long-term value of building losses from earthquakes is $4.5 billion per year with the majority of these losses coming from California, Oregon, and Washington (Seismological 2015). The Seismological Society of America estimates that 28 million Americans will experience an earthquake that will generate enough sufficient shaking to bring about moderate to severe harm. This investigation revealed that more than 6,000 fire stations, 800 doctor's facilities, and about 20,000 open and private schools are vulnerable to earthquakes in California(Seismological 2015).Furthermore, this weekend has been filled with news about the 7.8 magnitude earthquake that struck Nepal killing an estimated 900 people and injuring more than 1,500 (Strong 2015). This earthquake has forced Nepal to declare a state of an emergency. This recent news has caused much discussion about what individuals and business can do to plan and be prepared for an emergency. This paper will provide recommendations on what can be done to prepare adequately for an earthquake and how the use of digital images can enhance emergency response/notification.

Planning for an Earthquake

When planning for an earthquake emergency, business and individuals view the dangers within the unique context of the impact on the institution and the community. Thus, a fact that may be a simple “nuisance” for a large industry can be a “disaster” for a small business. In this context, having an emergency plan is essential.

Similar Documents

Free Essay

The Elements of a Risk Management Plan

...Chapter 7: Statutory Authority Chapter Outline 1. Introduction of topics and concepts to be discussed in the chapter. a. Legal basis of modern emergency management in the United States. b. Budget authority. c. Program eligibility. d. Roles and responsibilities. 2. Case Studies a. The National Earthquake Hazard Reduction Program (NEHRP): Legislation to Address a Particular Hazard b. The Homeland Security Act of 2002: A New Emergency Management c. The Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000: A Shift to Pre-Disaster Mitigation 3. Additional Sources of Information 4. Glossary of Terms 5. Acronyms 6. Discussion Questions a. General b. NEHRP c. Homeland Security Act of 2002 d. DMA 2000 7. Suggested Out of Class Exercises Introduction No emergency management system anywhere in the world can properly function without statutory authority and consistent budget appropriations. Statutory authority defines disasters programs, determines who is eligible for these programs, provides the legal support needed to implement disaster programs and establishes the legal foundation for funding the programs and activities of the disaster agency. Without such authority, a government agency is powerless. Legal Basis of Modern Emergency Management in the United States The first recorded emergency management legislation in the United States occurred in 1803 when a Congressional Act was passed to provide financial...

Words: 25108 - Pages: 101

Free Essay

Disaster and Response Proposal

...Disaster and Response Proposal Scenario As members of a disaster planning committee we have been asked to present a disaster and response proposal to the CNO of the hospital related to interoperable electronic health records. According to the weather channel, our community is at risk for experiencing a major earthquake and our hospital lies within the boundaries of the fault line. This puts the hospital at high risk for experiencing severe damage if the earthquake does occur. First, we will start with using research-based best practices and how the interoperable electronic health records contribute to progress in research and evidence-based practice. Evidence based practice is made up of the needs of the patients, clinical expertise, and the best evidence based research. We will use qualitative research, quantitative research, and systematic review research to find the best practices to use to keep our facility and patients safe in the event of the severe natural disaster. We will only use research based on peer reviewed, scholarly articles and journals and evidence-based research. Interoperability in healthcare is the ability for different information technology systems to be able to communicate with each other, exchange and use data that has been shared. This information exchange should be available to physicians, labs, pharmacy, hospitals and the patients. This would allow the healthcare system to advance in more effective delivery of healthcare and increase patient outcomes...

Words: 802 - Pages: 4

Free Essay

Exam Questions

...Exam series | Sect A Plate Tec(7 marks) | Sect APlate tec(8 marks) | Sect A Plate tec(10 marks) | | Sect CPlate tec essay (40 marks) | June 2010 | Study fig 1 a photo …recent earthquake. Using fig 1 only, comment on the evidence that suggest that an earthquake has recently taken place | Describe how seismic waves and earthquakes can be measured | With reference to two seismic events you have studied from contrasting areas of the world, compare the ways in which earthquakes and their impacts have been managed | | “The hazards presented by volcanic and seismic events have the greatest impact on the world’s poorest people” To what extent do you agree with this view? | Jan 2011 | Study fig 1, a map showing tectonic features in the Philippines. Comment on the degree to which the area of the Philippines might be subject to tectonic hazards | Outline the formation of hot spots and explain their relationship to plate movement | With reference to 2 volcanic events that you have studied from contrasting areas of the world, compare the nature of the volcanic hazard and its impact | | “Volcanic and seismic events are major pieces of evidence towards proving that plate tectonics theory is valid”. Discuss the extent to which you agree with this statement. | June 2011 | Study fig 1 which is an image of the sea bed of the N Atlantic Ocean … Comment on the extent to which the features shown support the theory of plate tectonics. | Describe the characteristics of, and explain the formation...

Words: 1106 - Pages: 5

Free Essay

“Natural Disasters Are Often Not Natural Disasters, but Are in Fact Human Disasters” Discuss This Statement in Relation to Seismic Events.

...disaster if it affects humans as otherwise its impact would not necessarily be relevant so in effect all natural disasters are in effect human disasters. Seismic events, otherwise known as earthquakes, are a sudden violent shaking of the ground typically causing, as a result of the movement of tectonic plates in the earth’s crust or volcanic action. The result of seismic events is often destruction of buildings and infrastructure, which can claim many lives, thus often making them human disasters as they have such a grave impact on the human population. Although, location influences the impact seismic events have upon humans as the more populated the area the more lives that are likely to be lost, and whether the event occurs within an LEDC or an MEDC as the death rate due to a seismic event is likely to be higher in an LEDC than an MEDC. This is due to a multitude of factors including the strength and quality of buildings and infrastructure and the knowledge to prepare for large seismic events, as well as the resources available to respond to any disasters that may occur. Planning for a seismic event can have a huge impact on to what extent a natural disaster is also considered a human disaster, as if a country does not have sufficient plans in place for what would happen in the event of an earthquake or if one is predicted, the population would be a lot more vulnerable as they would not be properly prepared. For example, if a country has resources in place for predicting seismic...

Words: 855 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Post-Earthquake Relief Action

...Methodology Post-Earthquake Relief Action Contents 1. Abstract 2. Background 3. Literature review 4. Aim 5. Hypothesis 6. Scope 7. Method of Data collection 8. Survey Questionnaire 9. Gujarat’s Vulnerability to Earthquake 10. Case Study: Bhuj Earthquake 11. Drawbacks of the Bhuj earthquake 12. Gujarat State Disaster Management Authority (GSDMA) 13. Data Analysis 14. Conclusion 15. Bibliography ABSTRACT India has been traditionally vulnerable to natural disasters on account of its unique geo-climatic conditions. Floods, droughts, cyclones, earthquakes and landslides have been recurrent phenomena. About 60% of the landmass is prone to earthquakes of various intensities; over 40 million hectares is prone to floods; about 8% of the total area is prone to cyclones and 68% of the area is susceptible to drought. In the decade 1990-2000, an average of about 4344 people lost their lives and about 30 million people were affected by disasters every year. This paper emphasis on management during and after an disaster and readiness of the state in response to future earthquakes. BACKGROUND Many Natural Disasters in India have caused havoc to the life and property of citizens and nature as a whole from time to time. These disasters include Cyclones, Floods, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, Famines, Drought, and Landslides etc. Amongst all the ones mentioned floods and earthquakes are the most common in India...

Words: 2836 - Pages: 12

Premium Essay

Post Earthquake Relief Actions

... Post-Earthquake Relief Action Submitted to, Prof Anuj Bawa By, Shridhar Nayak (CP0812) Romil Sagar (CP1212) Construction and Project Management CEPT University 6th Nov, 2012 Contents 1. Abstract 2. Background 3. Literature review 4. Aim 5. Hypothesis 6. Scope 7. Method of Data collection 8. Survey Questionnaire 9. Gujarat’s Vulnerability to Earthquake 10. Case Study: Bhuj Earthquake 11. Drawbacks of the Bhuj earthquake 12. Gujarat State Disaster Management Authority (GSDMA) 13. Data Analysis 14. Conclusion 15. Bibliography ABSTRACT India has been traditionally vulnerable to natural disasters on account of its unique geo-climatic conditions. Floods, droughts, cyclones, earthquakes and landslides have been recurrent phenomena. About 60% of the landmass is prone to earthquakes of various intensities; over 40 million hectares is prone to floods; about 8% of the total area is prone to cyclones and 68% of the area is susceptible to drought. In the decade 1990-2000, an average of about 4344 people lost their lives and about 30 million people were affected by disasters every year. This paper emphasis on management during and after an disaster and readiness of the state in response to future earthquakes. BACKGROUND Many Natural Disasters in India have caused havoc to the life and property of citizens and nature as a whole from time to time. These disasters include Cyclones, Floods, earthquakes, volcanic...

Words: 2857 - Pages: 12

Premium Essay

Case

...provide a resource for practitioners and students in the crisis, disaster, and risk management disciplines that displays various best practices, lessons learned, and success stories, through in-depth case studies. The result of this effort will be the authorship of a college-level crisis, disaster, and risk management textbook containing numerous real-world case studies of disaster preparedness, mitigation, response, and recovery actions. The textbook will be developed in electronic format to support upper division undergraduate college and graduate-level emergency management classes within an emergency management major or certificate program to students who may someday enter an emergency management related profession. The planned book will include the following ten chapters: Chapter 1. Introduction to Crisis, Disaster, and Risk Management Concepts Chapter 2. Preparedness Chapter 3. Mitigation Chapter 4. Response Chapter 5. Recovery Chapter 6. Communications Chapter 7. Statutory Authority Chapter 8. Business Continuity Planning Chapter 9: International Disaster Management Chapter 10: Future Trends and Issues Text chapters will support a minimum of ten three-hour blocks of instruction, unless otherwise agreed upon by the contractor and FEMA. Information derived from published sources shall be properly cited within textbook chapters, either within the text or by utilizing footnotes. Numerous information and data...

Words: 6981 - Pages: 28

Free Essay

Essay

...Name Tutor Course Date Earthquakes: the Same Effects but Different Responses Introduction When there are faults on the crust of the earth earthquake is investable. Basically, this is the primary cause of the earthquake. Faults lines are cracks that the cracks that slips the earth intensely causing the occurrence of the earthquake. At the hypocenter, or the centre there originates the source of the earthquake. The concerti waves are produced due the earth movement hence defining the intense or the rate of the earthquake. This process however has devastating effects which include change of the river cause, loss of lives and properties as well. Different nations respond to effect and causes of the earthquakes differently depending on many factors but mainly the responses are dependent on the economic status of a given country. Naturally the earth is stable and any kinds of disturbance bring the imbalance of the state of the earth. For example tectonic movements causes the psychical features state of the earth to change. This creates various features which were previously non existence. They include rift valleys, mountains and plateaus. The rocks are also exposed to a lot of pressure and stress beyond what they can contain due to tectonic forces this causes rock breakage causing what commonly known as faults. At times, there are volcanic eruptions which are very violet and bring about eruptions. The volcanic eruptions causes volcano which when blocked may cause...

Words: 851 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Disaster Planning and Management

...Communications of the IIMA 25 2006 Volume 6 Issue 2 Disaster Planning and Management Holmes E. Miller Muhlenberg College, Allentown, PA 18104 Kurt J. Engemann Iona College, New Rochelle, NY 10801 Ronald R. Yager Iona College, New Rochelle, NY 10801 ABSTRACT Recent events such as hurricanes, tsunamis, earthquakes, power outages, and the threat of pandemics have highlighted our vulnerability to natural disasters. This vulnerability is exacerbated by many organizations’ increasing dependence on computer, telecommunications, and other technologies, and trends toward integrating suppliers and business partners into everyday business operations. In response many organizations are implementing disaster recovery planning processes. In this paper we discuss how to identify threats and scenarios; how to articulate the disaster recovery strategies; and four elements of the generic disaster recovery plan: Mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery. We then provide examples of software that can help disaster recovery professionals in the planning and implementation process. Finally we present some trends that will reinforce the criticality of the issue. Keywords: Disaster Recovery Planning; Business Continuity Planning; Risk Assessment INTRODUCTION Several major natural disasters that have occurred in the past few years have placed disaster management on the front pages: The Tsunami of late 2004, Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, and the earthquake in Pakistan in 2005 affected both life and property...

Words: 7241 - Pages: 29

Premium Essay

National Disaster Management

...diverse range of terrain and existence of fault lines, the country is susceptible to wide ranging hazards from earthquake to droughts and floods to cyclones. Pakistan has suffered floods almost every year as monsoon rains cause rivers to outflow from their banks. The country also experiences earthquake regularly ranging from moderate to severe in intensity. We have been suffering from drought like situation of varying degrees from many years and the coastal areas are prone to cyclones. There is no comprehensive, integrated disaster management policy at national level for dealing with major disasters like earthquake of 2005 and floods of 2010 and 2011 partially due to limited resources, economic instability and partially due to absence of well trained and equipped disaster management infrastructure. We also lack proper system for disaster prevention and preparedness that could ensure effective mitigation to reduce the loss of life and property damage in the face of a natural disaster. 2. Disaster management is unfortunately seen as provision of relief rather than the management of all of its phases and long term management of risk. We therefore need a comprehensive preparedness, prevention and mitigation strategy with a view to better manage and coordinate activities of various line ministries, departments and civil society. Pakistan has a traditional relief and response oriented disaster management system, however over a short period of time it is experiencing constructive changes...

Words: 12254 - Pages: 50

Premium Essay

Fukushima - an Analysis of Risk

...Management Issues 1.0 Executive Summary On 11th March 2011, Japan witnessed the second largest earthquake with a magnitude of 9.0 with its epicentre at Tohoku. The earthquake gave rise to a Tsunami which hit the Fukushima nuclear reactor run by The Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO). The disaster escalated by triggering a series of power and equipment failures, explosions, nuclear meltdowns and release of radioactive material. The disaster was regarded as a manmade disaster which could have been avoided with appropriate human response as stated by the chairman of NAIIC, Professor Kiyoshi Kurokawa (Bloomberg, 2012). TEPCO lacked a sense of responsibility to ensure safety and protection to the people effected by the disaster. The nuclear incident was caused by poor earthquake safety planning and faulty post-tsunami communication. The collusion between TEPCO and the regulators resulted in there being no separation of atomic regulation and promotion which led to nuclear power become unstoppable force immune to scrutiny. TEPCO, government and the regulators failed to develop the most basic safety requirements like assessing the probability of damage, preparing for containment of collateral damage, and developing evacuation plans. The lack of training and knowledge among TEPCO’s employees greatly reduced the efficacy of response at a critical time after the earthquake and the Tsunami. As the crisis intensified, TEPCO, the government and the regulators failed to reduce...

Words: 3903 - Pages: 16

Premium Essay

Case Study Japanese Earthquake

...management to prevent their businesses from collapsing. With case study on some Japanese companies, this paper gives an analysis of how these manufacturing firms responded to Japan’s recent disaster strike, the earthquake, tsunami and nuclear disaster. Japan’s recent earthquake attack of 8.9-magnitude on its northeast coast was a devastating one. The tsunami which shortly followed the earthquake made everything even more severe. This led to destruction of property and loss of lives (Park et al., 75). Many were also forced to evacuate their homes as the earthquake and tsunami destroyed thousands of homes, leaving about 550,000 people homeless. The number of deaths was very high, exceeding 86,000, with 13,000 missing. Altogether, this was one of the most costly disasters caused by earthquake and tsunami, registering damage cost of about 235 billion dollars (Park et al., 75). The damages caused by these two natural disasters in Japan disrupted the supply chain, both globally and domestically. As a result, the disruptions caused negative impacts on several foreign and local manufacturing firms. Examples of companies that were affected include Toyota, Chrysler, Ford, Volkswagen, GM and BMW. These automakers depend on Japan as a supplier country, and therefore the earthquake and tsunami cut of supply of some materials to them (Park et al., 76). Another blow to the automotive industry in the world was experienced when the disaster in Japan...

Words: 1181 - Pages: 5

Free Essay

Izmir, Turkey - the Pearl of the Aegean

...of water divide her and they include: the Dardanelles, the Sea of Marmara, and the Bosporus (Index Mundi. com, 2013). Izmir, just like the entire country of Turkey, has many disadvantages primarily due to their geological weakness known as the Aegean plate boundaries (Komuscu, 1995). Turkey sits literally amid two massive tectonic plates. The Eurasia and The Africa/Arabia, which are inevitably hurtling into one another, from the north towards the south. The Anatolian plate, where the Turkish mainland lies, is being clutched upwardly near the Aegean Sea (Kutluca A. K., 2004). Both plates are located directly below Turkey and thus lead to this country’s massive history of avalanches, floods, landslides, droughts and earthquakes (Orhon, 1991). A 7.2 Mw earthquake had once...

Words: 4867 - Pages: 20

Premium Essay

Disaster Preparedness Program

...DISASTER PREPAREDNESS PROGRAM Clark Subic Marketing is proud to present a one-of-a-kind, exclusive program of disaster preparedness and risk reduction.  Choose from 4 diverse courses all tailored to help your governmental or private organization ready for the inevitable.  Held in Subic Bay at facilities formerly occupied by the United States Military, these programs are comprehensive in scope, understandable to a broad range of participants and ideally suited for any large public entities, municipalities, college and universities or sizeable privately-held public facilities.  City governments, provincial governments, college campuses, convention venues, and large corporations will benefit and find themselves in a state of preparedness for a diverse set of disaster scenarios by participating in these exclusive seminars.  With increases of natural disasters, amplified potential terrorism risk, global climate change and the intrinsic-dangerous geographical location of the Philippines, it is imperative that governments and large public entities be prepared for disasters.  The Philippines is subject to a diverse set of threats, be it natural or man-made, a thorough and well thought-out preparedness plan is crucial today more than even. [pic] |FOR SEMINAR BOOKING AND INFORMATION | |Click to Send Secure Inquiry for Disaster Preparedness Program  ...

Words: 4117 - Pages: 17

Premium Essay

Tectonics Human Factors

...Describe the view that the impact of earthquakes depend primarily on human factores Earthquakes are caused by the movement of tectonic plates and fault lines covering the earths surface. They occur at all three plate boundries (distructive, constructive andconservative) although most earthquakes occuralong the edge of the oceanic plates and fault lines such as the San Andreas fault line situated in California USA. There is always a variation of factors that can influence how the seismic event will impact, both human and physical factors and both influence the outcome of the event. The main physical feature to impact the size and damage of the seismic event is the magnitude of the earthquake. However, this factor can be dealt with to a certain extent by the management and preparation for the event such as evacuation programmes and earthquake proof buildings. Other factors such as the location of the earthquakes epicentre. The depth of the earthquake impacts the strength of the seismic waves at the surface. A deeper focus means the waves will have less energy at the epicenter, so the risk of damage due to ground movement is reduced. The geographical landscape in which the earthquake occurs will also influence the impacts. If the epicenter is located in a rural area where it is a less densely populated area, the impacts are dramatically lessened. However, if the epicenter is located in close proximity to a city center during midday when there is a dense population or in a terrestrial...

Words: 1345 - Pages: 6