Approaches for Improving Disaster and Emergency Preparedness Planning Research Paper

Approaches for Improving Disaster and Emergency Preparedness Planning Processes and Procedures in a System - Research Paper Example The paper primarily focuses on planning processes and procedures in a system-based framework. Emergencies often occur because of lack of proper systems or failure of the existing systems to limit, control and prevent the circumstances that trigger incidences that cause disasters. Emergencies are common in any given area: in schools, churches, towns, offices and roads. One of the characteristics of emergencies is that they are not predictable; they hit any time when people are not expecting them. This unpredictability character has forced the stakeholders of areas prone to emergencies and disasters to prepare mitigation mechanisms that they can apply to limit the adversities associated with unforeseen circumstances. The purpose of this research paper is to help people to understand the critical aspects of disaster preparedness and emergency mitigation measures. Emergencies that organizations and people predict and prepare for in advance have lesser adversities than those that are unpr epared for or in terms of planning. It is crucial for the citizens to understand the processes and procedures for mitigating disasters and emergencies in their environments. ... A disaster results in significant physical damage, destruction, loss of life and drastic change in ecosystems (Arthur, 2007). Disasters are tragic events arising from undesirable events such as catastrophic accidents, explosions, earthquakes, fires, and floods. An emergency constitutes a situation that poses an immediate danger to property, health, environment, and life (Karagiannis, Piatyszek & Flaus, 2013). Emergencies require urgent intervention to act as countermeasures for preventing the worsening of the risk. Emergency preparedness is a long-term program involving activities whose aims are to strengthen the capacity and capability of a community to manage efficiently all types of emergencies and ensure an orderly transition from relief through recovery and sustainable development. Most countries have set government emergency services to respond to emergencies; these agencies are responsible for planning and managing emergencies. Emergencies and disasters can cause both mild and devastating damage. The preparedness and planning for these disasters and emergencies is of paramount necessity at all times. A system-based framework is a structure of operation where several independent units are interrelated to work together towards achievement of a common goal. A system-based framework is characterized by environment, feedback, boundaries, controls, inputs and outputs (Sommer & Nja, 2012). Disaster and emergency preparedness approaches are necessary in a system-based framework to a countermeasure the adversities of the risks. Statement of the Problem Major emergencies and disasters do not respect national borders and never occur at convenient times. The intensity of human suffering caused by these events are huge, and affect many aspects of people’s lives such as