The Distributed Functions of Emergency Management and Homeland Security

Description:

The Distributed Functions of Emergency Management and Homeland Security outlines the roles and responsibilities of various individuals and agencies involved in homeland security and all aspects of emergency management. Each chapter focuses on the practical and applied aspects of a range of public servants in various departments and the organizations that they represent.

Rather than presenting a theoretical exploration alone, the book examines the practical knowledge and hands-on skills related to various functions and how their decisions and actions play into the larger framework of safety and security ―in the public, private and nonprofit sectors. Every professional has a unique and integral part to play in fulfilling their roles and obligations, whether it be in relation to prevention, mitigation, preparedness, response or recovery operations. Personnel that frequently come to mind in such scenarios include emergency managers, geographers and land-use planners, EMTs and paramedics, fire fighters, police officers, public health officials, nurses, public administrators, and public information officers. And while these individuals are integral to homeland security and emergency management, there are other professionals that also perform essential duties that―while they aren’t first-to-mind―are vital to efforts relating to terrorism and disasters; this includes pilots in the aviation sector, the military, attorneys, psychologists, and forensic professionals serving in pathology, DNA, and dentistry roles.

Chapters provide a holistic rendering of the homeland security and emergency management landscape to present all these various professional capabilities and contributions. This includes how current functions are coordinated as well as how future efforts might change relative to a more proactive, all-hazards and holistic approach. As such, the book will be a useful resource for students and practitioners to understand the dynamic professions―and various disciplines and fields―that impact disaster and terrorism preparedness and response capabilities.

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Preface

Disasters in our modern era are copious, complex, and consequential. These increasingly prevalent events are triggered by diverse hazards (e.g., Winter Storm Uri, COVID-19, Colonial Pipeline attack). They are exacerbated by human vulnerability and complicated by social processes, the built environment, and our aging infrastructure. The impacts are far reaching and endure long after the initial response occurs.

The unique, dynamic, and sometimes (or frequently?) unpredictable nature of disasters creates a situation where it is impossible for designated emergency managers to solve these convoluted problems alone. They must increasingly work with and rely on a myriad of professionals in the public, private, and non-profit sectors. With this in mind, the following book is based on the concept of the “distributed functions of emergency management.”

I first heard this term while attending the FEMA Higher Education Symposium several years ago. Jessica Jensen (a well-known scholar at North Dakota State University) mentioned in a presentation or a personal conversation that multiple actors and agencies are involved in mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery operations. Therefore, emergency managers must do more to harness the knowledge, skills, and abilities of others who can help reduce and react to disasters.

The following book, which is comprised of diverse chapters written by bright scholars and experienced practitioners, explores a number of professions that are related to disasters and terrorist attacks. It mentions their important roles in emergency management and homeland security, and explores vital recommendations to address current problems and take advantage of future opportunities.

It is hoped that this book might add to our understanding of disasters and terrorist attacks, and help advance emergency management and homeland security functions – regardless of where they are being practiced and who is involved in their implementation.

Table of contents :

Cover
Half Title
Title Page
Copyright Page
Dedication
Table of Contents
Contributors
Foreword
Preface
Chapter 1 Disasters, Terrorist Attacks, and the Whole Community: A Preview of Professionals Involved in the Distributed Functions of Emergency Management and Homeland Security
Chapter 2 The Role of the Emergency Manager in Disaster and Homeland Security: Navigating the Challenges of Intergovernmental Relationships through Networks
Chapter 3 The Roles of Geographers and Land Use Managers in Emergency Management: Contributions Relating to the Space and Place of Hazards, Disasters, and Terrorist Attacks
Chapter 4 Firefighters Protecting a Nation: Historical Perspectives and a Modern, All-Hazards Approach
Chapter 5 Law Enforcement and Emergency Management: The Role of Policing during Disasters
Chapter 6 Emergency Medical Services: A Diverse, Complex and Essential Profession for Disasters and Terrorist Attacks
Chapter 7 Public Administration and Emergency Management: The Ties that Bind
Chapter 8 Public Information Officer Functions in Emergency Management: Operating in Good Times and Bad
Chapter 9 Professionals and Volunteers in Non-Profit Organizations: Understanding Their Vital Role and Impact in Emergency Management
Chapter 10 Professionals in the Department of Homeland Security: The Swiss Army Knife of America’s Defense and Protection
Chapter 11 The Role of Public Health in Emergency Management: Preparedness, Pandemics, Present and Future Challenges post-COVID-19
Chapter 12 Disaster and Psychology: Preparation for, Response to, and Recovery from Terror
Chapter 13 Aviation Tools for Emergency Management and Homeland Security: Types, Functions, and the Future of Aviation for Emergency and Disaster Response
Chapter 14 Military Support for Civil Authorities Responding to Domestic Disasters and Emergencies: Limitations, Authorities and Capabilities
Chapter 15 The Role of Law in Emergency Management and Homeland Security: Legal Foundations to Follow and Liabilities to Avoid
Chapter 16 Healthcare Emergency Management: The Role of Relevant Professionals in Healthcare Systems, Facilities, and ESF8
Chapter 17 Nursing and Disasters: Responding to Victim Needs and Performing Other Essential Functions
Chapter 18 Forensic Technicians: Locating and Analyzing Physical Evidence in Terrorist Attacks
Chapter 19 Forensic Pathology: Medicolegal Death Investigation and Management of Fatalities in Mass Disasters and Terrorist Events
Chapter 20 The Role of Dentistry: Victim Identification in Mass Casualty Disasters
Chapter 21 The Critical Role of Public Works in Emergency Management and Homeland Security: Promoting and Defending a Seat at the Table
Chapter 22 The Information Technology Specialist: From Zero to Hero in Emergency Management and Homeland Security
Chapter 23 Lessons about the Distributed Functions of Emergency Management: Individual Contributions, Interdependencies and Collective Recommendations
Index