Locations all over the world are experiencing a growing number of natural disasters, and those disasters are causing an increasing amount of damage. Community leaders must understand the key processes necessary to respond to and recover from any natural disaster. The preparation starts with the local government and extends to the state and federal levels.
An online Master of Science in Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management program from Arkansas State University (A-State) can provide students with a foundation to mitigate crises and support small and large communities during natural catastrophes. This online degree program teaches students to prevent, mitigate and manage problems that result from natural disasters, such as weather emergencies and other events that cause emotional, physical or social disruption to society.
Important Steps to Take to Prepare for a Natural Disaster
According to the U.S. Department of the Interior, “When a disaster is declared, the Federal government, led by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), responds at the request of, and in support of, States, Tribes, Territories, and Insular Areas and local jurisdictions impacted by a disaster.”
Recovery often begins immediately, even if emergency response activities are ongoing. FEMA organizes the federal government’s role in preparing for, preventing and responding to natural disasters. Federal representatives assist state and local governments in identifying their needs, mobilizing personnel, supplementing state and local resources and directing response activities to meet those needs.
States have several vital links to federal organizations related to disaster prevention and response. Local governments can create resilient communities by creating long-term disaster preparedness programs. Depending on the geographical location and region, tornadoes, hurricanes, flooding and wildfires are potential natural disasters that can happen with catastrophic outcomes. Local government leaders need to ensure their communities are prepared, safe and equipped for an expedient recovery in the wake of a disaster.
Emergency preparedness has four steps: mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery. According to the Pew Charitable Trust, every $1 invested into mitigation and preparedness planning saves $6 in recovery spending. When it comes to natural disasters, preparing for the occurrence can save money and lives. Local governments can improve their disaster management plans before a disaster happens by using cloud-based management software to ensure business flow, using a geographic information system (GIS) map to provide real-time updates to the public regarding emergency situations and instituting regular communication with community members.
Individuals can prepare for a natural disaster by understanding what types of natural hazards could affect the area, being aware of emergency alerts and knowing where to go in case of an evacuation. An emergency kit prepared with food, water and other important supplies will save time during a stressful crisis and ensure all supplies are included. In addition to food and water, some crucial supplies include flashlights, batteries, a first aid kit, a radio, dust masks, garbage bags, duct tape, tools, a can opener, maps and cell phone chargers.
How a Degree from Arkansas State University Can Help
A-State’s online degree program educates students on the risks, hazards and theories of various types of disasters and emergencies and how to distinguish between them. By studying contextual and historical occurrences, students will understand the cultural, economic and social facets of emergency management with fiscal, legal and political contexts. This online degree can prepare graduates to pursue careers in disaster preparedness and emergency management, such as emergency services director, nuclear emergency planner, environmental health and safety manager, safety specialist and more. Graduates will be prepared leaders who can help their communities through crises with plan development skills, good communication, encouragement and morale.
Learn more about Arkansas State University’s online Master of Science in Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management program.