Disaster preparedness Study Guide

📖 Core Concepts Emergency Management – Systematic reduction of community vulnerability and coordinated disaster response. Five Phases – Prevention, Mitigation, Preparedness, Response, Recovery; form a circular, continuous cycle. All‑Hazard Planning – One plan that addresses natural, technological, and human‑caused events. Professional Roles – Government/community preparedness vs. private‑business continuity; certifications (Certified Emergency Manager, Certified Business Continuity Professional). Worker Safety in Recovery – Hazard assessment, PPE, and training to protect against infection, hypothermia, chemicals, mold, and human‑remains exposure. 📌 Must Remember Prevention vs. Mitigation – Prevention = permanent protective measures (e.g., building above flood level). Mitigation = actions that reduce impact before an event (e.g., seismic retrofits). Preparedness Paradox – When preparation works so well, people doubt its necessity. Primary Health Risks – Mold → respiratory irritation; Human remains → GI infection (hand hygiene critical). Key PPE for Mold – N‑95 respirator or higher. National Response Framework (US) – Activates when an incident exceeds local capacity; integrates FEMA, state, tribal, and federal assets. Emergency Action Plan (EAP) – Must be written, reviewed, posted, and include evacuation, shutdown, and reporting procedures. 🔄 Key Processes Emergency Planning Cycle Identify hazards → Rank risks → Evaluate risks → Develop plan → Test & drill → Revise. Response Coordination Activate local responders → Request state assistance → If needed, invoke NR Framework → Deploy FEMA ESFs & NIMS resources. Mold Prevention After Flood Open doors/windows → Deploy fans to exhaust air → Dry within 24–48 h → Clean contaminated surfaces. Worker Hazard Assessment Survey site → Identify chemical, biological, physical risks → Apply engineering controls → Provide PPE & training. 🔍 Key Comparisons Prevention vs. Mitigation – Permanent design standards (prevention) vs. proactive risk‑reduction actions before an event (mitigation). Shelter‑in‑Place vs. Evacuation – Stay at home for days, using stored supplies vs. transport supplies and possibly a tent to a safer location. Psychological First Aid vs. Psychotherapy – Immediate practical support, basic‑needs assistance, referral vs. longer‑term mental‑health treatment. ⚠️ Common Misunderstandings “Mitigation” is the same as “prevention.” → They differ: mitigation lessens impact; prevention stops the event or its effects entirely. PPE is optional for mold. → N‑95 or higher is required for safe removal. The National Response Framework replaces local authority. → It only augments local response when capacity is exceeded. 🧠 Mental Models / Intuition 4‑R Cycle (NZ) – Think of disaster management as Reduction → Readiness → Response → Recovery; each feeds the next. Circular FEMA Model – Visualize the phases as a loop; no “end” point—recovery feeds back into mitigation. All‑Hazard Lens – Treat every hazard as a variation on the same template: Threat → Vulnerability → Capacity → Action. 🚩 Exceptions & Edge Cases Chemical Releases – Direct releases (e.g., agrochemicals) may occur during a disaster; engineering controls must be in place before the event. Spontaneous Volunteers – Not automatically usable; must be screened, trained, and assigned by designated agencies. Cold Water Exposure – Hypothermia risk rises sharply only when water < 75 °F (24 °C) for prolonged periods. 📍 When to Use Which Use Prevention measures when building new structures or revising zoning codes. Apply Mitigation actions for existing assets (retrofits, back‑flow devices). Deploy Psychological First Aid for immediate post‑event support; refer to mental‑health professionals for ongoing care. Select PPE level: N‑95 for mold; higher‑level respirators for airborne chemicals or asbestos. 👀 Patterns to Recognize Hazard‑Response Pairing – Flood → mold; earthquake → crush injuries; chemical spill → need for containment. Training‑Testing Loop – Every training program should be followed by a drill within the same calendar year. Resource‑Level Trigger – When local resources are overwhelmed → state coordination → federal activation. 🗂️ Exam Traps “Mitigation eliminates risk entirely.” – Mitigation reduces, not eliminates, risk. Choosing “psychotherapy” as PFA – PFA is short‑term, non‑clinical support; psychotherapy is a separate, longer‑term service. Assuming all volunteers are “spontaneous.” – Only Spontaneous Unaffiliated Volunteers require special management; organized volunteer groups follow pre‑established protocols. Confusing “prevention” with “preparedness.” – Prevention is structural/design; preparedness is equipment/training for when an event occurs. --- Use this guide for rapid recall before the exam—focus on the bold contrasts, the step‑by‑step cycles, and the “when‑to‑use” decision rules.