Seeing the Future Through the Past

For belligerent purposes, the 14th century, like the 20th, commanded a technology more sophisticated than the mental and moral capacity that guided its use. Barbara Tuchman

…many of the recommendations made in the available literature were not grounded in rigorous, scientifically-based observations. Erik Auf der Heide

Empirical studies on disaster-stricken communities and on the public's response in major disasters paint a contrasting picture-one that documents an increase in altruism, a decline in anti-social behavior, and high levels of responsiveness and self- help among victimized populations. Kathleen Tierney

Emergency management as it is practiced today is comparatively new; and…the field is still evolving fairly rapidly. William Hansel, Jr.

StrategicTactical Even a cursory examination of compliance rates by the emergency management phase they represent supports the observation that standards related to the response phase have higher compliance rates. Valerie Lucus-McEwen

Homeland security starts as far from home as possible and is about denying freedom to those who believe violence and intimidation are legitimate means to an end. Bob Jaffin

Emergency management is very local and is about preserving life, property and, within voter approved limitations, ensuring freedom. Bob Jaffin

 Mobilizing emergency personnel and resources  Warning the public  Taking protective action  Caring for victims  Assessing the damage  Restoring essential public services  Informing the public  Record keeping  Planning for recovery  Coordinating emergency management activities

Emergency management is the managerial function charged with creating the framework within which communities reduce vulnerability to hazards and cope with disasters. POEM Working Group

We need to show our communities that we are professional, well-trained, competent, and able to assist,… John Hamilton Director Ministry of Civil Defense and Emergency Management

 Standards-based  Program-centric  Consensus driven  Networked System  Evidence-based  Extensive use of empirical studies  Influenced by research data and historical events  Process defined  Plans-based  Plan-centric  Hierarchical  Closed-system  Experientially-based  Limited use of empirical studies  Perpetration of disaster mythology  Task-defined New Paradigm Traditional

Emergency Management: Concepts and Strategies for Effective Programs Speakermix.com/Lucien-Canton

The single most significant societal change that has most altered community preparedness has been the increased professionalization of local emergency managers. Thomas E. Drabeck Major Themes in Disaster Preparedness and Response Research 1993