Paper Example on Understanding Mitigation and Preparedness

Introduction

Mitigation is the cornerstone of emergency management. As an emergency manager, I will focus on long-term measures for lessening or eradicating risk. Mitigation measures entail structural and non-structural methodologies. Structural methods entail the use of technological solutions like flood levees in communities that are at risk of floods (Homeland Security, 2016). Non-structural approaches entail land-use planning, legislation, and insurance. Mitigation saves costs by lessening the impact of hazards (Haddow, Bullock & Coppola, 2014).

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As an emergency manager, I will develop program plans that methodically direct my efforts over the course of the year. I will set yearly objectives in each of the key programmatic zones for which I am accountable, like risk mitigation, emergency preparedness, and community hazard education. Once I have set the goals, I will check the feasibility to accomplish these objectives. This competence evaluation is likely to recognize suitable rates of capacity in some spaces but not in others; therefore record the competence shortfall and create a multiyear development plan to lessen that fall.

In the preparedness stage, emergency managers design plans of action to control and counter their risks and take action to establish the necessary capacities required to execute such plans (Fagel, 2012). Since budgeting in emergency management is limited, multiyear development plan will be very effective. In spite of its long planning scope, the plan will identify precise annual milestone to ascertain if progress is being attained at a satisfactory rate. The budget will list the anticipated expenditures and the funds given to risks category. In addition, the budget will cover a 12-month period and cover routine continuing items like staff wages, equipment, materials, and supplies. The budget will also comprise a contingency fund in case of an emergency. To make emergency management effective, I will require resources like office equipment, experienced workforce, emergency kits, and adequate financing.

The bible also offers advice in regards to mitigation and preparedness. Psalm 11:1 notes, "In the LORD I take refuge; how can you say to my soul, 'flee like a bird to your mountain'." (New International Version). The biblical quote offers a good case of the problems faced when seeking to save the human soul. Individuals are advised to take refuge to the Lord; that way, they will be saved. I Corinthians 16:13 notes, "be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, e strong." In addition, Mathew 25:13 notes, "watch, therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour." (New International Version) The biblical verses caution people to always be watchful and have faith. Similarly, in emergency management, there is a need to always be prepared in case an emergency occurs. Just like the way the biblical quotes explain, it is important to reduce the impact of disasters on individuals and society in general.

References

Fagel, J.M. (2012). Principles of Emergency Management: Hazard Specific Issues and Mitigation Strategies. CRC Press.

Haddow, G. D., Bullock, J. A., & Coppola, D. P. (2014). Introduction to emergency management. Waltham, MA: Butterworth-Heinemann.

Homeland Security. (2016). National Response Framework. Retrieved from: https://www.fema.gov/media-library-data/1466014682982-9bcf8245ba4c60c120aa915abe74e15d/National_Response_Framework3rd.pdf on date 19/10/2018

New International Version (NIV) (2011). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan