Management
The disaster or emergency management is to mitigate the reason or the effects of natural disaster or any man-made disaster or any act of terrorism. The disaster management is unable to eliminate the threats. The disaster management includes the following events such as terrorism, industrial sabotage, fire, industrial accidents, natural disaster, public disorders and communication failure. The field of emergency management was formalized in 1979 on the federal level. The establishment of the FEMA was the proof of it. The functions related to the fire, rescue, law enforcement and any other first responses along with the relief work that includes the special needs, human services, etc. are in existence for a longer time.
This is very important for the emergency managers understand that not all disabilities are similar to each other. This is the reason that the solution of each of them is unique in its nature. For instance, the examples of special needs such as Brownsville Senior Apartment Building Fire, the emergency managers have to devise techniques to manage a situation where fire arises in the workplace. In such case emergency managers devise techniques to escape through the disaster. Emergency fire exits are incorporated to the offices. The buildings are built in such a way that incase of any fire, people can escape through the building. Moreover, fire extinguishers are placed along with instructions so that they can be used to fight with the emergency of fire.
Similarly, in organizations and laboratories, where employees deal with chemicals, the people have a need to stay safe from the harmful effects of chemicals. The planning needs of such special group are that incase of any explosive or other contingency, safety needs are ensured. Such moves like, safety tips in case of burns are given to staff. Staff training on dealing with hazardous chemicals should be given
The issues of the special needs are the most incorporated one in the present age. The certain events such as September 11, 2001, enhances the need of specific lawsuits. It catalysts the issue of special needs.
Similarly, people with disabilities are another special group. The disaster management planning for these people involve around the issues of arranging wheel chairs, glasses and other aiding devices for them. The interpreters must be arranged for them to overcome any communication gaps. At workplaces, people with disabilities should be provided with the necessary aids, to perform like normal persons.
Immigrants and foreigners also fall under the special group category. There are language problems for these immigrants. Other issues include cultural issues. For such planning, disaster management planning is distinct. Planning includes, arrangement of dedicated translators and interpreters to assist the communication. They should be taught about the culture and values of the place where they are living now.Planning process for immigrants is different from other special groups.
The crux of the whole matter is that each special group has distinct needs and planning for these special groups is different. Their unique needs require unique actions. These actions are planned through the planning process and are exercised later on.
References
- Davis, E. (2005). Incorporating Special Needs Populations into Emergency Planning and Exercises. Retrieved on 06 July 2014 from: http://www.nobodyleftbehind2.org/findings/pdfs/JMFinal072105.pdf
- Curtin, M. (2014). Disaster and crisis management. Retrieved on 06 July 2014 from: http://www.ifrc.org/en/what-we-do/disaster-management/
- Robert, S. (2014). What is disaster management? Retrieved on 06 July 2014 from: http://www.wcpt.org/disaster-management/what-is-disaster-management
