Disaster Response and Recovery. David A. McEntire
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through commerce of various types, and this can sometimes complicate broader post‐disaster priorities and actions (Birkland and Nath 2000). On many occasions, those in the private sector will operate independently in disasters, only taking care of their own interests and needs (Marwitz et. al. 2008; Sanchez, Korbin and Viscarra 1995; Frost 1994). However, companies do play important and varied roles after disasters. At times, the private sector will help the community to address disaster impacts and it may be a unique asset for those working in emergency management (US Senate 2005; McEntire et. al., 2003). The responsibilities of the private sector are broad and range from emergency medical care to reporting and the settlement of insurance claims.
2.2.1 Business Continuity, Disaster Recovery and Risk Management
As noted, companies often help others affected by disasters. But, before they can assist others, businesses must first understand that crisis events will often affect and disrupt their own commercial activities (Lindstrom, Samuelsson and Hagerfors 2010; Urakawa and Hayashi 2010). For instance, an industrial plant can be destroyed by a chemical explosion/fire. A bank cannot issue loans if computer records are lost due to a power or network outage. A construction company will not function if its employees cannot be contacted and told if they should report for work. Consequently, some companies may hire emergency managers – particularly those that manufacturer, store and ship hazardous materials. However, more common titles for these employees include business continuity planners, disaster recovery specialists and risk managers.
Businesses hire continuity planners who identify what should be done to prepare for crises, emergencies and disasters (Dunaway and Shaw 2010; Rapaport and Kirschenbaum 2008; Paton 1999). These individuals develop continuity plans which identify ways to reestablish facilities and ensure business transactions can continue when disaster strikes. Exxon/Mobil, Raytheon, Marriott, Target and many others have business continuity programs that can be activated in time of disaster.
Some of the other related employees in the private sector are disaster recovery specialists. In the business world, these individuals are concerned about the performance of information technology (e.g., computers, networks, and data storage equipment and facilities, etc.). The continuity of electronic records is of paramount importance to large corporations. Others, such as risk managers, try to limit legal liabilities and file insurance claims. The goal is to minimize any potential for loss or lawsuits, or to help the business rebound as soon as possible. In this sense, business continuity planners, disaster recovery specialists and risk managers perform various emergency management roles for the private sector. Although the goals are slightly different than public sector emergency managers, these individuals desire to maintain operations or resume business functions as soon as possible.
2.2.2 Transportation
Another role of business is transportation and this sector has a unique relation to disasters (see Chapter 10). As mentioned in Chapter 1, emergencies could result from a variety of causes and impact different modes of transportation. When transportation accidents occur, employees from the affected company may be sent to the area to assist passengers and provide information to victims’ families. Employees of transportation companies will also have to answer questions from the media, clean up wreckage and prevent or settle lawsuits. At times, transportation accidents may be accompanied with the emission of hazardous materials (e.g., semi‐trucks and trains). If a road or rail accident involves hazardous materials, this will require remediation efforts to clean up the environment according to DOT or EPA regulations. Specialized employees from the private sector are needed to follow such guidelines to prevent the company from being fined. Firms like Cura Emergency Services and Hulcher Services Inc. may be contracted to clean up accidents, remove contaminated soil, complete required state and federal paperwork, or repair railways. Companies will also assist in emergency management functions in other ways. For instance, they may evacuate individuals before or after disasters. The private sector operates or contracts out taxis, shuttle vans, busses, trains, boats, and airplanes. Businesses in the transportation sector can all be used to move people to safer areas. Transportation companies also perform vital services related to moving goods and personnel to the scene of a disaster.
2.2.3 Sheltering and Housing
Businesses also shelter individuals who evacuate from hazards such as hurricanes (see Chapter 5). For example, hotels provide shelter for those who leave the coast when hurricanes approach. These accommodations could host hundreds, thousands or even hundreds of thousands of people moving inland to higher and safer ground. But, sheltering and housing is used in smaller events also. After the March 2020 earthquake that affected the Salt Lake Valley in Utah, local governments and the American Red Cross contracted with hotels so disaster victims would have a place to stay. This approach helped to isolate individuals and families, and thereby minimize the spread of Covid‐19 in communal shelters. Hotels may also house emergency workers when they arrive from outside jurisdictions to assist the affected community. This is important since disasters require external help from first responders, mutual aid partners and hundreds of people who perform recovery functions. The private sector also provides accommodations for people who lose public housing or residences in disasters and require sheltering for the intermediate or long term. This is especially important when disasters create serious housing shortages and when recovery is expected to be protracted. Manufacturers may produce and supply tents or mobile homes for temporary or semi‐permanent accommodations. Extended stay motels and apartment complexes may also help fill the gap before tenants or owners may move back into their repaired homes or reconstructed facilities.
2.2.4 Emergency and Long‐Term Medical Care
Businesses will also fulfill other roles during response and recovery operations. For instance, providing emergency medical care is one of the first things the private sector will do after a disaster (see Chapter 6). As mentioned earlier, emergency medical technicians from both the public and private sectors will be dispatched to the scene. These EMTs and paramedics will assist those injured in the accident or disaster by providing basic first aid and other necessary medical procedures. This may include applying bandages to stop bleeding, treating shock and stabilizing broken bones. Their post‐disaster activities could also include giving intravenous fluids and medicines. After or while immediate needs are being met, these first responders will transport the individual to the hospital by ambulance or helicopter. When several victims are involved in an event, many paramedics and transportation units will arrive. Field hospitals may be set up to care for anticipated mass casualties. At the hospital, the injured will receive more advanced assessments and treatments. This may include X‐rays, surgery and care for burns. The hospital will continue to provide medical services and rehabilitation until the victim has recovered. If a patient passes away, the private sector will become involved in mortuary services such as body cremation or preparation of the deceased for burial and memorial services.
2.2.5 Media Reporting
The private sector informs the public about hazards and disasters and shares urgent information with the pubic as required (see Chapter 5 and Chapter 7). For example, it is the meteorologists and news anchors from radio and television stations that convey weather warnings from the NWS and relay information from the Emergency Alert System. When a disaster occurs, radio, TV, or other media outlets also report damages, deaths and injuries. The media shares information about government response and recovery efforts and tells the public where to go for shelter and other types of assistance. The media can be an important asset to you as an emergency manager (see Chapters 5 and 7).