The Four Phases In The Continuous Cycle Of Emergency Management

Recovery is one of the four major phases in the continuous cycle of emergency management. Dr. Baird states that “the ‘recovery’ component of emergency management is more complex that the other components and involves a much larger group of diverse stakeholders with sometimes-conflicting objectives.” (Baird, 2010). A concise description of the recovery phase is: “The basic definition of recovery is the process of returning a community to ‘normal.’” (Castillo, 2011). Dr. Ronald Perry and Dr. Michael Lindell, in their book Emergency Planning state that the following 12 functions should be addressed in advance of disaster impact so that recovery will proceed more quickly: “(1) Impact area security and reentry; (2) Temporary population shelter/housing; …show more content…
This is the plan to determine whether a house or structure is so severely damaged that must be destroyed for the overall safety and security of the community. Preplanning methodologies must be employed by considering participation of engineers, preservationists, environmentalists, and community planners. It is possible that whole neighborhoods must be demolished for safety reasons. Of particular concern is historic homes and structures. These should be carefully identified prior to impact, and special consideration should be given to these buildings prior to demolition. If possible, some or all of the structure should be saved or moved to another location. While most homes can be rebuilt after a disaster, historic homes and sites cannot be …show more content…
This is the plan that established the standards used in regulating which homes or structures can be occupied after a disaster. In a major disaster context, requests for building permits often overburden the ability of the local agency. By planning to invoke mutual aid agreements with corresponding agencies in adjoining counties or throughout the state, the permit process will be greatly enhanced. A sixth element is “temporary business operation.” (Lindell & Perry, 2007). This is the plan to allow damaged businesses the opportunity to reopen in another location on a temporary basis. It is critical to get businesses to reopen as soon as possible after impact for the very survival of the business. Moreover, the employees need to return to work so that they can return to a state of normalcy. Thus, this plan should expedite temporary permits allowing the operation of businesses. Moreover, zoning laws should be relaxed to encourage businesses to relocate in a possibly new permanent