Resilience has its meaning seeded in many different disciplines, such as mathematics, physics, sociology, and technology, amongst many others (Norris, Stevens, Pfefferbaum, Wyche, and Pfefferbaum, 2007). It has many definitions depending on the point of view, and can be defined in a physical or intangible sense. In the public health sector, we can define resilience as using available adaptive resources to be able to have a positive path of operation after a disaster or other interruption in one’s life (Norris et al., 2007). It is a process wherein the person or community has the appropriate number and types of resources to return to a state of wellness and ability to function as they need to (Norris et al., 2007). Resilience can involve
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Local, state, and federal government, as well as Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT), who are local volunteers, are involved in the disaster process, by providing appropriate resources and utilities, and reducing the risk of devastation should a catastrophe occur (FEMA, 2014). They also provide financial resources for response and recovery, and may be involved in the mitigation process (FEMA, 2014). First responders, such as police, fire departments, emergency medical services, and non-governmental organizations are key actors who are a first line defense, but can enlist the help of local and state government, if the task becomes overwhelming (FEMA, 2014). They can also be involved with community rebuilding, but are classically employed in the response phase. Activists, politicians, and government workers are key players in recovery (FEMA, 2014). By providing a voice for those who are suffering by lobbying, advocating, and securing funds, they are also vital to the mitigation process. These areas must all work together to ensure that the public have what they need as soon as they can secure resources. Each role is unique, yet they all work together to ensure the return of functioning for those victims of disasters. The All Hazards approach of the 1990’s has become the standard, being prepared for any disaster, and being ready to recover from it, no matter manmade or natural (FEMA, 2014). This allows for all disciplines, be it individuals, government officials, or non-governmental organizations to be involved in the disaster management process, and to work together to ensure that, should disaster hit, the individual or community can be
Local, state, and federal government, as well as Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT), who are local volunteers, are involved in the disaster process, by providing appropriate resources and utilities, and reducing the risk of devastation should a catastrophe occur (FEMA, 2014). They also provide financial resources for response and recovery, and may be involved in the mitigation process (FEMA, 2014). First responders, such as police, fire departments, emergency medical services, and non-governmental organizations are key actors who are a first line defense, but can enlist the help of local and state government, if the task becomes overwhelming (FEMA, 2014). They can also be involved with community rebuilding, but are classically employed in the response phase. Activists, politicians, and government workers are key players in recovery (FEMA, 2014). By providing a voice for those who are suffering by lobbying, advocating, and securing funds, they are also vital to the mitigation process. These areas must all work together to ensure that the public have what they need as soon as they can secure resources. Each role is unique, yet they all work together to ensure the return of functioning for those victims of disasters. The All Hazards approach of the 1990’s has become the standard, being prepared for any disaster, and being ready to recover from it, no matter manmade or natural (FEMA, 2014). This allows for all disciplines, be it individuals, government officials, or non-governmental organizations to be involved in the disaster management process, and to work together to ensure that, should disaster hit, the individual or community can be