Disaster Management: Planninig for emergencies NIMS - Essay Example

According to the studies conducted by DAW and UN/ISDR, “small and medium scale disasters are increasing in frequency in many parts of the world” despite a range of responsive measures taken (DAW & UN/ISDR, 2001). In addition, increasing green gas emissions from the modern industries along with the subsequent climate changes increase the disaster probability. 2. The National Incident Management System (NIMS) is related to local incident command. One of the fundamental concepts of the NIMS is that every incident begins and ends locally.

NIM never tries to interfere with the commands of State and local authorities (Federal Emergency Management Agency). In contrast, the NIMS simply works to integrate the operations of responders by providing a well structured framework. The Federal Government extends its assistance to State and local authorities when their resources are not sufficient enough to effectively respond to disasters. However, the Federal Government respects the sovereignty of these authorities while providing assistance.

During the event of a disaster, the Federal Government tries to support the affected local and State authorities but not to command the response (Cited in Federal Emergency Management Agency). 3. . As Bouwer (n.d), points out, risk reduction measures would be beneficial to reduce the loss of life caused by natural disasters since such frameworks include provisions for enlightening people about the processes behind those calamities, creating infrastructural mitigation measures, and warning systems for the population under risk.

Evidently, a clear understanding of the seriousness of the disaster would eliminate the risk chances to a great extent since majority of disasters are caused by human environmental interventions. 4. The recent policy changes in Federal Emergency Management Agency, mainly “an upcoming federal mandate for National Incident Management System compliance”, is likely to weaken the State and local governments’ response to small and medium emergencies and disasters (ResearchBrief). Although this policy change aims to organize emergency response efforts across the United States, its strict requirements prevent many hospitals from receiving federal funding.

As per the new policy, hospitals will not get federal preparedness and response grants unless they comply with the ‘first set of NIMS compliance requirements’ (National Association of Public Hospitals and Health Systems, 2008). Even though this type of change would be effective to ensure quality care, it may adversely affect the emergency and disaster responses. The recently made changes in federal preparedness funding may also affect the disaster response efficiency of State and local authorities. 5. While framing State and local emergency plans, specific focus must be given to issues like terrorism, bioterrorism, and cyberterrorism.

It is obvious that