Concerns About Disaster Preparedness

Disaster preparation is an important strategy for minimizing physical, economic,
psychological, and social harm resulting from disaster events. Due to multiple major disasters
that have occurred in the past two decades, a lot of resources at the federal, state, local, and
community levels have been invested in disaster preparedness. However, despite this increase
in disaster preparedness resources, I still have many concerns about the state of disaster
preparedness in my region. In particular, I believe that little has been done to improve
disaster preparedness for vulnerable groups.
At a personal level, being prepared for disasters requires having the necessary
survival items in the right quantities. These items include first-aid kits, appropriate clothing,
and adequate water and food supplies. It also requires one to have property insurance. People
who have these items not only increase their chances of survival but also of recovery after the
disaster (Blake, Marlowe, & Johnston, 2017). However, this level of preparedness requires
one to have adequate financial resources as well as significant social support and connections.
Unfortunately, many vulnerable groups, such as the poor and the homeless have none of these
effects and resources. As a result, they are at a great disadvantage in disaster preparedness
practices. When disasters occur, they are usually the most affected because they are the least
prepared. Therefore, at the federal, state, and local government level as well as community
level, I believe that the plight of the vulnerable and disadvantaged groups should be taken
into consideration when making disaster preparedness plans.
In addition to understanding the importance of making disaster preparation plans that
take into account the human and physical needs of a community, including the needs of
vulnerable groups, this course has taught me the importance of coordinating efforts of
government and private sector organizations in disaster planning. Such coordination

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significantly improves mitigation, preparation, response, and recovery of a community from
disasters. Thus, in my future career in disaster management, I plan to spearhead collaboration
of government agencies, non-governmental organizations, community-based organizations
and groups, and private sector organizations in the management of disasters.

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References

Blake, D., Marlowe, J., & Johnston, D. (2017). Get prepared: Discourse for the privileged?
International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction, 25, 283-288.