So Much More to Do After the Initial Response

When a disaster strikes, people pay attention. They watch the news, check on their loved ones, and help survivors as they are able. However, when the threat has passed and the initial response has ended, public attention wanes despite there being much more work left to do. Each disaster has a unique combination of factors that determine the outcome. Natural disasters like wildfires and floods may displace residents and increase public health hazards. Accidental catastrophes like a bridge collapse alter transportation routes and impact local, regional, or even national commerce. Intentional threats like acts of violence and civil disobedience have cascading effects that may escalate subsequent threats, risks, and hazards.

The catalyst for each incident differs, the locations and levels of impact vary, and the specific resources needed for the responses change. However, there are some commonalities that apply across disasters. Volunteers, when organized, trained, and managed properly, can enhance emergency response efforts. Technology like drones help facilitate tasks and save precious time when integrated effectively into response plans and deployed within local and federal guidelines. Good social bonds strengthen communities and lessen the devastating effects of a disaster when those bonds are nurtured and supported throughout the community.

These commonalities facilitate recovery efforts following a disaster. When the attention and assistance diminish from people not directly affected, the volunteers, technology, and social bonds continue to be force multipliers for agencies and organizations to leverage during the recovery phase. The authors in this July edition of the Domestic Preparedness Journal share their lessons learned and best practices for managing incidents even after the spotlights are gone. They understand that the initial response is just the beginning of a long recovery journey. Keeping people engaged and pooling available resources help lessen the burden and shorten the road to recovery.