Terminology and definitions
Un effetto dello scopo straordinariamente largo della disaster management è che gli esperti non riescano a mettersi d'accordo sulla definizione dei termini. Malgrado alcuni tentativi di unire le due fazioni, rimane un grande schisma tra le scienze naturali, fisiche e di costruzione, da una parte, e le scienze sociali dall'altra. In un commento su questo fenomeno il grande sociologo E.L. Quarantelli ha notato nell'introduzione of his book What is a Disaster? that:
"If scholars in this area do not agree on whether a disaster is fundamentally a social construction or a physical event, the field has clear intellectual problems" (Quarantelli 1998, p. iv).
However, in a previous work he argued that the debate is healthy:
"taking care of what does the term 'disaster' means not getting distracted by an academic exercise with no results. It is instead a way to focus in a fundamental way on what should be considered important and significant ... " (Quarantelli1995, p. 225) [2]
The purpose of this report is not to investigate the meaning of a disaster or to add material to the debate on terminology. However, since the identity of any future initiative depends to a certain point the name used, it is worthwhile to conduct a quick review of terms and how they are interpreted.
Disaster management is preferred in Britain but the world is not accepted as an umbrella term. In its favor, is a descriptive term easily interpreted with emphasis on practical approach that is committed when the events should be managed. On the other hand, is too narrow, since it does not embrace the planning of interventions related disasters, a process that must necessarily precede management. Furthermore, the term does not embrace emergencies in the broadest sense, and some emergencies require special handling but do not become disasters. Finally, the term does not describe the broader approach of mitigation and preparedness and recovery after events.
Emergency preparedness (emergency preparedness) is the term commonly used in the U.S. and is used when a disaster management would be preferred in Britain. This term has the advantage of embracing all five phases of the 'disaster cycle' (mitigation, preparedness, emergency operations, rehabilitation and reconstruction) and a more size range extends from small emergency event that a major catastrophe. However, not emphasis on disaster management as a task preeminente.
Civil Defence is used in many parts of the world to cover all activities to prepare for disasters, manage and facilitate recovery in short expiry. The term is current in Europe, Russia, Canada, Latin America and the Caribbean. It has the advantage of being easily translated into French, English and Italian. In this sense it is a true umbrella term for its field of reference. However, it can not be easily applied to the management of humanitarian aid, unless it takes the form of mutual aid between adjacent states. Nevertheless, many of the countries which today are humanitarian operation theaters tomorrow will have their own services and civil protection systems. Eventually, there will be a convergence in this area between the rich world and the poor countries. The civil defense
was the ancestor of civil protection. She was born in precautions against air raids of World War II and the Cold War has developed into a system of measures to protect civilian populations against governments and armed aggression by foreign powers. The facts have shown that many civil defense systems were not only costly and ineffective, but also capable of being expropriated for subversive reasons. They could in fact be used to defend the government against the people who ruled, in support of coups and to suppress democratic rights. Civil protection is a system more open and participatory, and one that covers a much wider range of contingent events, including natural and technological disasters. However, the effect of armed renewed emphasis on aggression (ie terrorism), as is developing in the United States, is to refuse protection to the civil defense the previous calendar year. Most experts in this area, including many from North America, see this event as a retrograde step.
Homeland Security è un termine che non ha guadagnato molto spazio fuori degli Stati Uniti. Esso abbraccia tutte quelle attività che contribuiscono alla sicurezza domestica, e quindi di coinvolgere l'industria della sicurezza, un settore in forte crescita, nonchè le attività anti terrorismo e le preparazioni per i disastri naturali e tecnologici. Comunque, non è il termine giusto quando, ad esempio, l'impatto dei disastri naturali è più profondo di quello delle violazioni di sicurezza o gli oltraggi terroristici.
La pianificazione e gestione delle emergenze ( emergency planning and management ) è probabilmente una frase più accurata degli altri in senso descrittivo, ma è troppo lungo per essere stato adoperato largamente. Per di più, esso viene iterpretato in diversi modi da diversi gruppo e quindo non dispone di un consenso su esattamente quanto del campo copre.
Gestione delle crisi ( crisis management ), pianificazione delle contingenze ( contingency planning ) e gestione dei rischi ( risk management ) sono termini che possono essere usati largamente e liberamente, ma in genere vengono usati specificamente nel contesto del controllo delle crisi e abbassamento dei rischi industriali e commerciali. Quindi, sono di valore troppo ristretto per fungere come termini ombrello per l'intero campo.
In sintesi, il campo continuerà ad essere chiamato disaster management in questo documento perché questo termine descrive il gruppo fondamentale di attività associate con la protezione civile e la preparazione per le emergenze. Comunque, bisogna notare che per implicazione la 'disaster management' include anche la gestione del rischio, la riduzione della vulnerabilità e la pianificazione delle emergenze . Infatti, molto più che nella gestione delle aziende e degli organi di governo, nei disastri ciò che serve è l'applicazione di procedure formulate e sperimentate prima dell'evento. Qualsiasi altra cosa e si scende nell'improvvisazione, un fenomeno che deve essere ridotto al minimo.
I protagonisti della protezione civile
Avendo considerato il 'nome del gioco', bisogna definire i protagonisti ed i partecipanti nelle attività di protezione civile. A livello di autorità locale, cioè quello più basilare nell'ottica della gestione delle emergenze, ci sono essenzialmente due tipi di professionista. Il 'disaster manager' tradizionale è bianco, maschio, di media età e reduce di una carriera militare. Egli manca dei titoli accademici di specifica rilevanza a questo campo, sebbene abbia probabilmente preso alcuni corsi brevi nel settore. Un variante di questa figura è l'attuale o ex-membro dei servizi di emergenza che ha scelto una carriera nella gestione delle emergenze, o come un secondo compito o come una new direction in his career.
This figure, rather than stereotype, is gradually replaced by that of a younger person, male or female, of provvenienza variable, which has taken a degree or a master in this area and it is facing as a first career. While the first group is full of people who are poorly trained academically but have lots of experience, the top newcomers in the second group lacks experience, but to a certain extent able to compensate with their training (and eventually succeed in buying experience through their work). Of course, there's nothing wrong with disaster managers as a character from the ex-military or emergency services. What is needed is to achieve a balance between education, training and work experience that will ensure a sufficient level of professionalism when trying to reduce risk, create contingency plans and manage extreme events.
Disaster management in Europe
In many ways, emergency management is well developed in Europe, but there are some common defects, as illustrated by the following list:
- the lack of a robust and comprehensive system for encouraging common methods and exchanges between the different agencies that have responsibilities for emergency management;
- often, the emphasis on contingency planning is inadequate;
- no one learns enough to other countries and there are not enough links between the civil protection systems of different countries
- the civil protection systems currently in force in Europe carry a legacy of outdated methods and attitudes obligations;
- a culture of inflexible bureaucratic obstruction Journal segrettezza and reduces the chances of making the disaster management something more democratic and to increase public participation in preparing for emergencies;
- some you can not identify the source of wisdom and experience, and exploitation;
- it seems that some of the protagonists of European civil protection have become more involved in the management of their own reputations rather than opens themselves from disasters;
- with the rapid evolution of the field and the various forces and tendencies of centrism and subsidiary legislation in this field is often lacking or contraditoria.
These defects are examined by a lack of direction and encouragement from the European Union. In the field of civil protection the EU has committed its member states enough direction, coordination, risorese, and advice. In Brussels, the responsibility for the sector is divided among several directors, including those dealing with nuclear accidents, environmental and industrial hazards. Again, there is between the bureaucracies of the European Union or the European Commission needs a proper system for the exchange of knowledge, experiences, techniques and management methods. Yet there are ample signs that the European countries look to the EU and the EC for general guidance in this area, a need that is expected to grow when the 15 member states become 23.Malgrado these negative comments, there are some signs that the community European Union is taking note of the situation as regards the risks of disaster and that it wants to improve the preparations. It is commonly said that Europe has undergone major changes in civil protection in the aftermath of September 11, 2001. However, there was a delayed response that has slowly gained strength. In this we may distinguish between negative events that have "pushed" the system to change (Ie, the recent disasters) and the effect of "dragging" of technical and organizational innovations.
in the negative, the impact of disasters has become increasingly serious. Over the past five years the storms and floods, for example, have repeatedly caused serious damage in Europe in chaos. These disasters are becoming increasingly expensive and are charging more and more systems of insurance against damage and accidents and environmental management and regional systems of emergency management. In Europe, the recent floods of the rivers Rhine and Oder have not only caused great damage and loss but also getato ilm light on the need to increase international coordination of emergency management. The SARS outbreaks of foot and revealed the possibility that Europe will suffer in future disasters, major epidemics and disease. The inability of the British to manage well the recent outbreak of foot and could be repeated in other European countries.
also the ability to handle the terrorist Attacks may be less than the potential requirements. Few anti fire and hospital services that are able to manage well a biological terrorism attack. Despite decades of experience with terrorism in Europe (Irish and Basque separatism issues, the "leaden years", etc..), The public is still largely involved in the management of the new Community and national security threats posed by new emerging forms of terrorism.
More positively, the emergency management in Europe is gradually acquiring a greater sense of direction. A summit level, the scope and seriousness of the threats have been widely recognized. The scenarios of hazard, vulnerability, risk and emergency response have been completed. European bonds will eventually be established. In the meantime, risk management and contingency planning are gaining ground in professional way. For more., Security has become a large and important issue in the commercial world as it is in the life of the community and in government circles.
Disaster management in the rest World
Some of the problems and delays are common in Europe in the field of civil protection in the rest of the world. There is a lack of common standards, generally accepted, for emergency planning, disaster management, education and training. Traditionally, the field exists with minimal funds. Once finished, the emergencies are forgotten by the public and politicians that do not return. As a result, the field has been developed very occasionally. Major disasters serve as catalytic events that give a boost to legislation, planning and other applications for civil protection. These can be considered "windows of opportunity", recalling attention and resources to preparing for emergencies so that the level of interest from the public allows them (in fact, most of the civil protection laws following the disasters that cause a wave of legislative activity). Could it be that the opportunity to develop disaster management in all three ways (such as a particular academic subject, as a commercial business, as a function of government), depend to a certain point of the next disaster from occurring. However, if so, you can do very little except to recognize that opportunities can come without much notice.
So far the discussion has focused on household size and European, but the problem has another side. No matter, when the time about a dozen humanitarian emergencies in various states of development in different parts of the world. The European countries are involved with relief operations, aid officially shipped, and the work of the armed forces in maintaining peace, or unilaterally or through the UN-sponsored operations. These "complex emergencies", as they are called (ie, disasters are characterized by the failure of the military, social, economic and administrative) are likely to be more common in the future. In fact, the disorder seems likely to increase under the pressure of the growing unequal, and fanaticism, polarization, deprivation, vulnerability, and the prevalent use of force to solve the problems of the world.
In summary, the disaster management is a field that is growing rapidly throughout the world. The country has certainly advanced in America, which, at least at the federal level, offers a well-defined model of organization that has been used by many other nations. However, there are particular problems in applying a federal-state monolithic, given the different division of powers. No matter, if there are many parts of the world in which the field of disaster management is deprived of funds, which are poorly developed, and where under the care of organizations or institutions arrettrate or not yet well developed. So, there is a worldwide demand for training services and advice, although without the addition of large amounts of funding to provide these services. Will be some years before that governments realize that Nonsi can benefit from organization and training through appropriate measures to set up the event and the price too low.
The lesson of these findings is that, despite the growing wealth of opportunities, this field is constantly underrated and backed with insufficient funds. It is a really significant in both Europe and the rest of the world. The market for consultancy, training and education is therefore strong interest but weak financial support.
Summary Trends and opportunities in
nowadays we can observe the following trends in emergency management:
(a) by governments, there is a renewal of interest in the field, which, however, does not yet have enough experience or organization to bring the problem under controllo.Ai national, regional and local government bodies should seek help from professionals. You have to see, however, as these institutions are willing to pay for such services
(b) most likely natural disasters, especially floods, storms and snow will become more expensive and most impressive in the future than their impacts in the past. So they called for more demand to increase the level of preparedness and security, albeit in a desultory manner that varies with the disasters that happen. It seems that the political threat of a terrorist attack has put the shadow of natural disasters, but it is certainly only a temporary effect.
(c) The business and industrial sectors have started getting involved substantially in risk management and disaster recovery (although these terms do not mean exactly the same thing in the public service mean that the private sector. The field of security has grown rapidly, but it seems that has not yet fully understood his need planning, education and training.
(d) Terrorism is again a matter of greater importance, especially in regard to new forms unfamiliar that it might take. The years of terrorism linked to separatism have to put Europe; 'avvanguadia combat this problem, but the management of chemical incidents, biological, nuclear or radiological materials may require a radically different approach, along with new sources of knowledge. Europe looks to U.S. for direction, although again we must remember that what works in a federal country is not necessarily ideal for a monolithic state. Above all, we need to experience that combines the multi-disciplinary fields logistics, sociology, psychology, engineering, physics, chemistry, medical sciences, risk mapping and many other disciplines. The success of the initiatives will depend on how they can unify the various sources of knowledge.
(s) of insurance and reinsurance industries are seriously concerned about the question of insurance against disasters. In recent years, the losses in disasters have become excessive, but also the business opportunities have grown in size. Thus the proportion of financial loss in disasters repaid by the insurance has doubled in 10 years. There is, however, a critical lack of capital to underwrite the risks of disasters. Quindi, le compagnie dovrebbero cercare nuove fonti di esperienza per aiutarli a stimare i rischi di coinvolgimento in questo settore nel futuro. Purtroppo, molte compagnie di assicurazione non sono ancora particolarmente sensibili alla possibilità di collaborare con istituzioni accademiche, ed alcune hanno allestito dipartimenti di ricerca per conto proprio, nel caso della Compagnia di Riassicurazione di Monaco di Baviera, con grande successo.
(f) La domanda per la formazione in materia di disaster management è destinata a crescere. I principali clienti sono il settore della pubblica amministrazione, i servizi di emergenza, e le principali compagnie commerciali. I campo è ancora lontano da raggiungere lo stato di una vera e propria professione, but it's going in that direction. There is therefore a double demand for education and professional training and standards. However, since the field can not yet boast the status of a profession, it can not expect to receive remuneration at the level of that of engineers, doctors and other professionals raggionieri well established. Thus, the training must be of short duration and cost.
Notes [1] Geography and anthropology, sociology, social psychology, economics and actuarial sciences, geophysical sciences and construction, medicine and epidemiology, and studies of economic development (see Alexander, D. 1993. Natural Disasters ).
- no one learns enough to other countries and there are not enough links between the civil protection systems of different countries
- the civil protection systems currently in force in Europe carry a legacy of outdated methods and attitudes obligations;
- a culture of inflexible bureaucratic obstruction Journal segrettezza and reduces the chances of making the disaster management something more democratic and to increase public participation in preparing for emergencies;
- some you can not identify the source of wisdom and experience, and exploitation;
- it seems that some of the protagonists of European civil protection have become more involved in the management of their own reputations rather than opens themselves from disasters;
- with the rapid evolution of the field and the various forces and tendencies of centrism and subsidiary legislation in this field is often lacking or contraditoria.
These defects are examined by a lack of direction and encouragement from the European Union. In the field of civil protection the EU has committed its member states enough direction, coordination, risorese, and advice. In Brussels, the responsibility for the sector is divided among several directors, including those dealing with nuclear accidents, environmental and industrial hazards. Again, there is between the bureaucracies of the European Union or the European Commission needs a proper system for the exchange of knowledge, experiences, techniques and management methods. Yet there are ample signs that the European countries look to the EU and the EC for general guidance in this area, a need that is expected to grow when the 15 member states become 23.Malgrado these negative comments, there are some signs that the community European Union is taking note of the situation as regards the risks of disaster and that it wants to improve the preparations. It is commonly said that Europe has undergone major changes in civil protection in the aftermath of September 11, 2001. However, there was a delayed response that has slowly gained strength. In this we may distinguish between negative events that have "pushed" the system to change (Ie, the recent disasters) and the effect of "dragging" of technical and organizational innovations.
in the negative, the impact of disasters has become increasingly serious. Over the past five years the storms and floods, for example, have repeatedly caused serious damage in Europe in chaos. These disasters are becoming increasingly expensive and are charging more and more systems of insurance against damage and accidents and environmental management and regional systems of emergency management. In Europe, the recent floods of the rivers Rhine and Oder have not only caused great damage and loss but also getato ilm light on the need to increase international coordination of emergency management. The SARS outbreaks of foot and revealed the possibility that Europe will suffer in future disasters, major epidemics and disease. The inability of the British to manage well the recent outbreak of foot and could be repeated in other European countries.
also the ability to handle the terrorist Attacks may be less than the potential requirements. Few anti fire and hospital services that are able to manage well a biological terrorism attack. Despite decades of experience with terrorism in Europe (Irish and Basque separatism issues, the "leaden years", etc..), The public is still largely involved in the management of the new Community and national security threats posed by new emerging forms of terrorism.
More positively, the emergency management in Europe is gradually acquiring a greater sense of direction. A summit level, the scope and seriousness of the threats have been widely recognized. The scenarios of hazard, vulnerability, risk and emergency response have been completed. European bonds will eventually be established. In the meantime, risk management and contingency planning are gaining ground in professional way. For more., Security has become a large and important issue in the commercial world as it is in the life of the community and in government circles.
Disaster management in the rest World
Some of the problems and delays are common in Europe in the field of civil protection in the rest of the world. There is a lack of common standards, generally accepted, for emergency planning, disaster management, education and training. Traditionally, the field exists with minimal funds. Once finished, the emergencies are forgotten by the public and politicians that do not return. As a result, the field has been developed very occasionally. Major disasters serve as catalytic events that give a boost to legislation, planning and other applications for civil protection. These can be considered "windows of opportunity", recalling attention and resources to preparing for emergencies so that the level of interest from the public allows them (in fact, most of the civil protection laws following the disasters that cause a wave of legislative activity). Could it be that the opportunity to develop disaster management in all three ways (such as a particular academic subject, as a commercial business, as a function of government), depend to a certain point of the next disaster from occurring. However, if so, you can do very little except to recognize that opportunities can come without much notice.
So far the discussion has focused on household size and European, but the problem has another side. No matter, when the time about a dozen humanitarian emergencies in various states of development in different parts of the world. The European countries are involved with relief operations, aid officially shipped, and the work of the armed forces in maintaining peace, or unilaterally or through the UN-sponsored operations. These "complex emergencies", as they are called (ie, disasters are characterized by the failure of the military, social, economic and administrative) are likely to be more common in the future. In fact, the disorder seems likely to increase under the pressure of the growing unequal, and fanaticism, polarization, deprivation, vulnerability, and the prevalent use of force to solve the problems of the world.
In summary, the disaster management is a field that is growing rapidly throughout the world. The country has certainly advanced in America, which, at least at the federal level, offers a well-defined model of organization that has been used by many other nations. However, there are particular problems in applying a federal-state monolithic, given the different division of powers. No matter, if there are many parts of the world in which the field of disaster management is deprived of funds, which are poorly developed, and where under the care of organizations or institutions arrettrate or not yet well developed. So, there is a worldwide demand for training services and advice, although without the addition of large amounts of funding to provide these services. Will be some years before that governments realize that Nonsi can benefit from organization and training through appropriate measures to set up the event and the price too low.
The lesson of these findings is that, despite the growing wealth of opportunities, this field is constantly underrated and backed with insufficient funds. It is a really significant in both Europe and the rest of the world. The market for consultancy, training and education is therefore strong interest but weak financial support.
Summary Trends and opportunities in
nowadays we can observe the following trends in emergency management:
(a) by governments, there is a renewal of interest in the field, which, however, does not yet have enough experience or organization to bring the problem under controllo.Ai national, regional and local government bodies should seek help from professionals. You have to see, however, as these institutions are willing to pay for such services
(b) most likely natural disasters, especially floods, storms and snow will become more expensive and most impressive in the future than their impacts in the past. So they called for more demand to increase the level of preparedness and security, albeit in a desultory manner that varies with the disasters that happen. It seems that the political threat of a terrorist attack has put the shadow of natural disasters, but it is certainly only a temporary effect.
(c) The business and industrial sectors have started getting involved substantially in risk management and disaster recovery (although these terms do not mean exactly the same thing in the public service mean that the private sector. The field of security has grown rapidly, but it seems that has not yet fully understood his need planning, education and training.
(d) Terrorism is again a matter of greater importance, especially in regard to new forms unfamiliar that it might take. The years of terrorism linked to separatism have to put Europe; 'avvanguadia combat this problem, but the management of chemical incidents, biological, nuclear or radiological materials may require a radically different approach, along with new sources of knowledge. Europe looks to U.S. for direction, although again we must remember that what works in a federal country is not necessarily ideal for a monolithic state. Above all, we need to experience that combines the multi-disciplinary fields logistics, sociology, psychology, engineering, physics, chemistry, medical sciences, risk mapping and many other disciplines. The success of the initiatives will depend on how they can unify the various sources of knowledge.
(s) of insurance and reinsurance industries are seriously concerned about the question of insurance against disasters. In recent years, the losses in disasters have become excessive, but also the business opportunities have grown in size. Thus the proportion of financial loss in disasters repaid by the insurance has doubled in 10 years. There is, however, a critical lack of capital to underwrite the risks of disasters. Quindi, le compagnie dovrebbero cercare nuove fonti di esperienza per aiutarli a stimare i rischi di coinvolgimento in questo settore nel futuro. Purtroppo, molte compagnie di assicurazione non sono ancora particolarmente sensibili alla possibilità di collaborare con istituzioni accademiche, ed alcune hanno allestito dipartimenti di ricerca per conto proprio, nel caso della Compagnia di Riassicurazione di Monaco di Baviera, con grande successo.
(f) La domanda per la formazione in materia di disaster management è destinata a crescere. I principali clienti sono il settore della pubblica amministrazione, i servizi di emergenza, e le principali compagnie commerciali. I campo è ancora lontano da raggiungere lo stato di una vera e propria professione, but it's going in that direction. There is therefore a double demand for education and professional training and standards. However, since the field can not yet boast the status of a profession, it can not expect to receive remuneration at the level of that of engineers, doctors and other professionals raggionieri well established. Thus, the training must be of short duration and cost.
Notes [1] Geography and anthropology, sociology, social psychology, economics and actuarial sciences, geophysical sciences and construction, medicine and epidemiology, and studies of economic development (see Alexander, D. 1993. Natural Disasters ).
[2] Quarantelli, EL 1995. What is a disaster? International Journal of Mass Emergencies and Disasters 13 (3): 221-229; Quarantelli, EL (ed.) 1998. What is a Disaster? Perspectives on the Question . Routledge, London, 312 pp.
