APUS ePress: Emergency and Disaster Management

Luke I.W. Balthazar
Program: Emergency and Disaster Management: Capstone-Thesis: Master of Arts (MA)
Awarded: August 2016
Capstone Instructor: Dr. Michael R. Charter
Abstract: The low income of Haiti and Nepal inherently make them more likely to experience a catastrophic incident compared to wealthy nations with robust emergency and disaster management capabilities. Both of these nations have experienced a catastrophic event in the last decade and the speed of the international responses were significantly different. Part of the difference in the response can be contributed to logistics and the ability of the affected nation to open their airports for international aid and first responders. Airports are vital to the response phase of catastrophic incidents because speed can mitigate impacts. This thesis analyzes the preparedness of Haiti’s Toussaint Louverture International Airport and Nepal’s Tribhuvan International Airport to support the influx of humanitarian aid during the response phase of the emergency management cycle, utilizing the 2010 Haiti earthquake and 2015 Nepal earthquake as case studies. It recommends that developed nations increase investments into the preparedness of airports of low income nations in order to set the environment necessary to quickly open the basic logistical support necessary for international aid and assistance to enter into the country. Globalization has ensured that catastrophes anywhere in the world impact every other nation in some way and it is on the international community to work together to mitigate these impacts.

Alexandra L. Huston
Program: Emergency and Disaster Management: Capstone-Thesis: Master of Arts (MA)
Awarded: May 2016
Capstone Instructor: Dr. Michael R. Charter
Abstract: This research explores the relationship between emergency and disaster management and information technology. Information technology has the ability to improve the capabilities of emergency and disaster management, but has not been fully operationalized within the field. This research explores the information technology that holds potential to be applied to emergency and disaster management operations. The research examines the factors the influence the determination to utilize these technologies within the field to determine the influential determinants to adapt for the allowance of development and growth for information technology in emergency and disaster management.

Brian C. Newcomer
Program: Emergency and Disaster Management: Capstone-Thesis: Master of Arts (MA)
Awarded: August 2016
Capstone Instructor: Dr. Robert Ditch
Abstract: While the argument continues regarding the reasons behind climate change, the fact remains that the climate is indeed changing. These changes are projected to impact the frequency and intensity of storms in the future. This case study investigates current and predicted changes in the intensity of hurricanes, flooding, tornadoes, drought, and wildfires and how those changes affect the profession of emergency management. Specifically, current decision making regarding planning, mitigation, and adaptation is based on a historical perspective though many of those decisions have impact 50 – 100 years into the future. As natural disasters including hurricanes, tornadoes, drought, floods and wild fires increase in intensity and frequency due to anthropogenic climate change, they will exceed current protection methodologies in mitigation and adaptation thereby increasing vulnerability for people and property to future hurricanes, tornadoes, drought, floods, and wild fires. The tools and methods must be updated to incorporate future change as well as historic trends while policy makers and emergency management professionals need to incorporate potential changes in their decision making regarding planning, mitigation and adaptation. Failure to incorporate these changes may lead to more deaths and higher costs associated with more intense and more frequent storms in the future.

Dominica R. Ramirez
Program: Emergency and Disaster Management: Capstone-Thesis: Master of Arts (MA)
Awarded: May 2016
Capstone Instructor: Dr. Randall Cuthbert
Abstract: This research examines multijurisdictional response efforts for five different disasters that affected the state of Texas. A qualitative approach was used to identify common themes in these disaster responses where multijurisdictional training would have provided benefit. Examination of each response uncovered that despite the National Incident Management System, jurisdictions across Texas would benefit from a robust multijurisdictional training initiative to facilitate more effective response operations. Problems such as communication, command and control, mutual aid deficiencies, and self-deployments were apparent in almost every studied disaster. The areas for improvement identified in each disaster confirmed the hypothesis that mitigation of these response faults would best be served through multijurisdictional training efforts.

Lynn S. Solace
Program: Emergency and Disaster Management: Capstone-Thesis: Master of Arts (MA)
Awarded: August 2016
Capstone Instructor: Dr. Michael Charter
Abstract: The purpose of this research is to examine whether there is a need to introduce refugee populations to disaster preparedness and crisis management training after they resettle. Research was conducted to determine the legal and ethical aspects of disaster management, the effect of cultural and language barriers, the capability of community based organizations, and the need to address refugee trauma. Resilient communities start with acknowledging the individuals that make up the community and understanding their unique strengths and weaknesses in order to build relationships and plan for catastrophe. The conclusion of this research is that while disaster preparedness training is critical to everyone’s survival, special emphasis needs to be placed on societies’ most vulnerable populations to ensure their needs are addressed and plans are in place to fulfill those requirements if crisis occurs. The obligation is on the whole community to step up and assist through financial support of humanitarian organizations, volunteering to teach English, first aid, or job skills or ensuring that someone has a hot meal and a place to lay their head during an evacuation.

Michele A. Farris
Program: Emergency and Disaster Management: Capstone-Thesis: Master of Arts (MA)
Awarded: August 2015
Capstone Instructor: Dr. Randall Cuthbert
Abstract: The most recognized goal of any triage system is to do the greatest good for the greatest number of people, but is doing the greatest good leaving out an entire generation. The older population is aging and this will have far-reaching implications in the future regarding disaster triage goals if the current expectant categories of triage systems are not updated. A review of the available literature was analyzed and the findings validated the initial claim that the older population is significantly undertriaged and classified as unsalvageable based on chronological age. Additionally, triage system algorithms do not take into consideration the physiological changes in addition to the comorbidities that occur in the aging population. In order to mitigate this generation being ignored during mass casualty incidents in the triage phase, policymakers will need to implement an updated set of protocols that incorporate a new set of criteria aimed specifically at the older population. Unless these protocols are deemed a necessity in the near future, the result of the overall response effort will not be considered as doing the greatest good for the greatest number because at some point the greatest number of people will be the older population.

Elizabeth A. Hughes
Program: Emergency and Disaster Management: Capstone-Thesis: Master of Arts (MA)
Awarded: August 2015
Capstone Instructor: Dr. Randall Cuthbert
Abstract: Socially vulnerable populations suffer greater losses and have more difficulties recovering when disasters occur. Hurricane Katrina, systems of social inequity, as well as the governments’ preparedness and response failures turned a natural disaster into a social catastrophe. This research seeks to understand the challenges faced by the elderly, impoverished, disabled, and minority communities before a disaster strikes so as to identify the means required by emergency planners to develop more effective and inclusive emergency operations plans. Hurricane Katrina exposed government failures at every level of mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery. These critical flaws must be addressed so as to prevent similar catastrophic outcomes. The concluding section addresses recommendations the emergency management and disaster planning community must take to assist and protect special needs residents. Developing solutions and reducing gaps in emergency planning will save lives.

Tamara L. Mann
Program: Emergency and Disaster Management: Capstone-Thesis: Master of Arts (MA)
Awarded: November 2015
Capstone Instructor: Dr. Len Clark
Abstract: The purpose of this research is to examine the theory that sinkhole events are a common problem, are increasing in frequency within the United States and resulting in costly damages, disrupted communities, and lost lives. Communities are ill prepared to deal with them or their aftermath. Remediation and mitigation costs range in the thousands, usually paid out-of-pocket as insurance coverage is not always available and, in some cases, only covers catastrophic losses. A mixed methods approach with a pragmatic worldview was used to evaluate data with the overarching goal to show that communities must be knowledgeable about sinkhole hazards in order to make informed decisions to better protect residents from their potentially devastating results. Sinkholes are natural phenomenons that under normal circumstances take many, even hundreds of years to development; human activities often accelerate that timeframe to just hours or days. As humans trigger up to three-quarters of all sinkholes, it is largely within our grasp to control factors that trigger the development of most sinkholes. Building long-term sustainable communities able to withstand sinkhole occurrences will require action by governmental authorities and others to develop policies and procedures that minimize the incidence and impact of sinkholes.

Esther W. Ngotho
Program: Emergency and Disaster Management: Capstone-Thesis: Master of Arts (MA)
Awarded: November 2015
Capstone Instructor: Dr. Randall Cuthbert
Abstract: Three case studies from the developing parts of the world were investigated in an attempt to understand how each country’s capacity to respond to disaster is linked to its social, economic and political factors. Further, the examination of terrorism, spread of pandemics and global warming revealed that globalization has resulted into an interconnectedness that leads to spillover effects of disasters from one country to another, pointing to a need for the world to cooperate in international emergency management. Currently, the UN is the most suitable international body that can advance crises’ management in the world as a human right for all nations. It has the capacity to design and codify invaluable principles for responding to international disasters by offering voluntary membership to countries that meet predetermined conditions of participation for disaster relief programs. Obviously, the developing countries would benefit meaningfully from such operations if a way to even out wealth disparities between the rich and the poor nations was found, and a system for incorporating automatic request for international assistance once their national response plans became overloaded was devised. However, the structure and funding of these systems were issues that this study recommended for further research.

Bobbi Jo Nye
Program: Emergency and Disaster Management: Capstone-Thesis: Master of Arts (MA)
Awarded: February 2015
Capstone Instructor: Dr. Christina Spoons
Abstract: This research examines state and local requirements for 25 non-public K-8 schools in the identified counties of West Virginia, Virginia, and Maryland to have emergency plans that meet the federal recommended guidelines for comprehensive emergency management planning. A mixed methods approach using a web enabled survey instrument developed and used to determine school plan comprehensiveness. The researcher used the same survey instrument to perform a comparative analysis for a sample of public schools in the same counties and states. To gain total plan value to verify if the school plan met the comprehensive definition, the researcher developed a matrix to quantitatively analyze the data. Examination of state statute concluded ambiguous verbiage relating to what schools should develop school emergency plans; only one state specifically included non-public schools in its legislature. Hypothesis one states if there is no requirement to have emergency plans in place, non-public schools have not developed comprehensive plans. This proved inconclusive due to minimal participation by non-public schools. Hypothesis two stated if non-public schools are required to have emergency plans, these schools do not follow perspective state statute and federal recommended emergency planning guidelines for schools (2013). This proved correct for the non-public schools that responded.

Krista M. Sobecki
Program: Emergency and Disaster Management: Capstone-Thesis: Master of Arts (MA)
Awarded: August 2015
Capstone Instructor: Dr. Randall Cuthbert
Abstract: Throughout history, biological and pandemic outbreaks have plagued the global population. In recent history, the fear of a bioterrorism event has become even more prevalent. Because of events such as the anthrax attacks following September 11th, and even more recently with the Ebola outbreak, preparedness and vulnerability of the population to these biological agents has become an even bigger priority. On the front lines of the fight to combat these biological agents are the hospital and healthcare systems of the United States. The ability of hospitals and healthcare systems to prepare for and respond to a biological weapons or a pandemic incident may be the difference between life and death for a large number of the population. This paper will examine the current state of preparedness and vulnerability of hospital and healthcare systems in the in the Western Pennsylvania region. Research consisted of qualitative analysis of past and current regulations regarding preparedness for biological events, case studies of past events, and review of academic journals, media reports, and government resources. Research shows that the threat of bioterrorism and pandemic events remains a serious threat. While the probability of bioterrorism and mass pandemic outbreaks may be low, the risk and potential consequences should it occur is far too high to not be prepared for the incident. However, results show that there will be many obstacles and challenges to overcome in order to ensure that hospital and healthcare systems are fully prepared to respond to the threat of bioterrorism and pandemic events. These challenges must be met and overcome in order to guarantee that safety of patients and victims.

Paul R. Van Reed
Program: Emergency and Disaster Management: Capstone-Thesis: Master of Arts (MA)
Awarded: May 2015
Capstone Instructor: Dr. Christina Spoons
Abstract: This research examines the viability of cell phone tracking to enhancing emergency manager’s situational awareness of compliance with evacuations orders and using big data analytics for the purpose of identifying special populations. Cell phone tracking and big data analytics are emerging technologies and can be seen as complementary to one another. Therefore, this research will consider the two technologies together for applicability to emergency evacuations. The research methodology is a ground theory qualitative strategy as it provides the best approach to examine the complex behavioral response to real world evacuation events in the social, political and legal context. There is strong evidence that both cell phone tracking and big data analytics would afford emergency managers valuable insight to evacuate response dynamics and enhanced information on special population. The research also makes clear that the necessary legal foundation for the use of these technologies by emergency managers for evacuations is lacking. There are no clear statutory or regulatory foundations for using such technologies. Therefore, despite the potential practical value the technologies offer, the absence of legal support for use places both technologies outside the emergency manager’s evacuation toolbox.

Cassandra J. White
Program: Emergency and Disaster Management: Capstone-Thesis: Master of Arts (MA)
Awarded: November 2015
Capstone Instructor: Dr. Michael Charter
Abstract: The purpose of this research is to identify and validate the importance of employing the instruction of basic emergency management principles into the high school setting. Research was conducted comparison between current emergency management practices and the Common Core Standards for Educators. Findings include a vast lacking of emergency management principles in the public school curriculum. The capability to implement emergency management principles into the student curriculum while maintaining the integrity of the common core standards is a capability unique to the career field. The research conclusion is that through the addition of EM principles, the local community and students will be better prepared to handle and respond to natural and man-made disasters.

Teresa C. Wilmoth
Program: Emergency and Disaster Management: Capstone-Thesis: Master of Arts (MA)
Awarded: August 2015
Capstone Instructor: Dr. Randall Cuthbert
Abstract: The world is experiencing a phenomenon called climate change. Climate change and its effects are found on every continent on the planet. Climate change affects men and women differently, depending upon the socio-economic status of the individual. The Niger Delta is the economic core of Nigeria. Men are treated differently than women in Nigeria which correlates as to how each gender deals with climate change. The purpose of the research was to discover whether or not climate change has a gendered quality. The selected strategy of inquiry used in this paper is the qualitative, archival analysis design method. The findings in the body of this paper support that climate change does affect women differently than men. Work is being conducted in the international community attempting to alter the gendered face of climate change. Women are being empowered around the globe in order to make their voices heard in the climate change arena.

Matthew Smith Bright
Program: Emergency and Disaster Management: Capstone-Thesis: Master of Arts (MA)
Awarded: August 2014
Capstone Instructor: Dr. Christi Scott Bartman
Abstract: LED emergency lights are one of the newest tools emergency responders are using to be visible. These lights are not without concern however. The purpose of this research is to address the primary question: Does the use of LED lighting on emergency vehicles contribute to secondary or subsequent collisions at accident scenes? Literature was reviewed on the topics of emergency vehicle and worker conspicuity, lighting color and flash patterns for emergency lighting, and driver distraction. Secondary research questions answered were: 1) What is the prevalence (both before and after LED) of secondary or subsequent accidents during emergency response activities? 2) How does LED lighting affect driver perception during nighttime and inclement weather? 3) What is the relationship between driver perception of an accident and their subsequent reaction? Research was then contrasted with the reviewed literature and recommendations were made including: adding emergency vehicle specific elements to nationwide uniform crash reporting, future research for LED lighting level standards, and manufacturer standard for auto-dimming LED emergency lights.

Jesse A. Magenheimer
Program: Emergency and Disaster Management: Capstone-Thesis: Master of Arts (MA)
Awarded: June 2014
Capstone Instructor: Dr. Christina Spoons
Abstract: This research addresses the importance of cybersecurity resilience for critical infrastructure and key resources for emergency managers in their communities. The issue is framed by the relevance for practitioners, the challenging legal and policy landscape, and the criticality of the public-private sector dynamic in achieving greater resilience against cyber threats. Leveraging a qualitative research methodology, the findings and recommendations affirm the salience of the topic for emergency managers. Incongruent policy and legislation coupled with insufficient collaboration between the public sector and private sector owners of critical infrastructure requires emergency managers to draw upon their knowledge, skills, and abilities as they seek to address the issue in their planning and preparedness efforts.

Blair Anthony Scholl
Program: Criminal Justice: Capstone-Thesis: Emergency and Disaster Management: Capstone-Thesis: Master of Arts (MA)
Awarded: May 2014
Capstone Instructor: Dr. Robert O. Dawkins
Abstract: Recent research has revealed that global warming is increasing and is leading to an increase in disaster frequency, which places more people at risk to the effects of disasters. The use of social media, as well as social media platforms and technologies, has increased as well. This paper demonstrates that a social media unit should be created within the Incident Command System structure in order to leverage the vast amount of social media data and avoid data management concerns during disasters. This unit should be created within the Planning Section to avoid chain of command issues and streamline information sharing. This study utilizes case studies to show how various social media platforms are being used as well as government documents to show how the Incident Command System is being employed.