EMM 311 TOPIC 3 DQ 1 PARTICIPATION
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EMM 311 TOPIC 3 DQ 1 PARTICIPATION Hello D!
Hurricane Katrina, a colossal natural disaster, left an indelible mark on the community's health and economy. Its sheer magnitude, as the third-strongest and
largest hurricane to hit the United States, underscores the gravity of the situation. The community's resilience, however, was evident in the mitigation planning within New Orleans. As you rightly pointed out, Dustin, controlling or predicting the full extent of such natural disasters is daunting. For instance, while Katrina peaked as a Category 5 hurricane with gusts of up to 175 mph, the levees were designed for a Category 3 hurricane (
2017 hurricane season FEMA after-action report
).
What is interesting yet also sad is that when it comes to the death toll from this deadly hurricane is the fact that more than half of these victims were senior citizens. The total numbers were as follows: 1,836 people died in all, most of them from Louisiana (1,577) and Mississippi (238) (
2017 hurricane season FEMA after-action report
). Meanwhile, for property damages, it caused $81 billion in property damage; Hurricane Katrina is thought to have had a $150 billion economic impact on Louisiana and Mississippi, making it the most expensive hurricane in US history (
2017 hurricane season FEMA after-action report
). Thus, over 15 million individuals were impacted by Hurricane Katrina in various ways, including having to leave their homes, increased petrol prices, and a weaker
economy. To put into perspective just how big this hurricane was and how much it
impacted a few states and the US, approximately 90,000 square miles were affected by Hurricane Katrina (
2017 hurricane season FEMA after-action report
). Besides property damage, it also caused economic hardships for many citizens in the affected area. Although almost a million non-farm occupations were
in the storm-affected region, the hurricane caused hundreds of thousands of locals to lose jobs.
Following the hurricane, the international community rallied to provide support. More than 70 nations pledged financial aid or other assistance forms, demonstrating the disaster's global impact and the need for collective action. This massive relief effort, combined across multiple agencies and organizations, was a
testament to the shared goal of preserving peace and unity among US citizens affected by the hurricane. Kuwait offered the most significant contribution with a $500 million commitment (
2017 hurricane season FEMA after-action report
). At the same time, other countries such as Qatar, India, China, Pakistan, and Bangladesh also made substantial donations.
Overall, even if they happen seldom, disasters like Hurricane Katrina can force financial institutions to implement disaster recovery plans and develop quick fixes
for unforeseen problems. It can be a good idea to reevaluate an institution's readiness for reasonably foreseeable risks at all organizational levels, not only information technology recovery. As not all disasters can be avoided or predicted, one should be ready and have backup plans. Knowing where to go and what vital functions must be restored when responding to a disaster will give anyone and their staff confidence.
Business continuity planning fundamentals include identifying threats, evaluating their impact, setting priorities, and creating prepared solutions. These assessments frequently rank risks from high to low on a scale that considers both their likelihood of happening and the potential effects they could have on the organization. Therefore, I agree with your statement, Dustin, that government organizations, corporations, and the community must coordinate activities to lessen the effects of disasters like Hurricane Katrina. Using extensive infrastructure upgrades, all-encompassing emergency preparedness, community involvement, and environmental rehabilitation, it is feasible to construct a more resilient future and significantly reduce the catastrophic effects of incidents of this
kind.
References:
2017 hurricane season FEMA after-action report. (n.d.-
a).
https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/2020-08/fema_hurricane-season-
after-action-report_2017.pdf
Hello T!
Wildfires were common when I lived in California, primarily where I was located. I volunteered and worked with Cal Fire, especially alongside the infamous "Hot
Spot" crews, who were like the elite. I must say that when you are there in the moment experiencing a wildfire, it's a sight to see because it's unexplained and unimaginative. One sees fire's sheer power in a wooded area and how fast it can spread unless contained. Therefore, I agree with your statement, Tyler, that the economies of the impacted towns are significantly affected by wildfires, which can
cause significant financial losses. These losses result from the direct destruction of land, buildings, and natural resources, the indirect expenses of canceled trips, and lost revenue from business interruptions.
Wildfires play a crucial role in the survival of particular ecosystems, but they can also trigger environmental and health crises. Striking a balance between these two aspects is a formidable challenge. Even if your home is fire-resistant, wildfires can cause many other issues, including air pollution, health ailments, property damage, and disruptions in essential services like power, water, or communication (
Preparing for increased wildfire challenges
).
1.
Pollution
Air Quality: When wildfires burn, they release greenhouse gases, smoke, and fine particles. When enough wildfires occur over time, these pollutants have the potential to worsen the state of the air.
Moreover, scientists think that "decades" of improvements in air quality have been negated
by pollution caused by the destructive 2020 California fire season.
Water Quality: Hazardous pollutants, silt, and heavy metals are just a few of the materials that wildfires can cause to seep into adjacent water sources. These chemicals damage aquatic life and contaminate the water, rendering it hazardous for human or animal consumption.
2.
Health:
Respiratory: Respiratory problems arise when smoke and tiny particulate matter from wildfires are inhaled. These conditions can be anything from minor irritations of the nose, mouth, throat, and lungs to more severe conditions like asthma or bronchitis.
Cardiovascular: Wildfires may cause people to suffer from severe cardiovascular problems, such as heart attacks or heart failure, by depriving them of oxygen through smoke inhalation. \
3.
Property:
Resources: Loss of property and land, including houses, farms, animals, and resources, is one of the worst drawbacks of wildfires.
4.
Ecology:
Animals/Soil Erosion: Wildfires are a natural part of many ecosystems, and are essential for certain species to thrive. However, they can also disrupt animal and plant life if they burn in the same place for an extended period.
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5.
Logistics:
Communications: Wildfires hampered communications when they destroyed fiber lines, utility poles, or cell towers collapsed due to a blackout. A fire frequently results in people losing their cell phone coverage or having it curtailed. When I worked with Cal Fire, the most significant thing we relied on was portable radios, our lifeline.
Power: In the United States, the hottest and driest months of the year coincide with wildfire season. Utility firms will shut down their power infrastructure and cut off electricity during heatwaves, when wildfires are more likely to occur, to reduce the danger of wildfire accidents.
Regrettably, cutting off the electricity might make it more difficult for the local administration to coordinate communications, organize evacuations, and provide medical assistance during a wildfire.
Water: Firefighters rely heavily on water as a resource for battling wildfires. Collecting, storing, and moving the water to the fire's location is necessary. Getting adequate water to the scene can be extremely difficult, depending on the fire's size, location, topography, and intensity. Thus, we used many ground and air vehicles to transport water and fight the fire.
(The information gathered for these 5 points came from (
Preparing for increased wildfire challenges
)).
Overall, we can determine that wildfire mitigation planning is fraught with difficulties. This is because wildfires can battle and experience unpredictable fire behavior. Thus, close coordination between numerous agencies and stakeholders is required. Comprehensive land management plans, public fire safety education, and the creation of robust infrastructure should all be part of the planning process to reduce the adverse effects on the environment and the economy. Therefore, effective wildfire control also requires robust emergency response strategies and improved early warning systems.
References:
Preparing for increased wildfire challenges
. FEMA.gov. (n.d.).
https://www.fema.gov/blog/preparing-increased-wildfire-challenges
Hello O!
I remember watching the news coverage of the tsunami when it first struck and impacted Tohoku, Japan, especially when they announced the severity of the situation regarding the power plant. The power plant situation reminded me of 3
Mile Island, where I reside in Pittsburgh, PA. At the Three Mile Island Nuclear Power Plant on the Susquehanna River in Londonderry Township, close to Harrisburg, the capital of Pennsylvania, the Unit 2 reactor (TMI-2) partially melted down, resulting in the Three Mile Island catastrophe.
Therefore, after reading your response to the DQ, I figured I would add on and do some research myself because I'll say it now and repeat it. I want to learn more, which can only be done by conducting research. Nonetheless, property and human life along the coast are particularly vulnerable to tsunamis. It has the power to create incredibly powerful currents, quickly flood the land, and wreak havoc. As the tsunami travels across the land, the force and flow of the water, together with the debris it carries, can potentially demolish automobiles, buildings, and other structures, inflict injuries, and result in fatalities (
Protective Actions Research).
When the water returns to the sea carrying people and debris, it can be just as hazardous, if not more so (
Protective Actions Research
). Dangerous currents and flooding can persist for several days. Tsunamis of any size can be hazardous, and it's crucial to be aware of their potential dangers.
Tsunamis are rare, high-impact phenomena that can kill many people, destroy many properties, and cause economic devastation for a sizable portion of the US coastline. Over 700 people have died, and the coastal states and territories of the United States have suffered over 400 million dollars in damage (1.9 billion dollars adjusted for inflation to 2015) as a result of tsunamis since the start of the 19th century (
Protective Actions Research
).
Immediately following the devastating tsunamis that struck Tohoku, Japan, Japanese Prime Minister Kan Naoto moved to set up an emergency command and
control center in Tokyo (
Relief and rebuilding efforts
). Many rescue workers and
a hundred thousand Self Defense Forces were rapidly mobilized to deal with the crisis. Plus, the Japanese government requested that the US military, with personnel stationed there, be available to help with relief efforts. Many countries and major international relief organizations sent personnel and pledged financial and material support to Japan (
Relief and rebuilding efforts
). However, the disaster hampered the rescue work itself due to the inclement weather. This made it difficult to get personnel and supplies to the devastation zone. In addition, following the disaster, hundreds of thousands of people sought refuge in
shelters, many with scant or nonexistent food or water supplies. Meanwhile, tens of thousands remained trapped and alone in the most affected areas, awaiting rescue efforts. Lastly, the region's manufacturing production was significantly curtailed in the months that followed the tragedy due to the loss of enterprises and factories caused by the earthquake and tsunami devastation, as well as the unpredictability of the power supply (
Relief and rebuilding efforts
).
Overall, I agree with your statement, O, where you stress the importance of arranging to moderate such a complex, multi-hazard occasion that incorporates
several challenges. Thus, the challenges include radiation contamination, relocating communities, and striking an adjustment between short-term financial recuperation and long-term strength expenditures. Enhancing early caution frameworks, invigorating imperative foundations to resist seismic movement, putting in broad radiation security measures, and conducting community preparedness drills and instruction programs are just scratching the surface of your suggestions, Olivia. However, I agree that spoken about and have actions taken. This would play down the impacts of these disasters that cause physical and financial harm to both people and the economy/ecosystems. References:
Encyclopædia Britannica, inc. (n.d.).
Relief and rebuilding efforts
. Encyclopædia Britannica.
https://www.britannica.com/event/Japan-earthquake-and-
tsunami-of-2011/Relief-and-rebuilding-efforts
Protective Actions Research. (n.d.).
https://community.fema.gov/ProtectiveActions/s/article/Tsunami-
Impact#:~:text=Some%20impacts%20of%20a%20tsunami,weighing
%20several%20tons%2C%20along%20with
Hey L!
When I read your discussion question post, and you spoke about the El Paso shooting, this brought up a memory I had forgotten about. The memory is that when that shooting occurred, it was a week after I PCS'd out of Fort Bliss and returned home to Pittsburgh, PA. When it happened, my family and a few friends asked me if I had ever been to that Walmart or Cielo Vista Mall. I remember
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answering them with the straightest face, saying truthfully that almost every weekend, I went to the mall or did grocery shopping at that Walmart (if I did not feel like going to the commissary).
I agree with your observation, L. The El Paso tragedy had profound economic and physical effects on the affected population. The incident led to significant medical expenses for the victims, increased security measures, and a decline in local commercial activity due to fear and distress. It's interesting to see how human behavior, influenced by such incidents in their immediate surroundings, can impact commercial activity. For instance, customers who usually cross the border to shop in El Paso, like those from Ciudad Juárez and other northern Mexican cities, might reconsider their trips to Paso, Texas; tragedy had far-reaching economic and physical consequences for the afflicted population (
Texas Safety Action Report
). In addition, as you said, the incident resulted in considerable medical bills for victims, additional security measures, and decreased local commercial activity due to people's fear and anguish. Commercial activity results from how humans think and react to such incidents occurring so close to where they do these leisurely activities. For example, customers who would typically cross the border to buy in El Paso, such as those from Ciudad Juárez and other northern Mexican cities, will think twice before making those travels (
Texas Safety Action Report
).
As for physical impacts, as you have also said, L involves not only the immediate harm to individuals involved in the tragedy but also its long-term effects on people. Thus, psychological trauma has been linked and spoken about by the traumatized, including survivors, family members, witnesses, first responders, medical personnel, those fleeing the scene, and even those who had no direct connection (
Texas Safety Action Report
). This kind of event makes the trauma more communal and makes it more difficult for people to comprehend and deal with the emotional trauma. As a result, each person's symptoms and severity level
might vary considerably. How severe it is depends on how much it interferes with a person's capacity to go about their daily lives (
Texas Safety Action Report
).
I like how you describe mitigation planning when it comes to an event such as this, as well as the complex thinking and planning that goes into the type of work because of its emotional status and ensuring the proper care is given and
received. Planning for disaster mitigation comes with many issues, such as meeting the community's complex emotional and mental health needs, making sure impacted families and businesses receive continuous financial help, and enhancing security without creating an oppressive atmosphere.
The ways you describe minimizing these impacts by:
1.
Thorough crisis response training for regional organizations.
2.
Building solid mental health support networks.
3.
Building community resilience via outreach and education initiatives.
4.
Obtaining emergency funding for economic recovery.
However, other suggestions have sparked across the forum. Also, other tragedies similar to this spark a debate where people want strict gun laws, and others do not because it's against the 2nd Amendment.
1.
Background checks on all gun sales
2.
Extreme Risk Laws
(Often, family members and police enforcement are the
first to notice warning indications when someone is contemplating killing themselves or others during a crisis. Extreme Risk laws, sometimes known as "Red Flag" laws, give loved ones or law enforcement the ability to step in by asking a judge to issue an order temporarily preventing a person who is experiencing a crisis from obtaining firearms).
3.
Prohibiting people with dangerous histories to have/own guns.
4.
Prohibit the need for assault weapons.
5.
Prohibit High-Capacity Magazines.
6.
Prohibit Bump Stock and other conversion devices.
7.
Block Silencer Deregulation.
8.
Disarm Hate
(Hatred and firearms combine to be deadly. Almost 25,000 hate crimes in the US involve a firearm on a yearly average—that is, almost 69 crimes every day). After the El Paso shooting, many felt it was directed as a hate crime and should be punished severely for it. This also brought up the fact that El Paso's population is 83% Latino, and after the shooting, a lot more White supremacist
activity came into the area, and a lot
more debate sparked and added fuel to the fire.
(The above information came from (
Texas Safety Action Report
)).
To reiterate what you said, L, I believe that things can be done by encouraging a cooperative strategy that everyone follows and understands accordingly. This would include incorporating financial assistance, mental health services, and
increased security so the community will be better equipped to endure and recover from the aftermath of these awful occurrences.
References:
Texas Safety Action Report. (n.d.).
https://gov.texas.gov/uploads/files/press/Texas_Safety_Action_Report.
pdf
Hello A!
After reading your discussion question response, I found it fascinating how you selected hurricanes as the topic to address in the class. I know what a hurricane is,
but I don't know exactly what it is, meaning I wouldn't be able to give anyone a scientific response to someone if they asked me how a hurricane forms or what a hurricane is. Thus, I took it upon myself to conduct thorough research regarding hurricanes because you brought up many good points throughout your discussion
question response, and it made me want to learn more about the topic you spoke about.
My research on hurricanes revealed that they form when warm ocean waters and thunderstorms combine, creating these powerful natural phenomena (
Hurricane Preparedness
). They typically start as tropical waves, low-pressure systems that move across the moisture-rich tropics, potentially increasing shower and thunderstorm activity (
Hurricane Preparedness
).
When it comes to the impact of hurricanes, they can cause a wide range of physical damage, economic losses, and health issues. Let's break it down:
1.
In addition to causing damage to homes, buildings, and roads, hurricanes can disrupt business supply and transportation routes, cause environmental issues, contaminate drinking water systems, damage infrastructure and lifelines, and uproot hundreds to thousands of people.
2.
The worst hurricanes have the potential to inflict economic losses exceeding $100 billion.
3.
During a hurricane, trauma from debris carried by strong winds and drowning from floods and storm surges are common causes of injury and fatalities.
4.
Following a hurricane, cuts, and injuries from falls and slipping, infections, and electrocution are typical causes of harm and fatalities.
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However, one must also recognize the effects hurricanes may have on one's emotional health, just like how they affect them physically. Hurricanes can worsen
reproductive health, increase exposure to viral and noninfectious diseases, and result in long-term health problems such as post-traumatic stress disorder.
(Information relating to both physical and emotional distress about
hurricanes came from (How to Prepare for a Hurricane)).
Note to keep in mind: The storm's path, the area it affects, its magnitude and wind
intensity, the quantity and length of rainfall and storm surge, and other variables afFect how much an impact there is.
Overall, throughout the years, the US and around the world have experienced hurricanes year around, and somewhere along the line, people thought they were prepared more than they were in the past. However, hurricanes are unpredictable
because of the sheer power that comes from them, and no matter what, they can cause severe damage to property and take the lives of the innocent so fast. That is
why government officials from all levels need to be coherent and productive when
conducting AARs relating to mitigation plans for hurricane preparedness. However, that goes for any disaster that any community experiences more than others. Therefore, the community must stay informed, be notified immediately (timeliness), and have evacuation plans set and rehearsed. Families need to have their plan of action put in place, emergency shelters and personal shelters need to
be maintained with proper emergency supplies, businesses/organizations and families need to make appropriate decisions when protecting their properties, and lastly, have adequate equipment and personnel trained to handle recovery operations during and after the disaster to help people in need and restore necessities like power and water.
References:
How to prepare for a hurricane. (n.d.-
a).
https://www.ready.gov/sites/default/files/2020-03/fema_how-to-prepare-
for-hurricane.pdf
Hurricane Preparedness
. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. (n.d.).
https://www.noaa.gov/hurricane-prep
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