The recent devastation caused by tsunamis, hurricanes and wildfires highlights the need for highly trained professionals who can develop effective strategies in response to these disasters. This invaluable resource arms readers with the tools to address all phases of emergency management. It covers everything from the social and environmental processes that generate hazards to vulnerability analysis, hazard mitigation, emergency response, and disaster recovery.

With this book, readers will learn how to apply their knowledge and skills in order to create communities that are more resilient to the impacts of hazards. It clearly presents the major principles involved in preparing for and mitigating the impacts of hazards in emergency management. This resource also provides real-world examples of different tools and techniques that emergency managers can use to reduce the impact of different types of hazards.

In order for a community to be truly prepared to respond to any type of emergency, it must develop effective emergency planning. Emergency Planning guides readers through the steps of developing these plans, offering a number of strategies that will help ensure success. It delves into the patterns of human disaster behavior, social psychology, and communication as well as the basics of generic protective actions, planning concepts, implementation, and action.

This book introduces the concept of hazards as part of the earth’s natural systems, in contrast to "disasters," which occur at the intersection of the built and natural environments. It emphasizes choices made by society that either increase or diminish our level of vulnerability to the impacts of hazards, and the role of the emergency manager in how these choices are made and acted upon. The book defines key concepts including mitigation, preparedness, resilience, vulnerability, and explains the role of the emergency manager in putting these principles into practice.

An essential text for today’s emerging professionals and higher education community, the third edition of Hazard Mitigation and Preparedness provides accessible and actionable strategies to create safer, more resilient communities. Known and valued for its balanced approach, Hazard Mitigation and Preparedness assumes no prior knowledge of the subject, presenting the major principles involved in preparing for and mitigating the impacts of hazards in emergency management. Real-world examples of different tools and techniques allow for the application of knowledge and skills. This new edition includes: Updates to case studies and sidebars with recent disasters and mitigation efforts, including major hurricanes, wildfires, earthquakes, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Summary of the National Flood Insurance Program, including how insurance rates are determined, descriptions of flood maps, and strategies for communities to help reduce premiums for residents. Overview of the ways that climate change is affecting disasters and the tools that emergency managers can use to plan for an uncertain future. Best practices in communication with the public, including models for effective use of social media, behavioral science techniques to communicate information about risk and preparedness actions, and ways to facilitate behavior change to increase the public’s level of preparedness. Actionable information to help emergency managers and planners develop and implement plans, policies, and programs to reduce risk in their communities. Updated in-text learning aids, including sidebars, case studies, goals and outcomes, key terms, summary questions and critical thinking exercises for students. An eResource featuring new supplemental materials to assist instructors with course designs. Supplements include PowerPoint slides, tests, instructor lecture notes and learning objectives, key terms and a course syllabus.