Emergency Management PDF

HSEH1110 Principles of Environmental Health Unit 6 Emergency Management  HL1720 Emergency Management OUTLINE Define emergencies Explain emergency management Identify different types of emergencies Id...

HSEH1110 Principles of Environmental Health Unit 6 Emergency Management  HL1720 Emergency Management OUTLINE Define emergencies Explain emergency management Identify different types of emergencies Identify and explain the four principles of Emergency Management and their purpose: Preparedness, Response, Recovery, Mitigation Identify potential environmental health issues that can arise during an emergency Identify emergency preparedness activities related to environmental health Describe the environmental health professional’s role during an emergency Identify Qatar agencies responsible for emergency management Deliver a poster presentation on the steps for an emergency evacuation of a college  HL1720 Emergency Management Hope for the best, But be prepared for the worst.  HL1720 Emergency Management What is an emergency? Definition of EMERGENCY An event, or the resulting state, that poses an immediate risk to health, life, property, or environment, and calls for urgent response.  HL1720 Emergency Management Types of Emergencies ⚫ Earthquakes ⚫ Hurricanes/Tornadoes ⚫ Tsunamis ⚫ Volcanoes ⚫ Sea-level rise ⚫ Droughts ⚫ Energy/utility outages ⚫ Fire ⚫ Hazardous materials releases ⚫ Terrorism  HL1720 Emergency Management History: World’s Worst Industrial Disaster  HL1720 Emergency Management History: World’s Worst Industrial Disaster 3 December 1984: Bhopal, India ⚫ The accident happened at Union Carbide Pesticide Plant ⚫ 36 metric tons of toxic gas Methyl Isocyanate (MIC) used to produce pesticides erupted from an underground storage plant → Some of MIC was converted to a deadly hydrogen cyanide gas ⚫ 600,000 people were exposed & 22,000 were killed ⚫ Economic damage: 4.1 billion dollars https://www.unocha.org/sites/unocha/files/EnvEm_LearningFromMultilateralResponse.pdf  HL1720 Emergency Management v  HL1720 Emergency Management Emergencies in Qatar ⚫ Qatar, has the lowest risk worldwide for natural disasters (earthquakes, flooding, increase in sea levels, volcanic eruptions) ⚫ We are only very slightly endangered by natural hazards, and have a low societal vulnerability.  HL1720 Emergency Management Emergencies in Qatar  HL1720 Emergency Management Potential Emergencies in Qatar ⚫ Dust storms ⚫ Heat waves ⚫ Floods ⚫ Fires ⚫ Traffic accidents ⚫ Industrial events (refineries, gas plants, toxic releases) ⚫ Oil and gas leakage  HL1720 Emergency Management Emergencies in Qatar ⚫ Central operation Department and permanent Committee for Emergency in Qatar coordinates with General Directorate of Civil Defense and Ministry of Interior. ⚫ Adopt measures and procedures to address natural disasters, fires and building collapses, oil and gas Leakage and other disasters and other … ⚫ It specializes in: Preparing studies and setting plans and procedures to face disasters. Setting rules and regulations to speed relief aid. Securing the safety of transportation and communications.  HL1720 Emergency Management Class Activity: Environmental emergencies 1. Climate Change: 2. Air Quality Emergencies: 3. Water Quality Emergencies: 4. Food and Water Scarcity: 5. Pollution and Waste: 6. Erosion and Soil Degradation: 7. Biodiversity and Wildlife Emergencies: 8. Biological Emergencies:  HL1720 Emergency Management Class Activity: Environmental emergencies 1. Climate Change: Heatwaves, Cold waves, Droughts, Sea level rise, Glacier melting 2. Air Quality Emergencies: Air pollution, Smog and haze events, Industrial pollution 3. Water Quality Emergencies: Water contamination incidents, Sewage spills 4. Food and Water Scarcity: Famine, Water scarcity and drought 5. Pollution and Waste: Plastic pollution, Radioactive contamination, Soil contamination 6. Erosion and Soil Degradation: Soil erosion, Desertification, Deforestation 7. Biodiversity and Wildlife Emergencies: Habitat destruction, Poaching and illegal wildlife trade, Species endangerment or extinction 8. Biological Emergencies: Disease outbreaks (e.g., pandemics)  HL1720 Emergency Management Environmental Health Issues During Emergencies 1. Contaminated Water Supply: cause waterborne diseases, such as cholera. 2. Air Quality: respiratory problems… 3. Food Safety: Disrupted supply chains, power outages, and improper food storage can lead to food spoilage resulting in foodborne illnesses. 4. Vector-Borne Diseases: create breeding grounds for disease-carrying vectors like mosquitoes, increasing the risk of diseases such as malaria and dengue fever. 5. Hazardous Materials and Chemical Exposure: release toxic chemicals into the environment, posing health risks to nearby communities. 6. Noise Pollution: Emergency response operations, such as rescue efforts and the use of generators, can contribute to noise pollution, disrupting sleep and increasing stress levels.  HL1720 Emergency Management Environmental Health Issues During Emergencies 1. Communicable Diseases: Overcrowded shelters can facilitate the spread of communicable diseases. 2. Infrastructure Damage: Damage to infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and utilities, can hinder access to healthcare, emergency services, and relief supplies. 3. Mental Health and Psychological Well-being: The stress, trauma, and disruption caused by emergencies can have a profound impact on mental health and well-being. 4. Vulnerable Populations: Vulnerable groups, such as the elderly, children, pregnant women, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions, may be at greater risk during emergencies and require special attention.  HL1720 Emergency Management World Risk Report - 2018 Pink Areas = high vulnerability for emergencies Green Areas = low vulnerability for emergencies https://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/resources/WorldRiskReport-2018.pdf  HL1720 Emergency Management Global Risks Report - 2019 Source: World Economic Forum, Global Risks Report 2019 https://www.mmc.com/content/dam/mmc-web/insights/publications/2019/jan/global-risks-report-2019.pdf  HL1720 Emergency Management Emergency Management “Emergency planning management refers to the coordination and management of resources and responsibilities pertaining to the mitigation of, preparedness for, response to, and recovery from an emergency”.  HL1720 Emergency Management Emergency Management The goal of emergency management is to protect public health and safety regardless of scale/cause of the emergency. We can’t stop emergencies and disasters from happening BUT we can take action to reduce the impacts of these events so that damage is mitigated and recovery can take place more quickly. Planning effectively for an emergency or disaster can help reduce losses and costs. The environmental health role will vary according to the situation, as well as the emergency response plans established in a community. https://www.fema.gov/media-library-data/20130726-1822-25045-7625/principles_of_emergency_management.pdf https://www.who.int/hac/techguidance/tools/WHO_strategy_consecpts_in_emegency_management.pdf  HL1720 Emergency Management Environmental Health Role Environmental Health professionals have an important responsibility in identifying environmental health hazards and mitigating risks that can affect a community following a disaster. Environmental Health professionals work closely with other public health and safety professionals, to re-establish: safe food and water housing/shelter sanitation waste management  HL1720 Emergency Management Four Phases of Emergency Management 1. Preparedness 2. Response 3. Recovery 4. Mitigation  HL1720 Emergency Management 1. Preparedness A STATE OF READINESS It is a protective process which enable governments, communities and individuals to respond rapidly to emergency situations ➔ Preparedness includes measures taken before a disaster event which are aimed at minimizing loss of life, disruption of critical services, and damage when the disaster occurs. Preparedness activities may include: ▪ Planning ▪ Training ▪ Exercises and Drills ▪ Emergency Awareness and Education  HL1720 Emergency Management 1. Preparedness Environmental Health role in preparedness includes: ⚫ Community Engagement: Engaging the community can help in early detection of potential hazards and increase overall preparedness. ⚫ Environmental Monitoring: Continuously monitor environmental conditions, such as air and water quality, to detect any changes that might pose health risks during an emergency. ⚫ Collaboration with Local Agencies: Collaborate closely with local emergency management agencies, public health departments, and other relevant organizations to ensure a coordinated response in the event of a disaster. ⚫ Training and Drills: Regularly conduct training sessions and emergency drills to ensure that staff and related agencies/groups are well-prepared to respond effectively in crisis situations.  HL1720 Emergency Management 2. Response Meet Urgent Needs of Victims ⚫ Mobilize emergency equipment and personnel ⚫ Search and rescue ⚫ Evacuation ⚫ Emergency medical care ⚫ Food and shelter  HL1720 Emergency Management 2. Response Environmental Health role in response includes: ⚫ Emergency water, food, shelter, hygiene and sanitation ⚫ Community water supply ⚫ Hazardous materials management ⚫ Communicable disease control ⚫ Emergency health services  HL1720 Emergency Management 3. Recovery Put Broken Pieces Back Together ⚫ Restore services (power, water, sewer systems) ⚫ Repair roads, bridges and other infrastructure ⚫ Restore commerce, businesses, etc.  HL1720 Emergency Management 3. Recovery Environmental Health role in recovery includes: ⚫ Housing Rehabilitation - Check homes/businesses for health hazards, clear for reoccupation ⚫ Ensure safe drinking water and food (check for spoilage) ⚫ Waste Management: Manage waste and debris removal, ensuring that hazardous materials are properly disposed of and that landfills or disposal sites are secure. ⚫ Environmental Cleanup  HL1720 Emergency Management 4. Mitigation The act of lessening the force or intensity of something unpleasant. Mitigation embraces measures taken to reduce both the effect of the hazard and the vulnerable conditions to it in order to reduce the scale of a future disaster. Mitigation activities may include: Improve Building Standards: buildings more resistant to the types of disasters that commonly affect the area Development of regulations: restrict building in flood-prone areas or require stormwater management plans to prevent flooding. Public awareness: information on disaster preparedness, evacuation plans, and safe construction practices Capital improvement programs - facilities/utilities Taxation and fiscal policies http://www.dictionary.com/browse/mitigation  HL1720 Emergency Management 4. Mitigation https://www.nap.edu/read/11793/chapter/5#65 Environmental Health role in mitigation includes: ⚫ Revisions to plans ⚫ Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment: identifying potential sources of environmental health threats and their potential impacts. ⚫ Health Education and promotion: Raise awareness among the public regarding environmental health risks and prevention strategies ⚫ Regulatory and Policy Development: Contribute to the development of regulations and policies that address environmental health risks, such as building codes, zoning regulations, and environmental protection laws. HL1720 Emergency Management HL1720 Emergency Management  HL1720 Emergency Management HSEH1110 - Principles of Environmental Health Unit 6 - Emergency Management Class Activity: Environmental Health Hazards and Disaster Management in Gaza War ⚫ In this activity, you will examine the critical role environmental health professionals in identifying and mitigating environmental health hazards during the conflict and post-conflict phases of the Gaza war. You will analyze the challenges associated with the disaster and develop a comprehensive plan to address environmental health concerns in each of the four phases: Preparedness, Response, Recovery, and Mitigation. 1. Introduction: Provide a brief overview of the Gaza conflict and its historical context 2. Environmental Health Hazards: Describe specific environmental health hazards that have emerged during the Gaza conflict including water quality, water scarcity, air pollution, sanitation, waste management...etc. 3. Impact on Public Health: Discuss how these environmental hazards have affected the health and well-being of the local population. Use statistics, case studies, or examples to support your analysis. 4. Disaster Management: Explore disaster response strategies in place to address these environmental health hazards during Gaza war. Discuss the role of environmental health professional in Preparedness, Response, Recovery, and Mitigation phases. Outline a response plan tackling resources needed (medical supplies, protective gear, clean water …) and training required (first aid …), coordination efforts with humanitarian organizations, … etc  HL1720 Emergency Management HSEH1110 - Principles of Environmental Health Unit 6 - Emergency Management Introduction: Provide a brief overview of the Gaza conflict and its historical context  HL1720 Emergency Management HSEH1110 - Principles of Environmental Health Unit 6 - Emergency Management Class Activity: Environmental Health Hazards and Disaster Management in Gaza War Environmental Health Hazards: Describe specific environmental health hazards that have emerged during the Gaza conflict including water quality, water scarcity, air pollution, sanitation, waste management...etc. 1. Water Quality: Contamination of water sources due to damage to infrastructure, chemical spills, and the release of hazardous substances result in unsafe drinking water, leading to waterborne diseases and long-term health risks. 2. Water Scarcity: Disruption of water supply systems and damage to water sources lead to severe water scarcity, affecting hygiene, sanitation, and daily life, as well as exacerbating conflicts over access to clean water. 3. Air Pollution: Bombing, burning of structures, and military activities release particulate matter, pollutants, and toxins into the air, contributing to respiratory problems, cardiovascular diseases, and other health issues. 4. Sanitation: Disrupted sanitation services, leading to improper disposal of human waste, which contaminate water sources and increase the risk of diseases such as cholera. 5. Waste Management: The destruction of infrastructure and displacement of populations lead to the accumulation of solid waste and hazardous materials, which, if not managed properly, can pose environmental and health risks.  HL1720 Emergency Management HSEH1110 - Principles of Environmental Health Unit 6 - Emergency Management Class Activity: Environmental Health Hazards and Disaster Management in Gaza War Environmental Health Hazards: Describe specific environmental health hazards that have emerged during the Gaza conflict including water quality, water scarcity, air pollution, sanitation, waste management...etc. 1. Land Degradation: The use of land for military purposes and deforestation lead to soil erosion and land degradation, impacting agricultural productivity and food security. 2. Displacement and Crowded Living Conditions: Conflicts force people to flee their homes and live in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions in refugee camps or temporary settlements, increasing the risk of disease transmission. 3. Vector-Borne Diseases: The breakdown of healthcare infrastructure and the displacement of populations create conditions conducive to the spread of vector-borne diseases like malaria and dengue fever. 4. Mental Health: Wars and conflicts cause immense psychological distress and mental health issues, impacting individuals and communities in the long term.  HL1720 Emergency Management HSEH1110 - Principles of Environmental Health Unit 6 - Emergency Management Class Activity: Environmental Health Hazards and Disaster Management in Gaza War Disaster Management: Discuss the role of environmental health professional in Preparedness, Response, Recovery, and Mitigation phases. 1. Preparedness: Assessing Environmental Risks: Environmental health professionals identify potential hazards associated with wars and conflicts, such as contaminated water sources, air pollution, waste management issues, and land degradation. Developing Contingency Plans: They work with local authorities and organizations to develop preparedness plans, including strategies to ensure safe water supply, sanitation facilities, and waste management during conflicts. Training and Capacity Building: Environmental health professionals train first responders and healthcare workers in recognizing and managing environmental health hazards, as well as preparing communities to respond to these risks.  HL1720 Emergency Management HSEH1110 - Principles of Environmental Health Unit 6 - Emergency Management Class Activity: Environmental Health Hazards and Disaster Management in Gaza War Disaster Management: Discuss the role of environmental health professional in Preparedness, Response, Recovery, and Mitigation phases. 2. Response: Rapid Assessment: Environmental health professionals conduct rapid assessments of the environmental health situation in conflict-affected areas to determine immediate needs, such as safe drinking water, sanitation facilities, and waste disposal. Emergency Relief: They coordinate the delivery of clean water, sanitation facilities, and medical supplies to address urgent environmental health issues and mitigate the risk of waterborne diseases and air pollution- related illnesses. Monitoring and Surveillance: Environmental health professionals continuously monitor environmental conditions and conduct disease surveillance to detect and respond to outbreaks promptly.  HL1720 Emergency Management HSEH1110 - Principles of Environmental Health Unit 6 - Emergency Management Class Activity: Environmental Health Hazards and Disaster Management in Gaza War Disaster Management: Discuss the role of environmental health professional in Preparedness, Response, Recovery, and Mitigation phases. 3. Recovery: Infrastructure Rehabilitation: They participate in the rebuilding of damaged infrastructure related to water supply, sanitation, and waste management to restore essential services. Long-term Health Assessments: Environmental health professionals assess the long-term health impacts of conflicts and develop strategies to address mental health issues, chronic diseases, and other health concerns. Sustainable Rehabilitation: They work on implementing sustainable practices for environmental health infrastructure to enhance resilience in case of future conflicts.  HL1720 Emergency Management HSEH1110 - Principles of Environmental Health Unit 6 - Emergency Management Class Activity: Environmental Health Hazards and Disaster Management in Gaza War Disaster Management: Discuss the role of environmental health professional in Preparedness, Response, Recovery, and Mitigation phases. 4. Mitigation: Advocacy for Peace and Conflict Resolution: Environmental health professionals can advocate for conflict resolution and peace-building efforts to prevent wars and conflicts, recognizing their devastating impact on environmental health. Advocating for international agreements to protect infrastructure, improving conflict resolution mechanisms, and conducting public awareness campaigns to promote peace and cooperation Implementing Environmental Conservation Measures: Promoting sustainable land use, forest preservation, and responsible waste management can help mitigate the environmental impacts of conflicts in the long term. Strengthening Resilience: They assist in strengthening the resilience of environmental health systems by improving infrastructure, promoting safe practices, and raising awareness about environmental protection.  HL1720 Emergency Management Class Activity - Environmental Health Hazards and Disaster Management In this activity, you will explore the critical role of environmental health professionals in identifying and mitigating environmental health hazards in various phases of emergency management: Preparedness, Response, Recovery, and Mitigation. You will analyze a real disaster scenario and develop a comprehensive plan to address environmental health concerns in each of these four phases. Instructions: Choose a disaster scenario: Select a real-world or hypothetical disaster scenario (e.g., hurricane, earthquake, flood, wildfire, disease outbreak, industrial accident). Provide a brief description of the chosen disaster scenario, including location and the nature of the disaster. Phase 1: Preparedness Explain the role of environmental health professionals in the preparedness phase. Identify potential environmental health hazards associated with your chosen disaster scenario.  HL1720 Emergency Management Class Activity - Environmental Health Hazards and Disaster Management Phase 2: Response Describe the critical tasks that environmental health professionals should undertake during the response phase. Outline a response plan that addresses immediate environmental health risks and considerations during and immediately after the disaster. Phase 3: Recovery Discuss the environmental health challenges that may arise during the recovery phase. Propose strategies and actions for environmental health professionals to contribute to a sustainable and healthy recovery process. Phase 4: Mitigation Explain the significance of the mitigation phase in preventing or reducing future environmental health risks. Identify measures and policies that can be implemented to mitigate environmental health hazards related to the chosen disaster scenario.  HL1720 Emergency Management Heavy rains, floods, landslides kill 24, displace thousands in Kerala The June-September rains in Kerala state have cost 175 lives and damaged crops worth $49.81 across 26,824 hectares. Kerala has received 17% more rainfall so far during the current season compared with last year.  HL1720 Emergency Management Wildfires rage along Portuguese tourist hotspot Ferocious fires in southern Portugal, stoked by sweltering temperatures and strong winds, have injured dozens and left a blackened trail of seared forest, charred homes and incinerated cars. Flames have consumed some 21,000 hectares of forest. The fires have left 36 people injured, one seriously, with 19 of those hurt firefighters  HL1720 Emergency Management Lessons Learned 7 December 1988 – Earthquake: Spitak, Armenia Employ local people! Armenia was part of the Soviet Union, but Moscow prohibited residents from working on rebuilding, causing political tension. Four years later, only 30 per cent of necessary structures were finished.  HL1720 Emergency Management Lessons Learned 17 January 1995 – Earthquake: Kobe, Japan Communicate better, more often, and more completely. A lack of timely and accurate information made it difficult for families to get services they needed. Shelter locations were not well publicised, which delayed relief.  HL1720 Emergency Management Lessons Learned 17 August 1999 – Earthquake: Izmit, Turkey Rebuild stronger! After quakes destroyed unsafe structures, rebuilding started quickly and without proper regulation and building standards. This resulted in further vulnerable construction taking place.  HL1720 Emergency Management Lessons Learned 26 December 2003 – Earthquake: Bam, Iran Restore law and order quickly. Refugees from the countryside crowded into the city in search of aid, but there was no system to support them. Several days of looting held up distribution of supplies and threatened the recovery.  HL1720 Emergency Management Lessons Learned 26 December 2004 – Tsunami: Indian Ocean multiple countries affected Basic provisions need to be regionally appropriate, taking into account people’s beliefs and cultures.  HL1720 Emergency Management Lessons Learned 29 August 2005 – Hurricane Katrina: New Orleans, Louisiana, USA Aid must be delivered quickly. There was wide criticism at the speed at which aid reached the affected population. http://web.mit.edu/12.000/www/m2010/finalwebsite/katrina/government/government- response.html  HL1720 Emergency Management Lessons Learned 8 October 2005 – Earthquake: Kashmir, Pakistan Medical care needs to be culturally appropriate Few female doctors were deployed to the region and local beliefs which restrict physical contact between men and female limited care available.  HL1720 Emergency Management Lessons Learned 27 May 2006 – Earthquake: Yogyakarta, Java In some areas households which had received some disaster training were able to deliver aid to others before official help arrived. People in those regions surveyed after the quake indicated that they appreciated such assistance. Source: Lessons from Aceh (DEC), Organizing Armageddon: what we learned from the Haiti earthquake (WIRED) HL1720 Emergency Management