Nelia Ekeji’s Brief on Three Perspectives of Disaster Preparedness

Nelia Ekeji reviews three varying perspectives on disaster management preparedness at the government, business, and community levels. Narratives from individuals with background working in each level were used to illustrate how disaster preparedness is achieved through planning, communication, and collaboration.

Ekeji refers to Damon P. Coppola’s categorization of the five government preparedness categories, which include planning, exercise, training, equipment, and statutory authority. According to Coppola, the three levels of disaster management (government, business, and community) are connected through community and business involvement in Emergency Operations Plans (EOPs) created by government response coordinators. Moreover, government-sponsored programs can empower ordinary citizens to help themselves and the people around them in the event of a disaster.