Emergency managers must always wrestle with the decision to evacuate populations or try to protect them in place. Another option is expedient respiratory protection. Each of these offer advantages and disadvantages for emergency planning and response purposes.
Describe two advantages and two disadvantages to choosing protection in place versus an evacuation. In your opinion, do you think it is better in most circumstances to protect in place or evacuate those in danger from natural disasters? What are some of the considerations in making this decision?
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Protection in Place versus Evacuation
Each state has its own protocol for disasters that are man-made, natural and technical, given the nature of the situation emergency responders are trained to access the threat and proceed accordingly however thereare pros and cons for every choice made regarding “protection in place versus evacuation.”
Two advantages to choosing protection in place versus an evacuation are:
(I) Natural disaster (Hurricane headed for Virginia Beach) depending on the category of the hurricaneemergency responders may not issue an evacuation, instead they will inform you to (emergency preparedness) have a plan that includes a minimum of 3 days’ supply of food, water, medicine andemergency supplies such as a first-aid kit, battery operated radio and flash lights in case the power goesout. Such methods helps citizens to be self-prepared in the preparation process of a natural disaster.
(II) Secure windows and doors and stay off roads, due to heavy rainfalls from hurricanes, storm surgescan cause flash flood warning and wash vehicles off the roads which can be dangerous. This will limit theneed for response actions. If precautions are carefully executed, the economy can sustain minimal damageand therefore focus on a rapid recovery process. FEMA will issue and recommend that homeownerspurchase flood insurance as many policies do not cover this peril.
Two disadvantages to choosing protection in place versus evacuation are:
(I) Financial assets may not be immediately available to everyone in Virginia Beach therefore they mustsay in the geographic location and prepare themselves for the worst. This can have a negative impactbecause it can cost much more if these people are permanently displaced from their homes as seen in theKatina 2005 hurricane. FEMA will have to plunge into action to accommodate countless families withfood, clothing, shelter and medical supplies for the sickly/elderly victims.