Case Study Assignment
One of the ways we will “put it all together” in this course is through mini case studies. Each of you will prepare a historical mini case study (approximately 10 to 12 pages) where you analyze the causes and consequences of an emergency, the management of the emergency, and discuss the lessons learned. I would prefer that the disaster have occurred in your geographic area. (LOOK AT THE ATTACHMENT TO SEE WHAT DISASTER I CHOSE WHICH IS HURRICANE IRENE, NY)
Your case study should include a report that details the event, its consequences, and examine the management of the event considering everything we have learned in this course.
Be sure to cover each of the aspects: Prevention/Mitigation, Preparation, Response, and Recovery. Your conclusion should cite lessons learned in each area.
Some of the things you should address:
- What happened – including a description of the event, including location, what happened etc., a time line, and photos if you can find them.
- What emergency management structure was in place in the locality? What levels of emergency management got involved and when?
- Was there warning?, Was it something that had been planned for?
- Was the jurisdiction’s EOP used? If so describe how it was used and the effects. Was it successful, etc?
- Were there unplanned effects of the incident?
- Describe the response? Who was involved, What happened? What role did emergency management personnel play?
- Who was involved? Include as many agencies as possible (Try to interview some key players). Discuss the community involvement and response.
- How did the funding process work?
- What were the long term effects?
- What were the lesson learned?
You will need to do research to complete this case study. This includes library research as well as “street research” i.e. – interviewing folks involved. Local and state emergency management offices will be extremely helpful in finding out information, as will folks from the fire departments and community organizations in the area.