Impacts of Weather on Emergency Management Agencies

This paper reviews common implications of severe weather events for emergency managers, contingency planners and decision-makers in the government, private and business sectors in the United States. Significant issues and challenges within a rapidly evolving emergency management discipline are outlined, with particular attention to the critical need of understanding and using meteorological information and other related resources.

The growing risk and vulnerability of major weather-generated disasters within the United States is discussed along with general public expectations related to disaster planning, preparedness and response for these events. The recent movement away from structural disaster mitigation efforts is explored, and considerations are offered on the strategic focus of and future implications of nonstructural mitigation programs and community disaster education initiatives.