Dynamic Programming Applied to Disaster Relief Response
analytical Essay
1427 words
With the widespread, expensive, and life-threatening damage that can occur during natural disasters, including floods, wildfires, earthquakes, and other events, it is important that the responses to these events are quick and performed efficiently, with cost and resource optimization in mind. That way, resources are not wasted in areas that don’t need them. And, if this were to happen, other, high-demand areas would suffer. With the amount of damage and displacement of local populations that occur, the planning and deployment of nearby resources needs to address these concerns. If done poorly, poor planning can in fact work against its own goals and cause failures to occur that compromise millions in assets and endanger many people as well. Take, for example, the legendary failure of FEMA in its response to Hurricane Katrina. Yes, one of the main reasons that FEMA failed was its inability to gather resources and knowledge, but it also lacked the ability to mobilize its resources (whereas Walmart could do both of these things successfully) (Horwitz 1). Utilizing a dynamic programming approach to deploy resources in specific areas based on what is available could vastly improve the effectiveness of a response plan. It may seem simple; if a resource were needed in an area, then one should send it there. However, there are millions of ways to distribute a resource to obtain an optimal value, and the optimal value changes based on the series of decisions made. In a computer system, it will take too long to calculate all of the combinations in order to find the optimal combination of resource allocation that can both save lives/assets as well as lower costs. To begin with, it is important to explain the concept of a dynamic optimiz... ... middle of paper ... ...to coordinate their supplier networks with known information about the status of a disaster in some regions. Works Cited Horwitz, Steven. "FEMA Doesn't Have Local Knowledge Needed for Effective Relief." Mercatus Center: George Mason University. Mercatus Center, 01 Nov. 2013. Web. 28 Nov. 2013. . Su, Xiaohui et al. The Study on Optimal Model for Relief Resources Allocation Using Dynamic Programming and Spatial Analysis Methods. Rep. GiScience/People's Republic of China, n.d. Web. 27 Nov. 2013. giscience2012_paper_184.pdf>. Wiitala, Marc R. "A dynamic programming approach to determining optimal forest wildfire initial attack responses." Fire Economics, Planning, and Policy: Bottom Lines (1999): 115-123.
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how marc wiitala's paper focuses on initial responses to forest wildfires, but it is a subcategory of disaster response and is too complex to solve by hand.
- Explains the study on optimal model for relief resources allocation using dynamic.
- Explains the concept of a dynamic optimization program at its core.
- Explains how the model can be applied to both preparative resource allocation and disaster response after the event.
- Explains that the contribution function is designed to minimize the costs incurred by weighing the actual monetary benefit of distributing resources to the area in need.
- Argues that dynamic programming, combined with computer systems' ability to make multiple calculations in a short amount of time, unleashes many possibilities in being able to deal with real-world situations.
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- FEMA: Levels of Planningopinionated essayFEMA: Levels of Planning In the wake of hurricanes Katrina and Rita, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has been under fire. Why did so much go wrong? Why were we were so unprepared?
In this essay, the author
- Explains that fema employs disaster assistance employees (dae's) who perform key program, technical, and administrative functions during disasters.
- Cites the federal emergency management agency's (october 2005), first responder, public assistance, response & recovery, environment and historic.
- Opines that katrina is a warning: u.s. still unprepared for terrorist attacks.
- Explains that disaster relief agency fema was under fire after hurricanes katrina and rita. contingency planning is necessary in every organization, especially one dealing with volatile environments.
- Argues that fema's biggest threat is to continue operations without addressing the weaknesses discussed above.
- Opines that congress should share a big part of the blame for katrina response.
1987 wordsRead More - Trust and Compliance: Messaging by Government Officials versus Business Professionalsexplanatory essayExtreme disaster emergencies, such as the Hurricane Katrina, may burden state’s emergency operation plans when the extent of the situation strains the response plan to its maximum limit (1). When all resources are depleted, states may request a presidential disaster declaration to receive more support; yet they would be unlikely to manage such tremendous response by themselves. Partnership with private-sector such as businesses and institutions may be pivotal to fill important gaps in emergency response. Therefore, an effective emergency response should include a multidisciplinary approach and inter-organizational management from public-private partnership, like business-government partnership (2).
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- Explains that the governor is responsible for protecting citizens, infrastructure, business and property, and suspending regulations that would ail collaboration with the private sector.
- Explains that the state attorney general is supposed to serve rescue companies or responders, if requested by a state official, and advise the governor about any legal issue with the business-government partnership.
- Explains that the state and regional emergency management agency, state national guard, and pa region 13 task force coordinate and are in charge of the emergency response.
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- Explains that most private non-profit organizations that collaborate in emergency response are usually first responders in the community. they may also need funding, volunteers and other resources from the profit organizations.
- Explains that if the government creates a partnership with business for emergency response, these businesses will be out in the community in order to serve citizens.
- States that all orders and alerts about any natural or man-made disaster must be clear and complete, including areas affected and current conditions and threats. this statute may benefit businesses since some already have strategies and resources to make messages get to the target faster and without any adulterations.
- States that once the emergency is declared by the governor, all the local and regional disaster response are activated. in case of pittsburgh, this would also include pa region 13.
- States that not only the governor but all other experienced in emergency preparedness authority under the commonwealth is authorized to conduct disaster prevention studies. however, ized person is not present.
- Explains that the governor has all ity to suspend any regulations in order to facilitate any emergency response.
- Explains the federal emergency planning and community right-to-know act, which creates a strong working relationship between business and industry entities and the commonwealth, counties, and municipalities to protect citizens from the dangers of hazardous materials.
- Explains the importance of risk management in public-private partnership contracts. nisar, tim m.
- Opines that an effective emergency response should include a multidisciplinary approach and inter-organizational management from public-private partnerships like business-government partnerships.
- Argues that expanding risk communication to businesses may bolster state's emergency planning and response, with expertise in matters such as logistic, sophisticated programs, volunteerism and funding.
- Recommends creating a policy or regulation that connects the task force-business coalitions with at least direct coordination with the governor.
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2194 wordsRead More - Difference Between Emergency Planning And Man-Made Disasterexplanatory essayBoth man-made and natural disasters are often devastating, resource draining and disruptive. Having a basic plan ready for these types of disaster events is key to the success of executing and implementing, as well as assessing the aftermath. There are many different ways to create an emergency operations plan (EOP) to encompass a natural and/or man-made disaster, including following the six stage planning process, collection of information, and identification of threats and hazards. The most important aspect of the US emergency management system in preparing for, mitigating, and responding to man-made and natural disasters is the creation, implementation and assessment of a community’s EOP.
In this essay, the author
- Explains the importance of having an emergency operations plan (eop) ready for natural and man-made disasters.
- Explains the six steps of forming a team, including identifying the core team and involving the community in the process.
- Explains that the second step to the planning process is understanding the situation presented. recognizing the threats and hazards of the jurisdiction and putting this information into a usable format is critical.
- Explains that assessing the operation priorities is the third step in the planning process. determining goals and objectives for the situation must be created to execute the operational priorities and mission.
- Explains that the fourth step in the planning process is the plan development, which considers the type of response that will be executed, taking into consideration the goals and objectives developed in step 3.
- Explains that plan preparation, review and approval process comprise the fifth step. the final step is to approve and distribute the plan to all community and local jurisdictions.
- Explains that implementing and maintaining the plan is the final step to the planning process. it can be broken into training, exercises, and review, revision and maintenance.
- Explains that there is no difference in planning for a natural disaster or man-made disaster. a basic eop should be incorporated into either type.
- Explains that emergency managers must take into account gathering intelligence about potential threats, identifying the threats and having response ready in the event of the disaster.
- Explains that having a basic eop is the foundation when responding to natural or man-made disasters. identification of threats and hazards to mold preparation and mitigation is key.
- Cites the federal emergency management agency's comprehensive preparedness guide (cpg) 101: developing and maintaining emergency operations plans.
1162 wordsRead More - The model outlines the chain of command between multi-level government agencies, and the private sector (mostly non-government disaster organizations), which enhances harmony regarding response strategies. Therefore, ICS recognizes the possibility of a clash of interests and procedures if different government agencies, as well as different levels of government carry out disaster response in the United States. It then follows that both the ICS and NIMS provide a national strategy framework for the response to disasters in the United States by harmonizing the procedures, and outlining the responsibilities and limits of all the parties or stakeholders involved (Buck et al., 2006). The Department of Homeland Security developed the models as a tool of enhancing the efficiency of disaster response, especially going by the diverse nature of the multi-level organizations involved (Sylves, 2007). The two models have been adopted by different organizations, which is an indication of their role in enhancing effective disaster
In this essay, the author
- Explains that the department of homeland security realized the role of preparing for the occurrence of emergencies after the 9/11 attack and the attack on the pentagon.
- Explains that the ics lays out the structure or framework of access to resources, as well as resource allocation to each of the government levels involved in disaster response.
- Explains that the nims and ics models present the procedures that different disaster response units, as well as the public should take in response to cases of emergencies in the united states.
- Explains that the two models present the guidelines and procedures to be followed by different stakeholders when responding to disasters in the united states.
- Explains that the nims and ics models enhance universality regarding the adoption of common disaster response strategies. the department of homeland security has revolutionized disaster management by enhancing multi-agency coordination.
1408 wordsRead More - Leadership Within Emergency Managementnarrative essayMcEntire, , D. A. (Ed.). (n.d.). Comparative Emergency Management: Understanding Disaster Policies, Organizations, and Initiatives from Around the World. Retrieved from http://www.training.fema.gov/EMIWeb/edu/collegelist/OtherCountries/
In this essay, the author
- Describes what major disasters have occurred and how have they impacted the development of emergency management in each country.
- Asks what laws and regulations have been enacted by each government to counter disasters and terrorist attacks.
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- Cites baldoni, j. (2011, september 9). decisions, not events, shaped leaders after 9/11.
- Explains the 1993 world trade center bombing: a new threat emerges from us news.
- Explains that the emergency management department handles both the preparation and recovery efforts for man-made or natural disasters.
- Opines that disasters strike without a moment's notice, and terrorists can target anyone, but leadership is widespread throughout the organization. the accomplishments of the emergency management department rely on everyone to play their role.
- Explains demiroz, kapucu, and donahue, a. k., & tuohy, r.
- Cites mcentire, d. a. (ed.). comparative emergency management: understanding disaster policies, organizations, and initiatives from around the world.
1989 wordsRead More - The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Changeexplanatory essayIn order to aid the population in the effort of loss reduction and facing the challenges caused by disaster there are many viable options. In order to reduce vulnerability we can increase access to decision making, increase community/neighborhood security, and have plans set for people who themselves along with their home’s are in the most danger.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that the earth's climate system is creating what many people including professor burrell montz call a "new normal". the intergovernmental panel on climate change (ipcc) project for more abnormally hot days and warm nights as well as heat waves.
- Explains that the east coast has long been seen positively for its great location, low/no income tax and low property tax, rapid job growth, tax deductions, and subsidized rates.
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- Opines that to reduce vulnerability, one can increase access to decision making, increase community/neighborhood security, and have plans set for people who themselves are in the most danger.
528 wordsRead More - Florida Catastrophic Planning Initiativeanalytical essayCatastrophes impact large areas, crossing regional and often, state jurisdictional boundaries, and will require m...
In this essay, the author
- Explains that the florida catastrophic planning (flcp) initiative was conducted under the auspices of a national catastrophe planning process mandated by the homeland security act of 2002.
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- Argues that catastrophes impact large areas, crossing regional and often, state jurisdictional boundaries, and will require more resources from diverse sectors of society. ruback et al. advocate that cpp, such as the flcp, can better address assessing those capacities.
- Explains that the flcp began in 2006 as a scenario specific process versus the more common all-hazards approach and will result in two plans.
- Explains that flcp planners were tasked with coordinating a "local-up" planning process via workgroup collaborations and with writing plans, procedures and protocols for response. assessments of resource capacity at the local level will be identified and pushed up to the state and federal levels.
- Explains that functional and discipline specific workgroups were formed from representatives from each level of government, local, state, and federal. workgroup leads coordinated with stakeholders and identified objectives and opportunities for inter-discipline collaborations.
- Explains that the florida state emergency response team successfully identified resource needs, established operating procedures, and developed a response plan based on hurricane ono. the cpp method was successful in opening communication and collaboration channels between local, state and federal levels of government.
- Opines that the cpp and flcp initiatives by fema are steps in the right direction.
935 wordsRead More - Communities must come together in order to be aware of the steps that must be taken to reduce or prevent risk. “The guidance, programs, processes, and systems that support each component of the National Preparedness System enable a collaborative, whole community approach to national preparedness that engages individuals, families, communities, private and nonprofit sectors, faith based organizations and all levels of government.” (FEMA, 2011). Resources within a community are prioritized and customized based on community-based issues and local security programs. The resources used as the front line of defense are first responders, such as police officers, firefighters and medical personnel. The resources are provided and prioritized based on the priority of threat and risks to a specific community. Therefore, the threats and risks targeted towards a community must be analyzed and acknowledged in order to apply the correct resources to the opposing prioritized threats. Disasters and emergencies typically begin at the local level and eventually require resources from state and federal
In this essay, the author
- Explains that the 2014 quadrennial homeland security review reviews six strategic challenges that are believed to be at high risk within the united states.
- Explains that the threat and hazard identification and risk assessment process requires the whole community to pass on information, account for population-specific factors, and acknowledge the effects of a threat.
- Explains that communities must come together to be aware of the steps that must be taken to reduce or prevent risk. resources within a community are prioritized and customized based on community-based issues and local security programs.
- Explains that local communities recognize their threats and conclude on how they will handle the significant amount of risks.
- Concludes that the quadrennial homeland security review is updated every four years as risks, threats, and hazards evolve and change. the thira process guides local communities to determine which of the six strategic challenges are at higher risk.
918 wordsRead More - Disaster Recovery Planningopinionated essayIntroduction Disaster Recovery Planning is the critical factor that can prevent headaches or nightmares experienced by an organization in times of disaster. Having a disaster recovery plan marks the difference between organizations that can successfully manage crises with minimal cost, effort and with maximum speed, and those organizations that cannot. By having back-up plans, not only for equipment and network recovery, but also detailed disaster recovery plans that precisely outline what steps each person involved in recovery efforts should undertake, an organization can improve their recovery time and minimize the disrupted time for their normal business functions. Thus it is essential that disaster recovery plans are carefully laid out and carefully updated regularly. Part of the plan should include a system where regular training occurs for network engineers and managers.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that disaster recovery planning can prevent headaches or nightmares experienced by an organization in times of disaster.
- Explains the purpose, objective or scope of a disaster recovery and business contingency plan. a lack of scope leads to inadequate or vague directions as to what the company needs to accomplish.
- Explains that senior management has primary accountability for planning, and implementing the drbcp. not having senior managers participating will result in a lack of accountability and possibly faulty implementation.
- Advises that business continuity exercises should be realistic enough to gain emotional responses from employees so that one can better assess the situation in order to make improvements. regular performance testing will reveal weaknesses in which organization can take pro-active steps to work towards improvement.
- Opines that establishing a drbcp program will create awareness and accountability on the continuity procedures amongst employees.
- Explains the consequences of not providing cross-training to employees to perform emergency tasks or just day-to-day duties. disasters may cause companies to lose employees, but their duties must continue to be carried out by other individuals to ensure business continuity.
- Advises organizations to invest in alternate means of communication, such as a commercial recovery sites (hot/cold site or mobile or porta-site). this will allow the organization to continue their business in some type of capacity in the event of computer, phone networks or equipment disaster.
- Opines that a business continuity plan should include consulting and vendor assistance planning such as internet e-commerce continuity consulting and/or hardware/software consulting to form and establish with local emergency response groups.
- Advises companies to request quotes from disaster recovery vendors to factor in cost of restoration in the event of a disaster. not having insurances will result in higher costs in replacement and restoration of hardware and related technology.
- Opines that having a good disaster recovery and business continuity plan will keep your company up and running through interruptions such as power failures, it system crashes, natural or man-made disasters.
- Summarizes tucci, linda's five tips on selecting a data center location.
- Explains that business continuity planning and disaster recovery planning are related, but not the same thing. business continuity is the measure of lost time in a mission critical application.
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1326 wordsRead More - Phases of Emergency Managementargumentative essayEmergency management is often described in terms of “phases,” using terms such as mitigate, prepare, respond and recover. The main purpose of this assignment is to examine the origins, underlying concepts, variations, limitations, and implications of the “phases of emergency management.” In this paper we will look at definitions and descriptions of each phase or component of emergency management, the importance of understanding interrelationships and responsibilities for each phase, some newer language and associated concepts (e.g., disaster resistance, sustainability, resilience, business continuity, risk management), and the diversity of research perspectives.
In this essay, the author
- Explains the purpose of this assignment, which is to examine the origins, underlying concepts, variations, limitations, and implications of the "phases of emergency management."
- Explains that the four phases are often described as part of a continuous process and are widely used by policy makers, practitioners, trainers, educators, and researchers.
- Explains that emergency management has been described for the past three decades as a "four phase" process, involving: mitigation, preparedness, response, and recover.
- Recommends that the scope of emergency management, as practiced at the federal and state levels, should expand beyond "preparedness" and "response" to include a set of activities described as "mitigation"
- Argues that a holistic systems approach to disaster risk reduction balances resources among the four phases.
- Opines that disasters are inevitable, so ities should be prepared beforehand and respond quickly and effectively. after the loss occurred, recovery planning should also be done so better protection steps can prevent larger damage.
910 wordsRead More