ESM 310 - All Hazards Primer

3 Cr. Hrs.

The primary purpose of this course is to provide the basics of emergency and disaster preparedness through an “All Hazards” approach. This course provides an overview of the historical patterns of disaster science and emergency management policy that culminates in all-hazards emergency management. It provides an introduction to basic principles of preparedness, strategies and tactics, and qualities that characterize effective emergency management. Emergency management roles are summarized for local, state and federal agencies and private-sector organizations for a full range of hazards and disasters within the U.S.A. Key variations among the states, estimated national losses, and examples of natural, technological, and conflict based disaster incidents/events will be examined. Students will analyze types of disaster impacts and some of the problems in measuring disaster losses. And, students will be introduced to terrorism in its various forms, including catastrophic and international terrorism. Distinctions will be made among weapons of mass destruction and potential types of targets. The course will provide assessments of the similarities with and differences between responses to man-caused (intentional), technological (accidental), and natural disasters.