First Post

At-Home emergency preparedness is a concept that must be adopted by everybody, especially those working in the disaster management or public health fields. Dr.Burton has instructed us last semester to evaluate our in-home emergency kits, I didn’t do very well then and so is this time. My family’s Emergency Supply Kit was lacking much-needed elements, canned food and water purifier are among the very basic things we didn’t include in our kit. We have a water supply that is sufficient for 3 days minimum. We didn’t feel the need to acquire the electric devices like radios and battery-operated flashlights, but after joining DMM I realized their importance and how can they come in handy in those times. It is one area I improved lately, I comprehended how significant is communication in those times and how they are not to be compromised. I guess our perception of how emergencies are not so far away drove us to slack off om being prepared.

Eric Noji’s article shed a light on some myths I consider to be international and can be seen anywhere. For example, Noji stated that it is a myth to consider any assistance to be helpful whenever and wherever. I found that to be applicable to many locations around the globe including the developed countries. In Katrina, assistance was coming from a lot of places, but it was found that the extra resources have proven to be challenging in terms of coordination and logistical efforts. This applies to developing countries since the humanitarian efforts are very big but the problem here is how and who manage those resources.

Reference:

James, J. (2006). A Failure of Initiative: Final Report of Select Bipartisan Committee to Investigate the Preparation for and Response to Hurricane Katrina; Supplementary Report by Cynthia McKinney.

James Blessman et al. Barriers to At-Home-Preparedness in Public Health Employees: Implications for Disaster Preparedness Training

Second Post

Q1:

Preparing for disasters at home is one of the most important methods that help in developing community resilience for such events, especially for those who work in the disaster management discipline. We must feel that our people and loved ones are ready in the absence of our presence so that we can focus on the work without any distraction.

After completing the questionnaire, I am aware that there is a certain degree of preparedness at home for disasters, as resources are available and we can sustain for more than 72 hours, but there is a lack of plans where there is no clear evacuation plan when fires occur. There are some gaps in the communication plan during the presence of disasters. These things are due to the fact that the city of Dammam has not experienced natural disasters recently. But there is a clear threat by the terrorist groups wherein 2015; there were several explosions.

Moreover, the cultural differences, where not everything in the US is applicable in Saudi Arabia. To clarify, during the last restoration period of my house. I had added an emergency exit to the house through the roof, and then I had to remove it. Because of the agreement between the neighbors that there is an external staircase to the roof of any house is not allowed, to prevent intrusion on others.

One of the most benefits of taking this survey, It highlighted the strengths and weaknesses of our home preparedness، And it explained to me where we should develop and what needs we need during crises of all kinds. In the attachment, you will find my survey results.

Q2:
I have enjoyed reading the article. Many of the myths imitated reality and agreed with the writer on most of them, I think these myths would be applicable everywhere in the world, and I would say more in the third world countries. , and we must put them in mind so that we can deal with disasters better in the future.

I agree with this statement "despite isolated cases of antisocial behavior exist, most people respond spontaneously and generously." According to Denise Moore, She was one of the guests in the American life Brocast, after the flood episode. She stated that criminal and gangs were securing the area and providing food and supplies for the people during hurricane Katrina. She said "They started looting on Saint Charles and Napoleon. There was a Rite-Aid there. And you would think that they would be stealing stuff that, you know, fun stuff or whatever, because it's a free city, according to them. But they were taking juice for the baby, water, beer for the older people, food, raincoats so that they could all be seen by each other and stuff. And I thought it was pretty cool and very well organized." This story is a vivid example of how generous and people respond spontaneously during disasters. Although the people who took over the responsibility of securing the area and providing supplies were had criminal recorders, with the right environment for these illegal activities, they focused on helping people rather than looting.

References:
296: After the Flood. (2017, December 14). Retrieved from https://www.thisamericanlife.org/296/transcript

Noji, E. K., MPH (.n.d). Public health issues in disasters. Retrieved August 30, 2018, from https://bblearn.philau.edu/bbcswebdav/courses/18FL-DMM-643-999/Noji%20public%20health%20issues%20in%20disasters.pdf.

Blessman, J., Skupski, J., Jamil, M., Jamil, H., Bassett, D., Wabeke, R., & Arnetz, B. (2007).Barriers to at-home-preparedness in public health employees: implications for disaster preparedness training. Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 49(3), 318-326.

Use APA format reference