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Disaster Recovery Operations

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Recovery in the aftermath of natural or man-made disasters is directly related to the availability of local resources and the infrastructure and operational ability to deliver assistance from outside the affected region. RAND researchers have helped governments, militaries, and private organizations organize recovery operations during disasters, learn from past experience, and prepare for future disasters.

Tool

Improving the Role of NGOs in Disaster Response and Recovery

Apr 18, 2016

The ENGAGED toolkit assists public health and emergency planners and NGO stakeholders, including voluntary associations, philanthropic organizations, advocacy groups, community groups, and businesses, in determining capacity and capability for disaster response and recovery.
Report

What Is the Private Sector's Role in Supporting Disaster Recovery?

May 18, 2016

The scope and scale of disasters are changing. This has altered how disaster management and financing are addressed. Businesses and nonprofits are increasingly central to the process, supporting immediate disaster response and contributing redevelopment funding that supports community recovery.

Explore Disaster Recovery Operations

Commentary

FEMA's Transformation

The Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) strategic plan shows several shifts in federal disaster relief policy. Redirecting longer-term recovery operations to state and local authorities would allow FEMA to concentrate its assets on the catastrophic disasters it is uniquely designed to handle.

Jun 8, 2018
Journal Article

Journal Article

Evaluating Community Partnerships Addressing Community Resilience in Los Angeles, California

This study measured a key characteristic of community resilience: the growth of organizational networks and partnerships over time. Information from this research may be useful to local health departments interested in applying a community resilience framework to disaster preparedness.

May 4, 2018
Journal Article

Journal Article

Towards More Nuanced Classification of NGOs and Their Services to Improve Integrated Planning Across Disaster Phases

Categorizing NGO disaster services as either "core"-critical to fulfilling an organizational mission-or "adaptive"-based on community needs during a disaster-will strengthen resilience-building efforts.

Jan 24, 2018
Blog

RAND Researchers Visit Puerto Rico After Hurricane Maria

A small team of RAND researchers went to Puerto Rico two weeks after the island was struck by Hurricane Maria. They are compiling their observations into a series of studies for the Army, with recommendations to smooth its response to future disasters.

Dec 19, 2017
Commentary

How to Rebuild After This Year's Hurricane Season? Invest in Resilience

Investing in resilience in an informed and systematic way can help a wide range of high-risk communities be better prepared for any future disasters.

Nov 6, 2017
Brochure

RAND Gulf States Policy Institute: Committed to Strengthening the Well-Being of the U.S. Gulf States Through Research and Analysis

This 16-page flyer describes the RAND Gulf States Policy Institute and summarizes some of the research it has tackled since its founding in 2005 after Hurricane Katrina.

Nov 1, 2017
Commentary

Anticipating Harvey's Toll on Health and Health Care

After Hurricane Harvey, challenges to the health of affected communities and the health care systems that serve them are expected to grow. Among the problems are closures of hospitals, pharmacies, and dialysis centers. Lessons from Hurricanes Katrina and Sandy could help relief efforts.

Sep 5, 2017
Commentary

Lessons for First Responders on the Front Lines of Terrorism

Given the persistent risk of terrorist attacks, it is critical to learn from past incidents to prepare for future ones. Medical and nonmedical first responders need more training in basic lifesaving skills. Open communication lines such as a dedicated radio frequency could help responders better coordinate. Disaster drills are also essential.

Jul 10, 2017
Tool

Tool

Database of Potential Sources of Information on Fisheries, Tourism, and Oil Spill Claims

The objective of this Consortium for Resilient Gulf Communities database is to make users aware of sources of information that may be less widely known than standard databases of economic activity such as those published by the U.S. Census Bureau.

May 23, 2017
Tool

Database of Literature on Oil Spills and Public Health

Overview that describes the literature search CRCG undertook and the database developed with a goal of assessing the impact of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill and the health, social, and economic wellbeing of Gulf Coast communities.

May 8, 2017
Tool

Tool

Database of Research on the Human Impacts of the 2010 Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill

Database that provides information on research into the human impacts of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.

Apr 27, 2017
Commentary

Cholera in Haiti: No Surprise This Time Around

When Hurricane Matthew swept across Haiti, it left a resurgence of cholera in its wake. Tackling cholera head-on should be on the short list of health priorities for disaster relief in the island nation.

Oct 27, 2016
Journal Article

Journal Article

The Promise of Direct-to-Consumer Telehealth for Disaster Response and Recovery

This paper discusses several potential uses of direct-to-consumer telehealth during disaster response and recovery while noting the logistical, legal, and policy challenges that must be addressed to allow for expanded use.

Sep 12, 2016
Report

Technological Lessons from the Fukushima Nuclear Accident

How was technology used to address the 2011 Fukushima nuclear power plant accident in Japan? Lessons from this event can help inform preparation for and response to future emergencies.

Jun 1, 2016
Report

Report

Collaborative Disaster Preparedness: Vietnam, the United States, and Regional Experiences (Proceedings from Da Nang, Vietnam, August 18–20, 2015)

This report summarizes the workshop on Collaborative Disaster Preparedness that was conducted in August 2015 in Da Nang, Vietnam, and hosted by the Collaborative & Adaptive Security Initiative.

May 19, 2016
Commentary

Rather Than Fearing 'Cyber 9/11,' Prepare for 'Cyber Katrina'

The United States needs a smooth, well-functioning mutual aid system for cybersecurity that provides all of the hard-won benefits of the nation's system for hurricanes and other emergencies.

Mar 30, 2016
Commentary

Community Resilience Is Key in the Aftermath of Flint's Lead Water Crisis

For Flint to recover from this latest disaster, it will be critical for the public, private, and nonprofit sectors to invest in and implement strategies to build on existing community resilience and strengthen Flint's ability to bounce back.

Mar 9, 2016
Commentary

Saving Lives After Tragedy

Natural and man-made mass-casualty incidents are a growing threat. Evaluating successes and shortcomings after each crisis can contribute to the design and implementation of robust and resilient response systems and ensure the best possible outcomes for individuals and impacted communities.

Dec 14, 2015

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RAND Topic:
Disaster Recovery Operations

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