Disaster Management

Disaster Management

Introduction: 

"Disaster management" means a continuous and integrated process of planning, organizing, coordinating and implementing measures which are necessary or expedient for prevention of danger or threat of any disaster, mitigation or reduction of risk of any disaster or its severity or consequences, capacity-building, preparedness to deal with any disaster, prompt response to any threatening disaster situation or disaster, assessing the severity or magnitude of effects of any disaster, evacuation, rescue and relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction. Disaster Management comprises all forms of activities including structural and nonstructural measures to avoid (i.e. prevention) or to limit (i.e. mitigation and preparedness) adverse effects of disasters in the pre-disaster phase and post-disaster stage like Response, Relief, Recovery, & Reconstruction.

Nature of work: 

• Research current case studies and techniques in disaster remediation and restoration 
• Advocate for the relationship between how humans may impact the natural environment and how disaster may ruin human engineering 
• Understand the scope and impact of applicable regulatory requirements 
• Use data-driven rubrics to assess human health after an event
• Use data-driven rubrics to evaluate affected ecology in a systematic but holistic way after a damaging event 
• If no regulations apply, create ad hoc standards to attempt to establish a benchmark and metrics 
• Act in accordance with best practice for processes, materials and human safety when standards and regulations are advisory but cost may be a concern 
• Use any existing data to determine the condition of the damage site prior to disaster 
• Measure anecdotal evidence against data to fully inform the picture of the damage site prior to disaster 
• Efficiently research how the disaster site was used, and any and all potential contaminants. Rank contaminants by hazard level in order to use remediation resources efficiently. 
• Classify damage by first, second and third wave in order to consider the full scope of the disaster on humans, environment and engineering 
• Conduct sampling and chemical analysis in the field
• Consider the logistics of disaster ‘spread' and how accessible the site in question is
• Conduct field sampling at intervals throughout the project and afterward 
• Meticulously document steps to restoration 
• Consult with engineers and stakeholders to plan an effective restoration process 
• Pump and treat water through chemical processes and filtration 
• Facilitate public inquiries on land or resource redevelopment 
• Approve paperwork and permits regarding zoning and other regulatory processes 
• Consider future uses of the site and whether disaster is likely to affect the site again 
• Draft designs, schematics and maps of varying types by hand and through computer programs

Personality: 

Skills You will need to have: 

• The ability to communicate with people at all levels; 
• The capacity to stay calm in stressful disaster situations; 
• Attention to detail and a thorough approach; 
• A logical approach and the ability to be creative in a high-pressure situation; 
• A flexible attitude, with the ability to manage a range of tasks at the same time; 
• The capability to work to deadlines and priorities tasks; 
• Project management skills; 
• Analytical and problem-solving skills.

Professional courses, Duration and Eligibility Criteria: 

Eligibility Criteria: 

Requirements for courses in disaster management varies according to the institution and the course they have introduced in the university. Before taking admission check with the institutions what grades and qualification you want to pursue before you submit the application. Students from any streams are eligible to join the course.

Candidate should have passed Higher Secondary Certificate Examination (10+2) with a minimum of 55% marks to pursue the certificate and bachelor course.

For PG Programmes: 

Candidate should hold graduation in any field from any recognized institute or a University.

For Ph.D.: 

Candidate should have minimum of 55% marks in the Post Graduation

Career Prospects:

Most people choose to develop their career in either emergency planning and management or business continuity management and will specialize in that area. However, there is scope for a possible move into another area after gaining experience.

With a relevant qualification, it is possible to move into: 

• Relief and development work; 
• Risk assessment and health and safety consultancy; 
• International relief and development work.

One of the more established professional career pathways exists within the local authorities across the country, where you may progress from an assistant emergency planning officer to emergency planning officer, and then into a senior management role. In these roles, you may specialize in a specific area, such as human or animal health and severe weather planning. Senior officers in local authorities tend to take on more staff management and development responsibilities, moving away from the direct planning and response aspects of the job.

Other career options include making a move from the public to the private sector, or moving into an emergency planning role overseas − supporting the work of government organizations in other parts of the world.

Remuneration:

Government and non-government organizations have their own salary packages, which is based on the industry standards. 

• At an entry level, one can earn around Rs 8,000 - Rs 10,000 per month 
• Candidates with 2 or 3 years experience can easily earn between Rs 15,000 - 20,000 per month. 
• Well experienced candidates can draw up to Rs 1, 50,000 per month.

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