In this assignment, you will write a paper on: “Understanding the impact different hazards could have on your community is essential in forming your planning and mitigation efforts. Describe the strengths and limitations of different hazard models and choose one model that fits your community and explain why you chose that model”. 

 

Hazard Models

The nature of hazards and their potential impacts in a community are critical determinants of emergency planning and mitigation efforts. Different types of hazards require distinct responses and actions. As such, different researchers, groups, and institutions have over the years developed and proposed distinct models for disaster management. These models aim at mitigating the impacts of emergencies and hazards. The models also seek to enhance preparedness and generally work in favor of communities and emergency workers. Although the models are efficient in some locations, disasters remain a primary challenge today (Nojavan, et al., 2018). The models have different strengths and limitations, making them ideal for certain communities and not for others.

Strengths and Limitations of hazard models

Over the years, researchers have proposed numerous models for handling disasters and hazards. This section only focuses on some of the common models. These include the four-phase model of disaster management, the integrated approach for modeling vulnerability, and the disaster management cycle, model. The four-phase disaster management model divides disaster management into four phases; preparedness, mitigation, response, and recovery (Upstate Medical University, n.d). This model requires that different ideas are embraced and put to action at different levels. This is one of its primary strengths. It helps facilitate the creation of particular solutions that respond to specific issues. Through the division of phases, also helps frame aspects of disaster preparedness and economic recovery after the disaster. The primary challenge of this model is that it analyzes all disasters and hazards in the same way.

The integrated approach for modeling vulnerability has its base on physical science, structural, engineering, and organizational schools. It is a practical model that embraces an integrative approach (Mcentire, et al., 2010). The strengths of this model include its focus on the community's vulnerability, facilitates understanding of the impact of disasters on vulnerable communities, and helps devise policies that can help counter the impacts of the hazard. Some challenges of this model include the lack of focus on other aspects that can affect communities. This means that disaster managers may not craft policies to handle certain types of emergencies.

The disaster management cycle analyzes disaster as a cycle. It is similar to the four-phase model, except that it has five phases. These phases are prevention, mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery (University of Central Florida, n.d). As such, it embraces prevention aside from preparedness. This inclusion of prevention as a phase in the cycle helps avoid the significant impacts of disasters. It reduces the impact of disasters. A potential challenge associated with this model is that it tends to create a likeness of disasters and limits the analysis of other areas that possibly need attention.

Conclusion

In conclusion, I chose the four-phase model of disaster management for my community. The main reason for this selection is that the model facilitates the development of strategies and potential solutions for each stage of the disaster. Mitigation, preparedness, and response are all crucial in disaster management. Aside from this, the model also puts into focus the recovery process. Disasters often leave people at a loss. Many people lose important things, people, and pets, and recovery is sometimes the hardest part of it all. Ensuring that the community recovers is essential.

Hazard Models Outline

•  The nature of hazards and their potential impacts in a community are critical determinants of emergency planning and mitigation efforts.
• Over the years, researchers have proposed numerous models for handling disasters and hazards.
• The integrated approach for modeling vulnerability has its base on physical science, structural, engineering, and organizational schools.
• The disaster management cycle analyzes disaster as a cycle.
• In conclusion, I chose the four-phase model of disaster management for my community.