Disaster Policy and Politics: Emergency Management and Homeland Security

by Richard Sylves

Disaster Policy and Politics combines evidence-based research with mini-case studies of recent events to demonstrate the fundamental principles of emergency management and to explore the impact that disasters have had on U.S. policy. Paying special attention to the role of key actors―decision makers at the federal, state, and local levels; scientists; engineers; civil and military personnel; and first responders―author Richard Sylves explores how researchers contribute to and engage in disaster policy development and management. The highly anticipated Third Edition explores the radical change in policy and politics after the occurrence of recent disasters such as Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria; Hawaii’s false nuclear attack warning; and responses to U.S. wildfires. This book’s comprehensive "all-hazards" approach introduces students to the important public policy, organizational management, and leadership issues they may need as future practitioners and leaders in the field.

632 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2008

Reviews

[Jeneane Sorensen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was also assigned for our Disaster Policies class. It stressed the importance of emergency management and preparedness. It also stressed the "disaster" of putting FEMA under the umbrella of Homeland Security. This action diluted FEMA's purpose and response abilities and uncovered a lot of very uncomfortable facts about the government. The book is well written and well worth a read if you are interested in any of these subjects.

[Hans · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fairly decent book. Manages to keep you interested by using plenty of examples and avoiding bureaucratic language so common in many policy/theory books. I can't say that it really added any new insights as it still felt rather vague and general. It would be a good introductory book to anyone new to the field. But anyone with experience in the Emergency Management field would find most of it redundant.

[Patrick Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the standard for the field. Anyone seeking an introduction to disaster policy or a refresher should consult this book. Sylves knows the technical details, but he doesn't neglect the rough and tumble politics, either, which makes for a good read.

[Craig · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is written for the reader to consider the mindset of policy makers and how they react in crisis.