Response to Disaster: Fact Versus Fiction and Its Perpetuation

by Henry W. Fischer III

Response to Disaster combines the original research of author Henry W. Fischer with the literature used today to describe behavioral and organizational challenges commonly experienced before, during, and after disasters. Actual problems are presented and compared to those often misperceived to occur, know as disaster mythology. Fisher examines case studies conducted during the post-impact and long-term recovery periods of major and minor disasters worldwide. He asserts that the role of the mass media assists in eliciting needed help with an effective response, but also perpetuates disaster mythology.

Fisher presents striking comparisons between the perception of disaster in the eyes of the general public, the actual situations emergency responders face, and the way mass media reporters broadcast information. Additionally, the problems encountered by emergency response organizations are compared and contrasted with general public and media perceptions of disaster response. Fisher presents the response to September 11, 2001, the south Asian tsunami, and hurricane Katrina in this comprehensive third edition.

258 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 1994

Reviews

[Charles Haywood · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is only going to be interesting to academic sociologists. That is, it is only relevant to people who are keenly interested in academic details and are willing to put up with atrocious academic-speak, including constant use of jargon and passive voice. I read this as a companion to "popular" books on disaster survival, such as Laurence Gonzales's "Deep Survival" and Amanda Ripley's "The Unthinkable." But this book is very different. Fischer writes to debunk the "disaster mythology" that claims society falls apart in disasters, with widespread looting, disorder and social chaos. He does a good job debunking it. But wow, is this book boring and poorly written. If you can stand that, and are looking for statistical proof that people usually behave better, rather than worse, during disasters (other that certain cultures), you can find it here..