Abstract:

Community emergency planning had its roots in military analogies which viewed emergencies as extensions of "enemy attack" scenarios. Such thinking was embedded in early structural arrangements and was generalized as the appropriate normative model for all emergencies.  This model viewed emergencies as conditions of social chaos which could be rectified by command and control.  It is argued here that such a view is inadequate based on a knowledge of behavior in emergencies and the model is dysfunctional for planning.  A more adequate model is presented based on conditions of continuity, coordination and cooperation.  This problem solving model, based on research rather than military analogies, provides a more adequate set of assumptions as the basis for planning. However, legislative and technological "improvements' often make emergency planning more rigid and increasingly inadequate.

Paper Requests:

The full-text of this article is available for $5.00 All publication orders must be PREPAID in U.S. DOLLARS ONLY. A proforma invoice is available upon request. Orders submitted without prepayment will be returned, unfilled, to the sender. 

                                       DOMESTIC: Add 10% to all orders for postage and
                                       handling. All items are sent Third-class mail. If you require
                                       First Class service, add an additional $1.00 per publication
                                       ordered. 

                                       FOREIGN: A 20% surcharge must be added to the total
                                       cost of the order. All items are sent Third-class mail. If air
                                       mail service is desired, add $2.00 per publication ordered
 

Please make checks payable to University of Delaware. Send inquiries, orders and payments to: 

                          Disaster Research Center--Publications 
                          University of Delaware
                          Newark, DE 19716
                           (302)831-6618:Phone 
                           (302)831-2091:Fax
                         castelli@udel.edu:Email