U.S. Emergency Management in the 21st Century：From Disaster to Catastrophe

The effects of climate change and compounding hazards are pushing natural and social systems to their breaking points. Our understanding of hazards and disasters is rapidly changing, and it is unclear as to whether our existing management systems are adequate to adapt to the disasters already present let alone those occurring during the next decade. Thoroughly updated to include the latest research in the hazards and disasters field, U.S. Emergency Management in the 21st Century continues the tradition of giving readers access to exemplary case studies drawn from a wide variety of hazards as well as academic and applied fields. The second edition has features nine new chapters, highlighting transitions from the status quo to untested operational environments.

NEW TO THE SECOND EDITION

• Discussion on COVID-19 pandemic and the lacking local capacity for preparedness with an eye towards future public health emergencies.
• “Forgotten” hazards (heatwaves and coldwaves) in Phoenix, AZ and Buffalo, N.Y
• Emerging challenges in hurricane preparedness and response with rapid intensification.
• Rapidly changing cyles of too little or too much water in the west resulting in water storage emergencies.
• Cascading hazards and out-of-sight water crises in the Southwest
• Extreme and heavy precipitation resulting in flash flooding in Tennessee, New York City, Montana, and Vermont.
• Response and recovery from hazardous materials transportation (East Palestine, Ohio train derailment)
• Updated conclusion describing divergence between federal, state, and local emergency management concerns and priorities.
• A new co-editor, Melanie Gall, recognized for her teaching and scholarship on natural hazards and emergency management.

Accessible and written by experts in emergency management research and practice, U.S. Emergency Management in the 21st Century remains an indispensable textbook on disaster case studies, emergency management policy and practice. An essential resource for students, an interested public, and professionals alike.