This module provides a comprehensive introduction to emergency planning and management for crises, major incidents and disasters. It covers the standards, principles, templates and research methods involved. Students will learn about the techniques used to assess vulnerability, risk and impact, plan for emergency response, and create a system that enables events to be managed effectively and efficiently. They will learn about the systems used in emergency response and the dynamics of emergency situations. Students will learn how to create, utilise and maintain emergency plans in both generic terms and for specific sectors. They will learn how to research, write, implement and verify plans, and how to mount a successful emergency response coordination operation. Students will learn to construct scenarios for different contingencies and use their outcomes as vital ingredients in plans. Students will be encouraged to treat planning as a process rather than an outcome. They will learn about the logistical, organisational, administrative, policy and legal contexts of emergency and crisis planning and management, and how to communicate effectively in emergencies. Examples will be drawn from contemporary practice, including the current emergency.

The module will cover the following topics:

evolution of emergency management; disaster myths and misassumptions; vulnerability, risk and resilience; urban hazards and megacities; scenario methodology; case-study methods; cascading disasters; operational capability and evaluation of civil protection systems; standards; Internet resources and professional associations; emergency planning overview and plan structure; emergency management; command systems; emergency operations centres; interoperability; warning and evacuation; policy and legal aspects of emergency response; urban search and rescue; helicopters in emergency work; emergency logistics and feeding; mass media communication and the role of the spokesperson; social media; simulation exercises.