Disaster Response

It is impossible to ignore the relentless media reports of various human-made and natural disasters and the constant threats they pose to our society. Beyond the news headlines, recent disasters have prompted the restructuring of the U.S. government, namely the formation of the Department of Homeland Security and the reorganization of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). With the ever-present threat of disasters from hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, floods, wildfires, landslides, drought, winter storms, nuclear accidents, terrorist attacks, and chemical contamination, the role of government in protecting the population seems more important than ever.Disaster Response explores the issue of natural and human-made disasters and the nation's response to them in the popular Library in a Book format. It begins with a comprehensive, up-to-date overview of the history of the topic and the opinions surrounding it. Contemporary case studies range from the terrorist attacks of 9/11 to such natural disasters as Hurricane Katrina. Capsule biographies, a large annotated bibliography, a chronology of significant events, organization and agency listings, and a glossary also provide invaluable information for students, teachers, librarians, activists, policymakers, and general readers interested in exploring the controversy surrounding this issue.