Catastrophic Events: More than Just Big Disasters

Friday, 2:00-3:30 p.m., Pine

The magnitude of damage, the destruction of vital resources, and the massive number of displaced victims after a catastrophic event pose extraordinary challenges for disaster response and long-term recovery.

Catastrophic events place tremendous burdens on all agencies—local, state, and federal—and require a different approach to planning and preparedness than run-of-the-mill disasters. This session will discuss the differences and similarities in planning for large-scale catastrophes versus day-to-day (or year-to-year) disasters.

Tricia Wachtendorf, Moderator
University of Delaware Disaster Research Center

John Aucott, Panelist
FEMA

Ellis Stanley, Panelist
Dewberry

Bin Lu, Panelist
Peking University