Role of the Public in Loss-Reduction Policy and Practice

Tue. 9:00-10:30 a.m., Interlocken A

Recent decades have seen an expanded public role in decision making about environmental and other hazards—the Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know Act and environmental impact assessments, for example. Planners routinely search for ways to engage the public in community planning decisions, and disciplines such as marketing depend on actively assessing consumer preferences. Are these kinds of principles evident in emergency management practice? To what extent do emergency management institutions engage the public and take public preferences into account in their programs? Does the emergency management “establishment” take into account the needs and capabilities of diverse publics? If so, how? If not, why not, and what needs to change?

Michele Wood Michele Wood, Moderator
California State University, Fullerton

 

Shirley LaskaShirley Laska, Panelist
University of New Orleans

 

Mark BenthienMark Benthien, Panelist
Southern California Earthquake Center

 

Betty Morrow Betty Morrow, Panelist
SocResearch Miami

 

NHC