Federal/State/Local Collaboration Networks in Disasters Case Study

Abstract

The purpose of this case study, with a biblical perspective, was to analyze intergovernmental collaboration networking during disasters by evaluating six areas that require additional research: 1) An analysis of the strong federal direction of national goals or greater flexibility; 2) The analysis of the effects of federal management roles in emergency management positions; 3) A discussion of how states address major hazards without federal encouragement; 4) Analysis of advantages to developing local capabilities that reduce hazards; 5) Discussion on the likelihood of local officials addressing risks to life and property without outside funds or support with recommendations for the future. Effective communication during natural and man-made disasters reduces response time and when practiced with local community volunteers periodically develop collaboration and cooperation with private, public, and nonprofit organizations. Therefore, this study examines frameworks of local, state, and federal emergency management agencies and their inter-organizational communication patterns during times of uncertainty for the development of skills in interagency situations.