Disaster Management can be defined as "the organization and management of resources and responsibilities for dealing with all humanitarian aspects of emergencies, in particular preparedness, response and recovery in order to lessen the impact of disasters." (definition from IFRC)
Disaster Management and Planning covers a wide range of disasters, both natural and manmade. The following are some examples of disasters that fall under the scope of disaster management:
Natural Disasters - earthquakes, extreme heat, floods, hurricanes, landslides/mudslides, lightning, tornadoes, tsunamis, volcanoes, wildfires, winter weather
Environmental Disasters - agricultural, biodiversity, industrial, human health, nuclear
Infectious Diseases & Illnesses - bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites
Bioterrorism - Category A (anthrax, botulism, plague, smallbox, tularemia), Category B (brucellosis, salmonella, typhus fever, water safety threats), Category C (Nipah virus, hantavirus)
Additional information on these types of disasters can be found here:
The Center for Preparedness and Response works with partners across the United States and the world to protect health 24/7. This part of the CDC provides information and resources on emergency readiness and operations, critical medicines and supplies, state and local readiness, containment, vulnerable populations, and more.
Many disaster management agencies exist at the federal, state, and local level to assist individuals. The following are some of the key agencies in the United States, the state of Pennsylvania, and Clarion County.
Federal
State
Local