In recent years, crises have become more commonplace, largely due to extreme weather conditions brought about by climate change.
With communities increasingly vulnerable, public administrators have a vital role to play in identifying and responding to threats rapidly.
The infographic below details some of the most common types of modern-day crises and provides an insight into the role of public administrators in crisis management.
As the effects of climate change become increasingly apparent, public administrators in the US are dealing with a growing number of crises.
In 2016, there were 42 major disaster declarations and 7 states of emergency compared to 36 major disaster declarations and 1 state emergency in 1994.
Unpredictable, extreme weather events have contributed to an increased risk of flooding, hurricanes and tornadoes.
To manage crises, public administrators must have procedures in place, which allow them to work through phases, including prevention, preparedness, response and recovery and reconstruction.
The priority is to protect human lives and to minimize the risk of damage by investing in preventative measures, such as physical flood barriers and enforcing advanced building codes.
The next step is to ensure people are ready for what is coming their way. Measures that may be introduced include providing evacuation warnings, preparing shelters and making sure backup power supplies are available.
To respond to disasters, those at risk should be evacuated, critical infrastructure should be repaired as quickly as possible and urgent services restored and supported.
Finally, to aid recovery, administrators can provide support in terms of construction teams and financial assistance for those affected.
The infographic contains a series of case studies, which underline the importance of a cohesive, quick response from public administrators.
As technology evolves, tools like satellite data and early earthquake warning systems will prove increasingly beneficial.
Infographic Produced By Norwich University
This is a collaborative post
