Michael D. Brown and Emergency Management Essay - 5077 Words

Introduction 2 What is FEMA? 2 Three Major Divisions of FEMA 3 Three Activities of FEMA 5 Impact of Hurricane Katrina 6 1. Economic effects 6 2. Social effects 7 3. Environmental effects 7 Criticisms 8 The Strength of FEMA 11 1. Reduce the redundancies: 11 2. Disaster assistance 11 3. Various programs 12 The Weakness of FEMA 12 1. Vague role definition 12 2. Staffing problems 13 3. Problem with motivation 14 4. Absorption into DHS 14 5. Problematic strategies 16 6. Poor communication 16 7. Public relation 17 The Proposed Change 18 1. Competent leadership 18 2. Conflict management 19 3. Communication 19 4. Structural change 20 5. Monitor employee attitudes 20 6. Continuous improvement 21 Conclusion 22 References†¦show more content†¦The response programs not only make sure the coordination does well but also assure effective and efficient of immediate emergent assistance to individuals and communities. ÂÆ'ÃÅ" Recovery Division: The capability of Recovery Division is to measure and ensure the affection of individuals or communities in all size disaster and the Recovery Division will give help and supports properly in time. Thereby, the most effective and efficient recovery can be accomplished. It has Individual Assistance, Public Assistance, the Federal Coordinating Officer Program, emergency and disaster declaration processing to complete the recovery work. Three Activities of FEMA ÂÆ'ÃÅ" Preparedness, Training, and Exercises: This activity supplies policy guidance, financial and technical assistance, training, and exercise support required to establish or enhance all-hazard, risk-based emergency management capabilities of Federal, State, and local governments. In addition, this activity emphasizes that FMEA should to maintain a family protection program with private sector. The volunteer organizations encourage and assist families and neighborhoods to take actions to increase their emergency preparedness capabilities. ÂÆ'ÃÅ" Fire Prevention and Training activity: This activity has programs designed to prepare Federal, State, andShow MoreRelatedThe Wrath of Mother Nature: Disaster Management of Hurricane Katrina1341 Words   |  6 Pagesagency that was put at fault for this lack of responsiveness was the Federal Emergency Management Agency or FEMA for short. FEMA is an agency that is set up to act as relief for any society that has undergone a disaster (National Geographic). FEMA was primarily criticized for its delayed reaction to the disaster and how unprepared the agency was to come in and pick up the pieces of New Orleans. The head of FEMA Michael D. Brown deliberately told fire and rescue teams from other counties not to respondRead MoreExecution and Results in a Crisis Situation1365 Words   |  6 Pagesincluding President George W. Bush, Homeland Security Chief Michael Chertoff, and FEMA Director Michael D. Brown. Briefly evaluate each of these leaders on their overall effectiveness at Managing Execution and Driving for Results. Manage Execution is the way for a manager to designate, cooperate, monitor, and keep up the assignment (Quinn, 2007). Drive for results is the way to achieve the goal with others and through others (Quinn, 2007). Mr. Brown is the one who has to organize and cooperate with HomelandRead MoreNational Response Plan Howard L. Hayes Saint Leo University1323 Words   |  6 PagesNational Response Plan Howard L. Hayes Saint Leo University Abstract Why is it necessary for our country to have an effective emergency plan in place? Why does it matter how the country responds to emergencies when every part of our country, including cities and states, face emergency situations on a daily basis all over? Some are bad to worse, and some horrific to deadly. Well, this paper explains the importance of the National Response Plan and why it is necessary for our country to have it inRead MoreNational Response Pl An Effective Emergency Plan1321 Words   |  6 Pages National Response Plan Howard L. Hayes Saint Leo University Abstract Why is it necessary for our country to have an effective emergency plan in place? Why does it matter how the country responds to emergencies when every part of our country, including cities and states, face emergency situations on a daily basis all over? Some are bad to worse, and some horrific to deadly. Well, this paper explains the importance of the National Response Plan and why it is necessary for our countryRead MorePublic Policy Influences Government Stakeholders: Government Stakeholders Influences Public Policy1250 Words   |  5 Pagesin the best interest of people through their direct interactions with respect to public interest and public policy. When government responsibilities at the (local, state or federal) or NGO levels fail to act timely to citizens who are in need of emergency services in catastrophic situations, trust in government and NGO become the battle cry for change to public policy due to government unresponsiveness and carelessness. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to discuss and analyze two points; FirstlyRead MoreDisaster Preparedness Policies At The United States2048 Words   |  9 Pagesthan an emergency. A Disaster disrupts essential services such as housing, transportation, communications, sanitation, water, and health care; and that requires the response of people outside the community affected (Gebbie). In a world that anything can happen, you have to be prepared for everything. Over decades, the United States has created disaster preparedness policies to help plan strategies before and after a disaster. The biggest disaster relief agency is FEMA (Federal Emergency ManagementRead MoreThe 9th Ward: The African American’s Struggle in The Wake of a Natural Disaster2061 Words   |  9 PagesInside the Superdome, there were â€Å"primarily black faces whose plight, broadcast worldwide, dramatically exposed the racial dimension of poverty in America.† By September 1st, 2005, conditions in the Superdome were declared unsafe by the Federal Emergency management Agency or FEMA for short. By this time there were a reported 20,000 people inhabiting the Superdome (LA Times). According to Paul Harris, the survivors of the Superdome had to live in conditions that included â€Å"backed-up toilets, children sleepingRead MoreHurricane Devastation Of New Orleans962 Words   |  4 PagesFederal system and local responses pursuing the disaster, which risen the damage that had been made. There was a strain on the rescue operation due to many people who did not get the warnings of evacuati on. George W. Bush, Michael D. Brown, the director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the New Orleans Department Superintendent Eddie Compass were all forced to resign. For not ordering mandatory evacuations at an earlier time Louisiana Government Kathleen Blanco and New Orleans Mayor Ray NaginRead MoreHazardous Waste and Superfund Sites1143 Words   |  5 PagesSuperfund has paid the bill entirely with taxpayer money (EPA, 2010). With every new ecological disaster, the strain on Superfund becomes more significant. Since Congress has not reinstated fees on industry, any new disaster clean-up is paid for with emergency funding which inevitably comes out of the pockets of the public and adds to the already enormous deficit (Lester Rabe, 2008). Superfund Proponents Superfunds proponents state that the EPA must have the authority, and resources to clean up hazardousRead MoreBusiness Continuity Plan as a Part of Risk Management18773 Words   |  76 PagesCONTENTS STRESZCZENIE .........................................................4 ABSTRACT ..................................................................6 INTRODUCTION ........................................................7 CHAPTER 1 RISK MANAGEMENT ............................................................8 1.1 The Definition of Risk ............................................................... 8 1.2 Risk in Business Activity......................................................... 10

Use Of Cell Phones While Driving - 860 Words

Americans rely heavily on cell phones to perform daily activities. Cell phone are used for phone calls, email, sending text messages, surfing the internet, and performing other tasks. It is unfortunate that many of these daily activities occur while a person is driving. As a result, an increase of accidents and fatalities have occurred because of the use of cellular phones while driving. Using a cell phone while driving is an epidemic that has taken our nation by storm. Most drivers believe they can safely drive a motor vehicle while using their cell phones. The United States government must put an end to the use of the cell phones while operating a motor vehicle by taking action with laws prohibiting the use of these devices while operating a motor vehicle. There are three main points which supports the banning of cell phones while driving. First of all, by using the cell phone while driving, the driver will experience visual distraction which takes the driver s eyes off the road onto the cell phone. Secondly, the driver will experience a physical distraction by having to release the steering wheel to attend to the cell phone. Lastly, the driver will experience a mental distraction which takes the driver s mind away from their full concentration on the road. By banning the complete use of cell phones while driving a motor vehicle, our government would undoubtedly save lives. Background Prior to cell phones, Americans never had to deal with the negative effects causedShow MoreRelatedCell Phone Use While Driving1503 Words   |  7 Pagesforth over the lines or driving at very inconsistent speeds. You wonder what could possibly be causing the driver to drive so erratically. Is the driver drunk? Is the driver preoccupied with eating his or her lunch? Is the driver busy attending children in the backseat? Once you pull along the side you realize that was not the case, instead you notice the driver has a cellular telephone up to her or his ear chatting away, or even worse you pass and see the driver holding a phone texting, you pass byRead MoreThe Use Of Cell Phones While Driving1817 Words   |  8 Pagesknowledge that the use of cell phones while driving decreases driver awareness and overall road safety, and in response to this knowledge, some states have passed laws that have prohibited the use of handheld devices. However, there are no laws banning hands free cell phone usage, despite research claiming hands free devices are just as dangerous handheld devices. But, does their usage distract drivers enough to the point where states should legally ban the total use cell phones while driving? The followingRead MoreCell Phone Use While Driving990 Words   |  4 Pages Cell phones are integral to people’s lives in Canada because they are vital communication and entertainment tools. However, the use of cell phones has remained contentious, because texting and talking on the phone are associated with distracted driving. Distracted driving is, â€Å"defined as the diversion of attention away from activities critical for safe driving toward a competing activity† (Klauer, Guo, Simons-Morton, Ouimet, Lee Dingus, 2013, p. 55). Although distracted driving is also associatedRead MoreUse of Cell Phones While Driving824 Words   |  4 PagesIf you are driving at 55mph for 5 seconds in that amount of time you could cross a football field. Peo ple don’t understand how dangerous distracted driving really is. All states should have some sort of legal parameters of what happens when you get caught using your cell phone while driving. People should get a stronger/ harsher punishment for the use of a cellular device while driving. People are way more impaired when you are distracted and driving than you are drinking and driving. The problemRead MoreCell Phone Use While Driving1114 Words   |  5 PagesToday, we use our cell phones for just about anything and everything to include; texting, talking to our loved ones, and connecting with the rest of the world via social media. Cell phones have become a natural way of life to where we pick up our phones and use them like second nature. However, the dangers present themselves when we get behind the wheel of a car and carry these habits of cell phone addictions with us. If all states ban the use of cell phones while driving, then there would be a reducedRead MoreThe Use Of Cell Phones While Driving1843 Words   |  8 Pagesknown that the use of cell phones while driving decreases driver awareness and overall road safety, and in response to this knowledge, some states have passed laws that have prohibited the use of handheld devices. However, there are no laws banning hands free cell phone usage, despite research claiming hands free devices are just as dangerous handheld devices, but does their usage distract drivers enough to the point where states should legally ban the total use cell phones while driving? The followingRead MoreThe Use Of Cell Phones While Driving1509 Words   |  7 PagesSeveral states have enacted laws banning the use of cell phones while driving; an indication of the type of society America has become. These laws were put in place not only to keep drivers from taking phone calls, but also to deter them from posting their latest tweet or commenting on their friend’s latest picture. Social media is so ingrained in society today that many are unable to entertain a world that is devoid of such technology. With usage at an all-time high, the psychological effects ofRead MoreCell Phone Use While Driving Essay1816 Words   |  8 PagesThe study was attempting to determine the thoughts and behaviors that African American freshman college students in regards to cellphone use while driving. They wanted to know how the students thought cellphones (independent variable) impact driving skills (dependent variable). Research suggests that cellphone use correlates to higher likelihood of accidents. The study used 331 (195 females and 136 males) freshman students who held a driver’s license. The students were then given a questionnaireRead More Cell Phones And Driving: Dangers Involved with Cell Phone Use While Driving1036 Words   |  5 Pagesoften. Talking on the cell phone and driving has become a very popular thing these days. Technology is coming out with the newest phones that can do everything for you and people are attracted to that. There are people that don’t have hands free and drive their car with only one hand, people that text and totally take their eye off the road and type conversations to each other. Bluetooth is another technological breakthrough where you wear an ear piece and can receive phone calls by one touch ofRead MoreStop the Use of Cell Phones While Driving854 Words   |  4 Pages13 2013 Many people driving don’t know that they can be so many wrongs they can be doing without realizing it. Plenty talk on the phone while driving, drink, text and drive. A lot of people even innocent people as well have had accidents involving one of those. Out of the three there has been one that has become more common, and it’s only increasing if people don’t put a stop to it themselves. A usage of a cell phone should not be displayed at any point while driving. It can wait many have had

The Garden Free Essays

I remember my first day of finishing school clearly. Nightingale finishing school for Girls was buzzing with pupils, ready for the new school year ahead of them, and telling tales of their . I felt out of place. We will write a custom essay sample on The Garden or any similar topic only for you Order Now It might have been that I had the wrong hairstyle, or that my shoes were not the right style, maybe it was the fact that I had nobody to talk to, maybe it was all of these. I know now that it was something much stranger than that, a power that repelled certain people away from me – it was like trying to attract wrong ends of magnets together. I saw a group of girls and decided they must have been the â€Å"popular† clique. There was a buzzing air around them, as well as a larger crowd. They were all stunning; with not a hair out of place. They looked over to me as I stood alone. The look was icy, and I presumed this was just because I was the â€Å"new girl†, an outcast. I turned away and found a place to sit alone, when I felt a sharp tap on my back. It was one of the girls from the corner. She had waist-long, wavy butter-coloured hair. Some of her hair was secured with a very ornate cameo pin. Her fluttering eyelashes curled upwards in the most graceful fashion. Even her drab school uniform seemed to suit her perfectly. She had the elegance and beauty of an exotic white tiger. I turned around and said nothing; I was far too intimidated to answer. It seemed as if the tiger was ready to pounce. â€Å"Who are you?† There was a sharp pause. â€Å"You must be the new girl then.† I tried to reply but simply couldn’t. It was like trying to talk when under the pressure of deep water. She looked at me as if I were a leper. Offended, she mumbled something inaudible and snarled like a dog, â€Å"What’s the matter with you? I want to warn you not to get in the way here. Don’t mess with us and you might just get along here.† All eyes seemed to be on me as she hurried back to her crowd, to regain her place as â€Å"queen bee†. Her friends laughed and then went back to their conversation as if nothing had happened. Half way through my day, I knew that I wouldn’t fit in very well; I was frustrated at the fact that I might not find any friends at all. As soon as we were allowed a free period and retire to the hall again, I escaped to the great library. It was a large, magnificent room, which looked as if I could blend in and not be noticed by anyone. The walls, books and floor were my only company. I reflected over my day and what had happened. Nobody understood what I was going through, and how difficult it was for me to speak to them. This triggered thought about my late mother. She died at the tender age of 33. Mostly, I’m over the death of my mother. At the time of her death, I didn’t understand what was happening. I thought that I was too young to be wearing a black dress; only older women seemed to wear them. It was more uncomfortable than my normal dress and I didn’t want to wear it at all. I didn’t understand at my young age that it would have been unacceptable, and disrespectful to my dead mother, for me not to. The clothes my mother dressed me in were much more comfortable, and they smelt of her scent wherever I went. The week after her death, I started to wonder where she had gone. I missed her greatly after a few weeks, because my father was much stiffer and stricter, if he was there for us at all. He seemed more into his work and gambling than caring for his children. My personality, as well as my brothers’, changed at this point. I became much more reserved, unwilling to talk to anyone other than my brothers. I didn’t particularly feel like talking to them either; I only talked to them when it was necessary. Nobody seemed to worry about me, either. I spent most of my time in our luscious garden. I enjoyed the cool shade of the willow tree in the summer; there I could hear the sweet birds chirping. I could smell the blooming flowers, their rich colours like confectionery to the eyes. Here was the only place I could find peacefulness, and shut myself out from the rest of the uncaring world. I disliked my father for what he had done; he was responsible for sending me here†¦ â€Å"Hello.† My quiet thoughts were interrupted. â€Å"I wondered if you knew where the gardens were.† I looked up at my intruder, confused. There were no gardens, as far as I knew, at this school. He was a tall boy, of about fifteen years. I noticed that he wasn’t very handsome, but there was a mysterious air about him which made him seem attractive. I wondered what he was doing here; this was a girls’ finishing school after all. I attempted to say that I was new here, and didn’t know where it was, but all that came out was a muffled squeak: â€Å"No, sorry.† He started to walk away. He turned around and said â€Å"Oh, okay. Good night. And may I say that you have the prettiest eyes I have ever seen.† I blushed violently, and went back to my book about wild animals. * That night I had a spectacularly vivid dream. I could see luscious green grass and fragrant flowers filled the space. I saw the beautiful colours of the wildlife; exotic birds and unidentifiable mammals. There was a small spinney which caught my eye; the branches were waving slowly in the cool breeze, and a pool of sparkling water beside it. The landscape was truly beautiful; it was like being in a different world. I saw my mother reflected in the water where I leant over. She looked as beautiful as ever, as beautiful as a rose. She was slightly different from what I remember, as if she had bloomed further. Her face was a little more blushing and her nose was slightly more pointed. Her strawberry-blonde locks looked just like mine, as well as her beautifully deep blue-green eyes. I realised after a few seconds that this was not my mother, but I. I was truly taken aback by how much I looked like my mother; I suppose I had not before looked into my own reflection properly. That was the day that changed my life. I had not experienced such a vivid dream before, but they started to happen much more often. They started to affect my concentration in the school; I longed to be outside, free, with no cares and responsibilities. I thought that it was just my imagination running wild, and longing for my comfortable past back. Having an appearance like my mother’s helped my self-confidence. I was sure that she was extremely beautiful. I knew that I could never look as dazzling, as striking as her, but I knew that I was certainly not ugly. I noticed that my voice was coming through once again; no longer a muffled squeal. However, I still felt like hardly anyone liked me. I spent my evenings in the library, my secret hideaway. I was starting to get used to this school; life wasn’t as bad as it used to seem. * A year later, and my evenings were still as normal, uninterrupted and peaceful. I felt a wave of sleep come over me, so I closed my book and curled up into a ball. I didn’t realise at the time that this was not in a most ladylike fashion; my tiredness seemed to take over. It was not unusual to feel tired after a long day, so thought nothing of it at the time. Whilst in my sleep, I had another vivid dream. It was pleasant, the season in my world seemed to have changed to winter, but it was still beautiful. A soft blanket of snow covered the grass, and sparkling ice covered the pool of water where I often sat and thought about my mother. The leaves had left the trees in the spinney, and a layer of frost covered them. It was quite spectacular, everywhere sparkled and dazzled in the midday sun. I stumbled over a root in the spinney, but a striking evergreen bush broke my fall. â€Å"I’m sorry for my impoliteness,† I was awoken. It was a boy, the same boy that I had come across on my first day at this school. â€Å"But I wondered if I could talk to you?† I felt shy, but also warmed by his presence. Something about him made me feel slightly more comfortable than usual. This feeling was similar to the one I had when my mother was still alive. I was daydreaming, and didn’t realise; there was a pause in the conversation. â€Å"It’s just that†¦ I feel as if we are in the same situation.† He said, and sat down on the couch next to me. As I was slightly taken aback by this, I said nothing. My face asked the questions. â€Å"My mother died when I was young. I came here because I sensed that someone with the power was near.† He said, gently. â€Å"I know that you’ve had trouble fitting in, just like I did. People like me and you don’t, generally. People can sense that you have something different, which wards them off.† I was slightly confused, so I decided to ask him what the power was. Was it the power to enter a secret garden in my sleep? â€Å"What is the power?† â€Å"It is when you have the ability to enter a supernatural world, full of peace and harmony whenever you wish. I gained mine a few years after my mother died; she passed the power on to me. That is why I asked you last year whether you knew the way to the gardens.† I began to understand. This boy truly knew what I was feeling, and I could talk to him, as if I were a normal girl and my feelings mattered to him; he could empathise with me and vice versa. We instantly connected and I felt at ease. I couldn’t believe that I had met someone who knew how I felt, and what my life was like! We had been talking for two hours before I noticed that I was late to my dorm room. â€Å"I have to go†¦Ã¢â‚¬  I said. He asked me if I could stay for just a little while longer. I knew that inside, I wanted to stay. I wanted to stay with him forever, but simply had to go. I left after a couple of minutes. I was ecstatic; I couldn’t have asked for more than a friend at that point in my life. I don’t know what I would have done without somebody to understand me, at least for one day. I never did ask what he was doing at our girls’ school that day; the thought never crossed my mind whilst our conversation was flowing. It flowed like a river, never ending, and as we continued to meet it stayed that way. We shared our secret desires and passions, as well as sharing the stories of our past. Together, we also discovered that we could enter the garden with each other. I don’t know how it happened, but as we held each other in a warm embrace, the light appeared. We did so more and more, and over the days, weeks and months, the garden appeared to bloom – just like our friendship. The garden’s wildlife became more and more stunning. Even the non-living pool appeared to be spilling with life. He was my only friend, and I wanted it to stay that way, forever. How to cite The Garden, Papers