New Book Defines Role of Emergency Manager
A new book on emergency preparedness from the University of Colorado's Natural Hazard Center explores the role of the newest professional joining the ranks of first responders: the emergency manager.

Entitled, Strategies for Coordinating Disaster Responses, the recently-released book was written by Sociology and Criminology professor, John Evans. "Initial response involves the rapid mobilization of a local core of trained individuals such as fire, police, and emergency medical service
personnel, who are collectively known as first responders," say the publishers. "Upon arrival at the scene, first responders often confront a variety of unofficial helpers -- people who are trying to help their neighbors, friends, or bystanders who are there simply to offer assistance. In addition, the flow of communication between personnel, agencies, and the public quickly becomes complex. Local emergency managers are often at the center of these communication pipelines."

Based on first hand interviews with more than 150 emergency managers, agency executives and emergency management team members, the book aims to set out procedures and best practices for rapidly and seamlessly creating effective strategic management during a multi-jurisdictional or multi-agency emergency.

For ordering information, contact the publications administrator at the Natural Hazards Center, University of Colorado, 482 UCB, Boulder, CO 80309-0482; (303) 492-6819; e-mail: Janet.Kroeckel@colorado.edu; or visit http://www.colorado.edu/hazards/puborder.html.