Natural Hazards Observer
| July 2004 | Volume XXVIII | Number 6 |
Below are summaries of some of the recent, most useful publications on hazards and disasters received by the Natural Hazards Center. Due to space limitations, we have provided descriptions of key publications. All items contain information on how to obtain a copy. A complete listing of all publications listed in the Observer may be found by searching the Hazards Library database at http://www.colorado.edu/hazards/library.
All Hazards
Preventing a Disaster within the Disaster: The Effective Use and Management of Unaffiliated Volunteers. 2004. 20 pp. Available free on-line from the Points of Light Foundation, 1400 I Street, NW, Suite 800, Washington, DC 20005; (202) 729-8161; e-mail: disastervolunteering@pointsoflight.org; http://www.pointsoflight.org/programs/disaster/. When spontaneous, unaffiliated volunteers arrive at a disaster site eager to lend a hand they present the challenge of reconciling their needs as volunteers with the needs of the responders trying to do their jobs. This report addresses this challenge and the opportunities it presents and recommends ways to effectively utilize volunteers in disaster situations.
Disaster Risk Reduction: Mitigation and Preparedness in Development and Emergency Programming. John Twigg. Good Practice Review 9. ISBN 0-85003-694-1. 2004. 365 pp. Available free on-line from the Humanitarian Practice Network, Overseas Development Institute, 111 Westminster Bridge Road, London, SE17JD, UK; +44 (0)20 7922 0331/74; e-mail: hpn@odi.org.uk; http://www.odihpn.org/publistResults.asp. The purpose of this practical, evidence-based publication is to help project planners and managers in developing and middle-income countries build up community resilience to hazards by emphasizing the role that risk reduction plays in project planning and implementation. It is intended for anyone working on long-term development or emergency management programs pertaining to vulnerable populations and those affiliated with local governments and community organizations.
Usable Science 8: Early Warning Systems: Do's and Don'ts. Workshop Summary. Michael H. Glantz. 2004. 76 pp. Available free on-line from the National Center for Atmospheric Research, 3450 Mitchell Lane, Boulder, CO 80301; (303) 497-8119; e-mail: glantz@ucar.edu; http://www.esig.ucar.edu/warning/report.pdf. The objective of the Usable Science Workshop on early warning systems was to identify lessons learned by those who have experience working with or developing early warning systems. Its ultimate goal was to identify ways to make early warnings more useful, usable, credible, and reliable. It is hoped that the lessons and experiences reported in this workshop summary will be used by governmental and nongovernmental decision makers in their efforts to warn and educate the media and the general public.
Understanding the Economic and Financial Impacts of Natural Disasters. Charlotte Benson and Edward J. Clay. Disaster Risk Management Series No. 5. ISBN 0-8213-5685-2. 2004. 119 pp. $20.00. Available free on-line from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development/The World Bank, 1818 H Street, NW, Washington, DC 20433; (202) 458-4500; e-mail: infoshop@worldbank.org; http://www-wds.worldbank.org/. Vulnerability to natural hazards is determined by a complex and dynamic set of influences that includes economic structure, stage of development, and prevailing economic and policy conditions. This publication examines the short- and long-term effects of natural disasters to increase understanding of their economic and financial impact, the vulnerability of hazards-prone economies, ways to improve risk management, and why mitigation strategies are not more widely adopted.
Final Report on the August 14th Blackout in the United States and Canada: Causes and Recommendations. U.S.-Canada Power System Outage Task Force. 2004. 228 pp. Available free on-line from the Office of Electric Transmission and Distribution, U.S. Department of Energy, 1000 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 50285; (202) 586-5575, (800) 342-5363; https://reports.energy.gov/. The final report of the binational taskforce convened to investigate the causes of the 2003 Northeast blackout has been released (see the Observer, January 2004, p. 23).
Grant Application Handbook: A Guide to the Application Process for Competitive and Non-Competitive Grants. 2004. 111 pp. Available free on-line from the Nuclear Energy Institute, 1776 I Street, NW, Suite 400, Washington, DC 20006; (202) 739-8000; e-mail: webmasterp@nei.org; http://www.nei.org/documents/Emergency_Planning_Grant_Handbook.pdf. This guidebook provides an overview of the grant application process as it pertains to hazards and disasters. It provides resources and information for local jurisdictions seeking funding to improve or facilitate their emergency response capabilities. The book's appendices contain valuable information and links to other grant-related programs, agencies, and organizations.
A Practical Guide for University Crisis Response. Mark D. Lerner. Joseph S. Volpe, and Brad Lindell. ISBN 0-9674762-5-9. 2004. 102 pp. $24.95. Available from the American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress, 368 Veterans Memorial Highway, Commack, NY 11725; (631) 543-2217; http://www.universitycrisisresponse.com/ or http://www.aaets.org/. This volume is a practical overview of the structure and process of effective management of university-based crises, ranging from natural disasters and fire to school-specific issues, such as hazing, bomb threats, and suicidal or violent students. Chapters cover age-appropriate response, crisis planning, acute trauma stress management for students and personnel, the need for outside assistance, and the incorporation of staff into preparedness activities. Checklists and step-by-step resources for responding to crisis events are included.
Emergency Relief Operations. Kevin M. Cahill, editor. International Humanitarian Affairs No.2. ISBN 0-8232-2240-3. 2003. 386 pp. $20.00. Available from Fordham Press, University Box L, Bronx, NY 10458; (718) 817-4795, (800) 247-6553; e-mail: philpotts@fordham.edu; http://www.fordhampress.com/. Emergency relief operations are often the starting point for international humanitarian assistance programs. The authors of this volume explore organizational and political response capacities, effective multidisciplinary responses, the interface of response with vulnerability assessment, and ways to identify disaster prone areas and utilize rapid assessment methodologies to help meet needs that arise following humanitarian crises and natural disasters. Topics include early warning systems, initial response, natural resources, displacement, power and gender, issues of security, and the transition from conflict to peace.
Earthquakes
Bam Earthquake of 26 December 2003-ICG Reconnaissance Mission. Farrokh Nadim, Conrad Lindholm, Svien Remseth, Arild Andresen, and Masoud Moghtaderi-Zadeh. 2004. 79 pp. Available free on-line from the International Centre for Geohazards (ICG), c/o Norwegian Geotechnical Institute (NGI), P.O. Box 3930 Ullevaal Stadion, N-0806 Oslo, Norway; +47 22 02 30 00; http://www.geohazards.no/pdf/Bam_earthquake_report-ICG.pdf. When an unfortunate mix of geological and sociological circumstances came together on December 26, 2003, in Bam, Iran, many lives were lost and the majority of the city's population was left homeless. This study reviews the science behind the event itself and the consequent damage incurred by residential, commercial, educational, religious, governmental, industrial, and lifeline facilities in the city of Bam. Recommendations made based on the findings include rebuilding Bam through application of proven anti-seismic construction methods, mapping faults countrywide, and using Bam as an example to encourage other cities and villages throughout Iran to take action in order to avoid a similar tragedy.
Earthquakes. Fifth Edition. Bruce A. Bolt. ISBN 0-7167-5618-8. 2003. 320 pp. $45.95. Published by W.H. Freeman and Company, 41 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10010; (800) 446-8923; http://www.whfreeman.com/. The fifth edition of the textbook Earthquakes introduces readers to the history and science of earthquakes. Illustrated with a plethora of diagrams, maps, photographs, and charts, topics include where and why earthquakes happen, how they are measured, the hazards they present, and what is being done in the areas of prediction and risk reduction. New features include discussion of recent earthquakes deemed critical based on their level of social and scientific interest and an expanded and updated list of relevant web sites.
Preventing Earthquake Disasters: The Grand Challenge in Earthquake Engineering. National Research Council of the National Academies. ISBN 0-309-09064-4. 2004. 192 pp. $42.00. A PDF version is $28.50. This publication may be read on-line for free. Available from the National Academies Press, 500 Fifth Street, NW, Box 285, Washington, DC 20055; (202) 334-3313, (800) 624-6242; http://www.nap.edu/catalog/10799.html. At the request of the National Science Foundation (NSF), an independent panel was assembled to develop a long-term earthquake engineering research agenda utilizing the unique capabilities of the Network for Earthquake Engineering Simulation (NEES). The panel concluded that preventing earthquake disasters, if not earthquakes themselves, is feasible. This report provides an overview of the earthquake hazard, earthquake engineering research, and NEES; identifies research challenges and issues in key areas; discusses the potential impact and use of new information and communications technologies; and puts forth a research plan and specific recommendations regarding the role of NSF and NEES in the prevention of earthquake disasters.
Lessons Learned Over Time: Adobe Housing Reconstruction after the 2001 El Salvador Earthquakes. Dominic Dowling. Learning from Earthquakes Series Volume V. ISBN 0-943198-00-3. 2004. 70 pp. $15.00. Available from the Earthquake Engineering Research Institute, 499 14th Street, Suite 320, Oakland, CA 94612; (510) 451-0905; e-mail: eeri@eeri.org; http://www.eeri.org/cds_publications/catalog/. Printed in both Spanish and English in one volume, this report documents the rebuilding of adobe structures following earthquakes in El Salvador in 2001. The author discusses low-cost solutions for improving the earthquake resistance of adobe housing and initiatives that have proven successful in encouraging the use of improved adobe in housing construction. He concludes that improved adobe training and construction preserves lives, minimizes injuries, reduces earthquake vulnerability, lowers the housing deficit, and promotes sustainable development.
The Boumerdes, Algeria, Earthquake (May 21, 2003): An EERI Learning from Earthquakes Reconnaissance Report. 2003-04. 57 pp. $15.00. Available from the Earthquake Engineering Research Institute, 499 14th Street, Suite 320, Oakland, CA 94612; (510) 451-0905; e-mail: eeri@eeri.org; http://www.eeri.org/cds_publications/catalog/. This reconnaissance report features satellite images of the area affected by the Boumerdes earthquake taken a year prior to the event, immediately afterwards, and one month later. The report focuses on the political and social context that impacted construction practices and response and recovery mechanisms and concludes with recommendations to reduce urban vulnerability to earthquakes.
Tsunamis
Caribbean Tsunamis: A 500-Year History from 1498-1998. Karen Fay O'Loughlin and James F. Lander. Advances in Natural and Technological Hazards Research 20. ISBN 1-4020-1717-0. 2003. 280 pp. $99.00. Available from Kluwer Academic Publishers, 101 Philip Drive, Norwell, MA 02061; (781) 871-6600; e-mail: kluwer@wkap.com; http://www.wkap.nl/. While not the chief natural hazard in the Caribbean region, tsunamis have the potential to produce catastrophic regional disasters. This potential is demonstrated by the extensive devastation caused by a significant number of events documented in this examination of 500 years of Caribbean tsunamis. This book supports the scientific research community in its efforts to establish tsunami warning and mitigation systems and to educate governments and affected populations in this seismically active region by providing information about tsunamis and the risks they pose.
Wildfires
At Home in the Woods: Lessons Learned in the Wildland/Urban Interface. 2004. 136 pp. Available free on-line from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Region VIII, Building 710, Box 25267, Denver, CO 80225; (303) 235-4800; http://www.fema.gov/regions/viii/athome_woods.shtm. Facing the threat of wildfire, individuals and communities are taking creative measures to protect themselves. Using a case study format, this report documents some of the best and most innovative fire mitigation practices currently used in the wildland/urban interface at the federal, state, and local levels. It focuses on challenges faced, obstacles overcome, and lessons learned and includes information on firewise communities and an extensive wildfire resource guide.
Science Basis for Changing Forest Structure to Modify Wildfire Behavior and Severity. Russell T. Graham, Sarah McCaffrey, and Theresa B. Jain. 2004. 43 pp. Free. Available from the U.S. Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, 240 Prospect Road, Fort Collins, CO 80526; (970) 498-1392; e-mail: rschneider@fs.fed.us; http://www.fs.fed.us/rm/pubs/rmrs_gtr120.pdf. This report describes the current scientific knowledge available for making informed decisions on fuel treatments to modify wildfire behavior and effects in dry forests of the interior western U.S. A review of scientific principles and applications relevant to fuel treatment primarily for dry forests is provided for the following topics: fuels, fire hazard, fire behavior, fire effects, forest structure, treatment effects and longevity, landscape fuel patterns, and scientific tools useful for management and planning.
Floods and Extreme Weather
Red River Rising: The Anatomy of a Flood and the Survival of an American City. Ashley Shelby. ISBN 0-87351-500-5. 2004. 265 pp. $24.95. Available from Borealis Books, c/o Chicago Distribution Center, 11030 South Langley Avenue, Chicago, IL 60628; (800) 621-2736; e-mail: custserv@press.uchicago.edu; http://www.borealisbooks.org/. This book tells the story of the 1997 Grand Forks, North Dakota, flood from the perspectives of those who experienced it. Through interviews, documents, newspapers, and other personal accounts, the author illustrates the flood's impact on the land, the people, and the town.
Heat-Waves: Risks and Responses. Christina Koppe, Sari Kovats, Gerd Jendritzky, and Bettina Menne. Health and Global Environmental Change Series No. 2. ISBN 92-890-1094-0. 2004. 124 pp. Available free on-line from the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Office for Europe, Scherfigsvej 8, DK-2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark; +45 39 17 17 17; e-mail: publicationrequests@euro.who.int; http://www.euro.who.int/document/E82629.pdf. Heat waves in Europe are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. A preliminary analysis of Europe's 2003 heat wave estimated that it caused 14,802 excess deaths in France, 2,045 in the United Kingdom, and 2,099 in Portugal. This report reviews the history of heat waves, the impact of heat on human health, and measures of prevention and adaptation such as heat-health warning systems and appropriate urban planning and building design.
Faces from the Flood: Hurricane Floyd Remembered. Richard Moore and Jay Barnes. ISBN 0-8078-5533-2. 2004. 248 pp. $19.95. Available from the University of North Carolina Press, P.O. Box 2288, Chapel Hill, NC 27515; (919) 966-3561, (800) 848-6224; e-mail: uncpress_orders@unc.edu; http://uncpress.unc.edu/. Hurricane Floyd swept through the eastern seaboard in 1999, flooding homes, businesses, and communities along the Mid-Atlantic coast. This book focuses on Floyd's devastating impact on North Carolina, where it was the most widespread and destructive disaster in the state's history. Through firsthand accounts, the authors put a personal face on the hurricane, its impact, community response, and efforts to rebuild. The book closes with a section on "the next disaster" that includes recommendations to emergency responders, elec- ted officials, planners, and citizens.
National Hurricane Operations Plan. 2004. 164 pp. Available free on-line from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Office of the Federal Coordinator for Meteorological Services and Supporting Research, 8455 Colesville Road, Suite 1500, Silver Spring, MD 20910; (301) 427-2002; e-mail: ofcm.mail@noaa.gov; http://www.ofcm.gov/nhop/04/nhop04.htm. Each year, the Interdepartmental Hurricane Conference brings together responsible federal agencies and other involved parties to review the nation's hurricane forecast and warning program and discuss how it can be improved in preparation for the upcoming hurricane season. This updated plan incorporates new procedures, procedural changes, and agreements.
Fair Weather: Effective Partnerships in Weather and Climate Services. National Research Council of the National Academies. ISBN 0-309-08746-5. 2003. 238 pp. $35.00. A PDF version is $24.00. This publication may be read on-line for free. Available from the National Academies Press, 500 Fifth Street, NW, Box 285, Washington, DC 20055; (202) 334-3313, (800) 624-6242; http://books.nap.edu/catalog/10610.html. The phrase "fair weather" in the title of this book refers to a desired state in the partnership of the three sectors of the weather and climate enterprise-public, private, and academic. The authors' premise is that a new policy for the provision of weather services is needed to reduce the frictions, inefficiencies, and ineffectiveness of the three-sector system. An examination of the three sectors, the roles they play in relation to the enterprise as a whole as well as to each other, and the manner in which they are affected by advances in science and technology leads to the conclusion that strengthening partnerships, enhancing the contributions of each of the sectors, and improving the weather system infrastructure will result in a more effective weather enterprise.
Our Affair with El Niņo: How We Transformed an Enchanting Peruvian Current into a Global Climate Hazard. S. George Philander. ISBN 0-691-11335-1. 2004. 275 pp. $26.95. Available from Princeton University Press, 41 William Street, Princeton, NJ 08540; (609) 883-1759, (800) 777-4726; email: orders@cpfsinc.com; http://pup.princeton.edu/. This book explores the phenomenon of El Niņo, including the perceptions of its importance and impact since it caught the public's attention in 1997. Book sections include social construction of the El Niņo phenomenon, scientific conception of and response to El Niņo, an overview of atmospheric and geologic science, and coping with resultant hazards.
Coastal Hazards
Living with Florida's Beaches: Coastal Hazards from Amelia Island to Key West. David M. Bush, William J. Neal, Norma J. Longo, Kenyon C. Lindenman, Deborah F. Pilkey, Luciana Slomp Esteves, John D. Congleton, and Orrin H. Pilkey. ISBN 0-8223-3289-2. 2004. 360 pp. $22.95. Available from Duke University Press, Box 90660, Durham, NC 27708; (919) 687-3600, (888) 651-0122; e-mail: orders@dukeupress.edu; http://www.dukeupress.edu/. The eastern coast of Florida has experienced huge property loss and damage due to hurricanes and lesser storms. At the same time, development is increasing dramatically and humans are living in areas formerly considered to be off limits. This puts more people and property at risk. This book provides a comprehensive overview of coastal realities, including ecological and hydrological dynamics; assessment and evaluation of risk; related socio-cultural events and perspectives; coastal engineering; and managing the built environment. The authors advocate living with the shoreline and coastal processes in Florida, rather than struggling against them.
Climate Change
The following reports on climate change and the potential impacts on the U.S. were prepared for the Pew Center on Global Climate Change:
A Synthesis of Potential Climate Change Impacts on the U.S. Joel B. Smith. 2004. 44 pp. Free.
Coping with Climate Change: The Role of Adaptation in the United States. William Easterling, Brian H. Hurd, and Joel B. Smith. 2004. 40 pp. Free.
U.S. Market Consequences of Global Climate Change. Dale W. Jorgenson, Richard J. Goettle, Brian H. Hurd, Joel B. Smith. 2004. 67 pp. Free.
All three of these reports are available from the Pew Center on Global Climate Change, 2101 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 550, Arlington, VA 22201; (703) 516-4146; http://www.pewclimate.org/global-warming-in-depth/all_reports/.
Methods of Assessing Human Health Vulnerability and Public Health Adaptation to Climate Change. Sari Kovats, Kristie L. Ebi, and Bettina Menne. Health and Global Environmental Change Series No. 1. ISBN 92-890-1090-8. 2003. 112 pp. Available free on-line from the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Office for Europe, Scherfigsvej 8, DK-2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark; +45 39 17 17 17; e-mail: publicationrequests@euro.who.int; http://www.euro.who.int/document/E81923.pdf. Identifying vulnerable populations and developing timely and effective interventions are critical steps in the effort to reduce the current and future burden of disease attributable to climate change. Written for governments, health agencies, and environmental and meteorological institutions, this report provides quantitative and qualitative methods of assessing human health vulnerability and public health adaptation to climate change. It describes the objectives and the steps for assessing vulnerability and adaptation; presents evidence that climate change could affect mortality and morbidity; and discusses methods of projecting future effects and identifying adaptation strategies, policies, and measures.What's in a Word? Conflicting Interpretations of Vulnerability in Climate Change Research. Karen O'Brien, Siri Eriksen, Ane Schjolden, and Lynn Nygaard. 2004. 16 pp. Available free on-line from the Center for International Climate and Environmental Research, P.O. Box 1129 Blindern, N-0318 Oslo, Norway; +47 22 85 87 50; e-mail: admin@cicero.uio.no; http://www.cicero.uio.no/publications/detail.asp?2682. This paper discusses two competing interpretations of vulnerability in the climate change literature and makes the case that the interpretation of vulnerability has consequences for how climate research is conducted across disciplines and how policy makers ad- dress climate change. The authors contend that the two definitions, "end point" and "starting point," offer two different diagnoses of the climate change problem and two different solutions as well.
Health
CDC Terrorism Preparedness and Response Strategy 2003-2008. 2004. 54 pp. Available free on-line from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Bioterrorism Preparedness and Re-sponse Planning, Mailstop C-18, 1600 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA, 30333; (888) 246-2675; cdcresponse@ashastd.org; http://www.bt.cdc.gov/planning/tprstrategy/. The CDC and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) recently released this national public health strategy for terrorism preparedness and response to provide a comprehensive framework of the CDC/ATSDR's vision, mission, strategic imperatives, critical objectives, and key actions specific to terrorism preparedness and response. Developed to guide CDC/ATSDR and the greater public health community, the strategy utilizes an all hazards approach and stresses timely detection and investigation of outbreaks, long-term emergency response planning, and increased coordination and communication during emergencies.
Quarantine and Isolation: Lessons Learned from SARS. M. Gabriela Alcalde, Nanette R. Elster, Mary Anderlik Majumder, Larry I. Palmer, and T. Howard Stone. 2003. 160 pp. Available free on-line from the Institute of Bioethics, Health Policy and Law, University of Louisville School of Medicine, 501 East Broadway, Suite 310, Louisville, KY 40292; (502) 852-4980; http://www.louisville.edu/medschool/ibhpl/publications/SARS%20REPORT.pdf. During the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) outbreak in the spring of 2003, quarantine and isolation were used to limit disease transmission on an unprecedented scale. This report, undertaken for CDC, explores the SARS experience in Canada, China, Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Vietnam, highlighting the legal and policy challenges in preparing for an outbreak of infectious disease or other similar public health emergency. Twelve key issues under three broad categories (legal and public health systems, public health and health care infrastructure, and law enforcement and ancillary services) are identified for public health officials and policy makers.
Learning from SARS: Preparing for the Next Disease Outbreak. Workshop Summary. Stacey Knobler, Adel Mahmoud, Stanley Lem-on, Alison Mack, Laura Sivitz, and Katherine Oberholtzer, editors. ISBN 0-309-09154-3. 2004. 359 pp. $42.00. Available free on-line from the National Academies Press, 500 Fifth Street, NW, Box 285, Washington, DC 20055; (202) 334-3313, (800) 624-6242; http://www.nap.edu/catalog/10915.html. The global response to the recent SARS epidemic demonstrated both the strengths and weaknesses of national and international capacities to respond to the challenges of infectious disease outbreaks. The emergence, spread, and control of SARS illustrates the considerable economic, political, public health, and psychological effects of an unanticipated epidemic in an interdependent world. These issues were explored during a 2003 workshop on microbial threats. Participants present their perspectives in this volume. Sections include emergence, detection, and response; political influences and economic impacts of the disease; the natural history of corona viruses; diagnostics and therapeutics; and preparing for the next disease outbreak.
Health and Wellness Guide for the Volunteer Fire Service. 2004. 98 pp. Free. Available on-line from the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), Publications, 16825 South Seaton Avenue, Emmitsburg, MD 21727; (301) 447-1189, (800) 561-3356; http://www.usfa.fema.gov/downloads/pdf/publications/fa-267.pdf. The prevalence of cardiovascular illness and work-inhibiting strains and sprains among firefighters illustrates the need for a comprehensive health and wellness program in every fire department. FEMA and the National Volunteer Fire Council have collaborated to produce this guidebook to provide information on fitness and wellness for volunteer firefighters and fire departments. It aims to reduce loss of life from heart attack and stress and includes examples of effective health and wellness programs. It complements existing USFA firefighter wellness and fitness partnerships with the International Association of Fire Chiefs and the International Association of Fire Fighters.
GAO Reports
U.S. General Accounting Office (GAO) reports provide background information and insight into key issues and concerns of the U.S. Congress. The office frequently publishes studies regarding hazards and disaster policy. Some recent GAO reports and testimonies that might interest Observer readers are listed below. Summaries and full text are available on the web at http://www.gao.gov. Printed copies are also available. Single copies are free. Multiple copies are $2.00 each. To order, contact the U.S. General Accounting Office, 441 G Street, NW, Room LM, Washington, DC 20548; (202) 512-6000; TDD: (202) 512-2537.
Status of FEMA's FY03 Pre-Disaster Mitigation Program. GAO-04-727R. 2004. 23 pp.
Emergency Preparedness: Federal Funds for First Responders. GAO-04-788T. 2004. 9 pp.
Project SAFECOM: Key Cross-Agency Emergency Communications Effort Requires Stronger Collaboration. GAO-04-494. 2004. 22 pp.
Human Capital: Opportunities to Improve Federal Continuity Planning Guidance. GAO-04-384. 2004. 53 pp.
Continuity of Operations: Improved Planning Needed to Ensure Delivery of Essential Services. GAO-04-638T. 2004. 17 pp.
Critical Infrastructure Protection: Establishing Effective Information Sharing with Infrastructure Sectors. GAO-04-699T. 2004. 39 pp.
Wildfire Suppression: Funding Transfers Cause Project Cancellations and Delays, Strained Relationships, and Management Disruptions. GAO-04-612. 2004. 62 pp.
Biscuit Fire: Analysis of Fire and Response, Resource Availability, and Personnel Certification Standards. GAO-04-426. 2004. 35 pp.
Emerging Infectious Diseases: Asian SARS Outbreak Challenged International and National Responses. GAO-04-564. 2004. 67 pp.
Terrorism Insurance: Implementation of the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act of 2002. GAO-04-307. 2004. 33 pp.
Terrorism Insurance: Effects of the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act of 2002. GAO-04-720T. 2004. 20 pp., GAO-04-806T. 2004. 19 pp.