American Planning Association
The American Planning Association first issued its guide to planning for post-disaster recovery in 1998, and in 2014 published an updated edition for professional planners. A key observation from the update solidly emphasizes the importance of establishing resource relationships prior to a community experiencing disaster:
“Community resilience depends in part on the strength and quality of the lifelines between the community and its leadership and potential sources of assistance both within and beyond the community’s border. Much of a community’s recovery after a disaster relies on the strength of relationships its officials have built with officials in those state agencies that will be responsible for assisting with recovery. The midst of a crisis is the worst possible time to begin nurturing such relationships” (p. 27).
Jim Schwab makes a distinction between different types of recovery planning that communities can undertake:
Source Cited:
Schwab, J. C. (2014). Planning for Post-Disaster Recovery: Next Generation. Chicago, IL: American Planning Association.
The American Planning Association first issued its guide to planning for post-disaster recovery in 1998, and in 2014 published an updated edition for professional planners. A key observation from the update solidly emphasizes the importance of establishing resource relationships prior to a community experiencing disaster:
“Community resilience depends in part on the strength and quality of the lifelines between the community and its leadership and potential sources of assistance both within and beyond the community’s border. Much of a community’s recovery after a disaster relies on the strength of relationships its officials have built with officials in those state agencies that will be responsible for assisting with recovery. The midst of a crisis is the worst possible time to begin nurturing such relationships” (p. 27).
Jim Schwab makes a distinction between different types of recovery planning that communities can undertake:
- Pre-disaster planning opens up conversations about alternative futures for communities as well as lines of communication between planners and emergency managers. It identifies priority development areas away from hazard zones; and importantly, builds a culture of disaster awareness and a focus on pre-disaster exercises. Clear lines of responsibility are established, financial needs and resources are considered and reviewed, and overall preparedness is assessed.
- Operational planning is essentially an extension of emergency management planning intended to focus on steps needed to restore utility services and infrastructure.
- Post-recovery planning addresses the known consequences of a disaster, using damage assessments, harnessing the opportunity to change development patterns, and opening up new forms of development potential. All three are necessary elements of toward improving community resilience.
Source Cited:
Schwab, J. C. (2014). Planning for Post-Disaster Recovery: Next Generation. Chicago, IL: American Planning Association.