DOI
https://doi.org/10.25772/ZR7S-RS09
Defense Date
2013
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Urban & Regional Planning
Department
Urban and Regional Planning
First Advisor
Damian Pitt
Abstract
This thesis explores the expectation gap and how it relates to the field of emergency management. As disasters become more commonplace, many citizens have high expectations of their governments, which results in a lack of individual disaster preparation. This thesis analyzed the current state of community education and engagement programs, use of best practices by governments and inter-agency cooperation and partnerships. The research consisted of fifteen interviews with emergency management professionals representing local, state, and federal government as well as the private sector. The results show limited public participation, as well as issues with crisis communications systems. Over 80% of research participants noted lack of disaster education programs as a serious issue. The results also show differences between expectation levels across demographic groups, limited educational program accessibility for minority populations and a difference in expectations between urban and rural residents.
Rights
© The Author
Is Part Of
VCU University Archives
Is Part Of
VCU Theses and Dissertations
Date of Submission
January 2014