Disasters and natural calamities never come pre-planned; however, as soon as you sense anything unusual it is important to act quickly and do everything you can before a natural disaster strikes. If you don’t have any idea how to prepare yourself to respond promptly to a natural disaster, take this free online course titled “Disaster Preparedness”. This course will teach you how to survive in a situation when everything you normally take for granted is gone, when the structures you normally rely upon have failed.

What are the benefits of this course?

During this course on disaster preparedness, the participants will get an understanding of Disaster Cycle while focusing on Mitigation Planning. The students will examine disaster planning on personal level as well as on Institution and government level to gain an understanding of the process. Upon completion of this free online course, you will be able to:

- Discuss the elements of disaster preparation and response.
- Demonstrate critical thinking in awareness and preparation of disaster management
- Help people remain prepared for disaster management at individual as well as local and national level.
- Critically assess potential disaster and mass casualty situations
- Develop cost effective plans for disaster and mass casualty situations.
- No specific background is required; anybody willing to learn and participation is welcome.

Table of Contents:

- The Disaster Cycle and its evolution
- Personal preparedness

            - Communication
             - Security
             - Supplies and other stuff
             - Shelter, Food and Water
             - Comfort

- Preparedness on the level of institutions and governments
- Ethical considerations including Justice and the distribution of resources
- Utilitarianism, and person responsibility
- Factors which limit mitigation such as personal freedom and financial considerations
- Examples and realities from disaster response such as Memorial Hospital after Hurricane Katrina
- Personal experiences from the faculty
- Attitude and Awareness
 
Author Bio:

Michael Beach is an assistant professor at the University of Pittsburgh, School of Nursing. He teaches a number of courses in the Acute Care Nurse Practitioner area of concentration, including Ethics in Health Care, Fundamentals of Disaster, Clinical Diagnostics, Heath Risks, and Mass Casualty Care. Dr. Michael, who received his PhD of Nursing Practice in 2009, also coordinates the 2nd Degree Accelerated BSN Program.