Principles of Emergency Management and Emergency Operations Centers

Dr. Michael Fagel has assembled a group of experts in a variety of areas of emergency management and has edited a highly usable book that belongs on the desks of EM professionals. Most emergency operations plans have appendices relating to specific critical events. The organization of Fagel's book around hazard-specific issues makes it easy to find useful guidance when planning for a wide range of critical incidents from agroterrorism to pandemics to active shooters to large scale public events. The coverage is very up-to-date, as evidenced by references into 2011 and coverage of such modern topics as the impact of social media on emergency management. Having taught with Dr. Fagel, I see in this book the effective classroom style that I associate with his work, but translated into a very practical and useful manual. All-in-all, it's a book that's easy to recommend. Frank K. Cartledge, Professor Emeritus, Louisiana State University As an academician and practitioner of emergency services, I am constantly looking for texts that are valuable not only in the classroom, but applicable to real life problems we face in the field. In Introduction and History of Emergency Management, the authors have hit the nail on the head. Do not let the title fool you. While the text is rich with the history of the emergency management discipline and worthy of academic study in the classroom, the text also provides practical information to the practitioner to enhance their operations in the field. I highly encourage the use of his text by anyone interested in emergency management and how it applies across the emergency services spectrum. This text will become an essential resource for emergency services operations for years to come. Marion Blackwell, PhD, EFO, Chief of the Spartanburg (SC) Fire Department Principles of Emergency Management and Emergency Operations Centers (2nd ed) is an excellent resource for academicians, emergency managers, first responders, emergency planners, and students preparing for careers in the emergency management field. The authors' and editors' expertise and experience is evident as this book provides a comprehensive, holistic study of emergency management and emergency operations centers. Clear and cogent thinking and superb writing on the critical topic of emergency management makes this a must have reference source for anyone practicing in or studying the field of emergency management. Chuck Williamson, PhD., Dean, School of Public Service and Administration, Anderson University Mike Fagel is one of those rare individuals able to seamlessly put together an astonishing depth of academic knowledge and expertise with successful real-world experience. From the moment he reported into the FDNY World Trade Center Incident Command Post being established in a firehouse that had once been the FDNY's Museum on Duane Street just North of Ground Zero, he displayed a can-do, let-me-help-you attitude that was tremendously received by all. His Emergency Management as well as Health and Safety Management expertise combined with a truly caring and empathetic disposition helped bring order to the chaos following 9/11. Many rescue workers, including myself, owe our post-9/11 physical and mental health from his untiring labors. All would do well to verse themselves in the knowledge found in this new text. Charles R. Blaich, Deputy Chief of Department, FDNY (Ret), Logistic Chief, World Trade Center Incident Command Post Colonel, USMC (Ret) This book continues to be the must-read primer for all those engaged in emergency management activities across the spectrum. The well-researched, superbly written second edition incorporates lessons learned from recent disasters and crises, and introduces emergent practices to add to the response toolkit. With over 100 years of experience in emergency management combined, the authors address the emergency management topic like no one else in the field! Read and learn from the best. Jennifer Hesterman, Colonel, US Air Force (ret), ASIS Award Winning Author In this 2nd edition, the combination of skills needed to effectively develop an Emergency Operations Plan as well as establish an EOC are thoroughly discussed. Fagel has produced a text, along with his colleagues, that will take the reader through the important and ongoing process of emergency planning on a daily basis. I have served and presented with several of the authors in my roles at ASIS, and find this text to be spot on with what we need to do today, for a safer tomorrow. Lawrence J. Fennelly, CPOI, CSSM