Abstract
In most developed countries, well-established communities of first responder organizations have formed to provide a quick and coordinated reaction to disasters. In most cases these response organizations are controlled, organized, and funded by related governmental agencies. Because their disaster response contributes to the good of the public, the existence of government funded and coordinated first responder organizations are considered by many to be the most effective approach to provide disaster response. Unfortunately, these organizations do not always have ready access to all of the skills and resources required to efficiently respond to many of the physical challenges that result from wide-ranging disasters.
This paper provides a description of some of the resources and skills possessed by private demolition and disaster response companies that could be made available for widespread disaster response. If properly coordinated prior to a major disaster, these private organizations could be called upon to collaborate with first responders. Coordination challenges that commonly prevent first responder/private industry collaboration after widespread disasters are presented along with several examples of successful partnerships.
Keywords
demolition, restoration, collaboration, second-responder, private-industry
DOI
10.5703/1288284315374
Recommended Citation
Shaurette, M., Rapp, R., & Stahr, T.R. (2014). First Responder/Private Industry Collaboration to Advance Disaster Response. In Randy R. Rapp & William Harland (Eds.), The Proceedings of the 10th International Conference of the International Institute for Infrastructure Resilience and Reconstruction (I3R2) 20-22 May 2014. (219-223). West Lafayette, Indiana: Purdue University.
First Responder/Private Industry Collaboration to Advance Disaster Response
In most developed countries, well-established communities of first responder organizations have formed to provide a quick and coordinated reaction to disasters. In most cases these response organizations are controlled, organized, and funded by related governmental agencies. Because their disaster response contributes to the good of the public, the existence of government funded and coordinated first responder organizations are considered by many to be the most effective approach to provide disaster response. Unfortunately, these organizations do not always have ready access to all of the skills and resources required to efficiently respond to many of the physical challenges that result from wide-ranging disasters.
This paper provides a description of some of the resources and skills possessed by private demolition and disaster response companies that could be made available for widespread disaster response. If properly coordinated prior to a major disaster, these private organizations could be called upon to collaborate with first responders. Coordination challenges that commonly prevent first responder/private industry collaboration after widespread disasters are presented along with several examples of successful partnerships.
