Learning lessons through disaster globalisation: Preparing and mitigating globally while responding locally
Abstract
The National Response Framework (NRF) provides a guideline on how the USA responds to disasters and emergencies.1 The NRF is designed as a tiered response such that incidents are handled at the lowest level. It states that it is built on scalable, flexible and adaptable concepts identified in the National Incident Management System.2 Globalisation, whether by its inherent structure or the effect of the disaster itself, no longer geographically limits the extent of today’s disasters. Climate change, international economic integration, supply chain infrastructure, cyberattacks, infectious diseases, ease of travel and various national political interests change the way the NRF needs to address disaster preparedness, response, recovery and mitigation strategies. While the NRF approach begins at the lowest level, there needs to be simultaneous preparation at the highest levels, recognising that the impacts of disasters, as in much of the rest of the world, are no longer limited by borders. This article is also included in The Business & Management Collection which can be accessed at https://hstalks.com/ business/.
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Author's Biography
Michael Owens DO, MPH, CEM is an emergency physician at the Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, Director of the Navy’s Global Health and Disaster Response Fellowship, and an Associate Professor at the Uniformed Services University. He served as a US Navy flight surgeon with multiple deployments prior to his current position. His current certifications include a master’s degree in public health from the University of Massachusetts, Certified Emergency Manager and Public Health Emergency Officer. He has held various positions within the National Disaster Medical System, Virgina-1 Disaster Medical Assistance Team and is the current Medical Director for the Hampton Roads Metropolitan Medical Strike Team. In these respective positions he has multiple international and domestic disaster deployments. These deployments include Liberia during the Ebola outbreak and other outbreaks on the African continent, medical support for multiple alternate care facilities during the COVID-19 pandemic, disaster response during the Haitian earthquake and multiple domestic hurricanes and disasters. Additionally, his experiences include disaster planning and system development in multiple countries throughout Africa, Central America and the Pacific.
Citation
Owens, Michael (2025, November 4). Learning lessons through disaster globalisation: Preparing and mitigating globally while responding locally. In the Journal of Business Continuity & Emergency Planning, Volume 19, Issue 2. https://doi.org/10.69554/LYDZ1040.
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