U.S. Emergency Management in the 21st Century by Cutter, Susan L.; Gall, Melanie; Rubin, Claire B.;

Short description:

Updated to include the latest research in the hazards and disasters field, U.S. Emergency Management in the 21st Century continues the tradition of giving readers access to exemplary case studies drawn from a wide variety of hazards as well as academic and applied fields. 

Long description:

Our understanding of hazards and disasters is rapidly changing, and it is unclear as to whether our existing management systems are adequate to adapt to current and future disasters. Thoroughly updated to include the latest research in the hazards and disasters field, U.S. Emergency Management in the 21st Century continues the tradition of giving readers access to exemplary case studies drawn from a wide variety of hazards and applied fields.

NEW TO THE SECOND EDITION

• Discussion on COVID-19 pandemic and the lacking local capacity for preparedness.


• “Forgotten” hazards (heatwaves and coldwaves) in Phoenix, AZ and Buffalo, N.Y


• New challenges in hurricane preparedness and response with rapid intensification.


• Changing cycles of water volume in the west resulting in storage emergencies.


• Cascading hazards and out-of-sight water crises in the Southwest


• Extreme precipitation resulting in flash flooding in Tennessee, New York City, Montana, and Vermont.


• Updated conclusion describing divergence between federal, state, and local emergency management concerns and priorities.


• A new co-editor, Melanie Gall, recognized for her teaching and scholarship on natural hazards and emergency management.

U.S. Emergency Management in the 21st Century remains an indispensable textbook on disaster case studies, emergency management policy and practice. An essential resource for students, public, and professionals alike.

“Natural disasters are increasing in frequency and impact due to both climate change and increasing urbanization. Business as usual could lead us to a disaster so great that we will no longer be able to effectively respond. Our only hope is to learn the lessons of past disasters and improve our response systems, knowing that what is coming will be worse than what has been. This book brings together case studies of the significant events of the American 21st century so we can learn from our mistakes and do better. It should be required reading in every emergency management program.”

Lucile M. Jones, Founder and Chief Scientist, Dr. Lucy Jones Center for Science and Society

The field of emergency management is continually evolving as a consequence of focusing events and their responses, in the form of new legislation, executive orders, and other policy interventions. This impressive new edition, which includes chapters by experts in the field, looks in detail at recent disaster events, the COVID-19 pandemic, trends fueled by the climate change crisis, and politics at the federal level, that are once again altering the landscape of the field.

Kathleen Tierney, Research Professor, Natural Hazards Center, University of Colorado Boulder

This excellent and essential book is more relevant than ever. Since the first edition of U.S. Emergency Management in the 21st Century: From Disaster to Catastrophe was published in 2020, the field of emergency management has faced profound changes. Through powerful case studies written by experts with firsthand experience, this second edition vividly captures how pivotal events like the COVID-19 pandemic, tornados, wildfires, extreme heat waves, and accelerating climate impacts have reshaped emergency management. The authors reveal how these events and shifting federal policies present critical gaps in the nation’s emergency management system. This timely and compelling analysis emphasizes the urgent need for adaptable management systems to confront the rapidly changing landscape of hazards and disasters. It is a must-read for emergency management professionals, researchers, and students dedicated to advancing the field.

Philip Berke, Research Professor, Department of City & Regional Planning, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill

Table of Contents:

1 Challenges – Recent and Future  2 Emerging Tipping Points in Policy and Practice  3 Hard Lessons in the Human Nature of Pandemics: COVID-19 Response and Recovery in the United States  4 Transporting Toxics  5 Rural Tornado Outbreaks: Inequities in Exposure, Response, and Recovery  6 Wildfires: Firestorms, Smoke, and Unintended Consequences  7 From Phoenix to Buffalo: Experiences with Extreme Temperature  8 Not Enough Water: Drought Emergencies in the American Southwest  9 Climate Whiplash: Close Calls in Managing Water in the American West  10 Heavy Precipitation and Flash Flooding: Lessons from Vermont, Tennessee, Montana, and New York City  11 Hurricanes: Challenges in an Era of Rapid Intensification and Previously Unthinkable Disasters  12 Foreshadowing the Future: What is Looming on the Horizon?  Afterword: Hurricanes Helene and Milton  About the Authors