Building a response plan for an emergency is a complex and multi-component task. At first glance, there is too much to consider in this process – from the needs of ordinary citizens to infrastructure issues. From my perspective, the scaffolding technique used during our course can significantly help to solve such problems. When using it, a gradual solution to existing issues is made, each of which brings it closer to the final project. In the context of learning, this helps to master the course gradually and accumulate the necessary knowledge, using the skills already available as a foundation. In real situations, it seems to me that this can help mitigate the risks and consequences and gradually approach the pre-set milestones of any plan.
In addition, such a division into key elements makes it possible to ensure that the interests of all stakeholders are taken into account and not ignored. Engaging with all affected groups and reaching all interested audiences is an integral part of crisis communications plans (“Crisis communications plan,” 2021). The process used in our discussions fits well with these principles. Even the current reflection, which allows analyzing the features of the recent course in connection with the studied material and relevant events, is suitable for application in real situations. In the context of developing and evaluating a plan, providing feedback is extremely important. Finally, the use of an incremental approach is combined with many real programs with a modular basis. As an example, the Massachusetts Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan can be considered, which, like our course, also consists of separate blocks, each of which solves a specific problem (Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency, 2019). Simultaneously, it is the consistent combination of these blocks that allows the state administration to lead the community to a successful exit from the crisis with a minimum number of victims.
The value of this approach can be demonstrated by its application to actual events. In theory, consistent and effective risk mitigation could be possible by exploring all potential impacts at different levels. However, the absence of such a strategy can significantly increase the effect of a particular emergency event. In this context, current California’s Oak Fire, unprecedented in nature, is a prime example (Andone & Wolfe, 2022). This event is a direct result of long-term climate change in California. It did not happen in a short period but continued in the form of dry weather for at least the last ten years (Andone & Wolfe, 2022). Therefore, in theory, such a gap is sufficient to introduce consistent fire risk mitigation actions. However, judging by the intensity of the emergency, proper preventive measures were not taken, leading to an escalation.
An example of implementing a technology similar to that used in our scaffolding course could be implementing plans to alleviate the crisis in Ukraine. This conflict is extremely large-scale in its essence and includes many elements: from a massive flow of refugees to the challenging humanitarian crisis. As a result, it is impossible to develop a single plan to alleviate this country’s situation. However, it is possible to address the most critical factors, thereby gradually easing the condition of people. The International Rescue Committee (IRC) focuses on just such an approach, supporting evacuations, providing humanitarian and psychological assistance, and delivering essential supplies to those in need (“Ukraine crisis,” n.d.). The IRC example demonstrates that this block approach works and allows people to be given up-to-date support. Consequently, the current course material gradually brings us closer to practice and enables us to feel like actual specialists, which, from my perspective, is extremely valuable.
References
Andone, D., & Wolfe, E. (2022). California’s Oak Fire has expanded rapidly as it scorches more than 16,000 acres near Yosemite National Park. CNN. Web.
Crisis communications plan. (2021). Ready.gov. Web.
Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency. (2019). Comprehensive emergency management plan (CEMP). Web.
Ukraine crisis. (n.d.). International Rescue Committee. Web.