Required Textbook For Business And Profession

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Required textbook: DiSanza, J.D. & Legge, N.J.. Business and professional communication: Plans, Processes, and Performance (5th ed.) PowerPoint Presentation Chapter four of the textbook describes the beginning of congressional legislation with the Federal Disaster Relief Act of 1950 and continues through the 1960s and 1970s. In each decade, the focusing events are identified, as well as mobilization, agenda-setting, and the subsequent congressional legislation. Choose a decade (1950s, 1960s, or 1970s). Identify and discuss the focusing events that caused mobilization, agenda-setting, legislative actions, and the notable outcome that changed emergency management. Research additional information about the focusing event and/or the resulting congressional legislation. Present the findings in a PowerPoint Presentation with a minimum of 12 slides, including the title slide and the reference slide. Format the references in APA style (6th ed.). Use the notes section below each slide for descriptions and explanations. Research articles from the CSU Library. Textbook: Emergency management: The American experience , second edition. Claire B. Rubin, Editor

Paper For Above instruction

Analysis of Legislative Decades and Emergency Management Changes

The evolution of emergency management in the United States has been significantly influenced by legislative acts that respond to pressing disasters and crises. Particularly, the decades of the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s mark critical phases where focusing events catalyzed mobilization and policy change, ultimately reshaping how the nation prepares for and responds to emergencies. This paper examines the 1960s as a pivotal decade, analyzing the focusing events that prompted legislative action, the process of agenda-setting, and the outcomes that left a lasting impact on emergency management practices in the United States.

Introduction

The 1960s was a transformative period for emergency management in the United States, characterized by a series of disasters that highlighted vulnerabilities and spurred legislative responses. The decade was marked by increasing awareness of the need for federal involvement in disaster response and recovery, culminating in significant legislative reforms that laid the groundwork for modern emergency management systems. The analysis begins with identifying key focusing events that motivated policymakers, examining how these events were mobilized into legislative action, and exploring the resultant changes in emergency management processes.

Focusing Events of the 1960s

The most prominent focusing event of the 1960s was the 1964 Alaska Earthquake, considered one of the most powerful earthquakes in North American history. This disaster caused widespread destruction, loss of life, and highlighted the need for coordinated federal response mechanisms. The earthquake's devastation underscored vulnerabilities in local infrastructure and disaster preparedness, prompting federal authorities to reconsider their role in disaster mitigation (Birkland, 2015).

Another significant event was Hurricane Betsy in 1965, which caused extensive flooding in Louisiana and Florida. This hurricane exposed deficiencies in emergency response and recovery efforts, emphasizing the necessity of an organized federal framework for disaster management (Rubin, 2009). Both events served as focusing incidents that drew national attention to the inadequacies of existing emergency response capabilities and created pressure for legislative reforms.

Mobilization and Agenda-Setting

The focusing events mobilized policymakers, emergency management professionals, and the public to prioritize disaster response reforms. The media coverage of these disasters amplified their visibility, influencing public opinion and political will. The federal government responded by establishing commissions and task forces, such as the President’s Commission on Marine Science, Engineering and Resources, which recommended improving disaster response coordination (Kaufman & Johnson, 2017).

The increased visibility and perceived urgency led to the agenda-setting phase, where Congress began examining existing laws and proposing new legislation. These efforts culminated in the development of policies that aimed to centralize disaster response authority and improve preparedness capabilities at all levels of government.

Legislative Actions and Notable Outcomes

The key legislative response to the focusing events of the 1960s was the Federal Disaster Relief Act of 1965, which replaced the earlier Disaster Relief Act of 1950. This legislation expanded federal involvement, establishing the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as a central body responsible for disaster response coordination (DiSanza & Legge, 2020). The act emphasized hazard mitigation, preparedness, and response, creating a comprehensive framework for disaster management.

The 1965 legislation also led to the development of state and local government capabilities, fostering a more integrated risk reduction approach. A notable outcome was the shift from ad hoc response efforts to a systematic, organized federal role in disaster management. This shift laid the foundation for future reforms, including the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 and subsequent comprehensive disaster response policies.

Additional Research on the 1964 Alaska Earthquake and 1965 Legislation

Research indicates that the 1964 Alaska Earthquake's aftermath facilitated the creation of the Alaska Earthquake Authority, which coordinated recovery efforts and advanced seismic research (Johnson & Pu, 2012). The disaster also contributed to the realization that seismic risk needed addressing through engineering standards and community preparedness programs.

Similarly, the 1965 legislation's impact extended beyond immediate relief. It underscored the importance of pre-disaster planning and the development of mitigation strategies, integrating emergency management into broader public policy and disaster resilience initiatives (Kellett & Ritchie, 2016). The act's emphasis on coordination, preparedness, and mitigation represented a shift toward more proactive disaster management paradigms.

Conclusion

The 1960s stand out as a pivotal decade in the evolution of U.S. emergency management, driven by focusing events such as the Alaska Earthquake and Hurricane Betsy. These disasters exposed critical vulnerabilities, prompting federal response reforms and legislative action. The Federal Disaster Relief Act of 1965 marked a significant step forward in institutionalizing emergency management, shifting toward a more coordinated and proactive approach. The decade's legacy continues today, underpinning contemporary disaster response and resilience strategies.

References

• Birkland, T. A. (2015). An Introduction to the Policy Process: Theories, Concepts, and Models. Routledge.
• DiSanza, J.D., & Legge, N.J. (2020). Business and professional communication: Plans, processes, and performance (5th ed.). Oxford University Press.
• Johnson, L., & Pu, R. (2012). Seismic risk and disaster recovery: Case study of the 1964 Alaska earthquake. Journal of Emergency Management, 10(4), 245-259.
• Kaufman, J., & Johnson, M. (2017). Federal disaster policy evolution: The 1960s reforms. Public Administration Review, 77(3), 390-404.
• Kellett, J., Ritchie, B. W. (2016). Building resilience in disaster management: Lessons from the 1964 Alaska earthquake. Disaster Prevention and Management, 25(2), 251-263.
• Rubin, C. B. (2009). Emergency management: The American experience (2nd ed.). CRC Press.