Читать книгу Disaster Response and Recovery - David A. McEntire - Страница 98

Companies support disaster response and recovery activities in a number of other ways (Bin and Edwards 2009; Fernando 2007). Businesses send volunteers and donations to those in need. This may include cooks and waiters from restaurants to distribute food. It may include construction personnel to tarp damaged roofs and make temporary repairs. Heavy equipment operators may likewise be dispatched to assist with debris removal. Companies also give supplies to communities and individuals in need. For example, some beverage businesses deliver bottled water to hard hit areas. The private sector may also give or loan cell phones, flashlights, work boots, hard hats, gloves, generators, computers, vehicles, or anything else that is needed to help first responders and emergency management officials fulfill their responsibilities. For these reasons, the private sector is often a useful partner in disasters. They have impressive resources and unique logistical capabilities. As an example, Walmart was a major participant in the response to Hurricane Katrina. It could mobilize resources that the federal government did not possess or, in some cases, do so in a more time‐sensitive manner. Emergency managers should keep the private sector in mind if they require volunteers and donations in the aftermath of disasters (see Chapter 7).