FEMA 235c Reflection

EAM 3003 TC-1

Mark Maxwell

Day in and day out emergency managers and those in the emergency/disaster

community deal with “all-hazard” threats to communities across this country. When

these threats arrive it is much easier to handle the situation if you have planned and are

prepared to do so. FEMA 235c allows the student to become introduced to and receive

training related to developing effective emergency planning skills and how to put into

practice this tried and true process of planning for disaster. This course ultimately has

provided me with how I can become a competent emergency manager and help to save

lives and property that become involved with natural or man made disasters.

I have always felt that the root cause of failure in any situation is poor or improper

preparedness and planning. This course has helped me to better understand my theory

and has shown me the difference between preparedness and planning. Prior to this

course I didn’t really understand the difference, however, afterward I have come to

understand that the root of planning requires us to conduct a comprehensive process in

the ability to meet a defined set of objectives; whereas the root of preparedness is the

ability to grow and sustain necessary support capacity. ​From this course I have

learned about the planning/preparedness doctrine and aspects such as presidential

policy directive 8, the national response framework, the national planning system, and
the need for a whole community response to disaster. This information is integral to the

development of a competent emergency manager.

I have learned about emergency operations plans and its purpose within the

planning/preparedness process. Ultimately this course acts to give an emergency

manager sound rational to the need and effectiveness of planning and preparedness.

Furthermore this course has provided information to me about some of the pitfalls

associated with planning and how to avoid them.

This course has also given me insight into what it takes to plan and prepare from

a collaborative team approach. Through FEMA’s 235c’s course I have learned that in

order to appropriately collaborate with a team we must find the right people, define a

purpose, define a process, before we can implement and sustain our goals. I have

learned about THIRA and its use within the planning/preparedness process. Also,

defining jurisdictional capabilities is paramount in developing an “all-hazards” approach

to planning/preparing for a disaster. In order to affect the most people and potentially

save the most lives and property possible, we must have a firm understanding of

jurisdictional capabilities within the communities and areas that we serve. This course

also discusses the importance of risk assessment and operational goals and priorities.

This course has also taught me about the need for supporting annexes within the

emergency/disaster realm.

This course is great information for those who plan on entering emergency

management or those who have some knowledge about emergency/disaster but wish to

increase their knowledge. ​ FEMA 235c allowed me to understand and work toward
developing effective skills that will ultimately benefit not only myself but the community

in which I serve. This course gives the student the skills and defines the importance of

planning and preparing for an “all hazards” response to any man made or natural

disaster.