Fema 235c Reflection 1
Fema 235c Reflection 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
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
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
I have learned about emergency operations plans and its purpose within the
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
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,
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.