This course introduces the major activities and concepts related to disaster mitigation. It covers components, programs and organizations, and major stakeholders involved in mitigation. Since grassroots community movements are vital to disaster mitigation programs, the course focuses on community-based approaches to mitigation. It also discusses various issues related to disaster mitigation such as sustainability and best practice building techniques.
The course introduces participants to the relevant disaster mitigation academic literature and relates theoretical findings to practice. Additionally, this course focuses on the inequalities that result from disasters. Sixty years of research indicates that disasters are not equal opportunity events, and the same is true in regards to disaster mitigation programs. The course uses recent case studies, videos, presentations and group discussion to explore the content.
Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:
• Identify and describe major techniques used for disaster mitigation
• Discuss and employ techniques of sustainable development
• Understand the empirical and theoretical basis for disaster mitigation programs
• Understand the difference between "developed" and "developing" countries' approaches to disaster mitigation
This course can be applied towards:
Noncredit courses do not produce academic credit nor appear on a Colorado State University academic transcript.
Important Information
Due to the condensed time frame for this course, students cannot withdraw and receive a refund once the course begins.
Instructors
Kyle Overly
kyle.overly@okstate.edu
Kyle Overly an emergency management consultant for a development firm located in south central Pennsylvania. In this current role he is charged with developing and executing policies related to emergency response, management, and hazard mitigation. Kyle has a Master of Science in Fire & Emergency Management Administration from Oklahoma State University. He is also a Certified Emergency Manager through the International Association of Emergency Managers. His research focus is on disaster mitigation, sustainable development, and the social aspects of disaster response. Kyle has worked on several studies related to emergency management and has presented internationally, nationally, and regionally. In addition to his academic background, Kyle has over eight years first response experience in the volunteer fire service and in emergency medical services. In addition to teaching for Colorado State's certificate program, he is an adjunct faculty member at the University of Maryland University College in their Homeland Security and Emergency Management Bachelor Degree programs.