Date of Conferral

2021

Degree

Doctor of Public Administration (D.P.A)

School

Public Policy and Administration

Advisor

Augusto Ferreros

Abstract

The research problem addressed in this study is the perceived gap that exists in community support in emergency planning and management. The community of Laguna Niguel, the focus of the study, is at the forefront of planning for and dealing with calamities including Earthquakes. There are 66,000 residents of Laguna Niguel and an estimated 15,000 Households served by one Emergency Services Coordinator. The purpose of the study was to create a recommended roadmap for community outreach, preparation and provide a basic set of tools for short-term survival during the critical week after a disaster. The conceptual framework focused on the qualitative approach to assess existing needs in line with existing practices while focused on a narrative assessment of the realities on the ground to analyze a sense of awareness, action, accountability, and results. Key research questions formulated were community outreach, understanding existing intergovernmental resources, staffing requirements, and ongoing training strategies. The survey was presented to the principal city official and followed up with interviews to assess the results and areas of support that can be provided to augment and enhance existing capabilities. The key recommendations envisioned to include the launch of a web-based portal as a central repository for information & analysis. In addition, a preparedness kit encompassing a solar-powered generator, a tablet powered by a Wi-Fi hotspot that would be deployed to households to allow the community to be informed throughout the emergency The implications for positive Social Change from the study is to build a culture of preparedness and togetherness that would overcome any calamity so that the community has the knowledge and tools to anticipate and overcome.

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