Embedding social equity in disaster response: Simulation case study

ABSTRACT

This simulation provides public administration, public policy, and management students and practitioners with an immersive disaster scenario. The table-top exercise provides an example of how municipal leaders can prepare for disaster scenarios and the importance of embedding social equity into disaster response. Additionally, it provides an example of how to embed social equity in the planning and development of disaster response planning and preparation. This classroom-based group simulation takes approximately 90 minutes (20 minutes for preparation, 50 minutes for the simulation case study, and 20 minutes for discussion) and also includes barriers to disaster relief experienced by minority populations. The case is organized into three sections and concludes with teaching notes and discussion questions.

KEYWORDS:

• Disaster response
• emergency preparedness
• public administration
• public management
• social equity

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Paige L. Moore

Paige L. Moore is a Doctoral Candidate in the School of Public and International Affairs and Adjunct Faculty Instructor in the School of Social Work at NC State University. Her background as a research professional has focused on examining and identifying innovative solutions to social problems through research, analysis, and practice. Moore’s extensive experience in program evaluation, teaching, and research, as well as evidence-based policy writing and implementation, has allowed her to lead research projects to success while serving the needs of diverse populations. Her interdisciplinary background in social work and public administration provides her with the skills needed to assess best practices at the local, state, and federal levels. Moore’s previous work has focused on developing culturally competent and strengths-based solutions to community problems, the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on communities of color, social equity in preparation for pandemics and disasters, and the value of interprofessional teams of social workers and officers in police departments. Moore’s dissertation focuses on the administrative burden of police complaint processes for racially, ethnically, and gender diverse populations. For her work with the Raleigh Police Department writing policies, building community relationships, and developing the Addressing Crises through Outreach, Networking, and Service (ACORNS) Team, Moore received the 2020 National Association of Social Workers-NC President’s Award and Chief’s Citation from the Raleigh Police Department in 2021. Moore was also named a 2021 ASPA Founders Fellow and serves as a board member for Research Triangle ASPA and the ASPA Section on Professional and Organizational Development.

Ratna Okhai

Ratna Okhai, PhD is an Assistant Professor at the School of Public Affairs at the University of South Florida. With a background in local government management, her research has been focused on the range of issues that confront Emergency Management and public policies. This includes the planning and response processes, as well as different considerations that must be made as we look more effective ways to respond to disasters. In addition to that, Dr. Okhai’s current bifurcation includes the targeted study of gender and leadership in local government management, and how leadership hiring decisions are made. Dr. Okhai is an American Society for Public Administration (ASPA) Founder’s Fellow, and has taught several undergraduate emergency management courses at the senior level.