Application of the Cynefin Framework to COVID-19 Pandemic
Judy Kruger and Romeo Lavarias
February 23, 2022
Since the spring of 2020, variables such as mistrust of government leaders, anti-maskers, and economic concerns complicated COVID-19 community response. The Cynefin framework is a sensemaking theory in the social sciences to create a framework for emergency managers in large-scale events.
Four Key Elements of Crisis Prevention
Catherine L. Feinman
February 23, 2022
A crisis can occur when a situation becomes unstable, circumstances suddenly change, or tension and
stress heighten. However, not all events need to reach the level of a crisis or disaster if proper
preventative measures are taken. Preparing for and possibly preventing a crisis mean thinking outside
the box, creating good habits, developing a plan, and then implementing that plan.
Future-Proofing Infrastructure Supports Community Resilience
Ryan Colker
February 16, 2022
With communities around the globe feeling the effects of climate change, society must continue to prioritize initiatives that address its causes and impacts. For example, in mid-December 2021, 61 tornadoes formed in the central U.S. when such intense events are unusual, and Texas and Oklahoma saw a winter storm and freezing temperatures in February 2021. Additionally, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the U.S. experienced 20 major disasters in 2021 totaling $145 billion in damages and resulting in 688 deaths – ranking as the second-highest number of events, the third-highest cost, and the sixth highest deaths. Coupled with the continuation of high-powered storms with the rising costs of construction, labor, and materials, communities run the risk of entering an endless cycle of destruction and rebuilding.
Essentials of a School-Based Crisis Response Plan
Mary Schoenfeldt
February 9, 2022
School crisis response plans come in a variety of formats. Although the structure may vary, the content must include the essentials for the plan to be usable and effective.
Top 10 Habits for Better Crisis Preparedness
Andrew (Andy) Altizer
February 2, 2022
Imagine an important grant application deadline approaching next month, delaying the submission for
a couple weeks, but then a critical incident happens (perhaps, something like a pandemic) that diverts
attention for weeks, months, or much longer. The routine tasks that require action are not performed in
a timely manner, and the deadline for that grant application is now gone. Developing some small habits
like prioritizing would have significant effect on productivity and effectiveness of response and
recovery efforts for a future crisis.
