Citation

Brenner RM, Eiseman DL, Dunn EA. J. Emerg. Manag. 2024; 22(3): 311-326.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2024, Weston Medical Publishing)

DOI

10.5055/jem.0823

PMID

39017603

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to identify how decision-makers within anchor institutions, using the context of higher education, determine the course of action in response to an improbable disaster event, such as the recent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. A survey was conducted among higher education decision-makers during spring 2020 at the moment they were adapting to COVID-19. The survey aimed to identify policies and planning measures that may help Institutions of Higher Education learn from this experience to maintain continuity of operations should similar or unanticipated events occur in the future. With this knowledge, both assets and detriments contributing to community vulnerability can be better balanced to inform decision-making. The outcomes of the analysis and shared reflections inform the development of future policy and strengthen existing processes for preparedness and mitigation planning for unexpected events.

Language: en

Keywords

Humans; Universities; Surveys and Questionnaires; *COVID-19/epidemiology; *Decision Making; *Disaster Planning/organization & administration; *Pandemics; *SARS-CoV-2