A song of water and fire: Key lessons from Hurricane Fiona and Nova Scotia wildfires

Emad Aziz
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Emad Aziz: Public Safety & Field Communications, Canada

Journal of Business Continuity & Emergency Planning, 2024, vol. 18, issue 2, 106-125

Abstract: The Province of Nova Scotia has a broad range of responsibilities during provincial emergencies. Hurricane Fiona had significant impacts on citizens and government services for a considerable time due to widespread telecommunication and power outages. The spring wildfires caused widespread destruction, presented coordination and logistical problems, and resulted in mental health impacts for affected communities and responders. This paper describes the challenges faced by provincial emergency management and business continuity response teams: 1) mental health matters — the next evolution in business continuity requires building confidence in people executing the plan under stressful and uncertain conditions for extended periods; 2) senior leadership support is vital to balance business continuity priorities with ongoing operational business demands; and 3) the best plans are as effective as the relationships that make them work. The importance and value of individual and team relationships during planning, preparedness and response, therefore, cannot be underestimated.

Keywords: hurricane; wildfires; business continuity; emergency management; telecommunications failure; incident command system; mental health (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: M1 M10 M12 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:aza:jbcep0:y:2024:v:18:i:2:p:106-125

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