How do you compare emergency management frameworks?

1 Scope and applicability

One of the first things to consider when comparing emergency management frameworks is their scope and applicability. This means looking at what types of hazards, risks, and scenarios they cover, and how relevant and adaptable they are to your specific situation and environment. For example, some frameworks may focus on natural disasters, while others may include human-made or technological hazards. Some frameworks may be designed for a certain region, country, or sector, while others may be more universal or flexible. You should also consider how compatible and aligned the frameworks are with your existing policies, regulations, and standards.

2 Goals and objectives

Another important criterion to compare emergency management frameworks is their goals and objectives. This means looking at what they aim to achieve and how they measure their performance and impact. For example, some frameworks may have a more strategic and long-term vision, while others may have more operational and short-term goals. Some frameworks may emphasize prevention and mitigation, while others may prioritize response and recovery. Some frameworks may use specific indicators and targets, while others may rely on qualitative or participatory methods. You should also consider how realistic and attainable the goals and objectives are, and how they align with your own mission and values.

3 Roles and responsibilities

A third key dimension to compare emergency management frameworks is their roles and responsibilities. This means looking at how they define and distribute the tasks, functions, and authority among different actors and stakeholders involved in emergency management. For example, some frameworks may have a more centralized and hierarchical structure, while others may have a more decentralized and collaborative approach. Some frameworks may assign clear and specific roles and responsibilities, while others may allow more flexibility and adaptation. You should also consider how accountable and transparent the roles and responsibilities are, and how they foster coordination and cooperation.

4 Processes and procedures

A fourth essential criterion to compare emergency management frameworks is their processes and procedures. This means looking at how they guide and regulate the actions and decisions of the emergency management actors and stakeholders. For example, some frameworks may have a more formal and standardized process, while others may have a more informal and customized procedure. Some frameworks may prescribe detailed and specific steps and rules, while others may provide general and flexible guidelines and principles. You should also consider how efficient and effective the processes and procedures are, and how they ensure quality and consistency.

5 Resources and capabilities

A fifth important dimension to compare emergency management frameworks is their resources and capabilities. This means looking at what they require and provide in terms of human, financial, material, and technical resources, as well as skills, knowledge, and competencies, for emergency management. For example, some frameworks may have a more resource-intensive and demanding approach, while others may have a more resource-efficient and sustainable one. Some frameworks may offer more support and assistance, while others may expect more self-reliance and autonomy. You should also consider how adequate and available the resources and capabilities are, and how they enhance resilience and innovation.

6 Values and principles

A sixth key criterion to compare emergency management frameworks is their values and principles. This means looking at what they reflect and promote in terms of ethical, moral, and social values, as well as fundamental and guiding principles, for emergency management. For example, some frameworks may have a more human-centered and rights-based perspective, while others may have a more system-oriented and performance-based one. Some frameworks may emphasize diversity and inclusion, while others may prioritize efficiency and effectiveness. You should also consider how consistent and coherent the values and principles are, and how they influence the culture and behavior of the emergency management actors and stakeholders.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?