Human Behavior during Evacuations

Introduction Human beings will react differently whenever exposed to various disasters or fire outbreaks. Engineers and firefighters have conducted numerous studies in order to understand the issues associated with human behavior during evacuation.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Human Behavior during Evacuations specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Different evacuation models â€Å"are critical because they determine the time take to safeguard the lives of many civilians after a disaster† (Kuligowski, 2009, p. 3). Many scholars and theorists have analyzed the major issues associated with different human behaviors. This situation explains why many engineers have not incorporated different human behaviors into their evacuation models. According to Simonovic (2011, p. 16), â€Å"every action performed by individuals in a dangerous situation results from a unique decision-making process†. This dec ision-making process has encouraged many scholars to predict different human behaviors during evacuations. This essay analyzes the current literature on human behaviors during evacuations. Theory of Human Behavior during Disasters Occupants in different buildings or structures will react in a specific manner after encountering a disaster. Human beings perceive specific cues before performing certain actions. The next stage is interpreting the nature of the targeted risk or situation. This interpretation usually depends on the cues perceived by every individual in the first stage. The individuals will â€Å"eventually make specific decisions in order to deal with the disaster† (Kuligowski, 2009, p. 3). This discussion explains why human beings follow a unique process whenever making their decisions. However, some external and internal factors determine what individuals perceive or interpret whenever there is a disaster.  According to Fahy and Proulx (2011, p. 718), â€Å"th e phases of disaster response will vary significantly depending on the targeted individuals, the nature of structure, and the aspects of the situation†.Advertising Looking for research paper on psychology? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More For example, the occupants in a building can perceive different cues depending on the targeted disaster. Individuals can see smoke, debris, or receive phone calls from their friends. The individuals in the targeted structure or building will gather different thoughts within the shortest time possible. The second phase of the Disaster Response Model (DRM) occurs when the individuals interpret the perceived information (Kuligowski, 2009). The individuals might also decide to ignore the above signs. They â€Å"might also decide to ignore the threat if it is not serious† (Fahy Proulx, 2011, p. 718). The third phase will ensure the individuals make appropriate decisions depending on t heir interpretations. The fourth phase will produce a specific behavioral process. This phase will ensure the occupants in the targeted building or structure perform specific actions. The above phases will produce a unique behavioral process whenever there is an evacuation effort. A new behavioral response can also emerge if the individuals get different ideas and information about the disaster. That being the case, human beings will act in a unique manner after identifying the existing danger. The behavior of â€Å"the occupants will depend on the manner in which they perceive the initial information† (Simonovic, 2011, p. 64). The people will â€Å"also interpret the nature of the risk and make the appropriate decisions in order to deal with it† (Simonovic, 2011, p. 104). Human Behaviors during Evacuation The above discussion examines how human beings make specific decisions after identifying a new disaster. Human beings will also behave in a unique manner during ever y pre-evacuation, evacuation, and post-evacuation process. The first human behavior that emerges after a disaster is panic. This form of panic can be an extreme behavior that disorients the goals of the affected individuals. Some studies have examined â€Å"how different individuals will experience a tormenting state of mind after witnessing a dangerous event such as a terrorist attack† (Fahy Proulx, 2011, p. 719).Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Human Behavior during Evacuations specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More More studies are needed in order to understand how human beings behave after interpreting the presented cues.  The use of mobile phones and telephones has become a common human behavior whenever there is a disaster. For instance, a number of studies have been conducted on different human behaviors after September 11. Many studies have identified how different evacuees communicated with their friends and relatives about the event. According to these studies, several phone calls were made to different friends, colleagues, parents, and children. According to Fahy and Proulx (2011, p. 719), â€Å"15 percent of the telephone calls were made to different emergency departments and services†. Most of the phone calls were executed during the pre-evacuation phase. This behavior is common because many individuals will always inform their relatives after a disaster occurs.  Many individuals tend to communicate with others in order to get the best support. However, many experts have identified the dangers associated with the practice (Okaya, Takahashi, Southern, 2013). For instance, the practice can affect the effectiveness of every evacuation process. Many occupants use telephones without understanding the magnitude of the targeted event or disaster. This unique human behavior also occurs whenever there is a disaster. Some individuals â€Å"might form new imaginat ions and thoughts after experiencing the event† (Gagnon, 2008, p. 37).  Some behaviors are also recorded during the evacuation phase. The most notorious behavior â€Å"during the evacuation process is the formation of different groups† (Gagnon, 2008, p. 45). This human practice â€Å"is called Group Behavior† (Gagnon, 2008, p. 45). According to Simonovic (2011, p. 89), â€Å"over 80 percent of victims of a disaster will come together in order to form a group†. Many individuals form such groups without their knowledge. This behavior will â€Å"depend on several factors such as the number of victims, the nature of the building, and the nature of the disaster† (Gagnon, 2008, p. 46). The agreeable fact is that many individuals will form different groups in an attempt to get the required support.Advertising Looking for research paper on psychology? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Another common behavior â€Å"observed in different emergency situations is the obstruction of human flow† (Gagnon, 2008, p. 56). The non-injured individuals in a specific building will locate different exits. Many individuals â€Å"might decide to use one pathway thus affecting the evacuation process† (Gagnon, 2008, p. 46). Some engineers might also block different exits thus affecting the evacuation process. The problem of obstruction has affected the effectiveness of many Disaster Response Programs (DRPs). Some individuals move in the same direction without examining the existing dangers. Human behaviors and responses to various disasters will depend on different factors. For instance, some individuals â€Å"will scramble for resources and support systems during the evacuation process† (Okaya et al., 2013, p. 5). This observation is common during every evacuation process. The four phases of â€Å"the decision-making process will also determine the manner in which the targeted persons react to the disaster† (Gagnon, 2008, p. 46). Screaming is also common whenever the disaster is unbearable. Such behaviors can make it impossible for many rescuers and evacuators to achieve their objectives. Sometimes the evacuees might fail to cooperate and even interfere with the rescue mission.  Some people might decide to locate different exits, fire extinguishers, and alarms. Such equipments are relevant because they improve the level of communication in a building. This approach makes it easier for more individuals to understand the facts of the disaster. This discussion explains why different behaviors are exhibited whenever there is a fire outbreak or disaster. It cannot be possible to predict the behaviors exhibited by different individuals after a disaster. Researchers should undertake â€Å"new studies in order to understand the major issues associated with various disasters† (Gagnon, 2008, p. 74). This understanding will produce new concepts in order to deal with different events such as terrorist attacks, fire outbreaks, and floods. Using Human Behaviors to Design Effective Evacuation Models Many evacuation models focus on the best practices, resources, and approaches that can safeguard the lives of more people within the shortest time possible. This knowledge has encouraged many engineers to identify better ideas and strategies that can make every evacuation model successful. The main focus of every â€Å"evacuation model is to reduce the time taken to evacuate every individual to a safer place† (Fahy Proulx, 2011, p. 719). Some engineers have examined the effectiveness of different theories in order to produce the best evacuation processes. However, such models have failed to predict the behaviors of different individuals involved in the process. As discussed earlier, every occupant in the targeted building will act differently depending on the nature of the event. For instance, the occupants can engage in different activities in order to help others. The individuals might also make phone calls in an attempt to collect and share different information. The targeted persons might also be ready to deal with the disaster. For example, the occupants might decide to deal with the targeted event. According to Okaya et al. (2013, p. 5), â€Å"these practices might make it impossible for the rescuers to achieve the best goals†. Many engineers tend to ignore the behaviors of the targeted occupants. The behaviors and actions of different people can affect the evacuation process. The actions of these people will also delay their safety and also make the evacuation process less effective. This gap explains why â€Å"engineers and scholars should generate a comprehensive and robust theory on these behaviors† (Kuligowski, 2009, p. 95). The presented theory will ensure every evacuation strategy achieves the best results (Okaya et al., 2013). The important thing is to identify the best responses to these gaps. The knowledge of the above human behaviors will also encourage engineers and architects to design new buildings that can improve every evacuation process. Many evacuation designs and models have failed to produce the best results because of the above gap. Human beings will react differently depending on the disaster. Engineers should undertake new studies in order to produce better frameworks for rescuing more people. The social cues dictating the responses and decisions made by different people â€Å"can make it easier for designers to produce better structures† (Kuligowski, 2009, p. 93). This â€Å"knowledge will make it easier for engineers to have fire extinguishers and alarm alert systems in place† (Gagnon, 2008, p. 63). Some new factors and tools have emerged in order to promote the best Occupant Escape Behavior (OEB). Such tools include â€Å"alarm systems, building designs, occupancy types, and Fire Safety Management† ( Okaya et al., 2013, p. 6). These tools can make it easier for different institutions to develop the best evacuation strategies. This knowledge can be applied in different areas such as Fire Fighting Practice (FFP) and Disaster Management (DM). Engineers can use the same ideas to quantify various human behaviors especially after an emergency. This approach will make it easier for engineers to produce better transport systems and buildings that can support every evacuation model. Many studies have identified the factors contributing to various human behaviors during an evacuation process. The existence of various gaps and weaknesses explain why fire fighters should consider the implications of different human behaviors. The approach will address the needs of many occupants in different structures. Gagnon (2008, p. 72) â€Å"encourages scholars to develop new conceptual models of human behaviors whenever there terrorist attacks, typhoons, and building fires†. This practice will produce the best strategies in order to safeguard the lives of many people. Conclusion Different human behaviors during an evacuation process results from several decision-making phases. The behavioral process begins when â€Å"the occupants acquire some information about the surrounding environment† (Okaya et al., 2013, p. 6). Every human behavior will determine the effectiveness of the targeted evacuation process. Many individuals will make phone calls in order to inform their relatives about the disaster. According to Kuligowski (2009, p. 93), â€Å"other individuals will form new groups in order to overcome the challenges associated with the disaster†. These behaviors can â€Å"offer evidence-based concepts that can support different fields such as Fire Management (FM), disaster response, engineering, and architecture† (Kuligowski, 2009, p. 14). Engineers and architects can study the behaviors of human beings during every evacuation process. This practice wi ll produce better structures that can safeguard the lives of many citizens. Reference List Fahy, R., Proulx, G. (2011). Human Behavior in the World Trade Center Evacuation. Fire Safety Science, 1(1), 713-724. Gagnon, R. (2008). Design of Special Hazard and Fire Alarm Systems. Clifton Park, NY: Thomson Delmar Learning. Kuligowski, E. (2009). The Process of Human Behaviors in Fires. Retrieved from https://www.nist.gov/publications/process-human-behavior-fires Okaya, M, Takahashi, T, Southern, M. (2013). Effect of Guidance on Evacuation Behavior Simulations Using Agent Communication. Proceedings of the Workshop on Multi-agent Interaction Networks, 1(1), 1-7. Simonovic, S. (2011). Systems Approach to Management of Disasters: Methods and Applications. New York, NY: Wiley. This research paper on Human Behavior during Evacuations was written and submitted by user Benson L. to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Nixons Legacy, Reaganomics

Nixons Legacy, Reaganomics How would the Watergate scandal have affected your perception of government power? The signing of the antiballistic missile treaty with Soviet Union was not a wise action for Nixon. This treaty was worse of than the unilateral disarmament, because it only restricted our ability of United States to defend itself, though the treaty was later ended by George bush. In fact, apart from this policy, the Americans believed that there were a number of other misleading policies that were put in records during the Nixon era (Niskanem, 1998).Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Nixon’s Legacy, Reaganomics specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Watergate scandal had many impacts on the American government and its people. There were a large number of convictions and much other causality that resulted from the Watergate scandal. For instance, there were alterations in campaign finance reform. The media too became more aggressive in t heir investigations and unraveling of scandals in the government (Davidson, 2006 p.23). The 25th anniversary of the Watergate scandal was realized in 1997 and it was evident that many books were published about this scandal and films too were developed on the same. The influence of Watergate scandal was also felt during the 1998/99 impeachment of bill Clinton. How do you think the influence of Watergate has contributed to reporters boldness? The Watergate scandal is currently associated to the cynical attitude that many Americans have developed towards politicians and the government. The media was influenced by the aftermath of the Watergate scandal as it gained confidence and a more aggressive approach to investigating and unraveling of scandals in the government in an attempt to facilitate transparency in governance and becoming an effective watch dog of the government. The scandal was unraveled by one of the media groups the Washington post reporters. This unveiling led to emerge nce of investigative reporter teams on news papers and television around the world. Due to the boldness of the two reporters of the Washington based newspaper; the country was able to unravel the hidden corruption scandal which could cost the nation a lot of tax payers money. Due to unraveling of this scandal, the media reports became more aggressive and bold on corruption cases and bad governance (Niskanem, 1998). Their aggressiveness is necessary for the purpose of watching government officials and reporting crooked transactions to the public. The removal of Nixon showed a series of accountability processes. Though the president was serving a fixed term in office, he was accountable to the House of Representatives (Niskanem, 1998). This house directly represents recent opinions of the public. The president can only be removed by the senate comprising of senators representing states of varied population and this would be abiding by the federal values of the founding fathers.Adverti sing Looking for essay on history? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Reagan’s economics Reaganomics were policies about the economy that were introduced and promoted by President Ronald Regan in 1980s. Reaganomics introduced policies such as policies to reduce government spending, reduce income marginal tax rates and reduce capital gains too. Reagan policies also aimed at inflation reduction, reduction on the government regulation on the economy and to regulate the supply of money. Fiscal stimulus during recessions meant to boost economic growth and was attained through increased government spending or by cutting on taxes. These strategies produce a budget deficit which in turn stimulated the economy (Rothbard, 2004). Conservatives advocate tax cuts on corporations and high income people to increase return on investment and profits. The Reagan cuts on tax were mainly in the latter category with large cuts in the top marginal rates and corporate taxes. However as Reagan continued with his policies even after the end of the recession period, the government deficit did not go away with the end of recession. Regan had huge budget deficits through out his presidency which was against the conservative policies (Rothbard, 2004). Ultimately, Reaganomics produced big political dividends for the Republicans, and it may have contributed to economic stability. References Davidson, J. (2006). Nation of nations: A concise narrative of the American republic. New York: McGraw-Hill. Niskanem, W. A. (1998) Reaganomics. Retrieved from econlib.org/library/Enc1/Reaganomics.html. Rothbard, M. N. (2004). The Myths of Reaganomics. Retrieved from https://mises.org/library/myths-reaganomics.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Nixon’s Legacy, Reaganomics specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More