Locally Elected and Appointed Officials Disaster Priorities: Perceptions of Preparedness and Risk

Abstract Since all disasters are local, the role of local leaders, elected and appointed, is critical in emergency management. Locally elected and appointed officials play critical role in decision making, fund allocation, and policy development, all of which define preparedness and response at the local level. The current study collected data from locally elected and appointed officials who were participating in classes on emergency management. Constructs included perceived threats, preparedness needs, and priorities. Findings suggest key differences between urban, suburban, and rural settings. Implications are relevant for emergency managers, government officials, decision-makers, and researchers.