Proper management in the face of a natural or technological disaster necessitates a transformation of attitude toward integration of economic, social, and environmental concerns related to disasters, and of the actions necessary to deal with them. Recent trends in confronting disasters include consideration of the entire region under threat, explicit consideration of all costs and benefits, elaboration of a large number of alternatives to reduce the damages, and the greater participation of all stakeholders in decision-making. Systems approaches based on simulation, optimization, and multi-objective analyses have great potential for providing appropriate support for effective disaster management in this emerging context. This systems approach to managing disasters is the focus of this book, which outlines proven strategies for pooling interdisciplinary resources more efficiently to boost emergency responses. An invaluable reference, Systems Approach to Managing Disasters illustrates how a systems approach to management of disasters can be the difference maker in times of crisis. Systems Approach to Managing Disasters:

• Includes a CD with worked examples and state-of-the-art simulation, optimization, and multi-objective analyses computer programs

• Discusses the methodologies and use of the systems tools vital to solving real disaster management problems

• Directs readers to a companion Web site with additional exercises and solutions as well as applications that can be shared among the users of the book

Organized into four parts covering every aspect of managing disasters, Systems Approach to Managing Disasters draws on the fields of operations research, and economics, to create the skills necessary for solving complex disaster management problems.