In my opinion, the view that has the most significant negative impact on response and recovery operations is the panicky and irrational view. This view can lead to people making bad decisions that can put themselves and others at risk. For example, people who panic may try to flee a disaster area in a way that is unsafe or may loot and riot, which can further disrupt response and recovery efforts.
It is important to remember that people are not helpless or irrational in the face of disaster. In fact, people are often very resilient and resourceful in the face of adversity. By understanding how people behave in disaster situations, we can better prepare for and respond to future disasters.
Here are some additional thoughts on the different views about human behavior in disaster response:
- The panicky and irrational view: This view is often based on media portrayals of disasters, which can be sensationalized and misleading. In reality, most people do not panic in the face of disaster. In fact, most people are able to remain calm and think clearly in the midst of chaos.
- The heroic and altruistic view: This view is often based on stories of people who have risked their own lives to help others. These stories are inspiring and remind us of the good that people are capable of in the face of adversity. However, it is important to remember that not everyone behaves heroically in disaster situations. Some people may be selfish or even harmful.
- The orderly and efficient view: This view is often based on the work of emergency responders and other professionals who help to coordinate disaster response. These professionals are highly trained and skilled, and they play a vital role in saving lives and property in disaster situations. However, it is important to remember that even the most well-organized and efficient response cannot prevent all loss and suffering.
Ultimately, the best way to understand how people behave in disaster situations is to study the evidence. There is a growing body of research on human behavior in disaster situations, and this research can help us to better prepare for and respond to future disasters.