"Because catastrophe study and research is relatively new, there are relatively few resources that will be available in the library and in online search engines. This book fills a gap in emergency management education, namely the issue of events so large and complex that normal disaster preparedness and response strategies, resources and skills are vastly insufficient. It introduces the many political, legal, and programmatic issues that influence how governments plan for and respond to a catastrophe. The text provides a solid understanding of basics catastrophic planning and response, including its historical development, elements, structures, and functions"--Provided by publisher