NPHS 1510: Federal and International Framework
Emergency Problem Solving, Decision-Making and Risk
Personal Risk
 
Before proceeding on in this section, please read the extremely humorous article referenced below.
 
Reading     Humor! Personal Security Risk Assessment, May 30, 2007, Posted in Risk Assessment, Security Governance by Jason Bevis
 
I hope you all had fun with this humorous treatment of personal risk. All of the issues raised are relevant.
Everyone's approach to risk is particular to them. Some people are risk takers. others are risk avoiders. It is important for you to get a sense of your personal risk posture to help understand how you will behave in an energency personally and for your family and organization.

Researchers ahve identified numerous factors that contribute to risk posture. Some of the more relevant are:
  • Behavioral
    • Drinking
    • Driving
    • Smoking
    • Drugs/Alcohol
    • Sexual Behavior
    • Gambling
  • Personality
    • Introversion/Exstroversion
    • Communication
    • Affinity
      • Family
      • Extended Family
      • Pets
  • Genetics
  • Disability
  • Socio-Economic Status
    • Wealth
    • Race
    • Gender
  • Past History
  • Environment
  • Occupation
Ironically, the emergency occupations are not some of the more dangerous. According to 2006 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the most dangerous occupations (excluding military) are:
  1. Fishermen
  2. Pilots and airline employees
  3. Loggers
  4. Structural construction workers
  5. Waste management employees
  6. Farmers and ranchers
  7. Power-line technicians
  8. Roofers
Read the Citizen Corps Risk Change document listed below.

Reducing risk is effectively done through planning. By understanding risk actors and creating plans to mitigate those factors, we can reduce risk.
 
Reading     Personal Change Model for Risk, FEMA, Citizens Corps.

Personal Emergency Planning Ready.gov.
 
Exercise     Prepare a risk assessment for yourself and your family.
 
Resources     FEMA Course IS241 Decision Making and Problem Solving
 
              
Copyright © 2010 Ken Sochats