Fred C. Cuny Memorial Continuing Education Series
Principles of Disaster Management
Fred C. Cuny

This course was prepared by the Disaster Management Center at the University of Wisconsin-Madison with financial support from the U.S. Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance, United States Agency for International Development (OFDA/USAID).

The text was prepared by the late Frederick C. Cuny of INTERTECT. The Professional Review Board included Nick Carter, Katherine S. Parker, William Nitzke, and the staff of the USAID Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance. The Study Guide was prepared by Don Schraam and Ruth Newman of the Disaster Management Center of the University of Wisconsin-Madison

© 1986 by Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System
Modified and Edited by the Editorial Staff of Prehospital and Disaster Medicine, 1997.

This course may be taken for Continuing Education Credits (3 CEU) by registering with the Disaster Management Center at the University of Wisconsin using the form attached at the end of each of the lessons. In addition, enrollment in this course contributes to attaining a Certificate in Disaster Management from the Disaster Management Center at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Inquiries should be directed on the attached form or by e-mail: schramm@epd.engr.wisc.edu

The Disaster Management Center at the University of Wisconsin-Madison thanks the Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance for early support of course development. In particular, Gudren Huden, Denise Decker, and Fred Cole deserve special recognition for their understanding of this innovative educational process. At the University of Wisconsin, Linda Hook, Darrell Petska, Susan Kummer, Lolette Guthrie, Val Parish, and Angela Armstrong must be thanked for their efforts in editing, design, and production. The course development process is never over, and each of these people understands that very well.

How to get started
This self study course will meet the needs of people involved in disaster management for both sudden onset natural disasters (i.e., earthquakes, floods, hurricanes) and slow onset disasters (i.e., famine, drought).

This course is designed for government personnel, representatives of private voluntary agencies, and other individuals at local and national levels interested in disaster management. Continuing Education credits can be obtained from the Disaster Management Center at the University of Wisconsin-Madison by completing and mailing the form at the end of each lesson. Registration for and completion of the course can be applied towards a Certificate in Disaster Management.

The procedure for self study is:
1) Complete and score the pretest. Do not be disappointed if you do not score high on the pretest. If you do have a high score, you probably do not need this course;
2) Read the outline of course content to get a general idea of what is covered in the course;
3) Read the learning objectives to get a general idea of what you are expected to learn from the course;
4) Turn to appropriate Lesson;
5) Review the study guide section for a brief description of the lesson and any special suggestions on how to study;
6) Again read the learning objectives;
7) Carry out the learning activities listed;
8) Complete the self assessment test at the end of the lesson and score H using the answer key provided. If you have not answered most of the questions correctly, restudy the lesson;
9) If you score well on the self assessment test proceed to next lesson.
10) Continue to study each lesson and complete the self assessment test until you have finished the course of study.
11) When you have completed all the self assessment tests to your satisfaction, you can request a Final Examination Package. This will include the final examination and any other supplementary material you may need to receive credit for completing this course.

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