Private Corporations: Critical Partners in Disaster Preparedness, Response and Recovery

Karen Marie JOHNSTON

I. Introduction

Businesses are involved in disaster preparedness, response and recovery for a reason – it makes good business sense. But it also makes sense for communities to have businesses involved. After disaster strikes, communities are often paralyzed until the first retailers open to provide food, gas and much needed supplies to begin the rebuilding efforts. Retailers also serve as a local gathering place for people to commiserate and find hope.

Although businesses were involved in disaster preparedness and response before Hurricane Katrina, the magnitude of the U.S. government’s failed response to Katrina marked a turning point for how both government and business view their role today. Post-Katrina, the American model in disaster planning is public-private partnerships – a model that is now seen around the world.

The examples of public-private partnerships in disaster planning and recovery are numerous. This article will focus on two corporations and how their efforts tie into their country’s disaster preparedness strategy. This article will be organized into five sections. The first section will briefly explain the American legal framework for disaster preparedness and response and how the role of private corporations evolved. The second section will use The Home Depot, a home improvement retailer, as an example of the vast planning and recovery efforts that have become typical of major American corporations. The third section will discuss Istanbul’s earthquake risk and the city’s disaster preparedness efforts. In the fourth section, TeknikYapi Inc., a real estate developer, will be used to illustrate the city’s proactive disaster preparedness efforts and reliance on public-private partnerships. Lastly, I will conclude with a call for even greater coordination between the public and private sector in disaster response and recovery efforts.