Manuals

The Practical Handbook “Risk Management and Systems for Protection and Rescue from Disasters” is designed for undergraduate and master’s students at the Faculty of Security Studies, University of Belgrade, the Criminalistic-Police University, and other faculties. Its primary purpose is to introduce students to the academic discipline of disaster studies, combining theoretical and practical knowledge. The handbook is written based on the author’s extensive experience working with students at these institutions.

This handbook is tailored to facilitate the realization of both theoretical and practical exercises for students, aiming to simplify the learning process of topics related to risk management and disaster protection and rescue systems. Given the multidisciplinary nature of the subject, the handbook consists of numerous theoretical exercises that direct students to focus on the most critical aspects of the material, encouraging active participation during the classes and planned exercises. The handbook covers the following topics: I – Disasters and Hazards: Theories, Concepts, and Methods; II – Vulnerability, Resilience, and Methods of Disaster Research; III – Disaster Risk: Assessment Methodology and Protection and Rescue Plans; IV – National and International Legal Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction; V – Preparedness and Mitigation of Disaster Risks; VI – Protection and Rescue Systems in Disasters: Response and Recovery; VII – Information Systems Supporting Disaster Risk Management and International Cooperation. Each section contains several exercises, including an introductory overview, tasks, discussion questions, and recommended literature. The handbook incorporates the latest literature in the field of disaster studies.

The author expresses special gratitude to the reviewers—Prof. Dr. Vladimir Jakovljević, Prof. Dr. Slavoljub Dragićević, and Prof. Dr. Dragan Mlađan—for their professional suggestions that significantly enhanced the handbook. The author is also particularly grateful to the editor, Prof. Dr. Boban Milojković, for his years of support and guidance in advancing the academic discipline of disaster studies.

In the first section of the handbook, “Disasters and Hazards: Theories, Concepts, and Methods”, students are introduced to theoretical content covering the conceptual definition and classification of disasters, natural and technological disasters, and disaster management. Through the exercises in this section, students acquire foundational knowledge in understanding the phenomenology of natural and technological disasters, theoretical approaches to studying disasters, relevant paradigms, the evolution of disaster definitions, and concepts related to integrated disaster management.

Building on the theoretical elaborations of the phenomenological dimensions of disasters and hazards, the second section, “Vulnerability, Resilience, and Methods of Disaster Research”, equips students with essential knowledge about the concepts of vulnerability and resilience in disasters and methods of disaster research. These thematic areas focus on describing the multidimensional nature of vulnerabilities affecting people, local communities, and critical infrastructure; applying resilience concepts to improve the safety of individuals and their property; the evolution of disaster studies; and advancing disaster research methods within quantitative and qualitative traditions.

Focusing on proactive actions to mitigate the future consequences of disasters, the third section, “Disaster Risk: Assessment Methodology and Protection and Rescue Plans”, includes exercises related to the concept and perception of disaster risks, disaster risk management, and the methodology of risk assessment and the preparation of protection and rescue plans. These topics enable students to understand the theoretical definition and characteristics of risks, explore the stages of risk management, and grasp the methodology of risk assessment and ways to develop protection and rescue plans. Knowledge of numerous legal and regulatory acts governing disaster risk reduction is a prerequisite for successful disaster risk management.

The fourth section, “National and International Legal Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction”, provides students with insights into the international and national legal frameworks for disaster risk reduction, as well as bylaws that address specific issues in greater detail. Through theoretical exercises, students gain knowledge of the provisions of the most important international and national regulations governing the preventive and repressive activities of the protection and rescue system.

The fifth section, “Preparedness and Mitigation of Disaster Risks,” and the sixth section, “Protection and Rescue Systems in Disasters: Response and Recovery,” provide students with essential knowledge about preparedness for natural and technological disasters, mitigation of disaster risks, protection and rescue systems, and post-disaster recovery. After completing these theoretical exercises, students enhance their understanding of the complex activities involved in preparing different entities and forces for protection and rescue, as well as the measures and actions undertaken during or after disasters to protect and save lives and health.

In the final section, “Information Systems Supporting Disaster Risk Management and International Cooperation,” topics such as disaster risk databases, geographic information systems, disaster risk reduction, and international cooperation for humanitarian assistance are discussed. Students acquire knowledge of various information technologies and databases used in disaster planning and response processes. Considering the roles students will assume after completing these faculties, the handbook is structured into thematic units to enable active participation in the teaching process and ensure efficient and straightforward mastery of the material.

To meet exam requirements, students must complete all exercises in the handbook and actively participate in answering the discussion questions. The instructor’s signature in the handbook confirms that all exercises have been completed. Participation in theoretical and practical exercises requires the possession of the handbook, a notebook for notes, and the prescribed literature. Attendance at lectures and exercises is mandatory, with justified absences being subject to make-up sessions.

Reference:
Cvetković, V. (2019). Risk Management and Systems for Protection and Rescue from Disasters. Belgrade: Scientific-Professional Society for Disaster Risk Management.