Book Review: Hazards Analysis

Reviewed by John M. White, CPP

01 December 2015

Print Issue: December 2015

CRC Press; crcpress.com; 338 pages; $79.95

Professionals who work in disaster planning and emergency management will find the second edition of Hazards Analysis: Reducing the Impact of Disasters to be a valuable resource. Author John Pine has assembled an impressive selection of critical resources, featuring detailed text augmented with examples, charts, and photographs.

The author defines hazard analysis and identification, vulnerability, and risk analysis. He explains the differences between natural and human-caused hazards, as well as the differences in planning and response. He shows how to use the results of vulnerability assessment, spatial analysis, and community planning to improve resilience. The book is written for both experienced practitioners and for those who are learning about it for the first time.

Pine expertly puts concepts into perspective. For example, after defining each term, he identifies critical thinking points to help the reader understand the materials. Each chapter concludes with discussion questions and a list of websites and reference materials. There is no doubt that the author has conducted extensive research on this subject matter and knows his material.

Reviewer: John M. White, CPP, is president and CEO of Protection Management, LLC, and a retired law enforcement officer with more than 39 years of protection experience, including more than 14 years in emergency management. A published author, White serves on the ASIS Healthcare Security Council.