Class Civil Emergency Planning

This curricular unit addresses the foundations of human security and the risk society, focusing on Civil Emergency Planning as a key instrument for prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery in crisis situations. It examines the strategic frameworks of security and defence, the organisation and functioning of the National Civil Emergency Planning System, and the institutional coordination mechanisms involved in crisis management. The course also explores the European and international dimensions of Civil Emergency Planning, as well as the challenges associated with societal resilience, the protection of critical infrastructure, and the continuity of essential services. It is particularly relevant for students in civil protection, security, and public administration, providing them with the knowledge and skills required to understand, develop, and implement planning instruments in complex emergency and crisis contexts.

Not applicable

Foundations of human security and the risk society. Evolution of the concept of security and its main pillars: human, national, internal and community security. National Defence and Internal Security framework. Civil Emergency Planning: concepts, objectives, principles and areas of intervention. Relationship with civil protection and security. National Civil Emergency Planning System: organisation, entities, coordination bodies, planning instruments and legal framework. Concept and typologies of crises. Civil crisis management, institutional coordination and civil-military cooperation. European and international dimension of Civil Emergency Planning. European Union, NATO and international humanitarian assistance. Societal resilience, critical infrastructures, continuity of essential services and strategic reserves.

The course adopts an active teaching approach, combining theoretical instruction with critical analysis and practical application of the syllabus. Classes include lectures, analysis and discussion of strategic documents and legislation, case studies, examination of real-world situations, individual and group assignments, and presentation of results. Whenever appropriate, planning exercises and scenario-based discussions will be used to promote the integration of acquired knowledge and the development of analytical, planning, coordination, and decision-support skills in crisis contexts.

Coppola, D. P. (2020). Introduction to international disaster management (4th ed.). Butterworth-Heinemann. Haddow, G. D., Bullock, J. A., & Coppola, D. P. (2024). Introduction to emergency management (8th ed.). Butterworth-Heinemann. Perry, R. W., & Lindell, M. K. (2007). Emergency planning. John Wiley & Sons. Perry, R. W., & Lindell, M. K. (2003). Preparedness for emergency response: Guidelines for the emergency planning process. Disasters, 27(4), 336-350. Presidência do Conselho de Ministros. (2020). Decreto-Lei n.º 43/2020, de 21 de julho: Estabelece o Sistema Nacional de Planeamento Civil de Emergência. Diário da República, 1.ª série(140). United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction. (2015). Sendai framework for disaster risk reduction 2015-2030.