1. Read the article and complete the survey instrument which Dr. Blessman and colleagues administered to employees of a local health department prior to a training event (last two pages of the Blessman article linked above). Most of you will walk away from this exercise dismayed that you have not performed better. That’s part of the solution to the problem–enlightenment. Briefly discuss how you did on the survey, why you think you performed well or poorly, and what you think you can and will do to improve. There is no correct answer here, but the results will generate their own discussion.

2. Read the Noji article on public health and disasters. Do the myths that he puts forth apply to regional disasters in the United States or other developed countries or only national-level disasters in third world countries? Support your opinions with some examples from history. Include references.