Disaster planning and resource allocation in health services.

The increasing prevalence of natural disasters, environmental tragedies, and depraved human behavior has generated excessive costs in both human and material resources at a time when cost-efficiency and control is continually emphasized by managed care contracts, business, and government agencies. As a result, increasing pressure has been placed on hospital material managers to do more with less, while also providing the necessary resources to respond efficiently and effectively during an emergency. A successful comprehensive, risk-based emergency management program of preparedness, response, and recovery will reduce the loss of life and resources.