Effectively demonstrate understanding of a concept, apply critical thinking relative to the social work field of study, and write a research paper related to the social work field of study which states a thesis and leads to a conclusion. The paper should consist of academic research that illustrates the extent to which you can synthesize, analyze, and compile information gleaned from scholarly sources in a thoughtful and professional manner. It is not merely a collection of facts, it is a thesis-based, argumentative research paper. The paper should be consistent with the social work field of study.

Write a seven page paper describing how, based on your area of study in social work, you might intervene to solve a problem or be helpful in the disaster scenario given.  Be sure to utilize the best practices in the social work field with evidence from a minimum of five peer-reviewed journals as you describe how you would intervene to solve a problem or what you would do to be helpful in the scenario. You may not ignore any of the circumstances presented.

Specifics:

Paper Length 7 pages
A minimum of 5 professional (peer-reviewed, not a magazines) journal articles must be used to give supporting evidence as a basis for your intervention.
Use APA formatting for your paper.
Check spelling and grammar.
If appropriate, please discuss any ethical dilemmas that may need to be considered and how you would handle it.

You are to interject yourself into the scenario at any point in the discussion.
Describe what you will do to use your expertise that you have gained in your field of study in social work.
You cannot ignore the scenario; you must use the circumstances given in this description. You may add to the scenario, but you must use the situation that you’re given to respond to. Use your research as supportive evidence to justify your decisions.

            DISASTER SCENARIO FOR PAPER

Central U.S. Earthquake

Background

At 10:15AM local time, a damaging earthquake strikes along the New Madrid Seismic Zone (NMSZ) in the central region of the United States.  The epicenter is determined in the Bootheel of Missouri.  The most damaging shaking occurs in Northeastern Arkansas, Western Tennessee, the Bootheel of Missouri, Western Kentucky, and Southern Illinois.    Less severe but still damaging shaking occurs in an area stretching from St. Louis, Missouri southward to Grenada, Mississippi and from Little Rock, Arkansas east to Nashville, Tennessee. Seismologists measure the earthquake a magnitude 6.5, making it the largest earthquake to hit the region since 1895. Ground shaking from the main shock lasts for approximately 45 seconds in some areas.  Aftershocks of varying intensity are felt throughout the region for several days after the main shock, and cause further damage to structures already weakened by previous shaking.  Tremors are felt as far away as the east coast of the United States, and damage is seen in at least eight states.

Direct Earthquake Damage

As a result of this earthquake, there are more than 2,500 people with injuries requiring hospitalization and an estimated 100 fatalities.  Thousands others receive injuries requiring minor medical attention.  Most of the injuries are caused by objects (bookshelves, topheavy furniture, appliances, and electronics) falling on people.  Other injuries are caused by walking on broken or falling glass, people who were trying to walk or run during the earthquake, and were injured by pieces of buildings falling on them and they were thrown to the ground, many suffering broken bones.

Thousands are missing or separated from their families. Thousands of earthquake victims homes and possessions are destroyed or damaged, causing many to seek short term shelter. Partial levee collapses and high water conditions due to heavy spring rains result in flooding along the Mississippi River, displacing hundreds of people. Most of the region is experiencing shortages of essential supplies, such as fresh food, bottled water, fuel, and generators. 

Damaged bridges and roadways and damage to shipping vessels cause oil and hazardous material (HAZMAT) contamination in cities, towns, waterways, and farmland in the affected area. The Mississippi River experiences a brief uplifting of its riverbed, causing temporary appearance of reverseflow. 

Across the affected states widespread damage occurs to drinking water distribution and wastewater collection systems as well as treatment facilities, the national power grid, oil and natural gas pipelines, and roadways. Large structural fires break out because of damage to gas pipelines.

Due to the nature of the geology in the Mississippi River Valley, shaking and soil liquefaction of land surrounding the fault line caused the following: 
Localized flooding in lowlying areas with river bed changes along the Mississippi River
Compromised or damaged bridges, roads, railroad bridges and tracks, buildings, and other

Discuss where you were in the area. Then based on your education, knowledge, and skills as a social worker discuss how you might intervene in the next days or weeks to assist your community in some way. Be sure to utilize and cite your research from at least 5 professional journals.