The emergency manager role requires extensive communication and collaboration with people of all backgrounds. The ability to tolerate a high level of stress is an important characteristic, as the tension and stress levels in emergency environments can be very high and last for extended periods of time. In light of an increasing number of unanticipated natural and man-made disasters such as 9/11, Hurricane Katrina, school shootings, and the damage caused by tornadoes in Alabama, both public- and private-sector organizations are becoming increasingly more interested in investing in emergency management.