Unit 4: Arrival Considerations Safety/Risk Management

Unit Goal  Upon completion of this unit, participants will be able to describe actions that should be taken on approach and arrival, as well as other considerations prior to beginning operations.

Unit Objectives  Review initial approach and arrival actions by task force management personnel.  Identify information the TF should provide and expect during the initial briefing with the IC/IMT.  Review incident and task force planning processes and considerations.  Discuss TF base of operations and forward equipment staging considerations.

Approach Considerations  Fuel and other last minute needs  Staging area for the TF  Pre-identify those who will approach – TFL, PM, LM, Safety Officer, etc. DO NOT OVERWHELM THE ICP

Initial On-Scene Briefing Who Do We Talk To? Hopefully that is answered prior to arrival.  IC  IMT - Ops Section Chief or Rescue Branch Director

What You Should Provide  Be prepared to explain TF capabilities Medical capability Identify support needs ○ Fuel ○ Toilet/hand wash facilities Provide TF contact information – cell, , radio ○ TF 205 & 205A Check in personnel & equipment ○ TF 211, TF 218 Provide TF organizational structure ○ TF 203 Bring an attitude of cooperation and support, not one of arrogance!

What You Should Expect From Your Initial Briefing – ASK FOR!!  Current and projected situation Estimated number of missing or unaccounted for  Operational periods being used  Incident objectives, priorities, and expectations  Obtain a copy of the IAP if available  Work assignment (s) Maps Floor Plans

 ICS structure and reporting requirements Meetings you are required to attend Contact Information – cell, radio,  Other SAR resources assigned and requested  Potential locations for the BoO  Facilities or resources already established EMS Haz Mat Animal Control Heavy Equipment requested or on scene

 Current weather information Forecast Safe areas or shelters identified?  Security/Safety Concerns Perimeter established and controlled? Constraints, limitations, and sensitivities (political, cultural, and environmental) Status of utilities

This information will:  Build on the situational awareness you began to develop from the time you were activated  Provide the information needed for your initial on-scene task force briefing  Allow you to make initial assignments while you begin the planning process.

Task Force Briefings May be attended by managers/squad officers only, or could be the whole task force. TFL briefs on tactical assignments – will usually be verbal but may include hand- written 204s. Distribute copies of maps or other necessary documents. This is another opportunity to reinforce the importance of safety!

Integrating into the Incident Consider: ○ Operational periods, work/rest cycles ○ Initial Attack Blitz 50/50 ○ Use of local responders ○ Working with/for FEMA USAR or other SAR resources already in place ○ Handouts for IC/IMT and responders USAR Marking Systems SAR Markings & Emergency Signals

Formal Planning Documents Incident Action Plan (Not likely available) Tactical Action Plan Developed by the task force for their operations Outlines the tactical operations to meet the objectives identified in the IAP or by the IC.

TFL Role in IC/IMT Meetings OSC or designee makes assignments - get a clear understanding of those assignments You provide subject matter expertise It may not be logical or feasible for TF management personnel to attend meetings at the ICP IC/IMT will determine your reporting requirements

Tactical Action Plan (TAP) Cover Page TF 202 – Incident Objectives TF 203 – Organization Assignment List ○ TF 203M ○ TF 203S TF 205 – Communications Plan TF 206 – Medical Plan TF 208 – Safety Message Incident charts, maps, BoO layout, and other supporting documents/plans

Additional Forms  TF 209 – Situation Report Snapshot Frequency  TF 213 – General Message Logistical Requests  TF 214 – Activity Log All Personnel  TF 206V – Victim Injury/Illness Log  TF 206V-TF – TF Injury/Illness Log

TF 209 Situation Report  Provides a snapshot  Frequency may be determined by the incident and/or IC/IMT

Site Selection Considerations  Size? - Depends on your footprint. Should lay out and diagram at home considering: Vehicles Tents Command Units  Topography?  Proximity to worksite?  Vehicle access/parking?  Noise?

Site Selection Considerations (cont)  Property ownership? Public is best Environmental concerns  Utilities?  Proximity to logistical facilities?  Communications capabilities?

Space Allocation Considerations  TF Control Center  Meetings/Briefings  Communications  Equipment Cache  Medical/Rehab  Food Prep/Service Base of Operations Overview Document  Supplies  Sleeping Area  Canine Area  Personal Hygiene Area  Lighting/Generators

Task Force Control Center - TFCC  Focal point for TF Command & Control  Location for all TF management activities  Radio Designation – TF Control  Clearly identified  Should be staffed whenever the TF is operational

Consider the Need for a Forward Equipment Staging Area  BoO is a considerable distance from the worksite  Equipment or site is shared  Decon of equipment is needed

Unit Goal Upon completion of this unit, participants will understand the role and responsibilities of the Safety Officer and review methods for assessing and managing risk during task force operations.

Unit Objectives  Review the functions and responsibilities of the task force safety officer.  Discuss risk management issues related to task force operations.  Review environmental, health and operational risk factors.  Review the forms that are used by the task force safety officer.

TF Safety Officer  Reports directly to the TFL.  Oversees all safety aspects for the task force from mobilization until return home  Coordinates efforts with the Incident Safety Officer  Conducts safety briefings  Completes required forms TF208 and ICS215A

Considerations for the TF Safety Officer Considerations:  New or unfamiliar surroundings and operations for task force members  New or unfamiliar tools  Security issues Looters Value of Equipment Cache  Operational experience of team members Common sense

The Safety Officer must: Provide proactive leadership Set the tone for a positive safety culture Maintain compliance with safety procedures Focus on safety throughout the mission Set a good example Ensure accident/injury investigations are conducted and reports are submitted Share the responsibility for safety with EVERYONE

Site Management and Coordination One Person in Charge Plan of Action Developed Prior to Starting Operations Briefing to address Tactics and Safety Issues

Site Management and Coordination (cont) Consider Medical Treatment Area Rest / Rehab Area Security Concerns Safe Zones / Areas

Other Considerations  Non-TF Resources and Liaison  Integration between Search and Rescue Activities  Below Grade Ops  Rapid intervention Teams

Animal Rescue Post-Katrina Reform Act Safety First (PPE) Equipment Warning Signs of Aggression – Animal Control Officer

Risks in the Disaster Environment Damaged Infrastructure Unfamiliar Surroundings Weather ○ Lightning ○ Wind ○ Tornadoes Earthquake Aftershocks Vibrations and Settling Travel – Either way Base of Operations Loading/Unloading

Risks in the Disaster Environment (cont) Physical Hazards ○ Slip, Trip & Fall Hazards ○ Falling Objects ○ Crushing Hazards ○ Noise Hazardous Materials Atmospheric Hazards Physiological Impacts Psychological Impacts

Safety Briefings Are Important! We do a good job before we go to work but don’t overlook: ○ Activities at the POD ○ Setting up or tearing down the BoO ○ Loading and unloading trucks and equipment Provide Ongoing Monitoring of TF Health and Welfare

Review Emergency Signals and Marking Systems

TF Safety Message TF 208

Safety Analysis ICS 215A