AN OVERVIEW – DEVELOPING AN AGENCY DISASTER PREPAREDNESS PLAN Preparing for the Unthinkable…
Disasters….
DISASTERS... An occurrence such as a hurricane, tornado, flood, or terrorist event that causes human suffering or creates a collective human need that requires assistance to alleviate. There are natural, technological, health, social and terrorist disasters.
Disasters… Common Characteristics.. Disasters Can Happen: Any time… Any where…. Alter lives forever…
What Happens When a Disaster Hits??? Confusion and Chaos can Occur Significant Damage/Threat to or Loss of Life Community Resources Overwhelmed Public Facilities, Worksites & Schools Effected
What Happens When a Disaster Hits??? Panic, Fear and Uncertainty Occur Clean-up Could Take Weeks, Months or Years Communication Systems - Challenged or Inoperable Income May Be Interrupted or Stopped Disruption of Public Utilities or Services
Reasons for Disaster Planning Disasters Will Happen… Many Systems and Plans May Fail Preparedness is Essential: Personal Plan (You and Your family) Organizational Plan – All Hazards Plan/ Agency Disaster Preparedness Plan
Planning Now is Critical Written Agency Disaster Response Plan: Accessible Plain Language Realistic Scalable Communicated Practiced and Tested (not on a shelf) Reviewed and Revised Flexible
First Steps Secure Top Management Support Assign Lead Staff Member Select Planning Team Members Represent all functions (including Safety Reps) Include Individuals/Caretakers on Team Clearly Define Scope/Importance of Plan Everyone has an important role Team = Become Ambassadors of the Plan
A Local Risk Assessment Plan: Based on Risk Assessment Potential hazards/risks for your area? Resources for Risk Assessment Info: Local Health Dept American Red Cross Local Jurisdiction web-sites (Emergency Operations Plans) Local Hospitals
Preparedness Four Essential Steps For Agency Disaster Preparedness
Step 1: Get Informed Contact: Local Emergency Management Offices Regional American Red Cross Learn about Local Community: Hazards Evacuation Routes Warning Systems
Step 2: Develop an Agency Plan Identifies: Essential Services Continuity of Operations Plan (essential) Sheltering-in-Place (96 hour rule) Local Evacuation Routes Alternative Care/Services Communications Plan Staff Roles/Responsibilities/ Succession Plan
Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) Supports Continuation of Infrastructure: IT functions Billing Medical Records Facilities Support functions Supplies On-line Templates Available….
Important Planning Considerations Input from Individuals/Caretakers Ongoing Training Scenario Planning/Drills: Shelter-in-Place Evacuation and/or Transfer of Services Re-engagement with Services Connecting with Community Partners Use of MOUs Contracts
Step 3: Assemble Disaster Supplies Disaster Supplies to Support Your Plan Prepare for Shelter-in-Place Option Stock and Rotate Supplies Don’t rely on Emergency Personnel Local Red Cross: On-line Resources Handouts…
Plan B… Always have a Plan B (And Seriously Consider Plan C….) Flexible Problem Solving is Key
Step 4: Maintain Your Plan Conduct Yearly Trainings for Staff Review Plan every 6 Months/Update if Need Regular Drills and Discussions – all Residents Check and Restock Supplies as Needed Test Your COOP Plan Regularly Update Contact Information
Staff Preparedness Essential: 1. Train Staff on Plan 2. Drill/Practice your Plan (All shifts) 3. Have backup paper documents 4. Establish/Clarify Staff Responsibilities in case of a Disaster Event – (different) General Expectations Spelled out in Job Descriptions…
Connect with Local Partners – Now Hospital Health Dept Social Services Other Providers American Red Cross Local Emergency Planners
Resources… Local American Red Cross Chapter Jurisdictional WebPages Virginia Dept of Emergency Management Suggested Books: The Unthinkable ….Amanda Ripley The Survivors Club…Ben Sherwood Many Others!
On-line Resources
QUESTIONS….. Thank You!!!