1. AN OVERVIEW – DEVELOPING AN AGENCY DISASTER PREPAREDNESS PLAN Preparing for the Unthinkable…

6. Disasters….

12. 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.

13. Disasters… Common Characteristics.. Disasters Can Happen: Any time… Any where…. Alter lives forever…

14. 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

15. 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

16. 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

17. 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

18. 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

19. 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

20. Preparedness Four Essential Steps For Agency Disaster Preparedness

21. Step 1: Get Informed  Contact:  Local Emergency Management Offices  Regional American Red Cross  Learn about Local Community:  Hazards  Evacuation Routes  Warning Systems

22. 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

23. Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) Supports Continuation of Infrastructure:  IT functions  Billing  Medical Records  Facilities  Support functions  Supplies On-line Templates Available….

24. 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

25. 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…

26. Plan B… Always have a Plan B (And Seriously Consider Plan C….) Flexible Problem Solving is Key

27. 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

28. 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…

29. Connect with Local Partners – Now Hospital Health Dept Social Services Other Providers American Red Cross Local Emergency Planners

30. 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!

31. On-line Resources www.virginiaready.gov www.ready.gov www.FEMA.gov www.nmha.org/terrorism.cfm www.aap.org/advocacy/releases/disastercomm.htm www.redcross.org/index.html http://www.extension.purdue.edu/purplewagon/index.htm www.mentalhealth.org/cmhs/EmergencyServices/index.htm

32. QUESTIONS….. Thank You!!!