Preparing for the Unthinkable…
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Transcript of Preparing for the Unthinkable…
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 ScalableCommunicated Practiced and Tested (not on a shelf)Reviewed and RevisedFlexible
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
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
QUESTIONS…..
Thank You!!!