Emergency Management Overview

Kelly Rouba EAD & Associates, LLC April 22, 2009 2009 Annual Conference of AT Act Programs

Today’s Discussion

Emergency Management Framework  Key concepts and terms Integration into Emergency Management  People with special needs in disasters  Integrating Assistive Technology

What is emergency management?

A coordinated and organized effort to mitigate against, prepare for, respond to, and recover from an emergency. Each level of government has designated emergency management entities.  Federal (FEMA) – 10 regions  State  Local Non-governmental agencies, business, private industry, and others are also integral to the emergency management structure.

Disaster Can Strike at Any Time

An emergency is any event that has the potential to damage property or inflict harm upon people.

This includes:      Hurricanes Tornados Floods Ice storms Man-made disasters  such as hazardous materials spills,transportation accidents, fires, and terrorist events

Phases of Disasters

Emergency managers utilize the concept that disasters evolve over a cycle of phases.

 Mitigation  Preparedness  Response  Recovery These phases are carried out by local, State, and federal emergency managers

RESPONSE

All Disasters Are Local

Disaster response begins on the local level.

Public officials provide emergency assistance to victims and try to reduce further harm/damage.  Primary responders include local fire department, police department, rescue squads, and emergency medical service (EMS) units

State & Federal Response

Response efforts may advance to the state or federal level if resources are stressed.

Federal Government (FEMA)  State  Local

The Response Framework

Federal Resources Needs State Resources Needs Local

Disaster Declarations

State declaration: state resources are released and directed to the impacted location  State Plan activated Federal declaration: federal assets are made available to the State where the disaster has occurred  National Response Framework (NRF) activated

Federal Response

FEMA coordinates the Federal response  Department of Homeland Security  10 Regions National Response Framework is the plan for the Federal response  Emergency Support Functions: details agency roles/responsibilities Partner with non-governmental agencies  Examples: American Red Cross, VOAD

National Incident Management System (NIMS)

Components include:  Preparedness  Communications and Information Management  Resource Management  Command and Management  Ongoing Management and Maintenance Provides a common language and organizational structure across the country

Key Organizations

Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC)  Congressionally ratified organization for interstate mutual aid  Impacted states can request and receive assistance from other member states Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD)  State and local counterparts

State Emergency Management

State Emergency Management Office coordinates state response Administer State and Federal funding/grants to localities Provide training and planning resources to localities Develop all-hazard plans Utilize NIMS Planning Groups – state and local levels  Non-governmental participation  Support local planning

Local Emergency Management

Coordinates local resources  This includes AT Programs Can be a separate agency or within local fire or police agencies Local emergency managers wear “many hats” Activate Emergency Operations Center (EOC) during emergencies

Integrating Special Needs Issues

Special needs issues should be integrated into all aspects of emergency management Agencies and organizations that represent the diverse array of special needs populations involved in all aspects There are no “quick fixes” – commitment and leadership is necessary

NOD/EPI and Harris Survey 2004

2004 – Survey of EMs Only  42% have a public awareness info for PwD; only 16% are available in accessible formats (i.e. Braille, cassette, large type, etc.)  76% do not have a paid expert on staff for emergency preparedness and PwD  36%; no special training on this topic has been offered  39%; no specialized equipment purchased  59% do not have plans including the pediatric population

Incorporating SN Into Emergency Management

Challenges  Not fully integrated  Not much “knowledge” about it  First responder community has limited understanding or awareness  Always an issue, never fully addressed  Exclusion of SN can have dire effects and cause undue disruption and perhaps even death

Impact Can Be Greater for People with SN

Disrupted continuum of care Delay in AT delivery/repair New geography/transportation issues Effective communication issues Identification of post-disaster needs impacting their SN

Collaboration

Collaboration is Essential – the task is too big!

To overcome this:  Identify partners within the community  Bring in representatives of different groups  Develop agreements that outline roles and responsibilities (MOUs)

Emergency Preparedness and AT Programs How can AT Programs Educate Others?  People with Disabilities (go bags, ready kits, records of AT, etc.)  Collaborative Brochure  Local Emergency Managers  Importance of AT and need to ensure shelters are equipped.

Resource: NOD Emergency Preparedness Initiative National Map of Emergency Response Resources As a service to first responders, emergency managers and people with disabilities, NOD-EPI has created an interactive map of federal, regional, state, and local disability-related emergency management resources. It can be found at: http://www.nod.org/EPIResources/interactive_map.html

Thank You!!

Kelly Rouba EAD & Associates, LLC [email protected]

718.330.0034