Transcript Preparing for the Unthinkable…

Preparing for the Unthinkable…
AN OVERVIEW –
DEVELOPING AN AGENCY
DISASTER PREPAREDNESS
PLAN
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:
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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
Use
with Community Partners
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:
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…
1.
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:
Unthinkable ….Amanda Ripley
 The Survivors Club…Ben Sherwood
 Many Others!
 The
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
Thank You!!!
QUESTIONS…..