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!!!