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Preparing for the Unthinkable…

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

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Preparing for the Unthinkable…

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

  2. Disasters….

  3. 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.

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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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

  9. 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

  10. 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

  11. Preparedness Four Essential Steps For Agency Disaster Preparedness

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

  13. 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

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

  15. 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

  16. 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…

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

  18. 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

  19. Staff Preparedness • Essential: • Train Staff on Plan • Drill/Practice your Plan (All shifts) • Have backup paper documents • Establish/Clarify Staff Responsibilities in case of a Disaster Event – (different) • General Expectations Spelled out in Job Descriptions…

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

  21. 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!

  22. 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

  23. Thank You!!! QUESTIONS…..

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