Disaster Preparedness

Managing disaster response is one of the most challenging aspects of the National Response System (NRS). The effectiveness of coordination between national, state, and local teams at the scene of the incident is a key to the successful response on disasters and other calamities (Occupational Safety and Health Administration, 2009). According to the ‘Disaster Recovery and Mitigation Handbook’, it is the job of the local government, to inform the Regional Emergency Operations Center about events or disasters that take place in their respective areas.In this case, the Incident Commander carries out the responsibility (OES, 2004). This paper will briefly discuss the key functions in disaster preparedness and implementations. The review of literature will be the method in relating the analysis to the overall topical discussions. Literature review The Incident Command System (ICS) is the main tool used in the management of emergency response incidents.For the local responders, who are usually the first to respond on the scene of the event, it is important that they understand the standards and concepts of the ICS. During times of disaster, the Incident Commander (IC) becomes the On-Scene Coordinator (OSC). Based on the Related OSHA Standards, the IC is tasked with assessing the situation or schedules a briefing with the past Incident Commander.Likewise, the IC then meets with the command staff and section chiefs (Occupational Safety and Health Administration, 2009). Based on the procedures after meeting with the members of the disaster response team, the Incident Commander then determines all hazardous materials or circumstances and address them appropriately using site analysis, engineering controls, maximum exposure restrictions, guidelines on handling hazardous substances, and using new technologies (Occupational Safety and Health Administration, 2009).It is the job of the Incident Commander to make sure that they trim down the number of emergency res ponse staff, particularly in the areas where they will be exposed to site hazards. There should be a safety officer, who has the knowledge of operating procedures. When the designated safety officer deems that there is imminent danger, they can suspend or put an end to emergency activities (Occupational Safety and Health Administration, 2009).In summary, it is the job of the Incident Commander to ensure safety first before anything else in any disaster or emergency situations. Before implementing any plan of action, the IC or On-Site Coordinator should see to it that the citizens should be out of danger or evacuated from the site. Likewise, the Incident Commander should ensure the safety of their team. They should always see to it that the plan of action is always in accordance with the standards set forth by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Data analysisFor better control and management of disasters, it is essential that each member of the Emergency Response Team should be well-prepared and properly trained. According to the OSHA, understanding and familiarity with the Incident Command System is the key to successful implementation of an emergency response. Planning for an incident should be done in advance of the event. This way, each member of the team can identify their roles and responsibilities during a certain emergency situation. Effective planning also includes conducting regular drills and practices.Aside from that, the emergency response personnel should also have an idea of which agencies they need to coordinate with in times of disaster. Findings and conclusion Disaster preparedness can be more effective and efficient if members of emergency response team are adequately trained and familiar with the Internal Command System. There must be coordination between the national, state, and local emergency teams. In conclusion, the performance of the disaster management systems relies on systematic coordination of emergency response team s from one level to another. Disaster preparedness During disasters such as an earthquake, storm, floods or a terrorist attack, response coordination is usually overwhelmed. Such scenarios demand comprehensive disaster preparedness planning if rescue and recovery efforts are to be effectively executed. The first phase of a disaster preparedness plan entails mitigation. This is a pre-disaster management approach that mainly deals with the scale of a potential disaster and its projected effects. It encompasses all measures that can be put in place to minimize all the negative aspects of the disaster.If property implemented, the mitigation part of a disaster preparedness plan helps allay the direct and indirect effects of the hazard. (Dheri, 2009) The next step in preparing the plan addresses the post-disaster management phase. This starts with the establishment of an incident command system. This is followed by the identification of qualified personnel or volunteers who will be responsible for various aspects of disaster response. They should be assigned functions such as incident command, finance, operations, logistics, operations, information and planning as well as any other roles necessary during a disaster.The operations personnel should be qualified in critical disaster response aspects like site security, fire fighting, search and rescue, and first aid administration. A file with the names, titles, designations as well as home and cell phone numbers of all the identified personnel should be retained at a central location to enable their quick accessibility in times of emergency. Another major element in disaster preparedness is ensuring vital response items such as portable radios, fire extinguishers, flashlights, emergency first aid supplies are easily accessible and in proper working condition.Most of these requirements can be internally met. (Volunteer Center Serving Howard County, 2003) Outside the organization, factors that need to be considered include identifying the nearest health clinic, police st ation and fire station as well as places where things like emergency generators could be obtained in case of a protracted power blackout during a disaster. Sources of additional water and food should also be identified. It is also advisable to estimate the number of people who could be affected by diverse forms of disasters.Contacts of a local leading disaster management organization such as the Red Cross are vital in case mass shelter or its management training is necessary. When planning for disasters that might require evacuation, factors such as the number of people who might need evacuation, the evacuation site and the means of transport to the site should be considered. If a disaster is expected to be hard-hitting, the organization should put in place short-term measures to help those affected recover from the effects.