Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
Your Role in IEMS .......................................................................................216
FEMA's Role in IEMS ..................................................................................216
What Is IEMS? ............................................................................................. 217
What Is the Cost of an IEMS? ...................................................................... 217
Phases of IEMS............................................................................................. 217
IEMS: A System to Provide for Coordinated, Effective Response..................218
Appendix B: Camera-Ready Copy of the CEO Checklist ..................................218
Appendix C: Action Steps to Reduce Your Community's Risk and
Implement IEMS..........................................................................................218
Getting Organized ........................................................................................218
Planning ....................................................................................................... 219
Training and Exercises ................................................................................. 220
Preparedness ................................................................................................ 220
Capability Development .............................................................................. 220
Public Information ...................................................................................... 220
Acknowledgments.........................................................................................221
Introduction
As one result of rapidly increasing technology, the fact that a greater percentage
of the population lives and works in areas that are at risk of disaster, the increased
mobility of the worldwide population, and other factors, the risk of catastrophic
disasters that result in large numbers of casualties and damage to property and the
environment has never been greater, and the risk is expected to grow. Additionally,
foreign terrorist groups that once seemed to pose only a remote threat to the U.S.
homeland have demonstrated that they
can
strike us where we live—and strike with
devastating consequences to our population, our infrastructure, and our way of life.
The increased risk that a catastrophic event may occur has placed new responsibili-
ties on government at all levels. As the first line of defense against all types of incidents,
you, as the elected leader in your community, must work actively to prevent, prepare for,
respond to, recover from, and mitigate the effects of emergencies and disasters—and do
so with a new sense of urgency. Emergency managers and responders need your support
for a comprehensive emergency management program more than ever before. And the
public is looking to you for reassurance that, should an incident occur, public officials
and employees will be able to control the situation quickly and effectively.
Contrast these new expectations with the reality that most chief elected officials
(CEOs)
◾
Are not typically involved in the emergency management process and are
unaware of what is required to ensure that an effective Emergency Operations
Plan (EOP) exists in their communities.
◾
Have little experience in managing emergencies.
