Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
The log should include all information and orders given under background
information and should be used continuously throughout the incident. This
log will document the amount of information you had when making deci-
sions and will protect you if liability issues are raised later. The log will also
be essential when preparing your after-action report.
Establish contact with the Emergency Management Agency—
As the situ-
ation permits, and if you have not already done so, contact the emergency
manager to ascertain the Emergency Management Agency's status.
Direct staff to assess and report on problems, resource shortfalls, policy
needs, and options—
Direct the emergency management staff to compile
an initial assessment as it is reported from the incident site. The assessment
should take the form of a situation report. It should give the status of dis-
patched resources, coordination efforts, and appropriate measures of prob-
lems, shortfalls, and options for the initial response.
Chair assessment meeting—
If officials are conforming to local protocols—
and if those protocols are sound, this initial meeting should begin to answer
some of the questions include
−
Who is in charge? Of what? Where?
−
Has there been a proper vesting of authority?
−
Is continuity of government assured?
−
What is the status of intergovernmental coordination?
−
What options are open to deal with resource shortfalls?
−
What financial issues are surfacing?
−
What parameters should be established in contacting outside public
officials?
−
Is there a need to place other personnel on alert?
−
How much media interest is there in the incident?
Based on the information provided at this meeting, you may decide to place
additional resources on standby or to activate them.
Issue emergency declarations, as needed—
Decide if an emergency decla-
ration should be issued or remain in force. Issue emergency declarations as
appropriate, and be sure official documentation is initiated and continued
throughout the emergency. This documentation may be critical if liability
issues arise and will be necessary if state and federal assistance is sought.
Establish reporting procedures—
It is important to establish a regular
schedule for bringing your senior staff together to hear from those planning
the next tactical response steps. You and your key advisors will need this
information to establish strategic priorities and assign resources.
Remind staff to keep complete logs and financial records—
Each key offi-
cial should maintain a log that records actions taken, information received,
and any deviation from policy, together with the rational for that decision.
Begin liaison with other oicials—
Consider this one of your primary
responsibilities. Maintaining contact will foster cooperation.
