Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
What Is IEMS?
IEMS is a comprehensive system that integrates and coordinates vital agencies
and resources into a program of disaster prevention, preparedness, response,
recovery, and mitigation. The establishment of an IEMS requires a systematic
process to
Identify risks and potential vulnerabilities
Inventory community resources
Outline roles and responsibilities of key agencies
Ensure strict coordination and communication among agencies, businesses,
and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs)
What Is the Cost of an IEMS?
A comprehensive IEMS does not require extraordinary allocations of commu-
nity funds. Because it is a management process, the program strives to use exist-
ing resources in a more efficient and effective manner rather than seek additional
resources and generate new programs.
Phases of IEMS
When fully developed, IEMS is all hazard and all phase. IEMS is all hazard in that
it addresses natural, man-made, and technological emergencies. IEMS is all phase
in that it addresses prevention, preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation.
Each of the phases of IEMS are listed below:
Prevention includes all activities initiated to prevent a disaster from occur-
ring. Prevention includes measures such as ensuring the safe handling, trans-
port and storage of hazardous materials; safe storage of flammable materials;
and enforcing building codes directed toward rendering structures safe from
identified hazards.
Preparedness readies governments to respond to emergencies. A response plan
cannot be developed during a disaster and, if an emergency cannot be avoided,
government must be prepared to cope with it. Planning, training, and exer-
cises are essential elements of preparedness, as are proper and adequate supplies,
equipment, facilities, and personnel.
Response to a disaster depends on effective implementation of emergency
operations that provide for an immediate, coordinated effort involving deci-
sive actions that will eliminate or reduce the severity of the incident or will
prevent it from intensifying. Response operations may include warning,
evacuation, fire suppression, search and rescue, apprehension, treatment, and,
in extreme cases, withdrawal for safety reasons.
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