Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
and accurate overview of potential events and discuss a general concept of operation
for response. Any information already included in the EOP need not be dupli-
cated in the terrorism annex, but should be referenced. The situation overview
should include as much information as possible that is unique to terrorism response
actions, including the suggested elements listed in Table 11.4.
As a state or local emergency manager or planner, you need to consider the
possibility of unusual or unique types of terrorist attacks in addition to those that
have occurred in the past. You need to think creatively about possible scenarios and
response needs. The plans developed for terrorist incidents must be comprehensive
in scope, yet flexible enough to deal with the unexpected.
Terrorism emergency response planning should include provisions for working
with federal crisis and consequence management agencies. The key to successful
emergency response involves smooth coordination among multiple agencies and
officials from various jurisdictions regarding all aspects of the response.
Because of the need to interact with a wide range of organizations and indi-
viduals within these organizations, up-to-date directories of the points of con-
tact must be maintained in the course of the planning process. It is important
that these directories be updated to reflect changes in personnel and telephone
numbers.
While assistance from federal agencies will be needed in the event of a terrorist
incident, planning by state and local jurisdictions should take into account the dif-
ficulty that can be experienced in incorporating the federal resources into the initial
local response. Coordination among state, local, and federal officials should take
place well in advance of events that could be targeted so that all response organiza-
tions clearly understand the responsibilities of each organization, and how they will
be integrated.
Potential Targets
In determining the risk areas within your jurisdiction, the vulnerabilities of poten-
tial targets should be identified, and the targets themselves should be prepared to
response to a WMD incident. In-depth vulnerability assessments are needed for
determining a response to such an incident.
Areas of vulnerability may be determined by several factors:
◾
Population
◾
Accessibility
◾
Criticality
◾
Economic impact
It may be beneficial to coordinate vulnerable areas with the Federal Bureau of
Investigation (FBI).
