Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
Because of the unique nature of terrorist activity and the inherent unpredict-
ability of the incident, planners and emergency responders may need to rethink the
protocol for locating the Incident Command Post.
One of the key administrative and logistical challenges in managing the
emergency response to a terrorist incident is the successful integration of the
federal response into the initial response by local and state emergency response
organizations.
The very nature of a terrorist attack assumes federal response. Depending on the
extent of the terrorist of the terrorist incident, the federal response could be swift
and massive. The application, integration, and coordination of the federal resources
into the existing local command and control structure can be a sensitive operation.
Federal resources should not overwhelm the local response but should be made
available as needed and requested.
You should involve federal agencies in your planning, to the extent possible, in
order to develop a better understanding among all parties regarding the nature and
extent of the federal response, including the logistical support needs of the federal
agencies.
You should be aware that nonagricultural terrorist incidents are more likely to
occur in urban areas than rural setting. Urban centers have significantly higher
numbers of emergency personnel and material resources, and they routinely deal
with emergency response. Local emergency response organizations will likely want
to maintain the direction and control of the emergency response to a terrorist
incident.
As a planner, you should be a aware of the potential logistical problems that
may be caused by the unsolicited influx of volunteers and donated goods, as expe-
rienced post-September 11. Site and perimeter control is extremely important to
avoid responder casualties and to prevent emergency operations from being dis-
rupted by uncontrolled movement of such volunteers.
In developing plans for urban centers, you will need to identify potential stag-
ing areas for personnel and equipment and warehouses for materials, equipment,
and supplies. Although these may not be needed for small-scale incidents, an inven-
tory of available warehouse space and potential staging areas would assist in the
response to a large-scale incident and/or a prolonged consequence management
response and recovery effort.
