Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
The key to preparedness is to ensure that an adequate level of resources is available
to save lives and minimize property damage.
The next stage in disaster planning is response, which is the initiation of activi-
ties to save lives and protect property. The final step is recovery. It is in the recovery
stage that residents and government try to resume business as usual.
Again, these phases are more cyclic in nature than they are linear as the process
is always ongoing and continuous.
The Disaster Cycle and Planning
Without planning, emergency operations can suffer from a multitude of problems,
which could lead to serious consequences and even death. Therefore, it is imperative
to have a system that enables all participants involved in an emergency response to
work together. An integrated emergency management system does just that.
An integrated and comprehensive emergency management system is a conceptual
framework that increases emergency management capability by using a structured
approach to planning and response. To have this increased capability, it is important to
establish networking, coordination, interoperability, partnerships, and creative think-
ing about resource shortfalls during the planning process before an emergency occurs.
An integrated and comprehensive emergency management system should
◾
Address all hazards that threaten a community
◾
Be useful in all phases of emergency management
◾
Seek resources from any and all sources that are appropriate
◾
Knit together all partnerships and participants to achieve a mutual goal
The goals of emergency management are to save lives, prevent injuries, and pro-
tect property and the environment. Participants in emergency management should
include local, state, and federal government; private sector entities (e.g., nonprofit
organizations, businesses, and industry); and private citizens.
The role of local government in emergency management is not just limited
to response. Local government must ensure the safety of its citizens and acquire
knowledge of the threats to the community and the resources required to meet
those threats. Some of the measures that local government should take to prepare
for an emergency include
◾
Ensuring that the emergency operations plan (EOP) is developed, trained,
exercised, and maintained
◾
Developing mutual aid agreements, memoranda of understanding (MOUs),
and standby contracts for critical emergency resources
◾
Communicating with the public about potential hazards and how to prepare
for them
