Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
items to meet urgent needs. Under these circumstances, federal agencies
will coordinate with local, tribal, and state agencies as well as volunteer and
private-sector organizations to identify bulk distribution sites to accommo-
date expedited and scaled distribution of goods. Assets that may be distrib-
uted in bulk include food, water, and other commodities to support mass care
operations.
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Emergency First Aid.
In concert with ESF-8, Public Health and Medical
Services, local, tribal, and state agencies should coordinate emergency first
aid at mass care facilities and designated sites. In the initial phases of a
large-scale event, such aid may occur at make-shift field stations. As situ-
ational awareness and resource needs are identified, federal resources can be
requested including activation of the National Disaster Medical System, the
Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, and other HHS assets.
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Disaster Welfare Information.
As experienced during the aftermath of
Hurricane Katrina, family members can be separated for long periods without
a coordinated tracking system. Local, tribal, and state agencies should insti-
tute a system to collect Disaster Welfare Information, which includes com-
municating with family members outside of an affected area and information
regarding individuals residing within the affected area. Family tracking can
also support reunification of family members within the affected area.
The services described above are supported at the federal level by FEMA as the lead
agency with support from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Food and Nutrition Service (FNS). Federal agencies will coordinate with local,
tribal, state governments, and volunteer organizations to distribute food and food
supplies when capabilities do not keep up with demand. Federal support may
include support to private-sector feeding operations, securing food commodities,
developing feeding plans, and obtaining warehouse space. In bulk distribution
operations, support by federal agencies may include transportation, technical sup-
port, and other mission-critical tasks.
Emergency Assistance
To the extent feasible, emergency assistance is initiated at the local level with the
initial focus on evacuation. Local ESF-6 responders should coordinate with local
ESF-9, Search and Rescue, to designate and operate collection points for evacuees.
Further coordination with ESF-8, Public Health and Medical Services, may be
required to support evacuees with medical needs and to accommodate medical
evacuation. Emergency assistance services are defined in greater detail below:
◾
Mass Evacuation.
Mass evacuation planning should include use of any local
bus services that may be available as well as mutual aid agreements with neigh-
boring Emergency Medical Services providers to support medical evacuation.
