Disaster Response & Recovery - Case Study Example

Disaster Response & Recovery Plan of the of the Disaster Response & Recovery Plan Introduction In the present era, the USA and its citizens need to be well prepared for any untoward incident, from a terrorist attack to a weather related catastrophe. We have just celebrated the 10th anniversary of 9/11 and both Presidents Bush and Obama reiterated that America should stand united in the face of all possible manmade and natural calamities that threaten to undermine our national spirit and unity.

This paper tackles a situation in which communications are down following an undesirable incident that has occurred, and asks us to respond to this scenario in conducting rescue and recovery efforts following this incident.DiscussionFor the purposes of writing my response to the above stated scenario, I would prefer not to distinguish between a natural or man-made calamity, but rather to direct my efforts towards recovery, evacuation of people out of harm’s way and their shift to another county or area where they can be reasonably protected from what is causing the danger to their lives and property (Eisenman et al, 2007).

Since it is evident here that the communication lines are down, the alternative scenario requires that we communicate by radio on an emergency frequency. This can either be agreed in advance or decided on the spur of the moment. To alert citizens to this mode of communication, I would ask the local Sheriff or Mayor’s office to take part in the effort by dispatching a helicopter which could fly overhead and throw down leaflets that would (1) alert citizens to the frequency they could tune into, (2) tell them what to do to protect their lives and properties in the face of the present emergency and (3) advise them where to relocate so that they could get needed supplies and relief.

Since it is possible that mobile phones and communication by computer are not affected, I would also use Twitter, Facebook and mobile alerts to tell citizens in the affected areas what to do following the event. They should be able to patch in a request for help in evacuation from danger, giving their location and the number of people who need wheelchairs and other means of assistance. Ambulances with the required supplies could then be dispatched to them. Proper arrangements would also be made with police, firefighters, hospitals and other local agencies to follow up the agreed disaster response plan in the aftermath of this event.

People could be relocated to open stadiums or school, college and university playgrounds till the disastrous situation has been cleared or averted. Care should be taken to see that the locations chosen for temporary relocation are not in the path of danger or can be reasonably protected from the elements causing the danger. Where possible, life and property should be protected. Police or guards from private security agencies should be dispatched to the designated relief sites so as to oversee the situation and prevent riots, stampedes and other undesirable behavior.

In case people are injured or dead, this will also have to be attended to. The vans bringing needed supplies for the affected population should be allowed in under armed guards and the affected be asked to form lines to get food and drinks and blankets or other needed supplies. Care should also be available to assist the infirm, the young and the elderly. Announcements should be made that there is no need to panic and everything is under control. Reassurance that things are being done according to a plan and that the lives and properties of people are not in danger can be one of the best assurances possible in case of such an emergency situation (FEMA, 2010).

Conclusion A good and efficient disaster response and recovery plan should make allowances for the most likely scenarios in the face of both manmade and natural disasters, and a local response plan created and known to leaders of local agencies in advance such as the Mayor’s Office, the Sheriff, the firefighters and the hospitals in the area. In fact the designated plan should be rehearsed in principle at the local town hall meeting well in advance so that the roles and responsibilities of the designated leaders are known and backups designated as well.

Readiness is a very desirable element indeed. The most likely Incident Command center would be the town hall, Sheriff or Mayor’s office.ReferencesEisenman, D., Cordasco,Kristina M., Asch, S., Golden,Joya F., Glik, Deborah (2007).Disaster planning and risk communication with vulnerable communities: Lessons from Hurricane Katrina, American Journal of Public Health. Washington, 97(S1) p. S109 (7 pages) Accessed 11 Sep 2011from ProQuest.FEMA (2010) IS-800.B National Response Framework: An Introduction.

Retrieved 11 Sep 2011 from:http://training.fema.gov/EMIWeb/IS/IS800b.asp