Introduction to disaster response

Introduction to Disaster Response
Trent McCown- March 2, 2010
YOU ARE EITHER AN ADDITIONAL PROBLEM OR PART OF THE SOLUTION
Steps to Successful Team Building
1. SEEK OUT TRAINING! ! !
Basic Response Training
First Aid
Chain of command and procedural instruction Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) if possible or other specialized training
Recommended Basic WEB Based Training
Introduction to the Incident Command System Incident Command System for Single and Initial Action Incidents Disaster preparation information for the individual

Introduction to Disaster Response

2. Equip your Team Members with basic equipment-
Basic Individual Equipment- Everything you need for 72 hours- (Partial Listing)

Eye protection, ear protection, hard hat if needed, other safety items that are mission specific Weather appropriate work clothing and specialty items (ice storm needs differ from flood needs) Pain relievers- (Advil/aspirin) – Anti-diarrhea drugs (Imodium) Bag to carry items in- THAT YOU CAN CARRY Camera- Include memory stick and batteries or charger for batteries Pocket type notebook, pencils & pens Introduction to Disaster Response
Team Supplies- (Partial Listing)
Information packet of all responders to include photograph, allergies, medical information & phone numbers Documented equipment competencies- Individual training plus experience level – Red card or similar 72 hours worth of food and water for crew- to include kitchen-type items such as portable stoves Personal / crew tools and supplies to keep them running (fuel, oil, chains, and parts) Transportation and equipment storage (vehicle and covered trailer) LOCKS ! Office-type supplies for record keeping, laptop and printer if possible 3. Add Team Partners, get to know local leaders in face-to-face interaction
Local partner sources;
VOAD -Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster
Government sponsored response organizations (Volunteer Fire Departments) Introduction to Disaster Response
4. Train with your Team and your partners
Perform basic crew type activities in adverse environments. - Trail work, camp outs, skills workshops in remote areas. Develop working knowledge of resources and face-to-face information exchange. Participate in tabletop exercises with your local emergency responders. 5. Make your team available for minor incident to get to know local responders to start
building your knowledge base and improve skills.
Small wind storms, floods, or ice storms are excellent preparations for major disasters. 6. Participate in after incident briefings to improve team interaction.
Always look for opportunities to improve. See how others view your actions Summary:
A major disaster is not the place to learn to work together. Introduction to Disaster Response

MUST KNOW INFORMATION-National Emergency Response System
National Response Framework


The NRF is built on the following five principles:

Engaged partnerships
Tiered response
Scalable, flexible and adaptable operational capabilities
Unity of effort through unified command
Readiness to act
The National Response Framework (NRF) presents the guiding principles that enable all
response partners to prepare for and provide a unified national response to disasters and
emergencies. It establishes a comprehensive, national, all-hazards approach to domestic incident
response. The National Response Plan was replaced by the National Response Framework
effective March 22, 2008.
The National Response Framework defines the principles, roles, and structures that organize how we respond as a nation. The National Response Framework: • describes how communities, tribes, states, the federal government, private-sectors, and non-governmental partners work together to coordinate national response; • describes specific authorities and best practices for managing incidents; and consistent template for managing incidents. Information on the National Response Framework including Documents, Annexes, References and Briefings/Training’s can be accessed from the Introduction to Disaster Response

National Incident Management System
Provides a systematic, proactive approach to guide departments and agencies at all levels of government, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector to work seamlessly to prevent, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate the effects of incidents, regardless of cause, size, location, or complexity, in order to reduce the loss of life and property and harm to the environment. NIMS works hand in hand with the National Response Framework (NRF). NIMS provides the template for the management of incidents, while the NRF provides the structure mechanisms for national-level policy for incident management. Some useful Web sites to get you started
FEMA- Federal Emergency Management Agency CERT- Community Emergency Response Teams Volunteer Organizations Active in Disasters NIOSH-National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health

Source: http://etr-d6.civicactions.net/files/90_min_mccowan_handout.pdf