Response to Discussion Question

Preparedness Planning

Explanation of the leadership structure that would be needed to effectively respond to the hazard in the scenario. Then will examine how I would apply all three planning types to responding to the hazards, (Canton, 2007).

This scenario provides a unique opportunity to gage our emergency management skills and knowledge in terms of possible disasters, (Canton, 2007). This scenario, portrays a factory on the outside of a major populated city, the problem is that this has been an extremely dry year and is prone for a grass fire that might threaten the factory and its large toxic tanks, (Canton, 2007).

The Leadership Structure is as Follows:

I am the incident commander, we have a police and fire chiefs and the mayor of our city (Canton, 2007).

What is the Plan/Course of Action?

The plan of action would be to schedule a meeting with the above-mentioned leadership and war game/ what if, the three scenarios, (Canton, 2007). In addition will coordinate and assign the various departments in relationship to their respective responsibilities about the three types of scenarios, (Canton, 2007). Furthermore, will request communication's upgrades in terms moving from analog radios that has historically encounter several dead spots, and transition to a digital model that should improve overall communication even in outlying areas, (Canton, 2007). Will also request non-profit agencies, like the Red Cross and Doctors without borders to assist in my team's attempt to get these incidents under control, (Canton, 2007).

What are the Three Types of Scenarios, (Canton, 2007)?

Per Canton (2007) the three types of scenarios are as follows: (1) Worst-case scenario-this is where the key players identify the greatest impact of the hazard to the community; in terms of our worst-case scenario it would be the fire igniting the toxic tanks and the fumes enveloping the populated city, (Canton, 2007). (2) Is the most-likely scenario- represents the maximum factual events that the city can effective cope with; our emergency management team has determined based on the limited resources of this city and surrounding area, that a large grass fire, sheltering and decontamination of the factor workers, might be something that this city can cope with effectively (Canton, 2007). (3) Impact-based scenario-this is where the planners focus on the impact and specifically the hazards, our analysis would vary depending on which one of the three types of scenarios we are faced with, (Canton, 2007).

What are Supporting Scholars Suggesting?

FEMA (2008) on producing emergency plans, offered some great suggestions and guidelines for all- hazard emergencies. This study by FEMA (2008) as proven to be invaluable in terms creating an emergency plan. Another study by Fishwick (2010) provided some superb suggestions on how to response, mitigate, and recovery from a chemical release following a major fire. A study by Bwalya (n.d) was an overview in terms of how to design building compartment to be fire resistant, this study might be employed by our team as a form of mitigation about the scenarios, (Canton, 2007). This was a great post and I will be looking forward to reading and responding to your posts.

References:

Bwalya, A. (n.d). An overview of design fires for building compartments. Fire Technology, 44(2), 167-184.

Canton, L. G. (2007). Emergency management: Concepts and strategies for effective programs. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley

U.S. Department of Homeland Security. (2008). National response framework. Retrieved from http://www.fema.gov/pdf/emergency/nrf/nrf-core.pdf ?Chapter 4, "Planning: A Critical Element of Effective Response"

FEMA. (2008, August). Producing emergency plans: A guide for all-hazard emergency operations planning for state, territorial, local, and tribal governments (CPG-101). Retrieved from
http://training.fema.gov/EMIWeb/edu/docs/cgo/Week%203%20-%20Producing%20Emergency%20Plans.pdf

Comprehensive Preparedness Guide (CPG) 101. 2008. Federal Emergency Management Agency. Sections 4-6

Fishwick, T. (2010). A release of chemicals followed by a major fire; part 1 - the incident and the HSE investigation. Loss Prevention Bulletin, (214), 5-9.