When Disaster Strikes, Will We Be Prepared?

by Jim Serre

In a recent Parade Magazine article, David Gergen questioned whether the United States could effectively handle a large disaster given current legal and organizational structures. He stated, "Laws and regulations patched together over the years have given large, often vague and confusing responsibilities to too many players, starting with the feds but also state and local officials." Consider the complexity of homogenizing Homeland Security, FEMA, the Coast Guard, the National Guard, the Centers for Disease Control, the American Red Cross, etc. in an emergency. The task is daunting and "the result is a chain of command clogged with uncertainty and delays."

Now, to the government’s credit, they have established a National Incident Management System (NIMS). NIMS provides a systematic, proactive approach to guide departments and agencies at all levels of government, nongovernmental 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.

On February 28, 2003, President George W. Bush issued Homeland Security Presidential Directive (HSPD)-5, Management of Domestic Incidents, which directed the Secretary of Homeland Security to develop and administer the National Incident Management System. After the proposed system had gone through extensive vetting and coordination from Federal agencies, NIMS was released by Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge on March 1, 2004.

Those who have been trained in NIMS include all emergency services-related disciplines such as EMS, hospitals, public health, fire service, law enforcement, public works/utilities, skilled support personnel, and other emergency management response, support, and volunteer personnel (including search & rescue and Community Emergency Response Team members).

The nature and magnitude of the event may dictate which organization will take the ultimate management lead. In California for example, a large wildfire event would most likely be under the leadership of the California Emergency Management Agency (Cal EMA), which will coordinate with local fire departments and Cal Fire. They would also coordinate with local law enforcement to invoke mandatory evacuation orders. If the wildfire expands, Cal EMA can request out of state fire fighting resources if required. However, if the nature of the fire is suspect, law enforcement may well be in charge of the investigation. If the circumstances involve violating a federal law or occurred on federal land, the FBI would be the lead law enforcement organization. You can quickly see how this management system needs to be flexible to accommodate changing conditions within an event.

Preparedness is an essential element of NIMS to ensure effective incident and emergency management and involves engaging in a continuous cycle of planning, organizing, training, equipping, exercising, evaluating, and taking corrective action to achieve and maintain readiness to respond to emergencies. As our government, at all levels, and our nation’s first responders prepare for the worst, so should we as individuals.

One sure way to reduce the impact of almost any disastrous event is for the public to be prepared. If we are not dependent upon the government to support us in an emergency, we are empowered to save ourselves. And first responders will be freed up to support those in critical need. It is recommended that persons be prepared with food, water, first aid supplies, sanitation, shelter, radio and lighting for up to 3 days. This could ensure a reasonable level of comfort during an emergency until first responders or disaster relief workers can arrive to further support you.

Certainly, knowing CPR and having basic medical skills will also be advantageous in such situations. You should have an emergency kit at home, in your vehicles and at work. This way, no matter where you are when disaster strikes you can take care of yourself and family. While significantly less expensive than homeowner’s insurance, having emergency kits available to you and your family is additional insurance for your survival during a disaster. So, regardless of how encumbered the government is with current regulations and red tape; you’ll be secure in the knowledge you are prepared for the unexpected.


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