b'DisasterPreparedness Tips DisasterPlan Timeline1. Develop a strong community disaster plan. Keep it The disaster plan timeline is the communitys guide to disas-up-to-date and easily accessible. ter preparation and response. It ensures that priority tasks get done2. Ensure the disaster plan complies with without controversy or consultation. The timeline should specifyfederal/state/local requirements. each task, who is responsible, and the implementation sequence. A3. Appoint a community disaster team that is ready sample timeline is provided in the Appendix, which shows how oneto act on short notice. community prepared for and responded after a hurricane. It pro-4. Train key staff, volunteers, and residents in basic vides a useful model for other communities.disaster procedures. Most communities conduct drills to make sure their disaster5. Conduct drills regularly with key staff and volunteers. timeline is realistic and replicable. Consider implementing training6. Share critical information with key personnel using apps. sessions for staff and key volunteers in these drills. 7.FamiliarizekeystaffanddisasterteammembersDisaster Timeline TipswiththeNationalIncidentManagementSystem(NIMS)Create a timeline spreadsheet to sort activities by date, time,andtheIncidentCommandSystem(ICS)nationaland importance. This will show gaps in the plan orstandards for disaster management. activities that are out of sync.8. Establish good contacts with state/local government Ensure that tasks are clearly defined. Drills will confirmemergency management personnel. that the timeline works and expectations are clear.9. Develop a personal readiness plan for yourself and Focus on essential operations. The timeline helps theyour family so they know what to do when disaster disaster team know what to do without referring to thestrikes your community. continuity of operations plan.10. Exchange information about related best practices Be prepared for the unexpected. Disasters are unpredictablewith colleagues. and things happen that require adjustments in the plan andtimeline. Brainstorm contingencies.Community Preparedness Practicemakesperfect.Conductsemi-annualdisaster Managers play a crucial role in coordinating how communi- drillswiththecommunitydisasterteamthatinclude ty members respond before, during,andafteradisaster.Aman- unanticipatedactivitythatrequireadjustments agerusuallyleadsthecommunitysdisasterresponseteam or inthetimeline.committee.Manycommunitiesconductdisastersimulationdrillsto Disaster Simulation Exercisesencourageresidentaware-ness and preparedness. Drills are partic- Associations should conduct various drills and exercises thatularly important in communities with high-rise buildings and com- put the communitys disaster plan into practice. These simulationmunities with older residents. exercises test key procedures, confirm timelines, test internal (com-Residentsshouldbeawareofthecommunitysdisaster munity) communication methods, and identify unresolved issues.planandbasicevacuationprocedures. The association should Conduct community-wide disaster simulation drills designedhave a process for updating or confirming residents contactinfor- by emergency manage-mentexperts. Theseexercisesshouldbemationregularly,especiallycellphonenumber,emailaddress, doneatleastonceayearinallcommunitiesand more oftenandemergency contacts.Residents can participate in community incommunitiesthatexperiencefrequentnaturaldisastersandprograms that make vital information availabletofire,police, weather emergencies.andotheremergencyrespondersviaacardordecalonthe Arrangeforaskilledfacilitatortomanagethesimulationfrontdoororwindow. TheAmericanSocietyofSafety exercise and coordinate the critiqueprocess. ThefacilitatorcanEngineers sponsorstheInCaseofEmergency program where providespecificscenariostochallengethebasicparameters ofnext-of-kin contact information is stored on a mobile phone. the plan and reliability of the timeline. The facilitator can also offerrecommendations for additional training or equipment. Individual PreparednessResidentsshouldhaveapersonaldisasterplan,detailing Steps to Conduct a Disaster Simulation Drillhowtheywillcareforand(ifnecessary)evacuatefamilymem- 1. Set the date, time, and disaster to be simulated.bers,children,elderlyordisabledpersons,andpets.Many local 2. Provide necessary materials and equipment to governments have a system to register persons with special needs all participants.and provide emergency alerts via text or phone message. The Red 3. Explain the process and expected results to participants.Crossandcivicorganizationsofferonlineresourcesandonsite 4. Designate a qualified facilitator to manage the exercise.training about getting the family and home ready for a natural dis- 5. Ask an expert to incorporate challenges in the drill.aster. 6. Monitor the response and identify areas ofResidentsshouldbeencouragedtocreateanemergency difficulty or confusion.records file containing key personal documents, such as drivers 7. Video record the exercise for evaluation andlicenseorpassport,birthcertificate,immunizationandhealth future training.records,insurancepolicydeclarations,propertydeeds,bank 8. Discuss and evaluate the drill with the entire team.accountinformation,andphotosoftheresidenceand 9. Debrief all participants after the drill to considerpersonalproperty. Thisinformationcanbescanned and stored whether changes are needed. on a USB drive or uploaded to cloud storage. 10 - Suncoast Review Summer 2023 www.SuncoastCAI.com'