FEMA Decision Making Points Learned Term Paper

This three-phased approach can prevent many usual emergency situations, reduce the impact of actual disasters and speed return to normal.

Leadership

2) Disasters such as Hurricane Katrina reinforced miscommunication that occurs when a dedicated incident management system based on the Incident Command System (ICS), is not used throughout the event. Barko (2005) states that National Incident Management Systems (NIMS) recognize that a well-planned and effective emergency response is not completely dependent on the cause, such as natural disasters vs. terrorism, but rather on all-hazards principles of span of control and operational designation of leadership for operations, planning, logistics and finance. A concise, mutual understanding of operational leadership and responsibilities permits integration of different assets to combine in a seamless response package that can save lives, protect property and mitigate additional damage. Implementation steps of a NIMS consist of: Incorporate NIMS into existing training programs and exercises; Ensure that federal preparedness funding supports state, local and tribal NIMS implementation; Incorporate NIMS into emergency operations plans; Promote intrastate mutual aid agreements; Coordinate and provide NIMS technical assistance to local entities; and Institutionalize the use of ICS.

PREPARATION

3) Finally Holtz (2005) stresses that normally organizations are not prepared for a crisis.Even if a company believes it is ready, a plan must be updated at least every year be on the road to disaster. The media landscape has changed so dramatically in the past 12 to 18 months that any crisis plans assembled earlier than that are woefully out of date. Guidelines for responding to a crisis

The following guidelines are suggested:

1) Respond quickly. An hour ago is too late. Be accurate and professional and do not respond to rumors nor present any information that cannot be confirmed. 2) Note any mistakes made.3) Tailor r messages so they address the affected or angry constituencies. 4) Acknowledge concerns of other important audiences, even if they are on "the other side" of the issue; 5) Make no public confrontations and 6) Emphasize existing relationships with strategic partners and other allies.

The worst thing that can be done is to not have a plan in place when a disaster takes place. Preventative planning can go a long way in preventing miscommunication, personal harm and destruction of resources.

References

Bourne, M. (2005) "Need for NIMS." Fire Chief 49.12

Byrnes, J.P. (1998) Nature and Development of Decision Making: A Self-Regulation Model. Contributors: Mahwah, NJ:.....