Emergency management is a growing field that involves the implementation of plans for emergency preparedness and response. The field is comprised of many elements and practices. These elements can be broken down into the three primary elements – preparations, assessment, and response. Each element interacts with the other in order to ensure overall preparedness and response.
The practice of emergency management planning and emergency preparedness is part of an overall effort to develop and implement comprehensive emergency preparedness strategies. In Washington state, cities, counties, and metropolitan areas are required to adopt and update detailed emergency management plans (EPMs) and engage in emergency preparedness activities. State law requires these agencies to prepare a comprehensive plan in conjunction with the inter-governmental organizations that they represent. Failure to comply can result in fines and even termination of registration. Failure to upgrade and maintain government emergency response plans can also have serious consequences for emergency services and public safety.
Developing a comprehensive emergency management plans in Melbourne and hazard assessments involves identifying existing hazards, identifying current environmental hazards, creating controlled hazard mitigation programs, and identifying sources of emergency transmission. Identifying hazards is a critical step in hazard analysis as it is the first step toward emergency preparedness. Many hazards come from environmental factors. Creating controlled hazard mitigation programs helps to reduce emergency management plans’ chances of being ineffective or compromised due to environmental influences.
Next, the hazard mitigation plan must be developed. This plan will contain both a description of the hazards to be mitigated and mitigation procedures. The most common way of addressing a particular hazard is through control. Controlling a hazard means limiting or avoiding the opportunity for the event that causes the potential damage or loss. The most common forms of control involve physical barriers such as locks and fences. There may also be legal considerations, such as mandatory evacuation orders.
Natural disasters and pandemic planning in Melbourne pose unique emergency situations because they are often unexpected and there is little warning before they occur. Examples of natural disasters that pose significant mitigation and response problems include hurricanes, blizzards, earthquakes, floods, and fires. Other types of disasters include civil disturbances and terrorist attacks. In addition, preventing disasters requires coordination with local, state, federal, and international partners.
Emergency managers must take into consideration potential hazards from all sources and evaluate their severity. Emergency managers can use a variety of tools to evaluate potential hazards. These tools include evaluating environmental conditions, building profiles, survey data, site conditions, risk assessment, and vulnerability assessment.
Emergency preparedness is the process of preparing for unexpected emergencies, or crisis management frameworks in Melbourne. Emergency preparedness includes emergency response plans, hazard assessments, mitigation plans, and emergency management operations. As emergency management grows more complex, it becomes increasingly necessary for communities to implement advance preparedness policies and practices. The implementation of emergency preparedness policies should include emergency preparedness training and supplies, as well as emergency response supplies and equipment. As more communities develop their emergency preparedness programs, communities must also work together to establish and maintain a comprehensive community emergency plan.
Federal Emergency Management Strategies (FEMSA) and State Emergency Management Plans (SEMPs) are two important methods for determining preparedness. The Annual update of FEMSA provides a concise definition of the program, current standards, guidelines, and requirements. SEMPs include emergency preparedness plans and policy statements for selected geographic areas. Both types of plans are important for local governments to effectively manage emergencies.
Community emergency management plans address both hazards and vulnerabilities. When disasters strike, they often cause unexpected harm or damage to facilities, property, infrastructure, and people and may require a disaster management plan. In addition, emergencies sometimes present an opportunity to reduce risks by addressing hazards before they become severe and by developing a robust mitigation plan. Both hazard and vulnerability assessment can be performed during the planning process, and mitigation actions, which are designed to prevent and reduce damage, injury, death, and loss of life.
A comprehensive emergency plan must contain a description of the hazards and vulnerabilities that residents are exposed to, as well as an evaluation of those hazards and vulnerabilities. The hazard analysis portion of the plan must identify all known threats or risks to public health and safety and take steps to mitigate those threats or risks. An effective hazard analysis would assess potential threats to structures, infrastructure, water resources, electrical power, communication, and major transportation networks.
Emergency preparedness and response are dependent upon adequate information and business continuity planning. It is also dependent on the ability of local officials to act quickly when emergencies arise. Effective emergency preparedness and response require that agencies and communities work together as they respond to emergencies. This requires that emergency personnel have the tools, information, training, and equipment necessary to ensure the best possible outcome for their clients and residents. Emergency preparedness and response should become a routine part of local and national emergency preparedness and response efforts.
