As the new emergency manager for my agency I would begin with the mitigation and preparedness phases of disaster management. I would explain to the boss the difference between these two phases. Mitigation involves identifying risks and hazards to either substantially reduce or eliminate the impact of an incident usually through structural measures. Mitigation activities often have a long-term or sustained effect and may have an impact on insurance premiums. (Lindsay, 2012, p. 3). Preparedness on the other hand is to enhance the capacity to respond to an incident by taking steps to ensure personnel and entities are capable of responding to a wide range of potential incidents. (Lindsay, 2012, p.3).
Prior to starting the mitigation planning, I would instruct my boss that we first need to organize resources and assess risks. As our test stated, organize resources means focus on the resources needed for a successful mitigation planning. (Nemeth, 2016, p. 144). Next, understanding and assessing the risks means identifying potential hazards and their consequences. Both man-made and natural threats and hazards need to be analyzed. By having this information of understanding the risks and knowing the resources available, mitigation planning can begin with finding ways to avoid and minimize effects. Explaining again to the boss that this is a long-term plan that will have to be reassessed along the way. Through the assessment I would be able to advise the boss of areas that need rebuilding , codes that may need to be put into place for things such as fires and earthquakes, identifying flood areas and creating flood zone rules. All of these steps will be done in the mitigation phase to prevent and reduce future risks.
In the preparedness plan there has to be further planning and training. According to our PowerPoint slides The best preparation is to get ready, plan, organize, set up, practice some drill or test. (Fox, slide 6). The purpose of practicing drills is that it will illuminate any areas that need improvement and be able to make corrections. It also creates an opportunity for people to understand their roles and what is needed in an emergency situation. The preparedness plan will cover a wide range of potential incidents that can occur. After any incident or drill I will stress the importance of an after-action report. This will allow us to improve again upon any areas where corrections are needed. Proverbs 24:27 (ESV) states Prepare your work outside; get everything ready for yourself in the field, and after that build your house.. Mitigation and preparedness require numerous steps to take for emergency management planning. Preparation and mitigation will help when tragedy strikes to triage the situation and help as many people as possible. At least 200 words or more References
Fox, J. Module #3: Understanding Mitigation and Preparedness. [PowerPoint slides]. Liberty University Helms School of Government. https://learn.liberty.edu/bbcswebdav/courses/HLSC500_B02_202030/HLSC%20500%20LU%20Module%203%20%20mp%204.mp4
Lindsay, B. (2012). Federal Emergency Management: A Brief Introduction. CRS Report for Congress. https://fas.org/sgp/crs/homesec/R42845.pdf
Nemeth, C. P. (2016). Homeland security: An introduction to principles and practices (3rd ed.). Boca Raton, FL: Taylor & Francis (CRC Press).
