Resources Identification in Disaster Planning

A proper and well-conceived disaster planning is an integral part of the corporate emergency preparedness program. While the disaster planning involves many complex steps and sequences, one of the major areas, that is difficult both to document and also to identify is the resource identification or resource mapping in the disaster planning document. While a broad idea and understanding may be able to explain the concept in a class room like atmosphere, when it comes to identifying the organizations, agencies, or government machineries entrusted with the responsibilities for actual assistance, that can also be well dependent upon during an emergency, it requires a thorough survey and documentation of the resources in order to make the plan effective and fool proof enabling the people to rely on them during the zero hour.

The essential supply list

The first step in the resource identification process is the assessment of the essential supplies to cope with the disaster management like saving the valuable collections and moving them to safer locations. Normally the essential consumables like the gloves, flash lights, gunny or polyethylene bags and other packing materials need to be stored in the premises in places where it can be made available at emergencies. The list Ned to be comprehensive and include items like metal carts, plastic crates, sponges, safety glasses, first aid kit paper towels, sufficient number of buckets and cans etc. the list need to be exhaustive and the items mentioned above is only illustrative.

One of the practical problems being faced during the emergencies is the easy access and location of these items. They need to be available and if locked the key should be in a place commonly known to the core staff. The identification of the disaster planning aids is not the end but the maintenance of the same. Much time we observe the First aid kit containing expired medicines and drugs and other accessories in unusable condition if proper maintenance and periodical inspection and renewal are not made to these items.

The suppliers list for all the above items needs to be kept along with the containers of these items in case more replenishment is required.

Coordinated approach

The resource planning need not be in isolation one ides would be to co ordinate with the local organizations that may also be exposed to similar hazards. This would also facilitate mutual co-operation and collective action in case of an emergency. Further detailed literature on the disaster planning is presently available on line and off line. A prudent disaster planning team has to get acquainted with these information and if found necessary conduct a few seminars or workshops for the staff of the institution. The disaster planning professionals and service providers available locally need also to be informed and contacted so that in case of an isolated emergency they would be of help.

A well-prepared disaster planning needs to focus on the disaster response and the recovery services. They normally include, fire force, police, transporters in emergency and also firms that provide disaster recovery services. These agencies need to be provided with the relevant details of your institution and need to keep a good liaison to get their service in the hour of need.

The disaster planning with regard to the resource identification process cannot ignore the government agencies that offer valuable help in times of need. Federal Emergency Management Agency is one of its kinds that would be of much help.