Comprehensive Emergency Management for Local Governments: Demystifying Emergency Planning - Softcover

Gordon, James A

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1931332177 ISBN 13: 9781931332170

Publisher: Rothstein Associates, Incorporated, 2002

Synopsis

This "how to" guide shows small to mid-sized local governments, whether in urban or regional settings, how to develop comprehensive emergency management plans with minimal expenditure of resources. Its modular, step-by-step approach also makes it an effective guide for non-experts and those interested in self-study. The book covers both preparedness planning and actual emergency management and includes these helpful features:
Uses a modular approach to developing written plans, starting with the Preparedness Plan at the federal, provincial/state levels. At its core is the Emergency Management Plan, which is essentially the establishment and operation of the Emergency Operations Center that is central to any emergency. Instructions also cover other common plans: 1) Emergency Social Services 2) Emergency Public Information 3) Emergency Telecommunications 4) Evacuation 5) Hazard-Specific 6) Mutual Aid Agreements
Takes novice emergency planners step-by-step through the four complete processes of mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery for natural and human-made disasters.
Gives tips for a staff training matrix and for developing a timetable of graduated exercises to test the written plan.
Includes checklists, summaries, plan outlines, glossary, appendices that list online resources, and suggestions for career and professional development.

About this title

About the Author

James A. Gordon holds a graduate degrees in Urban and Regional Planning and Public Administration. He is a Member of the Canadian Institute of Planners and a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators. He is also a Certified Municipal Clerk and is certified in municipal administration by the Government of British Columbia. Prior to his local government career, Gordon was the Provincial Disaster Preparedness Coordinator for the British Columbia Ministry of Health.

From the Back Cover

A comprehensive framework to guide emergency planners through the complete process of mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery.

From the Inside Flap

All local government organizations can benefit form this book as it provides an excellent tool and guide for developing a comprehensive emergency management plan. It presents an effective step-by-step guide for non-experts in the field of emergency planning and management. Non-governmental agencies and not-for-profit organizations will also find the principles and processes presented in the book useful when working with different levels of government.

Geoffrey H. Wold, Managing Director, CPA,CMA,CISA,CCP,CMC,CFSA,CIRM, LBL Technology Partners, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

FROM THE FOREWORD BY MELVYN MUSSON, FBCI, CBCP

"The increasing number of natural hazard disaster that have occurred recently, coupled with the increased potential for terrorist acts in North America, have increased both the need and urgency for the provision of effective emergency management in both large and small communities. This is at a time when consideration of Comprehensive Emergency Management and the plans supporting emergency management programs continues to grow within the emergency management forums.

"At the same time, funding for emergency management is often a problem, particularly in smaller communities. There is often a need to utilize whatever resources are already available without incurring major expenditure. Jim Gordon's book comes at an opportune time with a "how-to" format plus the availability of many documents within the book that can be used as shown or tailored to meet an agency's or organization's specific needs.

"Mr.The NFPA 1600 Committee is now preparing a new edition of this vital standard, planned for release in 2004.

"A similar assessment has now been developed for local emergency management agencies (Local CAR). Although developed for emergency management agencies, the principles incorporated in CAR can also be utilized in other sectors including the private sector. At the same time, health care organizations are already developing capability assessments for readiness within their organizations.

"Another important consideration is that NFPA 1600 is not intended to be a "how-to" standard. As with other NFPA Standards, 1600 is a performance-based standard, i.e., it details what needs to be achieved. How the organization or agency goes about complying with what is needed is up to each organization or agency.

"From an overall standpoint, whether NFPA 1600 becomes mandatory depends on its adoption at the Federal, State or Local level, or by its adoption by regulatory agencies in the public and private sectors. There is also a "back-door" way that compliance with NFPA 1600 may become mandated: the new NFPA Building Code, Building Construction and Safety Code (NFPA 5000) includes reference to NFPA 1600. Therefore, adoption of NFPA 5000 by any agency, organization or company could necessitate compliance with NFPA 1600.

"Irrespective of these different adoption considerations, it is recommended that all Emergency Managers consider the elements detailed in NFPA 1600. This is where the "how-to" format of this book will be of major assistance to emergency managers, particularly those from small or medium sized agencies. In addition, members of larger agencies may also find it valuable as a reference source and a "memory tickler." They may also find useful outlines and forms that they can adapt as they review their plans.

"Mr. Gordon has done an excellent job in covering the many facets of a Comprehensive Emergency Management Program. He provides many plan outlines, action lists, forms and other sample documentation which will be useful to emergency managers as they develop or review their plans."

Edition details

• Publisher: Rothstein Associates, Incorporated
• Publication date: 2002
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1931332177
• ISBN 13: 9781931332170
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 230