Discuss the below:
Emphasize order of operations. What are the issues you will address first?
Which organization is responsible for what? Where will you allocate your resources?
How will you delegate responsibility? How will you coordinate with state, local and federal agencies?
How does communication and information flow?
How have you prepared for these types of emergencies? How will you respond to these disasters? What will the recovery look like?
What public health concerns are the results of each of these events?
Which populations might be most at risk?
What are some of the long-term health effects of these events?
What other health concerns may arise from these events?
What will you say to the people, who are desperately awaiting your direction?
Include an organizational diagram of the response plan for the disaster including:
A description of the roles and responsibilities of each organization in the response team
The flow of communication between these organizations
Scenario
Vermont typically is not known for hurricanes and tropical storms but things changed today as Hurricane Bob made its way up the Atlantic Ocean and made its way through parts of New England. Hurricane Bob came ashore the outer banks of Virginia as a Category 1 storm. Hurricane Bob has already caused extensive damage to the island nations of the Caribbean. Meteorologists and other experts expected New York City to receive most of the damage but it seems most of the damage may be more inland and concentrated within the state of Vermont.
Hurricane Bob unleashed an endless amount of rain (approximately 11 inches of rain) in Vermont after pounding the suburbs of upstate New York last night. Rivers have overflowed past their banks, washing away roads, highways and bridges in every part of the state and leaving countless communities to fend for themselves until help arrives. The Vermont Emergency Management agency has estimated more than 250 state roads (which amounts to every state road) has been closed. Many have been washed out by streams or blocked off by runoff from hills and mountains. Millions are without electricity and flooding has displaced thousands from their homes. There are reports of whole towns being swept away. It is unclear the amount of damage caused but it is estimated to be in the billions. Early reports have the death toll at approximately 40 with at least one hundred reported missing. Volunteers are pouring in from nearby states but things are still chaotic in the aftermath of the storm. State and local resources are overwhelmed. The U.S. president has declared this area a major disaster area, allowing federal aid to support local and state efforts.
Your Review: What do you tell your public? Factor out the issues and follow protocol to formulate your response to the discussion question and public service announcement.