Homeland security overview and policy frameworks

¶ … disaster centric phases: This is a way of looking at a disaster from the perspective of the disaster as opposed to looking at how it affects mankind. The nine disaster centric phases are: Pre-existing conditions (prior to any forces or change on existing conditions), evolving conditions (nature gradually increases hazard), prodrome (signs of disaster onset), initial event (first clear sign of a disaster), contributing forces (natural or man made additional force), impact (point where disaster affects life), associated disaster (impact after main impact), residual impacts (secondary impact) and restoration of equilibrium (disaster moves out).

Describe the Command and Control Process: The command and control process is an exercising of authority by designating an individual or a team as commander over specific forces to accomplish a stated mission or goal. Command and control functions are executed by properly designation the use of people, assets and resources, communications and facilities though planning, directing and controlling those assets to meet the objectives of the commander.

Describe the role of the Incident Commander: The role of the Incident Commander is to manage resources such as people and equipment so a disaster related incident can be handle safely and as efficiently as possible.

Define the term, "Span of Control:" Span of control is a management technique of limiting the number of people an overseer or manager can adequately control.

Define "Incident Operations Period." Who is responsible for establishing these periods? The incident operations period is the time from the preexisting disaster to the restoration of equilibrium and all time in between. The disaster recovery period defines who will be responsible for distinguishing these periods but usually it is the Incident Commander if the disaster recovery plan is not well written.

Describe the role of the Incident Command Post: The Incident Commander is the number one or sole authority of the disaster recovery and therefore the person has the ultimate responsibility to manage and direct all emergency response operations.

How should staffing of the command post be determined? Staffing of a command post is designated first by the disaster recovery plan documentation which clearly spell out who is responsible for what, then secondly the Incident Commander staffs according to the needs of the particular disaster.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of using the Incident Command System within the Emergency Operations Center? An EOC is the location where an organization meets during emergency situations. It is important to note that the EOC is not an incident command post as much as it is an operations center to coordination decisions. There is a definite advantage to knowing prior to any disaster where the team is to meet as opposed to coordinating after the disaster has struck. Some disadvantages could stem from both the EOC and ICS being wiped out in one swoop if the two are one and the same place. Another disadvantage is that the location is designated prior to a disaster so if the disaster wipes out the combination EOC and ICS then there is nowhere to meet.

Describe what an Emergency Operations Plan is and what it consists of: An Emergency Operation Plan (EOP) is a plan that attempts to provide for the health, safety, and welfare of those individuals affected by dome natural disaster, catastrophic human caused incidents, or any national emergencies. Plans usually try to control the effects of unexpected emergencies such as fire, explosion, tornadoes, hazardous material leaks, floods, airport disasters and other disturbances.

Explain what is meant by the term, "Emergency Operations Center Activation Levels:" An EOC is a pre-designated facility established by some entity to coordinate the overall response of the population during an incidents or disaster. Emergency Operations Center Activation Levels define what exactly will be the criteria necessary for actual Emergency Operation Center activation.

Post a single paragraph of what you believe to be the advantages and disadvantages of using the Incident Command System within the Emergency Operations Center. An EOC is the location where an organization meets during emergency situations. It is important to note that the EOC is not an incident command post as much as it is an operations center to coordination decisions. There is a definite advantage to knowing prior to any disaster where the team is to meet as opposed to coordinating after the disaster has struck. Some disadvantages could stem from both the EOC and ICS being wiped out in one swoop if the two are one and the same place. Another disadvantage is that the location is designated prior to a disaster so if the disaster wipes out the combination EOC and ICS then there is nowhere to meet.

Describe what a Business Continuity Plan is and what it consists of: A Business Continuity Planning coupled with the Disaster Recovery plan is designed to consider all issues and catalog some of the most highly acclaimed products and services needed to continue operations of a business during a disaster and the recovery plan associated with disaster recovery.

Describe what a Pre-Plan is and what it consists of: Disaster Recovery Pre-Plan Service provides a previously arranged emergency back-up communications solution. In the case of a substantial line disruption, incoming voice service will be switched to an alternate location specified by the customer within approximately 4 hours of the customer's request.

Describe what an Incident Action Plan is and what it consists of: An Incident Action Plans (IAP) should provide clear & measurable process to identify associated objective and priorities for a current or forecast future event. This function is an important management tool for crating a process for identifying priorities, objectives and recovery.

What is the difference between strategy and tactics? The difference between strategy and tactics is often used interchangeably. But, Strategy refers to someone creating a plan to advance to or reach a goal or objective. Tactics are the things you do to reach a goal or objective.

Describe Load Issues. The amount of work that is distributed has a direct bearing on the results achieved in attempting to rectify damages related to the disaster. (Could not distinguish a clear definition)

Describe RACES and what role it plays in disaster/wmd incidents: RACES are the Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Services. They have an important mission in case there is come disaster whether natural or man made. The RACES provide backup emergency communications in all emergencies, not just during the detonation of weapons of mass destruction.