Emergency response operations following a major tornado disaster

Disaster Management; Tornado

Tornado

After a powerful tornado, 60% of businesses and a residential area have been destroyed. This has led to a series of negative events that need to be dealt with. These events include the town having no working lights, reports of residents' children and spouses missing, and even reports of gunfire. At this point, the state is aware of the disaster that has hit this town and the Governor is activating the National Guard. Beyond these initial steps, no further action has been taken, and I must respond immediately to deal with the crisis at hand.

Incident Command

Establishing the incident command system is first and foremost. The system establishes a common organizational structure that is conducive for different types of agencies as well as multiple jurisdictions to be able to effectively work together in response to the situation. The components of this system include the Incident Commander, who oversees all aspects of the disaster response, operations, planning, logistics and finance/administrative (Briggs & Twomey, 2003).

Triage

As a continuation of the search and rescue operations is the next step of providing victims with the appropriate medical treatment based on their injuries. In a large scale incident with multiple victims, the most effective and efficient way to assess, transport, and treat patients is via the triage system. The objective of utilizing this triage system in a disaster is "to do the greatest amount of good for the greatest number of people" (Briggs & Twomey, 2003). Based on a rapid assessment by medical personnel, patients are categorized based on the severity of their injuries and how quickly they will need more definitive treatment before their status deteriorates. It is also a likely possibility that mutual aid from surrounding towns will need to be activated in order to supplement the town's limited supply of emergency personnel and vehicles (i.e. ambulances, fire trucks, police officers/cruisers, etc.) (Yei & Ozdamar, 2007). In particular, a strong police presence is necessary to maintain some order and direction for citizens, including suppressing the sudden surge of violence and crime that often occurs in the wake of a disaster (NRF; ESF #13-1).

Conclusion

Once the most pressing components of managing a disaster are addressed, FEMA and DHS would then call upon its relevant support agencies to deal with the other concerns that accompany a disaster. Residents will need to be provided adequate shelter, an appropriate amount of food and water, and proper sanitation during the town's recovery process.