Emergency support functions and private sector partnerships in disaster response

FEMA Procedures

Response Partner Guide and the Emergency Support Function Annexes from the NRF

Transportation (e.g., trains, planes, ships)

Through the Emergency Support Function (EFS), the role of transportation and it's support to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is to monitor and manage transportation systems and infrastructure during domestic threats and any responses to an actual incident (Homeland Security, 2008)

Telecommunication systems

Communications supports the restoration of the communications infrastructure, facilitates the recovery of systems and applications from cyber attacks, and coordinates Federal communications support to response efforts during incidents requiring a coordinated Federal response (Homeland Security, 2008). The telecommunications partners must also provide support for communication for the response team.

4.Banking

The Financial Management Support Annex provides basic financial management guidance for all participants which includes guidance for all Federal departments and agencies providing assistance for incidents requiring a coordinated Federal response (Homeland Security, 2008).

5.Hospitals

Public Health and Medical Services provides the mechanism for coordinated Federal assistance to supplement State, tribal, and local resources in response to a public health and medical disaster, potential or actual incidents requiring a coordinated; federal response, and/or during a developing potential health and medical emergency. Public Health and Medical Services include responding to medical needs associated with mental health, behavioral health, and substance abuse considerations of incident victims and response workers (Homeland Security, 2008).

6.Retail (e.g., lumber outlet, supermarket)

Retail operations represent an asset that was previously unaccounted for. FEMA officials said that they reached out to the retail industry first because it provides critical goods to residents during a disaster but that they are hoping to work with leaders from other industries, too (Mui, 2011).

Hospital Emergency Response Plan

LSUHSC-SHREVEPORT

1. Disaster procedures for staff members

During an emergency, the Hospital Emergency Incident Command System (HEICS) will be in place and the staff has been trained in NIMS and identified through the HEICS system (LSUHSC-SHREVEPORT, 2009).

2. Alternative clinic sites

LSUHSC-S has an established relationship with the community, which include but are not limited to Caddo/Bossier Parishes Homeland Security, Hospital Designated Regional Coordinator, and LSU System Hospitals (LSUHSC-SHREVEPORT, 2009).

3. Toxic external atmosphere

This is considered a Hazardous Materials Release and is a code "orange" at the hospital. The hazardous wastes discussed here are the biological, chemical, and radioactive wastes after decontamination and during isolation procedures

4. Bomb threats

The information about the hospital's procedure for a bomb threat is locked and a user name and password is required to access it.

5. Emergency evacuation

EVACUATION ACTIVITIES (See ERP: Evacuation and Alternate Care Site) (LSUHSC-SHREVEPORT, 2009)

1. An evacuation of the hospital for a situation which renders the facility no longer capable of providing the necessary patient care will be directed by the Incident Commander. The evacuation will be handled in cooperation with local Police or Fire and/or local EOC.

2. The local Police or Fire and/or the EOC will be notified as soon as the potential for evacuation is considered and will be kept updated on an ongoing basis in order to begin the process for identification of the availability of vehicles to relocate the patients.