RESPONSE LEVELS1
The following Preparation and Response Levels provide a framework in which we can prepare for a weather event by accomplishing pre-determined tasks to assure safety for staff and consumers.
It must be noted that the level can move from level 5 to level 1 without notice based upon the nature of the disaster.
Disaster/Emergency Preparation Response Levels
Level Five (5): Routine Operation (The H-NNCSB will function at this Level for day to day routine operations)
! Maintain an up-to-date essential personnel listing.
! Maintain an up-to-date Call Tree. Any changes to the call tree will be provided to Human Resources as soon as they occur.
! Maintain a three day supply of emergency equipment and supplies.
Level Four (4): (96-48 Hours Prior to Event)
Activate the disaster/Emergency Preparedness Team per order of Executive Director) There is the possibility of an
emergency or disaster situation that may require agency closing or partial or full evacuation.
! Coordinate any activities with the localities.
! Secure agency/program finances.
! Activate and distribute emergency cell phones.
! Inspect and verify adequate emergency supplies inventory.
! Prepare agency vehicles.
! Contact Family members of residential program consumers.
! Notify outpatient consumers who have appointments within the next 2 weeks and day support consumers if the agency plans to close.
! Notify Transportation providers of agency plans to close.
! Review and verify a 7 day supply of medication for all residential consumers.
! Review and update all medical emergency information for residential consumers.
! Anchor outside objects at program sites or move indoors.
! Prepare and maintain waterproof containers for medical records at residential program sites.
! Prepare waterproof containers for potential transportation of medication and medication logs.
! Brief all program staff and consumers on procedures.
● Evaluate need for evacuation.
● Back up of the entire computer database system will be conducted.
Level Three (3): (48-24 hours or as directed by the Disaster/emergency Preparedness Team)
A disaster, either natural or man-made is likely or imminent.
! Implement evacuation procedures if necessary.
● Program Managers will coordinate with Financial Services for cash reserves and will begin documentation of expenses and losses.
● Activate the emergency communication system.
● Back up tapes will be transported by IRM staff to a safe and secure area.
Level Two(2): 24 Hours prior to the event and up to the event or as directed by the Disaster/Emergency Preparedness Team)
! Evacuate (as directed by city personnel or CSB Disaster/Emergency Preparedness Team).
● Implement agency critical care services.
Level One (1): Immediately after the event and for as long as recovery operations are required.
● Recovery operations are implemented by the Emergency Preparedness Team. The recovery operations will be determined by the extent of the disaster.
● As soon as possible, all operational (24 hour) programs, will call in to the Emergency Preparedness Team and provide a situation report.
1 Excerpt from the Hampton-Newport News Community Services Board Health And Safety Policies And Procedures document HS-05 ALL HAZARDS PREPAREDNESS AND RECOVERY PLAN