Preparedness plans

A preparedness plan must cover all the activities and measures needed to be taken to reduce as much as possible the effect of the attack and to save the live of the casualties. 

CDC has been preparing for some time for the remote possibility of an outbreak of smallpox as an act of terror. That process has intensified since September 11, 2001. Although we are planning for this possibility to protect public health, we have no indication that there is an imminent threat. As part of the ongoing effort to increase awareness, CDC has distributed a draft of a smallpox preparedness plan to reviewers for comment. It will then be reviewed by state health departments, which will participate in its implementation. However, if needed, it could be put in operation immediately. 

An emergency preparedness plan should address the following key topics ... 

Regarding schools, immediately after teachers are trained on the emergency preparedness plan, they should train students on how to correctly respond to the various types of alarm systems (e.g., fire, radiation, and chemical) in the building. Teachers should use cassette tapes, compact discs, or videotapes to allow the students to hear the differences in the sounds of the various types of alarms. 

Residences, churches, and small businesses may also want to consider holding routine emergency response practice drills to ensure that family members and employees know how to implement the emergency preparedness plan. 

Planning Summary Develop an emergency preparedness plan for emergency events including a terrorist attack. Make sure training and practice drills are completed at least yearly, and look for potential vulnerabilities so the plan can be optimized. 

All staff should receive initial training and annual refresher training on the contents of the emergency preparedness plan. Bringing in an emergency response specialist to assist with preparation of the emergency preparedness plan and provide staff training is an option that should seriously be considered. 

Practice drills are an integral part of emergency preparedness training to ensure proper execution of the plan. These drills should be performed on an annual basis. Drills help refresh memories and can identify weaknesses in an emergency preparedness plan. Treat drills as seriously as an actual event to provide the best assurance of proper execution when the stakes are high. 

Effective disaster plans are based on knowledge of how people behave. Key components and common tasks must be included in any disaster preparedness plan. The actual process of planning is more important than the resultant written plan because those who participate in planning are more likely to accept preparedness plans in general. 

A professional mandate exists that calls for nurses to participate in the development of and serve as an integral part of a comm unity s disaster preparedness plan. 

The principles of disaster planning, the common tasks consistent across all disaster responses, and the key components of a disaster preparedness plan are introduced in this chapter. Definitions of the different types of disasters are provided, along with a classification system for disasters based on their common and unique features onset, duration, and effect (immediate aftermath) and reactive period. The concept of the disaster time line as an organizational framework for strategic planning is introduced. The five areas of focus in... 

This chapter introduces the reader to the principles of disaster planning, the common tasks consistent across all disaster responses, and the key components of a disaster preparedness plan. 

Most public and private organizations that are involved in emergency preparedness planning and drills... 

The events of 9/11 and subsequent anthrax attacks underscored the need for U.S. health care organizations and public health agencies to be prepared to respond to acts of bioterrorism and other public health emergencies. Many states and health care organizations and systems have developed preparedness plans that include enhancing surge capacity to respond to such events. 

Apply pediatric-related disaster resources to one s own disaster preparedness plans. 

Select one Web-based resource listed in this chapter. Log on to the Web site and obtain pediatric-related disaster information. How can this information be applied to one s own hospital or community disaster preparedness plans ... 

The American Red Cross Web site provides disaster preparedness and management advice for all types of naturally occurring disasters. What types of activities should nurses encourage people to do to prevent and mitigate the consequences of wildfires What type of natural disasters are you and your family at risk for Visit the American Red Cross Web site. Develop a personal family disaster preparedness plan based on what you find. Review it with each member of your family. 

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