Disaster and Emergency Preparedness: Guidance for ... - INEE Toolkit

Standardization – the use of common terminology (and no codes);Unified chain of command in order to assign resources for maximum effectiveness;Flexible, modular organization, mobilized as needed; andIntegrated communications.There are five key functions in ICS are that can be mobilized as needed in the particularcircumstances. These five functions form a common approach to organize response toany emergency or disaster. Depending on the number of staff and trusted volunteers or capableolder-students available, some people may need to have multiple roles.Incident command: these are decision-makers (responsible for/set mission)Although someone in your school may be designated as ”Emergency Manager”under normal circumstances, in case of actual disaster or emergency, the ”IncidentCommander” is the first capable person on the scene, until that function canbe transferred to a more qualified person or higher authority. Even if normallythat person is a Principal or Assitant Principal, several different people shouldpractice in this role, as those indiviuals may or may not be available during an actualemergency or disaster. The ”Incident Commander” mobilizes the on-site “IncidentCommand Center.”Communications team: these are communicators (listeners and talkers)The communications team is the right arm of the Incident Commander, establishingconnections with education administration, public safety, and emergencymanagement authorities, and with parents and the public, as directed. When communicationssystems are operational some information can be disseminated usingtelephone trees, and radio announcements. In large-scale disasters the key communicationsare with students (often by the school principal or assistant principal,using a megaphone to communicate) and with parents anticipating reunificationwith students.Operations branch: these are doers (carry out the mission)This branch requires a highly organized and well-respected Operations Chief,who manages teams to fulfill: light search and rescue, fire suppression and hazardousmaterials control, utility shut-off, disaster first aid, psychosocial support,security, and student release/family reunification functions.Logistics branch: these are getters/supporters (support the mission)This branch requires a Logistics Chief, who knows the site and its resources best.These teams will find and distribute supplies and provisions, shelter and sanitation,water and nutrition, and organize volunteer recruitment and assignment.School Disaster Management19