Emergency Mgmt & Planning (EMP)

Presents a broad overview of an emergency management system and the importance of an integrated approach to managing emergencies. Enables the student to formulate the elements of an integrated teamwork system and devise specific actions for improving their own contributions to local emergency management teams. Focuses on all disciplines that work together in planning for or responding to emergencies.

Introduces a specialized type of community planning that identifies local government strategies, resources and responsibilities for protecting citizens from the effects of disasters and other major emergency events. Focuses on the Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) and a jurisdiction`s game plan for dealing with potential catastrophes resulting from natural hazards and/or human-caused hazards. Examines EOPs in detail including their history and evolution, process, recommended content, style and format, involved stakeholders, and implementation methods. Covers the context of emergency planning as it relates to long-range community planning. Addresses methods for conducting a comprehensive community hazard analysis and highlights lessons learned in recovering from a disaster.

Provides the knowledge and skills to manage and operate an EOC during crisis situations. Covers aspects of properly locating and designing an EOC, how to staff, train and brief EOC personnel, and how to operate an EOC during various situations. Focuses on various aspects of information gathering and dissemination including best practices for use of computers in an EOC environment, promoting enhanced planning and better control information flow to safely and effectively make strategic response decisions.