2. Creating preparedness and response plans

  • Share

elaboracion planes preparativosGeneral steps

Disaster preparedness is an ongoing multisectoral activity. It requires coordination and organization by different departments of the government to facilitate assessment of a country’s disaster risk, adoption of standards and regulations, and action to ensure that resources can be mobilized rapidly in disaster situations.

 

Read more...

2.1. Contents of the plan

  • Share

The emergency or disaster plan should be dynamic in nature, updated regularly, and tested by simulation exercises carried out by the Emergency or disaster Committee, senior levels of the health ministry, and other health sector institutions. In monitoring and evaluating the plan, it is recommended that quantitative and qualitative elements are included.

 

Read more...

2.2. Evaluating and updating the plan

  • Share

Even if all risks have been taken into account in developing a plan, a plan may not operational until it has been tested. The plan should be evaluated and updated periodically through simulations.

Simulation exercise is a useful tool to familiarize personnel with the contents of the plan and with the roles and responsibilities of the health team. Through a fictitious scenario, the team’s performance on assigned roles can be observed and gaps identified in the operationalizing the plan.

 

Read more...

2.3. Training

  • Share

capacitacionNo plan will succeed unless it considers the continuing education and training of health workers and the general population. The health sector’s national disaster management program is responsible for promoting ongoing training activities in different areas:

 

Read more...

2.4. Activation of the plan

  • Share

The activation of a plan is not automatic. Health workers have to be trained for the processes involved. The mechanisms for implementing the response plan should be clearly formulated. Depending on nature of the disaster, different phases can be defined:

a) Alert phase: Once an emergency is occurs, a telephone chain should operate based on registered names, addresses and telephone numbers. There should be alternate mechanisms for contact in case of power outage or interruption of telephone service. The plan should include warning systems as a part of intersectoral plans for different types of emergency, so that the public can take preventive and protective measures in coordination with national disaster management agencies or civil defense institutions. Where appropriate, this may include evacuation to temporary shelters or camps.

 

Read more...

2.5. Roles and responsibilities

  • Share

roles responsabilidadesThe training to implement the plan should clearly define the roles and responsibilities of each member of the health team. “Action cards” supplied to each member should clearly and simply describe the actions that he or she is to carry out, the information to be obtained, and the chain of command the person need to follow, as well as important telephone numbers for immediate contact.

 

Read more...

2.6. Coordination mechanisms

  • Share

A preparedness plan in the health sector encompasses the national, regional, and municipal/local levels. At each level, depending on the degree of complexity of the health institutions involved, the plan assigns a team leader, or “emergency coordinator.” This person has the primary responsibility for coordinating activities within the scope of the authorities set out in the plan.

Coordination activities and mechanisms are fundamental parts of a plan, and must be established before a disaster occurs. This means establishing relationships with those responsible for different areas and activities, and being familiar with the capacities of each institution. Coordination requires harmonization and mutual understanding between different actors and institutions, all of whom are expected to act according to their respective capacities and authority.

 

Read more...

2.7. Resources

  • Share

recursosNo plan can be effective if human, natural, and financial resources are not in place for operation. A health disaster plan should take account resources in the sector’s institutions. A national disaster plan should also consider potential resources by civil society and international organizations that are active in the country and linked to the health sector.

 

Read more...