Module 2&4

Module 4 - Case

INCIDENT COMMAND SYSTEM; PRINCIPLES AND FEATURES PART II; DISASTER PREPAREDNESS

Case Assignment

During a recent disaster (Hurricane Anne) the Incident Commander informs you at the Emergency Operations Center that he needs extra medical supplies as soon as possible since the number of persons injured has risen faster than anticipated. Additionally, the IC informs you that it appears that there will be a significant shortage in drinking water, food, and temporary shelter. The heavy rains and possible flooding have made the use of tents rather dangerous.

1. Based on these limited facts, briefly state the decisions that the Incident Commander must make at this time to respond to the problems.

2. How would you prioritize the problems that you have been informed of by your staff?

3. Describe how you as Incident Commander would handle each problem within the context of the ICS.

4. Do you believe that you would be better able to control and manage the disaster if the planning process were more effective? You may outline what steps you would take to ease the critical situation.

Papers should be at least three pages long.

Assignment Expectations

Understanding of the complex response needs necessary during most hurricane disasters should be demonstrated. Clear understanding of the priority and planning needs should be provided.

References: At least two references should be included from academic sources (e.g., peer-reviewed journal articles). Required readings are included. Quoted material should not exceed 10% of the total paper (since the focus of these assignments is critical thinking). Use your own words and build on the ideas of others. When material is copied verbatim from external sources, it must be enclosed in quotes. The references should be cited within the text and also listed at the end of the assignment in the References section (preferably in APA format).

Organization: Subheadings should be used to organize your paper according to the questions.

Format: APA format is recommended.

Grammar and Spelling: While no points are deducted for minor errors, assignments are expected to adhere to standard guidelines of grammar, spelling, punctuation, and sentence syntax. Points may be deducted if grammar and spelling impact clarity.

The following items will be assessed in particular:

· Relevance: All content is connected to the question.

· Precision: Specific question is addressed. Statements, facts, and statistics are specific and accurate.

· Depth of discussion: Points that lead to deeper issues are presented and integrated.

· Breadth: Multiple perspectives and references, and multiple issues/factors are considered.

· Evidence: Points are well-supported with facts, statistics, and references.

· Logic: Presented discussion makes sense; conclusions are logically supported by premises, statements, or factual information.

· Clarity: Writing is concise, understandable, and contains sufficient detail or examples.

· Objectivity: Paper avoids use of first person and subjective bias.

Module 4 - SLP

INCIDENT COMMAND SYSTEM; PRINCIPLES AND FEATURES PART II; DISASTER PREPAREDNESS

· In Module 1, you identified a community subjected to 3 major disasters.

· In Module 2, you conducted a Hazard and Vulnerability Analysis for your selected community, and answered questions about your findings.

· In Module 3, you discussed your plans for responding to the specific types of disasters concerning the direction and control of the disaster, and the responsibility for operations.

Now for Module 4 SLP, you are to do the following:

1. Assemble your Module 1 SLP to Module 3 SLP papers into your final project, with appropriate headings and subheadings, and references at the end. Suggested length is 15 - 20 pages.

2. Cross-check your final paper against the key ICS features, making certain that your paper covers at least 90% of the ICS features within the body of your text. If not, insert sentences covering nine ICS features where relevant.

The key ICS features are:

· Management by Objectives

· Unity of Command

· Establishment and Transfer of Command

· Organizational Flexibility

· Unified Command

· Span of Control

· Common Terminology

· Personnel Accountability

· Integrated Communications

· Resources Management

· Incident Action Plan

SLP Assignment Expectations

Final Project Paper of 15–20 pages Due

You are to hand in your final project. Your final paper should contain synthesized materials from the Module 1 SLP through the Module 4 SLP.

Organization: Headings and subheadings should be used to organize your final paper.

References: At least 10 references should be included in your final paper from academic sources (e.g., peer-reviewed journal articles). Required readings are included. Quoted material should be properly cited. Use your own words and build on the ideas of others. When material is copied verbatim from external sources, it must be enclosed in quotes. The references should be cited within the text and also listed at the end of the assignment in the References section (preferably in APA format).

Grammar and Spelling: While no points are deducted for minor errors, assignments are expected to adhere to standard guidelines of grammar, spelling, punctuation, and sentence syntax. Points may be deducted if grammar and spelling impact clarity.

The following items will be assessed in particular:

· Relevance: All content is connected to the question.

· Precision: Specific question is addressed. Statements, facts, and statistics are specific and accurate.

· Depth of discussion: Points that lead to deeper issues are presented and integrated.

· Breadth: Multiple perspectives and references, and multiple issues/factors are considered.

· Evidence: Points are well-supported with facts, statistics, and references.

· Logic: Presented discussion makes sense; conclusions are logically supported by premises, statements, or factual information.

· Clarity: Writing is concise, understandable, and contains sufficient detail or examples.

· Objectivity: Paper avoids use of first person and subjective bias.

Required Reading

FEMA and federal partners continue to support areas affected by the aftermath of Sandy (2012). FEMA. Retrieved, from:  http://www.fema.gov/news-release/2012/10/30/fema-and-federal-partners-continue-support-areas-affected-aftermath-sandy  [Review the various federal agencies that are coordinated with FEMA.]

FEMA overview of federal efforts to prepare for and respond to Hurricane Maria (2018). Retrieved from  https://www.fema.gov/blog/2017-09-29/overview-federal-efforts-prepare-and-respond-hurricane-maria

FEMA provides update on federal support to Hurricane Irma response (2018). Retrieved from  https://www.fema.gov/news-release/2017/09/16/fema-provides-update-federal-support-hurricane-irma-response

National Preparedness Resource Library, FEMA  http://www.fema.gov/national-preparedness-resource-library

Required Website

FEMA.  https://www.fema.gov/