NASCLA Resources Committee Disaster Response Program Developing a national model for state boards
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Disaster Facts In 1981, there were 15 disasters declared In 2011, there have already been 89 – nearly a 500% increase
◦ TX = 86
CA = 78
OK = 70
Most common disasters include:
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Current Resources Available
FEMA ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦
Preparing for different disasters Shelter safety Caring for individuals with special needs What to do with pets Insurance Information – Financial planning Assists state operations during federally declared disasters
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Coordinate state/local agencies Provide resources Educate the public Establish Local Assistance Centers Inform the public of post-disaster actions/details
State Emergency Management Agencies
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Definitions of Disaster
FEMA (1990) ◦ “An occurrence that has resulted in property damage, deaths, and/or injuries to a community.”
Stafford Act ◦ “Major Disaster: Any natural catastrophe. . . or, regardless of cause, any fire, flood, or explosion, in any part of the United States, which, in the determination of the President, causes damage of sufficient severity and magnitude to warrant major disaster assistance. . . to supplement the efforts and available resources of States, local governments, and disaster relief organizations in alleviating the damage, loss, hardship, or suffering caused thereby.” 4
Definitions of Disaster
Modified Definition (Cannon, 1994) ◦ “A disaster is. . . an event associated with the impact of a natural hazard, which leads to increased mortality, illness and/or injury, and destroys or disrupts livelihoods, affecting the people or an area such that they and/or outsiders) perceive it as being exceptional and requiring external assistance for recovery.” 5
Problems Faced by Contractors Boards
Unlicensed contractors & travelers Minimal research / license verification Non-involvement in organized response efforts Lack of information and/or community notification Lack of internal organization to address community needs Not understanding the Board’s role or role of external partners 6
Contractor Board Opportunities Consumer education & protection Post-disaster signage and literature Media outreach Assisting with license verifications Working with local/state emergency response teams Proactive investigators
◦ Sweep/sting operations ◦ Making contact with victims & workers
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Potential Partners
Federal
◦ FEMA ◦ U.S. Small Business Administration
State ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦
Emergency management agency Veteran Affairs Department of Health Care Services Department of Insurance Department of Motor Vehicles Department of Public Health Department of Social Services Department of Industrial Relations Employment Development Department Consumer Affairs and/or Attorney General Tax Boards/Commissions 8
Potential Partners
County
◦ Assessor’s Office ◦ Consumer Affairs ◦ Department of Community & Senior Services ◦ Department of Health Services ◦ Department of Mental Health ◦ Department of Public Social Services ◦ Department of Public Works/Building Safety ◦ Environmental Health
Other Organizations ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦
American Red Cross Salvation Army Senior Groups Contractor Associations 9
Why a Model Program? Define role of a Contractor Board Understand laws and regulations Create a clearinghouse of tools and materials for outreach & education Identify guidelines for Board engagement in disaster response Establishing best practices for enforcement activities and response
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Program Components
Preparing for a disaster ◦ Defining Board’s role ◦ Anticipating specific disasters and issues that may arise ◦ Investigator/staff training
Education / Information ◦ Pre- and post- disaster messaging ◦ Timeline for messaging ◦ Tools and tactics 11
Program Components
Legal Framework
◦ Chain of command ◦ Executive Orders ◦ Applicable laws, policies, regulations
Enforcement
◦ First response efforts ◦ Conducting sweeps/stings ◦ Penalties / punishments
Partnering
◦ Role of each partner ◦ Opening lines of communication ◦ Education of Board’s role/importance 12
Next Steps Identify program components Brainstorm best practices Select the items necessary or available to place in the toolbox Discuss next steps to move closer to finalizing the model program.
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