Disaster Planning or Planning A Disaster? Avoiding Common Pitfalls

Disaster Planning or Planning A Disaster?


Introduction

Disaster planning can only become effective if there is unity in an organization’s disaster management team. It is said to be the core of a company’s survival in case of a crisis, a school’s first aid during an emergency, or the only lifeline for your family during a disaster. Although the risks involved are vast and the cost of planning is enormous, your team can make the most out of your disaster planning by identifying common problems and challenges. If the organization fails to identify and deal with these problems accordingly, the disaster plan itself can even become a risk.


Key Pitfalls to Avoid in Disaster Planning


Inter-Agency Coordination

First is to watch out for inter-agency emergency and disaster coordination. A very good example is to know when or why you should be coordinating with the Red Cross. Schools and hospitals should have a firm relationship with these agencies. Even if your disaster management team is well knowledgeable and skilled, collaboration with outside emergency units is still very important.


Communication

Second is communication. In disaster planning, avoid the likelihood of communication failure. Cellular phones and landlines can provide the benefits of convenience, but they might not always give the benefit of reliability. In times of weather-related disaster, telephone lines could be disrupted. So, invest in long-range two-way radio units.


Resource Management

Another important aspect to watch out for is the management of resources. There must be a centralized system of distributing emergency supplies and survival kits to avoid confusion, supply shortages, and adverse damages. Resources, however, are not only limited to survival materials, goods, and emergency kits. They also include emergency volunteers and equipment. Again, to avoid confusion, orientation and even last-minute briefings must take place before volunteers and agencies take on a disaster situation.


Information Dissemination

Disaster planning should also cover credible dissemination of information. Skepticism, doubt, and even downplays are unavoidable when public warnings are issued. So avoid providing half-truths. Your public warning should not be ambiguous. It must be lifted from a reliable source and should provide identification of individual risk and guidelines on what actions to take. For example, when issuing a hurricane warning, do not just report its coming. Provide information about the scale of its possible damages and suggest actions such as evacuation or staying indoors.


Ensuring Effective Disaster Planning

Collaboration, communication, resource coordination, and warnings are keywords to remember in dealing with the common challenges of disaster planning. Check if you’re doing disaster planning, not planning for disaster.

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