NCJ Number
88988
Date Published
1983
Length
15 pages
Annotation
A company should develop a written emergency-response plan for disasters so as to prevent the occurrence of the disaster or minimize the impact of a disaster.
Abstract
In addition to considering possible potential disasters and their scope for a given facility, it is important to analyze (1) the probability that the disaster will occur, (2) the potential damage to life and property if the disaster should occur, and (3) the opportunity a corporation might have to minimize the risks through sound planning and preparation. A written plan should be required for each facility because it necessitates detailed advanced thinking and provides for an assessment and inventory of all equipment available for the disaster plan and recovery programs. Further, a written plan reduces the probability of the disaster or minimizes its impact. Also, the written plan allows management to focus on the solution to an emergency rather than the problems created by lack of prior planning. The plan should be simple and flexible. A mock disaster (actual and paper drills) can be used to test proposals, and drills on parts of the plan should be used regularly. More than one person should be trained to handle the different phases of the plan. Basic principles for a plan are to (1) prevent the disaster whenever possible; (2) minimize the number of casualties; (3) provide first aid to injured persons; (4) evacuate the injured to medical facilities; (5) provide for the recovery of the facility; and (6) promote the reconstruction of the lives of the victims. An emergency-response plan is outlined, and the appendix discusses the responsibilities of the security manager in emergency planning.