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For the Incident Commander:
- Establish regular training systems with local elected department heads, both in
activation of the disaster plan, the correct functioning of the EOC, and the
Incident Command System.
- Much of what comprises the body of river and flood rescue technique is fairly
specialized and unique. Get specific training for flood prone areas.
- Pre-plan. Identify a local resource list of other trained agencies, location of
additional equipment - particularly personal flotation devices for all rescue
personnel - and boats and trained operators appropriate to swift-moving water.
- Consider local enforcement powers, by ordinance, to cite drivers and homeowners
who ignore warnings, evacuation orders, and road barricades.
- Cooperate and train with state-level law enforcement authorities.
- Utilize the National Weather Service. Err on the side of caution in ordering
evacuations.
- Fresh water for rescuers and residents will be a top priority. Have a resource list
of water trucks and portable desalinization plants.
- Floods should, be treated as a hazardous materials incident. Be prepared to decontaminate
workers who must get into the water.
For the Emergency Operations Center:
- Make sure the dedicated EOC is large enough, on high ground, with good access,
and that enough phone lines are dedicated.
- Conduct drills in the EOC.
- Design and use a 1/2 page phone report form for all incoming messages. Set up a
message center in the EOC to pass critical information to any separate dispatch
centers.
- Stock the EOC with flood plain maps and U.S. Geological Survey topographical
maps. Street maps are not enough. Make sure personnel train in how to read a
topographical map.
- Designate one ordering point in the EOC to avoid multiple ordering of the same
materials, and failure to order other critical supplies.
- Route orders for materials delivery to a supply reception center, away from the
EOC.
- Have stocks of emergency hand-held radios. Ordering such a resource from state
authorities may take several days.
- Emergency managers need to remember that firefighters and rescuers - paid or
volunteer - are a unique group in our society in their ability to overcome, adapt
and improvise.
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