Standards and Indicators for Emergency Preparedness and Response
The Standards and Indicators for Emergency Preparedness and Response are a planning tool for community based organizations to assist in the development of their emergency preparedness programs and activities. Achievement of the standards and indicators is a long-term process for most agencies. The standards and indicators offer a continuum for agency preparedness that will not likely apply to every agency. Agencies will need to prioritize their plans based on the population served, identified essential services and existing capacity. The standards and indicators offer measurable indicators which are important for emergency responders and communities to evaluate the status of their capacity and capability to respond in an emergency.
The Vulnerable Populations System Coordination Steering Committee represents planning and coordinating entities of vulnerable populations emergency planning and a cross-section of geographic emergency management zones in King County, WA.
The twelve standards that a community agency should work towards to become more prepared and resilient in the event of an emergency or disaster are outlined here with tools and resources to support community agencies in completing the standards.
Standard #1: Essential functions/services are identified
Standard #2: Multiple communication tools are identified and established in order to contact internal and external stakeholders
Standard #3: Staff (paid and unpaid volunteers) is personally prepared
Standard #4: Staff is trained on the Incident Command System and is personally prepared to fulfill their role in a disaster
Standard #5: Staff and key stakeholders have been trained on the agency's emergency plan
Standard #6: Facility and staff are prepared for an evacuation
Standard #7: Physical safety of facility/ies is/are addressed (hazard reduction & mitigation)
Standard #8: Staff is prepared to be self-sufficient in the work place for a minimum of three days
Standard #9: Local emergency responders are familiar with agency and staff
Standard #10: Partner organization(s) are identified to share support/resources in event of a disaster
Standard #11: Vital information is backed-up and accessible
Standard #12: Emergency payment procedures and emergency financing options are established and maintained
