HomeMy WebLinkAboutCommittee of the Whole - 10 Jul 2023 - Agenda - Pdf
CITY OF RENTON
AGENDA - Committee of the Whole Meeting
5:45 PM - Monday, July 10, 2023
7th Floor Council Chambers/Videoconference
1. IT STRATEGIC PLAN OVERVIEW
a) Presentation
2. EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT UPDATE AND INFORMATION
a) Presentation
b) Executive Roles
c) Summary EOC Fact Sheet
d) FEMA Local Elected and Appointed Officials Quick Reference Guide
If you would like to attend this week's meeting remotely, you can do so by going to
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You can call through Zoom at (253) 215-8782 and use the Meeting ID.
Executive Services
Information Technology
Update and Strategic Plan
Overview
AGENDA ITEM #1. a)
•21 FTE's and 1 Intern
•Supporting over 600 city
employees
•Network Infrastructure
Systems and Security
•Applications Support
•GIS Data and Mapping
Services
•Client Services and Support
•Administrative Support AGENDA ITEM #1. a)
Mission Statement
Create a technology environment
that upholds our commitments to
the community and empowers City
staff to provide exceptional public
service.AGENDA ITEM #1. a)
Recently
Completed
Projects
AGENDA ITEM #1. a)
Expansion of Wi -Fi at recreation centers
Renton Community Center
Don Persson Renton Senior Activity Center
Henry Moses Aquatic Center
Carco Theater
Highlands Neighborhood Center
North Highlands Neighborhood Center AGENDA ITEM #1. a)
Assisted PD with
Axon deployment
AGENDA ITEM #1. a)
Participated In
Citywide Integrated
Emergency Management
Course (IEMC)AGENDA ITEM #1. a)
Increased investment into IT staff and
Citywide IT training
Developed ongoing IT staff training plans
Citywide training options added
We are serious about investing in our staff!AGENDA ITEM #1. a)
Lobby Hub
Improvements
Technology added to
the lobby hub
Self service kiosk
Virtual meeting
center
New information
display AGENDA ITEM #1. a)
Current IT CIP
Initiatives in
Progress AGENDA ITEM #1. a)
Phone System Upgrade
AGENDA ITEM #1. a)
SharePoint
Online
Modern and
centralized location
for information for
employees
AGENDA ITEM #1. a)
City Website
Replacement
AGENDA ITEM #1. a)
Security
Improvements
to IT
Infrastructure
AGENDA ITEM #1. a)
Disaster
Recovery
Infrastructure
AGENDA ITEM #1. a)
Teamed up with Finance
to start process of
replacing the Enterprise
Resource Planning
(ERP – Eden) system
AGENDA ITEM #1. a)
Business
Intelligence –
Analytics and
Reporting AGENDA ITEM #1. a)
Strategic Plan Overview AGENDA ITEM #1. a)
IT Strategic Plan
assessment
AGENDA ITEM #1. a)
IT Maturity Assessment
AGENDA ITEM #1. a)
IT Strategic Goals AGENDA ITEM #1. a)
Be a catalyst for innovation and
continuous improvement
Implement IT service management solution to
enhance client services practices
Establish an effective and efficient governance
process
AGENDA ITEM #1. a)
Provide a secure and robust computing
environment
Implementing additional cybersecurity policy
and technical controls
Develop and support training for IT staff
Develop and support training for city staff
AGENDA ITEM #1. a)
Optimize and modernize
the technology
environment
Prioritize the ERP (Eden) system
replacement & document
management system expansion
Cultivate and sustain meaningful
partnerships between IT and
other departments
AGENDA ITEM #1. a)
Leverage data to improve service and
support decision-making
Continuously monitor and measure the
effectiveness of IT training provided to city staff.
Enable data-driven decision making in all areas.AGENDA ITEM #1. a)
Thank
you!AGENDA ITEM #1. a)
QUESTIONS?AGENDA ITEM #1. a)
Emergency Management
Deborah Needham, Emergency Management Director
Fostering a culture of preparedness and community self-sufficiency;
working inclusively with our diverse community to coordinate
effective disaster response; preparing our whole community to be
uniquely resilient through adversity and recovery.
Mission:AGENDA ITEM #2. a)
The Emergency Management Team
Emergency
Management
Coordinator
Emergency
Management
Director
Emergency
Management
Coordinator
EM Group
Deputy Chief
Administrative
Officer
AGENDA ITEM #2. a)
Strategic Goal #1:
A prepared and resilient community
AGENDA ITEM #2. a)
Serving Our Whole Community
•Community Emergency Response Team
•Renton Emergency Communication Service
•Renton Emergency Preparedness Academy
•Community Organizations Active in Disaster and other partners
•Inclusive Emergency Communication Plan AGENDA ITEM #2. a)
Strategic Goal #2:
Prepared and responsive city teams
AGENDA ITEM #2. a)
Interdepartmental and Interagency
Coordination and Support
AGENDA ITEM #2. a)
Behind the Scenes = 95+%
•Relationships with regional/community partners
•Education and outreach
•Emergency planning, training, exercising
•Grant administration
•EOC Duty Officer response AGENDA ITEM #2. a)
Unique Roles
•EOC Duty Officer –low level coordination/support
•Field Incident Commander -tactical decisions and direction
•Emergency Operations Center supports IC through:
•information coordination
•resource support
•anything else that is delegated
•referring policy issues upward
•Policy Advisory Group provide policy guidance to depts.
•Council sets high-level policy, legislative remedies AGENDA ITEM #2. a)
Unique Roles
(cont.)Executive Leadership Team/
Policy Advisory Group
Field Incident
Commander EOC
Lead PIO
Elected Officials/
Policy Group
AGENDA ITEM #2. a)
Role of Senior and Elected Officials
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ls0sEqtHLLw& AGENDA ITEM #2. a)
Upcoming for Council Action
•Multiple Public Assistance/FEMA funded projects entering
into contracts for repairs from 2020 Flood, up to $8M
•Emergency Management Performance Grant award letter
acceptance –Sept 2023
•Continuity Plan revision ongoing, scheduled for completion
Jan 2024, Adoption Feb/Mar 2024
•Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan Public Hearing
and Council Adoption –Sept/Oct 2023 AGENDA ITEM #2. a)
Comprehensive Emergency
Management Plan (CEMP)
•Describes roles, responsibilities, interactions
•Based on Emergency Support Functions (ESFs) plus some
functional annexes
•ESFs are led by specific departments/agencies
•EM coordinates overall integration of CEMP
•Most recent 5-year revision in 2017:
•Cyber Security Annex added
•Limited English Proficiency (LEP) considerations added
•2023 revision will be submitted by October AGENDA ITEM #2. a)
EM Projects 2023-2024
24/7 EOC Duty Officer response,
EOC activation as needed
State Auditor's Office performance
audit/Lean process for damage
assessment and COOP status
reporting
Comprehensive Emergency
Management Plan revision and
adoption
Initiate EOC Emergency Ops Plan
and Position Task Books
EOC Functional Exercise
Contribute to Crisis
Communications Plan
Communications Drill
Renton Emergency Preparedness
Academy classes
CERT class recruitment and delivery
Public Information Officer training
Community Points of Distribution
regional planning AGENDA ITEM #2. a)
EM Projects 2023-2024 (cont.)
Continuity of Operations Plan
revision and adoption
Continuity of Operations Plan
exercise
Recovery Framework revision and
adoption
Hazard Mitigation Plan project
review and annual report
Initiate major Hazard Mitigation
Plan revision
Community Organizations Active in
Disaster recruitment and relaunch
MOU development with
Community Organizations Active in
Disaster members
Annual public preparedness
campaign
Annual employee preparedness
campaign AGENDA ITEM #2. a)
EM Projects 2023-2024 (cont.)
Contribute to Communications
Social Media Strategy Plan
Shelter manager and shelter worker
training
WebEOC platform integration,
ongoing employee training
EOC training redesign to
virtual/video
Public Works employee training
Policy Group training
Grant administration and
application support
Public Assistance Grant
coordination (continued)
Public records archiving
Reclassification, EM organizational
structure revision
Documentation of Processes and
Institutional Knowledge AGENDA ITEM #2. a)
Training and Resource Recommendations
for Councilmembers
•IS-100 online course: https://training.fema.gov/is/courseoverview.aspx?code=IS-100.c&lang=en
•IS-700 online course: https://training.fema.gov/is/courseoverview.aspx?code=IS-700.b&lang=en
•FEMA Local Elected and Appointed Officials Guide: https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/documents/fema_local-elected-officials-guide_2022.pdf
•G 0402 NIMS Overview for Senior Officials (Executives, Elected, & Appointed –in person course delivery AGENDA ITEM #2. a)
Questions? Comments?AGENDA ITEM #2. a)
City of Renton Executive Roles in Disaster Response and Recovery
City Council serves in the same policy-making role during disasters as during normal operations. The Policy Advisory
Group is a special group that convenes during a disaster to review incident information and provide recommendations
or referrals to the City Council when policy-level decisions arise that require Council input or action. The group is
primarily made up of department heads who are responsible for day-to-day operational decisions, and are connected
with their personnel in the field or at the Emergency Operations Center. The Emergency Management Director or the
EOC Director will refer potential policy issues as they arise to the Policy Advisory Group for further consideration.
Although other members may be added at the Mayor’s discretion, core Policy Advisory Group membership includes:
• Mayor
• Chief Administrative Officer
• Deputy Chief Administrative Officer
• City Attorney
• Communications Division Director
• Community/Economic Development Administrator
• Court Services Administrator
• Equity, Housing and Human Services Administrator
• Finance Administrator
• Human Resources and Risk Management
Administrator
• Parks and Recreation Administrator
• Police Administrator (Chief)
• Public Works Administrator
• Renton Regional Fire Authority Chief
Activity Policy Advisory Group Council
1. Stay informed The Administrator from the lead Incident Command
department will provide the most recent incident
information.
The Mayor will provide the most
recent incident information to Council.
2. Ensure
continuity of
government
In the event that an appointed position is vacant because
of the impacts of a disaster, government leadership will
make interim appointments to fill essential vacancies.
In the event that an elected official is
unable to continue in his/her position,
a delegate should be appointed for
that position in accordance with the
City’s defined line of succession. RCW
42.14 provides guidance.
3. Convene as
required
The Policy Advisory Group is assembled when the event
magnitude is such that the EOC would be fully activated
or when any member of the Policy Advisory Group
requests the group to convene. A meeting schedule will
be established based on the needs of the emergency.
Council members remain visible in
their community. Council convenes
upon the request of the Mayor when a
policy decision is needed. A meeting
schedule will be established based on
the needs of the emergency.
4. Issue
emergency
proclamation
The Mayor may issue an emergency proclamation.
Emergency proclamations may serve a number of
purposes, including: Announcing that the City recognizes
a serious emergency situation; Authorizing emergency
expenditures that forgo normal purchasing processes;
Invoking a jurisdiction’s emergency plan to carry out
emergency functions; Authorizing extreme measures to
protect life and property; Formally requesting state
assistance; Encouraging the governor to proclaim a state
emergency and pursue a presidential declaration of
disaster.
The proclamation is made by the
Mayor under emergency conditions.
Council supports the proclamation.
AGENDA ITEM #2. b)
City of Renton Executive Roles in Disaster Response and Recovery
Activity Policy Advisory Group Council
5. Establish
administrative
objectives
The Incident Commander is responsible for operational
aspects of the response. The Policy Advisory Group is
involved when departmental or citywide priorities may
significantly affect the response. The Policy Advisory
Group discusses and decides these priorities and
communicates with one voice to the Incident
Commander.
Under an emergency proclamation,
urgent life-safety and property and
environmental protection decisions
are made by the Incident Commander
and the Mayor, with input from the
Policy Advisory Group. Council may be
involved for traditional policy-level
decision-making on issues such as:
Legal/policy restraints and/or
freedoms; Limitations on authority;
Political and social concerns;
Environmental issues; Cost
considerations.
6. Provide public
information
The Mayor’s Office will work with Public Information
Officers at the EOC to provide emergency public
information to the media. The Policy Advisory Group will
provide key messages from the Policy Advisory Group
perspective. The official spokesperson will be designated
from the Mayor’s Office.
Council is provided with key messages
for public information by the Mayor’s
Office. Media interactions and/or
public speaking opportunities are in
turn coordinated with the Mayor’s
Office. The goal is to have the city
speak with a unified voice so that
conflicting messaging does not occur.
7. Allocate
money to
meet disaster
needs
Each member of the Policy Advisory Group should be
prepared to evaluate and prioritize other department and
city response costs and balance them against future
project needs to ensure adequate funding is provided to
the disaster response.
Although necessary expenditures are
authorized by the Mayor under an
emergency proclamation, Council
should be prepared to evaluate and
provide input on budgeting to support
the disaster response, including
recommendations on spending limits
based on long-range needs of the City.
8. Issue
emergency
orders/
ordinances
When an issue is beyond the authority of the Incident
Commander to address, the Department Administrator
may make changes to standard operating procedures in
response to disaster conditions. Where multiple
departments are affected the Policy Advisory Group will
convene to make appropriate decisions.
Council may be asked to formally
enact emergency policies and
ordinances to support the emergency
response.
9. Adjust
government
operations
It may be necessary to discontinue non-mission critical
government services. This will free up personnel and
other resources for use in disaster response activities.
The Policy Advisory Group will convene to decide upon
and communicate these adjustments.
Council meetings may be suspended
under emergency conditions, or may
be held at an alternate location if
appropriate.
AGENDA ITEM #2. b)
General Orientation to the City of Renton
Emergency Operations Center (EOC)
Purpose of the EOC
The purpose of the Renton Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is to provide centralized coordination for the
community in the event of a disaster, large-scale emergency, or regional event that could overwhelm emergency
resources. Specifically, the EOC is primarily involved with:
• Collection and documentation of event information (critical infrastructure surveys, information about major
incidents, casualties, shelters, damage assessments, response readiness by city assets)
• Processing and distribution of event information (situation reports to city officials, the King County ECC,
neighboring jurisdictions, other emergency services, information releases to the media and public)
• Coordination of resource support (locate and procure resources as requested by Incident Command, including
requesting items or support from the county or state as needed, prioritize and allocate scarce resources
according to policy direction)
• Technical information gathering and support (forecast flood mapping, HAZUS models, incident mapping, etc.)
• Operations representatives for field operations (collection of event information from various departments
with field operations)
The Incident Commander may choose to delegate extended functions to EOC staff, but staff in the EOC do not
normally make operational decisions regarding management of the incident. Rather, they coordinate with and
support Incident Command as requested.
Organization of the EOC
The EOC is organized into functional levels that coordinate with one another as well as with external agencies
and resources. The EOC Director oversees all Section functions as well as Public Information activities. The
Administrator from the lead Incident Command department coordinates with key officials at the Executive/Policy
level.
Executive/Policy Advisory Group Functions
The Administrator from the lead Incident Command department coordinates the Policy Advisory Group, made up
of the Mayor, Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), Deputy CAO, other department heads and the Communications
Director. The Mayor may issue an emergency proclamation to assist in securing state and federal assistance. The
Policy Advisory Group advises on and refers policy issues to Council for high-level policy decisions or special local
legislation. The EOC Lead Public Information Officer handles all media inquiries and news releases with the
assistance of other PIO staff. The EOC PIOs also coordinate with other agencies’ PIOs through a Joint Information
System. The EOC Director oversees all EOC functions, including public information message review and approval
related to the incident in coordination with the Communications Director, who is the Information Officer attached
to the Policy Advisory Group for the incident. The EOC Safety Officer is responsible for safety in the EOC, and field
response if that is delegated as well.
AGENDA ITEM #2. c)
Operations Section Functions
This section is headed by the Operations Section Chief, who reports to the EOC Director. The Operations Section
Chief is drawn from the lead incident response agency. Agency or Emergency Support Function (ESF) representa-
tives coordinate resources and information with their own department personnel, working together to ensure the
best possible coordination of effort for the overall response. Incident-specific agencies, like a pipeline company,
can be added as needed. If necessary, the following branches may be created to maintain proper span of control:
• Emergency Services Branch (Fire/EMS and Law Enforcement representatives)
• Human Services Branch (Parks and Recreation, Hospital, Mental Health, Public Health, Schools, and Community
Organizations Active in Disaster [COAD] representatives may be added)
• Infrastructure Branch (Public Works representatives – all divisions – and other utility providers may be added)
• Recovery Branch (led by Community and Economic Development, with other representatives added as needed)
Planning Section Functions
This section is headed by the Planning Section Chief, who reports to the EOC Director. Information collected by
the Communications Unit (Logistics) and others is incorporated into organized Situation Reports, which are then
distributed to recipients within and outside the EOC. The Message Controller monitors all information-sharing and
sends key information to the Display Processors for posting on the whiteboards or web/videoconference
platforms. Information within the EOC may also be shared through overhead projected display, web-based data
displays, oral or video briefings. The Documentation Unit maintains incident documentation for the entire EOC.
The Staffing/Check-in Recorder in the Resources Unit oversees the check-in/check-out and assignment of EOC
staff. The Planning Section also engages technical specialists such as mapping, hydrology, weather, hazmat and
other experts to provide specialized information to assist in incident planning. The Planning Section is always
thinking ahead of the incident about what is coming next. They work with the Operations Section to advise on
upcoming issues and plan for resolving them. When ready, the Demobilization Unit coordinates the de-escalation
of the EOC response.
Logistics Section Functions
This section is headed by the Logistics Section Chief, who reports to the EOC Director. The Logistics Section handles
food service, EOC security, technical assistance with phones and computers, and other general support functions
for the facility. Within the Supply Unit, staff handle both internal and external resource requests. They identify
needed resources and the Ordering Manager works with Finance/Administration to procure them. If local
resources are exhausted, resource requests are forwarded to the King County ECC after EOC Director approval. The
Logistics Section may also help with volunteer and donations management coordination.
The Communications Unit within Logistics collects and distributes incident information within the EOC using call-
takers, amateur radio operators, and message distributors. All messages pass through the Message Controller in
the Planning Section so the information may be shared more broadly if appropriate.
Finance/Administration Section Functions
This section is co-located with the Logistics Section, but is headed by the Finance Section Chief, who reports to the
EOC Director. Staffed by representatives from Finance and HR/Risk Management, the Finance/Administration
Section issues purchase orders and expends public funds to secure emergency resources located by Logistics. They
track impact of the disaster by documenting damage assessment and personnel costs, as well as injuries or
damage to city personnel or equipment, or even claims against the city by outside agencies or individuals.
AGENDA ITEM #2. c)
September 2022 1
Local Elected and Appointed Officials
Quick Reference Guide
This resources highlights key concepts from FEMA’s Local Elected and Appointed Officials
Guide: Roles and Resources in Emergency Management. For the full document, please
visit: https://www.fema.gov/emergency-managers/national-preparedness/plan.
Introduction
Local elected and appointed officials—subsequently referred to as “senior officials”—balance many responsibilities
and are expected to serve in numerous roles to support and lead their jurisdiction. During emergencies, the public
may see senior officials as responsible for the success or failure of disaster response and recovery efforts.
Leading Communities Before, During and After Disasters
Senior officials make significant policy and resource decisions before, during and after disasters. In many ways,
senior officials can make or break the success of disaster operations. Disaster response and recovery are more
effective when senior officials are familiar with emergency management processes and have established
relationships with their community’s emergency managers.
Senior officials typically make key policy decisions, collaborate with emergency managers and communicate key
information to the public, including use of sign language, closed captioning and foreign language interpretation.
Emergency managers work with relevant agencies and organizations to assess and mitigate risks, respond to
emergencies and carry out recovery activities.
Understanding Potential Impacts on the Community
Local senior officials should be familiar with the potential impacts of threats and hazards such as floods, storms,
earthquakes and wildfires, as well as less predictable incidents like active shooters, technological hazards, extended
power outages or cyber incidents. Emergency managers can help senior officials learn about the threats and
hazards most likely to affect the jurisdiction and the potential incident’s impact on people, infrastructure and the
economy.1
1 FEMA’s Resilience Analysis and Planning Tool (RAPT) is a source of information that can assist local senior officials in formulating questions
and help provide insights about their jurisdiction’s threat and hazard profile.
AGENDA ITEM #2. d)
Local Elected and Appointed Officials Quick Reference Guide
Learn more at fema.gov September 2022 2
Equity Considerations
Understanding potential disaster consequences begins with knowing who in the area might be affected,
especially those disproportionately impacted. It is vitally important for senior officials to understand the
demographic composition within their communities such as historically underserved populations, individuals
with disabilities and others with access and functional needs since they may require additional assistance
during a disaster. See the last page of this quick reference guide for more information.
Key Roles
Senior officials have important roles during every stage of a disaster. Key elements are presented below. The Local
Elected and Appointed Officials Checklists provide additional details to help senior officials prepare for, respond to
and recover from disasters and emergencies.
BUILD RESILIENCE BEFORE A DISASTER
Work with the emergency manager to establish preparedness priorities and
encourage all government agency heads, academic and nonprofit organizations
and business leaders to coordinate and collaborate on the jurisdiction’s mitigation,
response and recovery planning efforts. FEMA’s Developing and Maintaining Emergency
Operations Plans (Comprehensive Preparedness Guide 101, Version 3.0) offers
comprehensive information on how to develop effective plans.
Champion community risk reduction by adopting and implementing mitigation and
climate adaptation strategies. Examples include implementing hazard-resistant building
codes and land use planning.
Encourage individuals, families and businesses to develop emergency plans and be
self-sufficient in the immediate aftermath of a disaster.
Participate personally in emergency and disaster preparedness exercises to
demonstrate support and practice executing legal and leadership responsibilities. Exercises
also build familiarity with emergency management plans and staff.
Prepare for possible media interviews by working with the Public Information
Officer (PIO) to build relationships with traditional and social media outlets and develop
coordinated messaging.
Understand how continuity of essential private sector services and government
operations will be maintained during disasters to minimize casualties and impacts, which
may continue for long periods and require decentralized employee work locations.
AGENDA ITEM #2. d)
Local Elected and Appointed Officials Quick Reference Guide
Learn more at fema.gov September 2022 3
RESPOND EFFECTIVELY DURING A DISASTER
Get informed quickly and stay in close touch with the emergency manager. Develop
a regular meeting cadence with the lead emergency manager and appropriate individuals.
Trust and empower emergency management officials. This may include obtaining
assistance from other agencies, the private sector or neighboring jurisdictions, declaring a
state of emergency, issuing emergency orders and assuring compliance with proper fiscal
procedures.
Communicate quickly, clearly and effectively to the whole community, and work with
the PIO and other partners to ensure coordinated and accessible communication.
RECOVER EFFICIENTLY AFTER A DISASTER
Identify opportunities to build more resilient communities through improved planning
and smart infrastructure investments, including mitigation projects and climate adaptation
strategies that reduce risk from future events.
Understand use of the financial and in-kind assistance programs available that will
help both community members and the government.
Leverage the expertise and resources of various departments and partner
organizations. Include personnel with planning, community outreach, housing, public
works, education systems, economic development, natural resources and public health
expertise. FEMA’s Pre-Disaster Recovery Planning Guide for Local Governments provides
more potential partners.
Clearly communicate with community members and set realistic expectations to help
instill trust and confidence during the recovery process. The recovery process and programs
can be complex.
Ensure all codes and regulations are enforced during the recovery process. Develop
disaster financial management processes and procedures before an incident.
Mutual Aid
Mutual aid agreements facilitate rapid, short-term deployment of emergency support from public or private sector
partners before, during or after incidents, especially if local resources are inadequate or overwhelmed. They can be
local, regional, statewide or interstate in scope. Additional information can be found in FEMA’s National Incident
Management System Guideline for Mutual Aid.
AGENDA ITEM #2. d)
Local Elected and Appointed Officials Quick Reference Guide
Learn more at fema.gov September 2022 4
Federal Disaster Financial Resources
The federal government can support jurisdictional governments that respond to and recover from disasters.
Additional information can be found in FEMA’s Local Elected and Appointed Officials Guide and Disaster Financial
Management Guide.
Key Stakeholder Considerations
Equity. As stated in Executive Order 13985, equity means “the consistent and systematic fair, just, and impartial
treatment of all individuals, including individuals who belong to underserved communities that have been
denied such treatment, such as Black, Latino and Indigenous and Native American persons, Asian Americans
and Pacific Islanders and other persons of color; members of religious minorities; lesbian, gay, bisexual,
transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) persons; persons with disabilities; persons who live in rural areas; and persons
otherwise adversely affected by persistent poverty or inequality.” The most at-risk members of communities
often experience the greatest losses from disasters.
Individuals with disabilities. Individuals with disabilities are protected by the Americans with Disabilities Act
(ADA) against being denied participation in or receiving benefits from emergency plans. Senior officials can use
their authority, contacts and influence to promote inclusion of people with disabilities living in the community in
the planning process so that their needs are met effectively during disasters.
Individuals with access and functional needs. Examples include, but are not limited to, individuals with
disabilities, elderly and populations having limited English proficiency, limited access to transportation, or limited
access to financial resources to prepare for, respond to and recover from emergencies. A “One-Size-Fits-All”
approach to emergency management planning, resourcing and information dissemination does not work for
individuals with access and functional needs. Senior officials and civic leaders play important roles in developing
plans and solutions that address the entire community.
Private sector organizations. Including private sector partners in planning activities can improve and accelerate
preparedness, response and recovery efforts. Senior officials may be helpful in connecting private sector
businesses and emergency managers.
Voluntary and Non-Governmental Organizations. These groups may respond to a disaster with available
resources in accordance with the requirements of their internal policies and in cooperation with emergency
management or senior officials. See FEMA’s Engaging Faith-Based and Community Organizations guide for more
information.
Individual Preparedness. A community’s ability to respond to or recover from disasters depends on the level of
preparedness of every member. Basic individual preparedness requires enough resources to survive without
outside help for several days. Senior officials should work with emergency managers to identify groups in the
community that can help educate individuals, families and households about preparedness. Visit ready.gov for
resources.
AGENDA ITEM #2. d)