Portable Sanitation Association International

Association Insight October 4 2017

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W EEKLY EDITION OCT 4, 2017 Industry Resources in Emergency and Recovery Situations Note: The recent hurricanes in the Caribbean and southeastern U S have shone a spotlight on how emergency response works – or doesn't work – in these areas. The following article on how to better prepare your company for action when disaster strikes was published in the PSAI's 2017 Industry Resource Directory. PAGE 11 46 2017 INDUSTRY RESOURCE DIRECTORY In the United States, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is responsible for the overall response framework. Members operating in other countries should check with their national government to learn their planning structure. Whether you are located in the United States or elsewhere, portable sanitation company leaders should be informed about the plan and proactively decide how to participate in the response to disasters that may affect them. FEMA's Framework. The National Response Framework, published in 2013, is a guide to how the US responds to all types of disasters and emergencies. It is built on scalable, !exible, and adaptable concepts identi"ed in the National Incident Management System to align key roles and responsibilities across the country. This Framework describes speci"c authorities and best practices for managing incidents that range from the serious but purely local to large-scale terrorist attacks or catastrophic natural disasters. This National Response Framework is always in effect, and elements can be implemented at any time. The structures, roles, and responsibilities described in this Framework can be partially or fully implemented in the context of a threat or hazard, in anticipation of a signi"cant event, or in response to an incident. Selective implementation of National Response Framework structures and procedures allows for a scaled response, delivery of the speci"c resources and capabilities, and a level of coordination appropriate to each incident. PSAI Members interested in reviewing the entire document can download it from www.fema.gov. Local Planning. In the United States, FEMA is responsible for the overall response framework, but the agency does not work in a vacuum. State and local authorities are required to develop local plans and, in some cases, to practice or drill on key response techniques. Because "rst responders such as police, ambulances, and "re"ghters cannot meet the scope of need in the immediate aftermath of a disaster, Community Emergency Response Teams (CERTs) are also in place in most well-populated areas. Volunteering on a CERT is a good way to engage with the emergency plans of your community. For information about the CERT program where you live or do business, visit www.fema.gov/community- emergency-response-teams. FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY (FEMA) Virtually all nations and municipalities have disaster mitigation plans. Depending upon the nature of the crisis, portable sanitation and related portable services such as showers and laundries may play a role in serving a community in the process of recovery. Information in this section has been taken from various publications of the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Visit www.fema.gov for more information. INDUSTRY RESOURCES IN EMERGENCY AND RECOVERY SITUATIONS CON TINUE D ON PAGE 12

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