collaboration

The following scenario describes conditions in Central City in the
days immediately following a major weather event impacting the county’s
western edge. Using the four emergency management disciples
(preparedness, response, recovery and mitigations), the Incident Command
System (ICS) and the National Incident Management System (NIMS)
readings found in textbook and supplementary materials, provide written
response to scenario discussion points. The group assignment is due week 6. Start to discuss the project in you assigned groups this week.

Scenario

Central
City is part of Columbia County. The Roaring River is located in
Columbia County and runs through downtown Central City. On March 8,
after several days of unusually heavy rain and melting mountain snow,
the Roaring River overflowed, flooding Central City’s downtown business
area and the state’s utility complex. The entire downtown area is
underwater and without basic utilities (electric and water). Business in
the area has come to a standstill with many small store owners fearing
the worst once night sets in. Also affected by the power outage is a
nearby senior assisted living facility with more than 500 elderly
residents unable to leave and in need of medical care. A low-income
community located along the river’s edge has been isolated from the rest
of the city due to the rising floodwaters. Storm and sewer drains are
beginning to back up and garbage can be seen floating in the streets.

Due
to the lack of transportation, many city residents were unable to leave
the area when initial flood warnings were posted and are now stranded.
There have been numerous requests for medical attention in the area, and
several fires can be seen burning in the distance. Because the river
twists and turns throughout Columbia County, other cities within the
county are experiencing similar flooding conditions. The rain is
expected to continue for the next 12-24 hrs, followed by a drying out
and turning windy and cold.

1. Who are the 1st responders? What are their responsibilities?
2. What will be their biggest challenge?
3. What will is an immediate concern and what can wait?
4. What additional types of assistance (other than initial 1st responders) would be helpful here? How would they be used?
5. Does
   the fact that other Columbia County cities are also flooded and
   experiencing similar problems affect Columbia County’s capabilities to
   respond? What problems do you foresee? What are some solutions?
6. How would you classify this incident? Is it a high likelihood-low impact or a low likelihood-high impact? Explain?
7. Using the ICS, decide what type of command structure will be employed. Who will be part of your command structure?
8. What two circumstances may turn this event from an emergency to a disaster and what are your options once that happens?
9. What type of assistance can you expect from state? Describe the process for requesting state / federal assistance.
10. Once
    the floodwaters recede and the conditions return to normal, city
    council members will be looking for suggestions to avoid this type of
    disaster in the future. What mitigation recommendations can you make?

Paper Submission Requirements:

• Your response should be 4-6 pages in length (double spaced).
• Paper must include a “reference page” not included in the 5-8-page minimum.
• Use APA format.
• Power Point Presentation (10-12 slides) should summarizes paper findings and highlight key points. You can search the web for photos to include in your presentation (no videos).

Resources for Assessment:

• Textbook Reading: Introduction to Homeland Security, chapter 9
• NIMS Documen