Managing Homeland Security Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Managing Homeland Security - Essay Example I will be working with the city planners and commission to evaluate the existing zoning laws and building codes. We will work with the local and state law enforcement agencies to analyze any potential for man made threats. As risks are encountered, I will work with the appropriate agency or department to resolve any budgetary concerns that are needed to take corrective action. As we work to reduce the risk and minimize the impact, we will also be preparing for a disaster should one strike. We will work with FEMA to draw up an appropriate response plan, and coordinate getting key people the necessary training that they may require. We will also develop a communications system and contact list so that we will be prepared to communicate with the appropriate local, state, or federal agencies and people as needed. We will be appointing numerous emergency planners in the major institutions and organizations in the community that we can coordinate our activity with in the event of an emergency. This will include the public utilities, hospitals, highway department, and public transportation. We will also work with local, state, and federal officials to assure that the city has the necessary resources needed during a disaster. This includes hospital supplies, fuel, and critical survival materials. In the event of an emergency or disaster, our department will coordinate the appropriate level of response. We will be responsible for contacting and monitoring the wide variety of agencies that may be needed. This will vary depending on the type of disaster, but may include fire and rescue, medical personnel, geologists, or the weather bureau. We will have a public information officer that will act as an information liaison between these agencies and the public in an effort to keep the people well informed. The disaster may be able to be handled locally, or may involve FEMA or specialized hazardous materials personnel. We will work with the public utilities to resolve issues with the gas and electric supply. We will also work with public transportation and the highway patrol in the event that an evacuation is needed. As the damage is assessed after the emergency, this department will begin to work to restore the city and its infrastructure. We will work with state and federal agencies in regards to funding and the availability of material resources. Some things may be able to be restored immediately, such as utilities, but other projects may be longer term, and managed by state or federal agencies. Temporary housing may be needed, as well as day-to-day supplies to maintain our daily life. While this department does not directly perform these functions, we assure the correct agency is responding appropriately. 2.) One of my first acts as the Emergency Management Coordinator would be to form an Emergency Planning Committee by selecting some key members from the police department, fire department, and the hospitals, as well as other agencies and organizations. I would then work with the committee to draw up an emergency response plan that outlined the roles of the various agencies in the event of an emergency. One of our first duties would be to create a contact list and a communications plan. I would