This paper an outline of tasks done by the Public Works personnel during the times of emergencies. This paper shows the response needed for such emergencies to be properly contained. The emergencies include oil spills or leakages of hazardous materials to the surrounding environment which pose a great danger if not well contained. The body that leads such emergency operations if the National Response Team which was mandated to oversee 16 federal agencies who work together and closely in environment, transport and emergency management to ensure planning, preparation for and response is done efficiently.
The public works which is headed by the National Response Team is made up of the agencies which ensure coordination of federal planning, the full preparation and response action in the emergency scenarios. This cuts across management of emergency operations, administering public health, the transportation of emergency personnel and equipment and the detailed environmental analysis of such disasters to ascertain the best course of action.
Their major tasks include
Planning of emergencies and how to respond to them once they happen. This will include proper staffing of the departments with the kits necessary, evacuation equipment needed, the training required for the evacuation personnel, the precautions to take while on site and the plan B to follow in case plan A fails. Planning will also ensure assessment of risks is done before hand so that proper notification is given on the situation on the ground. This allows for all parties to know the situation analysis implication and hence effectively place workable mechanisms in mitigating the emergencies Nicholson, William, (2005).
Another important role is the conduction of risk assessment and analysis. Three components the risk analytical part, vulnerability analytics and lastly the documentation of hazards identified are key. This three show the extent of the situation, damage expected, susceptibility of life and probable injury to any ones given life. This location of the hazards is achieved by the Process Hazard Analysis. Damage is analyzed and the extent analyzed. Response plan can be drafted once the risk analysis being conducted is completed and this also allows the response and emergency committee to ascertain which equipment to use. Priority areas are easily identified.
The other task for public works during emergency response is resource management. Different federal agencies are equipped differently in the preparation of emergencies. Standard operational manuals can be circulated to different agencies to ascertain all equipment necessary in case of a hazard is available. Frequent repairing of damaged equipment and servicing of the same is key to ensure every equipment works properly Coombs, Sherry, (2012). Public works also conduct capability assessments where different agencies can ascertain their ability to effectively control an emergency. This includes assessing facility resources which can ascertain ability of equipment, safeguarding material available, possible change of tactic, product reformulation if found unsuitable to work effectively, operational capabilities can also be conducted where mock tests can be conducted to ascertain preparedness of staff and also locals. Drills can also be randomly conducted to test for emergency situations preparedness.
Warning and emergency situation notification of the public are also as important. Emergency agencies can use the outlined communication channels which are readily available to notify the general. This prevents additional injuries from occurring and also helps citizens and staff to take precautions Direction and control during the evacuation process is also mandated to the response team. The fire marshals first save people’s lives during evacuation before saving of any property is done. This is key to ensure there are minimal fatalities if any at all National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, (1985).
References
Coombs, W T, and Sherry J. Holladay. The Handbook of Crisis Communication. Chichester, U.K: Wiley-Blackwell, 2012. Print.
National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health. Occupational Safety and Health Guidance Manual for Hazardous Waste Site Activities. Washington, DC: DHHS Publication No. 85-115, 1985.
Nicholson, William C. Homeland Security Law and Policy. Springfield, Ill: C.C Thomas, 2005. Print.