Strategies in Emergency Preparedness for Transportation-Dependent Populations - Coursework Example

Emergency Management Strategies in emergency preparedness for transportation-dependent populations The devastating events cause damage to property and people. There is the need to prepare in advance for any eventuality to mitigate the losses caused by the emergencies. For instance, the hurricanes in Florida should be used as a measure of the level of preparedness needed at all times. Adequate plans should be put to ensure that that reliable procedure is followed during an emergency especially a transport emergency. In this regard, it is prudent to establish safety rules and regulations tailored at protecting human life. The transport sector is crucial given that the majority of commuters across the world use public means of transport. In case, an accident has occurred the authorities, and the community must be versed to be adopted in handling the victims and the potentially vulnerable groups of people in the correct procedures. The most vulnerable people, in this case, are older, deaf, blind, mentally challenged and lower-income earning people. Introduction The challenged people are vulnerable because given that access necessary resources and transport information in case of emergencies. The private means of transportation would provide safe transportation, but the group must use public transport. Proper planning must be done to ensure that the group is accommodated like the other normal citizens. Cognitive disability is a critical challenge given that, the victims can never understands the magnitude of the emergency and the measures to take during the occurrence and afterward. The fact that the challenged people have mobility problems implies that any emergency exacerbates the situation. The concerned authorities must make appropriate plans to ensure that plans are made in advance for the safety of the less fortunate in society. The importance of planning and co-ordination The transportation needs of the physically and mentally challenged people are many. In this regard, there must be planning, and coordination of the transport means. According to Coppola and Maloney (2009), proper planning will culminate in successful accident response initiatives. Consequently, many lives could be safe. The development of emergency operation plans. The plans streamline the emergency response efforts of the parties concerned. The planning process ensures the utilization of available resources. The policies developed during the planning stage are implemented subject to the environmental scanning and emergence profile of a particular place. The agencies responsible for safe transportation of people must be accountable for every emergency. There should be collaboration and synergistic working among the parties concerned. The accident in the transportation sector requires swift and spontaneous response in order to mitigate huge losses caused by the emergencies (United States, 2010). The agencies, which are responsible for safe transportation of the less fortunate in society, must undergo proper training. The training will impart vital skills to enhance proper response to emergencies in the transportation sector. The transportation authority should liaise with the medical authorities to ensure quick response to any eventuality. Coordination and communication among the agencies, government and the transportation authority are mandatory. It will ensure prompt response in attending the casualties of an emergency. Identification of people in need of transportation Emergencies require prompt response. Different people are negatively affected by the accidents in different ways. It is important for the rescue agencies to establish the need each casualty needs in order to apply the correct first-aid and medication. James (2008) claims that a community should cooperate in the rescue mission in order to reduce the impact of the emergence of the people. The agencies should also identify the potentially vulnerable people and evacuate them from the scene of the emergency. The collaboration can only be achieved through efficient communication among all the concerned parties. Advocacy organizations are also crucial in the maintenance of safety of the vulnerable in transportation. The agencies help in representing the less fortunate in legal battles. The agencies also ensure that the victims are adequately compensated for the loss. The faith-based organizations can also assist in the identification of people with disabilities. The registration of the people can emergency by volunteers from different walks of life. The geographical location of the study is important because it ensures that the people of a particular community are engaged in the process of seeking needy persons. The emergency response plans ensure that specific places are identified for the evacuation of the vulnerable groups in case of an emergency. The transportation means should also be planned for in order to set aside buffer funds. The comprehensive plans and the ascertainment of the specific number of people who need the rescue help will enhance responsiveness. The incorporation of the community in the process of identification of the vulnerable people promotes objectivity because the needy are known in their respective communities. The workforce development agency will also play a major role in the identification of the vulnerable individuals in society. According to Ayothiraman (2008), it is plausible for the authorities concerned to link the services available to the needs of the vulnerable people before any emergency occurs. This initiative will provide insight into the gap between the available services and the needs of the people who need transportation. The agencies should comply with the privacy rights of the needy people. The innovative will prevent the stigmatization of the needy persons. Public involvement and community outreach A partner network must be established to ensure that there is proper coordination in the process of identifying and accommodating the needy persons. Efficient communication and fortitude are critical in the process of handling the less fortunate people. Patience is also essential because the people need special treatment and counseling. Communication will be boosted by the application of sophisticated technology. The technological application will enhance understanding of the operation among the members of the community. There should be personal caregivers in the plan. The individuals will need to cooperate with the other parties to ensure the preparedness of the less privileged for any eventuality. According to Boyd et al., (2013), the enlightenment of the population in the emergency response plans enables the people to be aware of the measures to take in the event of an accident. Additionally, the teachings reduce panic and wastage of resources during an emergency. The agencies involve in the emergency response program can use e-mail, and virtual conferencing to ensure that the plan covers many of the targeted people. The platform can also be used to update the needy people of the required action in case of any eventuality. The other people who have no access to the computers can use the other communication channels like the mass media medium. Communication will reduce the number of casualties in case of emergency, and the needy people must rehearse on responding to emergencies. The evacuation measures require cooperation and swift action. The plans also entail the identification of stop locations and the particular routes to follow in case of an emergency. The identification of all the required items will enhance the response to an emergency. The public must be informed of the entire plan of emergency response and preparedness plan in order to avoid confusion. Equipment and vehicle support Emergencies require a combination of different equipment and vehicle in order to stalk the occurrence. For instance, securement equipment and vehicles are required at short notice. The transport authorities also need to respond to the emergencies in the sense that some routes must be cleared to allow the evacuation process to take place. The arrangements with the transport authority and other partners should be formalized to ensure accountability for the failure of any part of the plan. According to Canton (2007), the formalization of the agreements made by the different stakeholders of the initiative will ensure that service delivery is quality and satisfaction. The formalities also reduce the ad hoc decision-making associated with the emergency occurrences. Consequently, operations are done objectively. Although, every emergency requires a specific response, everybody should be prepared to respond according to the emergency. It implies that the teams concerned with the response and preparations should undergo rigorous training on various aspects of emergency. Conclusion There are many strategies pertaining to the people dependent on transportation for their mobility. The group requires prior planning of an emergency because any emergency would easily lead to their demise. The unique nature of the accidents promotes creativity of the strategic emergency response team. The team must devise critical ways of approaching difference emergencies with precision and within a limited time. The innovativeness and creativity of the team are indispensable. This process enhances better response and preparedness for the disabled people for posterity. References Ayothiraman, R. (2008). Earthquake hazards and mitigation. New Delhi: I.K. Internat.l Publ. House. Boyd, M. A. et al, (2013). Paratransit emergency preparedness and operations handbook. Washington, D.C: Transportation Research Board. Canton, L. G. (2007). Emergency Management: Concepts and Strategies for Effective Programs. Hoboken: John Wiley & Sons. Coppola, D. P., and Maloney, E. K. (2009). Communicating emergency preparedness: Strategies for creating a disaster resilient public. Boca Raton: CRC Press. James, R. K. (2008). Crisis intervention strategies. Belmont, CA: Thomson Brooks/Cole. United States. (2010). Transportation of hazardous materials. Washington, D.C: Congress of the U.S., Office of Technology Assessment. Read More