II. Preparing for Emergencies (Readiness)

Crisis & Emergency Management Centre

www.cemac.org -- www.crisis.be

READINESS: Preparing for Emergencies

 

Establishing Readiness is the second stage of the Emergency Management Circle in the 4R-model.

The aim of these activities is to develop an crisis response capability, by describing the processes of the major actions, by acquiring the necessery equipment, by training people and by doing exercises.

 

All four of these complementary activities are required to create Readiness:

  • Emergency Planning
  • Logistical Studies
  • Staff Training
  • Exercises

Emergency Planning

 

We perform all-hazard qualitative, semi-quantitative and quantitative(*) risk inventory, analysis and evaluation.

Traditionally we use the RYSKITM-methodology because it is directly linked with our emergency planning tools, but other techniques can be used if required by a client or by legislation.

The aim of risk assessment is to "get a feeling" of relevant risks, their possible impact and how an oraniation can respond to them.

 

The RYSKITM-methodology is a very easy, almost intuitive approach that results in the creation of a paper of digital catalogue of relevant risks, contributing factors and an estimation of the consequences using 4 criteria. RYSKITM, developed by CEMAC, has served as basis for a project for local risk assessment for the Belgian authorities and is compatible with the UN's APELL methodology.

 

(*) Quantitative analyses are done with the assistance of parnter organiations.

Logistical Studies

 

Once the risk assessment has been done, the major issue is: what do we do with the risks?

 

Ideally risks can be eliminated (prevention), but for most risks this is not an available option.

Alternatives can be:

  • Mitigation: reduction of the impact
  • Transfer: to another level in the production chain or to someone else in society
  • Insurance: which is a specific and formal form of transfer of the consequences
  • Emergency planning: prepare for the incident to happen

     

    In most cases the choice will not be A or C or B but a mix of the available measures.

    CEMAC assists in the development of the optimal mix. To do this, we can also call upon risk management experts from some of the leading Insurance brokers worldwide.

     

Staff Training

 

The best emergency plan with adequate resources will not function, unless all key stakeholders know what is expected from them and have been trained.

 

We offer generic (open to all) and in house training on a wide range of topics, related to crisis management at strategic, tactical and operational level.

 

Specific training for crisis management teams includes:

  • introduction to emergency management
  • decision making
  • command & co-ordination
  • situational awareness training
  • training with "your own emergency plan"
  • crisis communication
  • emergency logistics
  • exercise control
  • training & exercise plan development
  • ....

Exercises

 

We provide a full service for all types of crisis management (emergency response) exercises:

  • MOBEX (Mobilisation Exercise)
  • TTX (Table Top Exercise)
  • CPX (Command Post Exercise)
  • FTX (Field Training Exercise)
  • MCX (Mixed Component Exercise)
  • VIREX. (Virtual Exercise)

     

    The package can include all of the following:

  • Scenario development
  • Practical organisation
  • Development of the assessment methodology
  • Exercise organisation / direction with Exercise Control Staff (ECS)
  • Animation: role playing
  • Observation & Evaluation

 

 

Our 4R Model

  • REDUCTION
  • READINESS
  • RESPONSE
  • RECOVERY