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Official's Guide to Disasters <br /> Preparedness <br /> Preparedness within the field of emergency management can be best defined as a state <br /> of readiness to respond to a disaster, crisis, or any other type of emergency. <br /> Preparedness activities, such as planning, community education, training, and <br /> exercises, occur before an incident or disaster happens. It is important that you prepare <br /> by having plans and supplies for both your home and workplace. Equally important is <br /> communicating and practicing those plans with your family and co-workers. <br /> What YOU can do to prepare: <br /> • Make sure you have developed an adequate emergency preparedness plan for <br /> you and your family. You can find more information about preparedness via <br /> www.ReadyO range.org. <br /> • Discuss emergency preparedness with your staff. <br /> • Have water, non-perishable food, essential documents, phone numbers, and <br /> other supplies on hand to be able to be self-sufficient for 72 hours. <br /> • Make sure your personal vehicle is ready to go (chains, fuel, tires, etc.). <br /> • Get a briefing on preparedness activities from the appropriate official. <br /> • Attend training, either locally or online through FEMA at the Emergency <br /> Management Institute (EMI). http://training.fema.clov/EMIWeb/IS <br /> Response • <br /> In the event of a major disaster, the county and additional levels of government will work <br /> together to respond successfully to disasters through the North Carolina Emergency <br /> Services hierarchy. Your role as an elected official is not primarily operational but there <br /> are a number of responsibilities you will carry out in the event of disaster. <br /> During a disaster or incident, you are likely to receive calls from your constituents. <br /> Through these conversations, you may be able to collect information from residents and <br /> businesses that you can funnel to the appropriate departments for action, via the EOC <br /> (919-245-6150). <br /> It is up to everyone, especially elected and appointed officials, to help manage public <br /> expectations about what government can or cannot provide during or after a disaster or <br /> incident. It is helpful when you assure constituents that local government is still <br /> functioning and assure them that we will work very hard to get back to normal as quickly <br /> as possible. <br /> In the event of an emergency situation, the county uses the CodeRED® alerting system <br /> to spread information across the county. This system utilizes the following elements: <br /> • Phone notifications <br /> • Email notifications • <br /> Emergency Management Cycle Page 3.2 <br /> Version Date-April 9, 2012 <br />