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11 <br /> Elected Official's Guide to Emergencies and Disasters <br /> • During disasters, resources can be scarce and hard decisions may be needed. As <br /> a representative for our community members, you may be asked to help guide <br /> policy objectives for the response. <br /> • Policy objectives are the desired outcomes for the response (example: I want my <br /> community members to have shelter during this disaster.) It's important to keep <br /> your vision as the big picture and let the responders determine the tactics of how <br /> to best meet the objectives set (example: we're going to open a shelters at these <br /> schools at these times with these staffing levels, etc..) <br /> Though officials have a responsibility to the residents and visitors of Orange <br /> County, it is also important to remember to account for the safety of your own <br /> families as well. <br /> • Be sure to keep family members updated on how to contact you. <br /> • Prepare ahead of time with a "grab and go" kit to ensure that they have provisions <br /> to take with them to a safe location, such as: <br /> o Food <br /> o Water <br /> o Personal items (medications, glasses, contact solution, etc.) <br /> o A more comprehensive list can be found in Appendix I: Creating and <br /> Emergency Kit or by visiting http://www.readVorange.org <br /> As a government official, you must recognize that your constituents will hold you <br /> responsible for the response to a disaster and any of its perceived failures. <br /> • You may be asked to help set policy/objectives and support resource prioritization <br /> and allocation. <br /> • Recognize the importance of accountability, but avoid interfering with the <br /> operational element of the disaster response. <br /> • Remember to confer with your colleagues when the situation becomes difficult, as <br /> they might be able to offer advice or guidance. <br /> Elected officials deal frequently with the media in disaster situations. <br /> • It is critical that all press interview requests and information about the situation on <br /> the ground first go through the PIO, the single point-of-contact for the media who <br /> can be contacted through the EOC. <br /> • Remember that all effective communication should always include the elements of <br /> credibility, honesty, empathy, and competency. <br /> • Officials will serve as the public face of the community and should strive to carry <br /> themselves in a manner that reflects this responsibility. <br /> When the disaster situation and recovery process is over, elected officials play the <br /> important part of listening to their residents and evaluating the successes and <br /> opportunities to improve the emergency response. <br /> • Through engaging in public forums and after-action briefings, we can better <br /> understand how to respond in times of need and what training and planning might <br /> help Orange County better prepare for future disasters. <br /> 8I <br />