Building on previous WRHSAC IRAA projects and following up on feedback from multiple exercises conducted in the region, the WRHSAC Individuals Requiring Additional Assistance (IRAA) Standard Operating Guidance (SOG) and Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan (CEMP) Annex project was established. The working group for the project is compiled of responders from throughout the region and state agency partners including DPH, MEMA and the State Office of Disability. FFY2010 funded.
This project established checklist style Functional Needs SOGs for municipal Emergency Management Directors (EMD), shelter managers and other first responders. It developed a Functional Needs CEMP Annex template for municipalities to use as a guide. The SOP and Annex were tested and augmented through regional tabletop exercises conducted in January 2013.
The project concluded with the Whole Community Preparedness Summit through which further education and outreach on the documents and the matter of Whole Community was provided. FEMA defines Whole Community as “an approach to emergency management that reinforces ….that we must leverage all of the resources of our collective team in preparing for, protecting against, responding to, recovering from and mitigating against all hazards; and that collectively we must meet the needs of the entire community in each of these areas.” Over 100 people from a broad cross section of public, private and non-government health and safety organizations attended. At the end of the Summit, participants were able to:
- Understand how to meet the needs of everyone we serve, including Individuals who Require Additional Assistance (IRAA)
- Understand how to engage and empower all parts of the community.
- Understand how to strengthen what works well in our communities on a daily basis.
The American Red Cross provided an exhibit displaying the items required in a shelter in order to meet the needs of everyone.
The Bright Spot Therapy Dogs attended and were a highlight of the day.
Several vendors were on hand sharing information on available technology, equipment and services related to Whole Community inclusion.
The IRAA SOG and CEMP Annex templates are tools that EMDs and their partners can use to build comprehensive emergency response plans in their communities. WORD versions are available. Please contact Susan Brown, Homeland Security Program Manager.