Disaster Plan Resource Manual Allows Implementation of Procedure Without Panic

Abstract

In order to implement a disaster plan which will prevent chaos and panic in the event a disaster should occur, an innovative, user-friendly Disaster Resource Manual was developed by The Food and Nutrition Services Disaster Planning Team. This manual consists of general implementation guidelines; specific employee's responsibility assignment cards; action check-off list; emergency resources telephone list; one week of simplified menus that reflect the availability of food supplies and nutritional needs of target groups; and post-disaster assessment and follow-up action documentation form.The manual is designed to ensure each employee knows his/her responsibility and responds appropriately to the disaster situation. Color-coded placards are designed to differentiate between the types of disaster. These placards are to be placed on the impacted equipment to warn employees they are not available for use. Matched color-coded employee assignment cards also are included to distribute to the employee for enhancing communication, while providing clear direction and uninterrupted services with little or no consequences to hospital food service.Brief orientation and rehearsal session provided the opportunity to improve efficiency- of the plan and completion of imperative tasks without confusion through use of this manual. The manual is flexible in response to different disaster situations and requires minimal training for employees without prior knowledge of the formal disaster plan.