Meeting the Changing National Preparedness and Response Needs for the Public in a Crisis

Abstract

ABSTRACT Today, 24/7 news and social media herald, “Another Disaster!” The gap widens between public expectations – what is wanted – and what government emergency responders can deliver. Further, public trust in government evaporates when individual stakeholders fan anger, fear and frustration, through social media blogs and other media. The authors analyze current U.S. policy guidance, IOSC papers, after-action reports, and practitioner experience to identify gaps where stronger guidance, connectivity, and effort could improve emergency response and preparedness. US efforts will be contrasted with international standards published and implemented in Europe. US Coast Guard incident management doctrine now requires engagement and coordination with the broad range of community and leadership stakeholders. Meeting the concerns of that broader set of stakeholders requires: 1) a significant commitment of resources by industry and government to address the needs of stakeholders, and 2) the development of skills in crisis responders, and their leaders, that can assure the confidence (trust) of their community. The authors' recommendations focus on improving shared responsibilities for successful collaboration in the following general areas: 1) the role of government, policy and regulation, to insure proper early actions during large incidents and spills of national significance; 2) the roles of leaders, their preparedness and capabilities to manage the incident in the role of the Incident Commander; 3) plans needed to meet information management demands of large complex organizations stood up during a catastrophic incident; and 4) the development of collaborative and coordination approaches to meet the needs of stakeholders both inside and outside of the response organization.