Come on, leaders! Another year of disasters and we’re still doing analysis? What have we learned? In February 2010, natural disasters hit. Chile had a tremendous earthquake. Tsunami warnings were posted along the Pacific seaboard and in Hawaii. Blizzards paralyzed the east coast of the United States.
Now, in 2011 there is devastation resulting from a tsumani and earthquake in Japan. A tsumani warning has spread to the pacific coast in the United States and there is the threat of a radioactive disaster issue in parts of Japan too. It is devastating to watch the television coverage about the impact from the earthquake and ripple effect.
Must I ask the question again that warrants an opportunity for leaders to make sure they are prepared? What are our leaders really doing to solidify emergency preparation? Here are excerpts from my March 2010 blog post on this same issue.
Chile appears to be a country prepared with emergency teams ready to step into action given high seismic activity in the region. Likewise, Japan has an emergency preparation plan in place since a devastating 1995 earthquake that includes stronger accountability with building codes, flood walls, evacuation procedures, and elaborate warning systems.
But, why does it seem that we are still studying these issues in many places worldwide rather than rolling out an implementation plan? Where isn’t there a national slogan or mandatory workplace or school notification other than “Disaster Highlights: News at 11”?
These circumstances beg the question for leaders to regularly promote proactive planning and emergency procedures. Why not be proactive rather than wait for an emergency situation to strike? How can each of us be leaders in our homes, neighborhoods, and municipalities. What can we do to better document procedures, reinforce emergency drills, and properly post an emergency plan?
It’s not time for hysteria or sensationalism about if, when, and where the next natural disaster will happen. We cannot live in fear. It’s time to roll out a plan and national campaign to better position ourselves in case of any natural disaster.
Emergency Preparation and Preventative Strategies Checklist
- List primary and emergency contact information for your organization’s leaders (i.e., home and cell phone numbers, address, electronic mail, etc.)
- Review accurate safety, security, and emergency plans
- Post and distribute emergency procedures and contingency plans, if you or other leaders are incapacitated
- Develop and update regularly emergency awareness programs
- Complete in-service or training classes about how to handle a crisis
- Designate organizational spokesperson to discuss with media, constituents, and other interested stakeholders
- Review organizational protocols to allow for emergency meetings
- Compile a list of emergency service telephone contact information
-Dawn McCoy, author of Leadership Building Blocks: An Insider’s Guide to Success
