Organizational placement of the local emergency management agency establishes the relative importance of emergency management

Organizational placement of the local emergency management agency establishes the relative importance of emergency management

Question 1
Organizational placement of the local emergency management agency establishes the relative importance of emergency management to the community. In some communities, emergency management is an independent agency with a line of authority directly to the city/county manager or mayor. In other cities, the emergency manager may report to the police chief or fire chief. Do you believe organizational placement matters? How does this impact the vulnerability analysis for this community? What, in your opinion, is the optimal placement of emergency management in your community (given the political and financial realities)? Why?

Question 2
Access and view the “Anytown USA” simulation. Review and gather data on the county government building. How important is this building to the community? What would be the impact on the city if this building was destroyed? As the emergency manager for Anytown, what considerations would you need to plan for regarding evacuations and communications (Community notifications, responder interoperable communications, communication between agencies) for this area based on the needs of the various stakeholders in the community. Start the evacuation point from the exterior of the building. Do not be concerned with the interior escape plan.