Managing Expectations

1. Managing Expectations During A DisasterJeff Byard Executive Operations OfficerAlabama Emergency Management Agency

2. Managing Expectations • All Disasters are political/local • Who is responsible for managing expectations? • How to manage expectations

3. All Disasters are Political • There are three main reasons behind this statement: • Disasters affect people • Disasters involve public policy • Disasters invariably invite public interest

4. Expectations From The Public • What are some expectations during disasters? • FEMA is coming • Government will make me whole • Emergency response will be coordinated and come quickly

5. Managing Expectations • Do you have standing priorities? • Do you know your roles and responsibilities as defined in your local emergency operations plan? • Do you know all of the Non-Governmental Organizations that can provide recovery assistance within your area of responsibility?

6. Standing Priorities • Life Saving • Incident Stabilization • Protection of Property • Needs/Damage Assessment

7. AEMA Responsibilities • Provide timely and accurate information for senior elected officials and the general public. • Manage the flow of state, federal, and private resources, services, and personnel to the incident. • Establish and provide a unity of response, recovery, coordination, and control.

8. Expectations and Messaging • Who is going to be responsible for public messaging? • Is that going to be coordinated within county/municipal governments? • Which entity will share with the public and media?

9. Needs vs. Numbers Needs – A condition in which something necessary is required Numbers – A large quantity or collection

10. Numbers and Thresholds • Numbers = Thresholds • Thresholds = Yes or No • Numbers are important and play a key role in assistance(Individual Assistance/Small Business Administration/Public Assistance)

11. Numbers Problem - Timing • Asking for damage numbers in the immediate aftermath puts us in a box. At this point the focus shifts to the expectation of FEMA assistance • Chasing numbers can waste resources and focus

12. Numbers Problem - Message • Discussing numbers gives the perception we are/or will be seeking FEMA assistance, whether its really needed or not. • The State stands ready to address the identified needs of the county with state resources. • Numbers are compiled locally and all initial questions need to be directed to the locals. • The State does not have the authority to declare incidents under the Stafford Act.

13. Needs • We must immediately focus on immediate needs of the survivors. If done at all levels of government we will have a more effective and efficient response. • We must shift from, “What are your numbers?” to, “What are your needs?” • Needs fit into all of our Standing Priorities.

14. Needs - Timing • In the aftermath of a disaster, the state’s responsibility is to gain situational awareness and to unify and coordinate efforts to meet the immediate needs of survivors. • Establishing a 48 hour rule will better unify efforts at all levels. Unity of effort should be focused on priorities. • By allowing 48 hours to gain situational awareness, we can better position the state for recovery.

15. Needs - Process • All elected officials and first responders will know that the state response system will be focused on the immediate needs of survivors. • Implementation of the 48 hour concept will allow for a more deliberate transition from response to recovery. • Allows for better unity of our response effort.

16. Effective Expectation Management • Know your disaster plan • Know your resources • Prior planning prevents confusion and the unknown • Establish standing priorities • Unified talking points

17. Questions?