Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan: 18. Risk Assessment

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Chapter 18:Risk Assessment CHAPTER 18 - RISK ASSESSMENT In assessing vulnerability to various hazards,there are four categories of concern: • Emergency response capabilities. What are the components of an effective emergency response system for all hazards and how adequate and resilient are these facilities'? • Lifeline facilities. What are the critical lifelines to provide for our basic needs and do we need to relocate or fortify any of these facilities to withstand hazard risks? • Recovery capabilities. What facilities arc necessary to facilitate recovery after a disaster and how adequate are these facilities'? • Special at risk populations or areas. What special populations or areas require particular attention during emergencies for evacuation or to contain potential secondary hazards? This chapter inventories the facilities, populations, or areas in each of the above categories, and assesses their risk to hazards. 18.1 Emergency Response Facilities and Capabilities The County of Hawaii Emergency Operations Plan is the basis for the County's emergency response programs to promptly implement a fully coordinated response and measured appli- cation of resources when disaster threatens or occurs.12 Although fully functional, the plan needs review and updating since it is over ten years from the last revision. 18.1.1 Emergency Operations Center The Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is the command center during a civil emergency. In a major emergency, numerous agencies must carry out the many different functions needed in an emergency swiftly and well. Many of these functions are interdependent; one agency cannot do its job well without information from another-agency. The EOC activates at different levels depending on the emergency. For minor emergencies, activation would not go beyond the Civil Defense staff working with the Fire and Police de- partments, and operational decision making may transition to an incident command center at the scene as the emergency situation becomes clearer. For advance readiness for what may become a full emergency(e.g., issuance of a"watch"), limited activation of other agencies for the EOC is necessary to coordinate and support more complex field operations. A full disaster requires mobilization of the entire organization shown in Figure 18-1 to carry out and coordinate warning, evacuation,police, fire, rescue and ambulance services, mass care, damage assessment, debris clearance, health, medical and sanitation services, public works, radiological protection and any other service required to protect public health and safety. 82 County of Hawaii Emergency Operations Plan, 1989. 18-1 Hawaii County Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan