Response & Recovery, Questionnaire Example

Question 1: Describe your role in the clean up of the Hart Senate building in 2001.

The National Response Framework sponsored by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) provides a summary of the activities that are conducted when a serious hazardous threat occurs that could impact the lives of many people (DHS, 2008). This strategy supports a comprehensive approach to activities management that focuses on the different coordinated response efforts that occur, including several levels of organization, such as the Emergency Support Function Annex, the Support Annex, the Incident Annex, and Partner Guides (DHS, 2008). Each of these factors is instrumental in providing a strong infrastructure in the event of a hazardous event that requires a multi-level response, and each level requires an effective understanding of the roles and expectations of the other levels so that the response effort is successful (DHS, 2008). In addition, this framework emphasizes the importance of government knowledge-based and material resources in supporting the development of a response effort that will manage the hazardous event safely and seamlessly (DHS, 2008). This framework requires a strong network of leadership in order to accomplish the desired objectives, while also considering the role of flexibility and support in managing these needs effectively (DHS, 2008). The efforts also require a strong understanding of the risks associated with a hazardous event that could have a lasting impact on individuals and communities if they are not managed properly and in a timely manner (DHS, 2008). It is expected that the challenges of developing a strong infrastructure will require an extensive multi-layered response effort that is not only organized, but also reflective of the opportunities available to support positive outcomes to enhance security and protect local residents (DHS, 2008). In the context of the Anthrax incident, this coordinated response effort was effective in containing the hazardous event without serious threat to a larger segment of the population; however, this was a learning experience because it provided greater insight into the weaknesses of the system and the areas where new directions were essential. HAZMAT teams are essential contributors to any disaster-related event at the time of the incident; however, it is also important to utilize these teams prior to incidents so that optimal preparedness is achieved when an actual incident occurs. This will demonstrate the value of training individuals prior to an event so that the response runs smoothly.

Question 2: What are some of the differences between cleaning up following a biological event vs something like a chemical spill?

Cleanup after a serious hazardous event requires a strong and experienced response effort from a variety of agencies. The cleanup phase is instrumental in reducing any long-term risks associated with the event and the potential outcomes that might occur. To be specific, there are several steps associated with the response effort, including Notification of the incident, First Response to the event in order to evaluate its severity, Characterization of the agent used to cause biological harm, Decontamination of the areas affected, Clearance of the area and additional testing, and Restoration and Reoccupancy of the area (Raber et.al, 2011). This response effort requires experts from HAZMAT and other agencies to assess the area and provide an initial analysis of the event to protect residents from exposure to the biological agent (Raber et.al, 2011). Furthermore, characterizing the agent is necessary in order to determine the best course of action to protect residents from further risk or damage to their health (Raber et.al, 2011). The incident must be properly managed at all levels in order to accomplish the desired objectives of the team and to reduce the risks associated with exposure as best as possible (Raber et.al, 2011). These efforts are essential to the discovery of new strategies that might be effective in managing future responses (Raber et.al, 2011). In response to the challenges of the Anthrax incident, a coordinated response effort is necessary in order to achieve successful results that will demonstrate the ability of agencies to work together and to address an incident as best as possible without delays (Raber et.al, 2011). This is a continuous challenge because it reflects a capacity to utilize the skills and knowledge of the response team in a manner that will lead to effective outcomes for those affected by the incident either through direct or indirect exposure to the biological agent (Raber et.al, 2011). Decontamination is necessary when individuals are exposed, including the area where they were first exposed and any other areas where they have moved prior to the arrival of the HAZMAT team.

References

Raber, E., Hibbard, W.J., and Greenwalt, R. (2011). The national framework and consequence management guidance following a biological attack. Biosecurity and Bioterrorism: Biodefense, Strategy Practice, and Science, 9(3), 271-279.

U.S. Department of Homeland Security (2008). National Response Framework. Pp. 1-82.