Availability of staff and operational needs may allow or require positions to be combined, or positions to not be filled (responsibilities held by the next higher position.) The diagram above aligns Emergency Support Functions (ESFs) with ICS Staff sections. This alignment may be modified as required by the disaster situation or the municipality’s political or programmatic needs. Continuity of government procedures are specified in the Elected Officials checklist. When the EMC receives notice of a potential emergency from the federal Homeland Security Advisory System, from the National Weather Service watches and warnings, or from reliable sources, partial activation of the EOC in preparation for the emergency will be considered. Communication, Alert and Warning will be provided to the public via the Emergency Alert System (EAS). Other systems will be utilized as available. During non-emergency times, information regarding emergency plans and actions to be taken by the public, in the form of public information / education materials, will be provided to the public via municipal newsletters, brochures, publications in telephone directories, municipal web-sites, etc. In the event of an evacuation, the population (or segments thereof) will evacuate using their own vehicles, or be transported from the identified affected area(s) to safe havens. Depending upon the hazard factors, the host areas may be located within or outside the municipality. Evacuees are expected to follow the direction and guidance of emergency workers, traffic coordinators, and other assigned emergency officials. Pre-designated evacuation routes will be utilized whenever safe and practical. Critical intersections will be staffed by traffic control personnel to facilitate an orderly flow of traffic. Emergency workers should complete pre-emergency “family plans” addressing such issues as transportation and evacuation locations for immediate family members (Spouse and children). IV. ORGANIZATION AND ASSIGNMENT OF RESPONSIBILITIES COMMAND
Assists in the development, review and maintenance of the EOP; Responds to the EOC or the field, as needed; Coordinates with the Hazardous Materials Team as appropriate; Coordinates decontamination and monitoring of affected citizens and emergency workers exposure to chemical or radiological hazards; Advises elected officials and the EMC about HAZMAT activities; and Performs other responsibilities as assigned by the Section Chief. Public Safety and Security Branch (ESF # 13): Develops and maintains the checklist for the Public Safety and Security function; Assists in the development, review and maintenance of the EOP; Responds to the EOC or the field, as needed; Coordinates security and law enforcement services; Establishes security and protection of critical facilities, including the EOC; Provides traffic and access control in and around affected Assists with route alerting and notification of threatened population; Assists with the evacuation of affected citizens, especially who are institutionalized, immobilized or injured; Assists in the installation of emergency signs and other traffic movement devices; Assists in search and rescue operations; Advises elected officials and the EMC about Public Safety and Security operations; Establishes and provides security services to any shelter locations operating in the municipality; Assists shelter operators with the screening of clients with regard to criminal history background checks including sex offenders; Establishes security patrols for any evacuated areas, conditions permitting; Cooperates with other law enforcement agencies regarding investigations, crime scene security, etc.; and Performs other responsibilities as assigned by the Section Chief. PLANNING SECTION (EMC or as delegated): Responsible for ensuring the accomplishment of the Emergency Management branch responsibilities. Section Chief may retain branch director responsibilities, or delegate them, depending on the situation and availability of personnel. Section Chief coordinates work assignments to the branch director(s) and reports to the EOC manager on the progress and status of assigned missions. Emergency Management Branch (ESF # 5):