Weather-Related Diasters Homework Help

Topic: Weather-Related Diasters

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Background:
The New Madrid Seismic Zone is considered by some to be one of the more threatening faults in the U.S.. These opinions are based on the less-stringent building codes than other regions and also because the sandy soil has the potential to liquefy and spread through much of the central U.S. The urban areas of St. Louis, Memphis are in immediate danger. Experts estimate an earthquake in that area may be as high as 7.2. Death toll estimates range from 5,000 – 190,000 so it is difficult to plan.
Assignment:
For purposes of this paper, assume you are the emergency preparedness planner for a local medical/health/public health/veterinary organization in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. Research the NMSZ to gain perspective on the potential impact on Cape Girardeau should there be a significant earthquake in this region.
What are your key planning priorities as a medical/health/public health organization to ensure your organization and the community are aIDressing the critical issues of life safety and continuity of operations should there be a major earthquake along the NMSZ? Assuming your organization has adopted an "all-hazards" approach to planning, how do you incorporate other key risks such as hazardous material leaks and explosions (CBRNE) which are likely to occur during an earthquake? What are the key competencies that staff within your organization must have to ensure effective and efficient responses?
Note: I am asking you to think about this from the perspective of an emergency preparedness planner for a single medical/health/veterinary facility, not from the perspective of the county emergency manager. Stay focused on one organizations planning considerations. Also, there are aspects of earthquake mitigation such as building codes that are important and effective but likely beyond the ability of a single planner to change. You are welcome to include these regulatory considerations but you must also focus on the planning aspects that can be developed, implemented and exercised such as plans for food safety, medical surge, animal safety, worker safety, evacuation, etc.