CEM Planning & Preparedness Strategies 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A jurisdiction completes a THIRA and identifies a capability gap in mass casualty management. The logical next step is to:
- Immediately request a federal disaster declaration
- Document the gap in the Stakeholder Preparedness Review (SPR) and develop a strategy to close it (Correct answer)
- Suspend all related training until the gap is resolved
- Transfer responsibility for the function to a neighboring county
Correct answer: Document the gap in the Stakeholder Preparedness Review (SPR) and develop a strategy to close it
The SPR captures capability gaps identified through the THIRA and guides investment and planning decisions to address those shortfalls.
Question 2: Which section of an EOP typically describes how the jurisdiction will transition from normal operations to emergency response?
- Direction, Control, and Coordination section (Correct answer)
- Administration and Finance section
- Authorities and References section
- Recovery Annex
Correct answer: Direction, Control, and Coordination section
The Direction, Control, and Coordination section outlines activation procedures, EOC operations, and the chain of command during escalating incidents.
Question 3: What is the key difference between mitigation and preparedness in the emergency management cycle?
- Mitigation occurs after a disaster; preparedness occurs before
- Mitigation reduces risk before a disaster; preparedness builds capability to respond when it occurs (Correct answer)
- Preparedness includes rebuilding infrastructure; mitigation involves writing plans
- Both terms are interchangeable in federal guidance
Correct answer: Mitigation reduces risk before a disaster; preparedness builds capability to respond when it occurs
Mitigation actions (e.g., building codes, floodproofing) reduce the likelihood or impact of hazards, while preparedness builds the capacity to respond effectively when an event does occur.
Question 4: Which type of plan specifically addresses how an organization will maintain essential services during a major disruption at its primary facility?
- Local Mitigation Plan
- Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) (Correct answer)
- Mass Casualty Incident Plan
- Resource Management Plan
Correct answer: Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP)
A COOP ensures that essential functions continue during emergencies through alternate facilities, delegations of authority, and succession procedures.
Question 5: In preparedness planning, the term 'whole community' approach primarily means:
- Involving only government agencies in the planning process
- Engaging all segments of the community—individuals, businesses, NGOs, and government—in preparedness (Correct answer)
- Focusing resources on the wealthiest neighborhoods first
- Limiting planning to jurisdictions with populations over 50,000
Correct answer: Engaging all segments of the community—individuals, businesses, NGOs, and government—in preparedness
The whole community approach recognizes that effective preparedness requires participation from all community members and organizations, not just government agencies.
Question 6: Which planning standard requires that jurisdictions integrate access and functional needs into their EOPs?
- Stafford Act Section 403
- ADA Title II and Executive Order 13347 (Correct answer)
- NFPA 1600
- CFR Title 44 Part 201
Correct answer: ADA Title II and Executive Order 13347
ADA Title II and Executive Order 13347 require that emergency planning activities be accessible and inclusive of individuals with disabilities and functional needs.
Question 7: A 'functional exercise' differs from a tabletop exercise because it:
- Involves discussion only, with no resource deployment
- Activates personnel and tests functions in real time without a full-scale field deployment (Correct answer)
- Requires actual deployment of field resources and equipment
- Is conducted exclusively in a classroom setting
Correct answer: Activates personnel and tests functions in real time without a full-scale field deployment
A functional exercise tests the activation and coordination of EOC functions and communications in real time but stops short of deploying resources in the field.
CEM Planning & Preparedness Strategies 4
A jurisdiction completes a THIRA and identifies a capability gap in mass casualty management.
The logical next step is to: