Frequently Asked Questions1. Question: Are Douglas County Schools prepared for disaster? 2. Question: How will I be warned of a disaster? 3. Question: What do I do if I don't hear a siren or witness a siren not working? 4. Question: Is there a designated radio or television station that broadcasts disaster information? 6. Question: What is the emergency plan for Douglas County? 7. Question: How can I prepare myself and my family for a disaster? 8. Question: How can I prepare my workplace for a disaster? 9. Question: What should I do if a disaster strikes and the phones don’t work? 10. Question: Will my mobile phone work in a disaster? 11. Question: Who is in charge when a disaster strikes? 12. Question: When disaster strikes, what is the best way to help other people in need?
1. Question: Are Douglas County Schools prepared for disaster? Answer: Douglas County schools have taken an active role in engaging their staff and students to respond appropriately to the sounding of outdoor warning sirens. Most schools in Douglas County have disaster plans and they train staff and conduct drills on a regular basis.
We encourage parents to ask school officials about their emergency plans. These plans include the manner and methods that school officials inform staff, students and parents to threats of concern. Have they practiced the plan? What do they want you to do in the event of an emergency at the school? Back to Top Answer: There are a number of other tools that emergency officials have to provide warning. a) News releases – If time allows, emergency officials may simply broadcast emergency information to the news media. We have methods in place to rapidly notify the media.
3. Question: What do I do if I don't hear a siren or witness a siren not working? Answer: If you witness a siren not working, or if you believe there is an issue with a siren located nearby, report this issue by calling 402-444-5040.
4. Question: Is there a designated radio or television station that broadcasts disaster information? Answer: There is no single designated station for emergency broadcasts. In the event of an emergency we encourage you to tune to a local radio or television news station for information. The major news broadcasters do a good job in providing current emergency information. Back to Top Answer: Emergency officials will assist people with special needs in an emergency. However, we have a limited number of emergency response personnel and it may take a while before the elderly and disabled get the support they need.
6. Question: What is the emergency plan for Douglas County? Answer: The jurisdictions in Douglas County have plans for how they will prepare for, respond to, and recover from a disaster. The plans are consistent with state and federal disaster plans. These plans identify the roles and responsibilities of key officials and departments, establish chains of command and reporting, and establish methods of communication and coordination. For more information see Community Plans & Planning.
7. Question: How can I prepare myself and my family for a disaster? Answer: Develop a disaster plan for your family and practice your plan. A good plan will include special considerations for children, pets, or others with special needs, as well as establishing an out-of-area contact to serve as a message board for you to leave messages for you and your loved ones. As another basic emergency preparedness step you should also assemble a 72- hour kit (as a minimum) with some emergency supplies. You can also take some mitigation steps around the home, school and workplace to lessen the extent of damage when a disaster does strike.
8. Question: How can I prepare my workplace for a disaster? Answer: As part of your employer’s responsibility for providing a safe workplace, they should have plans for protecting employee health and safety during a disaster. Employees should know what they should do in an emergency. They should know how to exit the facility safely and the evacuation meeting location.
9. Question: What should I do if a disaster strikes and the phones do not work? Answer: First of all, when disaster strikes, you should limit your use of the telephone. Use the telephone to call 9-1-1 if life and safety are at stake. This will leave the circuits open for more urgent calls.
10. Question: Will my mobile phone work in a disaster? Answer: It may or may not. Try texting your message if your voice call is not successful.
11. Question: Who is in charge when a disaster strikes? Answer: The chief elected official is responsible for their jurisdiction. In an emergency, the chief elected official or city manager delegates the responsibility for incident management to their applicable agencies. The most qualified person designated to be in charge of the incident is called the ‘incident commander’. This person has complete authority for direction and control of emergency operations. In major incidents, where the disaster overlaps jurisdictional boundaries or areas of responsibility, a ‘unified command’ may be established, where multiple commanders work together to manage the incident. This ensures that these stakeholders can fulfill their critical responsibilities. The incident commander or unified commanders must still answer to the elected official or city manager of the jurisdiction they represent.
12. Question: When disaster strikes, what is the best way to help other people in need? Answer: A good way to help is with donations of cash to credible non-profit organizations. The needs of disaster victims vary over time, so cash donations provide for the greatest flexibility. Cash donations can also help rebuild the economy of the impacted area. Be sure that you only donate to recognized organizations. Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for fraudulent individuals or organizations to take advantage of everyone’s desire to help people in need. Be sure to do your research. Monitor media outlets for a request for community volunteers. Follow the specific instructions on reporting times and places.
|