A FRAMEWORK FOR MAJOR EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT GUIDANCE DOCUMENT 2 A GUIDE TO PREPARING A MAJOR EMERGENCY PLAN

Transcription

1 A FRAMEWORK FOR MAJOR EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT GUIDANCE DOCUMENT 2 A GUIDE TO PREPARING A MAJOR EMERGENCY PLAN JANUARY 2010

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3 Intrductin t A Guide t Preparing a Majr Emergency Plan A Framewrk fr Majr Emergency Management (2006) replaces the Framewrk fr Crdinated Respnse t Majr Emergency, which has underpinned majr emergency preparedness and respnse capability since The Framewrk sets ut the arrangements, by which the principal respnse agencies will wrk tgether in the management f large-scale incidents. This Guide t Preparing a Majr Emergency Plan is intended t supprt the Framewrk text and t prvide additinal guidance n the preparatin f Principal Respnse Agency Majr Emergency Plans. This dcument, like thers in the guidance series, is subject t regular review and, fr that reasn, it is requested that any cmments and/r insights that arise during its implementatin are fed back t the natinal level. Cmments shuld be addressed t: M.E.M. Prject Team, Fire Services and Emergency Planning Sectin, Department f the Envirnment, Heritage & Lcal Gvernment, Custm Huse, Dublin 1. 3

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5 Cntents Page Part 1 Generic Plan Activatin Prcedures Typical Mbilisatin Prcedure Cmmn Pages Part 2 Preparing an Agency Plan The Majr Emergency Plan Frmat Validatin f Majr Emergency Plans The Prcess Drafting a Majr Emergency Plan Plan Structure and Cntents Part 3 Plans fr Reginal Level C-rdinatin Mdel Plan Mdel f Sectin 9 f PRA Majr Emergency Plan 1

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7 Part 1: Generic Plan Activatin Prcedures When is the Majr Emergency Plan Activated? The Majr Emergency Plan f an agency is activated immediate fllwing a frmal declaratin by an Authrised Officer f the agency that a Majr Emergency exists. The Plan is als activated n the ntificatin f a declaratin f a Majr Emergency by any f the fllwing: An Garda Sichana The Health Service Executive A Lcal Authrity A Gvernment Department Wh can declare a Majr Emergency and Activate the Plan? Each agency has nminated Authrised Officers with the authrity t declare that a Majr Emergency exists. These fficers shuld be trained in and familiar with the prcedures fr declaratin under The Framewrk fr Emergency Management. Frmal Ntificatin Message This is (State Name, Title) A (State type f Incident) Has ccurred/ is imminent at (State Lcatin) As an authrised fficer I declare that a majr emergency exists. Please activate the mbilisatin arrangements in the (Agency Name) Majr Emergency Plan Incident Infrmatin The Mnemnic METHANE used t structure and deliver initial infrmatin Majr Emergency Declared Exact Lcatin Type f Emergency Hazards, Present and Ptential Access / Egress rutes Number and types f Casualties Emergency services present and required 3

8 Typical Mbilisatin Prcedures Receipt f Initial Message in Cntrl/Cmmunicatins Centre The Cntrl/Cmmunicatins Centre f a Principal Respnse Agency can receive an initial message, regarding a pssible r cnfirmed Majr Emergency, in a number f different ways, as fllws: 1. A member f the public may call via the 112/999 system and reprt an event. The nrmal respnse t such infrmatin is t dispatch a pre-determined respnse t the incident site. 2. A staff member f the relevant Principal Emergency Service may cntact the Cntrl/Cmmunicatins Centre with details f an incident, in the frm f an ETHANE message. Based n the details prvided, the Cntrller n Duty may Declare that a Majr Emergency exists r may request further infrmatin. 3. An Authrised Officer f the agency may cntact the Cntrl/Cmmunicatins Centre with a METHANE message infrming Cntrl that she/he is Declaring that a Majr Emergency exists. Once a Declaratin is made, the Agency Majr Emergency Mbilisatin Prcedures are activated (see belw). 4. A partner Principal Respnse Agency may cntact the Cntrl/Cmmunicatins Centre with a METHANE message infrming the agency that a Majr Emergency has been Declared. Once a Declaratin is made, the Agency Majr Emergency Mbilisatin Prcedure IS activated (see belw). Cntrl/Cmmunicatins Centre Actins n Declaratin Once a Majr Emergency has been Declared, the Cntrl/Cmmunicatins Centre will activate the agency Mbilisatin Prcedure, which includes: Dispatching an apprpriate respnse t the scene Infrming/Cnfirming t the ther Principal Respnse Agencies invlved that a Majr Emergency has been Declared and the Majr Emergency Plan has been activated Activating the agency s Crisis Management Team Ntifying the Parent Department Initial Actins at the Site The initial respnders at the site frm each Principal Respnse Agency will rganise themselves and undertake tasks in accrdance with their wn Agencys Plans, Prcedures, Actin Cards, etc. 4

9 Cntrller f Operatins Each Principal Respnse Agency will have a Cntrller f Operatins at the site (r at each site) f the emergency. The mst senir fficer frm the initial respnse f each Principal Emergency Service will assume the rle f Cntrller f Operatins, until relieved, thrugh the agency s predetermined prcess. The rle f the Cntrller f Operatins includes: cntrlling the activities f his/her agency s services at the site, making decisins apprpriate t the rle, ensuring c-rdinatin with the ther PRAs, requesting the attendance f such services as are needed and seeking such advice as s/he requires. The Lead Agency As sn as they meet, the three Cntrllers f Operatin will determine which ne f the Principal Respnse Agencies is the Lead Agency. Once determined, the Lead Agency assumes respnsibility fr c-rdinatin; the Cntrller f Operatins f the Lead Agency acts as On-Site C-rdinatr; and infrmatin n the determinatin is cmmunicated t all parties invlved in the respnse. On-Site C-rdinatin Grup Once the Lead Agency is determined, the On-Site C-rdinatr will cnvene and chair a meeting f the On-Site C-rdinatin Grup. The functins f the On-Site C-rdinatin Grup include: sharing infrmatin; taking c-rdinatin decisins; addressing site management issues; and ensuring that public infrmatin messages and media briefings are c-rdinated. Lcal C-rdinatin Grup Away frm the site, a Lcal C-rdinatin Grup will be established at a pre-determined Lcal C-rdinatin Centre. This is a strategic grup cmprising the senir representatives f the Principal Respnse Agencies invlved, and ther grups r agencies, as apprpriate. The functins f the grup include: supprting the services at the scene; prviding strategic inter-agency guidance n any wider implicatins f the event; and cmmunicating with the Lead Gvernment Department. 5

10 TO ACTIVATE THIS PLAN An Authrised Officer OF... (Agency Name).shuld cntact..(centre Name).. Cntrl/Cmmunicatins Centre using the fllwing Cnfidential Numbers Name f Cntrl r Cmmunicatins Centre Telephne Number Back up Number Fax Number xxxxxxxxxxxxxx If these numbers are nt answered use 112/999 as an alternative The Authrised Officer shuld Ntify the Cntrl/Cmmunicatins Centre f the Declaratin f the Majr Emergency using the fllwing message frmat: This is.. (Name, rank and service).. A... (Type f incident)... has ccurred/ is imminent at (Lcatin)... As an authrised fficer I declare that a majr emergency exists. Please activate the mbilisatin arrangements in the..(agency Name).Majr Emergency Plan. After the declaratin is made the Authrised Officer shuld use the mnemnic METHANE t structure and deliver an infrmatin message. M E T H A N Majr Emergency Declared Exact Lcatin f the Emergency Type f Emergency (Transprt, Chemical, etc.) Hazards, present and ptential Access/egress rutes Number and types f Casualties 6

11 Typical Text frm a Lcal Authrity Plan (The same apprach will be fllwed in the ther PRA Plans) When the initial Declaratin f a Majr Emergency is made by an Authrised Officer f (name) Lcal Authrity, the Cntrller n Duty, as part f pre-set actins, will ntify the tw ther PRA s f the Declaratin and prvide infrmatin as available, using the fllwing numbers: Ambulance Cntrl at Telephne Number Back up Number Fax Number Xxxxxxx abc@gggg Xxxxxxx abc@gggg Garda Div. HQ at Telephne Number Back up Number Fax Number Xxxxxxx abc@gggg Xxxxxxx abc@gggg If these numbers are nt answered use 112/999 as an alternative. Where the Lcal Authrity Cntrl/ Cmmunicatins Centre receives ntificatin f a Majr Emergency Declaratin frm anther PRA, the Cntrller n Duty, as part f preset actins, will cnfirm t the ther tw Principal Respnse Agencies invlved that the Lcal Authrity Majr Emergency Plan has been activated. The Relevant CAMP Centre will prepare and circulate, by grup-fax and/ r grup , a written versin f the METHANE message t partner agencies Cntrl / Cmmunicatins Centers. (Nte A versin f these pages is placed inside the frnt cver f the Majr Emergency Plan f each PRA. As a result, each PRA will make and receive tw calls in relatin t any Majr Emergency Declaratin. The purpse f this crsscheck is t cnfirm that relevant PRAs are aware that a Majr Emergency has been Declared. It als ensures that the ntificatin/ cnfirmatin has cme frm an Authrised Officer.) 7

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13 Part 2: Preparing an Agency Plan A Framewrk fr Emergency Management (2006) requires, in Sectin 4, that a new Majr Emergency Plan, in a frmat cnsistent with this guide, and incrprating the prvisins f the Framewrk and its Appendices, shuld be prepared by each principal respnse agency. The Framewrk requirement is that: an intrductin t the plan by the Chief Superintendent in the case f a Divisin f An Garda Síchána; the designated Senir Manager in the case f each Health Service Executive area; the plitical head and the City r Cunty Manager in the case f each Lcal Authrity. This intrductin shuld summarise the cmmitment t effective Majr Emergency Management; Each principal respnse agency shuld prepare an individual Majr Emergency Plan which sets ut its arrangements t respnd t events ccurring in, r impacting n, its functinal area which require the declaratin f a majr emergency. The updated Majr Emergency Plan shuld be reviewed annually. The Majr Emergency Plan Frmat A cmmn frmat ensures that the cmmn arrangements, which prmte cperatin and c-rdinatin between agencies respnding t an emergency, are included in all Majr Emergency Plans. It als facilitates the validatin f Plans, and checking fr inter-service perability. While sme elements will be cmmn t all Majr Emergency Plans, each plan shuld be develped and written frm the individual principal respnse agency s perspective, setting ut hw it will perfrm its functins and hw it will wrk with partner principal respnse agencies and thers in the respnse. Sectin 4 f the Framewrk requires that: The Majr Emergency Plan f each individual agency shuld be cnsistent with the arrangements set ut in the Framewrk, cntain the sectin headings set ut belw, and shuld cnfrm with the further guidance in this guide. Activatin (Cmmn Pages) 1 Intrductin t the Plan 2 The Principal Respnse Agency and its Functinal Area 3 Risk Assessment fr the Area 4 Resurces fr Emergency Respnse 5 Preparedness fr Majr Emergency Respnse 6 The Cmmand, Cntrl and C-rdinatin System 7 The Cmmn Elements f Respnse Declaring a Majr Emergency Initial Mbilisatin Cmmand, Cntrl and Cmmunicatin Centres C-rdinatin Centres 9

14 Generic Infrmatin Management System Cmmunicatins Facilities Exercising the Lead Agency s C-rdinatin Rles Public Infrmatin The Media Site Management Arrangements Mbilising Additinal Resurces Casualty and Survivr Arrangements Emergencies invlving Hazardus Materials Prtecting Threatened Ppulatins Early and Public Warning Systems Emergencies arising n Inland Waterways Threatened/ actual Emergencies in the Irish Maritime SAR Regin Safety, Health and Welfare Cnsideratins Lgistical Issues/ Prtracted Incidents Investigatins Cmmunity/ VIPs/ Observers Standing-Dwn the Majr Emergency 8 Agency Specific Elements and Sub-Plans 9 Plan fr Reginal Level C-rdinatin 10 Links with Natinal Emergency Plans 11 Severe Weather Plans 12 Site- and Event-Specific Arrangements and Plans 13 The Recvery Phase 14 Review f the Majr Emergency Plan 15 Appendices. Validatin f Majr Emergency Plans Prir t issue, each Majr Emergency Plan shuld be submitted t the relevant Reginal Steering Grup n Majr Emergency Management. The Framewrk requires that: Each principal respnse agency s individual Majr Emergency Plan shuld be reviewed fr inter-perability with the plans f its partner principal respnse agencies and fr cnsistency with the Framewrk by the relevant Reginal Steering Grup n Majr Emergency Management. Any issues arising frm this review shuld be referred back t the principal respnse agency fr apprpriate actin. In case f disagreement, which is nt reslved by lcal discussin, the Natinal Steering Grup shuld be cnsulted and shuld decide the issue. 10

15 The Prcess The fllwing general prcess shuld apply t the preparatin f a Majr Emergency Plan: a persn/team with apprpriate backgrund, knwledge and experience f emergency management and f the agency shuld be mandated t prepare the Majr Emergency Plan; the persn/team shuld be tasked with preparing the plan within a given timescale, and shuld reprt t the persn with verall respnsibility fr majr emergency preparedness within the agency; there shuld nly be ne principal Majr Emergency Plan within the agency, all ther emergency plans shuld be sub-plans f the Majr Emergency Plan; the prcess f develping the plan shuld include cnsultatin with and input frm all relevant sectins/services f the agency; each sectin/service f the agency shuld be respnsible fr prducing the Sub- Plans/Prcedures/Cde Instructins/Actin Cards which are identified as necessary t supprt the Majr Emergency Plan, and having these apprved by the persn/ team with respnsibility fr the principal Majr Emergency Plan; the planning prcess within each agency shuld align with the reginalprcess, fr example, in terms f the risk assessment ; the Majr Emergency Plan shuld be endrsed/apprved by the relevant head f the agency s that its status is unambiguus; the Majr Emergency Plan shuld be disseminated, with cvering instructins, t all sectins/services and individuals with a rle t play; the principal Majr Emergency Plan shuld be prepared s that it can be made available t the public and media. Drafting a Majr Emergency Plan Every Majr Emergency Plan shuld include the sectin headings set ut abve and shuld address the issues raised under each f the sub-headings in the fllwing pages. While mst f the issues are self-explanatry, further clarificatin may be btained frm the relevant sectins f the Framewrk, the Framewrk Appendices and the Framewrk Guidance Dcuments. The fllwing general pints shuld infrm the drafting f each Majr Emergency Plan: the Majr Emergency Plan shuld cnfrm with this Guidance, the Framewrk, its Appendices and ther Guidance dcuments, and be cmpatible with Majr Emergency Plans f ther principal respnse agencies; 11

16 the plans shuld be written in clear, unambiguus language, aviding bureaucratic r technical jargn and acrnyms; the plan shuld strike a balance between including necessary detail and makingreference t ther dcuments, such as separate prtcls and prcedures; the plan shuld address the risk base and vulnerabilities described by the agency s risk assessment prcess; the plan shuld take accunt f the gegraphy and infrastructure f the area and any relevant lcal r reginal planning cnsideratins; the plan shuld summarize the resurces available t be used in respnse t emergency; (i.e. identify Garda/ Fire/ Ambulance Statins, Hspitals etc.) the plan shuld specify clearly (r refer t a prtcl/prcedures/actin cards which d s) the rles and activities f every service/participant with a respnsibility in the respnse. The plan shuld facilitate, as far as pssible, the extractin f detail n their rles and activities by all services, grups and individuals; the agency s internal cmmand, cntrl and c-rdinatin arrangements shuld be clearly specified; (including arrangements fr the agency s Crisis Management Team) the plan shuld specify prcedures and prtcls t be used t activate the plan, mbilise resurces and manage any emergency; and, the plan shuld be suitably illustrated with maps and diagrams t explain and supprt its cntents. Plan Structure and Cntents The fllwing pages utline the structure and cntents f a typical Principal Respnse Agency Plan. 12

17 MAJOR EMERGENCY PLAN OF VALID FROM: 13

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19 Cntents Sectin 1 Intrductin t Plan The Majr Emergency Plan shuld include an intrductry sectin that includes: an intrductin t the plan by the Chief Superintendent, in the case f a Divisin f An Garda Síchána; the Reginal Directr f Operatins, in the case f each Health Service Executive Regin; the plitical head and the City r Cunty Manager in the case f each Lcal Authrity. This intrductin shuld summarise the cmmitment t effective Majr Emergency Management; a reference t the Majr Emergency Plan being prepared in accrdance with requirements f the Gvernment decisin and being cnsistent with A Framewrk fr Emergency Management (2006). the bjectives f the Majr Emergency Plan Prtectin and care f the public at times f vulnerability Clear leadership in times f crisis Early and apprpriate respnse Efficient, c-rdinated peratins Realistic and ratinal apprach, capable f being delivered Transparent systems, with accuntability Harnessing cmmunity spirit The eths f self prtectin Maintenance f essential services Safe wrking the scpe f the Majr Emergency Plan and the situatins/cnditins in which the Plan will be activated; the relatinship/inter-perability f the Majr Emergency Plan with ther emergency plans; the language/terminlgy f the Plan; the distributin f the Plan; the status f the Plan and when and hw it will be reviewed/updated public access t the Plan Sectin 2 The Principal Respnse Agency and its Functinal Area The Majr Emergency Plan shuld include a sectin describing, in general terms, bth the agency and the functinal area cvered by the Plan. This sectin shuld: intrduce the agency, its functins in emergency management, and its respnse capability (in general high-level terms); intrduce the bundaries and characteristics f area; 15

20 intrduce partner principal respnse agencies and their assigned functins in majr emergencies; and, intrduce the regin t which the principal respnse agency belngs fr majr emergency preparedness purpses, and the areas frm which it may receive mutual aid (r may cntribute aid t) via the Plan fr Reginal Level Crdinatin. Sectin 3 Risk Assessment fr the Area The Majr Emergency Plan shuld include a sectin describing briefly the main characteristics f the principal respnse agency s functinal area, frm a majr emergency perspective. This sectin shuld be derived frm the risk assessment prcess undertaken in accrdance with Sectin 2 f the Framewrk and shuld cntain the utput frm that prcess t include the fllwing: a summary f the risk assessment and a reference t its lcatin; the general and specific risks that may be faced lcally and reginally; a list f the scenaris selected as exemplars n which preparedness is based; and a list f any site/event specific emergency plans that exist r are required (further detail is required in sectin 12). This sectin shuld highlight the links between these plans and the Majr Emergency Plan and state the requirement fr their cmpatibility with the Majr Emergency Plan. Sectin 4 Resurces fr Emergency Respnse The Majr Emergency Plan shuld include a sectin that: describes the structure/resurces/services f the agency which may be activated; specifies any special staffing arrangements, such as vluntary basis call-in f ffduty staff, and arrangements fr managing spntaneus vlunteering by staff; intrduces ther rganisatins/agencies that may be mbilised t assist the principal respnse agency, such as: The Defence Frces Civil Defence The Irish Red Crss Vluntary Emergency Services The cmmunity affected Utilities Private Sectr describe hw mutual-aid will be sught frm neighburs; intrduce the reginal level f c-rdinated respnse; and, 16

21 intrduce the arrangements fr seeking natinal/internatinal assistance where required. Sectin 5 Preparedness fr Majr Emergency Respnse The Majr Emergency Plan shuld cntain a sectin that sets ut the steps taken t ensure preparedness fr majr emergencies within the agency, including: the incrpratin f majr emergency management int the agency s business planning prcess; the assigning f respnsibility fr leading preparedness, bth within the agency itself and inter-agency; the dcumentatin f a majr emergency develpment prgramme t ensure that the agency has the necessary arrangements, systems, peple and resurces in place t discharge the functins assigned t it by the Framewrk; the nminatin f cmpetent individuals and alternates t the key rles identified in the plan; the develpment f Supprt Teams fr Key Rles and the preparatin f Operatinal Prtcls and Actin Cards setting ut the arrangements which will enable the agency s Supprt Teams t be mbilised and functin; the implementatin f a cmprehensive training and develpment prgramme fr thse staff hlding Key Rles and staff wh will make a cntributin via Supprt Teams; the implementatin f an internal exercise prgramme, with clearly defined and prgressive bjectives, t validate the agency s preparedness fr respnding; the implementatin f jint/inter-agency training and exercise prgrammes with its partner agencies in the Majr Emergency Regin; the allcatin f specific resurces, including a budget fr preparedness; the arrangements t authrise prcurement and use f resurces (including engaging third parties) t assist in the respnse t majr emergencies; and, the arrangements fr the annual appraisal f preparedness within the agency and fr the submissin f that appraisal t the relevant Reginal Steering Grup n Majr Emergency Management and Natinal Headquarters/Parent Department. Sectin 6 The Generic Cmmand, Cntrl and C-rdinatin Systems The Majr Emergency Plan shuld cntain a sectin that illustrates and describes hierarchies and relatinships between the varius elements that make up the respnse. These may be set ut fully in separate referenced dcumentatin but shuld cntain the fllwing headings: 17

22 Cmmand Arrangements: Within individual services belnging t the agency; Cntrl Arrangements: Of all services/sectins f the agency which respnd. This shuld include the decisin making mandates f the agency s Cntrller f Operatins, the On-Site C-rdinatr and the Chair f the Lcal C-rdinatin Grup and include the arrangements fr the Crisis Management Team at agency headquarters; Of external rganisatins/agencies mbilised t assist the agency during the respnse; Supprt arrangements fr the cntrl functin; C-rdinatin Arrangements Intrduce the lead agency cncept and the pre-determined and default arrangements fr establishing a lead agency fr c-rdinatin purpses; Specify hw the agency will perfrm the On Site C-rdinatin functin, including arrangements fr supprt teams; Specify hw the agency will perfrm the c-rdinatin functin at the Lcal C-rdinatin Centre; Specify hw c-rdinatin is t be achieved in ther specific circumstances: - Hw mutual aid and reginal level c-rdinatin will perate; - Hw links with Natinal Emergency Plans will perate; - Hw links with Gvernment Departments will wrk. Sectin 7 The Cmmn Elements f Respnse The Majr Emergency Plan shuld cntain a sectin, with relevant sub-sectins, setting ut hw the fllwing cmmn elements f the respnse t any majr emergency will be implemented. Declaring a Majr Emergency Set ut the arrangements fr declaring a majr emergency and activating the prvisins f the Majr Emergency Plan in accrdance with Sectin 5.1 f the Framewrk (See Part 1 f this Dcument); The standard frmat f the infrmatin message METHANE shuld be set ut in the Plan. 18

23 Initial Mbilisatin Set ut hw the agency s initial mbilisatin f resurces will take place. The agency s Majr Emergency Mbilisatin Prcedure shuld be detailed in Appendix 1 f the Plan. (This appendix will nt be publicly accessible) Cmmand, Cntrl and Cmmunicatin Centres Specify which Cmmand, Cntrl and Cmmunicatin Centre(s) will be used t mbilise, supprt and mnitr the Principal Emergency Services, and ther services f the agency and briefly describe these. C-rdinatin Centres Specify hw On-Site C-rdinatin is t be supprted including the mbilisatin f a dedicated c-rdinatin vehicle where applicable; Specify where and hw the agency s Crisis Management Team will perate; and Specify the lcatin f pre-determined Lcal C-rdinatin Centres, which are within the functinal area, hw these are t perate, and hw the agency will supprt these if it wns the Lcal C-rdinatin Centre. Generic Infrmatin Management System Specify hw Infrmatin Managers will be selected and activated; and Specify hw the cmmn infrmatin management system will be used and hw Infrmatin management will be supprted within, and transferred between, the varius crdinatin centres. Cmmunicatins Facilities Outline the cmmunicatins systems that each element f the agency (including its emergency services) relies n, and describe these briefly, including cmmunicatin prtcls and prcedures; Specify the mechanisms fr inter-agency cmmunicatin n site, including prtcls and prcedures; and Outline the arrangements fr cmmunicatins between Site and C-rdinatin Centres. Exercising the Lead Agency s C-rdinatin Rles Indicate hw the lead service nminatin is t be reviewed and transferred, if apprpriate; and Indicate hw the agency will rganise and deliver the c-rdinatin functin during Majr Emergencies where it is the lead agency 19

24 Public Infrmatin Specify the agency s rle in situatins where early warning and special public warning arrangements are needed; Specify arrangements fr the prvisin f telephne/help line/infrmatin line cntact numbers, and handling f cntacts with dedicated telephne lines; Outline the steps t be taken by the agency t infrm the public as t what actin they shuld take in the event f becming invlved in an emergency situatin; Reference shuld be made t any Natinal/ lcally distributed publicatins that may assist the public during an emergency. (i.e. the Office f Emergency Planning handbk). The Media Outline arrangements fr liaisn with the media (ref: Guidance Dcument 5: A Guide t Wrking with the Media); Outline arrangements fr media n-site; Outline arrangements fr media at Lcal and/r Reginal C-rdinatin centres; Outline arrangements fr media at, r adjacent t, ther lcatins assciated with the majr emergency e.g. agency headquarters, hspitals and mrtuaries. Site Management Arrangements Specify the generic site management elements/ arrangements, and specify the agency s rle in making decisins abut these arrangements as well as disseminating and implementing them; Specify hw cntrl f access is t perate, and hw the persnnel and services f the agency are t be identified at the varius lcatins assciated with the emergency; Garda nly Specify hw air exclusin znes are t be determined and implemented, via the Irish Aviatin Authrity, as apprpriate Mbilising Additinal Resurces Specify the arrangements fr mbilising rganisatins that may carry ut/ prvide supprt t the agency. Where the Framewrk r its Appendices require that the mbilisatin f an external rganisatin/agency shuld be thrugh the Majr Emergency Mbilisatin Prcedure f anther principal respnse agency this shuld be stated here. External rganisatins/agencies that shuld be referenced in this sectin include: Defence Frces; Civil Defence; The Irish Red Crss; 20

25 Vluntary Emergency Services; Utilities; Private Sectr. Specify arrangements fr liaisn with utilities; Specify arrangements fr integratin f casual vlunteers as apprpriate; Specify arrangements fr cmmand, cntrl, c-rdinatin, integratin and dembilisatin f rganisatins mbilised t the site; Specify hw mutual aid arrangements are t perate; Casualty and Survivr Arrangements General Specify arrangements fr the rescue and care f Casualties and Survivrs and the agency s rle in this; Injured Specify arrangements fr the triage, treatment and transprt t hspital, where necessary, f injured persns, and the agency s rle in this; Specify arrangements fr transprting lightly injured and uninjured persns frm the site, and the agency s rle in this; Health Service Executive nly: Specify arrangements fr a Casualty Clearing Statin, Ambulance Lading Pint, the designatin f Receiving Hspitals; give general strategies fr the distributin f injured casualties Fatalities Describe the Crners rle and hw the agency supprts this; Specify arrangements fr dealing with fatalities, bth n and ff-site, including Bdy Hlding Areas and Temprary Mrtuaries, and the agency s rle in this; Specify arrangements fr identificatin f the deceased, and the agency s rle in this; Survivrs Specify arrangements fr dealing with uninjured survivrs wh require supprt, including the designatin and peratin f Survivr Receptin Centres; Casualty Infrmatin An Garda Síchána nly: Specify hw Casualty Bureau is t perate; 21

26 Health Service Executive and Lcal Authrity nly: Outline hw the Casualty Bureau is t perate and hw this agency will assist An Garda Síchána in the cllectin and cllatin f casualty infrmatin; An Garda Síchána and Health Service Executive nly: Specify hw infrmatin n Casualties is t be transferred t An Garda Síchána by the Health Service Executive, including the rle f the Garda Casualty Infrmatin Officer at the Receiving Hspital(s) and hw this is facilitated by the hspital(s). Outline the prcedure, purpse and details f triage clur labeling and cards; Friends and Relatives Receptin Centres Specify hw friends and relatives f casualties are t be prvided fr, and the agency s rle in this; Nn-Natinal Casualties Specify arrangements fr situatins which invlve nn-natinal casualties and the agency s rle in this, including freign language cmmunicatin resurces; Pastral and Psych-scial Care Health Service Executive nly: Specify pastral and psych-scial supprt arrangements fr Casualties and ther affected members f the public. Emergencies invlving Hazardus Materials Outline arrangements fr dealing with majr Hazardus Materials incidents and the agency s rle in this; Specify arrangements fr dealing with CBRN incidents and the agency s rle in this; Link the Majr Emergency Plan with the Sub-Plan/Prtcl/Cde Instructin fr dealing with bilgical incidents (such as the suspected Anthrax incidents f 2001); Link the Majr Emergency Plan with the Sub-Plan n respnse t activatin f the Natinal Pandemic Influenza Plan; Link the Majr Emergency Plan with the Sub-Plan n respnse t activatin f the Natinal Emergency Plan fr Nuclear Accidents; Specify arrangements fr clinical, persnnel and mass decntaminatin and the agency s rle in each. 22

27 Prtecting Threatened Ppulatins Specify hw decisins in this regard are t be made and implemented, and the agency s rle in this; Identify and specify evacuatin arrangements, including evacuee receptin centres, accmmdatin and welfare arrangements, and the agency s rle in this; Health Service Executive nly: Specify arrangements fr the invlvement f thepublic Health service where apprpriate. Early and Public Warning Systems Specify hw the agency mnitrs ptentially hazardus situatins and decides when t issue warnings, and hw these warnings are t be created; Specify hw warnings are t be disseminated. Emergencies arising n Inland Waterways Specify lcal arrangements fr liaisn with the Irish Cast Guard Each agency s Plan shuld nte that the Irish Cast Guard has respnsibility fr receiving 999/112 calls and the mbilising f resurces t inland waterway emergencies. Threatened r actual emergencies in the Irish Maritime SAR Regin Outline the arrangements fr liaisn with the Irish Cast Guard in the event f a maritime emergency. (Ref: A Prtcl fr multi-agency land based respnse t marine emergencies prtcl). Safety, Health and Welfare Cnsideratins Specify that the principal respnse agency is respnsible fr safety, health and welfare f its staff, and set ut the agency s safety management prcedures and preparedness. Outline that cmmand supprt arrangements at the scene f the emergency shuld assign respnsibility fr the versight and management f the safety f the agency s rescue persnnel. Specify that a Danger Area may be declared at the site, where there is a definite risk t rescue persnnel ver and abve that which wuld nrmally pertain at emergency peratins. Specify that the agency is respnsible fr the health and safety f its staff when they perate within the Danger Area. Specify the prcedures and evacuatin signal fr the Danger Area. Lcal Authrity nly: Specify hw physical welfare f respnders (fd, shelter, tilets) is t be prvided; Outline hw agency will prvide apprpriate psych-scial supprt fr its wn persnnel. 23

28 Lgistical Issues/ Prtracted Incidents Specify arrangements fr rtatin f frnt line rescue/field staff; Specify arrangements fr re-rganising nrmal emergency and ther services cver in areas depleted by cmmitments t the Majr Emergency; Specify arrangements fr initial and nging welfare fr field staff. Investigatins Specify that An Garda Síchána will retain cntrl f site and lead investigatins arising frm the emergency, and agency s rle in supprting this; Outline hw agency will ensure its emergency respnse functins are carried ut t minimise disruptin f evidence, and hw persnnel will prvide infrmatin/ chain f evidence fr An Garda Síchána; An Garda Síchána nly: Specify hw ther parties with statutry investigatin rles will liaise with An Garda Síchána e.g. Air Accident Investigatin Unit, Health and Safety Authrity, etc Cmmunity/ VIPs/ Observers Outline hw links are t be established with cmmunities affected by an emergency; Outline arrangements fr receiving VIPs wh wish t visit; Outline arrangements fr natinal/ internatinal bservers. Standing-Dwn the Majr Emergency Specify hw the status f the emergency, as well as the varius services f the agency, will be std-dwn; Specify hw peratinal debriefing and reprting f activity will be undertaken. Sectin 8 Agency Specific Sub Plans This sectin f the Majr Emergency Plan shuld refer t the status and methd f activatin f the sub plans f the Agency Majr Emergency Plan, such as Hspital Plans, Pllutin Plans, Casualty Bureau Plan, etc., which are listed in Appendix. Sectin 9 Plan fr Reginal Level C-rdinatin This sectin f the Majr Emergency Plan shuld set ut hw the prvisins f the Plan fr Reginal Level C-rdinatin will be invked and perated. A Mdel f Sectin 9 fr a typical PRA Majr Emergency Plan is included in Part 3. 24

29 Sectin 10 Links with Natinal Emergency Plans 1 Each Majr Emergency Plan shuld cntain a sectin setting ut hw: The Plan may be activated n request frm a bdy acting under the prvisins f ne f the fllwing Natinal Emergency Plans: Natinal Emergency Plan fr Nuclear Accidents Natinal Public Health (Infectius Diseases) Plan Animal Health Plan The Plan may be activated n request frm a Minister f Gvernment in light f an emergency/ crisis situatin. Sectin 11 Severe Weather Plans In the case f each Lcal Authrity, the Majr Emergency Plan shuld have a specific Sub- Plan fr respnding t severe weather emergencies, whether majr emergencies are declared r nt. The Sub-Plan shuld include the Lcal Authrity s respnse plan fr Flding Emergencies (Ref: Guidance Dcument 11: A Guide t Fld Emergencies); Severe Weather Cnditins (Excluding Flding Emergencies). Sectin 12 Site- and Event- Specific Arrangements And Plans The Majr Emergency Plan shuld identity sites/events, arising frm the risk assessment prcess described in Sectin 2 f the Framewrk, where specific plans/ arrangements exist fr respnding t emergencies. The Majr Emergency Plan shuld set ut the generic arrangements gverning the respnse t such sites/events, whether a majr emergency is declared r nt, and it shuld cntain reference t the specific plans fr the sites/events. The Majr Emergency Plan shuld identify sites arising frm the Eurpean Unin (Cntrl f Majr Accident Hazard) Regulatins, i.e. the Seves Regulatins, where specific plans/ arrangements exist fr respnding t emergencies. The Majr Emergency Plan shuld set ut the generic arrangements gverning the respnse t such sites/events and shuld cntain reference t the specific plans fr the site. (Ref: Guidance Dcument 10: Guidance fr thse Principal Respnse Agencies that are designated as Lcal Cmpetent Authrities under SI N 74 f 2006) 1 Arrangements invlving the principal respnse agencies in Natinal Emergency Plans will be agreed in the first instance n their behalf thrugh the Natinal Steering Grup 25

30 Sectin 13 The Recvery Phase The Majr Emergency Plan shuld cntain a sectin that deals with the agency s invlvement in the recvery phase, including the fllwing c-rdinatin arrangements: Supprt fr Individuals and Cmmunities Outline hw individuals and cmmunities affected by the emergency will be supprted during the recvery phase Outline hw public appeals and external aid are t be rganised and managed Clean-Up Lcal Authrity nly: Outline arrangements fr clean up f sites/remval f debris/decntaminatin f sites f emergency and the agency s rle in this; Restratin f Infrastructure and Services Outline hw restratin f infrastructure and services is t be achieved, and the agency s rle in this including: - Prcedures and arrangements fr mnitring the situatin; - Prcedure fr liaisn with utilities; - Hw the rder f pririties are t be determined; - Prtectin measures against cntinuing hazards. Sectin 14 Review f the Majr Emergency Plan The Majr Emergency Plan shuld cntain a sectin setting ut hw the plan is t be reviewed and amended as necessary: Internally, within the agency, n an annual basis; Externally with the ther principal respnse agencies at the Reginal Majr Emergency Grup and by the Natinal HQ/Parent Department; After every declaratin f a majr emergency and activatin f the Plan the fllwing aspects shuld be reviewed and reprted upn: 26

31 The agency s perfrmance f its functins (internal); The c-rdinatin functin (external and jintly with ther principal respnse agencies). Sectin 15 Appendices The Majr Emergency Plan shuld include appendices cvering the agency s Majr Emergency Mbilisatin Prcedure and any Sub Plans/Prcedures/Cde Instructins referred t in the plan. 27

32 Appendix 1 Majr Emergency Mbilisatin Prcedure The task f implementing the Majr Emergency Mbilisatin Prcedure shuld be assigned t a cmmand, cntrl r cmmunicatin centre t make cntact with staff/resurces/facilities that are t be mbilised. The Majr Emergency Mbilisatin Prcedure shuld spell ut the rder f mbilisatin and may include cascade mbilisatin. 28

33 Appendix 2 Majr Emergency Lcal C-rdinatin Grup Mbilisatin Prcedure This prcedure shuld prvide fr cntact being made with the nminated members f the Lcal C-rdinatin Grup and cnfirming, which Lcal C-rdinatin Centre will be used fr the emergency, the time the grup will cnvene and any ther arrangements necessary t facilitate the Lcal C-rdinatin Grup t perfrm its functins. 29

34 Appendix 3 List f Sub-Plans/Prcedures/Cde Instructins 30

35 Part 3: Plans fr Reginal Level C-rdinatin The Framewrk requirement is that: Each principal respnse agency shuld, thrugh the Reginal Steering Grup n Majr Emergency management, participate in the preparatin f a Plan fr Reginal Level C- rdinatin, which sets ut its arrangements t respnd at a reginal level. Each principal respnse agency shuld include relevant aspects f this Plan fr Reginal Level C-rdinatin within its wn Majr Emergency Plan. The Plan fr Reginal Level C-rdinatin shuld be cnsistent with the arrangements set ut in the Framewrk, and be prepared t cnfrm with the guidance set ut in this dcument. The Plan fr Reginal Level C-rdinatin shuld be reviewed n an annual basis. In certain circumstances the Framewrk prvides that the lcal respnse t a majr emergency may be scaled up t a reginal level respnse, where the nature f the majr emergency is such that: the resurces available in the lcal area where the incident happens d nt appear t be sufficient t bring the situatin under cntrl in an expeditius and efficient manner; r the cnsequences f the emergency are likely t impact significantly utside f the lcal area; r the incident(s) is spread acrss mre than ne Lcal Authrity r Divisin f An Garda Síchána; r the incident ccurs at r clse t a bundary f several f the principal respnse agencies. Activatin f Plan fr Reginal Level C-rdinatin During a majr emergency which satisfies ne r mre f the criteria listed abve, the chair f the Lcal C-rdinatin Grup may declare a reginal level emergency and activate the Plan fr Reginal Level C-rdinatin. The key impact f a declaratin f a reginal level emergency is that extra principal respnse agencies (ther than the Garda Divisin, HSE Area and Lcal Authrity which are initially invlved) are brught fully int the respnse and their Majr Emergency Plans are activated. The chair f the Lcal C-rdinatin Grup, in cnsultatin with the chair f the On-Site C-rdinating Grup and the ther members f the Lcal C-rdinatin Grup, will decide which extra principal respnse agencies will be activated, in light f the circumstances prevailing r likely t develp. 31

36 Nte: In many Majr Emergency situatins, neighburing Garda Divisins, HSE Areas and Lcal Authrities will prvide supprt and resurces t the Garda Divisin, HSE Area and Lcal Authrity, which are primarily invlved in the respnse. Such supprt is nt equivalent t the activatin f the Plan fr Reginal Level C-rdinatin and, in fact, will ften precede the activatin f the reginal plan. Respnse Regin The areas cvered by the principal respnse agencies which are activated under the Plan fr Reginal Level C-rdinatin will cnstitute the respnse regin fr the emergency. Nte: The respnse regin fr a reginal level majr emergency need nt cincide (and in many cases will nt cincide) with ne f the predetermined Majr Emergency Management Regins set ut in Appendix F4 f the Framewrk. Reginal C-rdinatin Grup The chair f the Lcal C-rdinatin Grup (having declared the reginal level emergency) will cnvene and chair the meeting f the Reginal C-rdinatin Grup. The Reginal C-rdinatin Grup will, in effect, cmprise the Lcal C-rdinatin Grup, augmented with representatives frm the extra principal respnse agencies, which have been activated as part f the reginal respnse. The Reginal C-rdinatin Grup will usually meet in the same Lcal C-rdinatin Centre, where the Lcal C-rdinatin Grup is meeting. Hwever, it may, depending n prevailing circumstances, decide t meet at anther f the predetermined Lcal C-rdinatin Centres within the respnse regin. Methds f peratin When the Plan fr Reginal Level C-rdinatin is activated, the methds f peratin f the principal respnse agencies at the site will be thse set ut fr standard majr emergencies in the Framewrk, subject nly t the fact that additinal principal respnse agencies will be present. Likewise, the methds f peratin f the Reginal C-rdinatin Grup will be thse set ut fr the Lcal C-rdinatin Grup in bth the Framewrk and the relevant Appendices. Wide Area Majr Emergencies Sme majr emergency events (eg. severe strms, extensive flding and/r blizzards) may impact ver a wide area and, in such a situatin, a number f Lcal C-rdinatin Grups may be activated. Where the chair f a Lcal C-rdinatin Grup, which has been activated in respnse t a majr emergency, becmes aware that ne r mre ther Lcal C-rdinatin Grups have als been activated, cntact shuld be made with the ther 32

37 chair(s) with a view t cnsidering the establishment f a Reginal C-rdinatin Centre. Such a Reginal C-rdinatin Centre will nrmally be lcated at the Lcal Crdinatin Centre which, in the view f the chairs, is best psitined (in terms f resurces, cmmunicatins and gegraphy) t c-rdinate the activity f the different Lcal Crdinatin Grups which are active. In such a situatin, these Lcal Crdinatin Grups will cntinue t act as per standard arrangements and will cmmunicate with the Reginal C-rdinatin Centre thrugh their chairs. Nte: During a wide area majr emergency, each Lcal C-rdinatin Grup will be in cntact with the lead Gvernment Department (in accrdance with Sectin f the Framewrk) and, in such a situatin, the decisin n whether the activities f a number f Lcal C-rdinatin Grups shuld be c-rdinated via a Reginal Crdinatin Centre r via the lead Gvernment Department will be taken in light f the prevailing circumstances. 33

38 34

39 PLAN FOR REGIONAL LEVEL CO-ORDINATION f the..(name)..majr Emergency Management Regin 35

40 36

41 Mdel Plan 1 Intrductin This is the Plan fr Reginal Level C-rdinatin f the..(name).. Majr Emergency Management which has been prepared in accrdance with he requirements f A Framewrk fr Majr Emergency Management (2006) This plan was apprved by the.. (name).. Reginal Steering Grup n MEM at a meeting n... (date)... and became perative n... (date)... In sme situatins where a majr emergency has been declared and the Majr Emergency Plans f the principal respnse agencies have been activated, it may be apprpriate t cnsider scaling up frm a lcal respnse t a reginal level respnse. This may ccur when: the resurces available in the lcal area where the incident has happened d nt appear t be sufficient t bring the situatin under cntrl in an expeditius and efficient manner; r the cnsequences f the emergency are likely t impact significantly utside f the lcal area; r the incident(s) is spread acrss mre than ne Lcal Authrity r Divisin f An Garda Síchána; r the incident ccurs at r clse t a bundary f several f the principal respnse agencies. 2 Reginal Respnse 2.1 Decisin t Scale up t a Reginal Level Respnse The decisin t scale up frm a lcal t a reginal level respnse will be taken by the chair f the Lcal C-rdinatin Grup, in cnsultatin with the chair f the On-Site Crdinating Grup and the ther members f the Lcal C-rdinatin Grup. This cnsultatin may ccur at a meeting f the Lcal C-rdinatin Grup, where such a grup is in sessin r, alternatively, by means f a telephne cnference call. This decisin will, by definitin, invlve specifying thse extra principal respnse agencies which are t be invlved in the reginal respnse. Nte: In many Majr Emergency situatins, neighburing Garda Divisins, HSE Areas and Lcal Authrities will prvide supprt and resurces t the Garda Divisin, HSE Area and Lcal Authrity, which are primarily invlved in the respnse. Such supprt is nt equivalent t the activatin f the Plan fr Reginal Level Crdinatin and, in fact, will ften precede the activatin f the reginal plan. 37

42 2.2 Respnse Regin The areas cvered by the principal respnse agencies which are activated under the Plan fr Reginal Level C-rdinatin will cnstitute the respnse regin fr the emergency. Nte: The respnse regin fr a reginal level majr emergency need nt cincide (and in many cases will nt cincide) with ne f the predetermined Majr Emergency Management Regins set ut in Appendix F4 f the Framewrk. 2.3 Activatin Once the decisin has been taken, the chair f the Lcal C-rdinatin Grup will declare that a reginal level emergency exists and will activate the Plan fr Reginal Level Crdinatin by: ntifying each f the principal respnse agencies invlved that the Plan fr Reginal Level C-rdinatin has been activated; requesting that each f the principal respnse agencies, which has nt already activated its MEM Plan, shuld d s; delivering an infrmatin message t each principal respnse agency using the mnemnic METHANE; and prviding each f the principal respnse agencies invlved with a list f the agencies which are being activated t frm the reginal respnse 3 Cmmand Cntrl and C-rdinatin f Respnse 3.1 Cmmand and Cntrl Arrangements n Site The cmmand and cntrl arrangements at the site(s) f a reginal majr emergency will be the same as thse fr a standard majr emergency including: three Cntrllers f Operatin; a lead agency determined in accrdance with the Framewrk; and an On-Site C-rdinating Grup an On-Site C-rdinatr In situatins where mre than ne principal respnse agency frm a particular service is represented at the site, Appendix F7 makes it clear that there will be nly ne Cntrller f Operatins frm that service and the unit frm which the Cntrller f Operatins will cme shuld be determined in accrdance with the guidance prvided in Appendix F7 3.2 The Reginal C-rdinatin Grup The mbilisatin and peratin f the Reginal C-rdinatin Grup will be as per the arrangement fr Lcal C-rdinatin Grups set ut in Sectin f the Framewrk. Reginal C-rdinatin Grup arrangements fr 38

43 the mbilisatin f ther rganisatins/agencies; requesting mutual aid frm neighburs; requesting natinal/internatinal assistance where required; dealing with multi site r wide area emergencies; linkage t natinal emergency plans; links with Gvernment; supprt fr chairs by Infrmatin Managers, etc; and cmmunicatin arrangements with the site, and with ther grups will be as fr a Lcal C-rdinatin Grup. 4 Wide Area Majr Emergencies Sme majr emergency events (eg. severe strms, extensive flding and/r blizzards) may impact ver a wide area and, in such a situatin, a number f Lcal C-rdinatin Grups may be activated. Where the chair f a Lcal C-rdinatin Grup, which has been activated in respnse t a majr emergency, becmes aware that ne r mre ther Lcal C-rdinatin Grups have als been activated, cntact shuld be made with the ther chair(s) with a view t cnsidering the establishment f a Reginal C-rdinatin Centre. Such a Reginal C-rdinatin Centre will nrmally be lcated at the Lcal Crdinatin Centre which, in the view f the chairs, is best psitined (in terms f resurces, cmmunicatins and gegraphy) t c-rdinate the activity f the differentlcal C-rdinatin Grups which are active. In such a situatin, these Lcal Crdinatin Grups will cntinue t act as per standard arrangements and will cmmunicate with the Reginal C-rdinatin Centre thrugh their chairs. Nte: During a wide area majr emergency, each Lcal C-rdinatin Grup will be in cntact with the lead Gvernment Department (in accrdance with Sectin f the Framewrk) and, in such a situatin, the decisin n whether the activities f a number f Lcal C-rdinatin Grups shuld be c-rdinated via a Reginal Crdinatin Centre r via the lead Gvernment Department will be taken in light f the prevailing circumstances. 39

44 Mdel f Sectin 9 f PRA Majr Emergency Plan Sectin 9 Plan fr Reginal Level C-rdinatin 9.1 Intrductin In sme situatins where a majr emergency has been declared and the Majr Emergency Plans f the principal respnse agencies have been activated, it may be apprpriate t cnsider scaling up frm a lcal respnse t a reginal level respnse. This may ccur when: the resurces available in the lcal area where the incident has happened d nt appear t be sufficient t bring the situatin under cntrl in an expeditius and efficient manner; r the cnsequences f the emergency are likely t impact significantly utside f the lcal area; r the incident(s) is spread acrss mre than ne Lcal Authrity r Divisin f An Garda Síchána; r the incident ccurs at r clse t a bundary f several f the principal respnse agencies. 9.2 Reginal Respnse Decisin t Scale up t a Reginal Level Respnse The decisin t scale up frm a lcal t a reginal level respnse will be taken by the chair f the Lcal C-rdinatin Grup, in cnsultatin with the chair f the On-Site Crdinating Grup and the ther members f the Lcal C-rdinatin Grup. This cnsultatin may ccur at a meeting f the Lcal C-rdinatin Grup, where such a grup is in sessin r, alternatively, by means f a telephne cnference call. This decisin will, by definitin, invlve specifying thse extra principal respnse agencies which are t be invlved in the reginal respnse. Nte: In many Majr Emergency situatins, neighburing Garda Divisins, HSE Areas and Lcal Authrities will prvide supprt and resurces t the Garda Divisin, HSE Area and Lcal Authrity, which are primarily invlved in the respnse. Such supprt is nt equivalent t the activatin f the Plan fr Reginal Level C-rdinatin and, in fact, will ften precede the activatin f the reginal plan Respnse Regin The areas cvered by the principal respnse agencies which are activated under the Plan fr Reginal Level C-rdinatin will cnstitute the respnse regin fr the emergency. 40