Handbook for Disaster Readiness for Local Emergency Communications Centers: when the Communications Center is in Jeopardy After a Major Disaster

This easy-to-read handbook will help primary and secondary emergency communications center managers to establish a more detailed preparedness plan for their call-center in the event that it is destroyed or seriously damaged by a major disaster. Some of the most important topics discussed include: determining roles and responsibilities within the communications center, the importance of having a back-up center, staffing issues (telecommunicators), maintaining communications with the public health community, testing your Emergency Operations Plans (particularly the communications center), and many other tools and resources. The material found in this handbook promotes comprehensive precepts for emergency communications centers by drawing from lessons learned in a recent disaster, and personal observation and acquaintance with other professional and written resources.