Functional Annexes ..... Cont:of Development of the EOP

 Functional Annexes  

     This part of the development provides the specifications to roles and the responsibilities for the responders and gives direction on operations. Key to it is also is the inclusion of general terms that cut across responders. This helps in quick response in the event of a disaster or emergency.
     EOPs address matters of authority,direction and control, how information is to be exchanged and the communication path and the placement of early warming systems. It also deals with orders of evacuation, mass care, health and medical services and how resources will be managed. Other functions like emergency services, search and rescue and damage assessment are also clarified and the EOP can also have other miscellaneous activites of disaster management.
Exercising the EOP
     EOPs must be tested in development for obvious reasons. One such way is through preparatory training to orient staff of procedures and functions during a disaster. Another way which i think is more thorough is a table-top exercise that focuses mainly on responders and allows them to familiarize themselves with their functions/roles in the emergency system. This method involves them talking through different scenarios. The next phase would be to take the talk into a controlled mimicked emergency operation at an operation center. It involves verbal and written communications, telephone,radio and social media messaging.This moves to the Near-to Real exercises called field drills and there involve participants performing work orders. From here their is a full scale exercise, with all participants responding to the emergency with equipment and support like a real emergency. Next we shall look into publicizing the plan.

Thank you for reading my small research work into this field. I have now attained 1000 plus views. I will keep up the blog and keep hoping it stays relevant to you. 

Benson Mutahi Githaiga