Are You Included in Government Disaster Planning?

Following the terrorist attacks of 2001, most people agreed that we needed to replace our “need-to-know” information sharing model – what I like to call the Cold War information flow model. A more open, multi-directional model was needed then and remains so now.

Sadly, we're still not there. In his 2007 book, The Edge of Disaster, Stephen Flynn suggested that the government does a poor job of including the private sector and needs to improve information flow about the planning process. Flynn focused specifically on the role of large companies who own roughly 95% of the country's critical infrastructure and want to play a role in strengthening it against terrorist attacks and natural disasters. However, their assistance is often turned away for a variety of reasons.

My own personal experience has been similar, but on a smaller scale. Here is just one example. While working on a disaster plan for my daughter's school, I recently went to the local police department to learn about their plans for schools in a disaster or attack. Unfortunately, it was a fruitless endeavor that ended up being an interrogation of my credentials to write such a plan rather than offering any help whatsoever.

As the police officer summarily dismissed my abilities and completely disregarded my questions, I couldn't help but think that either he still embraced the old, “need-to-know” information-sharing model or his department did not have a plan. That is a shame in either case. It leaves everyone in an awkward position. The school cannot anticipate what to expect from the “authorities” in a crisis situation until they are in the midst of one, which will diminish the effectiveness of a response.

Having spent the last seven years teaching law enforcement officers about terrorism prevention and catastrophe preparedness, I understand that the Cold War mindset is still well entrenched. For the safety of the community, it is well beyond time to move past that line of thinking.

I will conclude this entry with two thoughts:

First, I challenge anyone to give a valid reason for law enforcement to keep disaster planning a secret. Some might argue that they are trying to keep criminals from knowing how to take advantage of a given situation. True, but that is at the cost of preparedness for the broader community. Which is the greater need?

Second, as a member of the community, it is your responsibility to insist you be involved in the planning process. There are many organizations out there that promote broader participation. So get involved because leaving preparedness in the hands of first responders is a reactive measure that offers recovery assistance at their discretion. Honestly, is that how you want to plan for your survival?