~...... I • • ... •• • • • FSMDCO's COpy FEDERATED STATES OF MICRONESIA Emergencies and Disasters Policy, Plans, Programmes and Projects OPERATIONS MANUAL PREFACE The National Emergency Operations Centre, NEOC, is the designated administrative huh of national emergency and disaster response mechanisms. The NEOC is therefore the "nerve centre" of disaster response and recovery operations. The NEOC Standard Operating Procedures are an integral part of the National Disaster Plan. The SOPs have been designed to be used as a management manual for the operations ofthe NEOC. The Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) contained in this document are intended to provide guidelines, which will constitute the basis of the efficient and effective organisation and management of the National Emergency Operations Ce~tre (NEOC) The SOPs provide information on the procedures, which should be followed in activating the NEOC, in operating the NEOC and in standing it down. Once activated, the NEOC will be the point to which official reports and mqUlres are directed. In particular the cenlre will: • Receive directives from the President. • Give such general directives to public officers and guidance to the public as maybe necessary. • Be the sole source ofofficial information about the state of affairs. • Maintain appropriate logs and other records. • Prioritise and organise requests for assistance from within the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM). • Coordinate requests for external assistance. • Function as the local point ofcontact for regional and intcrnational relieforganisations. It may be necessary, depending on the nature ofthe emergency or disaster, to activate State or local EOCs and to set up on-site command posts and temporary EOCs. This is where the Department of Public Safely is required to set up these forward operational bases anywhere. Rev. Aug2005 FSM 2 Federated States of Micronesia NATIONAL EMER .NCY AND DISASTER MANAGEMF.... ORGANISATION Membership and Roles President of FSM The President has primary responsibility for [annulating policies and procedures to deal with nalural disasters and mitigation activities at the National level. These duties and responsibilities lie primarily in the area ofcoordination ofnational and foreign aid programs to the States. Special Assistant to the President for Disaster Management (SAP/DM) Coordinates the implementation ofthe National Government Disaster Assistance Program specifically the preparedness, response, reliefand recovery activities identified in the National Disaster Preparedness Plan and other administrative plans written up for each ofthe specific segments ofthe program. The SAP/DM implements tasks allocated by the President and serves as the liaison officer between FSM Governments and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as well as any other foreign agency or organization involved in providing assistance to the stricken State. National Disaster Committee (NDC) The Committee is composed of Secretaries ofthe Departments, and Directors ofoffices and agencies that comprise Cabinet. This committee serves as an advisory board to the President on policy matters pertaining to the dispensing of the National Government disaster assistance to the State(s) stricken by disaster. The Special Assistant for Disaster Management acts as the secretary for this Committee. The NDC is responsible for guiding and supporting the development and implementation of FSM's disaster management programmes, and for the provision of resource support and technical advice to the Central Control Group (CCG) during disaster response operations. The NDC will, through the conduct of meetings, review and discuss disaster management plans and related programmes proposed by the NDMO, and ensure that the commitment of their respective departments and organisations is provided to facilitate the implementation and achievement of programme objectives. The NDC is also responsible for reviewing policy issues prior to seeking approval. The NDC membership shall comprise the following: • President (Chairperson). • Vice President. • Special Assistant to the President for Disaster Management (SAP/OM). • Director of Public Works. • Director of Public Utilities Authorities. • Director of Environmental Protection Agency. • Director, Department of Public Safety. • Director of Health. • Director of Agriculture and Fisheries. • Director of Central Planning. • Secretary ofCivil Aviation. • Secretary for Poreign Affairs. • Director of Lands and Natural Resources. • Secretary of Finance. • Secretary of Marine, Harbour and Ports. • Chairman, FSM Association ofNGO. • Director General, Micronesia Red Cross Society. • Director of Education. • General Manager of FSM Telecommunications Corporation. Rev. Aug2005 FSM 3 Federated States of Micronesia • General Manager, FS1. ""lectric Power Board. • General Manager, FSM Broadcasting Commission. • Customs and Quarantine. • Mel. Service The Chairperson may co-opt other members as required. National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) Day-to-day management of disaster management activities and operations. Co-ordination of response resources through the National Emergency Operation Center (NEOC). The Director for NDMO is the Manager of the NEOe. The National Disaster Management Office will serve as the country's key focal point for the management and promotion ofdisaster management programmes and activities. Reporting directly to the Special Assistant to the President for Disaster Management (SAP/OM). NDMO will have specific responsibilities for: • Managing the development, testing and review ofoperational support plans. • Co-ordinating the development ofeducation and awareness programmes related to disaster management. • The identification and conduct ofdisaster management training courses, including the selection of participants for regional and international courses. • Providing technical assistance and advisory service to departments, NGOs and other agencies on disaster management matters. • Assisting with the identification and implementation ofdisaster mitigation programmes and activities. • Serving as a focal point for regional disaster management issues and for ISDR purposes. • Developing a national resource register ofgovernment resources. • Other disaster management related duties as directed by the SAPIDM. Governor of each FSM State The Governor ofeach FSM State has primary responsibility for the formulation ofpolicies and procedures to deal with natural disasters and mitigation activities in hislher State. These activities encompass the State Disaster Preparedness Program and national or foreign assistance that is given in the event ofa disaster or assistance to mitigate future events. If the State does not have the capacity to fully deal with the disaster or mitigation activity, the Governor may request assistance from the National Government or through the National Government foreign assistance. One of the Governor's tasks is to designate a State Disaster Coordinating Officer (SDCO). State Disaster Coordinating Officer(SDCO) The Officer is responsible for direct implementation ofdisaster related tasks assigned by the Governor. During disasters, coordination will be carried out from the designated Command Post untillhe Governor issues the "All Clear". During non-disaster conditions, activities are coordinated out ofthe State Disaster Coordinating Officer's office. The Governor's Disaster Committee The Committee includes all department, office and agency heads. The Committee serves as an advisory body to the Governor in the formulation ofpolicies and coordination ofthe disaster response efforts. NATIONAL DISASTER CONTROLLER (CONTROLLER) The Director or Public Safety is the nominated disaster controller for all disaster and major emergency situations, unless otherwise stipulated within plans or legislation, or ifdirected by the Chairperson NDe. This includes the country being under threat from a hazard or major incident. The controller will be assisted in the performance ofresponse duties by the Central Control Group (CCG). Rev. Aug200S FSM 4 Federated States of Micronesia In the absence ofthe DirectOl, Jblic Safety, a person appointed by the N_ -' Chairperson will perform the duties associated with that of controller. These duties are listed within the specific operational response plans or procedures. In the case where a State EOC is activated the Controller is directly responsible to the Slate Governor. The Governor then repons to the NOC. Emergency Operations Centre Central Control Group (CCG) The CCG is responsible to the Chairperson NDC for the implementation and management ofdisaster response operations. This includes both pre impact preparedness measures and post impact relief. In particular the CCG wilL • Activate departments and organizations in response to the given threat; • Liaise with and guide Departments, NGOs and Community Groups in the execution oftheir disaster roles and responsibilities; • Activate disaster assessment systems; • Collatc and prioritise disaster relief requirements; and • Manage the distribution ofimmediate relief supplies. Committee composition of the CCG will be depcndant upon the operation being conducted, and will be detailed within each operational support plan. The core membership will include: • Director of Public Safety • NDMO • Foreign Affairs • Ministry of Finance The President's Authorized Representative (PAR) An employee of the National Government designated by the President to manage all program activitics and funding as the Fiscal