Emergency Management & Business Continuity Planning

EDUCATIONAL SEMINAR Mini-SERIES 
“Free for GSU Faculty & Staff”
Enrollment: 8 or more participants must be signed up
Department of Safety & Risk Management
Georgia State University
Instructor: Jim Olsen M.S., REM

NFPA 1600: Standard on Disaster/Emergency Management and Business Continuity Programs: An introduction for Managers, Supervisors and Administrators

This workshop introduces participants to the new National standard of care developed by the National Fire Protection Administration (NFPA) et.al. The seminar addresses emergency management planning and business continuity programs. Learn about 13 fundamental components of the standard, it’s history, legislative intent and the “total program approach” which the standard sets forth as a benchmark for measuring organizational preparedness in disasters. It is this new standard that organizations of the 21st century will have their emergency management and business continuity programs measured against.

(1 hour)

Business Continuity Planning & Business Impact Analysis: An introduction for Managers, Supervisors and Administrators

Learn the fundamentals of Business Continuity Planning (BCP) and how to conduct a Business Impact Analysis (BIA). Consideration is given to our University’s highly decentralized environment, which places much of the planning and preparedness functions for managing  disaster, at local levels. Participants will receive useful handouts and a sample Business Impact Analysis to take back with them.

(1 hour)

Disaster Basics: An Introduction to FEMA and GEMA Operations

Ever wonder what FEMA really does? Do you wonder how government agencies operate in the midst of a disaster should one strike at work or home? Who pays what? What are your options? Where does the funding come from when insurance fails? Who else can help besides FEMA & GEMA? What is the National Response Plan anyway? Learn answers to these and other intricate questions in this workshop which addresses fundamental questions about the management of disasters at the National, State and local levels.

(1.5 hrs)

Threat Assessment, Vulnerability Analysis and Risk Management Decisions: An overview of FEMA’s method

In this post 9/11 environment, you may have heard discussion regarding this popular topic at work or through the media. Techniques have been developed to assist organizations in the measurement and assessment of threats, hazards and vulnerabilities. Organizations and the buildings they operate in are now being scrutinized more than ever. Design features are being changed and/or implemented that either eliminate or substantially mitigate exposure to threats and hazards. This workshop introduces participants to FEMA’s generally accepted risk assessment model which has become a benchmark method. Useful handouts and reference information will be distributed.

(1.5 hrs.)

Emergency Exercises: A Primer for Management and Administrative Staff

Emergency exercise programs often mirror an organization’s preparedness and readiness for responding to a disaster situation. Often referred to as an iterative process, there are fundamental principles and practices within the scope of an exercise that need to be disseminated, communicated and rehearsed. Many organizations have crisis management plans of some magnitude, but how many really exercise their plans through a rehearsal mechanism? Join us to consider and examine the recommended best practices set forth by emergency management organizations and professionals in this brief presentation of NFPA & FEMA’s progressive exercise model.

(1 hour)

Introduction to Mitigation: Reducing the Risk of Disaster to Communities and Business 

Disasters and disaster potential for communities and business has increased substantially over the past decade. In this introductory workshop you will learn about FEMA’s National Mitigation Strategy; What makes certain communities disaster-resistant; and the fundamentals of building a mitigation program. In addition, FEMA’s method for conducting a pre-disaster hazard analysis will be presented. The role of your community as well as State and Federal government in establishing a mitigation strategy will also be covered.

(1 hour)

Dirty Bombs: Myths and Realities about Radiological Dispersion Devices (RDD’s): A summary of the Defense Horizons Report 2004

Like most of us, you probably only heard the term “Dirty Bomb” for the first time just a few years ago. Find out more about the realities of this threat, its potential impact on communities, where source material would likely come from and the current U.S. level of preparedness. An overview of the Goiania, Brazil incident will be presented, which is the only incident close to a real dirty bomb attack that can be referenced to date. Health risks and economic impact will also be discussed.

(1 hour)