NCJ Number
80994
Journal
FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin Volume: 51 Issue: 1 Dated: (January 1982) Pages: 1-4
Date Published
1982
Length
4 pages
Annotation
The disaster coordinator for the police department of Buffalo, N.Y., describes the guidelines developed by the police department for use during a disaster such as a chemical accident, fire, explosion, disturbance, weather disasters, nuclear emergencies, or enemy attack.
Abstract
Police and other officials recognized the need for a coordinated disaster plan, because Buffalo serves as the principal conduit for shipments of chemicals and other hazardous materials. The mayor's Office of Disaster Preparedness coordinated the effort to develop the guidelines. The guidelines are included in the 'Disaster Operational Procedures Manual,' a compendium of existing emergency procedures, a procedural plan, and lists of crucial personnel and equipment; and in the 'Emergency Operations Handbook,' which contains step-by-step instructions on planning, operational orders, manpower and equipment resources, outside resources, command post needs, communications, security, intelligence, press, and onsite operations. In addition, a computerized personnel roster lists all sworn personnel, who are assigned either to their normal duty locations or to the precincts in which they live. A precinct disaster preparedness map uses grid coordinates as reference points and shows emergency vehicle routes, civilian evacuation routes, high-exposure areas, critical evacuation areas, stationhouses, and railroads. Communities adjoining the city were also informed of the evacuation routes and identified their own evacuation routes. Part of the disaster plan was implemented in March 1981 when a propane tank truck lost a set of wheels and crashed to the pavement of a local expressway. Cooperation between the police and fire departments and emergency crews was excellent and the immediate area of the expressway was successfully sealed off from traffic. Planning is the crucial element of disaster preparedness. Photographs and a map are provided.