22. State disaster preparedness plans. 1. The commission shall prepare a state disaster preparedness plan and submit such plan to the governor for approval no later than one year following the effective date of this act. The governor shall act upon such plan by July first of that year. The commission shall review such plans annually.
2. The purpose of such plans shall be to minimize the effects of disasters by: (i) identifying appropriate measures to prevent disasters, (ii) developing mechanisms to coordinate the use of resources and manpower for service during and after disaster emergencies and the delivery of services to aid citizens and reduce human suffering resulting from a disaster, and (iii) provide for recovery and redevelopment after disaster emergencies.
3. Such plans shall be prepared with such assistance from other agencies as the commission deems necessary, and shall include, but not be limited to:
a. Disaster prevention and mitigation. Plans to prevent and minimize the effects of disasters shall include, but not be limited to:
(1) identification of hazards and assessment of risk;
(2) recommended disaster prevention and mitigation projects, policies, priorities and programs, with suggested implementation schedules, which outline federal, state and local roles;
(3) suggested revisions and additions to building and safety codes, and zoning and other land use programs;
(4) suggested ways in which state agencies can provide technical assistance to municipalities in the development of local disaster prevention and mitigation plans and programs;
(5) such other measures as reasonably can be taken to protect lives, prevent disasters, and reduce the impact of disasters.
b. Disaster response. Plans to coordinate the use of resources and manpower for service during and after disaster emergencies and to deliver services to aid citizens and reduce human suffering resulting from a disaster emergency shall include, but not be limited to:
(1) coordination of resources, manpower and services, using recognized practices in incident management and utilizing existing organizations and lines of authority and centralized direction of requests for assistance;
(2) the location, procurement, construction, processing, transportation, storing, maintenance, renovation, distribution, disposal or use of materials, including those donated, and facilities and services;
(3) a system for warning populations who are or may be endangered;
(4) arrangements for activating state, municipal and volunteer forces, through normal chains of command so far as possible and for continued communication and reporting;
(5) a specific plan for rapid and efficient communication, and for the integration of state communication facilities during a state disaster emergency, including the assignment of responsibilities and the establishment of communication priorities, and liaison with municipal, private and federal communication facilities;
(6) a plan for coordinated evacuation procedures, including the establishment of temporary housing and other necessary facilities;
(7) criteria for establishing priorities with respect to the restoration of vital services and debris removal;
(8) plans for the continued effective operation of the civil and criminal justice systems;
(9) provisions for training state and local government personnel and volunteers in disaster response operations;
(10) providing information to the public;
(11) care for the injured and needy and identification and disposition of the dead;
(12) utilization and coordination of programs to assist victims of disasters, with particular attention to the needs of the poor, the elderly, individuals with disabilities and other groups which may be especially affected;
(13) control of ingress and egress to and from a disaster area;
(14) arrangements to administer federal disaster assistance;
(15) a system for obtaining and coordinating situational awareness including the centralized assessment of disaster effects and resultant needs; and
(16) utilization and coordination of programs to assist individuals with household pets and service animals following a disaster, with particular attention to means of evacuation, shelter and transportation options.
c. Recovery. Plans to provide for recovery and redevelopment after disaster emergencies shall include, but not be limited to:
(1) measures to coordinate state agency assistance in recovery efforts;
(2) arrangements to administer federal recovery assistance; and
(3) such other measures as reasonably can be taken to assist in the development and implementation of local disaster recovery plans.
Last modified: February 3, 2019