SHAKY GROUND

A CSOT EXERCISE IN EMERGENCY RESPONSE AND RECOVERY

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Discussion: BEC versus Essential Personnel

Competing Priorities

Point of Contact: Janet Ward

CSOT Department/Area: CSOT Leadership / Primary Facilitator

From: Ward, Janet
Sent: Tuesday, June 30, 2009 2:25 PM
To: Barr-Jeffrey, Sharon
Cc: Campbell, Kimberlee; Hopkins, Leigh; Michaels, Cheryl
Subject: RE: This is a Shaky Ground Exercise Message: Message #5 -- follow up question

 

Thanks Sharon – a follow up question

 

It’s my understanding in a real situation the BEC’s report to Safety & Security until released.  Since the RLC’s serve as BEC’s --- what’s the understanding between you and Cheryl Michaels on who will be directing them?  For instance, for other departments, I’ve stated that the BEC’s could not be listed as “essential personnel” for the department, as at this time they’ll be fulfilling roles directed by Safety & Security, until released.  I’m not sure how the RLC/BEC folks will function ---- could you and Cheryl enlighten me on your expectations at this point?

 

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From: Barr-Jeffrey, Sharon
Sent: Tuesday, June 30, 2009 2:33 PM
To: Ward, Janet; Michaels, Cheryl
Cc: Campbell, Kimberlee; Hopkins, Leigh
Subject: RE: This is a Shaky Ground Exercise Message: Message #5 -- follow up question

Janet/Cheryl, 

My understanding is that the RLC’s are unique and differ from the other BEC’s in that the emergency responder role is central to their RLC job expectations, so other projects and assignments would be on hold until the crisis is managed. They are prepared that the BEC role could take precedence for several hours to several days in a large scale emergency, unlike an administrative assistant in a classroom building, for example, where this would differ dramatically from their usual duties. RLC’s would be directed by OSS as BEC’s, and Director/Assist. Dir. would consult with OSS leadership to make joint decisions as needed – this is our typical approach now for on-call emergency response. Other thoughts, Cheryl?

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From: Michaels, Cheryl
Sent: Tuesday, June 30, 2009 2:41 PM
To: Barr-Jeffrey, Sharon; Ward, Janet
Cc: Campbell, Kimberlee; Hopkins, Leigh
Subject: RE: This is a Shaky Ground Exercise Message: Message #5 -- follow up question

I agree with Sharon.  The severity of the crisis will have a large impact on how long any BEC needs to be in this role. We should consider that the RLC will be shepherding their own residential students and the role of BEC/RLC may not conflict that much. I anticipate the biggest role change would occur as the halls are approved for occupancy and students are moved back in (and added students from red-tagged halls).  

The “release” of BECs is an issue that I need to develop, especially as many BECs will count as essential personnel for their area.  Going forward, I’ll begin working on BEC expectations (in a crisis, when is a BEC done being a BEC? After roll-call is done? How will anyone know with a few thousand people milling around? A certain number of hours into the event?) and the process of “releasing” them back to their departments/directors.