Point of Distribution (POD) Checklist

POD Site Leader

Role: Overall supervisor, decision-maker, and primary contact with local EOC/CRESA, law enforcement, volunteers, and public.

Plan

• Review POD mission, site layout, and expected throughput with Team Leads

• Coordinate with CRESA EOC.

• Identify staffing needs and shifts (4–6 hours)

• Confirm supply deliveries and resource requirements.

Set Up

• Conduct safety and operations briefing with all Team Leads.

• Establish site communication plan (radios, phone tree).

• Verify ingress/egress points and overall POD layout with Team Leads

• Ensure signage and staging areas are established.

Operations

• Monitor flow and safety across POD operations.

• Serve as point of contact for CRESA EOC, on-site law enforcement, volunteers.

• Resolve bottlenecks or resource conflicts.

• Rotate staff to manage fatigue.

• Ensure documentation and reporting requirements are met.

Wrap-up

• Oversee site demobilization and cleanup.

• Confirm all supplies and unused resources are returned or accounted for.

• Conduct hotwash/debrief with Team Leads.

• Report to EOC/CRESA.

Logistics Team Lead

Role: Oversees site setup, supply distribution, and resupply.

Plan

• Review site map for loading, storage, and staging with Site Leader

• Identify resource requirements (pallets, bottled water, food, tarps, etc.).

• Coordinate with CRESA EOC.

Set Up

• Direct staff in unloading and staging supplies.

• Establish storage and loading zones.

• Place signage for loading and storage areas.

• Check inventory against manifests.

Operations

• Monitor stock levels at loading stations.

• Request resupply before shortages occur.

• Coordinate with Traffic Control Lead to ensure efficient flow.

• Maintain secure supply staging area.

Wrap-up

• Inventory unused supplies.

• Oversee cleanup of storage/loading areas.

• Return all equipment and unused items.

Team Members

• Assist in unloading deliveries.

• Stage supplies safely and efficiently.

• Report shortages or safety hazards immediately.

• Remain visible and approachable for questions.

• Assist with setup, client interaction, or information requests as assigned.

• Maintain calm and professional demeanor.

Greeter Team Lead

Role: First point of contact with impacted citizens, ensures smooth flow to registration/loading.

Plan

• Coordinate with Traffic Control Team Lead on messaging and key talking points.

• Prepare scripts for greeters to explain POD process.

• Identify needs for signage and handouts.

Set Up

• Place greeters at entry point with signage.

• Ensure greeters have scripts and information sheets.

• Conduct briefing on expected behaviors and FAQs.

Operations

• Greet and welcome arriving individuals/families.

• Provide basic information on POD flow.

• Identify individuals needing extra assistance (ADA, language, etc.) and alert AA Site Leader

• Maintain calm and friendly demeanor under stress.

Wrap-up

• Collect unused materials.

• Debrief team on issues encountered.

• Provide input for after-action review.

Team Members

• Smile, greet, and explain process clearly.

• Use provided script consistently.

• Direct clients to next step (traffic or registration).

• Report any issues or special needs immediately.

Traffic Control Team Lead

Role: Develops and manages vehicle/pedestrian traffic flow plan, coordinates Entry, Directional, Loading Zone, and Exit staff.

Plan

• Review site map and traffic flow patterns with Site Leader

• Define ingress, egress, and internal traffic control points.

• Identify staff assignments: Entry, Directional, Traffic Controller, Exit.

Set Up

• Place signage and cones to mark lanes, entry/exit, and staging areas.

• Brief staff on scripts and hand signals.

• Conduct safety check of all traffic areas.

Operations

• Ensure steady, safe flow of vehicles and pedestrians.

• Rotate staff as needed.

• Monitor for congestion and adjust flow.

• Coordinate with Loader Lead to pace vehicles through stations.

Wrap-up

• Collect signage, cones, and materials.

• Conduct safety check of site for hazards before demobilization.

• Provide feedback to Site Leader.

Team Members

• Entry: Direct arrivals toward loading stations. Use simple script ('Proceed to ___').

• Directional: Guide vehicles into correct lanes or staging areas.

• Traffic Controller: Stop vehicles at loading stations, release when complete.

• Exit: Safely direct vehicles out of the POD.

• All: Maintain awareness, follow safety protocols, report hazards.

Loader Team Lead

Role: Oversees loading operations at stations, ensures safety and efficiency.

Plan

• Confirm type/quantity of supplies to be distributed per vehicle/household.

• Assign number of loaders per station.

• Coordinate with Logistics Team Lead on resupply.

Set Up

• Brief staff on safety procedures (lifting, vehicle interactions).

• Stage supplies at each loading point.

• Mark safe loading zones.

Operations

• Signal loaders when vehicles stop at station.

• Confirm correct allocation of supplies to each vehicle.

• Maintain steady pace; coordinate with Traffic Control Team Lead.

• Rotate staff to avoid fatigue.

• Monitor for unsafe conditions.

Wrap-up

• Collect unused supplies, return to Logistics.

• Ensure stations are clean and clear.

• Provide feedback to Site Leader.

Team Members

• Load supplies into vehicles quickly and safely.

• Follow allocation instructions exactly.

• Communicate clearly with drivers and teammates.

• Report hazards or shortages immediately.