Decision Process

· The Agency routinely encounters emergency situations that are managed in the normal course of operations as part of doing business with the population served. Handling program-based emergencies encountered within parameters of normal operations is outlined in the Programmatic Policies and Procedures Manual.

In accordance with the State of Texas, the Agency implements “‘readiness and response levels’ to match the potential intensity of its preparedness and response activities to the intensity of a potential threat or the impact of actual events…As the intensity of threats or impacts increases, Incident Command Teams are activated, staffing and equipment readiness is increased, and additional resources are alerted mobilized, deployed, and employed.”

Normal Conditions (Readiness & Response Level 4)

1. Planning, training, drills and exercises and other preparedness activities are conducted.

2. Emergency equipment and structures are maintained.

3. Natural, technological, and security threats are monitored.

Increased Readiness (Readiness & Response Level 3)

1. Localized, Operations, Program staff generally resolve routine incidents and emergency situations that arise in a localized fashion.

2. A significant emergency situation has not yet occurred; however, a higher than normal level of readiness is warranted because of increased vulnerability to a specific hazard, such as an approaching severe storm or extreme wildfire threat.

3. Incident Command Team members are identified and alerted. Personnel and equipment availability is reviewed.

4. Contingency plans and procedures are reviewed.

5. Equipment or supply needs are identified and filled, if possible.

6. Coordination activities increase and extra effort is exerted to review, evaluate, and update appropriate plans and procedures to ensure ability to meet anticipated challenges of specific hazard.

7. Emergency internal and external information activities should commence.

8. Appropriate officials and agency representatives are briefed on anticipated risk situations, expected impacts, and contingency measures.

Escalated Response (Readiness & Response Level 2)

1. The scope of the emergency situation has expanded beyond that which is handled by normal program and operations staff, and additional emergency support functions such as emergency care teams may have to be implemented.

2. Recovery and continuity plans are implemented as outlined in this document and/or directed by Emergency Director

3. Expanded/enhanced communication and information activities are implemented for the affected personnel and clients (homes and children)

4. Appropriate officials and Agency representatives are briefed on the current situation and anticipated impacts.

5. There may be some impairment of service delivery and normal operations.

Emergency Conditions (Readiness & Response Level 1)

The scope of the emergency has expanded to the point that all appropriate emergency response and recovery assets have been committed to the emergency situation or disaster.