REA Disaster Resource Management Plan - being prepared is no accident!

On Friday, July 31st the AFREA hosted a conference call to determine the status of REAs and disaster planning.  This year's implementation of the Business Management System prompted the AFREA to encourage and facilitate a review and assessment of "how ready are we" in case of H1N1...or any other disaster that might threaten the business continuity of any REA or the AFREA. 

By its definition, disaster refers to the sudden and widespread destruction of property, life or both. Any event that threatens an organization's ability to continue business operations under normal operating conditions is considered a disaster and a plan must be in place. The Disaster Resource Management Plan provides a template planning tool that all REAs can follow and customize to their own requirements. The AFREA's role in disaster planning is to provide guidance and leadership to REAs, ensure that the AFREA manages through with a DRM plan and provides valuable communication, coordination and cooperation in the event of any REA disaster or a province-wide disaster. Being prepared means valuable time is saved by having a process for implementing actions in response to an event.

To address the results of the conference call, the AFREA hosted a one-day DISASTER RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLANNING WORKSHOP on Tuesday, August 25th. A presentation by Al Nagel and Linda Pedley from the AFREA, outlined the need for a disaster management plan, the difference between emergency and disaster planning, the immediate threat that makes a plan necessary, and the steps to get there. Tom Cox, training officer with Alberta Emergency Management Agency, was the guest speaker. He provided a comprehensive overview of the AEMA and its services. Tom gave valuable examples, shared stories of his travels and training, provided tips, and suggestions for making a plan and being prepared.

Initial reviews of the workshop indicate that the attendees were happy with the presentations and speakers, confirming they received enough information and instruction to take the plan back to their REA and continue work on it to complete it. More work is still ahead as we make sure that all REAs receive the information needed to implement the DRM plan. The AFREA is available for questions, comments and direction if an REA requires further assistance with the plan. All plans must be personally adapted to the REA and the services they offer. It is important to remember, all REAs (and the AFREA) have one thing in common - they are governed by a board of directors who make business decisions by casting a vote requiring 50%+1 to ratify it. The human aspect of business is also a common denominator - we all have families - careful consideration must be given to this delicate component of business.