Attachments
FOREWORD
Disaster risk reduction together with the management of disaster at the international, regional. national and community levels is a dynamic process because of their ever changing aspects. In order to adequately respond to and manage disasters there must be a comprehensive approach to the management of the Emergency Operation Centre at all levels.
This booklet on “Standard Operating Procedures” (SOPs) was developed to address the timing for those agencies and organizations which have key responsibilities for disaster response in close coordination with the central control body, i.e. the National Disaster Management Office.
The National Disaster Management Plan provides directives to all agencies and personnel on the conduct of disaster preparedness and emergency operations.
The authority vested in the National Controller, Divisional Commissioners and District Officers on the behalf of Cabinet is effective in law. This SOP has been formulated in compliance with the National Disaster Management Plan of 1995 and the Natural Disaster Management Act of 1998.
This SOP operationalises the policy directives and itemizes individual (agencies) responsibilities in an emergency operation centre (EOC). Roles and responsibilities are clearly demarcated at both the individual and agency levels and it is important for this document to be understood by all who are to be involved in the emergency operations.
In the interest of building national resilience to disasters this document should be widely circulated to all who have a role in disaster risk reduction and disaster management emergency operations.
All affected agencies are expected to produce supporting SOPs in accordance with their agency plans and these should be reviewed and approved by the National Disaster Management Council or its nominee.