Wednesday, April 4, 2018

Disaster Damage Assessment For Better Recovery

By Eric Baker


After the shock has worn off, one is confronted with the need to do something. Anything that could begin to remedy the situation. Often in the panic and shortsighted reaction to the situation, one does not stop to think about the fact that they are leaping blindly. Disaster damage assessment is imperative. Emergencies will surprise people and induce a sense of lack of control. The combination of these states can lead to very detrimental decisions regarding the steps to take.

One should take a step back and try to understand the situation. How did it come about? What is the essence of it? A proper, accurate, and three-dimensional description of the situation will give a clear picture of what needs to be done. It is akin to learning about the background of an opponent before going to battle. It gives a competitive edge. This situation is the opponent. Learn all there is.

It is also important to consider the casualties. In a business setting, it would be the amount of business that has been lost due to that hiccup. In an accident, it will mean the number of lives lost. Measuring the loss is most of the work done. It is also perhaps the hardest and most mentally taxing part.

After the above have been measured and documented, there is need to break up the situation into categories. What would constitute a mild emergency? What would be considered severe? By categorizing the condition, one is able to keep track of it in case it escalates. It is also prudent to determine the risk of escalation. This way one knows to be extra vigilant as they check on the signs of escalation or to focus their efforts on a recovery plan.

After a careful consideration of the risk of escalation, one can start to think about a possible band-aid solution before the surgery begins. Which point of the situation warrants immediate and first priority? By attending to that aspect, the field should open a little more for more action to be taken. It is akin to punching the genitals to incapacitate the opponent so that one can have more time to deal with the rest of him.

Once an emergency response is complete, there is a need for a recovery plan. One will be looking to remedy the present situation than later trying to get back to pre-fall condition. That means first aid first then finding a way to get medical attention.

The next step is gathering of tools. One will need a phone to call an ambulance or if they can drive, the car keys. This step also applies to other emergencies. The first step of the recovery plan mostly uses what is available and not what is needed.

This is a critical step to recovery from an emergency. If it is skimped on or compromised, the situation could get very dire very fast. It might end up being irrevocable. Accurate assessment is therefore paramount to full recovery.




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