Evaluating the emergency operations action (EOA) plan

 

Upon consolidating the emergency and postemergency measures, it is necessary to evaluate comprehensively all of the activities that have taken place. Both the strengths and weaknesses of the predisaster, emergency, and immediate postemergency measures should be underscored. This information can be used to improve the entire emergency plan handling postdisaster problems. It also reinforces policy decisions about rehabilitation, such as those concerning changes in the design and construction of civil engineering structures and replacing equipment and supplies.

The questions to be posed during the evaluation are the following:

1. What happened during the disaster?

2. What did not happen? Why?

3. Who was or was not there?

4. What should be done to improve the entire EOA Plan?

5. What laws or regulations need to be changed to improve the EOA Plan?

6. What material should be stocked for emergency use in the future?

The report of this final evaluation should be offered to the local governmental and nongovernmental agencies of concern and to international relief organizations. An evaluation of this kind will also ensure proper coordination of routine activities, essential for improving preparedness for the future occurrence of disaster.