Handbook for Emergencies - Second Edition (UNHCR, 1999, 414 p.): 4. Contingency Planning: Planning as a Process

Handbook for Emergencies - Second Edition (UNHCR, 1999, 414 p.)

(introduction...)

Using the Handbook

Introduction

Abbreviations

UNHCR's Mission Statement

1. Aim and Principles of Response

(introduction...)

Definition and Aim

Responsibilities

Principles of Response

2. Protection

(introduction...)

Introduction

Protection in Emergencies

Initial Actions

Physical Safety of Refugees

Emergencies as a Result of Changes in Government Policy

Other Persons of Concern to UNHCR

Durable Solutions

Key References

Annexes

3. Emergency Management

(introduction...)

Introduction

The Key Emergency Management Functions

Stages in Refugee Emergency Operations

Key References

4. Contingency Planning

(introduction...)

Introduction

Planning as a Process

Contingency Planning Tasks

Characteristics of a Good Plan

Key References

Annexes

5. Initial Assessment, Immediate Response

(introduction...)

Introduction

Organizing the Assessment

Immediate Response

Protection and Material Assistance

Key References

Annexes

6. Operations Planning

(introduction...)

Introduction

Operations Planning Tasks

Allocation of Responsibilities

Annexes

7. Coordination and Site Level Organization

(introduction...)

Coordination

Organization at the Site Level

Key References

Annexes

8. Implementing Arrangements

(introduction...)

Introduction

Implementing Arrangements

Implementing Procedures

Monitoring, Reporting and Evaluation

Special Considerations

Key References

Annexes

9. External Relations

(introduction...)

Relations with Government and Diplomatic Corps

Relations with the Media

Funding and Donor Relations

Formal Written Communications

Annexes

10. Community Services and Education

(introduction...)

Overview

Introduction

Organizing Community Services

Human Resources

Family Tracing and Reunification

Groups at Risk and Vulnerable Groups

Education

Key References

Annexes

11. Population Estimation and Registration

(introduction...)

Overview

Introduction

Population Estimates

Registration

Key References

Annexes

12. Site Selection, Planning and Shelter

(introduction...)

Overview

Introduction

Organization of Response

Criteria for Site Selection

Site Planning: General Considerations

Site Planning: Specific Infrastructure

Shelter

Reception and Transit Camps

Public Buildings and Communal Facilities

13. Commodity Distribution

(introduction...)

Overview

When to start distribution

Choosing a Commodity Distribution System

Components of Distribution Systems

The Role of Refugee Women

Monitoring

Key References

14. Health

(introduction...)

Overview

Introduction

Health Assessment, Planning, Monitoring and Surveillance

Main Health Programmes

Organization of Refugee Health Care

Human Resources and Coordination

Key References

Annexes

15. Food and Nutrition

(introduction...)

Overview

Introduction

Organization of Food Support

Nutritional Assessments

General Feeding Programme

Selective Feeding Programmes

Infant Feeding and use of Milk Products

Key References

Annexes

16. Water

(introduction...)

Overview

Introduction

Assessment and Organization

The Need

Immediate Response

Water Supply Systems

Water Sources

Pumping Equipment

Treatment

Storage

Distribution

Key References

17. Environmental Sanitation

(introduction...)

Overview

Introduction

Basic Principles And Standards

Human Resources And Organization

Human Excretia Disposal

Solid Wastes

Wastewater

Pest and Vector Control

General Hygiene

Disposal Of The Dead

Key References

Annexes

18. Supplies and Transport

(introduction...)

Overview

Introduction

Organization of the Supply Chain

Supplies

Transport

Reception of Goods

Storage

Stock Management

Key References

Annexes

19. Voluntary Repatriation

(introduction...)

Overview

Introduction

UNHCR's Role in Voluntary Repatriation

Conditions For a Voluntary Repatriation

On Route

On Arrival in Country of Origin

Key References

Annexes

20. Administration, Staffing and Finance

(introduction...)

Introduction

Emergency Staffing

Budget and Finance

Non-Expendable Property and Office Supplies

Office Premises

Official Transport

Office Organization

Key References

Annexes

21. Communications

(introduction...)

Introduction

Communications Management

Telecommunications

UNHCR Telecommunications Network Field Preparations

Key References

Annexes

22. Coping with Stress

(introduction...)

Introduction

Identifying Stress Symptoms

Techniques for dealing with Stress

Key References

23. Staff Safety

(introduction...)

Introduction

The UN Security System

Essential Plans

Security

Security Management

Key References

24. Working with the Military

(introduction...)

Introduction

Categories of Military Forces

Possible Roles of Military Forces in Humanitarian Operations

Coordination Between Military Forces and Civilian Agencies

Key References

Appendix 1 - Catalogue of Emergency Response Resources

Appendix 2 - Toolbox

Appendix 3 - Memoranda

Appendix 4 - Glossary

Planning as a Process

10. Planning is an ongoing activity; the planner needs to constantly assess the situation and adjust objectives and courses of action to take account of developments.

11. A static contingency plan is soon out of date and breeds a false sense of security. By reviewing and updating planning measures regularly, the preparedness measures in place can be kept appropriate and adequate.

12. One of the most important contributions of the contingency plan to emergency response often comes from the process itself: identifying working partners, their capabilities and resources, developing a working relationship with them and coming to a common understanding of the issues, priorities and responsibilities.

The capacity of the actors to respond in an emergency will be enhanced by their previous involvement in the contingency planning process.

13. Both contingency planning and operations planning set strategic and sectoral objectives and develop an action plan to achieve these objectives. The major difference between the two is that contingency planning involves making assumptions and developing the scenarios upon which planning is based, while in operations planning, the starting point is known, and the planning will build on needs and resources assessments.

Figure 1 - Differences between Contingency Planning and Emergency Operations Planning

Aspect	Contingency plan	Operations Plan
Relation to emergency event	Before	During
Scope of plan	Global or scenario based	Both strategic and specific
Partners involved	All likely partners	Operational and implementing partners only
Focus	Developing agreed scenarios	Effective and rapid response
Relationships	Developing	Utilizing
Planning Style	Consultative	Directive and consultative
Allocation	Roles	Responsibilities
Time frame	Floating, uncertain	Fixed, immediate

Meetings

14. Many pitfalls in contingency planning can be avoided by planning collectively, marshalling the widest range of local skills, and complementing these by external inputs.

Contingency planning is best achieved through a cooperative and coordinated effort wherein all concerned work together with shared objectives over a period of time.

A single meeting that produces a plan is usually insufficient and the product often inadequate. The contingency planning process therefore revolves around regular meetings and follow up.

15. The participants in the contingency planning process should include those who might be involved in the emergency response, including the government, agencies, representatives of donor governments and local organizations and expertise. Contingency planning meetings are sometimes called "roundtable" meetings to stress the importance of participation by all involved. The views of one agency may differ from others, but this will often be to the advantage of the planning process since it provides a useful forum for all assumptions to be questioned and refined. The end product is thus more realistic. While UNHCR may facilitate the roundtable, the role and importance of each participant must be respected.

16. A contingency planning meeting should produce a draft contingency plan containing the following:

i. Scenario identification;

ii. Strategic objectives;

iii. Sector objectives and activities.

Subsequent meetings should review early warning indicators, report on actions taken since the previous meeting, and update the existing plan.

17. Inputs into these meetings include specialist expertise and advice, results from field visits, and statements of agency policy. Outputs include the contingency plan, draft budgets and standby arrangements such as stockpiles.