Improving Preparedness & Support for Future Events
This article outlines how to implement a scalable, technology-enabled Disaster Response Preparedness Plan within First Due. It supports standardized workflows, real-time communication, and proactive community engagement to improve operational readiness for all types of emergency events.
Effective disaster response hinges on pre-established workflows, reliable access to mission-critical data, and consistent coordination across agencies. This plan supports GIS integrations, offline functionality, and engagement strategies for both internal teams and the public. It aligns with NERIS and FEMA guidelines and is designed to scale from localized incidents to large-scale regional emergencies.
Define response zones using preloaded GIS data.
Identify critical infrastructure and hazards through ArcGIS layers.
Enable toggling of View Layers to display or hide relevant preplanning data.
Collaborate with ESRI for enhanced visual layers, including aerial imagery.
Prebuild response strategies to reduce in-the-moment planning.
Load zone-specific data in advance to shorten decision and dispatch times.
Promote resident updates to include:
Medical needs
Mobility limitations
Emergency contacts
Enable automated alerts via SMS, email, or mobile apps.
Configure event-based alerts for targeted, relevant communication.
Display live weather and storm data on First Due dashboards.
Track unit dispatch status and resource availability.
Share visibility with mutual aid agencies through real-time dashboards.
Create customized support tickets using naming conventions (e.g., “HELENE: system outage”).
Form a “Disaster Response EVENT” chat group for centralized communication.
Log incidents with NERIS and FEMA codes to streamline reporting and reimbursement.
Use mobile apps for live responder tracking (iOS/Android supported).
Share locations through Command Board integration.
Maintain offline navigation with pre-cached Google Maps data.
Ensure access to Preplans and Occupancy Profiles without connectivity.
Use Centralized CAD Profiles to reduce cross-agency communication overlap.
Monitor First Due system health for outages or service disruptions.
Enable real-time collaboration between field personnel and command.
Use Dynamic LogView to track event progression.
Maintain clear command structure using Commander Awareness tools.
Leverage Command Board Integration for comprehensive resource visibility.
Standardize event-naming conventions across chat threads and ticketing tools.
Validate that all preloaded GIS layers are regularly updated and QA-reviewed.
Train staff in both online and offline access workflows.
Engage the public with pre-disaster outreach campaigns using Community Connect.
Schedule readiness drills to test the entire workflow, including communication and coordination channels.
Q: What if my team loses internet during a response?
A: Offline access through cached maps and pre-downloaded preplans ensures continuity. Use Google Maps offline mode and First Due’s offline data access settings.
Q: How do I ensure alerts reach only the affected population?
A: Use First Due’s event-specific alerting setup to segment notifications by zone, event type, and severity.
Q: What happens if First Due has a system issue during an event?
A: Real-time system health checks are in place. Use the dedicated Disaster Support desk ticketing process for immediate triage.
Severe weather response: use layers for flood-prone areas and pre-alert high-risk residents.
Wildfire containment: track unit movement with Command Board and coordinate with forestry services.
Infrastructure failure: use live dashboards to monitor utility disruptions and response unit coverage.
Admins: Configure GIS layers, alerts, and dashboards.
Field Users: View preplans, respond to alerts, and access offline data.
Command Staff: Oversee unit movement, coordinate response, and update Dynamic Logs.
Use FEMA and NERIS codes to ensure incident reporting aligns with reimbursement and documentation protocols.
Audit trails available for all alerts, updates, and system modifications.
Perform post-incident reviews with all stakeholders.
Refine mapping data and community engagement based on outcomes.
Document learnings in After-Action Reports and update protocols accordingly.