Response

Response is the reaction to the occurrence of a catastrophic disaster or emergency consisting of immediate actions aimed at saving lives, reducing economic losses, and alleviating suffering by meeting basic human needs.  It addresses the short-term, direct effects of an incident.  This phase of emergency management consists of the coordination and management resources utilizing the Incident Command System (ICS).   It involves the execution of emergency operations plans and of mitigation activities designed to limit the loss of life, personal injury, property damage, and other unfavorable outcomes.

As indicated by the situation, community coordinated response actions may include activating the emergency operations center; evacuating threatened/affected populations; assisting and promoting the opening of shelters; communicating with media and the public in a consistent and timely manner; and coordinating mass care, emergency rescue and medical care, firefighting, and search and rescue.  Additional response activities may involve applying intelligence and information to lessen the effects or consequences of an incident; increasing security operations; investigating the nature and/or cause of the incident; ongoing public health and agricultural surveillance; and working to preempt, interdict, or disrupt illegal activities. 

The City of Laurel Department of Emergency performs the following response activities:

  • Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Activations
    • On-Scene Incident Support for Emergencies and Special Events
    • Resource Ordering, Tracking, and Management
    • Documentation
    • Public Warning and Information
  • On-Scene Response
    • Incident Command Support for Emergencies and Special Events
    • Resource Mobilization
  • Emergency Communications
    • National Weather Service Briefings
    • Statewide Emergency Coordination Briefings
    • Emergency, Weather, and Event Advisories / Alerts