MS 350: Emergency Action Plans

Date: 07/26/96
Office: International Operations AD/IO
Supersedes: New Section

Table of Contents

Table Of Contents

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1.0

Purpose

2.0

Policy

3.0

Responsibilities

 

3.1

Country Director

 

3.2

Regions

 

3.3

Office of Special Services

4.0

Resources

1.0 Purpose

An emergency situation, if not attended to promptly, can quickly develop into a crisis with a potential for significant injury or death, property damage or destruction, or disruption of operations. This Manual Section provides the Country Director with policy guidance in anticipating, planning for and managing non-medical emergencies that may impact Volunteer safety. The corresponding procedural guidance is set forth in the Peace Corps Crisis Management Handbook.

2.0 Policy

Each post shall develop a Peace Corps Emergency Action Plan (PC/EAP) that anticipates likely non-medical emergencies and provides for Volunteer safety and, where appropriate, the orderly withdrawal of all Volunteers, staff and dependents. The PC/EAP shall be developed in consultation with the Regional Security Office of the U. S. Embassy. The PC/EAP must be reviewed and the communications network tested at post annually to identify areas that may need revision. After being reviewed and tested in country, PC/EAPs shall be sent to their respective Regions annually for review and oversight. Country Directors will follow established standards and procedures for effective crisis management as set forth in the Peace Corps Crisis Management Handbook.

3.0 Responsibilities

In an emergency, Peace Corps resources and personnel, like those of all other U. S. Government agencies, are under the general guidance of the Chief of the U. S. Mission. A U. S. Mission Emergency Action Plan will be developed by the Mission and the Regional Security Officer and will include the PC/EAP.

3.1 Country Director

The Country Director shall:

  • Develop a Peace Corps Emergency Action Plan anticipating potential threats to Volunteer safety and security according to guidance set forth in Peace Corps Crisis Management Handbook (1996);
  • Coordinate planning with the local U. S. Embassy's Emergency Action Committee (EAC), PC staff and Volunteers;
  • Ensure that Peace Corps is represented on the US Embassy EAC;
  • Submit the PC/EAP to US Embassy to be attached to the US Mission EAP;
  • Review and update the PC/EAP annually and revise as warranted;
  • Test emergency communications network regularly, making adjustments as warranted;
  • Submit the revised PC/EAP to the Region annually;
  • Ensure that PC staff and PCVs are prepared to respond appropriately to emergencies at post; and
  • In the event of an emergency, determine its nature and extent. Should evacuation and/or post closing become necessary, the Country Director shall follow procedures as set forth in MS 341, "Post Closing" and the Peace Corps Crisis Management Handbook.

3.2 Regions

The Regional Director shall:

  • Monitor annual submission of revised plans from each post;
  • Review plans prepared by posts and make recommendations for improvement;
  • Provide planning guidance and support to Country Directors;
  • Ensure that the Regional staff is prepared to respond appropriately to emergencies at posts;
  • Coordinate with M/IRM with regard to the most appropriate communications technology; and
  • Coordinate with other offices within Peace Corps, and U. S. government agencies as appropriate.

3.3 Office of Special Services

The Director of Special Services shall:

  • Publish and distribute to all posts the Peace Corps Crisis Management Handbook; and
  • Provide necessary support to Regional and field staffs as requested.

4.0 Resources

The Peace Corps Crisis Management Handbook (1996) offers step-by-step management guidance to overseas staff before, during, and after a crisis event. It also contains an extensive annotated bibliography of additional resources. This document, developed by the Volunteer Safety Council, is available through the Office of Special Services. The Evacuation Support Guide (1993) provides detailed procedures for Peace Corps Washington during an evacuation. It is distributed by the Office of Planning, Policy and Analysis (D/PPA). Proposed revisions should be coordinated with this office. The Emergency Planning Handbook (1988) is a resource document developed by the Department of State and is available through the U. S. Embassy Regional Security Office.

The Disaster Assistance Handbook: Consular Assistance to U. S. Citizens Involved in Disasters Abroad (1992) includes sections on establishing a crisis task force, monitoring and responding to crises, press releases, debriefing victims and communicating with families of victims. This document is available through the Consular Section of the U. S. Embassy.