Disaster Planning resources for special districts

Disaster Planning process

The need for special districts to plan for unforeseen events has become more obvious than ever before. Whether it’s a threat from a pandemic that forces people to work from home, a catastrophic fire that wipes out entire towns, or the possibility of riots and looting that may affect your ability to operate, special districts need to be ready to face the unknown.

If you missed our Risk Assessment workshop, download the slides or view the recording.

Learn more in our blog, or scroll down to jump to a particular part of the process.

Download this infographic (PNG)

Phase 1: Mitigation

Mitigation efforts are designed to prevent hazards from developing into disasters altogether, or to reduce the effects of disasters if they do happen. They may include any action taken in advance to eliminate or reduce the long-term risk to life and property from natural and technological hazards - of which there are many! 

Learn more in our blog >

Phase 2: Preparedness

This is a continuous cycle of planning, organizing, training, equipping, exercising, evaluation and improvement activities to ensure effective coordination and the enhancement of capabilities to prevent, protect against, respond to, recover from and mitigate the effects of natural disasters, acts of terrorism and other man-made disasters.

Learn more in our blog >

Phase 3: Response

Response is defined as the actions taken to save lives and prevent further damage in a disaster or emergency situation. Response is putting preparedness plans into action. Response activities may include damage assessment, search and rescue, fire fighting and sheltering victims.

Learn more in our blog >

Phase 4: Recovery

Recovery is defined as the actions taken to
return the community to normal following a disaster. Repairing, replacing, or rebuilding property are examples of recovery. The aim of the
recovery phase is to restore the affected area
to its previous state.

Learn more in our blog >

This toolkit was designed specifically for special districts and includes worksheets
you can download to build your own Disaster Plan!

Google Sheets Risk Assessment Template
Microsoft Excel Risk Assessment Template

Emergency Action Plan Checklist (PDF)
Emergency Action Plan minimum requirements