Contingency Proposal Plan Outline
Identified Hazard
Extreme temperature is a hazard in New York. Heatwaves due to an abnormal increase in temperature are likely to cause harm to citizens across the region. The identification of the heatwave as a hazard is essential. It is not possible to mitigate without knowing the anticipated danger (Haddow et al., 2011, p73). Increased temperatures can be harmful to humans, animals and plants. The atmospheric change can also have effects on oceans and ice. It thus does not only harm human beings, plants and animals in the area but other weather aspects as well beyond the region. Bearing this in mind, it is imperative to come up with a contingency plan to mitigate and respond to the threat.
Hazard Impact
The impact of the heatwave would not only be felt at an individual level but state level and ultimately on the country level. Its effects would affect the weather pattern as a result of rising temperatures that would affect oceans and ice. As a result, areas away from New York would be affected by adverse weather patterns such as extreme wet weather patterns. The economy in New York would also be affected by the closure of amenities such as schools and workplaces. Staying indoors would translate to citizens not working hence affecting the economy negatively. Infrastructure such as transportation would not only affect New York but other states dependant on the New York transport system for both humans and goods. At an individual level, citizens exposed to the heatwave may develop heat-related injuries. Asphalt, for example, can burn (Stierwalt, 2018) hence an individual my acquire burns if in direct contact.
Plan Feasibility
The plan has to be feasible after the hazard identification, threat context and capability targets have been identified. The three stages, otherwise known as the THIRA process, are essential in contingency planning (Homeland Security, 2018). Bearing in mind the mentioned aspects, the plan can only work if there are resources put in place to deal with the threat. The heatwave is the hazard identified, and the context identifies those likely to suffer more. The homeless, ageing population and children are identified as vulnerable. The capability target identifies the response timelines during the process. In this regard, feasibility would include resources such as drinking water, medication for those suffering heat-related health issues, ambulances, emergency medical services, health care facilities, food, shelter and amenities for those evacuated or housed such as the homeless population.
Compliance would also be necessary for efforts to mitigate the hazard. Steel and concrete, for example, traps heat hence exacerbate the heat problem. It thus means that the contingency plan has to include building solutions that include the use of building materials that release as opposed to trapping heat. Such a move should, however, not breach any laws and regulations. In case the existing rules and regulations are not feasible as regards the hazard, then the proper channel for policy change has to be used. Inclusion of the state, community, public and private sector, for example, in the policymaking process would ensure engagement. Use of social media in tracking community safety and ensuring well being (Gosnell, 2015) would also be an engaging solution. A feasible, acceptable, complete, compliant and engaging plan is likely to succeed (“CPG 101, Version 2.0 – Process and Analysis Support Tool”, 2011). A plan lacking these aspects is, on the other hand, likely to fail.
Conclusion
Heatwaves are natural disasters; hence prevention measures may not be effective. In this regard mitigation, response and recovery measures are crucial. Even though prevention may not be possible damage can be controlled through preparedness efforts. Preparedness is not only a state affair but a community affair as well. The community is, therefore, integral in the planning of the contingency proposal.