Identification of a Potential Community Hazard
New York is prone to human-made and natural hazards and threats. Hazard identification is crucial in threat mitigation (Haddow et al., 2011, p73). To adequately deal with the disaster, a contingency plan has to be implemented. It is therefore essential to have a plan that is adequate, feasible, acceptable, complete, compliant and engaging (“CPG 101, Version 2.0 – Process and Analysis Support Tool”, 2011). Use of the THIRA process is essential in developing a plan. The process involves hazard identification, threat context and capability targets (Homeland Security, 2018).
Hazard Identification
Extreme temperatures are a natural hazard in New York during the summer season. As a result, a large number of people living in New York are likely to suffer heatwave effects. The threat would thus affect people on a large scale since temperature rise is prevalent in vast areas. In this regard, every citizen in New York would be affected by the heatwave.
Threat Context
Adverse effects resulting from the heatwave are likely to occur on a larger scale during the afternoon when temperatures are most elevated. Temperatures are lower at night hence reducing threat level. Vulnerable populations, such as children and older people are also more likely to be affected. Older people living alone are especially prone to suffer more than those living with family members or in assisted living homes. People living in warmer areas are also likely to be more affected than those living in colder regions. Individuals working in steel buildings are also expected to suffer more due to heat retention of the steel and concrete buildings.
Capability Targets
Within 24 hrs of a heatwave, drinking water should be provided to homeless individuals living in shelters. A warning should also be put out within an hour on all media that includes radio and television stations warning of the threat. Individuals will also be expected to avoid being outdoors when the temperatures are at the highest. Those without cooling systems installed in the house will be evacuated within 24 hrs as well. Schools will also be closed indefinitely within 12 hrs to avoid heat exposure effects. Weather updates will be given every 2 hrs on all local television and radio channels to keep New York citizens updated.
Staying hydrated and air-conditioned is thus crucial in preventing heat-related problems. Other safety measures that include social media safety updates should also be used. Social media platforms such as Face book have been used previously to keep track of affected individuals safety (Gosnell, 2015). The community in this regard will be expected to not only ensure safety measures are followed through but also keep track of each other’s well being.
Conclusion
The planning and execution of the mitigation plan take place under the guidance and supervision of the emergency management director of New York. The director is tasked with overseeing the drafting of the plan as well as its execution. It is important to note that the community plays a significant role in the hazard identification process as well as the threat mitigation, prevention and response process. In this regard, the planning would not be feasible without the involvement of the community. The community, in this case, involves but is not limited to the interest groups, nongovernmental organizations and the private sector. Review of the plan is essential in identifying plan success. An appraisal determines how successful or not a program is and spells out the necessary updates and changes.