Emergency Support Function Planning Process

About the Program

Category: Risk and Emergency Management (Best in Category)

Year: 2017

Having faced multiple natural disasters throughout the last decade, including the unprecedented 2013 Flood disaster, Boulder County has committed to a robust, resilient, and efficient community response and recovery effort. One highly effective and innovative component of the community response framework is illustrated through the Emergency Support Functions (ESFs) of Mass Care & Sheltering (ESF 6) and Volunteer & Donation Management (ESF 19) that are primarily supported by the lead Human Services agencies within the county (Housing & Human Services and Community Services). Key staff members from the Boulder County Departments of Housing & Human Services (HHS) and Community Services, along with many other support agencies, are tasked with coordinating ESF 6 and ESF 19 duties in an emergency. This scope includes anything from emergency shelter operations, to unmet needs supports such as cash cards and temporary housing, to coordination of voluntary organizations and unsolicited donations. The work also transitions to short- and long-term recovery efforts through Disaster Assistance Centers and longer-term case management supports—staff is still supporting residents impacted by the 2013 Flood even four years later. Through strong collaborative efforts, this team has formalized an incident command system (ICS) structure and created comprehensive emergency response plans. The team has solidified strong staffing plans and has held several trainings. This innovative structure was tested and successful during the 2016 Cold Springs Fire and the more recent Rogers Fire/Wagonwheel Gap Fires and the Sunshine Fire (February and March of 2017). Most communities rely solely on the American Red Cross to provide emergency supports so this was a unique effort that has been primarily driven by the county’s human services agencies. By fully utilizing the expertise that lies within these agencies and the resources already available in a robust safety net, the community is wholly supported during disasters.