Mass care (ESF-6) preparedness for catastrophic disasters

Abstract

The author of this thesis asserts that the current mass care response capability of the state of Missouri is insufficient to meet the sheltering, feeding and bulk distribution needs of the projected affected population in a catastrophic disaster. This thesis focuses on a catastrophic seismic event along the New Madrid fault zone resulting in an earthquake with a Richter scale reading approximating 7.7 or higher to determine the baseline mass care needs. A capability gap exists due to an insufficient number of trained, qualified mass care volunteers. Correcting this deficiency requires a new approach including the modification of the current management structure and the active participation and collaboration between all levels of government, volunteer organizations and the private sector. The author proposes concepts that appear to be basic in nature to emergency managers, but when presented to the volunteer community were welcomed, but perceived as progressive. These corrective actions include a state-wide recruiting effort, standardized training and a more hierarchal management structure within the Emergency Support Function 6.