Having a clear strategy for implementing HazCollect from this point forward will help ensure the success of your efforts. The following outline of steps may assist you in developing your own strategy. (These steps are provided in a general sequence, but some steps may overlap. For example, while you are waiting for your application for HazCollect access to be reviewed and approved, you can begin the preparation phase. NWEM authoring software deployment may take place simultaneously with SOP development, and so on.)
The HazCollect Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) and After Action Review, referred to below, are discussed later in this chapter.
Complete the Authorization Process
If you have not already done so, apply for a Disaster Management COG on behalf of your jurisdiction. (See Net Links below.)
- Verify completion of this training by following the instructions provided in the Final Test section of this course.
- If you have not already done so, apply for HazCollect access on behalf of your jurisdiction. (See Net Links below.)
- Prepare for Planning
- Research State and Local EAS plans, and other warning related plans as applicable, as an aid to completing Job Aid #1 (Lesson 2.7), and as references to include in your HazCollect SOP.
- If you have not already done so, complete Job Aid #1, in preparation for defining NWEM types and approval authorities to include in your HazCollect SOP.
- Research the availability of any state or local NWEM templates, in preparation for updating or designing new templates.
- Research available NWEM authoring software options. (If your software is available at no cost, such as the DMIS Desktop Tools, you may wish to proceed with procuring; otherwise, you may want to wait until your application for HazCollect access is approved.)
- Contact your local National Weather Service Weather Forecast Office for any specific local considerations, including text-to-voice issues, nighttime hours, etc.
- Develop Plan Documents
- Draft a HazCollect Standard Operating Procedure for your jurisdiction. (See Lesson 5.2)
- Draft SOP appendices such as NWEM templates, After Action Review checklist, and any job aids you develop.
- Circulate your draft SOP for review and comment, both internally among participants, and externally to other relevant organizations (e.g. NWS and local broadcasters.)
- Develop a final draft, obtain approval, and issue (distribute) for use or information.
- Follow up for any necessary revisions to your Local EAS Plan, Emergency Operations Plan (Warning Annex), or other warning related plans.
- Deploy NWEM Authoring Software
- Obtain technical support as needed for software installation.
- Create accounts with user permissions reflecting the roles and responsibilities of participating individuals.
- Provide Training and Exercise
- Provide all participating individuals with training on their roles and responsibilities as defined by your HazCollect SOP.
- Provide training on your NWEM authoring software to those who will be responsible for data entry. Note: Assume any test or practice messages will be read and/or heard by the public. Test and practice messages may be modeled after real event messages, but content should not be alarmist in nature or suggest actual emergency conditions exist.
- In addition, individuals who are assigned NWEM posting authority, (i.e., have a permission level that enables them to actually transmit a message), should complete this HazCollect Principles training course. The COG Administrator agrees at the time of HazCollect registration to require this training for all such COG members.
- Conduct a functional exercise for participants, up to, but not including actual HazCollect NWEM transmission. You may opt to simulate HazCollect transmission via manual methods such as facsimile or email transmission.
- Incorporate HazCollect procedures into any emergency response exercises planned by your jurisdiction.
- Review and Improve
- Include review of HazCollect activation as part of your exercise or actual incident After Action Review, and implement any Corrective Actions identified. (See Lesson 5.3)
