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DisasterMan
The purpose of this function as stated in ESF #6 I. Introduction A.
Purpose is:
`The purpose of this Emergency Support Function (ESF) is to coordinate
efforts to provide sheltering, feeding, and emergency fi rst aid following a
catastrophic earthquake, signifi cant natural disaster or other event requiring
Federal response assistance; to operate a Disaster Welfare Information
(DWI) System to collect, receive, and report information about the status of
victims and assist with family reunifi cation within the disaster area; and to
coordinate bulk distribution of emergency relief supplies to disaster victims
following a disaster.'
Amateur radio operators help with communications among American
Red Cross shelters and also assist with communications for the disaster
welfare information system. The disaster welfare information is discussed
in ESF#6 II. C. DWI System:
`1. DWI, consisting of those persons identifi ed on shelter lists,
National Disaster Medical System (NDMS) casualty lists, and any further
information made available by the State Emergency Operations Centers
(EOCs) and hospitals will be collected and made available to immediate
family members within or outside the affected area.'
`7. Communications support agencies identifi
ed in ESF #2 -
Communications will be tasked with transmitting information to the DWI
Center. In no case will fatality lists be transmitted via amateur radio or the
ARC 47.42 Mhz system'
Some of ESF #6's planning assumptions which are relevant to
communications support by amateur radio are stated in ESF#6 III. Situation
B. Planning Assumptions:
`1. ESF#6 planning is based on a worst case scenario in which a
disaster occurs without warning at a time of day that will produce maximum
casualties, but also considers other disaster which could cause large
numbers of casualties and result in widespread damage necessitating the
temporary relocation of disaster victims.'
`4. A formal ESF#6 organizational structure for supporting the efforts
of other voluntary agencies and government agencies to provide feeding,
shelter, emergency fi rst aid stations, bulk distribution centers, and
providing for DWI will be in place in the disaster area within 48 hours after
implementation of the Plan.'