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NLC Develops Course on Crisis Leadership for Local Officials
by James Weed
The leadership challenge facing many local officials before, during and after an emergency crisis situation or disaster is substantial. But what is the role of elected or appointed officials during a crisis and how do they stay informed as it unfolds?
To help local officials be prepared for emergency management, NLC and the International City/County Management Association, with the support of the Department of Homeland Security, are providing the Crisis Leadership For Local Officials: Pilot Leadership Development Training Seminar, an in-depth training program for local leaders over the next two years. There will be a total of four pilot programs being delivered this year and an additional 40 across the country next year.
The training program will address the four missions of emergency management: prevention, protection, response and recovery. It will also support the National Preparedness Goals of meeting specific national priorities of expanded regional collaboration, strengthening information sharing and collaboration, and interoperability communications.
The purpose of this curriculum is to provide local officials with an overview of the information that is vital in preparing for, responding to and recovering from any type of emergency, disaster or terrorist event.
This curriculum consists of the following series of modules on crisis/emergency management directed to local officials.
Know your hazards
This module lays the foundation for the program by teaching the hazards relevant to the geographic area and discussing the potential impact to various segments of the community and the community overall. The module will emphasize the disaster environment and the unique problems associated with it as well as the needs and problems of planning for vulnerable populations.
Know who your team is, how it works, why it works and who is in charge
This module teaches the basic emergency management structure at all levels of government, the four functions of emergency management and the importance of partnerships, and identifies partners outside the government and how they are integrated into a successful emergency/crisis management program.
Know your local resources, limitations and where to seek additional support
This module will cover the types of resources available in jurisdictions, how to identify resource gaps and where to find additional resources through mutual/automatic aid, and state and federal support. The Emergency Management Assistance Compact will also be discussed.
Know your role and responsibilities
This module will cover the legal responsibilities of local officials and their role before, during and after an emergency/crisis. Strategies for effective leadership will also be presented.
Know what to expect
This module will cover short- and long-term recovery issues, roles of public officials and recovery, and the importance of after action reviews.
Know where the funding is and how it may be accessed
This module will cover the different types of financial assistance available from various sources for preparedness, mitigation, response and recovery. It will also discuss how public officials can maximize funding opportunities.
Tabletop exercise
This module will consist of a 90 minute tabletop exercise, which will give the students the opportunity to apply the information presented in the course to suggest solutions to the problems stemming from the exercise scenario.
Summary
This module will consist of a course summary, course evaluation and a period for feedback.
Details: For more information and to apply for the Crisis Leadership For Local Officials: Pilot Leadership Development Training Seminar, go to www.nlc.org. To ask questions, contact James Weed at (202) 626-3051 or weed@nlc.org.
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