Recovery 

Public works agencies take a lead role as the community begins to move from response into recovery. Priorities established in the preparedness and response phases are used for establishing recovery priorities, although they may change based on new developments and current information.

Restoration of lifelines is most often viewed as the first priority for the public works function. With the restoration of utilities, services, and other infrastructure, all agencies can better perform and the community begins to return to normality.

Other recovery activity for public works includes long-term debris management, coordination with State and Federal officials, documentation, inspection services, redevelopment, and facility reconstruction. In addition, Public Works may aid in activity such as re-entry, public health issues, and sheltering.

Core Capability – Planning 

When emergency planning teams are established, public works representation is essential to ensure that all key planning elements are included. Preparedness includes a thorough evaluation of priorities specific to public works as well as the overall functions of the government agency as a whole. Without this evaluation, delayed response or recovery efforts will surely result.

Coordination among different agencies is essential to ensure a quick response and recovery and must be considered during the community’s planning efforts. It is important to build interagency relationships through regular training and exercise that includes public works as well as all other appropriate agencies.

Establishing partnerships early on will help to educate other agencies about the capabilities of public works so their services are called upon when needed. Unified training will support successful unified response.

The planning team should identify the potential need for mutual aid or contract services to support the public works effort. A mutual aid agreement or Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) should be put in place before a disaster strikes that can be activated quickly when there is a known approaching danger.

Emergency Management Best Practices

Prevention  

To support prevention efforts in the community, public works agencies may perform tasks such as:

Installing fencing around critical facilities like water treatment plants or to limit access to dams

Installing surveillance cameras at facilities

Increasing public awareness of indicators of terrorism and terrorism-related crime around critical facilities; for example, through the “If You See Something, Say Something”™ public awareness program

Identifying possible terrorism targets and capabilities

Issuing time-sensitive alerts to the public, using all appropriate communication means and social media

Public Works Emergency Response Plan

The Provincial Emergency Management Plan (PEMP), authorized by The Emergency Planning Act, sets a broad structure for the government to prepare for and tackle emergencies that need a combined provincial approach.

This plan details how the Saskatchewan Government organizes its emergency response and offers direction to its departments, Crowns, and affiliated bodies. It clarifies their duties during an emergency and how they collaborate with local Saskatchewan government bodies and Emergency Operation Centers.

Under The Emergency Planning Act, local entities are mandated to have their own emergency response strategies. Unless a provincial emergency is declared, these local plans remain in effect. When the emergency system is activated, the provincial and local plans function together, with local strategies directing city actions and the provincial plan overseeing the collective governmental response. It’s suggested, though not mandatory, for local areas to use the ICS system, like Saskatchewan’s government, to unify response actions.

It’s worth noting that across Canada, other provinces and territories may have their own emergency management frameworks and regulations. Each region’s unique geography, risks, and administrative structure can lead to variations in their emergency response plans. While some might mirror Saskatchewan’s approach, others might have different systems or prioritizations in place, depending on their specific needs and experiences.

Incident Command System

The Incident Command System (ICS) is a standardized management system to organize and manage a scalable response to any emergency incidents.

Key Features of ICS: 

By integrating different organizations into a cohesive, responsive unit, the Incident Command System plays a critical role in managing emergencies effectively, ensuring resources are used optimally, and, most importantly, saving lives.