The concept of the emergency planning cycle

Although there are different models used to prepare an emergency plan, they typically contain similar elements and the approach for development is usually cyclical.

Simple cyclical process

Emergency planning can be described using a simple cyclical process: its implementation ensures the emergency plan is fit for purpose (Dillon 2014: 37).

Figure of eight process

An extended version of this model is given by the UK Cabinet Office (2011: 17).

Their model describes a ‘figure of eight’ with the top circle aligned very closely to the Dillon model.

The bottom circle describes the process for developing the plan.

Read sections 5.46 to 5.50 of ‘Chapter 5 Emergency planning of the UK Cabinet Office guidance’, which describe in detail the emergency planning cycle.

Your task

Consider what challenges there would be in developing and maintaining an emergency plan using these models.

References

_{Dillon, B. (2014) Blackstone’s Emergency Planning, Crisis and Disaster Management. 2nd edn. Oxford: Oxford University Press}

_{Cabinet Office (2017) ‘Chapter 5 (Emergency planning)’. Emergency Preparedness (revised version) [online] available from https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/ attachment_data/file/61028/Emergency_Preparedness_chapter5_amends_21112011.pdf [8 May 2018]}