The focus of the
crisis control centre is the processing of information, the taking of decisions
and the management of actions. However there are a number of highly important
logistical tasks that need to be undertaken, particularly over a prolonged
incident. 5 things to think about planning for are:
1.
Access
Control: Everyone will want in but not everyone needs access, including senior
staff. Make sure you include some form of access control. This needs to
restrict access to those who are authorised to enter and record access of those
present at any point in time.
2.
Minute
Taking: The discussions and decisions within the control centre and by the
teams being briefed by the control centre, such as the CMT, must have minutes
taken. This requires trained staff as part of the control centre team.
3.
Shift
Management: It will be impossible to remain as part of the control centre team indefinitely.
People need to be afforded rest whilst on shift and the shifts need to be changed.
The pace of replacement will be driven by the tempo of the incident. Shift changes need to be done in rotation, and
not all at once, and require careful planning from the very start. People due
to be on shift at a later point may need to be sent home first.
4.
Staff
Welfare Support: Staff in the control centre will be under pressure, may be experiencing
the results of traumatic events and will have their own worries. They may have dependency
issues, medical concerns or know people that have been impacted. It will be
important to provide access to welfare provisions for control centre staff,
from rest and refreshments to counselling and support.
5.
Maintenance:
Things break or get damaged so part of your control centre team structure needs
to include technical and maintenance staff. They will be vital in helping to
ensure the smooth running of the centre.
Top
Tip: Often this will be too much for the same people
who are managing the emergency or crisis to cover. Think about appointing a
control centre manager whose job it is to cover these aspects.
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