Federal Emergency Management Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Federal Emergency Management - Case Study Example It is considered a must-have in every fire department and a must read for all fire chiefs so as to help prevent future firefighter fatalities. The Charleston tragedy was both predictable and preventable but due to a sequence of ill-preparedness and ill-advised strategic ideas lives were lost. One of the most important lessons in preparedness that is outlined in the report and forms the focus of this study is the training of firefighting officers at all levels and rank. They should be trained in incident management systems, how to assess the risks involved, formulate and implement strategies and tactics and in the effective use and care of life-saving equipment. The report found that in addition to the risks posed by the building itself such as highly combustible materials in a large area next to a smoking zone and with no warning signs, the large area covered by the loading dock area, no firewalls or sprinklers, among other shortcomings relating to the training of the officers at the Charleston Fire Department also contributed to the unfortunate events of that evening. The officers at the Charleston Fire Department were poorly trained in incident management systems. The firefighting protocol is that the highest ranking officer that arrives at the scene first assumes the position of Incident Commander and initiates operations. The identity of the commander can change during the operation but there can only be one at a time. The Fire Chief and the Assistant Fire Chief did not formally assume command or establish a fixed command post immediately they arrived. They proceeded to join the other firemen already on the scene without an incident management system that would have provided command, control, and coordination of the emergency. Since there was no one that was officially in command, there were two teams that were not to be working in tandem at different areas of the warehouse.