Chief Executive and National Commander s s Report That operational instructions be developed and promulgated to clearly define the reporting line of the Manager USAR to the OIC Fire. Task allocated to: Brian Davey and Jim Stuart Black After extensive work through reviewing processes and instructions a draft Policy has been formulated that addresses a comprehensive 1 range of issue identified to improve our USAR capability and response, including this OFI. The Policy is now being circulated as part of a Feb comprehensive consultation process. Policy is waiting response from NZPFU as aprt of the consultation process.. That the statutory responsibilities of the NZFS Task Allocated to: Awaiting internal 2 brigades (including USAR acting under the person in charge of the brigade) and responsibilities within Brian Davey and Rachel Dickinson legal opinion Reviewing CDEM the National Civil Defence Plan of the NZFS during ACT requirements October 2011 Page 1 of 24
Chief Executive and National Commander s s Report and after a Civil Defence Emergency be clearly stated in the disaster management guidelines and communicated throughout the NZFS and on training courses. Reviewing Operational Instruction M4 1 3 That once the Policy for identification cards is completed and approved, all managers ensure the policy is complied with. Policy has been completed ID cards are now being issued as per policy. National database being held at NHQ by DOT. Feb That a robust national major disaster planning First draft of manual 4 policy, including templates and check lists be developed and implemented to provide a consistent planning process across all regions, areas, fire stations and departments. These plans should form part of comprehensive disaster management reference material that is accessible to all operational managers, staff at fire Major Possible Very High Task allocated to: Brian Davey and Rachel Dickinson This manual will include comprehensive Welfare section including Welfare section is close to completion. Workshop being held at beginning of ch to finalise before it is promulgated to stakeholders for consultation. NB: manual is at a point of development whereby Feb October 2011 Page 2 of 24
Chief Executive and National Commander s s Report stations and at region and area offices, and is part it can be used now if of a formal training regime. required and will be under constant review. Title is National Manual. This Guidelines for notification of major emergencies should be developed, communicated and followed. 5 These guidelines should also be practised during training exercises. These should include protocols covering mobilisation such as self responding. That all Regions have a recall policy or procedure in place which includes the methods for notifying 6 personnel. This should clarify the NZFS expectations for operational staff who are not on duty at the Task allocated to: Brian Davey and Rachel Dickinson Regions are being monitored individually through Director Operational Efficiency. All Regions and Area's are manual will be promulgated for consultation by end on ch. Guidelines will be included in National Plan (OFI 4) Jan All Fire Region Managers NC Group notifications and national telephone list already on FireNet All Regions have responded advising that Area recall procedures are in place. October 2011 Page 3 of 24 Feb CLOSED
Chief Executive and National Commander s s Report time of the incident. reviewing their recall Regular reviews are procedures to ensure they align with intent of this OFI. Note: recall procedures presently exist for all Area's required to ensure new region boundaries are considered in this procedure. These reviews will be integrated into the OPSEFF annual Audit program to ensure they are regularly reviewed, commencing this year. 7 Review the call out system for No 4 Region and Christchurch Area to provide a seamless structure that will provide the optimum level of support for any emergency that the NZFS may be called to in the Area, Region, or nationally. The plans need to be region wide and training should embrace and build a region ethos. Callout system for Region and ChCh Area has been reviewed. Fire Region Manager, Region 4 Region procedure updated to include Tasman/lb Executive roster reviewed and contingencies in place in event of similar diaster Roster rules reviewed in local procedures Roster officer role defined and will be full time during CLOSED disaster Procedure to release USAR October 2011 Page 4 of 24
Chief Executive and National Commander s s Report staff implemented. The concept and principles used by Rural Fire for National Incident Management Teams (NIMT's) should be explored with a view to establishing Urban/Rural Incident Management Teams. Operations Advisor Concept included in review of Command and Control Technical manual. National Manual will cover principles of OFI. 8 Capability exists now as there is always Exec on call capability nationally requisite skills will be locked into OSM for all Exec Officers, and will include CLOSED regular training and exercises. Proved in 23 Dec 2011 response to further ChCh after shocks. 9 It is recommended that the NZFS commanders take up the opportunity of becoming NIMT team members with a view to establishing a minimum of Minor Possible Medium Coordinated by Director Operations and All Fire Region Managers All new Regions indicate they presently have executive officers trained and skilled for this role. CLOSED October 2011 Page 5 of 24
Chief Executive and National Commander s s Report one NZFS commander as a NIMT team member in Opportunities will be each region. explored as part of future NIMT training Incident Management for large scale The NSW Fire Brigade IMT 10 emergencies should be programmed and completed on a regular basis. This training should be completed on a comprehensive basis including operational staff at all levels, Rural Fire personnel and support staff who are identified as having skills that may be used during a large scale emergency. Manager BLUE CARD training package is being implemented. 50 hours pre residential is completed and residential component of course (2 weeks) commences 13 February at NTC, delivered by NSW instructors. Course completed and now being evaluated 11 Guidelines and training for incident management need to include information about using all NZFS resources. Details of innovative ideas for post incident recovery tasks should be recorded for the future. Manager OFI will be considered as part of the IMT training developed for all Exec Officers 12 That a review be undertaken to identify the cause Major Likely Very High A 2nd ANC has been appointed Chief AM Henderson has been October 2011 Page 6 of 24
Chief Executive and National Commander s s Report of the disconnect between management and staff in the Region and the necessary action taken to articulate and resolve the issues. to manage ChCh central issues and liaise with CERA for rebuilding Executive/ National Commander appointed to continue the work liaising with CERA due to secondment of ANC (acting) Coward. Reporting line now to ANC Saunders 13 That the international USAR mapping and marking guidelines for structures and vehicles be contained in the disaster management guidelines. Manager Special Operations Will be included in national National manual 14 That the Director of Operations and consider whether it is practical to provide enhanced USAR training to all firefighters. Manager The USAR Awareness package has been reviewed. The criteria for delivery of this training needs consideration and assessment for how it is best rolled out and applied to paid and volunteer Feb Now work in progress personnel 15 That a person at Assistant National Commander level be appointed to lead and manage UASR with a Incorporated in current USAR review Chief Executive/ OFI being addressed through development of October 2011 Page 7 of 24
Chief Executive and National Commander s s Report view to full integration as part of the NZFS. National USAR Policy referred to Commander above That USAR procedures should be reviewed to NB: extended 16 include NZ Police in USAR Teams at management level, particularly to mandate a closer working relationship when buildings are searched and bodies recovered. Manager Special Operations Comprehensive review being undertaken of all USAR procedures, policy and working toward achieving INSARAG Sept international certification 17 The Command and Control Technical Manual should be updated to demonstrate how USAR should integrate as a NZFS "Sector" within the CIMS structure during deployments in Civil Defence Emergencies. Operations Advisor Review of Command and Control Technical Manual underway New draft CIMS manual being developed by MCEM Dec 18 Recognition and integration of territorial authority rescue teams within the NZFS USAR structure and their value during a major emergency needs to be Manager Special Operations NZFS and MCDEM and have met and agreed on which T/A Rescue Teams will maintain USAR response Now October 2011 Page 8 of 24
Chief Executive and National Commander s s Report explored further and agreed outcomes built into operational plans. capability to support NZFS Teams. Another tier of T/A Teams work in progress are rated as having CD incident support capability (eg sand bagging, reconnaissance etc) That the disaster management guidelines make it clear that during national and group emergencies Operations Advisor To be included in the National Commander, or the National reviewed Command 19 Commander s designated representative who holds an ACL, be located with the National Controller and Control Technical Manual, and included Dec whether located at NCMC or at a Regional EOC in in National order to provide expert advise to the National Manual Controller. 20 That terms of reference be developed and communicated for the role the National Commander, or the National Commander s Operations Advisor ToR will be included in National Manual October 2011 Page 9 of 24
Chief Executive and National Commander s s Report designated representative will be required to perform at the NCMC, Operational EOCs and NCC. 21 That the disaster management guidelines clearly state the information IMT is required to provide to the National Commander, or the National Commander s designated representative at NCMC, Operational EOCs and NCC. Operations Advisor This work included in National Manual 22 Templates for reporting internally and externally, and requests for resources, should be developed to support consistency across shifts. Operations Advisor Template being developed in conjunction with National Manual 23 That the role and functionality of Region Operations Rooms be defined in an updated policy and all facilities are upgraded to comply with the national standard including sustainability standards to ensure they continue to operate during large scale emergencies. Operations Advisor Extended Work under way and Operations Rooms will be included in OPSEFF Audit program October 2011 Page 10 of 24
Chief Executive and National Commander s s Report 24 25 Region Operations Rooms should be exercised on a regular basis and audited to ensure the national standard is maintained. Assess the need for additional resources for major infrequent incidents on the Christchurch Incident Support vehicle (ISV) giving consideration to providing a limited allocation of heavy rescue equipment to provide an immediate response. The Region One and Two ISV have a limited amount of heavier rescue equipment to supplement that carried on pump rescue appliances and this is proving to a cost effective method of providing additional support in a timely manner. Minor Possible Medium 26 We recommend that procurement and finance A set of requirements will be developed that can be audited by Director Operational Efficiency Current review by USAR contracted Engineer to assess distribution of heavy rescue equipment at station and at the USAR base This is about ensuring that our procurement and finance processes can All Fire Region Managers Area Manager, Christchurch Audit Standards to be developed and included in OPSEFF Audit program for Existing arrangements utilising Woolston appliance carrying and having access to specialist reviewed. equipment Rapid response capability utilising selected equipment and USAR response vehicle established. Plans being developed to establish caches of specialised rescue equipment for rapid response at Rolleston Area Office and Sockburn station. May Feb CLOSED National A simple stand alone Access October 2011 Page 11 of 24
Chief Executive and National Commander s s Report processes be reviewed and a system identified that is likely to meet our accountability needs while not overburdening operational personnel. be utilised when personnel are under severe pressure, and network links cannot be assured. Will seek an electronic solution that is standalone, and could be run from a laptop. With such a system NZFS should be able to: Manage orders by generating order numbers Have goods/service purchase orders post or pre approved by suitably identified approvers Manage goods receipt Manage accommodation Manage travel Manage vehicles Develop appropriate reporting Will investigate options that might be available with existing software resources e.g. Access. Aim is to have a small software package that s easily managed and maintained, available for use on every command vehicle and able to be utilised by the Logistics Support officer as the central ordering point or at least the program would be deployed from that unit to another location where command was split between multiple locations, including USAR. Procurement Manager database has been developed to manage and record purchase activity when the corporate system is not available. It can be loaded onto all command units and laptops when required. This database is out for field testing with Exec Off's at the moment but is usable now. The ability to manage fleet and accommodation bookings requires an increased level of complexity and will require further time. Data base in its simple form can now be used for any future major CLOSED October 2011 Page 12 of 24
Chief Executive and National Commander s s Report events and will continue to be developed as work in progress. We recommend that there be a section in the Fire Region managers agree and Regions report 27 disaster management guidelines for regions to record local supplier and contractor contact details, including after hours contacts. have commenced work on this task where supplier information not available already All Fire Region Managers information available, but will need ongoing review and maintenance 28 That the Command and Control Technical manual be amended to include the position of Procurement and Supply Manager responsible for overseeing all procurement during large scale emergencies. Task allocated to national Operations Advisor and National Procurement Manager Added to list of items to be included in review of C & C Technical Manual CLOSED 29 That guidelines are developed for the resilience and sustainability of fire stations. Major Possible High Property Manager and National Operations Advisor National Property Manager Reviewing Infrastructure Resilience document October 2011 Page 13 of 24
Chief Executive and National Commander s s Report (Oct 2007) 30 31 32 Review operational instructions to ensure officers are more aware of the likelihood of asbestos being present, so this can be recorded in the tactical action plan for a building and the need for early monitoring for asbestos to be implemented. Outline welfare plans should be developed in each Region. Next of kin details be made more accessible. The possibility of using the SMS Roster System for this should be explored. Minor Possible Medium The new Operational Instruction on Operational Planning contains reference to gathering information on the presence of asbestos as part of the preparation of the site report (building inspection process). This has been sent to the NC for sign off. National Welfare Plan is included as section in National Disaster Plan this will guide Region plans Options being investigated Human Resources Human Resources This is completed, Refer national notice 73 2011 National guidance and draft plans developed through ChCh earthquake can be utilised to guide Regions if plans do not exist. Welfare section of National Plan will guide regions to ensure nationally consistent welfare plans System utilising information contained in SMS being investigated, noting privacy issues are of prime importance. October 2011 Page 14 of 24 Dec 2011 CLOSED Jun May
Chief Executive and National Commander s s Report Access is likely to be restricted to HR/NCC use during emergencies through strong protocols and ICT system support. That all operational managers, and managers of other staff deployed to incidents, be reminded of Operations Advisor 33 the requirement to conduct debriefs in compliance with Section 6 of the Incident Management Command and Control Technical Manual. It is noted that incidents of this nature may fall outside of traditional debriefing arrangements, and that other This will be integrated into Command and Control Technical manual review Feb CLOSED arrangements may need to be made. This should be highlighted in the disaster management guidelines. 34 Review the availability of fixed and portable repeaters for both incident ground communications and VHF operability. This intends ensuring there are fixed and portable repeaters for UHF and VHF operability: Actions: Audit existing repeaters for Chief Information Officer A rough inventory of the repeaters exist. The National Telecommunications Jun October 2011 Page 15 of 24
Chief Executive and National Commander s s Report operational readiness and availability This will include audit of the functionality of the 17 HazMat/Command Units, and the Region Operations Rooms Manager will draft service levels and consult. Review the capability of the current issue mobile phones to ensure this is an appropriate resource to support effective operations during times of overload. 35 36 Review Business Continuity Plans to ensure that the Outcome will ensure that any NZFS IMT has an appropriate set of mobile phones allocated as per the CIMS structure: Phones labelled by role Numbers will be published within NZFS operational database Will be held nationally and released to the IC to allocate as required Phones will be simple voice based and able to operate across networks A temporary set of Chief phones is presently Feb Information available if required to Officer meet this capability Guidance will be provided to NHQ and Chief There is mixture of Jun October 2011 Page 16 of 24
Chief Executive and National Commander s s Report NZFS is not totally dependant on one telecommunications provider. Regions, including plan reviews, to ensure the contingency plans effectiveness is appropriately enabled Information Officer telecommunications providers currently: data network from Telecom and by telecommunications capability and CityLink, voice from Telecom, not compromised by reliance on one Police radio networks, Sky telecommunications provider. This will satellite, TeamTalk Auckland include consideration of the 17 UHF network. HazMat/Command Units and will look Further alternatives in the at: voice area will be examined. Voice over IP Fixed landlines Data IP Network Mobile/Cellular Develop robust plans for continued ICT support This is a focus on nel and Most ICTS staff have 37 during major emergencies. equipment: Core ICT Team able to be deployed, documented as part of national Plan ICT Team trained and included in all exercising of large scale IMT's Chief Information Officer attended a one day introductory fire training at the Kilbirnie Fire Station. Developing a register of staff who have the skills required and are willing to be deployed. Jun October 2011 Page 17 of 24
Chief Executive and National Commander s s Report That a policy be developed for the allocation and use of satellite phones. 38 This will include the 17 HazMat/Command Units and Regional Operations Rooms: Minor Possible Medium Chief Information Officer As this is an operational decision therefore task has been Reallocated to Director operations and These staff will then attend CIMS training; scheduling will be directed by the DOT. Concept applied on NCC activation on 23 Dec 2011. The ANC's agreed an appropriate allocation approach. It allows for high quality fixed satellite phones at NCC, ComCens, Region Operations' Rooms and an additional phones in each Region at FRM designated locations for mobility if required, complimented by the 17 HazMat/Command Units. DOT is preparing the appropriate operational policy. 39 The next review of the Incident Management Next planned review of Jul October 2011 Page 18 of 24 Feb
Chief Executive and National Commander s s Report Command and Control Technical Manual should Operations Advisor manual is scheduled incorporate the use of non operational support for 2nd quarter, CLOSED personnel. Review and complete the Media Plan to Task allocated to Senior clearly define functions and roles in relation to both Strategic Communications 40 external and internal communications and reflect issues that arose in this event. When approved this plan should replace any regional plans that exist Advisor Fire Risk Management Draft plan tabled for approval from SMT on 22nd Feb Feb and form part of the disaster management guidelines. Formalise arrangements with identified Task allocated to Senior Strategic Police protocol already exists 41 journalism/communications people/providers who can be contracted in the event of an emergency. Communications Advisor Significant work has been done in this area in collaboration with Govt Communications Group chaired by Michael Player from MSD Fire Risk Management Sen Advisor sits on Whole of Government Communications Group that considers Govt agency support during major disasters Verbal agreement made with Dec 2011 CLOSED BRG (Busby Ramshaw and October 2011 Page 19 of 24
Chief Executive and National Commander s s Report Grice) for support in times of crisis. NB:This company supported Pike River in the crisis and Orion Energy during ChCh earthquake 42 Specialist skills should be identified and details of how best use could be made of these skills should be recorded in a data base and incorporated into emergency plans and commanders should consider involving these personnel in training exercises for large scale emergencies. Task allocated to Director Operations and All Fire Region Managers/ Includes identification of non uniformed personnel skills. Work in progress for Regions and NHQ Jul October 2011 Page 20 of 24
Chief Executive and National Commander s s Report update: s grouped by documents and themes Document/ Theme National Plan OFI No That the statutory responsibilities of the NZFS brigades (including USAR acting under the person in charge of the brigade) and responsibilities within the National 2 Civil Defence Plan of the NZFS during and after a Civil Defence Emergency be clearly stated in the disaster management guidelines and communicated throughout the NZFS and on training courses. Guidelines for notification of major emergencies should be developed, communicated and followed. These guidelines should also be practised during training 5 exercises. These should include protocols covering mobilisation such as self responding. 8 The concept and principles used by Rural Fire for National Incident Management Teams (NIMT's) should be explored with a view to establishing Urban/Rural Incident Management Teams. It is recommended that the NZFS commanders take up the opportunity of becoming NIMT team members with a view to establishing a minimum of one NZFS 9 commander as a NIMT team member in each region. Guidelines and training for incident management need to include information about using all NZFS resources. Details of innovative ideas for post incident recovery 11 tasks should be recorded for the future. 13 That the international USAR mapping and marking guidelines for structures and vehicles be contained in the disaster management guidelines. That the disaster management guidelines make it clear that during national and group emergencies the National Commander, or the National Commander s 19 designated representative who holds an ACL, be located with the National Controller whether located at NCMC or at a Regional EOC in order to provide expert advice to the National Controller. Document/ Theme National Plan (cont) OFI No 20 That terms of reference be developed and communicated for the role the National Commander, or the National Commander s designated representative will be required to perform at the NCMC, Operational EOCs and NCC. 21 That the disaster management guidelines clearly state the information IMT is required to provide to the National Commander, or the National Commander s designated representative at NCMC, Operational EOCs and NCC. 22 Templates for reporting internally and externally, and requests for resources, should be developed to support consistency across shifts. That the role and functionality of Region Operations Rooms be defined in an updated policy and all facilities are upgraded to comply with the national standard 23 including sustainability standards to ensure they continue to operate during large scale emergencies. (Note: Also included in "NZFS Operations Centre Policy" section) 27 We recommend that there be a section in the disaster management guidelines for regions to record local supplier and contractor contact details, including after October 2011 Page 21 of 24
Chief Executive and National Commander s s Report hours contacts. 28 That the Command and Control Technical manual be amended to include the position of Procurement and Supply Manager responsible for overseeing all procurement during large scale emergencies. (Note: Also included in "Command & Control Technical Manual" section) 31 Outline welfare plans should be developed in each Region. 33 That all operational managers, and managers of other staff deployed to incidents, be reminded of the requirement to conduct debriefs in compliance with Section 6 of the Incident Management Command and Control Technical Manual. It is noted that incidents of this nature may fall outside of traditional debriefing arrangements, and that other arrangements may need to be made. This should be highlighted in the disaster management guidelines. (Note: Also included in "Command & Control Technical Manual" section) 37 Develop robust plans for continued ICT support during major emergencies. (Note: Also included in "Incident Ground Communications" section) Document/ Theme National Plan (cont) Command & Control Technical Manual OFI No The next review of the Incident Management - Command and Control Technical Manual should incorporate the use of non-operational support personnel. 39 (Note: Also included in "Command & Control Technical Manual " section) Review and complete the Media Plan to clearly define functions and roles in relation to both external and internal communications and reflect issues that 40 arose in this event. When approved this plan should replace any regional plans that exist and form part of the disaster management guidelines. (Note: Also included in "Media" section) 41 Formalise arrangements with identified journalism/communications people/providers who can be contracted in the event of an emergency. (Note: Also included in "Media" section) The Command and Control Technical Manual should be updated to demonstrate how USAR should integrate as a NZFS "Sector" within the CIMS structure during 17 deployments in Civil Defence Emergencies. (Note: Also included in "USAR Policy & Procedure" section) That the Command and Control Technical manual be amended to include the position of Procurement and Supply Manager responsible for overseeing all 28 procurement during large scale emergencies. (Note: Also included in "National Plan" section) That all operational managers, and managers of other staff deployed to incidents, be reminded of the requirement to conduct debriefs in compliance with Section 6 of the Incident Management Command and Control Technical Manual. It is noted that incidents of this nature may fall outside of traditional debriefing 33 arrangements, and that other arrangements may need to be made. This should be highlighted in the disaster management guidelines. (Note: Also included in "National Plan" section) The next review of the Incident Management - Command and Control Technical Manual should incorporate the use of non-operational support personnel. 39 (Note: Also included in "National Plan" section) October 2011 Page 22 of 24
Chief Executive and National Commander s s Report Document/ Theme USAR Policy & Procedures ID Card Policy Satellite Phone Policy NZFS Operation Centres Policy OFI No 1 That operational instructions be developed and promulgated to clearly define the reporting line of the Manager USAR to the OIC Fire. 15 That a person at Assistant National Commander level be appointed to lead and manage USAR with a view to full integration as part of the NZFS. That USAR procedures should be reviewed to include NZ Police in USAR Teams at management level, particularly to mandate a closer working relationship when 16 buildings are searched and bodies recovered. The Command and Control Technical Manual should be updated to demonstrate how USAR should integrate as a NZFS "Sector" within the CIMS structure during 17 deployments in Civil Defence Emergencies. (Note: Also included in "Command & Control Technical Manual" section) Recognition and integration of territorial authority rescue teams within the NZFS USAR structure and their value during a major emergency needs to be explored 18 further and agreed outcomes built into operational plans. 3 That once the Policy for identification cards is completed and approved, all managers ensure the policy is complied with. That a policy be developed for the allocation and use of satellite phones. 38 (Note: Also included in "Incident Ground Comms" section) That the role and functionality of Region Operations Rooms be defined in an updated policy and all facilities are upgraded to comply with the national standard 23 including sustainability standards to ensure they continue to operate during large scale emergencies. (Note: Also included in "National Plan" section) 24 Region Operations Rooms should be exercised on a regular basis and audited to ensure the national standard is maintained. (Note: Also included in "FRM Action" section) Document/ Theme Fire Station Resilience Policy OFI No That a robust national major disaster planning policy, including templates and check lists be developed and implemented to provide a consistent planning process across all regions, areas, fire stations and departments. 4 These plans should form part of comprehensive disaster management reference material that is accessible to all operational managers, staff at fire stations and at region and area offices, and is part of a formal training regime. 29 That guidelines are developed for the resilience and sustainability of fire stations. Media Plan 40 Review and complete the Media Plan to clearly define functions and roles in relation to both external and internal communications and reflect issues that arose in this event. When approved this plan should replace any regional plans that exist and form part of the disaster management guidelines. (Note: Also included in "National Plan section") October 2011 Page 23 of 24
Chief Executive and National Commander s s Report 41 Formalise arrangements with identified journalism/communications people/providers who can be contracted in the event of an emergency. (Note: Also included in "National Plan" section) Staff recall process (FRM Action) Local Action (Chch) 6 That all Regions have a recall policy or procedure in place which includes the methods for notifying personnel. This should clarify the NZFS expectations for operational staff that are not on duty at the time of the incident. Review the call-out system for No 4 Region and Christchurch Area to provide a seamless structure that will provide the optimum level of support for any emergency 7 that the NZFS may be called to in the Area, Region, or nationally. The plans need to be region wide and training should embrace and build a region ethos. 12 That a review be undertaken to identify the cause of the disconnect between management and staff in the Region and the necessary action taken to articulate and resolve the issues. Local Action (Chch) (cont) Incident Ground Comms Procurement an finance systems Next-of-Kin records access Asbestos Assess the need for additional resources for major infrequent incidents on the Christchurch Incident Support vehicle (ISV) giving consideration to providing a limited 25 allocation of heavy rescue equipment to provide an immediate response. The Region One and Two ISV have a limited amount of heavier rescue equipment to supplement that carried on pump rescue appliances and this is proving to a cost effective method of providing additional support in a timely manner. 34 Review the availability of fixed and portable repeaters for both incident ground communications and VHF operability. 35 Review the capability of the current issue mobile phones to ensure this is an appropriate resource to support effective operations during times of overload. 36 Review Business Continuity Plans to ensure that the NZFS is not totally dependant on one telecommunications provider. 37 Develop robust plans for continued ICT support during major emergencies. (Note: Also included in "National Plan" section) Incident Management for large scale emergencies should be programmed and completed on a regular basis. This training should be completed on a 10 comprehensive basis including operational staff at all levels, Rural Fire personnel and support staff who are identified as having skills that may be used during a large scale emergency 14 That the Director of Operations and consider whether it is practical to provide enhanced USAR training to all firefighters. We recommend that procurement and finance processes be reviewed and a system identified that is likely to meet our accountability needs while not overburdening 26 operational personnel. 32 Next of kin details be made more accessible. The possibility of using the SMS Roster System for this should be explored. 30 Review operational instructions to ensure officers are more aware of the likelihood of asbestos being present, so this can be recorded in the tactical action plan for a building and the need for early monitoring for asbestos to be implemented. October 2011 Page 24 of 24