Group establishes 'mega-shelter' guidelines

Aug 1, 2006 3:56 PM

In the storms of 2005, major facilities were integral in saving lives and for sheltering thousands of displaced hurricane evacuees who lost everything and who relied on fellow citizens for life-saving aid. Facility managers and their staffs responded to the call for help, and for the first time in American history, they were asked to operate "mega-shelters."
Arenas, stadiums, convention centers and performing arts theaters became temporary homes and medical facilities for extended periods of time. There was no precedent for such operations.
The International Association of Assembly Managers (IAAM) has responded to the need for best practice guidelines for mega-shelter operations. IAAM reached out to its industry partners, the Department of Homeland Security and the American Red Cross.
There are two best practice releases. The first release, IAAM Mega-Shelter Best Practice Guidelines for Planning and Activation, provides facility managers with information that can be helpful in deliberations with government authorities regarding the use of their facility in response to major disasters caused by powerful hurricanes. These guidelines will help the facility manager understand the activation process, shelter standards, contracting, liability exposure and how to plan for the next storm season.
The second release, recently made available, Mega-Shelter Best Practice Guidelines for Shelter Operations, provides valuable information about operating the mega-shelter. This release provides guidelines for command and control systems, security, compassionate care, food service, resident services, medical care, and interaction with mega-shelter partners.
These guidelines are a changing document. Updates will be released as revisions are made to them. Visit www.iaam.org for more information.

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