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Response policies guide actions undertaken during and in the immediate aftermath of a tsunami, storm surge, or other natural hazard events. The most immediate response is activating warning systems, evacuating residents, and activating the emergency plan (if there is one available). With sufficient warning time, it may also be possible to pre-position personnel and supplies that will be needed for recovery efforts in areas adjacent to those likely to be affected by the tsunami or storm surge.
Immediately following the passing of the hazard event, the scope of the disaster becomes evident, and response activities expand considerably. It is important for governmental staff and others to follow their assigned responsibilities according to the EOP. For emergency managers, the most urgent need is search and rescue. Locating victims and providing medical treatment needs to be accomplished as quickly as possible. Search and rescue teams also may be responsible for addressing dangerous conditions left in the aftermath of the disaster, such as dangling live wires and gas leaks. The emergency needs to be assessed and updated regularly as new information becomes available and the situation on the ground changes.
