During disaster drills and exercises the equipment and personnel that are needed are usually available since it is a planned event. But, when the real thing happens, everyone and everything you need is not always going to be there. You will not be able to follow your disaster plan to a Tee. Some of your key people may be out of town, or on another job they can't get away from. You may have to make do with what you have available and be able to make decisions at moment's notice. You may have to instruct someone to do a job they normally don't do, or be asked to do a job you normally don't do. When this happens it's because the person in charge needs that position filled, and you may be the best qualified to do it. If you are asked to do another job, don't hesitate to do the best you can. Be sure to inform the person in charge that it may be a new job for you and may need a little help making decisions. In any case do whatever it takes to get the job done.
(Reprint, with modification of, ARES Zone 3 Bulletin NR 00.33)
Ken Harris WA8LLM
Wood County WV;
ARES Assistant Section Coordinator WV
ARES District Emergency Coordinator WV DISTRICT 3