Command Post Site Selection

1
Command Post Site Selection

• An early draft
• Ray J. Vaughan, MS
• Last update 1/5/2015

2
Command Post Site Selection

• Questions considered by Logistics
• Where?
• How long?
• Type of disaster
• Distance to ground zero
• Distance to support

3
Safety

• You dont want a second disaster
• Safety first
• Avoid high speed road
• Safety Officer must Approve location and
  configuration
• Room to grow if a long term disaster
• Parking area
• Security and Safety of personnel

4
Type of Area

• In order of preference
• Public Land
• Right-of-way
• Schools
• Areas open the public
• Parking Lots
• Private land
• Seek permission before using

5
Access

• Easy walking distance to Ground Zero
• Room for a safe Landing Zone (LZ)
• Accessible roads for support vehicles
• Securable perimeter

6
Power Source

• Preferred location
• Near live power
• No gen set needed
• Avoid overhead lines

7
Telco Source

• Close to crossbox
• Terminal with live lines
• Have temporary connection solutions pre-made
• Be prepared to improvise

8
Radio Communication

• Overhead lines are DEADLY
• Double mast height to nearest over head power
  line
• Higher the better
• Room for antennas and guy wires

9
Comfort

• Running water
• Potable or not can be useful
• Restrooms
• Drainage
• Sewage connection
• Portable toilets
• Downwind

10
Supplies

• Near a source of food
• Easy access for support vehicles
• Remember the other vehicle height, weight, length
• Room to turn around?

11
Media Area

• Predefine area for Media vehicles
• Antenna masts
• Satellite dishes
• Barrier between CP and Media
• Interview area
• Consider backdrop

12
Planning

• Helps to have a short list of possible command
  sites in advance
• Map with locations
• Be willing to adjust location based on current
  situation

13
Summary

• Not everything will be possible
• Some compromise will be needed
• What you cant find, youll have to bring in