From the Architecture for Humanity Disaster Team

We have been asked to share this message on behalf of the Architecture for Humanity Disaster Team based out of San Francisco:

Architecture for Humanity thoughts are with our East Coast chapter members and their loved ones. We hope for their safety as the recovery process begins. We continue to monitor the post-disaster conditions and ask you check our website or twitter (@AFHDisasterTeam) for the latest information and our official response.

Upon request by the New York City Office of Emergency Management, Architecture for Humanity would like to share the following message:

The New York City Office of Emergency Management is in need of volunteers with emergency training or certification and skilled in managing a shelter, running an interagency taskforce (ITF) or working in the emergency operations center (EOC).

Interagency Task Forces, or Task Forces: Provide support, coordination, and assistance with policy-level decisions to the ICS (incident command system) structure management and agencies, allowing all levels of government and all disciplines to work together more efficiently and effectively.

Emergency Operations Center (EOC): Local and state jurisdictions typically use an Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to centralize decision makers and emergency support functions (ESFs). The Emergency Operations Center serves to coordinate the work of decision makers from all levels of government, and representatives from non-governmental organizations and the private sector. Issues identified by the Emergency Operations Center sections and emergency support functions are worked through Interagency Task Forces.

An Interagency Task Force does not have direct incident involvement and will be located some distance from the incident site(s). Interagency Task Forces can function virtually.
The Plan proposes a coordination structure of Inter-agency Task Forces, focused around these components, working under the direction of the Disaster Housing Group.

Interagency Task Force Lead Responsibilities

Manage Interagency Task Force

• Identify necessary members for Interagency Task Force
• Establish 24hr contact info for Interagency Task Force
• Ensure staffing of member agencies within designated operations center
• Administer Interagency Task Force meetings

Report to Plan or Group lead in the designated operations center

• Detail gaps and issues identified by your Interagency Task Force
• Explain potential solutions identified by your Interagency Task Force
• Identify pre-event policies and programs adaptable for post-disaster needs checklist

Participate as a Mission Group Member

If you would like to volunteer, please contact Nick Matthews at the NYC OEM by email, nmatthews@oem.nyc.com

It is important to be mindful that Architecture for Humanity is not a relief or first response organization. As architects we are not properly trained in first-response skills and knowledge. Remember that architects are liable for any professional services, advice or expertise offered. Architects should only volunteer their skills at the specific request of local officials.

Please note: Architecture for Humanity is not responsible for any action taken by Architecture for Humanity chapter member involved in volunteer work with the NYC OEM or any other third party organization. Architecture for Humanity is not officially responding to the Hurricane Sandy disaster and is not involved in any activities relating to post-disaster work in the affected states. If you have questions about liability as an architect or member of Architecture for Humanity, please contact disasterteam@architectureforhumanity.org