A. Purpose
This protocol has two purposes:
1. In times of normal operations, this protocol provides the basis for improving the level of readiness in a CO. The EPP process helps to identify the potential impacts and corresponding capacity gaps of different disaster risk scenarios. EPP requires the CO to implement a capacity-building plan and to incorporate risk mitigation measures in its regular (non-emergency) projects and programmes.
2. When a potential humanitarian crisis is developing, this protocol provides the starting point to evaluate the current status of CO emergency preparedness and initiates the process of pre-emergency readiness.
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B. Policy
All CARE COs and other CARE International offices are expected to apply CARE's EPP guidelines (version 3, October 2006). This includes having an EPP process in place, including the written plan and its execution in accordance with the EPP guidelines.
The EPP guidelines provide a practical roadmap for an EPP process. For more details, refer to the full EPP guidelines in the CET at Chapter 11 Emergency preparedness planning. The EPP process uses the following major steps:
1. Formation of CO ERT
2. Information collection and preparation
3. Review of CO capacity inventory including human and physical resources
4. Risk analysis
5. Scenario description (note that steps 5 to 13 should be repeated for each scenario)
6. Impact analysis
7. Risk reduction measures
8. CARE mitigation measures
9. CARE response strategy
10. Local considerations
11. Programming considerations
12. Operations management
13. Action planning
14. Execution of the emergency preparedness plan.
While the EPP guidelines were developed primarily for COs, they should be adapted and applied to all CARE regional and CARE International Member offices.
The CO ERT is responsible for carrying out the EPP process and developing a written capacity-building plan. Planning should take place over a series of meetings and workshops, which could take up to several months. Emergency preparedness planning is an ongoing long-term process, and does not end with the development of an EPP plan. EPP plans should be reviewed every 6-12 months, depending on the country's operating environment.
Once the EPP is in place, COs are eligible to apply for up to USD15,000 a year as per current CARE USA ERF guidelines. These funds can be used to address key operational capacity gaps identified through the EPP process.
When early warning indicates that a potential humanitarian crisis is developing, or a rapid-onset emergency occurs, the CO should use its EPP to develop a detailed contingency plan for the particular unfolding emergency scenario. For more information, refer to protocol B4 Pre-emergency readiness.
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D. Endnotes
1. ERTs lead the EPP process, as well as coordinate CO mitigation, preparedness and response activities.
2. The CO should carry out other pre-emergency activities in accordance with protocol B4 Pre-emergency readiness, when an actual emergency event is predicted or occurs.
3. CARE regional and CARE International Member offices should adapt the EPP guidelines and develop preparedness plans as appropriate for their offices.
4. Refer to:
CET Chapter 11 Emergency preparedness planning
CET Chapter 14 Funds mobilisation
5. Related protocols:
A2 Emergency typology
B2 Early warning
B3 Emergency alerts
B4 Pre-emergency readiness
C2 Needs assessment
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