Disaster Planning Guides

While there are no publications or agencies that we know of assisting specifically with disaster planning for Methadone Maintenance Treatment Program clinics, operators and managers may benefit from resources addressing the preparedness needs of small businesses in general. Here are several:

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)-the federal government's provider of disaster relief-offers several free publications and films on disaster planning and response. Ask for, "Are You Ready: Your Guide to Disaster Preparedness" (H-34) or "The Emergency Management Guide for Business and Industry" (FEMA-141).
Address:
FEMA
500 C Street S.W.
Washington, D.C.
Phone: 202-646-2500

A number of free brochures are available from the Insurance Information Institute, a public relations branch of the insurance industry. Titles include: How to Survive Catastrophe: A Guide for Business; Tornado Safety; When a Hailstorm Hits; Surviving Severe Cold Weather; Settling Insurance Claims After a Disaster; Insuring Your Business.
Send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to:
Publications; Insurance Information Institute
110 Williams St.
New York, NY 10038
Phone: 212-669-9200.

Disaster Recovery Journal is free to those involved with managing, preparing or supervising contingency planning.
For this quarterly magazine call: 314-894-0276

A book by Judy K. Bell-Disaster Survival Planning: A Practical Guide for Business-focuses on how to develop, implement and test recovery plans. It costs $22.95 (plus tax in California).
Phone Disaster Survival Planning, Inc. at: 805-984-9547

Another book, Wright's Complete Disaster Survival Manual: How to Prepare for Earthquakes, Floods, Tornados & Other Natural Disasters, is available from Hampton Roads Publishing Co. It costs $14.95, plus $3 shipping.
Phone them at: 800-766-8009

The Emergency Planning Guide book: A Blueprint for Preparing Your Building's Response was prepared by the Building Owners and Managers Association International. It is available to non-members for $140, plus handling and shipping charges.
Phone: 800-426-6292

Disaster Recovery Yellow Pages is a reference book for crucial services throughout the country, from mobile buildings to trauma counselors. Cost is $101.
Address:
Systems Audit Group, Inc.
25 Ellison Road
Newton, MA 02159
Phone: 617-32-3496

A private, commercial (for a fee) organization that provides in-depth information, training programs and other services relating to disaster preparedness is the Natural Disaster Resource Referrals Service.
Phone them at: 703-920-7176.

Also, consider contacting your federal, state and local methadone regulatory agencies in your area, the Red Cross, the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Hospitals, and your insurance company for helpful suggestions.

NOTE: The above mentioned publications have not been reviewed in advance or approved by A.T. Forum. Their listing here is for informational purposes only, and does not imply any endorsement of their applicability or effectiveness for particular methadone treatment clinics. If you find any publication or resource of special value, please let us know so we can inform readers in future editions of A.T. Forum.