Ohio Chapter equips members to successfully handle local disasters

The International Code Council’s popular When Disaster Strikes Institute was recently delivered in Columbus, Ohio, as part of the ICC Training & Education Department’s established Institute program. The Institute provides hands-on instruction on how to assess post-disaster damage through activities, case studies and interactive simulations that can be utilized at the disaster site. It guides participants through disaster scenarios, encourages discussion and describes the proper process to follow in interfacing with the onsite command structure and in identifying unsafe buildings and uninhabitable structures. Participants learn how to become properly trained second responders and, upon completion, can be relied on to assist with performing post-disaster building assessments.

The Ohio Building Officials Association (OBOA) saw an opportunity to improve disaster preparedness in the jurisdictions they represent by co-sponsoring the Institute. “The When Disaster Strikes Institute was a great opportunity to improve our response capabilities,” said OBOA Past President and OBOA Disaster Response Team Chairman Mike Boso.

To get as many code professionals trained in disaster preparedness as possible, the Chapter pledged $2,500 in scholarships to its members to encourage attendance and to offset the cost of the Institute. Seven OBOA Chapter members received scholarships. It was a very innovative and successful technique to boost interest and registration in the Institute.

The satisfaction rating of the Institute was excellent. “William Bracken is an outstanding instructor. He brought his disaster-response expertise and experience into the classroom and attendees left with a complete understanding of how to prepare and respond to an incident, whether it occurs in our own community or another one,” said Boso.

“The instructor, William Bracken, was a perfect choice for the two day seminar,” added OBOA President Rick Helsinger. “His knowledge of the FEMA process and hands-on experience at numerous disaster events provided the class with invaluable training information. Mr. Bracken’s teaching skills and interaction with the class provided a level of learning that allowed the students to benefit from regardless of their level of expertise.”

An essential course for all building and code officials and licensed professionals, the Institute provides participants with the skills, knowledge and tools to help them become better able to perform post-disaster building assessments in accordance with ICC, ATC and the authority having jurisdiction. Upon completion of this Institute participants will be better able to:

Explain the role of the of the National Incident Management System

Prepare for mobilization prior to a disaster

Execute site mobilization procedures

Conduct a site inspection

Estimate damage by percentage of structure or by dollars per square foot

Post standardized notices and/or alternative notices

Communicate with affected persons at the disaster site

If you are interested in registering for the next When Disaster Strikes Institute, please click here for registration information.

For more on and other training products, please contact the ICC Training & Education Department at 1-888-ICC-SAFE (422-7233) ext. 33818 or e-mail: icctraining@iccsafe.org.