69. Some EOC and Command Post personnel will become overloaded; some will not
be able to cope with the volume of activity and information they have
to deal with, and some will not be able to cope with the noise and
distractions.
COMMENT: Probably more with EOC personnel than with field personnel, since
an EOC typically has persons representing a department of government that are
not experienced in emergency operations. But, whether in the EOC, at a CP,
or in the field; we must ALL remain aware of the “stress factor”, both
physical and mental.
Shifts should not be longer than 12 hours. Rest areas should be “away
from the action” and those off duty should be as free from interruptions as
much as is possible.
At about “day four” in any operation...safety awareness should be heightened even more. “FATIGUE AND ACCIDENTS, GO HAND-IN HAND!” Hyperactivity and heroic hours are inappropriate and counter-productive.
Since Superman and Elvis died, that leaves only us humans to respond and get the job done. In addition to skill, practice, discipline and “know-how”; one of the key components of a winning team is: REST. With rare exception, follow your assigned shift schedules.