HOMEbaseTM: An operational concept for collaborative disaster response

Abstract

This paper describes the operational concept for HOMEbase — the Headquarters and Operations Modular Emergency base — a scalable disaster management complex transportable via land, sea or air in ISO 20-foot shipping containers. HOMEbase incorporates an integrated planning, decision-support, and resource management system with the primary objectives of enhancing continuity of operations among First Responders, Emergency Managers and civil authorities engaged in complex disaster response and recovery operations. Its secondary mission is to ensure “continuity of community” by providing semi-permanent housing for displaced populations and facilities for public health, local governance and civic functions while enabling the restoration of economic and social life of the affected community. HOMEbase initiates a paradigm shift in disaster management through a focus on private-public partnerships to leverage the combined strengths and resources of federal, state and local agencies, private enterprise, nongovernmental organizations and citizens to achieve efficient all-hazards response and recovery from disasters.