Appendix - Generic - arranging access

Problem: Local governments can enter into a MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) with local companies on how to acquire supplies from those companies. However, state and federal authorities can preempt those MOUs, so

• Regard the availability of those supplies as highly uncertain.
• Move quickly after the disaster to exercise the MOUs and distribute the supplies before the state and federal authorities arrive on the scene.

Example of Problem: During the aftermath of Katrina, news crews filmed police breaking in to convenience stores. Some reports suggested the police were looting (New Orleans police had reputation of substantial corruption), while others speculated that the police were getting food and water for themselves or the community (legitimate action).

Law enforcement does have the right to seize resources during an emergency, but disorganized operations raise questions about whether such seizures are authorized. Maintaining the credibility of law enforcement is critical to maintaining order during a disaster.

Goal: Create and implement process for obtaining access during a disaster to supplies at local commercial establishments.

Criteria:

• Allows for situations where owner/employees present, but does not depend on it (e.g., earthquake occurring outside business hours)
• Protection from abuse, for example, improper use of access to steal
• Appropriate compensation for owner

Potential Mechanism: Key Escrow for surrogate

In case disaster occurs when owner/employees not present, have keys available to designated surrogates.

• Mechanism: keys in tamper-proof sealed container
  • Provides security for store owner (Breaking of seal indicates abuse by surrogate)
  • Protects surrogate against accusations of unauthorized usage (if the seal is not broken)
  • Requires periodic checks that seals are intact
• Redundant escrow arrangement would be advantageous
• Surrogate should be chosen for availability and accessibility
  • city hall is bad choice -- likely to be inaccessible
  • Fire station may be acceptable with proper arrangements
    • Fire fighters are not likely to be present
    • This may be an appropriate task for the CERTs