within the ship, and their relative ability to enter and don full-protective clothing while continuing to perform assigned duties must also be  considered. A great number of heat casualties is acceptable since heat casualties are more likely to recover and ordinarily do not require the intensive medical care necessary in treating chemical casualties. Personnel fully trained in the use of protective clothing and accustomed to its use will suffer fewer and less severe heat casualties. DISASTER CONTROL ASHORE “Disaster preparedness” means implementing actions  to  promote  survival  of  personnel, preservation of resources, and restoration of mission-essential operations following any type of disaster. All naval activities must plan for self- recovery and provide an effective system of mutual assistance when required. In planning for disaster response, units should first consider those requirements necessary for their own survival. Each unit will have a civil disaster bill based on OPNAVINST 3120.32B. As a senior petty officer, you maybe assigned as a member of, or to lead, a civil disaster detail. When providing civil disaster relief, you may expect to deal with demoralized, hysterical, or apathetic  survivors.   They may be incapable, temporarily at least, of intelligent action in their own behalf. Mass destruction of homes and other buildings, widespread fires, and complete absence of all forms of public utilities should be antici- pated. Disaster relief operations are normally conducted in five phases (I-V). Phase I (Planning) Immediately following the order to provide disaster relief to an area, the planning phase (I) begins and extends until the detail arrives at the disaster area. During this period, determine the need for every aid. Assemble all available maps and/or charts of the area, and make suitable reproductions to ensure adequate maps for rescue operations. The geographic reference (GEOREF) grid system should be used. The operations department prepares portable communications equipment and establishes a communications plan. It also establishes disaster assistance teams. These teams should be self- sustaining and have adequate supplies of food and water. Each team should also have crowbars, picks, fire axes, shovels, two blankets, and a stretcher. If fires are anticipated, fire-fighting teams should break out available fire-fighting gear. The supply department provides food and supplies and prepares to establish field kitchens and serve meals to survivors. The medical department should be prepared to set up a field hospital and have medical teams organized,    equipped,  and  ready  to render assistance as necessary. Phase II (Investigation of Extent of Disaster) Phase II is the investigation of the extent of the disaster. Following a large-scale disaster, many confusing and inaccurate reports are likely to be received from survivors. A survey team is dispatched to the disaster area. It should make contact with local authorities and determine the extent of immediate assistance needed and relay this information to the senior officer  present.   If available, helicopters can be used to survey outlying areas to determine the extent of the disaster. Phase III (Initial Disaster Relief) Phase III is the initial disaster relief phase. The general objectives of this phase are to rescue persons requiring immediate attention, fight and extinguish fires, render medical aid, and aid in any way within the capabilities of personnel and materials to ease the situation. A command center is set up in the disaster area to direct and establish liaison with other rescue personnel to avoid duplication of effort. There will be no armed personnel in the disaster area unless specifically authorized by the commanding officer. 7-32