Municipality of Anchorage, AK Department of Health and Human Services Alternate Care Site and Triage Shelter Plan

The Olson Group, Ltd. (OGL) was contracted to develop an Alternate Care Site and Triage Shelter Plan for the Municipality of Anchorage. The project began with a comprehensive analysis of Anchorage’s existing plans, policies, and procedures relating to emergency management and public health, as well as stated and federal doctrine and best practices relating to alternate care sites. Next, OGL conducted a physical assessment of available Anchorage facilities capable of serving as ACS and triage shelter locations. With the data at hand, OGL conducted a series of planning meetings to incorporate the “whole community” in the development of the plan, ensuring the needs of all the plan’s constituents. Next, OGL conducted a tabletop exercise to validate the plan. Taking the information gathered at the exercise, OGL made modifications to the plan prior to final submittal. The final plan was comprehensive, operational, and all hazards in nature, providing “turn-key” guidance and procedures for all stakeholders. This plan greatly enhanced Anchorage’s framework for mass casualty incidents that exceed the capacity of local resources and addresses the potential need for supplemental healthcare assets from private industry and state and federal government partners.