KPF 4: Augment Provision of Mass Care and Human Services to the Affected Population

When mass care services are required during a biological incident, specific infection prevention procedures and protocols may need to be followed if the agent is transmissible from person-to-person. Most biological incidents will not require mass care services of the type and/or on the scale that may be needed in the context of other major disasters such as wildfires or hurricanes. Typically, mass care provides life-sustaining support to disaster-affected populations and comprises seven principal activities. These are: sheltering; feeding; distribution of emergency supplies; support for individuals with disabilities and others with access and functional needs; reunification services for adults and children; support for household pets, service animals, and assistance animals; and mass evacuee support. Affected communities are also likely to face mental health challenges during and following a biological incident. Within this KPF, mass care services are discussed in terms of shelter-in-place or restricted movement scenarios, feeding operations during larger-scale/longer duration non-evacuation scenarios, evacuation and post-evacuation scenarios, and public fear and mental health impacts. Innovative and creative mass care services may be needed to facilitate the distribution of emergency supplies and assistance and support the whole community during the response. For complex, large-scale biological incidents, mass care approaches (including capacities, equipment requirements, and management of vulnerable populations) may require significant operational adjustments.