Distribution Management Plan Guide 2.0
In addition to the considerations listed below, other types of resources that may be considered for
distribution include propane, gas stoves, flashlights, blankets, and bug spray.
Meals: Incorporate community preferences (e.g., cultural, dietary, age) within reason and
practicality into the type of meals stocked and ordered. For example, if your community has a
large population that culturally eats a specific food, then the plan should include reasonable
storage and procurement capabilities for that specific food.
Water: As units of measure (e.g., gallons, liters) vary, develop consistent language in
planning, ordering, and reporting processes to reduce confusion among stakeholders.
Suggest using liters as the standard unit of measure, as that is FEMA’s standard. When
determining how much bottled water to distribute, consider other available sources of
potable water and identify efforts (e.g., installation of generators at water plants) that could
be taken to back up local water systems.
Mass Care Supplies: These are unique to each incident. Some commonly used supplies
include shelter items (e.g., cots, blankets), among others (e.g., camp stove, lanterns,
flashlights). Consulting community data can inform supply requirements, such as
accessibility requirements.
Support/Transportation: The geography of the jurisdiction may drive diverse transportation
strategies and requirements (e.g., ground, air, sea).
Capability and Capacity of Distribution Network: Identify what is possible for the jurisdiction
during the planning stage and understand the limitations of the disaster supply chain nodes.
The number of resources ordered should not exceed the distribution network’s capacity (e.g.,
the maximum storage and throughput capabilities of the on-ground staging areas and C
PODs).
Private Sector Capability versus Requirement: Revise planning factors based on
understanding the status of private sector supply chains, time to restoration, and how this
will impact the duration of the requirement for critical emergency supplies. Monitor the
private sector’s ability to re-establish its supply chain, which may reduce the response
requirements for emergency commodities and resources. Leverage the private sector to
assist with the response (e.g., transportation, supplies, food, water).
Climate Change Impacts: Challenges posed by climate change, such as more intense storms,
frequent heavy precipitation, heat waves, drought, extreme flooding and higher sea levels
could significantly alter the types and magnitudes of hazards faced by communities. More
intense disasters could impact distribution of resources and delivery methods. Consider the
impacts of climate change on distribution planning assumptions.
2. Order Resources
Sourcing resources relies on establishing organic capabilities and capacity to provide commodities
and equipment to disaster survivors based on the pre-identified jurisdictional requirements.
Establishing multiple sourcing mechanisms mitigates supply chain risk. Thus, building existing
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