A POD is one portion of a much larger emergency response plan.

While it is true that each POD is important and must function effectively, it is only one piece of a much larger plan. Just as one puzzle piece cannot possibly show you a whole picture – one POD cannot get medications to the entire population of the County in the “Gold Standard” time (48 hours). Every POD needs to function on its own, carry out its function, and keep in touch with the Coordinating Office so that the process can be tracked countywide.

The Overall Picture looks something like this:

• Medications come to the County via plane or truck from various sources and agencies.
• These medications are inventoried and re-packaged into smaller units (if necessary).
• Staff and Volunteers are notified that PODs will be opened. POD managers are contacted and given the location where they are expected to report.
• Facility administrators are notified to open their buildings.
• Medications and supplies are delivered to sites throughout the County.
• Those who will serve the first shift at all of the PODs will be called to a location and given instructions.
• Once they are briefed, POD managers will be assigned to their POD facility and leave for their assignments. (The county will be responsible for assigning staff to work at your POD.)
• The POD manager will be responsible for Just-In-time training and assigning Command Staff Roles.
• General POD staff and volunteers can sign in and await their assignments.