What protocol should a building official follow in disaster preparedness?

The correct response focuses on the development and implementation of an emergency response plan, which is essential for effective disaster preparedness. This plan serves as a comprehensive guide that outlines procedures, roles, and responsibilities during a disaster. It ensures that all relevant stakeholders, including staff, emergency services, and the community, know how to react promptly and effectively to minimize risks and manage the situation.

Having an emergency response plan in place allows a building official to identify potential hazards, assess risks, and establish clear communication and evacuation procedures. It also ensures that resources are allocated efficiently during an emergency, facilitating a coordinated response. Overall, an effective emergency response plan is a foundational element of disaster preparedness, ensuring that the organization can respond swiftly and mitigate the impact of disasters.

While other options like crisis management phone trees, safety training sessions, and reserve funds are important aspects of a comprehensive disaster preparedness strategy, they serve as supplemental measures rather than the foundational planning process needed to ensure a robust response to emergencies.