Points of distribution (PODs) are temporary locations established following a disaster to distribute life-sustaining supplies to the affected population. PODs are set up when commercial infrastructure is damaged and unable to support the population. They are closed as commercial resources are restored. The number of PODs needed depends on remaining infrastructure, population size, and jurisdiction's distribution capabilities. POD planning requires large, hard surfaces that can accommodate supply trucks and areas for unloading, traffic flow, stockpiles, and public access. Locations like schools, airports, and athletic fields are often used. Staffing PODs requires government agencies, non-profits, volunteers, and civic groups to operate effectively. Thorough training is also required on

1. P oints O f D istribution Don Sullens Chatham Emergency Management Agency

2. Temporary locations established before basic services are fully restored in an area following a disaster or emergency event where the affected population can pick up life sustaining commodities and other essential supplies. Points of Distribution Are:

3. Established following an event when the commercial infrastructure and resources are no longer available to support the population. Closed accordingly as the commercial infrastructure is re-established and resources are available to support the population. PODs Are:

4. https://eportal.usace.army.mil/sites/ENGLink/Commodities/default.aspx How Many PODs Are Needed? It Depends On: Remaining Infrastructure Remaining Population Jurisdiction Distribution Capabilities

5. Pre-Planning Model

6. Commodities and supplies are most often delivered in over-the-road tractor trailer loads. Large open areas are required to accommodate the vehicles with their loads. Distribution points must be areas that are paved, concrete, or gravel hard-stand that can withstand loads that are at load limits of national roadways. In addition to the area needed for the trucks, planning must include areas for unloading, dumpsters, proper traffic flow, stockpiles, and ingress and egress for the distribution to the public. Location Considerations

7. Location Considerations (con’t) Schools* Airports Industrial Areas Athletic Fields Warehouses Try to avoid locations that may interfere with commercial infrastructure efforts to recover and reopen.

8. Typical Type III Layout Water Ice MRE Tarp TYPE III - DISTRIBUTION POINT Serves 5,000 persons per day 3 loading Points 140 vehicles per hour TENT Toilets Dumpsters Pallets W I M T W I M T W I M T Supply truck Light Set Forklift

9. POD Equipment Requirements Type III Distribution Point Resources Required Type III Distribution Point Manpower Day Night Type Team Leader Forklift Operator 1 1 2 1 0 Equipment Type Number Forklifts Pallet Jacks Power Light Sets Toilets Tents Dumpsters Traffic Cones 1 1 1 2 1 1 10 Totals 16 3 Two-way radios 0 Labor 14 Loading PT 9 Back-up Loading PT 4 Pallet Jacks Labor 1 Law Enforcement Community Rel. 2 1 0 Grand Total 19 4 Others Local Responsibility 1

10. Staffing Where will the people come from to staff the PODs?

11. ORGANIZATION CHART – TYPE II AND III DISTRIBUTION POINT SITE MANAGEMENT Note: For a Type I site add One additional Team Leader For Labor and one for Equipment/Supply Site Manager Law Enforcement Community Rel. Security Labor Team Leader Equipment/Supply Team Leader Loading Points Night Shift Labor Care - Food - Tents - Toilets - Shift Rotation Equipment Supply Truck Mgmt - Truck Movement on site - Paper work Off- loading Supply of Loading Points

12. Staffing (con’t) Government Agencies Non-Government Organizations Volunteers Civic Groups Neighborhoods Adopt a POD Program

13. Staff Training POD Management Team Organization Distribution Methods Inventory Control / Accountability Equipment Fork Lifts Pallet Jacks

14. IS-26 Guide to Points of Distribution (PODs)

15. Commodities will be pushed forward before logistical structures are in place. The critical planning factor for ordering commodities is “distribution” capability, not people without power. Distribution planning must be a priority with local governments for the commodities mission to be successful. All levels of government must understand the POD concept. USACE Key Lessons Learned

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17. Don Sullens Emergency Management Specialist Chatham Emergency Management Agency (912) 201-4500 [email_address] 24