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EAP Policy Manual FFY23 Chapter 10 Incidents and Appeals Page 10 The EAP Director defines the scope of a statewide, regional or localized disaster or emergency and uses his or her discretion to: • Declare an EAP major disaster, local disaster or emergency. • Declare geographic limits of the disaster or emergency. • Determine temporary alternative EAP service delivery strategies. • Implement long-term solutions for continued EAP service delivery. In most cases the Director will follow state and federal disaster declarations, including the designation of geographic areas of disasters. Service Providers must implement all directives from the State, including coordination with other agencies providing disaster relief or emergency assistance. Definitions • Major Disaster: A major disaster is a catastrophic event in any part of Minnesota the EAP Director determines has caused damage of sufficient magnitude to require a waiver of EAP policies. Examples include: tornados, storms, earthquakes, landslides, snowstorms, fire, or flood. • Local Disaster: A major disaster experienced in a local area. For example, a local disaster might include a fire or tornado that destroys the EAP Service Provider’s offices or results in the loss of local computer data. • Emergency: An event limiting the ability of the State or Service Provider to fully perform EAP services. Emergencies may include: dramatic fuel price increases, loss of key personnel, fraud, abuse or administrative malfeasance resulting in the Service Provider’s inability to provide program services. State LIHEAP Disaster or Emergency Waiver The EAP Director may temporarily modify or waive any state EAP procedures to alleviate potential hardship or suffering, save lives and protect property and health and safety in the event of any disaster or emergency. The Director shall modify the Minnesota State Plan for Energy Assistance and notify the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, if needed. Service Provider Disaster and Emergency Plans Service Providers must develop local plan strategies for major and local disasters or emergencies. Service Providers will: • Identify their county’s Emergency Management Office. • Have access to or a have a copy of their county’s disaster plans.