EMERGENCY ACTION PLAN GUIDEBOOK

Transcription

1 EMERGENCY ACTION PLAN GUIDEBOOK Presented by: Terry Zien and Bonnie Greenleaf US Army Corps of Engineers

2 Background Purpose Overview of Guidebook Discussion of Key Chapters

3 Minnesota Silver Jackets Natural Hazard Risk Management Team

4 Purpose Recognizes that a lot of information may exist, but is not recorded Focus is on getting started: this is intended to be a living document. Provides step by step instructions for developing an emergency action plan Tailored towards small and medium sized communities or tribes

5 Overview Recommends an eight-month process for a local team to develop a plan: Uses minimum acronyms Each chapter includes: If you only have time to do one thing suggestion at the beginning of each chapter A checklist at the end of each chapter.

6 Includes: 21 forms or samples Overview 62 links to other examples, guidebooks, and related articles. Social Media and Hurricane Sandy: Lessons Learned S_VSMWG_Lessons_Learned_Social_Me dia_and_hurricane_sandy_formatted_jun e_2013_final.pdf

7 Chapters 1. Introduction 2. Authority 3. Mutual Aid Agreements 4. Personnel for Flood Organizations 5. Contacts 6. Flood Elevations and History 7. Tasks and Prioritized Actions 8. Emergency Shelters 9. Evacuation 10.Utilities 11.Critical Facilities 12.Hazardous Materials 13.Communications 14.Training and Exercises 15.Mitigation, Floodplain Management and Insurance: Lessons Learned

8 Chapter 1: Introduction Recommends: That a committee of 6-8 people be formed that could meet monthly The National Incident Management System be followed There be a public review period It should be updated annually and lessons learned added after every flood event.

9 Chapter 2: Authority Discusses: The process for declaring an emergency Other resolutions that may be needed such as supporting pay for volunteer fireman.

10 Chapter 3: Mutual Aid Agreements These days community resources are so limited, especially with small communities, that mutual aid agreements are essential Fire departments have successfully used mutual aid agreements for years Likely to be needed for FEMA reimbursement under a national declaration.

11 Chapter 4: Flood Organization Personnel A current phone list is crucial The Incident Commander should be determined prior to an event Recommended positions for a flood organization Emphasizes the importance of having enough staff.

12 Chapter 5: Contact List This is a list of all the contacts that may be needed during an event such as Red Cross Start with the County s list if you have nothing Other recommended agencies include the National Weather Service, the Corps of Engineers, United States Geological Survey, County and State Emergency Management.

13 Chapter 6: Flood Elevations, Mapping, and History Flood gage stages versus on the ground elevations Elevation Datums River slope or hydraulic profile Topographic mapping and flood inundation maps State topography if available Description of past floods including high water marks.

14 Chapter 6: Flood Elevations, Mapping, and History River Gage AHPS Data for NOAA forecast points

15 Chapter 6: Flood Elevations, Mapping, and History Inundation Mapping

16 Chapter 6: Flood Elevations, Mapping, and History Example from MNTopo.

17 Ch. 7: Tasks and Prioritized Actions Details may be in one key staff person s head, but need to be on paper Should have a worksheet with details for each task including tools and labor needed and time to complete All tasks should roll up into a task summary list by elevation.

18 Chapter 8: Emergency Shelters Local plan needed in case the typical aid agency such as the Red Cross is initially overwhelmed or can t be there immediately Includes a form for evaluating potential locations for shelters Discusses the concern for dealing with pets.

19 Chapter 9: Evacuation Key messages include: Know who makes the decision to evacuate Establishing an evacuation map, taking into consideration neighborhoods, elevations, and traffic routes Develop a plan for notifying the public Special needs registry.

20 Chapter 10: Utilities Many utilities could have subsidiaries or contact people in another state Sewer back-ups and compromised storm water plugs can be a big concern during flooding Back-up generators: Need to be exercised frequently On-site staff needs to understand operation and maintenance Need to have a realistic plan for refueling.

21 Chapter 11: Critical Facilities There should be a plan for community owned facilities like fire stations, schools, and hospitals Privately owned facilities, like rest homes, should have their own individual plan.

22 Chapter 12: Hazardous Materials Individual businesses are responsible for their hazardous materials Local communities are responsible for notifying owners of the potential flood threat Recommends having a list of businesses with after hour contacts.

23 Chapter 13: Communications Determine who will be the spokesperson for the community Develop a plan to provide frequent updates to the public Embrace technology and social media!

24 Chapter 14: Training and Exercises Under the National Incident Management and Incident Command Systems, the local government is responsible for taking command There are a number of on-line resources available for training Tabletop exercises are recommended.

25 Chapter 15: Mitigation Floodplain Management and Insurance; And Lessons Learned Residents should be encouraged to purchase flood insurance, but be aware of the 30-day waiting period. Communities should be aware of opportunities to eliminate flood risks and plan for unexpected perils during a flood event. Other communities have shared their lessons learned, but the most important lessons learned are your own.

26 Questions?

27 For more information: Check out the guidebook at: and follow the quick links Or contact Terry Zien at Or Bonnie Greenleaf at