CHESTERFIELD FIRE DEPARTMENT RESPONSE TO SEVERE STORM EMERGENCIES EXECUTIVE ANALYSIS OF FIRE DEPARTMENT OPERATIONS IN EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT BY: Robert P. Avsec Chesterfield Fire Department Chesterfield, Virginia An applied research project submitted to the National Fire Academy as part of the Executive Fire Officer Program January 2000 2 ABSTRACT The United States experience some of the most severe weather in the world. Every year storms unleash strong winds, torrential rains, lightning, and hail that kill hundreds of people, injure thousands more, and cause property losses in the billions of dollars. Chesterfield County, Virginia experiences severe weather every year in the form of strong thunderstorms during the spring and summer months. The county also has a pertinent history of small tornados, hurricanes, and the remnants of tropical weather systems passing through the county with significant adverse impact. When such weather does strike, it creates a rapid escalation in emergency calls for service that put a severe strain on the emergency response resources of Chesterfield Fire Department. Presently, the department does not have a comprehensive response policy that enables its personnel to manage the extraordinary problems and demands for resources that severe weather can cause. The purpose of this applied research project is to develop a model policy and standard operating guidelines for the department using the information presented in the Executive Analysis of Fire Department Operations in Emergency Management course. This study used the historical, evaluative, and action research methods to answer the following questions: 1. How vulnerable is Chesterfield County to severe weather, i.e., thunderstorms, hurricanes, tornados, etc.? 2. How does severe weather affect the number of calls for service received by the department? 1. What policies and procedures does Chesterfield Fire Department currently have in place for response and emergency operations during severe weather? 2. What training do Chesterfield Fire Department officers receive for response and emergency operations before, during, and after severe weather and how well prepared do they feel they are for such operations? 3 3. What are benchmarks for response to severe storm emergencies exist that could enable Chesterfield Fire Department to make its operations more safe, effective, and efficient? This study used a survey to assess the attitudes of company officers (lieutenants and captains) and middle managers (senior battalion chiefs, battalion chiefs, and senior captains) regarding their ability to manage problems and resources during severe weather operations. The survey was distributed to 86 fire officers of those ranks. The study findings indicated that a majority of officers have a high level of confidence in their training and ability to manage the consequences of severe weather. Those findings seem to be at odds with the department’s lack of a policy, and the necessary training, that covers such key area of severe storm response as: (1) situational assessment, i.e., “windshield surveys”; (2) development of formal incident objectives; (3) comprehensive resource management; (4) safety issues related to severe storms; and (5) an expanded ICS structure. The recommendations of the research were for the department to: (1) adopt a comprehensive and systematic policy for emergency operations at severe storm emergencies; (2); (2) provide severe storm response policy training to all personnel; (3) provide basic training on the use of Doppler Radar imagery and visual weather forecasting techniques to all personnel; (4) identify a better methodology for the recall of off-duty personnel; (5) make improvements to the department’s current ICS policy; and (6) equip reserve fleet apparatus for rapid deployment during storm response when off-duty or staff personnel have been recalled. 4 TABLE OF CONTENTS ABSTRACT 2 INTRODUCTION 8 BACKGROUND AND SIGNIFICANCE LITERATURE REVIEW PROCEDURES RESULTS 25 69 74 DISCUSSION 92 RECOMMENDATIONS REFERENCES 109 107 10 5 APPENDICES Appendix A - Chesterfield Emergency Communications Center - Fire Codes 115 Appendix B - County of Chesterfield Emergency Operations Plan, Part I 119 Appendix C - Storm Readiness Survey of Chesterfield Fire Department Officers 121 Appendix D - Chesterfield Fire Department, Operational Policy #13 122 Appendix E - Chesterfield Fire Department, Operational Policy #13, Addendum D 125 Appendix F - Preliminary Assessment Plan, Myrtle Beach, SC, Fire Department 128 Appendix G - Windshield Survey Form, Redmon, WA , Fire Department 131 Appendix H - Priority 1 Call Types Recommended for Revision to Priority 2 132 Appendix I - Proposed Severe Storm Response Guidelines for Chesterfield Fire Department 133 Appendix H - Incident Command System Forms 201-220 168 FIGURES Figure 1. Risk/Frequency Analysis of Policy and Procedure (Graham, 1997). Figure 2. Risk Management to ensure proper conduct at incidents (Graham, 1997) Figure 2. Risk Management to ensure proper conduct at incidents (Graham, 1997) Figure 3. Incident Complex Organization (FEMA, 1994, p.3-22) 51 Figure 4. Area Command Organization (FEMA, 1994, p. 3-22). 51 Figure 5. Battalion Command Team. (Palm Beach Fire Rescue, 1999). 53 Figure 6. Department Command Team. (Palm Beach County Fire Rescue, 1999). 53 41 41 42 Figure 7. Tornado of August 6, 1993. Comparison of calls for service vs. 6-day average for time period 1330 hours to 1730 hours. 76 Figure 8. Micro-burst of March 8, 1995. Comparison of calls for service vs. 6-day average for time period 1730 hours to 2330 hours. 77 Figure 9. Tropical Storm Fran, September 6, 1996. Comparison of calls for service vs. 6-day average, 0100 hours to 1900 hours. 78 TABLES Table 1. Incidents of Damaging Wind, 1/1/55 through 12/31/95 12 Table 2. Incidents of Hail-Producing Storms, 1/1/55 through 12/31/95 13 Table 3. Tornado Segments, 1/1/50 through 12/31/95 13 Table 4. Severe Weather History, Chesterfield County, 1969-1999 14 Table 5. Call Activity for Selected Severe Weather Events, Chesterfield County, 1989-1999 15 Table 6. On-duty Career Platoon Staffing, November, 1999. 20 Table 7. Fujita-Pearson Tornado Scale (FPP Scale), www.stormfax.com/fujita.htm, 199933 Table 8. Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Damage Potential Scale 34 Table 9. Rainfall from Hurricane Opal, 1995, http://ww2010.atmos.uiuc.edu, 1999 34 Table 10. Comparison of calls for service per hour received. Selected storms vs. 6 day-average for same time period. 79 Table 11. First-Line Supervisor Responses to survey 84 Table 12. Middle Manager Responses to Survey 85 6 INTRODUCTION Fire Departments in the United States form the backbone of the nation’s ability to respond to emergency incidents caused by severe weather and other natural phenomena. From earthquakes in California, to tornados in the Midwest, to hurricanes in Florida, firefighters are there to manage the consequences of severe weather. Even before the wind stops blowing or the rain stops falling, firefighters begin working on the tasks necessary to help their communities recover from the devastation wrought by “Mother Nature.” From searching destroyed buildings for survivors, to clearing streets and roads of trees and debris, to treating the injured, firefighters start taking care of the critical tasks long before other resources can arrive. Though the fire service has accepted this role, and the public has come to expect such disaster response from fire departments, most departments receive very little additional resources to help meet the extraordinary challenges presented when severe weather strikes. In most communities, the same level of resources, that are in most cases only adequate for daily response requirements, must somehow be “stretched” to meet demands for services that encompass an entire community at once. Severe weather does not need to be of the magnitude of a tornado or hurricane to have a significant impact on a fire department’s operation. Spring and summer thunderstorms packing strong winds, lightning, torrential rains, or any combination of the three, can create a significant increase in calls for service in a short period of time. This rapid influx of calls puts a severe strain on a fire department’s resources as fire officers and firefighters try to manage multiple incidents occurring simultaneously, or several significant incidents. Severe weather can create conditions that make response too hazardous for responders (strong winds, lightning, downed powerlines, etc.); block ordinary response routes with trees and building debris. Experience has shown that fire departments must recognize the special operations that they must employ when responding to emergencies caused by severe weather. Departments that respond safely, effectively, and efficiently to emergencies brought on by severe weather do so because of preplanning, specialized training, and standard operating guidelines that clearly delineate the different methodologies that will be used to manage hazards and resources. The problem examined in this Applied Research Project is that Chesterfield Fire Department has no system for managing the extraordinary demands for service that a severe storm can enact upon its resources. The department’s present adverse weather policy is inadequate and provides no strategic direction to the department’s middle and upper managers to aid them in conducting fire department operations during such events. The purpose of this applied research project is to develop a model policy and standard operating guidelines for the department using the information presented in the Executive Analysis of Fire Department Operations in Emergency Management course. This study used the historical, evaluative, and action research methods to answer the following questions: 1. How vulnerable is Chesterfield County to severe weather, i.e., thunderstorms, hurricanes, tornados, etc.? 2. How does severe weather affect the number of calls for service received by the department? 1. What policies and procedures does Chesterfield Fire Department currently have in place for response and emergency operations during severe weather? 7 2. 3. What training do Chesterfield Fire Department officers receive for response and emergency operations before, during, and after severe weather and how well prepared do they feel they are for such operations? What are benchmarks for response to severe storm emergencies exist that could enable Chesterfield Fire Department to make its operations more safe, effective, and efficient? BACKGROUND AND SIGNIFICANCE Chesterfield County, Virginia Chesterfield County is a suburban county that borders Virginia's capital city, Richmond, to the south. The County encompasses 446 square miles and has an estimated population of 260,000 residents. The governing body is a five-member Board of Supervisors with each member representing one of five magisterial districts. A County Administrator, appointed by the Board, manages the daily operations of the County. Chesterfield Fire Department Chesterfield Fire Department provides emergency and non-emergency services to the public using a combination career/volunteer system. The Department provides a full range of emergency responses services to County citizens including: fire suppression, emergency medical services, hazardous materials response, water rescue, and technical rescue. In addition, the Department also provides non-emergency services such as injury prevention education, fire safety inspections, building code reviews, fire brigade training to local industry, etc. The Department uses a career staff of 370 officers and firefighters and a volunteer staff of 250 officers and firefighters to operate seventeen engine companies and five truck companies from seventeen fire stations. Six stations are staffed entirely by career personnel, and one by volunteer personnel; the remaining ten stations are operated by a career/volunteer staff. Each platoon has eighty-six firefighters and Company Officers assigned for fire station staffing. The Deputy Chief of Operations provides management and leadership to a three-platoon system that has a Senior Battalion Chief responsible for each of the three platoons. Each Senior Battalion Chief has two Battalion Chiefs (North and South Battalions) and a Senior Captain that make up their battalion staff for daily operations of the platoon. The Senior Battalion Chief also has battalion level responsibilities for the Central Battalion, the smallest of the three battalions with three stations. The Deputy Chief of Support Services is responsible for management of the Training and Safety Division, the Fire and Life Safety Division, the Maintenance and Logistics Division, the Information Services Division, and the Administrative Services Division. Vulnerability Chesterfield County is in the coastal plain and Piedmont sections of east-central Virginia. It is bounded on the north by the City of Richmond (the fall line that separates the Piedmont and coastal sections of Virginia) and Henrico County. The County is bounded on the east by Henrico and Charles City counties; on the west by Amelia and Powhatan counties; and on the south by Dinwiddie, Prince George, and Amelia counties. The James River forms the northern boundary and the Appomattox River forms the southern boundary. The Central Virginia region, and Chesterfield County, have a history of severe weather. The presence of two major eastward flowing rivers provides a strong conduit for severe weather that typically approaches from the west. According to the National Weather Service Office in Wakefield, Virginia the region has a thirty-year average of 36.5 days per year with thunderstorm #Injuries Fatalities of Incidents Table 1. Incidents of Damaging Wind, 1/1/55 through 12/31/95 Windspeed # of Incidents Fatalities Injuries 8 activity. The most favorable time of year for thunderstorm development is early spring to late summer. (William Sampler, personal communication, October 14, 1999). For the Central Virginia Region, Table 1 illustrates thunderstorm incidents that produced damaging winds (Chesterfield County Emergency Operations Plan, Basic Plan, Part I, August 5, 1997). 40-49 MPH 2230 9 135 50-59 MPH 278 0 5 60-69 MPH 102 0 15 H a i l S i z e 70-79 MPH 80-89 MPH 90+ MPH 36 12 6 0 0 0 6 0 8 For the same region, Table 2 illustrates thunderstor m incidents that produced significant hail (Chesterfie ld County Emergency Operations Plan, Part 1, Basic Plan, August 5, 1997). 0 . 7 5 " Table 1. Incidents of Hail-Producing Storms, 1/1/55 through 12/31/95 9 # 2 9 7 1 8 I 1 1 7 0 n 1 9 6 o j 7 1 f u r I i n e c s i Table 3 illustrates the number of tornado segments that the region experienced fromd1950 through 1995 (Chesterfield County Emergency Operations Plan, Basic Plan, Part eI, August 5, 1997). A tornado segment is a term used to describe the often n or “segmented” path that a tornado may take. Each time the funnel cloud “spotty” t down” and creates damage constitutes another segment. Each segment may “drops s damage that falls into a different category on the Fujita-Pearson Tornado Scale create usedFto rate 0the destructiveness of a tornado (Tim0Armstrong, 0 personal communication, November 16, 1999). a t T a o l r i n t a i d e o s S c a l e 1 8 4 2 2 3 1969 1970 1972 2 0 1984 1985 1989 1990 1990 1993 1995 9 0 10 1 9 9 9 H u r r i c a n e F l o y d Th e cou nty has bee n rela tive ly fort una te in that the con seq uen ces of the se stor ms hav e, for the mo st par t bee n mi ni mal . Wit h the exc epti ons of Hu rric ane ’s Ca mil le and Ag nes , the im pac t on life and pro per ty has bee n ver y sm all wh en co mp are d to the dev ast atio n that a tor nad o or hur rica ne is cap abl e of infl icti ng on a co m mu nit y. For the mo st par t the sm all tor nad os and mic rob urst s (sm all, po wer ful stra igh t-li ne win dst or ms) hav e stru ck onl y sm all por tio ns of the cou nty . W h e n s e v e r e w e a t h e r d o e s s t r i k e t h e c o u n t 11 c a l l s f o r s e r v i c e t h a t a r e r e c e i v e d b y t h e c o u n t y ’ s E m e r g e n c y C o m m u n i c a t i o n s C e n t e r . T a b l e 5 s h o w s t h e c a l l d a t a f o r f i v e s e l e c t e d s t o r m s t h a t h a v e o c c u r r e d i n t h e p a s t t e n y e a r s ( C o m p u t e r A i d e d D i s p a t c h S y s t e m A r c h i v e R e c o r d s , O c t o b e r , 1 9 9 9 ) . S e v e r e W e a t h e r E v e n 12 0 M i c r o b u r s t , 5 / 6 / 8 9 , 1 6 0 0 2 3 0 h r s . T o r n a d o / T h u n d e r s t o r m , 8 / 6 / 9 3 ,D a 1l 3e 3 0a -n 1d 7 3M 0a t ho ra sc .a D i s t r i c t s M i c r o b u r s t , 3 / 8 / 9 5 , 1 7 3 0 2 3 3 0 M ha rt so .a c a D i s t r i c t T 6 r 3 o p i c a l S t o r m F r a n , 9 / 6 / 9 6 13 S e v e r e T a b l e 4 . C a l l A c t i v i t y f o r S e l e c t e d W e a t h e r E v e n t s , C h e s t e r f i e l d C o u n t y , 1 9 8 9 1 9 9 9 r e s p o n s e f o r H a z a r d o u s C o n d i t i o n c a l l s i n c l u d e d o w n e d p o w e r l i n e s , t r a n s f o r m e r f i r e s , l i g h t n i n g s t r i k e s w i t h n o f i r e , h a z a r d c o n t r o l f o r s i t u a t i o n s n o t i n v o l v i n g a m o t o r v e h i c l e a c c i d e n t , e t c . P u b l i c S e r v i c e c a l l s i n c l C o u n t y w i d e u d e r e s p o n s e f o r w a t e r s h u t o f f s , t r e e r e m o v a l 14 n o o t h e r , e t c . n d i x A ) . ( S h e P) contains a Hazard Analysis Matrix to calculate the avulnerability of e the County to the major types of m threat, and probability. In that analysis, a significant z hazardous material incident received the highest ated second (15) and the hurricane/tropical storm category a was ratedAa close third (13). The information curate as it relates to the probability of severe weatherr striking Chesterfield p County. d p l Appendix 5: Fire Service, the Fire Department is charged s with thee following strategic response C o n t a i n a n d e x t i n g u i s h f i r e s R e m o v e v i c t i m s f r o m a n y s i t u a t 15 d e f e n s e ( R A D E F ) f o r p e r s o n a l p r o t e c t i o n a n d f o 16 17 18 19 20 Station 21 Totals * - Indicates Fire Station that staffs a volunteer EMS ambulance from its maximum staffing complement Monday-Friday, 0800 hours to 1800 hours. 1 (Engine Co.) 2 (Engine Co.) 3 (Engine, Truck, Medic) 4 (Engine Co.) * 5 (Engine Co.) 6 (Engine Co.) 7 (Engine, Truck) * 8 (Engine, Medic) 9 (Engine, Truck) * 10 (Engine) * 11 (Engine, Medic) 12 (Engine, Truck) * 14 (Engine, Truck) 15 (Engine, Medic, CFR) 16 (Engine, Medic) Battalion Staff 22 notification of incapacitating defibrillators, are de volunteer members snowfall. This stocked part for re of the organization of Operationalimmediate m via radio dispatched Policy #13 provides deployment asse a paging. Policies very few guidelines replacement piec du “Signal 15-Bravo” for officers, at or any to meet dema w and “Signal level in the when the system Th 15-Charlie” areorganization, to short use of ambulan fo designed to notify for resource Fire apparatus,Ba volunteer deployment and however, is large no firefighters andmanagement during devoid of any Em EMS personnel, the response toequipment excep Co respectively, tostorm related fire hose in theCe c report to their emergencies. duty of pumpers. W re stations and staff The a reserve fire un of their apparatus.department also placed in service re For volunteer does not have almost a all of the on firefighters, this process for thenecessary i.e procedure is staffing of reserve equipment must an becoming less fleet fire apparatus come off of thestru effective due toand theambulances that if it is replacin th declining number and of when off-duty This practice ma D volunteer personnel report it almost for imposs (C firefighters in the duty. This lack to of staff reserveref department. process is further apparatus for th Addendum complicated bypossible the deploym on D to Operational fact that the either before an Se Policy #13 does department a hasimpending no storm Ch fair job of outlining system of tracking in the aftermath di fire station level where reserve storm. fleet lim preparation forapparatus is located re storm response, throughout but the m its major focuscounty. is When not Pr preparation forin service replacing an Fire Departmen response to normal apparatus, th Responsibilities emergencies created pieces of the reserve EM Disaster by severe winter fleet are housed Th Response-Respo weather. Thisacross the county in As on addendum to fire stations that mentioned va Operational Policy have availablepreviously, space ty #13 was written in the station. Operational Poli pr following severe Reserve #13, Addendum ov winter weatherambulances, that with does not provide m struck the Central the exception of any significantty Virginia area in biomedical guidelines for as January, 1995 equipment with such resource as A 23 not addressed available this Reporting issue resources. history through or Severe hurricanes. are injured Local mostmore frequent Storms recommendation thaninsixty spring Cum policy, procedure, The(www.nws.noaa.gov/om/tstorm.htm, fire or department training people summer at an The amusement project during for improvemen thepark. late cloud afte because ofhistorically that1999), lack ofprovided Hail, has knowledge. will upand use to much early baseball-size, the information evening. items 1, 2,Here, 4, 40,00 5, aw Vavrek, assumed that et al., would thecaused (1995) information enable systems more in emergency than Despite with gained 7.$600 favorable Though great million advan updra win the their discussion majority responders of violent of in thedamage. from to make conditions the National accurate meteorology remaining have access and items secon toinw thunderstorms, burden observations supercells, for JulyFire 1, highlight about and 1985 Academy moisture developing - for Cheyenne, have supercell from significant WY, the identif mass Gulf the technology managing weather. advancements a slow-moving course, ThisMexico. information in Executive during supercell influence could the last onequal deca weather forecasting emergency be critical that brought andhave Analysis for responder eightofinches weather Although Fire safety Chesterfield ofcan rain and less develo most than enabled forecasters non-emergency wouldtoenable that provide Service resulted responders supercells, more Operations inthat a flash County’s to they warnings flood (supercells respon may with n timely warning situations communicate of severe resulting andinweather. hail Emergency vital deaths oneand foot and you accurate to deep. injuries, insevere time. and storm In inces suc pro “Radar is an from indispensable information severeSixteen storm Management, to tool weather. senior people for emergency use were to related “While common killed emergenc less and sense possi than detecting and response observing managers even damages supercells. for systematically when decision tornados, exceeded attention making. virtually they $67are million to all areas thecumu stron visu The WSR-88D the EOP Doppler placed (Vavrek, is evaluate that a much supercell Holle, thepotentially fire Allsop, thunderstorms” currentlydangero addres preva (V improved tool responsibility for detecting Davies, with department’s can andalso Hoadley, thunderstorms. produce: roles in the1995, county’s contr SeE thunderstorm another intensity department, p.3) and and responsibilities weather Analysis fromofsuper minu that In addition supercells to the or (Vavrek deaths, other departments et On al.,in the 1995, severe night storm ofthreaten 8/12/99 document when in istypes the f Thunderstorms injuries, and property p.6). 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United States reliance oncurrent technology. air flowing policy radio operations; for southward traffic on(2) from their thefrequency fire and EMS response Canada. toalong severe This Incident with meteorological ours Command (Off-Site agencies respond storm collision, related News, frequently System; www.firehouse.com, (3) occurring overof thousands Theemergencies FAA the (1999) Midwestern 1999). and community at its U.S., Cumulus results risk in Stagethethat “F incidents res General Aviation make severe Accident weather In most assessment; indicative years itcumulus (4) (lightning) of that clouds is typ from severe Preventionrecommendations Program regionwebsite of thethe incident thunderstorm’s country. to wrote during greatest the afternoo weather. These Emergency of theresponders needimprove for aircraft arethat killer. Ebert pilots policy. documentation; (1988) to A be possible described summer contributing (5) days.result Mai incidents not immune from knowledgeable the hazards For thunderstorm the that of purposes thunderstorms reason capability of development for thisnot is those evolve as a injury into thun death, and severe windstorms and associated present. this four-stage project, weather lightning severe hazards. assessment; process. victims It Cloud (6)property frequently tops reach are abi losses Perhaps they are further evenwrote more weather that pilots is defined struck must media before berelations; or feet. just after theA of sup the(7) hundreds exposed as they able frequently to combine as respond meteorological that knowledge occurrence Vavrek damage et al. of assessment; of(1995) precipitation Mature wrote StageHas millions ofatwith dolla during the event weather when with theactivity hazards the thattechnical that more their than (8)location. the 100,000 Emergency updrafts Many people and downd is For example: per from wind, rain, information and lightning produces provided thunderstorms apparently by-Operations their occur feelevery Downdrafts Center; safe year frominusually Whil March 27,are1994 Piedmont, at their greatest. instruments, It isAL probably straight-line or the airport a United lightning control or and States. (9) when Of connection these not with comp pre a tornado struck a church safe assumption towers, that most to rotational make thunderstorms, goodwinds, experiencing flight contemporary meteorologists rain falling legal (Department from upper downp on Palm Sunday killing twenty responders aredecisions. not knowledgeable i.e., estimate thunderstorms of that Atmospheric issues 2,000-3,000 for the the Sciences, fire cloud each year dragging domi people and injuring more than about the hazards andninety The therefore orNational tornados, achieve do Weather University the orservice. isstatus of ofThis “supercell” Illinois downward. at Cloud can p others. not take the necessary Service’s precautions. publication, tropical thunderstorm. in origin, Urbana-Champaign, Spotter's project They will wrote usually focus that 1999, its reach east beyon term July 11, 1990 - Denver, CO, Many departments Guidehave for Identifying probably i.e., of tropical the Rocky and http://ww2010.atmos.uiuc.edu). storms analysis Mountains and feet. supercells indiv the worst hailstorm in U.S. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 24 Tornados Winds exceeding 57 miles per hour Hail ¾" in diameter or greater Rainfall capable of local and flash flooding Dangerous lightning High Precipitation Supercells produce m Precipitation Supercells. Rain and hail m updraft. These types of cells are often The advent of WSR-88D Doppler (also Precipitation supercells are more preval U.S. High Precipitation storms are now (Vavrek et al., p.6) Some supercells persist for several hours and track over hundreds of miles while producing severe weather. In contrast, ordinary thunderstorms last less than one hour and cover shorter distances. Meteorologists catagorize supercells as Classic, High Precipitation, and Low Precipitation Supercells. Classic Supercells have a well-defined area of precipitation just northwest of the cloud tower or main updraft. Beneath the main updraft, and a short distance southwest of the precipitation, is a rain-free cloud base. A lowering or rotating wall cloud is evident beneath this base. The Classic Supercell is usually isolated. Low Precipitation Supercells are usually found on the High Plains of the U.S. As a macroburst or some non-severe gu where moist air from the Gulf of Mexico meets dry air from the north and west. These concaved-shaped underside of the shelf produce little rain and are rather small. “Although they look less threatening than winds at the ground. Although some ro other supercells, they can produce severe weather” (Vavrek et al., p.7). likely to be short-lived and without vert (DAS, 1999). Outflow Phenomena-Downbursts Information from the WW2010 website, of the Department of Atmospheric Sciences (DAS) at the University of Illinois at Urbanna-Champaign, http://ww2010.atmos.uiuc.edu, describes a downburst as a strong downdraft which includes an outburst of potentially damaging winds on or near the ground. Downdrafts with a diameter greater than 2.5 miles are classified as a macroburst; smaller downdrafts are referred to as microbursts. Downdrafts, both macrobursts and microburst, are thought to be less significant The development of tornados requires se than tornados. In reality, they are just as lethal, if not more so in some circumstances. thunderstorms. These strong thunderst Many aircraft crashes in recent years have been caused by either macrobursts or convectional storms, or they may form a microburst that occurred as pilots were making their critical landing approach (DAS, fast-moving mid-latitude cyclones. In e 1999). On January 3, 2000, a severe storm front that moved through the Ohio Valley contain high levels of moisture with larg uprooting trees, knocking down powerlines, and ripping roofs from structures. 81). National Weather Service investigators determined that the damage was caused by straight line winds from microbursts, some of which had winds clocked in excess of 130 MPH (Weather Channel, 2000, www.weather.com/weather_center). Tornados Ebert (1988) wrote that tornados occur in just about any part of the world, but are most numerous in North America, especially in the central and southeastern regions of the U.S. The total varies from year to year, but it is estimated that about 90 percent of the world’s tornados occur in the U.S. 25 26 F 0 R a t i n g 27 F 1 F 2 M o d e r a t e t o r n a d o 28 F 4 F 5 29 Table 7. Fujita-Pearson Tornado Scale (FPP Scale), www.stormfax.com/fujita.htm, 1999 S c Hurricanes a Ebert (1988) describes a hurricane as the most powerful storm in nature. l power is never more evident then when a hurricane makeselandfall. A hurricane 1 That making landfall does so with tremendous winds and torrential rainfall. Coastal regions are also susceptible to the storm surge, a wall of water being # “pushed” ashore ahead of , the offshore winds. Areas inland also experience tornados spawned by the outer thunderstorm bands. C Strong winds are the most common means of destruction associated with a hurricanes. Their sometimes continuous barrage can uproot trees, knock over t buildings and homes, fling deadly debris around, and sink eor ground boats. The intensity of a hurricane is measured by the sustained wind gspeed found within it. The relative strength of a hurricane is also measured on a scaleobased on its greatest wind r speed. Table 8 on the next page shows the Saffir-Simpsony scale, named for the men who invented it, which measures the damage potential of a hurricane based on its greatest wind speed. 2 30 3 4 5 Table 8. Saff 31 Rainfall from Hurric Ellyson, FL 15.45" 32 T a b l e 9 . R a i n f a l l f r o m H u r r i c a n e t t p : / / w w 2 0 1 0 . a t m o s . u i u c . e d u , 1 9 9 9 O p a l , several decades. 1 creased urbanization.9 When concrete replaces soil, rain water will run off rather than soak in. Flash flood producing popular mountain camping 9 spots (DAS, 1999, http://ww2010.atmos.uiuc.edu/(Gh)/guides/mtr/svr/dngr/flood.rxml). 5 , h 33 34 35 only be estimated since it is impossible to get measuring devices into the vortex of a tornado, unlike the eye of a hurricane where mercury, or about 60 percent of normal atmospheric pressure. c pressure, caused by the passage of a hurricane, would drop anywhere from one to five inches of mercury, the net excess pressu nation with the force exerted by the high winds, can lead to a total disintegration of the structure (Ebert, 1988, p.84). 36 37 38 o n s h e r l e a r n e d c o m m u n i t i e s . a r e n o t a l w a y s b e i n g a p p l i e d t o o t K a s p e r s o n t h i s a n d b e c a u s e a c c e r a l , a b o u t s t a t e , t h e S o m e t i m e s i s w r o t e P i j a w k a ( 1 9 8 5 ) d i s a s t e r r e s p o n s e r o l e s o f f e d a n d l o c a l g o v e r n m e n t s . A c c o r d i n g t o r e c o v e r e d t h e a u t h o r s , t h e f e d e r a l g o v e r n m e n t h a s t h e i n “ A c o u r t l o s s i f d u e t o d i s a s t e r t h e v i c t i m c a n c a n s h o w : b e ( 1 39 o f i t s d i s a s t e r r e s p o n s e r o l e i n a l l f i f t y s t a t e s . I n d i v i d u a l s t a t e s h a v e l e s s e x p e r i e n c e b e c a u s e t h e y a r e r e s p o n s i b l e o n l y f o r d i s a s t e r s w i t h i n t h e i r b o r d e r s . O f t h e t h r e e l e v e l s o f ( 2 ) t h a t t h e b o d y f a i l e d t o c a r r y o u t t h i s d u t g o v e r n m e n t , l o c a l g o v e r n m e n t s h a v e t h e l e a s t e y ; a n d ( 3 ) t h a t t h e l o s s o c c u r r e d a s a r e s u l t x p e r i e n c e i n m a n a g i n g d i s a s t e r s . “ L o c a l g o v e r n o f t h i s f a i l u r e ” ( K u s l e r , 1 9 8 5 , p . 1 1 9 ) . K u s l e r a l s o w r o t e t h a t t h e e x p o s u r e l i a b i l i t y f o r l o c a l g o v e r n m e n t h a s a l s o b e c o m e g r e a t e r . H e l i 40 t r e s p o n s e b e c a u s e t h e y a n d a r e a p t t o b e o n a r e t h e c l o s e s t s c e n e t o t h e e v e n b e f o r e s u b s t a n t i a l s t a t e o r f e d e r a l r e s o u r c e s a r e a v a i l a b l e ” y ( K a s p e r s o n r e s p o n s e : 1. h e a n d P i j a w k a , 1 9 8 5 , p . 1 3 ) . C i g l e r c o u r t s h a v e r e c o g n i z e d b r o a d e n e ( 1 9 8 6 ) i n d eT s c r i b i n g t h e d i s a s t e r r e s p o n s e r e l d c o n c e p t s o f t h e d u t i e s a n d r e s p o n s i b i l i t i e s a t i o n s h i p s t h a t e x i s t a m o n g t h e t h r e e l e v e l s o o f l o c a l g o v e r n m e n t . 41 r e s p o n s e e x p e r i e n c e a n d d i s a s t e r r e s p o n s e r e s p o n s i b i l i t y e i n t e r g o v e r n m e n t a l t h e “ i n t e r g o v e r n m e n t a l p a r a d o x r e f e r s p a r a d o x . ” t o t h e T h f a c t t h a t t h e l o c a l g o v e r n m e n t , w h i c h i s l e a s t l i k e l y t o s e e l i k e l y t o d i s a s t e r b e a s a w i t h k e y t h e p r i o r i t y , r e s p o n s i b i l i t y i s m o s t f a c e d f o 42 n d i n t h e U n i t e d S t a t e s h a s b e e n t o p l a c e m o s t o f t h e r e s p o n s i b i l i t y f o r d i s a s t e r r e s p o n s e o n r d l o c a l H e i d e g o v e r n m e n t ( 1 9 8 9 ) o f f i c i a l s ( C i g l e r , 1 9 8 6 , w r o t e t h a t l o c a l A u f g o v e r n m e n t s d e a n p . 8 ) . m a y b e h e l d f i n a n c i a l l y l i a b l e f o r c e r t a i n c o n s e q u e n c e s o f d i s a s t e r s i f t h e i r c o 43 r o p e r l y . t h a t I n F i g u r e H ig h R isk, H ig h Fr eq uency y T ime ow y i s t h o s e me ow y n t Low R isk, H ig h Fr eq uency Frequency 1 , G r a h a m ’ s s t a t e m e p o l i c i e s a n d p r o c e d u r e s w i t h t h e h i g h e s t r i s k a n d t h e l o w e s t f r e q u e n c y c o n s t i t u t e t h e g r e a t e s t l i a b i l i t y ( c o n s e q u e n c e s ) t o e m e r g e n c y r e s p o n s e o r g a n i z a t i o n s . H e f u r t h e r s p o k e t h a t t h o s e p o l i c i e s c a n b e s u b d i v i d e d i 44 n t o t h e c a t e g o r i e s o f n o n d i s c r e t i o n a r y t i m e ( N D T ) a n d d i s c r e t i o n a r y t i m e ( D T ) p o l i c i e s . N D T p o l i c i e s a r e t h o s e p o l i c i e s w h e r e t h e s i t u a t i o n p r o v i d e s l i t t l e o r n o t i m e t o r e f e r e n c e a p p l i c a b l e p o l i c y – p e r s o n n e l h a v e t o h a v e e p l y i n g r a i n e d k n o w l e d g e o f t h e p o l i c y f o r a t h e d e e f f e c t i v e d e c i s i o n m a k i n g a n d a c t i o n t o t a k e p l a c 45 e , t h u s m i n i m i z i n g t h e r i s k . D T p o l i c i e s c o v e r t h o s e s i t u a t i o n s w h e r e t i m e d o e s e x i s t t o r e f e r e n c e t h e p o l i c y , i . e . , t h r o u g h c h e c k l i s t s , f i e l d g u i d e s , e t c . , t o m a k e e f f e c t i v e d e c i s i o n s . G r a h a m c o n t e n d s t h a t s u c h i n f o r m e d d e c i s i o n - m a k i n g r e s u l t s i n p r o p e r c o n d u c t a t a n o p e r a t i o n r a t h e r t h a n t h e o r g a n i z a t i o n h a v i n g t o d e a l 46 w i t h t h e c o n s e q u e n c e s o f F i g u r e 2 o n n e x t p a g e ) . d e c cti s i o n ( S e e D e p a r t m e n t O p e r a t i o n s a t a p o o r r e Consequences (Lawyersville) M a n a g i n g F i S e v e r e S t o r m E m e r g e n c i e s C o w a r d i n ( 1 9 8 1 ) w r o t e t h a t e v e r y o f f i c e r i n c h a r g e o f a n i n c i d e n t , w h e t h e r v o l u n t e e r o r p a r t t i m e , a c t i n g , t e m p o r a r y o r c a r e e r o r i e n t e d , n e e d s a m e t h o d b y w h i c h d i r e c t i o n c a n b e 47 e g i v e n t o e m e r g e n c y f o r c e s u n d e r h i s \ h e r c o n t r e v e n t s i n v o l v i n g t e n s t o h u n d r e d s o f c a s u a l t o l . T h o s e c r i t i c a l c o m p o n e n t s a r e i d i e s ; a n d e n t i f i e d ( 3 ) a s : a p p l y i n g l i m i t e d r e s o u r c e s t o t h e 48 n p r o b l e m s t h a t a r e a l s o a p p l i c a b l e e v e n t s ” ( A u f d e r H e i d e , p . 2 5 ) . I n t o t h e l a r g e r c o u r s e 49 r c h e d w e r e o f t h e a n e c d o t a l o r h i s t o r i c a l n a t u r e – t h e y d e s c r i b e d w h a t h a p p e n e d , b u t p r o v i d e d 50 e r a t i o n s a t N a t u r a l a n d M a n m a d e D i s a s t e r s , a n d E x e c u t i v e A n a l y s i s o f F i r e S e r v i c e O p e r a t i o n 51 e d e p a r t m e n t ’ s p o l i c i e s a n d p r o c e d u r e s f o r r e s p o n s e t o n a t u r a l a n d m a n m a d e d i s a s t e r s . F o l l o 52 e a p p r o p r i a t e f o r s e v e r e w e a t h e r e m e r g e n c i e s . 1. Situation assessment andsize-up 1. Identifying incident objectives 2. Developing an organization to 53 manage the incident disaster). This 3. Develop component a should system of resource also address the need management to provide command 4. Develop with information a on communications what plan has happened, 5. Develop the scope an and incident safetymagnitude plan of the 6. Develop incident. an This incident medical assessment plan has two (FEMA, 1994,basic pp. functional tasks 3-5 to 3-6). that must be completed–the Situation impact of the event Assessment and on emergency Size-up FEMAresources (1994) and describes this facilities and the component as impact on the necessary direction community. The on how to provide former forshould be security of completed as soon department resources after the precipitating and personnel event (whileas possible. fulfilling first Ensure the responder safety of yourself and requirements during your co-workers. the initial stageAssess of a the condition major incidentof: or Yourself and your co-workers The station and apparatus Utilities: gas, water, electricity, and phone lines Move apparatus out of the station to the primary safe area. If the primary area is unusable, move to the secondary safe area. Complete a roll call (Redmond Fire Department, 1998, p. 1) 54 tactics to meet the objectives, resources, organization, communications use in tactical operations. The use of ICS Forms 201-207, when prop Plan (FEMA, 1999, ICS Forms Catalog). The written IAP is the cornerstone of good documentation of th require some form of documentation, i.e., fire reports, patient care repo nature of a disaster does not lessen the need for, nor alleviate, requirem Documentation will be greater in both volume and in scope tha proportional to the size of the disaster, or greater. This need is driven b involved; (3) greater cost; and (4) increased possibilities of something Developing an Organization Incident A severe storm can qui level of devastation in a comm creates demands for service tha abilities of emergency respond The torn mid-afternoon, tearing along a Each company will conduct a windshield survey of their preassigned area. Companies will report wide via and radioseven to operations kilometers in long the Central Station the conditions of their areas. These reports are to include the status of utilities, estimated roadways, $10 million and pending in damag emergency calls. NO COMPANY WILL COMMIT TO A SITUATION UNTIL THEY HAVE reaching COMPLETED approximately THEIR 270 km SURVEY (South Trail Fire Protection and Rescue Service District, 1999, p 11). categorized as a force 3 tornad Palm Beach County Fire Rescue Department (1999) uses the terminology of “jurisdictional middle survey” of atoscale describe of 0 to their 5 esta assessment of the impact on the community. That department’s priorities are the status of target Environment hazards, major Canada. responseHundre routes, and housing developments in the county. Redmon Fire Department’s Earthquake Emergency suffered Planserious calls for damage. their Thir personnel to survey the community and categorize hazards using a color-coded designation: red for approximately significant damage, 260 families yellow had for moderate damage, and green for little or no damage. (See Appendix G). completely demolished (Drape Using the attached check sheets, and using the designated route, do a drive-by assessment of the commercial, multi-family residential, major arterials, shelters (schools and churches), and high hazard occupancies in your area. You are expected to stick to the route as much as possible (Redmon Fire Department, 1998, unnumbered page). FEMA (1999) wrote that an Incident Action Plan documents the actions deve Command and General Staffs during the Planning Meeting. A properly completed ac 1. 55 1.The incidents are close enough to be managed by the same incident management team. 2.Some staff and/or logistical support economies could be achieved through a combined manageme 3.Planning, Logistics, and Finance activities can be adequately provided to the Incident Complex fr team. In an Incident Complex where numerous incidents are handled quickly and with only a few resourc Figure 3. Incident Complex named, but handled as tasks within a division or branch (See Figure 3 on (FEMA, next page). Organization 1994, p.3-22) Provide effective agency or jurisdictional oversight for assigned incidents. 56 BatalionIncidentCommaner BatalionOperationsOficer BatalionPlaningOficer BatalionLogisticsOficer Division/BranchDivision/BranchDivision/Branch Figure 5. Battalion Command Team. (Palm Beach Fire Rescue, 1999). FEMA (1994) wrote that adding these additional tools to the ICS was not sufficient to effectively manage disaster situations. They identified a shortcoming in the management of major incidents: the inexperience of officers filling Command and General Staff positions. 57 response after a storm. Each task force is composed of at least: (1) a Public Works unit capable of clearing a road of debris; (2) a police unit for traffic control and other assistance; (3) a fire unit for rescue and fire suppression; (4) an Electric Utility crew (Tallahassee, 1999, www.state.fl.us/citytlh/emergency/hurrica n.html). Both wrote that the problems were exacerbated by: communications problems (systems being out of service, radio frequency differences between agencies, etc.); a lack of rapid development of an effective organizational structure; and resources coming into the disaster area from surrounding areas. Tallahassee (1999) identified a resource management tool for use during response to severe weather in that city. The purpose of a “Road Clearing Task Force” is to disburse equipment and provide road clearing and emergency 58 The names of those personnel not accounted for in some manner within 12 hours following the end of the storm will be presumed to be in need of assistance and efforts will be made to reach them at their home or last know location (Myrtle Beach Fire Department, 1999, p.11). 59 The most crucial types of information that need to be shared are those related to: 1. It wasn’t The “Robinson of a trust or familiarity, 1.Term Crusoe lack syndrome,” of political, or jurisdictiona procedu commu “we’re confidence the onlydisputes. ones on this informa importa island.” in the Organizations 2.There is areno mutual differen emerge accustomed person towho operating has the responsib become autonomously making the Tcollection and fail toand respons dissem his change report, this approach butvariouswhere types of importa infor discrepance multiple rather agencies thewhom areit should during be dis caused involved exactand are 3.Persons dependent possessing situatio some delays on one meaning another.of notEach realize that(FEMA anothe in movingperson his/her gives priority needs ittodoesn’t the have resourcesinformation to words needs 4.The ofinformation his the firs nee the stricken own organization (Castillo,organizations rather are County not area than that Montes, of the overallThese are occurre cruc immediately response and effort.communication“It’s thatthn following1.There Paulison, is a hesitancy radio equipment to depend there’s ison lik the storm.other1992, organizations, p.10). (Rosow, often 1977, dueatp.to the 173 lacM Department, hurricanes. 1.Disciplined, concise message Coral Gables Included in 2.Clear articulation of situation Fire these standard3.An effective understanding ho Department, and operating FEMA (1994) wrote tha City of Miamiprocedures areIncident Action Plan (IAP). South Tra “T Fire orders to ceasefor each element of the incident Departments all operations at Salt Lake City Fire Dep have written fifty miles per(1991) all wrote of the commun procedures by hour sustainedThe authors all cited lack of int which these I wind speeds that were experienced while ma n the state of departments (Hughes, 1998, Florida, operate duringp. 21). Metro-Dade Fire incidents of 60 vehicle had been washed off thehis component road in torrential assures rains. . . .The personnel safety fourth firefighter (by was evacuatingidentification of residents of a hazards coastal area associated with during a storm.the particular He ignored type of orders to put on incident/disaster. a life jacket at This information least four times. can be He also had transferred to been told to ICS Form 202 remove his coat of the written and boots since(IAP) and in an they would actattachment page like anchors ifto the IAP, he fell into theusually titled water (NFPA, “Safety Message 1990, p. 33). (FEMA, 1994, p. 3-6). F our of the victims were wearing structural firefighting FEMA protective (1994) wrote clothing when that the they drowned.development of One of them was incident safety placing flares plan and its along a roadway communication when he throughout the apparently fellorganization are into a drainagecritical for safe ditch. Another operations was assisting aduring disaster motorist whosesituations. T The majority of the technical informatio and Man-made Disasters, and Executive obtain and reviewed seven unpublished addressed hurricane response. The man this new media is being used extensively a medium for the sharing of operational of the City of Tallahassee (FL) site that dealt exclusively with earthquake respon Segerstrom also for address The research procedures this waste time on an alternate route response to severe storm emergencies. RegardlessLearning of the reason National Fire Academy’s Reso approximately 1,500 pounds. the course, Executive Analysis of Fire Se p. 28). on the term, “emergency response to thu (1990) wrote downtha on the topic. NFPA a.Wires rescues (41%)”b.Gas (NFPA, leaks 1990, p firefighting gear. c.Fires d.Unsafe structur e.Flooding f.Hazardous mate The g.Traumatized severe weat an h.HeatServices stress (My Co forecaster w Tim Armst telephone o Operations Richard Mc Chesterfield 1999 to obt memorandu from Janua The information System (CA second sear days after t 61 The author tabulated the survey results manual graphics software Microsoft Powerpoint to produce th The author wrote the text of this Applied Resea and figures for the project were developed using Micro Explorer and Netscape, were used to conduct on-line c Limitations The literature review revealed a very small am emergencies in the context of training and operational hazards of severe weather, i.e., hurricanes, thunderstor respond to those emergencies and how they train their on-line computer search of the Internet computer netw National Fire Academy was unable to yield significant The small size of the officer survey population number of survey responses, especially for the compan one of the issues identified in the literature review was emergencies, and the lack of policy and procedure in o 62 63 64 Chesterfield County is a microcosm of that larger national we ninety miles west of the county. The Atlantic Ocean lies approxima Chesterfield County. In the spring and summer this moisture freque County’s Emergency Operations Plan lists twelve significant inciden and their remnants; and flooding either from the previously mentione windstorm/tornado/severe thunderstorm category as the second most Flooding is a major concern because the county is part of the through Chesterfield County. Hurricane Floyd, which dropped mor 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 The 90 call with that sh 72 D u ri n g t h at p r o l o n g e d st o r m ( 1 7 h o u rs ) t h e d e p a 73 % i n c r e a s e o v e r t h e si x d a y a v e r a g e o f 5 9 c al ls f o r s e r v ic e d u ri n g t h e s a m e ti m e p e ri o d. T h e H a z a r d o u s C o n d it i o n s c al ls , 1 1 6 ( 3 2. 7 % ) a n d P u b li c S e r v ic e c al ls 1 2 7 ( 3 5. 7 % ) a c c o u n te d f o r 6 8. 4 % o f t h at i n c r e a s e. S e v e r e w e at h e r n o t o n l y i n c r e a s e s t h e t o ta l n u m b e r o f c al ls f o r s e r v ic e r e c ei v e d, b u t al s o i n c r e a s e s t h e r at e at w h ic h t h o s e c al ls a r e r e c ei v e d. T a b le 1 0 o n t h e n e x 74 c e d d u ri n g t h e s el e ct e d st o r m s a s c o m p a r e d t o t h e si x d a y a v e r a g e. S t o r m T o r n a d o , 8 / 6 / 9 3 M i c r o b u r s t , 3 / 8 / 9 5 T r o p i c a l r i s o n o f c a l l s S t o r m , f o r s e r v i c e 9 / 6 / 9 6 T a b l e 1 0 . C o m p a p e r h o u r r e c e i v e d . S e l e c t e d s t o r m s s a m e 2 0 . 9 t i m e p e r i o d . v s . 6 d a y a v e r a g e f o r S u c h r a 75 r t i c u l a r l y t r u e i f t h e e v e n t e n c o m p a s s e s t h e e n t i r e c o u n t y a s T r o p i c a l S t o r m F r a n d i d 6 . E m e r g e n c y r e s o u r c e s c a n b e s h i f t e d i n f r o m 1 9 9 u n a 76 c a l l s a r e t h o s e c a l l s t h a t c o u l d b e P r i o r i t y 2 l i f e t h r e a t e n i n g , b u t t h e t h r e a t a c e f o r r e s p o n s e a n d n o t e m e r g e n c y i m m e d i a t e , o p e r a t i o n s i . e . d u r i i s , s t r o k e p a t i e n t s w i t h n o d i f f i c u l t y bT rh ee a tn hu im nb ge n g s e v e r e w e a t h e r ? ,r ao f s ep ir zi uo rr ei t py a t1 i ec na tl l w ht oy p he as s b se tc oo pm pe es d a a cd tr ii vv ei ln yg sf eo ir zc ie n gt ,h a et t cq .u i Pc rk il oy r id te yp l 3e t ce as l la sv a ai rl ea b tl he o sr ee s wo hu er rc ee s 77 n o t h r e a t t o l i f e e x i s t s , i . e . , a f r a c t u r e d l e g , b a c k i n j u r y , s i c k c a s e , e t c . E m e r g e n c y r e s o u r c e s r e s p o n d w i t h r e d l i g h t s a n d s i r e n o n p r i ou rn ii tt y r 1e s ao nu dr c 2e s c at lo l sa ; v pa rr ii oe rt iy t yo f 3 c ca al ll ls s s au rc eh ha as n dw li er de s w id to hw on u, t t rr ee de s l ii gn ht to s h ao nm de s s, i rt er na .n s Tf ho er sm ee r p rf ii or re is t, i ee st c a. r eE n eg si tn ae b la in sd h et dr u bc yk tc ho em p Oa pn ei re as t ia or ne a ld i Ms ep de ir cs ae l dn Dt C i hh rri eoe cuf t gs oh r od , uo t wn ht o oht e si a er c r t vr eei ssn p i ot nnh se te h c ada tip sa ct c ar i pi t acy ct i so t,f y ar f ne ods r o iu bnr o c 78 t h t h e E C C a n d t h e f i r e d e p a r t m e n t . F i r e c a l l s y f o r s e r v i c e a r e c a t e g o r i z e d a s e i t h e r p r i o r i t 1 o r ii tt hs r e s p o n d r( ea dm b lu il ga hn tc se s a) n do n s iE rM eS n c oa nl l ps r ia os r id ti yc t 1a t ce ad l lb sy w ot 3 ( S e e A p p e n d i x A ) . R e s o u r c e s nh le y .E m Pe rr eg se en nc ty l yM e 3d 0i c oa fl tD hi es p 3a 5t c (h 8 5( .E 7M %D )) fp ir ro et o cc ao ll ls tt yh pa et s a tr he a tp a cr at n o bf e t eh ne t eC rA eD dS . i nN te ox t t, h ea Et Cr Cu ’e s e Cm oe mr pg ue t ni ec. r ye . Ai , is d s er t der pu Doc i rt st u per ade t, c f hi i .r See y. s s, , t eaw mh se (t r Cr e Au Dct St h ) ue ry ae r f ef u in cr c aet t i eco gan ou r sa i es zd 79 e d a s p r i o r i t y 1 . T h e f i r e d e p a r t m e n t ’ s p r e s e n t s t o r m p o l i c y a d v i s e s t h a t d u r i n g i n c l e m e n t w e a t h e r t h e S e n i o r B a t t a l i o n C h i e f s h o u l d d i r e c tr e ta h eo f E Ct Ch e t oc o du in st py a, t c4 h4 6 n os q mu oa rr ee tm hi al ne s t, h rs eu ec h p rf ii or re i tc yo m 3p a fn ii re es cm aa ly l sr ,o u at ni dn e tl hy r eb ee pr re is op ro in td yi n 3g Ef Mr So m c aa l ld si s at ta n ac ne y o of n e8 t1 i0 m em .i l Te hs e o sr m am lo lr e n. u) m b( eJ r. E o. f G cr aa lh la m t, y c ppi eed sr e sn cot uns ra rl ( e J nc. t oE l m. ym uG cnr ai a t ch eaa gt m oi , ro i np zs e e, r d s So aen s pa tl pe r mc i bo oem rrm i u t 1n y6i ,c 3 a 1t d9i o9o e9n s) , . 80 n o t h a t s i g n i f i c a n t l y t h e l e s s e n t o t h e n u m b e r o f c a l l s t E C C n e e d s d i s p a t c h , a n d t o w h i c h t h e f i r e d e p a r t m e n t n e e d s t o r e s p o n d . T h i s i s e s p eC cr ie ae lk l y( a t rl uo ec a wl h ew na t oe nr ew a oy f i tn h et h ce a lc lo u tn yt py e) s. tA hd ad te n id nu cm r eD a st eo s t dh ra at m ap to il ci ac ly l ya d dd ur re is ns ge s s es vo em re e t wa ec at ti hc ea rl , a tn hd e t Ha as zk a rl de ov ue sl Co op ne dr ia tt ii oo nn s c ad lu lr i tn yg p ei ,n c il se m pe rn et s ew ne ta lt yh e cr a, t eb gu ot r if zo ec du s ae ss am a pi rn il oy r io tn y w 1i n tt he or u gw he a it th e ir n cs li ut du 81 e s t h o s e c a l l s , i . e . , d o w n e d p o w e r l i n e s , t r a n s f o r m e r f i r e s , l i g h t n i n g s t r i k e s e t c . , t h a t s h o u l d b e c o n s i d e r e d w i t h a s n o l o w e r f i r e , a p r C h e s t e r f i e i op ro il ti yc y d un ro ir n gt h se e va ed rd ee n wd eu am t hp er ro v ei vd ee n ts st r ta ht ae tg i sc t rd ei sr l d F i r e D e p a r t m e n t h a s n o s p e c i f i c t r a i n i n g p r se c tt hi eo n e mt eo r gt eh ne c yd e rp ea sr pt om ne sn et ’ ss y sm ti ed md .l e a n d u p p e r m a o g r a m s n a g e r s f o r t o i t s o p e r a t i o n a l p e r s o n n e l t o p r e p a r n t o p e r a t i o n s a i d t h e m d u r i n g i n s e v e r e c o n d u c t i n g f i r e d e p a r t m e w e a t h e r S e n i o r B a t e v e n t s . 82 e t h e m f o r r e s p o n s e t o t h e e m e r g e n c i e s l l t h a t r e c e i v e s e v e r e o f f i c e r s t r a i n i n g t y p e w e a t h e r a n d c a n t h e m a g n i t u d e p r o d u c e . d e p a r t m e n t A o n ’i st h Ii nn c it dh ee n td e Cp oa mr mt am ne dn t S. y sT th ee m ,a d bv ua tn c te hd a tl e tv re al i nI iC nS g t fr oa ci un si en sg ot nh a tt h et h ue s eM i od fd l Ie C SM a fn oa rg e fr is r eh ,a v Ee M Sr ,e c ae ni dv e hd a za ad rd dr oe us ss e ms a ts ec re in aa lr si o is n cf io dr e nt th so s te h as ta m we o uc la dt e bg eo r wi ie ts h io nf ti hn ec i sd ce on pt es ow fe r ne o rt mh ae l a om po eu rn at t io of n sn .e c e s s a r y r e s o u r c e s t o m a n a g e t h e i n c i d e n t w i l l b e l a r g e r t 83 g e m e n t r e , t h a t t h a t a s e v e r e w e a t h e r e v e n t c o u l d r e q u i o r w o u l d p r e p a r e t h o s e s t o m a n a g e m u l t i p l e i n c i d e n t s M i d d l e c o v e r i n g M a n a g e r l a r g e g e o g r a p h i c d e p a r t m e n t a r e a s c o m p l e t e d o f t h e c o u n t y . R e c e n t l y , t h e d e v e l o p m e n t o f i t s O f f i c e 84 a n d C a p t a i n s w h o h a v e c o m p l e t e d t h e L e v e l r o g r a m . a r t s i n p r o g r a m T h i s J a n u a r y , c o v e r i n g 2 0 0 0 , C h e s t e r f i e l d n e w c o u r s e , f o r w h i c h d e l i v e r y I p s t c o n t a i n s a n e i g h t h o u r C o u n t y ’ s E m e r g e n c y O p e r a t i o n s P l a n ( E O P ) , t h e f i r e d e p a r t m e n t ’ 85 u n c t i o n w h e n a c t i v a t e d . A l l f i r e d e p a r t m e n t M i d d l e M a n a g e r s t d e l i v e r y o f w e r e t h a t r e q u i r e d c o u r s e . t o a t t e n d t h e p i l o A t t h e t i m e t h i s r e s e a r c h p r o j e c t w a s c o m p l e t e d t h a t w a s t h e o n l y f o r m a l i z e d t r a i n i n g t h a t t h e M i d d l e M a n a g e r s 86 i o n a l t r a i n i n g , o r s c e n a r i o b a s e d e x e r c i s e s d i r e c t e d a t t h a t g r o u p t o d e v e l o p a n d m a i n t a i n t h e i r p r o f i c i e n c y w i t h t h e m a t e r i a l s a n d c o n c e p t s o f t h e E O P a n d t h e E O C . O n l y t h o s e M i d d l e M a n a g e r s w h o h a v e h a d t o a t t e n d t h e y e a r l y E O C 87 r o m a y o f t h e E m e r g e n c y O p e r a t i o n s D i v i s i o n o n t h e R e s u l t s o f t h e F i r e O f f i c e r t h e S u r v e y d F d r i l l , h a v e r e c e i v e d e x p o s u r e t o t h e o r t y f o u r ( 6 7 . 6 % ) o f t h e 6 5 f i r s t l i n e s u p e r v i p r o c e s s . s o r s ( L i e u t e n a n t s a n d C a p t a i n s ) w h o r e c e i v e d t h e s u r v e y cS ot mr po ln eg tl ey d D ii ts a ag nr de e r e t u r n e d i t t o t h e a u t h o r . N o n e o f t h e r e s p o n d e n t s r e p o r t e d t h a t 88 t h e y v e r e h a d s t o r m c o m p l e t e d a n y o f t h e s e r e s p o n s e t r a i n i n g p r o g r a m s o f f e r e d b y t h e N a t i o n a l F i r e A c a d e m y a n d E m e r g e n c y M a n a g e m e n t I n s t i t u t e . T a b l e 1 1 b e l o w i l l u s t r a t e s t h e s u r v e y r e s u l t s f r o m t h o s e o f f i c e r s . Q u e s t i o n 89 I f e e l t h e o r g a n i z a t i o n h a s s a f e e f f e c t i v e a n d e f f i c i e n t o I s e v e r e a m s t o r m e m e r g e n c i e s . t r a i n e d a n d r g e n c y r e s p o n s e p r e p a r e d r e s o u r c e s t o a t m a n a g e m y a p l a n f o r r e s p o n s e t e m e l e v e l i n t h e o r g a n i z a t i o n . 0 90 e r a t i o n s a n d r e s o u r c e m a n a g e m e n t n e c e s s a r y f o r r e s p o n s e t o s t o r m r e l a t e d e m e r g e n c i e s . I receive adequate training for response to storm related emergencies. T a b l e 1 1 . F i r s t L i n e S u p e r v i s o r R e s p o n s e s t o s u r v e y 91 z a t i o n h a s a p l a n f o r s a f e e f f e c t i v e a n d e f f i c i e n t r e s p o n s e t o s e v e r e s t o r m e m e r g e n c i e s . I a m t r a i n e d a n d p r e p a r e d t o m a n a g e e m e r g e n c y r e s p o n s e r e s o u r c e s a t m y l e v e l i n t h e o r g a n i z a t i o n . I u n d e r s t a n d t h e h a z a r d s a n d s p e c i a l o p e r a t i o n s a n d r e s 92 d e q u a t e t r a i n i n g f o r e l a t e d t o s t o r m e m e r g e n c i e s . r e l a t e d e m eT r a g eb nl ce i e 1 s . 2 r e s p o n s e t o s t o r m r 1 . M i d d l e M a n a g e r r k s R e s p o n s e s r e s p o n s e f o r 6. h a t t o S u r v e y 1 5 W t o a r e s e v e r e b e n c h m a s t o r m e m e r g e n c i e s e x i s t t h a t c o u l d e n a b 7 93 e f f e c t i v e , a n d e f f i c i e n t ? erational policies of several fire departments, indicates that an emergency response to severe weather related incidents require st incident management organization; (4) efficient and effective resource allocation; (5) addressing incident safety issues. artment must be able to quickly assess the immediate impact of the storm on emergency resources and facilities. The operation he immediate vicinity of their physical location. This initial assessment information is quickly relayed to the appropriate level ompleted, emergency resources are directed to systematically assess the condition of their first-due response area through the us ed on what they can see through the windshield of their apparatus. Supervisors completing the windshield assessment should fo y Officers are directed to only stop and provide emergency service for obvious life-threatening situations. 94 vening of 95 E mergenc y response personne l need to become familiar with Doppler Radar technolo gy and how to interpret what the radar is showing. The number of Internet websites that provide Doppler Radar imagery has increased dramatic ally in recent years. One of the best found in this research project was Intellicas t.Com, www.inte llicast.co m, which offers Doppler Radar views for entire United States. It also offers all three major Doppler Radar products: base reflectivi ty, velocity, and precipitat ion. The Intellicas t site also gives the viewer the ability to see all three products in motion over a six-hour time lapse. E mergenc y responde rs should also develop a working knowled ge ofStrong identifyi winds ng present approach a ing physica severe l weather hazard based to on visual personn cluesel and suchvehicle as cloud s just formatio from n, the changes force of in the windspee wind d and that can direction blow , andvehicle the direction s off fromthe which road severe and weather overtur approach n even es their large locality. vehicle Airline s such pilots as receive pumper extensive s and training aerial in such apparat weather us. observati Additio on for nally, use in winds theircause approach trees to es for fall, landings. utility Thiswires allows to themcome to confirm down, theAstructur technical pes to informati r disinteg on i rate, provided l etc., to them creatin by 1g instrume , “missil nts such es” as radar, 1from and9the to react 9resultin appropri 8g atelydebris. when aThe condition nreviewe s change dd fire faster depart than Fments the instrume 3all nts can stipulat react t e to in theotheir changes. r policies Emergen nat what cy awindsp responde deed rs can oemerge findncy themselv t respons es in oe will similar ucease circumst cuntil ances, hwindsp especiall eeeds y when ddiminis theyhare to in the daccepta field oble and do w not levels. have n access Torrent to technical nial informati erains on afrom associat sources r ed with suchsevere as Doppler t weather Radar. h, A sound eespecia understa lly nding t hurrica of weather ones, dynamic wcan s can npresent helpa field onumber comman f of derssafety make Chazards more oincludi appropri ang: (1) ate t localize decisions ed to sfloodin protect vg; (2) thei road safety l washou of their l ts; (3) personne emudsli l. des; (4) i persons ntrapped in swift Hwater: aand (5) npersons otrapped vin evehicle rs trapped Cby oswift uwater. nFire t depart yment . vehicle operato . rs need to be . especia lly . cogniza nt of Athe hazard Sof road ewashou vts eparticul r arly egiven the Tgross hvehicle uweights nof dtoday’s efire r apparat sus. t Person onel r need to mbe familiar W with aareas in r their nrespons i e area nthat are gprone to wflo ag she ra i an sav sdr uth em dw un ath t st y 6ro : ca 4es 5he pPe . an mve .s tra ain nw dpr a usi pan glif r et aha dto eth dvi an t re oA re aer sh Tbe otra r in 96 ( N a t i o n a l W e a t h e r S e r v i c e , 1 9 9 8 , h t t p : / / t g s v 5 . n w s . n o a a . g o v / e r / a k q / H a n o v e r . h t m ) . 97 Sammler, personal communication, October 14, 1999). Tornados or micro bursts accounted for five of the 12 significant severe storms that the county has experienced since 1969 (Chesterfield County Emergency Operations Plan, Basic Plan, Part I, August 5, 1997). The county also lies in a storm track followed by hurricanes, or their tropical storm remnants, that make landfall in the southeastern United States. Since 1969, seven of the 12 significant severe storms that the county has experienced were hurricanes, tropical storms, or their remnants (Chesterfield County Emergency Operations Plan, Basic Plan, Part I, August 5, 1997). Chesterfield Fire Department personnel would benefit greatly from training about the characteristics of severe weather and its potential for adverse consequences in the county. That training would develop a greater awareness of the types of damage that could occur and the safety hazards that they would face while responding to emergencies during severe weather. Such training would also enable Middle Managers (Senior Battalion Chiefs, Battalion Chiefs, and Senior Captains) to make better decisions about when conditions are too hazardous for response operations to continue. The historical data for severe storms in Chesterfield County correlates with that information from the literature review. The county’s geographical position on the Virginia Piedmont, between the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Atlantic Ocean, provides a conducive atmosphere for the development of thunderstorms. The Central Virginia region, which includes Chesterfield County, has a thirty-year average of 36.5 days per year with thunderstorm activity. The most favorable time of year for thunderstorm development is early spring to late summer. (William 98 99 Training observation and “forecasting” w officers to reco potential for se that proper plan operations coul especially when in the field and to radar techno Situation Asse Fire dep provide EMS fo communities ha many years the assessment whe and managing, incidents (MCI objectives iden a MCI is the ne systematic triag number and sev and to prioritize transportation o severity (Burkl Wolcott, 1984, care resources a those patients w severe injuries 100 receive the minimum amount ofl resources to accomplish the task. s The incident management focus is on balancing the available t resources and the patient care h needs so that the greatest number a of patients get an acceptable level t of patient care (Aud der Heide, 1989, p. 166). t h e e m e r g e n c y r e s p o n s e T h e o n l y c a l “ s y s t e m ” ( t h e E C C a n d t h e F i r e D e p a r t m e n t ) k n o w s a b o u t a r e t h e o n e s r e p o r t e d b y t h e c i t i z e n s w h o m a k e 1 1 c a l l . T h e s i z e , s c o p e , a n d m a g n i t u d e t h e o f 9 t “Disasters h are nature e with n minute-to-mi necessitates s a determining i a the t overall di what u problem (Auf a der Heid t Chest Department i c procedures o in wide-spread n s assessment of severe a weathe extensive r dam hazards. e The practices rem emergency n 9public o come i Communicati t call is entered Computer-Ai a (CADS); c (3) what c emergen dispatch u base inr the compu resources a resp and t operate a procedures; e ( ofl the assignm clears y for ano receives, or it tok await anoth n o w n u n t i l t h 101 e u t e n a n t s a n d C a p t a i n s ) a r e n o t t r a i n e d i n h o w t o d o s i t u a t i o n a s s e s s m e n t o f t h e i r r e s p o n s e d i s t r i c t . N o r a r e t h e y t r a i n i n g i n a s y s t e m o f s t r u c t u r a l t r i a g e , s u c h a s t h e U S A R p r o g r a m , s o t h a t s t r u c t u r e s t h a t h a v e b e e n s e a r c h e d o r a s s e s s e d c a n b e m a r k e d a s s u c h , t h u s e l i m i n a t i 102 b e s e a r c h e d b y a n o t h e r c r e w . T h e d e p a r t m e n t ’ s m i d d l e m a n a g e r s a r e n o t t r a i n e d i n h o w t o c o l l e c t e i r s u c h b a t t a l i o n i n f o r m a t i o n f r o m f i r e c o m p a n i e s i n t h ( i f i t e x i s t e d ) a n d a n a l y z e t h e i n f o r m a t i o n f o r s t r a t e g i c d e c i s i o n m a k i n g p u r p o s e s . M i d d l e M a n a g e r s a r e n o t t r a i n e d t o b e c o m 103 a r e a o f r e s p o n s i b i l i t y ; t h e y c o n t i n u e t o r e s p o n d f r o m o n e c a l l t o a n o t h e r “ s e a r c h i n g ” f o r t h e s i t u a t i o n , w h i c h u n d e r n o r m a l o p e r a t i n g c o n d i t i o n s , w o u l d r e q u i r e t h e p r e s e n c e o f a M i d d l e M a n a g e r , i . e . , a s t r u c t u r e f i r e , b u i l d i n g c o l l a p s e w i t h p e r s o n s t r a p p e d , e t c . C h e s t e r f i e l d 104 g e r s t o f u n c t i o n a t t h e s t r a t e g i c s m i t i g a t i o n a c t i v i t i e s b e f o r e a n d l e v e l a f t e r d u r i n g s e v e r e w e a t h e r s t r i k e s . D e v e l o p i n g I n c i d e n t O b j e c t i v e E m e r g e n c y r e s p o n s e t o s e v e r e s t o r m r e l a t e d e m e r g e n c i e s r e q u i r e s t r o n g s t r a t e g i c l e a d e r s h i p o n t h e p a r t o f s e n i o r e m e r g e n c y m a n a g e r s a n d 105 r s c o m m a n d i n g f i r e c o m p a n i e s ( J . E . s o n a l c o m m u n i c a t i o n s , S e p t e m b e r 1 6 , G r a h a m , 1 9 9 9 ) . p e r T h e w i d e s p r e a d d e v a s t a t i o n a n d m u l t i p l e p r o b l e m s i n m u l t i p l e a r e a s c r e a t e t h e n e e d f o r a c o m p r e h e n s i v e w r i t t e n I n c i d e n t A c t i o n P l a n ( I A P ) t h a t i d e n t i f i e s t h e p r i o r i t i e s n e c e s s a r y t o m i t i g 106 107 The company officers of the department need training in how to operate in the more decentralized command and control environment that is required to effectively respond to severe storm T devastation. Those tactical level resource h managers will have to make many i decisions normally reserved for theirs superior officers. They will also have to direct a specified amount of resources a in a larger geographical area to achieve control c of multiple problems. For example,t an engine company officer may be assigned i an engine, a brush truck, and a front-endo loader, and be directed to assess andn manage the problems in a subdivision of fifty homes (Eichelberger, 1991, p. 32). w The department’s middle managers o need to become skilled and practiceduin receiving situation status reports from l company officers in the field, processing d that information for their area of responsibility, and then allocate the a appropriate resources within their area. l l o w B a t t a l i o n C h i e f a n d t h e i r o t h e r t h e m i d d l e S e n i o r m a n a g e r s t o m o r e e f f e c t i v e l y m a n a g e t h e c o u n t y ’ s e m e r g e n c y r e s o u r c e s . T h e d e p a r t m e n t ’ s c u r r e n t l y o In s dec ope Chi how stru reso con and to e the rece eme ava ope reso not wea pers 199 man how reso revi Cou situ “wi nec mag the gen peri (Re mem batt 199 108 e r s o n n e l i s n o t a d e q u a t e a n d h a s n o t b e e n r e v i s e d s i n c e 1 9 9 5 . T h e p o l i c y s t a t e s t h a t s h i f t c o m m a n d e r s ( c o m p a n y o f f i c e r s ) w h o a r e i n q u a r t e r s l s w i l l , t o u p o n n o t i f i c a t i o n , m a k e t e l e p h o n e c a l o f f d u t y p e r s o n n e l d i r e c t i n g t h e m o r t f o r d u t y . T h e p o l i c y s t a t e s t h a t t o t h o s e r e p p e r 109 t i o n s u n l e s s d i r e c t e d o t h e r w i s e . T h e r e i s n o s y s t e m a t i c m e t h o d o l o g y f o r g e t t i n g t h o s e r e c a l l e d p e r s o n n e l i n t o t h e s y s t e m w h e r e t h e y c a n d o t h e m o s t g o o d . P a l m B e a c h C o u n t y F i r e R e s c u e ( 1 9 9 9 ) , M y r t l e B e a c h F i r e D e p a r t m e n t ( 1 9 9 9 ) , C a s t i l l o , M o n t e s , a n d P a u l i s o n , ( 1 9 9 2 ) , a n d E i c 110 i f i c a n t i s s u e t h a t m u s t b e a d d r e s s e d t h a t t h e o r g a n i z a t i o n c a n i n c r e a s e t o i t s e n s u r e r e s o u r c e l e v e l s f o r m o r e e f f e c t i v e r e s p o n s e . C o m p u t e r s o f t w a r e s o l u t i o n s a r e a v a i l a b l e e l i m i n a t e t h i s p r o b l e m . B r a d f o r d t h a t ( 1 9 9 9 ) c o u l d w r o t e o f o n e s o f t w a r e p a c k a g e t h a t a d d r e s s e s m a n y o f 111 e p a r t m e n t , i n c l u d i n g t h e r e c a l l o f o f f d u t y p e r s o n n e l . O t h e r e u s e d b y s o f t w a r e t e l e m a r k e t i n g p a c k a g e s , c o m p a n i e s s u c h a s t h o s p r o v i d e a r e a d y s o l u t i o n t o t h e s i n g u l a r p e r s o n n e l i s s u e o f r e c a l l i n g o f f d u t y p e r s o n n e l . M a n y p o l i c e d e p a r t m e n t s a c r o s s t h e c o u n t r y a r e a l r e a d y u s i n g 112 a l l s , u s i n g a c o m p u t e r , t o r e s i d e n t s i n a n a r e a s p e c i f i e d i n t h e c o m p u t e r t o a l e r t t h e m o f c r i m i n a l a c t i v i t y , o r t o i s s u e e v a c u a t i o n n o t i c e s d u e t o i m p e n d i n g s e v e r e w e a t h e r . “ I t i s s o p h i s t i c a t e d e n o u g h t o i n d i c a t e w h e t h e r a c a l l w a s r e c e i v e d o r w h e t h e r a m e s s a g e w a s l e f t o n a 113 t o k e e p p . A 2 ) . t r y i n g ” ( S h a r p , 2 0 0 0 , 1. Adopt the draft guidelines for response 3. to severeand storm EMS emergencies unitsCommand have Severe contained Teams. Storm torrential D rains, lightning, and in Appendix I. irect fire companies Response to develop Boxes 7. that containhail, the and how to protect T 1. Revise the E-9-1-1 “Windshield Call-Coding Assessment” necessary supplies routes rain Middle for situational Managers themselves about during the response 1. priorities procedures and used checklists in the assessment, for their first-due and County’s the equipment Emergency operations. to Operations rain personnel in t Emergency Communications response area. Center mark Also asstructures direct those Plan, afterhow theythe have interface 9. between technology and viT described in Appendix companies H. to develop been assessed a listing the using ofEmergency the USAR rain Operations all personnel, Centerand provide identify the and forec 1. Train personnel targetonhazards the structural that couldtriage present and system. field operations propershould personal work protectivesevere weather. characteristics and multiple-casualty associated hazards 5. situations of and have all middle equipment managers aboard T each response severe weather systems should that severe contain weather rain company strike.officers participate to be in the unit, yearly for safe, scheduled effective, and straight-line or rotational Updatewinds, both sets or tactical are of information leadersEOP in a tabletop decentralized exercises. efficient operations in floodwater tropical in origin. on an annual basis. response environment. 8. situations. P 2. 4. 6. rovide P trainingTto all personnel T on 10. urchase lightning raindetection Emergency rain Operations Middle Managers the safetyhow hazards to associated with evise the depa equipment for Division placement personnel on manage all on situational geographical responseareas to severe of storm Command Sy emergency response assessment vehicles. andresponsibility ensure that all using emergencies, fire Battalion i.e., high winds, Battalion Com 114 115 116 117 118 J . , ( 1 9 9 2 , S e p t e m b e r O c t o b e r ) . B i r d e n , T o r n a d o . M i n n e s o t a F i r e C h i e f . 8 9 . B r a d f o r d , G . , ( 1 9 9 9 ) W o r k f o r c e w o n d e r : L o n g B e a c h c o m p u t e r i z e s i t s s c h e d u l i n g a n d c a l l b a c k s y s t e m . J o u r n a l o f E m e r g e n c y M e d i c a l S e r v i c e s , 2 4 , 5 7 5 8 . B r u n a c i n i , A . 119 F i r e P r o t e c t i o n A s s o c i a t i o n . B u r k l e , . , S a n n e r , P . H . , a n d W o l c o t t , B . W . , F . M . , ( 1 9 8 4 ) . J r D i s a s t e r m e d i c i n e : a p p l i c a t i o n f o r t h e i m m e d i a t e y m a n a g e m e n t a n d t r i a g e o f c i v i l i a n a n d m i l i t a r d i s a s t e r v i c t i m s . N e w Y o r k , N Y : M e d i a l E x a m i n a t i o n P u b l i s h i n g C o . , I n c . C a s t i l l o , C . J . , M o 120 a n e A n d r e w a f t e r a c t i o n r e p o r t . . M i a m i , F L : M e t r o p o l i t a n D a d e C o u n t y F i r e D e p a r t m e n t . C h e s t e r f i e l d C o u n t y , ( 1 9 9 7 ) . E m e r g e n c y O p e r a t i o n s P l a n , B a s i c P l a n , P a r t I . C h e s t e r f i e l d O f f i c e o f E m e r g e n c y S e r v i c e s . C h e s t e r f i e l d C o u n t y , V A : A u t h o r . C i g l e r , B . ( 1 9 8 6 ) . E m e r g e n c y m a n a g e m e n 121 C o w a r d i n , D . H . ( 1 9 8 1 ) . T h e o n s c e n e e m e r g e n c y m a n a g e m e n t s y s t e m . D a l l a s , T X : T a y l o r P u b l i s h i n g C o . D e p a r t m e n t o f A t m o s p h e r i c S c i e n c e s a t U n i v e r s i t y o f I l l i n o i s a t U r b a n n a C h a m p a i g n ( 1 9 9 9 ) . L i g h t n i n g : a v i s i b l e e l e c t r i c d i s c h a r g e p r o d u c e d b y t h u n d e r s t o r m s . [ W e b s i t e ] . A v a i l a b l e : 122 / d n g r / l i g h t . r x m l c i e n c e s C h a m p a i g n r s t s . . r u x i m u l c . [ e W d a e u t b / s ( U ( i G n 1 t h i 9 e ) v 9 ] / e 9 . g r ) u D s . A i e i v d p t O a e a y u i s r t l / t o f a m m f l b t e o l r n I w e / t l : s l p v o i h w r f n e w / o n w c A i o . o t s m w m m e w p o a n 2 / s t a 0 o p : 1 u h U 0 t e r d . / r b o a h i a w t o c n n m m n b o e S a u s . Palm Beach Department. County emergency hurricane annex. FL: Author. Sharp, E.L., D. (1983). Times-Dispa (2000,em Ja County Fire Rescue (1999). Palm Beach operations plan: Palm Beach County,911 Quarantelli, is danger Delivery alert.of The Sore car R 123 New York, NY: Irvington Publishers, Inc. Redmon Fire Department. (1998). Earthquake Emergency Plan. Redmon, WA: Author Rosow, I., (1977). Authority in emergencies: four tornado communities in 1953. (Historical and comparative series, no. 2) Newark, DE: University of Delaware, The Disaster Research Center. Salt Lake City Fire Department, (1999, September). Post-incident analysis of tornado, August 11, 1999. Salt Lake City, UT: Author. Segerstrom, J., (1991, September-October). Up a creek without a paddle: the problems of floods for rescuers. Rescue. 20-29. www.stormfax.com/fujita.h City of Tallahassee procedure. Basic Emergen Part 1. Tallahassee, FL: Au Available: www.state.fl.us/citytlh/eme Vavrek, R.J., Holle Davies, J.M., and Hoadley Supercells-nature’s most v The Earth Scientist, 12, 3-1 Weather Channel, ( weather: Tuesday, January Center. [Website]. Availab www.weather.com/weather includes all alarm ac flow, be sure to n truck company. con I GA includes all aircraft type BUSINESS emergencies BE S( motor problems, unknown VISIBLEproblem potential crashincludes all fires crash) for Iand 44 actual 124 a includes all recovery includes gas calls any where vehicle there inc involved leakout includes in all woods, g the out on arrival this includes inter all yard stor ior incidents where structures/buildings of a this h with the possibility includes buil of injury standby orfor tra dingstrikes with no fi includes calls where includes you know trash you andincludes have dumpsters a hazardous fires thatinc are m not cause damage should be coded includes structure fires in area of county that get mutual Powhatan, Petersburg) incidents where trench includes or excavations overturned, construction requires 10-50 special only sheet incidents where people incidents are trapped mayincludes in also commercial, require callsatmosph where indu construction or farm rescue machinery to recover which is victim(s); evidence may require also of me ms stabilization, lifting which and amanipulation; victim cannotthese exit;inciden also m require the specialized wherecutting, the victim distorting includes is in an all and/or unshored calls disa whe equipment components any situation to rescue whereor person(s) natural recovergas visible a victim leaksa includes all mutual aid orcalls on anoutside ice covered of thelake, county pond, (i.e.:rivP Powhatan - Fire and EMS type includes calls included) illegal burni includes any fire not classified unattended) in othe includes all structure electrical fires where poles, a reduced includes porta-johns, assignment water shut etc.) oi includes all structures other than comm 2. 5. Review Normal and update plans and procedures, as Operations time permits 1. 2. Increased Readiness Develop - A natural or and maintain plans man-made and procedures disastertoisprovide threatening fire the local area services in time of emergency a. Alert on-duty personnel b. Identify status of vehicles and equipment. 1.Emergency Chief or his Operations representative should report to 1.Mobilization Phase Conditions continue to the EOC and worsen requiring full-scale mitigation and assist with preparedness emergency activities operations 1.Check 1.Alert personnel to 3.As the stand-by status firefighting and situation communications worsens, alert equipment. and assign 2.The Fire duties to all personnel. Fire department personnel may be requested to assist with warning and evacuation 1.Response Phase 1.Begin Disastertofires or incidents e to assist with strikes.implement An hazardous and evacuation as emergency record materials continue required response keeping is ofincidents for the requiredallto duration protect incurred lives and of 2. the property. expenses emergency For for fire other disasters: 1.Follow and established hazardous procedures materials in a. responding related to Continu 125 2.Assist with ground search and rescue, if requested el the org ani zati on has a pla n for safe , effe 3. my ARPdamaged for the course, questions, and return the Record facilities, if Executive Analysishard of Fire copy survey to me at disaster-related applicable. Department Operations the AO in Office, Fire expenses for Emergency Management. Station 15, before fire serviceThe topic of my e. ARP is, November 15, 1999. functions. “Chesterfield Compile and Fire submit records Department Response What to is your current 4. of Severe Storm position in the Recove disaster-related Emergencies.” One organization? of my ry expenses for goals for this project is to First-line fire service develop a model policy Supervisor and (Lieutenant, a. functions. operating guidelinesCaptain) to Continue to improve our organization’s Middle Manager provide EOP Appendix essential ability to5 manage (Sr. Battalion Chief, Battalion Chief, Senior services asemergencies and resources Captain) As required. during severe 5-2 storms. Appendix C - Storm Readiness Survey of Chesterfield Fire Department Officers TO: All Chesterfield Fire Department Career Officers part of my researchPlease for thisrate your response project I am surveying to all statement using the b. August 5, these senior career following scale: Continue junior and 1997 officers gain their search and assessment of how well 1-You strongly FROM: rescue Senior Captain disagree with the they and the operations, if Robert P. Avsec prepared statement. required. department are to respond 2-You disagree severe weather DATE: October 28,to1999 c. emergencies. (Forwith this the statement. Assist with survey, SUBJECT: Survey forsevere weather is 3-You have no cleanup defined as severe opinion regarding the Executive Fire Officer operationsthunderstorms, tropical statement. Program Applied Research storms and hurricanes, and 4-You agree with Project (ARP) d. tornados.) Please the statement. print Assist withthis thee-mail attachment, 5-You strongly I am currently working on inspectionanswer of agree with the statement. the following ctiv e, and effi cie nt res pon se to sev ere stor 1 2 3 4 5 m em erg enc ies. 2. I am trained and prepared to manage emergency response resources at my level in to storm Disasters the I have completedrelated National Fire organization. the following emergencies. Academy, training pertinent Executive 3. I to storm related 4. I receive Analysis of Fire understand emergency adequate Service the hazards response: training Operations for in and special National Fire response Emergency to operations Academy, storm Management related and resource Command and emergencies. Emergency management Control of Management necessary Natural and Institute, IEMC: for response Man-Made All 126 Hazards-Prepare dness and Response Emergency CHESTERFI ELD FIRE DEPARTME NT CHESTERFI ELD, VIRGINIA OPERATIO NAL POLICY #13 SUBJECT: Floods and Storm Relate d Emerg encies DATE: Septe mber 20, 1996 PURPOSE: Guidel ines are in place to help manag e floods and other unusua l storm related emerg encies such Management Institute, IEMC: Hurricane-Prepa redness and as severe thunde rstorm s, hurrica nes, and tornad oes. The Senior Battali on Chief on duty or the Emerg ency Incide nt Coordi nator is respon sible for the overall operati on. SECTION 1 The Senior Battalion Chief or Emergency Incident Coordinator will: 1. Monit or and evaluat Response e Nation al Weath er Servic e, water levels, and the State Office of Emerg ency Servic es inform ation. 2. Keep Emerg ency Comm unicati ons inform ed and have them mainta in a 24 hour log to record all contact s, pertine nt inform ation, and action taken. 3. Imple ment the Cheste rfield Count y Emerg ency Operat ions Plan and activat e the Emerg ency Operat ions Center per Emerg ency Servic es Operat ing Instruc tion #4. Cheste rfield Emerg ency Servic es has previo us docum entatio n on flood gauge Appendix D Chesterfield Fire Department, readin gs for floods that have occurr ed in Cheste rfield Count y. 4. Coordi nate with other county and outside agenci es such as the Red Cross, State Police, Nation al Guard, etc. 5. Activa te docum entatio n and request TSU if photo or video docum entatio Operational Policy #13 n is necess ary. 6. Prepar e a written report of the shift's activiti es, conditi ons, prepar edness , contact s, proble ms encoun tered, and actions taken for the Fire Chief by 0900 hours each day. Give a verbal report at 1630 hours and as needed during the incide nt. 7. Immed iately followi ng a flood or storm related emerg ency of signifi cant damag e, compil e a damag e assess ment report (see Adden dum B). Report s should contai n all pertine nt damag e inform ation, names of occupa nts, 127 and monet ary value estimat es. 8. Keep station s update d and ensure compl ete prepar edness . 9. 10. Notify the Duty Deput y Count y Admin istrator when approp riate per Admin istrativ e Policy #7. Notify the private residen ces and industr ies along the James River, Appo mattox River, and Swift Creek areas affecte d by the weathe r and offer the fire depart ment's assista nce. See the attache d addend ums. SECTION 2 The Assistant Emergency Services Coordinator will also: 1. Monit or and evaluat e Nation al Weath er Servic e, water levels, and the State Office of Emerg ency Servic es inform ation. 2. Coordi nate with other county and outside agenci es such as the Red Cross, State Police, Nation al Guard, etc. SECTION 3 Environmenta l Engineering will: 1. Monit or Swift Creek and the Appo mattox River during workin g hours per their emerg ency plan. This will be turned over to the fire and police depart ments during non-w orking hours, weeke nds, and holida ys. 2. Respo nd person nel from Enviro nment al Engine ering to the scene of a potenti al floodin g proble m that could be allevia ted by remedi al action, provid ed that: phone numbe rs of residen ts affecte d. (703) 967-2445 Fire and police have checke d out the scene and determ ined remedi al action can be taken. They are called in the followi ng order by the Emerg ency Comm unicati ons Center (after hours only): They are given the basic nature of the proble m, and the names, addres ses and Jerry Duffy Direct or, Env. Engineering Dick McElfish 790-1293 Note: VDOT handles roads and roadside ditches. Note: Draina ge Foreman Bill Earp 590-9054 Draina ge Superintenden t During normal workin g hours, just contact the Enviro nment al Engine ering office for respon se. SECTION 4 Government agencies to contact for weather and water flow information are listed below: Corps Engineers (Norfolk) of Lane Killam (804) 441-7562 National Weather Service (Wakefield) Bill Sammler (804) 899-4200 or (800) 697-3373 National Weather Service (Sterling) Barbara Watson (703) 260-0209 National Weather Service (Richmond) Rick Winther (804) 222-2126 National Weather Service (Blacksburg) (800) 221-2633 SECTION 5 Weather event reporting to the National Weather Service is as follows: 1. If person nel have questio ns regardi ng potenti al severe weathe r, they should call (800)6 97-337 3. 2. If severe weathe r reports are receive d by agenci es other than the Nation al Weath er Servic e, the Senior Battali on Chief will have Emerg ency Comm unicati ons relay this inform ation as soon as possibl e to the Nation al Weath er Servic e at (800)7 37-862 4. The followi ng examp les of severe weathe r should be reporte d: time, or any indicat ion that floodin g may occur - - Tornad o or funnel cloud Damag e from winds, tornad oes, hail, or floods. If trees or branch es have fallen, try to estimat e size and type of tree. Storm rotation or rotating wall cloud Hail and its size and depth on the ground Wind if 50 mph or greater Heavy rain 1" or more in a given amoun t of Ice accumulation on surfaces. Snow accumulation of 4" or more on road and grassy surfaces. 3. After the event, person nel should relay any docum entatio n of severe weathe r to the Nation al Weath er Servic e by teleph one or fax at (804) 899-36 05. F. Wesley Dolezal Chief of Department CHESTERFI ELD FIRE DEPARTME NT 128 Appendix E Chesterfield Fire Department, Operational Policy #13, Addendum D ADDENDU M D TO OPERATI ONAL POLICY #13 d By On-Du ty Senior Battali on Chief Engine Company (2 personnel) Truck Company (2 personnel) a. PROCEDU RE FOR EMERGE NCY OPERATI ONS DURING INCLEME NT WEATHE R The procedure described in this addendum should be implemented when severe weather, such as significant winter precipitation, hurricanes, flooding, etc., is forecasted to have an adverse affect on Emergency Operations staffing and service levels. 1. Depart ment Level Action s Initiate Direct Admin istrativ e Officer (AO) to ensure that station s have suffici ent resour ces to staff any first out appara tus respon ding from their respect ive station s with minim um of two person nel. For examp le: - Utility Vehicle (1 personnel) Ambul ance (2 personnel) b. Assign availab le staff to four-w heel drive vehicle s for those station s that do not have four-w heel drive brush trucks. Where possibl e, use utility vehicle s instead of brush trucks for ALS respon ders to protect ALS equip ment. This will enable the depart ment to reduce engine and truck respon ses during advers e conditi ons. These assign ed vehicle s will carry the radio design ation of “UTIL ITY” follow ed by the respect ive station numbe r. Whene ver possibl e, utility vehicle s and brush trucks should be staffed with at least one ALS firefig hter or officer and ALS equip ment at ALS station s. Fourwheel drive vehicle s will respon d in place of engine s or trucks to assist ambul ances, and for Priorit y3 calls for service . When respon ding to calls for service , four-w heel drive vehicle s should procee d, if possibl e, ahead of other vehicle s as “scout s” to assess conditi ons and help avoid other vehicle s becom ing stuck. c. Direct Logisti cs to distrib ute tow straps and linch pins to 129 all four-w heel drive units. Such equip ment should be used to assist ambul ances and other similar sized fire depart ment vehicle s that becom e stuck. d. Consid er staffin g the Chain Repair Shop with at least one Chain Repair Techni cian dedicat ed solely to repairi ng chains for Fire and EMS units. In additio n, special arrang ements need to be made for disburs ing spare chain saws and for servici ng all chain saws to assure their availab ility. e. Direct Emerg ency Comm unicati ons to begin: ency appara tus to calls for service ; Suspen ding Flexibl e Unit Deplo yment of ambul ances equipp ed with tire chains; Limiti ng numbe r of Priorit y3 EMS calls to no more than 3 at a time; Reduci ng respon se of emerg Limiti ng numbe r of Priorit y 3 fire calls to no more than 3 at a time due to ice storm, wires down, etc. f. For snow emerg encies, initiate snowpl owing operati ons with assign ed staffin g, using Utility North and Utility South as soon as possibl e to stay ahead of accum ulation . Vehicl es should have plows mount ed and be loaded with sand the day prior to expect ed inclem ent weathe r. Give priorit y to plowin g those fire station s staffin g ambul ances and rescue squad units. g. Direct the Admin istrativ e Officer to initiate emerg ency minim um staffin g proced ures and suspen d use of compu terized minim um staffin g rotatio n for mornin g staffin g needs. The AO should attemp t to fill vacanc ies using person nel from the off-goi ng shift at the station where the vacanc ies exist. If unable to do so, use the next closest station and so forth. 130 due to severe weathe r. h. i. Initiate Flexibl e Shift Chang e to allow short notice traded time arrang ements and allow person nel extra time to reach their duty station . Allow short notice annual leave, if still availab le in the Staffin g Book, for those person nel unable to report for duty If the Emerg ency Operat ions Center (EOC) is activat ed, fill the depart ment’s represe ntative positio n with an off-dut y Battali on Chief. The on-dut y Senior Battali on Chief should go to the Emerg ency Comm unicati ons Center to coordi nate all county resour ces. If the EOC is not activat ed, and if benefi cial, assign an off-dut y Battali on Chief to the Emerg ency Comm unicati ons Center , to coordi nate comm unicati ons and resour ce allocat ion, while allowi ng on-dut y Battali on Chiefs to stay operati onal in the field. The Senior Captai n in charge of Emerg ency Comm unicati ons can also serve in this positio n. or ice. k. The Senior Battali on Chief should notify rescue squad operati ons officer s of the imple mentat ion of Sectio n 1, Part B throug h Sectio n 1, Part E above, as soon as possibl e. j. For snow/i ce conditi ons, consid er establi shment of staged ambul ances not equipp ed with tire chains, for use during long transp orts once main roads are clear of snow 2. Fire Station Level Respo nsibilit ies Compa ny Officer s will be respon sible for the followi ng once the Senior Battali on Chief declare s that this policy is in effect. a. Snow emerg encies assure that the primar y and spare sets of snow chains are ready for each piece of appara tus that is equipp ed in their station . Ambul ances should have two spare sets of chains. Test the operati on of the insta-c hains. b. Assure that all portabl e power equip ment is service able and has adequa te fuel availab le. This includ es, but is not limited to: Portabl e power saws, particu larly chain saws Portabl e genera tors Rescue equip ment, i.e., Hurst tool power plants and access ories. c. Assure that the station emerg ency genera tor is tested, operab le and that adequa te fuel is on hand. d. Assure that four-w heel drive 131 units, either perma nently or tempor arily assign ed to the station , are equipp ed for first respon se duty. Such units shall be staffed and respon d as in Sectio n 1, Part B above. e. Assure adequa te diesel fuel and heatin g fuel supplie s are on hand. 132 Appendix F Preliminary Assessment Plan, Myrtle Beach, SC, Fire Department 133 Appendix G - Windshield Survey Form, Redmon, WA , Fire Department Appendix H - Priority 1 Call Types Recommende d for Revision to Priority 2 PRI DESC RIPTI ON 2 ALAR M ACTI VATI ON/N O FIRE includ es all alarm activat ions (i.e: alarm compa ny reporti ng); if water flow, be sure M to 59 note in comm ents and radio operat or will add a truck compa ny. IF CALL ER IS AT ACTU AL RESID ENCE OR BUSI NESS BE SURE TO ASK IF ANY SMOK E OR FIRE R 01 IS VISIB LE 2 MAC HINE RY ENTR APM ENT incide nts where people are trappe d in comm 2ercial, 01 industr ial, constr uction or farm machi nery which may require special ized stabiliz ation, lifting and manip ulation ; these incide nts may also require the special ized cutting 2, 13 distorti ng and/or disasse mbly of equip ment compo nents to rescue or recove ra victim( s) UAL AID includ es all mutual aid calls outside of the county (i.e.: Peters burg, Powha tan Fire and EMS type calls 2includ 15 ed) SPEC IAL (FIRE ONLY ) includ es any fire not classifi ed in other section s (i.e.: teleph one poles, electri cal 2poles, 41 porta-j ohns, etc.) 2 REDU CED STRU CTUR E includ es all structu re fires 2where 40 a reduce d assign ment is warran ted 2 VEHI CLE FIRE includ es any vehicle fire outside of a structu re or vehicle fires reporte d out 2 214 MUT 2 2 BRUS H FIRE includ es all woods, grass, trees, field fires and fires of same nature, or out on arrival 134 standb y for downe d power lines, transfo rmers, lightni ng strikes with no fire, hazard control (not involvi ng 10-50) etc. 2 2 OUTD OOR/ REFU SE includ es all yard storage , fences, etc. 2 HAZA RDO US CON DITI ONS includ es CHIM NEY FIRE includ es fires that are contai ned compl etely within a chimn ey and does not cause damag e to structu re. If damag e occurs 135 to structu re, this should be coded as structu re fire 2 EXCE SSIVE HEAT includ es calls where there is no eviden ce of flame produc tion, but there is eviden ce of meltin g or excessi ve heat 2 SMO KE INVE STIG ATIO N includ es all calls where smoke or smell are present (outsid e only) and fits no other catego ry Appendix I Proposed Severe Storm Response Guidelines for Chesterfield Fire Department PURPOSE The Severe Storm Response Guidelines are intended to provide an organized system for Chesterfield Fire Department to protect the citizens and visitors from adverse effects of a severe storm.. These guidelines are designed to assign responsibilitie s and establish procedures for the coordinated effort necessary to provide for the safe, effective, and efficient response to emergencies resulting from severe storms. The Chesterfield County Emergency Operations Plan should be utilized for additional direction with respect to incident management, government intervention, and the Federal reimbursemen t process. Chesterfield County is vulnerable to a full range of severe weather. Severe weather is categorized as: (1) straight-line wind storms (severe thunderstorms , microbursts and macrobursts); (2) storms with rotational winds (tornados); and (3) tropical systems (tropical storms and hurricanes). The entire geographic area of Chesterfield County is subject to the destructive force of severe storm winds. Because of its location between two major rivers, the County is subject to rapid local and small stream flooding caused by intense severe storm-associat ed rainfall. Severe storm winds do much damage, but drowning is the greatest cause of severe storm deaths. PREPARE DNESS In Central Virginia, the conditions for severe thunderstorm development are most favorable during the early spring and summer months. Hurricane season, that time most favorable for the development of tropical storm systems, is June through November. Tropical systems that affect Virginia occur most frequently in August and September. The month of March is designated for Severe Storm Season Preparation. By March 31st of each year the department will ensure that the following activities are completed: Each Operational Battalion Chief will ensure that each of the stations for which they have operational responsibility have completed the following: Update d their listing of target The Ensure that each Battali on Headq uarters Office has a full catalog of ICS forms, status boards , extra Each Each emplo yee’s person al inform ation is current and correct with the depart ment’s Huma n Resour ces Unit in Fire Admin istratio n. Adequ ate hazard s that have the potenti Operational Senior portabl e radios, radio batteri es, office supplie s, etc., to functio n as a Battali on Comm and First-line Supervisor The Superv isor prints out a copy of the Depart ment’s Person nel Roster and Phone Numb er list and keeps in the station . All emplo yees The Chief of bulk supplie al for multi-c asualty incide nts. Battalion Chiefs will Center . Condu ct a pre-sea son briefin g with their respect ive Battali on Staffs coveri ng and Middle Manager will have receive d trainin g on the Severe Storm Respo nse Guidel ines and unders tand their roles and respon sibiliti es. This trainin g will Maintenance s of items 136 first-d ue district . Update d listing of routes ensure that the following these guideli nes to ensure that they unders tand their roles and respon sibiliti es for operati ons ensure that: for units to use for “winds items are completed: during severe storm emerg encies. Ensure that the Emerg ency Comm unicati ons Center has a full hield assess ment” of their catalog of ICS forms, status boards , office supplie s, etc., to functio n as a Battali on Comm and Center , or Depart ment Comm and Center if the EOC has not been activat ed. be docum ented and record s forwar ded to the Traini ng and Safety Divisi on. The Prepar edness Sectio n of the Severe Storm Respo nse and Logistics such as Checkl ist that’s approp riate for their work locatio n has been compl eted. (See Appen dix A) Each station has a Severe Storm Respo nse Box will ensure plastic sheetin contai ning copies of all forms, assess ment route map books, spray paint cans, etc. (See Appen dix B) Each emerg ency respon se unit is properl y equipp ed with person al protect ive equip ment, and rescue equip ment necess ary for operati ons in floode d areas. g, staples , nails, portabl that: e saw supplie s, etc., are in stock and ready for Severe Storm Watch When the Regula rly check the Doppl er Radar images for inform ation regardi ng storm strengt h, move ment, anticip ated The Senior Battalion Cancel lation non-es sential staffin g assign During a severe storm Watch all First-L distrib ution to fire station s. The divisio n has a National Weather Service issues a severe storm watch for Chesterfield County, precipi tation, and wind speeds . Closel y monito r for physic al indicat ors of severe weathe r such as “anvil” cloud Chief will increase ments (traini ng, TQI group activit y, etc.) Initiate ine Superv isors (career and volunt eer), current plan to safely, effecti vely, and efficie ntly Chesterfield Fire Department will activate the appropriate sections of format ions, cloud fronts, “wall” clouds, wind directi on, develo pment of lightni ng, etc., using the Nation al Weath Emergency Operations Imple mentat ion of Signal 15-Bra vo, Signal Documentatio and each Battali on Staff memb er distrib ute supplie s to fire station s, and emerg these guidelines. Severe weather can strike quickly and without adequate er Servic e Spotter 's Guide for Identif ying and Report ing Severe Local Storms (Appe ndix D). These indicat Division staffing 15-Ch arley to recall volunt eer person n Process should begin compl eting the Unit Log ency scenes that does not rely on the resour warning - - be Proactive. Monitor Weather Conditions The on-duty ors may be present in local areas of the county before they appear on the Doppl er Radar image. (Keep in mind resources through one, nel Reassi gnmen t of staff officer s and ces of the Emerg ency Operat ions Divisi on for Battalion Staff and all First-line Supervisors should begin to closely monitor the Doppl er Radar origina tes in Wakef ield, Virgini a, a signifi cant distanc e away from the county ) First-li ne or all, of the following civilia n emplo yees Imple mentat ion of (ICS Form 214). The Unit Log should contai n inform ation relatin g to work 137 its imple mentat ion. weather conditions. Superv isors should report signifi cant local weathe r conditi ons to their respect ive Battali on Comm and Team. means: Recall of off-dut y person nel hours of person nel, equip ment utilize d, items purcha sed, and all inform ation and orders given. Docu mentat ion during RESPONS E Severe Storm Conditions When actual severe storm conditions exist, every attempt will be made by the Chesterfield Fire and EMS continue its primary Status of person nel (no injurie s, minor injurie s, serious The First-line Supervisor will document this information on the “Snapshot Assessment” Form. The Battalion a large emerg ency situati on is often difficu lt, but necess ary. Writte n docum entatio n is essenti al for federal reimbu rsemen t and must be done contin uously throug hout mission of protecting the lives and property in Chesterfield County. However, it should be remembered that Fire and EMS personnel are subject to the same environmental limitations as are the members of the public. injurie s) Status of equip ment and appara tus (in service Command Team (BCT) Planning Officer for each battalion will collect the results of this survey during the Fire/EMS Station Roll the manag ement of the severe storm emerg ency. Identify locations and status of reserve Fire and EMS apparatus Ensure that units are equipp ed for emerg ency respon se and ready for service either as replace ment for front-li ne appara tus that may becom e Situational Assessment shall be completed through a rapid survey conducted in two phases: the “Snapshot” Survey and the “Windshield Assessment”. (See Appendix C for forms). The purpose of situational assessment is to complete a brief rapid assessment of the overall situation, not a thorough detailed assessment of each situation. The information obtained from the impact assessment process will be evaluated to develop incident strategies based on identified priorities. , in service but need repairs , out of service ) Status of Call. The Roll Call will be conducted via telephone if telephone service has not be compromised. If telephone service is not available, the structu ral damag e to station (none, low, moder ate, high, BCT Planning Officer will conduct the Roll Call using the Information Radio Tac assigned to their respective battalion. (See extensi ve) Visual observ ations made by First-li ne Superv Communicati ons Section of these Guidelines) isor makin ga 360 degree “scan” of the immed iate area area affected by the severe weather will conduct a “Windshield Assessment” of their first-due response area using the pre-defined Situational Assessment Following the Roll Call, the BCT Incident Commander(s ) will direct units in the As soon as possible after the passage of severe weather, environmental conditions permitting, the Senior Battalion Chief will direct all Fire/EMS stations in the 138 unserv iceable , or to be staffed by recalle d person nel. county to conduct a “Snapshot” Survey of their staff, station, apparatus, and area adjacent to the station. The “Snapshot Survey should evaluate: around their worksi te routes for their district. Areas known to be affected by the severe weather should be given highest priority. Status of target hazard s, especi ally The emphasis is to complete the “Windshield Assessment” as soon as possible. Do not stop to provide emergency services except in cases where there is a clearly evident life-safety issue that needs your resources, i.e., a victim visibly in need of immediate rescue, a fire Form 201 (Incide nt Map) Form 202 The IAP Object ives to be accom plished county -wide Operational The initial IAP those with potenti al for multipl e casualt that can be quickly knocked down with a mounted master stream device to prevent spread to an occupied structure, etc. Avoid commitment of the resources of your unit that will prevent you from completing the survey as quickly as possible. Without the information (Incide nt Object ives) Form 203 (Organ should be strategic in Comm and and control structu res for the Periods-Opera tional periods should addres s the ies, (none, low, moder ate, high, extensi gathered during the “Windshield Assessment” the Battalion Command Team will not know the true size and magnitude of the incident and will be unable to develop a comprehensiv e Incident Action Plan. Significant findings concerning damage to target hazards (Impact Estimate ization Assign ment List) or Form 207 nature and address the incide nt Person nel resour ce assign should not exceed twelve first twelve -hour ve) Status of major respon se routes Score of 4) and infra-structure (Impact Estimate Score of 4) should be reported to the BCT Planning Officer using the Information Radio Tac assigned to their respective battalion. All other findings should be documented on the “Windshield Assessment” Log for (Organ ization al Chart) Form 204 (Divisi following issues: ments Resour ce require ments, allocat ion, hours. (none, low, moder ate, high, extensi ve) communicatio n to the Battalion Command Team Planning Officer after the entire survey has been completed. operati onal period. An update d IAP While conducting the “Windshield Assessment” record non-life threatening medical situations on the “Non-life Threatening on Assign ment List) Form 205 (Com and manag ement Comm unicati ons and Status of develo pments (none, low, moder Medical Log”. (Appendix C). Communicate the information on this log to the Battalion Command Team Planning Officer upon completion of the “Windshield Assessment”. Incident Objectives The Senior Battalion Chief is responsible for the munic ations Plan) form 206 (Medic al 139 ate, high, extensi ve) creation and dissemination of the Incident Action Plan (IAP) for county Fire/EMS emergency operations. The Senior Battalion Chief should begin preparing the IAP using the following ICS Forms: Plan) inform ation manag ement Incide nt Safety issues should be compl eted for the next twelve -hour operati onal period prior to the current IAP’s expirat ion. If the next operati onal period will involv e the on-co ming shift, then the new IAP should be compl eted by the on-co ming Senior Battali on B atalionIncidentC om m ander Organization B atalionO perationsO ficer B atalionP lanningO ficer B atalionLogisticsO ficer The Senior Battalion Chief will determine the appropriate Battalion Command Team Structure level of ICS for their authority and organization battalion and responsibility needed for the is responsible for the IAP incident based for the and resource on conditions Operations, allocation reported Planning, and county-wide. during the Logistical The BCT Situational functions in structure is Assessment. their battalion. designed to This is the facilitate Battalion basic better The BCT Command command and implementatio should operate Team - The on-duty DepartmentIncidentComander Battalion Staff should prepare to DepartmentOperationsChief DepartmentPlaningChief DepartmentLogisticsChief DepartmentFinanceChief operate their respective battalions as a BatalionIncidentComanderBatalionIncidentComanderBatalionIncidentComander Battalion Command Department Command Team Structure Team under control n of the IAP, from the the scope of structure for and better appropriate the those severe information Battalion department’s weather and resource Headquarters expanded ICS. incidents that management station, or Each affect a single at the other physical Battalion battalion. battalion location that Chief is the The Senior level. provides Incident Battalion sufficient Commander Chief has the working S m alIncident S m alIncident S m alIncident B ranch/S ector B ranch/S ector B ranch/S ector Delivery of Emergency Services The ECC will continue to dispatch Priority 1 calls for service unless directed to discontinue so by the Senior Battalion Chief due to environmental hazards such as excessively high winds. After the initial needs of the impact assessment room, radio access, telephone access, and computer access, i.e., the Public Safety Command Vehicle. (See Position Description activated for those situations that involve multiple battalions, or the entire county. The Senior Battalion Chief is the Incident Sheets in Appendix E) Commander for the DCT. The DCT should operate from the Emergency Communicati ons Center Tactical Control may resume the delivery of emergency services. The ECC and the DCT Planning Department Command Team - The Department Command Team (DCT) should be surveys and search and rescue missions are completed, the department 140 Chief and their staff. Room, or other physical location that provides sufficient working room, radio access, telephone access, and computer access. See Appendix E for Position Job Descriptions Chief will coordinate the delivery of services, through a priority basis, 141 to those on the existing "waiting list." The DCT Operations Chief will Begin using “reduc ed respon se” dispatc h protoc ols for Priorit y1 emerg ency calls Suspen d the dispatc hing of any Priorit y3 emerg ency calls. The ECC will contin ue to enter the calls into CADS Fire and Life Safety Divisi on Reinfo rces the North Battali coordinate and announce any modifications to the normal incident for assign ment to the Battali on Comm and Teams . Suspen d the dispatc hing of any Priorit y2 emerg ency calls. The ECC will contin ue to enter the calls into CADS for assign ment to the Battali on Comm and Team at Fire Station 16 Traini ng and Safety Divisi reporting system. When the threat of on Comm and Teams . Resource Assignment When volunteer personnel respond to Signal 15 Bravo and Signal 15 Charley recalls, the officer in charge of each staffed piece of apparatus will notify the Battalion Command Team Planning Officer for their battalion of their available status. The BCT on Reinfo rces the South Battali on Comm and Team at Fire severe weather striking the county is imminent, or has struck the Operations Officers may deploy a staffed volunteer resource from a station that has multiple units to a station in need of resources. The career Officer-in-Ch arge of a station should utilize volunteer and career personnel in their station to achieve maximum staffing levels on all units. Split crews are an acceptable option, i.e., moving a career driver/operato r to a volunteer unit that lacks a driver, Station 14 Fire Admin istratio n Staff (exclu ding Deput y Chiefs county, the Senior Battalion Chief has the authority to direct the increasing staffing on a career unit with volunteer firefighters, etc. The Senior Battalion Chief has the authority to cancel annual, holiday, personal and compensatory leave unless the employee is physically out of the state/area and return to Chesterfield County is not feasible. The Senior Battalion Chief may waive this requirement in cases of personal hardship. Off-duty personnel who )Reinfo rces Centra l Battali on Comm and Team at Fire Emergency Communicati ons Center to do the following: live any area of the county that is affected by severe weather should contact the BCT Planning Officer for their assigned station to report their welfare and that of their family. If off-duty personnel are recalled to duty, those personnel should notify the BCT Planning Officer for the battalion they are normally stationed in, and report to their assigned duty station. If they are unable to reach their assigned duty Station 15. Mainte nance and Logisti cs Divisi on Reinfo rces station, then they should notify the BCT Planning Officer for the closest station where they will be able to report for duty.. Staff Officers and other personnel not assigned to the Emergency Operations Division will be assigned to a Battalion Command Team or the Department Command Team. Those assignments are as follows: the Depart ment Comm and Team. Personnel should report to their assigned BCT when recalled while off duty, or if directed while on duty. If Communicati ons Plan The Senior Battalion Chief will implement the Communicati ons Plan as quickly as possible before severe weather strikes so as to avoid losing channels When sustain ed winds reach 50 MPH all small vehicle s (staff Heavy rains can quickl y turn local stream s and creeks into raging water ways. personnel are unable to reach their assigned BCT, because of escalating calls for service. North Battalion Tac Channels - C, D, E Tac C North Battali on Operat ions Tac D Inform ation channe l for use to vehicle s, ambul ances, etc.) will be directe d to cease operati ons Person nel should avoid driving throug h high water unless they are certain as to they should notify the nearest BCT Planning comm unicate situati onal assess ment inform ation to Battali on Comm and Planni ng Tac E Availa ble as a tactical channe l and return to quarter s When sustain ed winds reach 60 the structu ral integrit y of the road surface . Person nel operati ng Officer for reporting instructions. Personnel will Central Battalion Tac Channels - F, G, H Tac F North Battali on Operat ions Tac G Inform ation channe l for use to comm unicate situati onal assess ment MPH all large vehicle s (engin es, trucks, crash trucks, etc.) near movin g water must wear the approp riate person al protect ive be placed into positions on their respective inform ation to Battali on Comm and Planni ng Tac H Availa ble as a tactical channe l team, or assigned to staff existing emergency Battalion Operations Tac J Information channel for use to communicate situational assessment information to Battalion Command Planning Tac K Available as a tactical channel South Battalion Tac Channels - I, J, K Command Staff Tac Channel - O Tac I - North will be directe d to cease operati ons and return to quarter s. equip ment and person al floatati on device. Structu ral firefig hting PPE is 142 apparatus, or reserve apparatus. Personnel should be cognizant of the safety issues that can accompany severe weather. High winds, torrential rains, lightning, and hail present significant physical hazards to the public and responders alike. High Winds Incident Safety Person nel should wear their helmet and eye protect ion at all not approp riate and its use should be avoide d when at all possibl e when times due to the potenti al for flying debris. Torrential Rains workin g around movin g water. Lightning All incide nt operati ons should cease in any area where visual Downe d utility Search and Rescue Missions Based on degree of structural damage reported during the jurisdictional survey, Field Operations personnel may be directed to complete search and rescue missions. No search and rescue mission will take place prior to the MUTUAL AID ASSISTANC E During the response phase of a disaster, it may become necessary to request the assistance of fire/EMS providers from outside the affected 143 resume operati ons. weathe possibl in the shelter Incide r e, area. until nt pattern especi Person the Comm s ally if nel danger ander indicat lightni should has issues Other Safety e that ng has seek passed the Concerns lightni been approp and order ng is spotted riate the to lines Unsafe Hazard als animal stress Gas structu ous Traum s leaks res materi atized Heat completion of Command distribution assessment, throughout the Each USAR a systematic Team. site if locate surface nation. All Task Force recon and established. In victims and US&R Task team is safety survey. In areas where areas where identify points Force comprised of The main minor moderate of immediate activities 62 persons concern of the structural structural access. In coordinate specifically recon and damage is damage is areas where through the trained and safety survey noted, search noted, search structural state equipped for is the safety of and rescue and rescue damage is Department of large or both the missions will missions will classified as Emergency complex rescuers usually be performed destroyed, Services USAR assigned to involve a in accordance search and (DES) who operations. the search and door-to-door with the rescue serves as the Each USAR rescue search to standard missions will primary point team is able to mission and determine the USAR be limited to of contact for deploy within the victims. status of each procedures the USAR FEMA. A 6 hours of The results of occupant. (Appendix F). marking USAR Task notification the search and Occupants The objectives system only. Force is also a and is rescue should be for these state resource self-sufficient missions will instructed as search and FEMA has which can be for the first 3 be reported to the location rescue established requested days. to the of an missions is to several without a Operations emergency perform State/National request for Officer at the shelter and damage and USAR Task federal Battalion mass care hazard Force teams assistance. Personnelarea, agreements. Target Hazard Lists Update Information Update listwith based on potentialAppendix for life B disaster Appendix A - Personal hazards in Fire in a mutual SevereHuman StormResource Unit Severe Storm Administration “Windshield Assessment” Routes Ensure that route maps are current Revie aid approach. Response Response Box Severe Storm Guidelines Preparedness Deliver continuing education class on Conduct review of comp The SeniorResponse forofWorksites Severe Storm Response Box and Station has a containing copies all plan Place plan with personnel send operations under Battalion Checklist forms, assessment route map books, aboard e documentation to Training and Safety Chief is Every spray paint cans, etc Division responsible Fire/EMS Fire/EMS emergency response unit is Station Generators Water Rescue Equipment Ensure that unit hasEach received Start generator and ensur for Station station will properly equipped with personal preventive maintenance circuits are operating proper authorizing :_____ have a Severe equipment, and Propane Supplies Maintain at 40%protective level rescue Ensure supply is at 40% equipment necessary for operations in the use of _____ Storm areas. Diesel Fuel aid Supplies _____ Maintain tank atflooded 80% level Ensure that supply is at 8 mutual Response assistance and _____ Box provided Facilities and Grounds Ensure that any outstanding exterior Secure or store any exter executing __ Date:_________________ for or facilities each work orders are completed equipment prior emergency Station Supply Inventories Ensure that all inventories of Verify levels of supplies approved response consumable supplies are at maximum mutual aid vehicle in that Item Prepardeness Watch Phase levels.Phase 144 station. The List of target hazard s with potenti al for multipl e casualt y situati ons box will Map book of “Wind shield Assess ment” routes for the station Supply of Appendix C Situational Assessment Forms contain the “Snaps hot Assess ment” Logs Supply of “Wind shield Assess ment” Logs following Supply of “Non-l ife Threat ening Medic al Record ” Logs Copies of the items: “Impa ct Estima te Guide” 2Forms Clipbo ards A copy of the USAR “Struct ural Triage, Assess ment and Marki ng Syste m” Pens and pencils 3-Cans of Interna tional Orang e Spray paint “Snapshot Assessment ” Log 1. Status of Perso nnel Equipment and Apparatus Name Assignment/Shift II. Status of II.Target “Windshiel d Assessment Station: ” Log Status Hazar ds Address Date: Statio n III. Status Address S of Struct Equipment/Apparatus No Injuries Minor Injuries Serious Injuries In Service ural Dama ge to Status III. of Status of Major Subvis Route ions s Flooding and In Structural Damage Roadway None-0 Target Hazard Cross Low-1Street Development Name Mod-2None-0 of IMPACT ESTIMATE GUIDE DIRECTION S: The Damage Estimate should be considered from a jurisdictional standpoint. Station: Level of damage should be identified by the numerical value which best describes the level of damage suffered by the majority of the Date: structures and/or infrastructure within each station’s primary response zone. 1 2 3 4 Structural Damage Flooding Damage Low 1 Minor None damage 2 to Some roofLow coverin minor awnings, etc. 2 Low 3 Random Moderat str Moderate Structures are basically intact 3 Flooding ab etc.,Moderate missing or damaged 4 Extensiv High 4 Portions of roof missing and Extensive Flooding ab of openings, extensive damag Extensive Roof and/or walls missing an Infra-structu re Damage 1 None Minor debri 145 NON-LIFE THREATENING MEDICAL RECORD DATE :___________ TIME LOCATION: ______________ NAME LAST, FIRST, M.I. SEX AGE UNIT: _______________ MEDICAL PROBLEM COMPLAINT TREATMENT RENDERED DISPOSITION 146 Appendix D National Weather Service Spotter's Guide for Identifying and Reporting Severe Local Storms PLEASE NOTE: THE FIGURES REFERRED TO IN THE TEXT ARE NOT AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME....WE ARE WORKING ON IT! Use of this Guide:The information which is contained in this guide is not sufficient to qualify you as a SKYWARN spotter. Rather, it is provided as a reference source to supplement the National Weather Service's spotter training film and slide series. It has been compiled for use by trained spotters in the field and communicatio ns specialists who receive and relay the reports. It is not a general handout for the public. As a result of its specialized subject matter, a number of technical terms are used. Their meanings are explained in the text or in the glossary. I. Severe Thundersto rms All thunderstorms are capable of producing tornadoes. In coastal areas, waterspouts and weak funnels frequently form in areas of weak shower activity. While these are dangerous and should be reported, they usually are not preceded by the cloud structures described in this guide. Strong to violent tornadoes are usually associated with what we shall call the Tornadic Thunderstorm . Other significant tornadoes do occasionally occur with Squall Line Thunderstorm s. In the following sections, we will review the extremely important cloud features which commonly precede tornado and severe weather events. A. The Tornadic Thunderstor m: These thunderstorms are usually separated from other thunderstorms or may even be isolated. This separation allows them to feed upon warm moist air from miles around. Figure 1 is a representation of a tornadic thunderstorm as a spotter might see it when located east of the storm, looking west. The storm is generally moving from the left to the right. The main updraft of warm moist air is entering the storm at cloud base below the Main Storm Tower. Strong winds aloft are blowing from the southwest to northeast. Air in the upper portion of the updraft eventually becomes colder than the surrounding air. At this level the cloud spreads out rapidly, forming an Anvil Clould. As precipitation begins to occur, downdrafts are created. Figure 2 is a view of the same storm and its associated weather from above, looking down. The intense updraft, which is rising out of the drawing, is located within the main storm tower as shown by the scalloped lines in a semicircle surrounding the medium blue areas. The downdraft air sinks to the ground in the area where precipitation is falling, mainly to the north and northeast of the updraft. A second downdraft forms just southwest of the updraft. This is the area, near the intersection of the updraft and this "rear-flank" downdraft, where the tornado is most likely to occur. Large hail is likely to fall just outside the updraft core, mainly northeast of the updraft. Tornadoes may also form along the Gust Front and Flanking Line, these are usually weak and short-lived. Looking back at Figure 1, we can see the primary features to look for at the cloud base. The Flanking Line Towers, Collar Cloud, and Tail cloud are explained in the glossary. The three features of primary importance are the Rain Free Base, Wall Cloud, and Precipitation Area. In Figure 3, we are west of the storm looking east-southeast and the storm 147 is moving to the left. The heavy rain area to the left tells us where a main downdraft is located. The Rain Free Base extends from under the Main Storm Tower (which is tilted slightly to the left by the upper level winds) to the Flanking Line Towers. The lowering of the cloud base near the center is a Wall Cloud. The Wall Cloud is usually in the southwest portion of the storm within several miles of the rain area. Not all Wall Clouds rotate. Nevertheless, a rotating Wall Cloud usually precedes significant tornado development from minutes to over an hour. Be alert to the fact that some tornadoes may develop from the Rain Free Base itself. B. The Tornado: Tornadoes vary greatly in appearance and intensity, ranging from the violent type (pictured on the cover) to the very weak and short-lived ones that last only a few seconds. In addition, a tornado's appearance frequently changes during its life cycle. Figure 4 shows a multiple vortex tornado which is composed of several small but intense vortices which revolve around a common center. These small vortices may develop and dissipate very quickly. At times, rainfall is drawn into the tornado's circulation, making it very difficult to see. While this is common in the southeast United States, it is not limited to that area as illustrated by the Kansas tornado in figure 5. In Figure 6, we see a tornadic dust whirl. It should no be confused with a dust devil which usually occurs on nearly cloudless and warm days having light winds. The first stage of tornado development is often a dust whirl at the ground with or without a funnel aloft. The tornadic dust whirl in Figure 6 did not develop beyond this initial stage. It is common for flanking line dust whirls to form along the gust front; these generally remain weak and short lived. C. The Life Cycle of a Tornado: In Figure 7, we are looking west and can see the typical pattern: Rain Free Base, Wall Cloud, and Precipitation Area. The Wall Cloud is located in the southwest quadrant of the storm, and formed 30 minutes prior to the tornado. In Figure 8, what appears to be a funnel cloud is visible under the left portion of the Wall Cloud. In fact, this is a tornado because damage was occurring at the ground even though it is too far to see the surface debris. In such a situation, you should properly report this as a funnel cloud, along with the fact that it is too far away for you to determine if it is on the ground. Report what you see, along with any additional remarks which would make the report more useful. In Figure 9, the circulation becomes visible all the way to the ground. The thin, "needle-tipped " shape is common for a tornado in this early stage. The tornado reaches its mature stage in Figure 10, with its width at the surface expanding to 1/4 mile. Note the Tail Cloud forming to the right. We have changed position in Figure 11 and are looking southeast as the tornado moves away from the town of Union City, Oklahoma. The tornado is shrinking rapidly into the "rope stage," but is still very destructive. During the latter portion of a tornado's life, it is common for it to decrease in size (not necessarily in intensity) and become increasingly tilted. D. The Squall Line Thunderstor ms: Figure 12 is a view of a squall line as seen from above. Precipitation is shown in the diagram's central area, the gust front is the white line with teeth, and the anvil edge is in light blue. While any hail which may occur is usually smaller that occurring in the tornadic thunderstorm and considerably 148 fewer tornadoes result, strong straight-line winds are common with squall lines. The strongest winds usually occur a few minutes after the gust front passage, just before or just after rain and hail begin. If tornadoes occur, they are generally weak, short-lived, and are found along the gust front. Occasionally, a tornadic thunderstorm will develop in association with a squall line. The most distinctive cloud associated with the squall line is the Shelf Cloud, shown in Figure 12. It is usually located above the squall line gust front. An individual tornadic thunderstorm or even an isolated non-severe thunderstorm may at times develop a shelf cloud associated with its gust front. Before we look closer at the shelf cloud, let's take a look at a vertical cross section of the squall line from point A to B in Figure 12. This is shown in Figure 13. Note that the squall line thunderstorm has a significantly different structure than the tornadic thunderstorm. In Figure 13, the squall line is moving from left to right. Updrafts form a nearly continuous curtain along the leading edge above the gust front. Downdrafts are located in the precipitation area to the rear. Thus the updraft-rainy downdraft orientation is reversed from that of the tornadic thunderstorm. In Figure 14, we are looking west at 3 layers of cloud near the south end of a gust front. The lowest band of cloud is a shelf cloud. This cloud is wedge-shaped and smooth and sometimes appears layered. As the squall line passes overhead, shown in Figure 15, gusty winds and a sharp drop in temperature can be expected. Upward motion is along the leading edge and downward motion along the trailing edge of the shelf cloud. Cloud base behind the gust front is often very turbulent, as shown here. Less common than the shelf cloud is a Roll Cloud. In Figure 16 it is seen as the detached tube shaped cloud. It can often be seen to rotate slowly about a horizontal axis. Like the shelf cloud, it may indicate the leading edge of a zone of strong straight-line winds. Because of its horizontal rotation, it may be mistaken for a tornado. Let's look at some other structures that are frequently falsely reported as tornadoes. E. Tornado Look-Alikes: Virga or rain shafts are often reported as tornadoes. In figure 17, we see a developing rain shaft, which is fuzzy in appearance. An intense rain column, as in Figure 18, can be more difficult. Although it looks similar to the violent tornado on the cover of this guide, its edges are much less distinct. Mammatus clouds, as seen in Figure 19, are often mistaken for tornadoes. While mammatus often accompany severe thunderstorms (see figure 1), they are not severe in themselves and may also accompany non-severe thunderstorms . cloud or tornado. In this example, and for all tornado look-alikes, the key is to LOOK FOR ORGANIZE D AND SUSTAINED ROTATION ABOUT A NEARLY VERTICAL AXIS. tornado is a scud cloud. These are ragged, low cloud fragments which usually are not attached to the cloud base. When the scud is attached to the cloud base as in Figure 20, it is very difficult to distinguish it from a wall The first sign of a tornado may not be a funnel at the cloud base. Your first clue may be debris or dust at the surface, so be alert to events at ground level, as well as in the clouds. At night, lightning flashes can aid in identifying the Rain Free Additional for The feature Tips most often Skywarn mistaken for a Spotters 149 Base, Wall which they are from the for Frequently is often heavy Cloud, and operating. tornado development used as a and the usual 55-72 Damage to chimneys and TV antenna; pushes over shallow rooted trees Precipitation safely. In and synonym for a occurrences of When Area. continuance. wall cloud lightning and available, use urban area this is usually not Accessory although it thunder with binoculars to Peels surface roofs; windows broken; light trailer clouds houses pushed actually or overturned; is a these clouds for offpossible Although 73-11 a look moving automobiles pushed off roads because of associated generally leads to the loud roar 2 is rotation and traffic with the circular ring popular names other cloud frequently thunderstorm of cloud of features. Once congestion. associated include roll, surrounding thunderhead spot a Spotter Aids with a you thelarge uppertrees or Roofs torn off houses; weak buildings and trailershelf, houses destroyed; tornado, 113-1 funnel, Estimating mammatus, portion of a thundercloud. snapped and tornado, or uprooted strong Hail Size: and wall wall cloud. See also 57 wall cloud, be straight-line clouds. Cumulonimb Thunderstorm winds can also alert for the . Anvil us Cloud pea size 1/4 inch produce such formation of The spreading The parent Cumulus 158 &others Severe in damage:cars lifted off ground the a sound. marble size 1/2 inch of the upper cloud of a Cloud up area. portion of a thunderstorm. A column of If you spot dime size 3/4 inch If you find cumulonimbu The rising air that from a fixed yourself in quarter size 1 inch s cloud into an cumulonimbu has condensed location, use a *Adapted large hail, anvil-shaped s cloud towers into a dense, map to golf ball size 1.75 inch from the remember you plume usually above nonfibrous determine Beaufort and are in or near baseball size 2.75 of fibrous or ordinary cloud with distances and Fujita Wind the area where smooth cumulus distinct directions to Scales. tornado appearance. clouds, with outlines, known formation is Strong or stronger or appearing landmarks ESTIM National severe severe storms much like a such as water most likely in Weather ATING a tornadic thunderstorms often having a rising mound, towers, TV Service WIND often have more sharply a dome, or towers, etc. thunderstorm. Storm cauliflower. This will help Always SPEEDS Spotter's thicker anvils outlined with the side "hard" The base of you estimate follow the *(miles per Glossary and bottom appearance the cloud is distance and basic safety hour) and having a with relatively relatively flat direction in rules. In open and dark, your reports. country, a Supplement cumuliform or rapid rising slowly boiling motions while the 5-31Mobile Large branches spotter in motion; heard in telephone wires may whistling be al Guide appearance in visible. The tower is spotters able to use his Accessory the immediate cloud's upper usually white should always knowledge of Clouds and sunlit. the tornado's -38 have Whole trees in motion; inconvenience felt walking against wind vicinity of the portion Clouds that parent includes the The cumulus up-to-date motion and are dependent cumulonimbu anvil. cloud is the maps and be available on a larger s. Accompanyin first stage of a withoff escape routes -54 familiar Twigs break trees; wind generally impedes progress cloud system Collar Cloud g precipitation developing the area in to drive away 150 thunderstorm, although most cumulus do not form thunderstorms . Downdraft A column of generally cool air that rapidly sinks to the ground, most often accompanied by precipitation in a shower or thunderstorm. Areas of downdraft usually contain little cloud, and what clouds that may be present are typically dissipating. Flanking Line A line of cumulus connected to and extending outward from the most active portion of a parent cumulonimbu s, usually found on the southwest side of the storm. The cloud line has roughly a stair step appearance with the taller clouds adjacent to the parent cumulonimbu s. It is most frequently associated with strong or severe thunderstorms . Flash Flooding Flooding that develops very quickly on streams and river tributaries usually as a result of thunderstorms . Sometimes the onset of flash flooding comes before the end of heavy rains. There is little time between the detection of flood conditions and the arrival of the flood crest. Swift action is essential to the protection of life and property. Front A transition zone between two differing air masses. Basic frontal types are (1) COLD FRONT where cooler air advances replacing warmer air; (2) WARM FRONTwarmer air advances replacing cooler air; (3) STATIONAR Y FRONTwarmer air meeting cooler air with neither air mass moving appreciably. Thunderstorm s can form in association with any of these fronts. However, fronts are not necessary for thunderstorm development. Funnel Cloud A funnel-shaped cloud extending from a towering cumulus or cumulonimbu s base. It is associated with a rotating air column that is not in contact with the ground. The cloud is a tornado if a ground-based debris or dust whirl is visible below the funnel aloft. Gust Front The leading edge of the thunderstorm downdraft air. The gust front is most prominent beneath the rain-free base and on the leading edge of an approaching thunderstorm. It is usually marked by gusty cool winds, and sometimes blowing dust. The gust front often precedes the thunderstorm precipitation by several minutes. The shelf or roll cloud sometimes accompanies the gust front, especially when the gust front precedes a line of thunderstorms . Hail Precipitation in the form of balls or clumps of ice, produced by thunderstorms . Severe storms with intense updrafts are the most likely large hail producers. Hook Echo A radar pattern sometimes observed in the southwest quadrant of a tornadic thunderstorm. Appearing like the number six or a fishhook turned in toward the east, the hook echo is precipitation aloft around the periphery of a rotating column of air 2-10 miles in diameter. The hook echo is often found in a local area favorable for tornado development. However, many tornadoes occur without a hook echo and not all hook echoes produce tornadoes. Lightning Any and all of the various forms of visible electrical discharge caused by thunderstorms . Severe thunderstorms usually have very frequent and sometimes nearly continuous lightning. However, some non-severe thunderstorms also contain frequent and vivid electrical displays, while some severe storms are accompanied by little lightning. Mamma Clouds Also called mammatus, these clouds appear as hanging, rounded protuberances or pouches on the under surface of a cloud. With thunderstorms , mammatus are seen on 151 the underside of the anvil. These clouds do not produce tornadoes, funnels, hail, or any other type of severe weather, although they often accompany severe thunderstorms . Precipitation Shaft A visible column of rain and/or hail falling from a cloud base. When viewed against a light background, heavy precipitation appears very dark gray, sometimes with a turquoise tinge. This turquoise tinge has been commonly attributed to hail but its actual cause is unknown. Rain-Free Base A horizontal, dark cumulonimbu s base that has no visible precipitation beneath it. This structure usually marks the location of the thunderstorm updraft. Tornadoes most commonly develop (1) from wall clouds that are attached to the rain-free base, or (2) from the rain-free base itself. This is particularly true when the rain-free base is observed to the south or southwest of the precipitation shaft. River Flood Usually occurs on rivers, after flash flooding has occurred on streams and tributaries. River floods develop and reach their peak more slowly than flash floods. In many cases the river flood peak occurs after the rain has ended. Roll Cloud A relatively rare, low-level, horizontal, tube-shaped accessory cloud completely detached from the cumulonimbu s base. When present, it is located along the gust front and most frequently observed on the leading edge of a line of thunderstorms . The roll cloud will appear to be slowly "rolling" about its horizontal axis. Roll clouds are not and do not produce tornadoes. Scud Clouds Low cloud fragments often seen in association with and behind thunderstorm gust fronts. These clouds are ragged and wind torn and are not usually attached to the thunderstorm base. Scud clouds do not produce severe weather. In some cases, when scud clouds are attached to the thunderstorm base they can be mistaken for wall clouds or tornadoes. Severe Thunderstor m A thunderstorm that goes from the mature stage to the severe stage before dissipating. Severe thunderstorms are most efficient "machines" because the updraft remains strong for a long time. They also occasionally contain rotations on a broad scale. Because of its structure, the severe storm may last for hours beyond the lifetime of a normal thunderstorm while producing large hail, high winds, torrential rain, and possible tornadoes. Officially, a thunderstorm is classified as severe if 50 knot (58 MPH) winds are measured, 3/4 inch or larger hail occurs, or funnel clouds or tornadoes develop. Straight Winds Winds associated with a thunderstorm, most frequently found with the gust front. These winds originate as downdraft air reaches the ground and rapidly spreads out becoming strong horizontal flow. Damaging straight winds, although relatively rare themselves, are much more common than are tornadoes. Shelf Cloud A low-level horizontal accessory cloud that frequently appears to be wedge-shaped as it approaches. It is usually attached to the thunderstorm base and forms along the gust front. The leading edge of the shelf is often smooth and at times layered or terraced. It is most often seen along the leading edge of an approaching line of thunderstorms , accompanied by gusty straight winds as it passes overhead and followed by precipitation. The underside is concave upward, turbulent, boiling, or wind-torn. Tornadoes rarely occur 152 with the shelf cloud. Squall Line Any line or narrow band of active thunderstorms . The term is usually used to describe solid or broken lines of strong or severe thunderstorms . Tail Cloud A low tail-shaped cloud extending outward from the northern quadrant of a wall cloud. Motions in the tail cloud are toward the wall cloud with rapid updraft at the junction of tail and wall cloud. This horizontal cloud is not a funnel or tornado. Thunderstor m A local storm (accompanied by lightning and thunder) produced by a cumulonimbu s cloud, usually with gusty winds, heavy rain, and sometimes hail. Non-severe thunderstorms rarely have lifetimes over two hours. A typical, non-severe thunderstorm life cycle consists of three stages: (1) CUMULUS STAGE-warm, moist air rises (updraft) and condenses into tiny water droplets which make up the visible cloud. (2) MATURE STAGE-- the cloud grows above the freezing level; precipitation forms and becomes heavy enough to fall back to earth. This precipitation generates cool air which also sinks back to earth with the precipitation. (3) DISSIPATIO N STAGE-Cool rain and downdraft spread throughout the storm replacing the updraft which is the lifeblood of the thunderstorm. The visible cumulonimbu s cloud becomes softer in appearance, less distinctly outlined or "fuzzy" and dissipates, sometimes leaving only the high anvil cloud, as the storm rains itself out. Tornado A violently rotating narrow column of air in contact with the ground and extending from a thunderstorm base. The tornado is most often found in the southwest quadrant of the storm, near the trailing edge of the cumulonimbu s cloud. Tornadoes and funnel clouds are usually pendant from (1) wall clouds, or (2) directly from the thunderstorm base, within a few miles to the southwest of the precipitation shaft. The spinning motion of a tornado is most often left to right on the front side and right to left on the backside (counterclock wise). Tornadoes have been called twisters and cyclones, but these words are all synonyms for the most violent storm on earth, with estimated wind speeds up to 300 mph. Updraft Warm moist air which rises and condenses into a visible cumulus or cumulonimbu s cloud. Once the cloud forms, it depends on the updraft for continuance and further development. Virga Wisps or streaks of rain falling out of a cloud but not reaching the earth's surface. When seen from a distance, these streaks can be mistaken for funnels or tornadoes. Wall Clouds A local and often abrupt lowering of a rain-free cumulonimbu s base into a low-hanging accessory cloud, from 1 to 4 miles in diameter. The wall cloud is usually situated in the southwest portion of the storm below an intense updraft, marked by the main cumulonimbu s cloud and associated with a very strong or severe thunderstorm. When seen from within several miles, many wall clouds exhibit rapid upward motion and rotation in the same sense as a tornado, except with considerably slower speed. A rotating wall cloud usually develops before tornadoes or funnel clouds by a time which can range from a few minutes up to possibly an hour. Spotters should key on any lowering of the cumulonimbu s base as suspect wall cloud, particularly when it is located southwest of the precipitation shaft. Wall clouds should be reported. NOTE: Sometimes other low-hanging 153 accessory clouds are mistakenly identified as wall clouds. Warning (Issued for tornadoes, severe thunderstorm, flash flood, river flood.) A warning is issued when severe weather has already developed and has been reported by spotters or indicated by radar. Warnings are statements of imminent danger and are issued for relatively small areas near and downstream from the severe storm or flood. Watch (Issued for tornado, severe thunderstorm, flash flood.) A watch identifies a relatively large area in which flash floods or severe storms might occur. Watches are quite often issued before any severe weather has developed. Severe thunderstorm and tornado watches usually include an area 140 miles wide by about 200 miles long. The watch is only an indication of where and when the severe weather probabilities are the highest, and should not be confused with a warning. Appendix E Expanded ICS Structure Position Descriptions Battalion Command Team The Incident Commander will: 154 Develo p the Battali on Action Plan (ICS Form 202) for each operati onal period in concer t with the Imple ment the Battali on Action Receiv e situati onal assess Make recom menda tions The Logistics Officer will: county -wide Incide nt Action Plan. Identif y person nel within each Battali on that will be assign ed to the Plan for the battali on Coordi nate The Planning ment reports from units in the for alterati on of the Identif y battalion logistical needs in concert with Operations and Planning. Battali on Comm and staff. Distrib ute the inform ation packet indicat ing the assign ment, functio n and respon sibiliti the allocat ion of resour ces to incide Officer will: Battali on Begin docum entatio Battali on Action Plan Begin docum entatio n of logisti cal request s and es to each memb er of the Battali on Comm and Team. Each individ ual will review this inform ation nts within the battali on Docu and report via phone to their counte rpart at Depart ment Comm and. (i.e.: Battali on Logisti cs Officer will ment assign ments and allocat ion of n of the incide nt organi Update to the Situati on/Stat arrival of resour ces using ICS Form 211. zation and resour ce deploy us Report each operati Reque st provisions for basic necessities (i.e.: cots, water, portable report to the Logisti cs Chief at Depart ment Comm and). Develo p the Comm unicati ons Plan for the Battali resour ces using ICS Form 204 ment using ICS Forms 201 onal period using ICS generators, portable toilets, additional maps, etc.) from the Logistics Chief. on using ICS Forms 205 and 216. The Operations Officer will: and 203 (or 207) Form 209. Coordinates emergency purchasing agreements with Finance Chief. The Finance 155 Officer will: Ensure all work sites authorized with petty cash shall maintain the full limit ($200). The The Develo p the Coordi nate allocat ion of emerg ency respon The Planning Chief will: Receiv e status reports from the Battali on Comm and Planni ng Officer s and mainta Information Officer will: Coordi nate with Information Chief for the release of information. Relay pertinent Comm unicati information to personnel within the battalion regarding the status of severe storm and actions taken by the department. Operations se resour ces in concer t with the Battali in current situati on status inform ation for the county Begin docum entatio n of the incide nt organi zation and resour Chief will: on Comm and Team Operat ions Officer ce deploy ment using ICS Forms 201 and 203 (or 207) Make recom menda tions for alterati on of the county ons Plan Department Command Team The Incident Commander will: Condu ct a briefing for those for the county s Work toward s imple mentat ion of -wide Incide nt Action Plan Update to the Situati on/Stat us Report each operati onal period using ICS Form 209. personnel assigned to the Department Command Team and distribute the organizational chart identifying assignments. using ICS the county -wide Incide nt Action Plan The Logistics Chief will: Respo nd to resource requests the Battalion Command Logistics Officers Coordi nate emergency purchasing agreements with Finance Chief. Distrib ute assignment packets outlining assignments, functions, and responsibilitie s Forms 205 Develo p the Incident Action Plan for each operational period using ICS Form 202. and 216. Docu ment assign ments and allocat ion of resour ces using ICS Form 204 Prepar e resource contingency lists using ICS Form 218. Revie w procedures with County Finance for the emergency purchase of necessary items. Obtain listing of potenti al supplie s and vendor s, and contact person The Finance Chief will: Distrib ute to all Battalions/Div isions sufficient copies of the Unit Log (ICS Form 214). 156 s. Ensure all work sites authorized with petty cash are maintained at the full limit ($200). Ensure that the department petty cash is maintained at the full limit ($500). Coordi nate with the Emergency Operations Center regarding all requirements necessary for future reimbursemen t from the Federal Emergency Disaster Assistance program. The Liaison Chief will: inter-agency contacts. Update Liaiso n Resour ce List indicat ing potenti al assisti ng/coo peratin g agenci es and represe ntative s (i.e.: Ameri can Red Cross, Nation al Guard, Divisi on of Emerg ency Medic al Servic es, etc.) Respo nd to requests from personnel for The Information Chief will: Appendix F - building under ard marking USAR evaluation must beOfficer made (at Emergency Operat Coordinate with County PublictoInformation “Structural ensure that somewhat Triage, personnel from Communicate pertinent information toremote work locations within the departme Assessment approaching the safe and Marking the building entrance. System can identify that it has The depiction Structure been of the various Triage, evaluated and markings as Assessment discern its are follows: & Marking condition. System Specific Structure/Haz markings will ards be clearly Evaluation made inside Marking the box to Personnel indicate the conducting condition of structure the structure searches will and any outline a 2' X hazards at the 2' square box time of this at any assessment. entrance Normally the accessible for square box entry into any would be compromised made structure. immediately Aerosol cans adjacent to the of spray paint entry point (International identified as Orange only) safe. An will be used arrow will be for this placed next to marking the box system. It is indicating the important to direction of mark all the safe normal entry entrance if the points into a Structure/Haz 157 Structu re is accessi ble and / Structu re is signifi cantly damag ed. Some areas are relativ ely safe, but other areas may need shorin g, bracin g, or remov al of falling and collaps e hazard s. Structu re is not safe for safe for search and rescue search and rescue operati ons and may be subject to sudden additio nal collaps e. Remot e search operati ons may procee d at signifi cant risk. If rescue operati ons are undert aken, safe haven areas and rapid evacua tion routes should be created . Arrow located next to a markin g box indicat operati ons. Damag e is minor es the directi on to the safe entran ce to the structu re, should the markin g box need to be made remote from the indicat ed entran ce. or the structu re is compl etely pancak of ed further with collaps little e. danger other a safe point of indicate one slash Structure/Haz entry exists to conditions in drawn upon ards the left of the separate parts entry into the Evaluation marking of the structure (or markings (possibility a building. room, made on the window, hallway, etc.) interior of the upper floor, Search And a second building. In etc.). The Assessment crossing slash addition, as single slash Marking upon exit. each across the box A separate Single subsequent indicates the and distinct slash assessment is structure is marking drawn performed not safe for system is upon throughout the search and necessary to entry course of te rescue conspicuously to a mission, a operations and denote structu new Time, may be information re or Date. And subject to relating to the area Unit ID entry sudden victim indicat will be made additional location es below the collapse. The determination search previous assessment s in the areas operati entry, or a was made on searched. This ons are completely July 1, 1999 at separate current new marking 1:00 p.m.. Search ly in HM box will be There is an Assessment progre Indicates made ifthat the a hazardous apparent material condition markingexists in or adjacent ss. to the st original indication of system is information is natural gas in designed to be Cro Structure/Haz now incorrect. the structure. used in ards This conjunction Evaluation The following evaluation with the Search Marking illustration was made by Structure/Haz Assessment (continued) shows the Chesterfield ards Marking The various Fire Evaluation (continued) following components Department, marking Distinct information; of the Unit 34. system. markings will Time, Date, Structure/Haz Personnel be made and Unit ID ards It should be performing inside the four will also be Evaluation noted that the search quadrants of noted outside marking marking function will the X to the box at the system: boxes would draw an “X” clearly denote upper be placed in 7/1/99 that 1300 is 2'hrs X 2' the search right-hand each of the HM -innatural size with gas status and side. specific areasCFD-34 International findings at the within the Orange spray time of this All personnel structure (i.e: paint. The X assessment. must be aware hallways, will be The following of the The depiction rooms, constructed in illustrations possibility, above stairwells, two define the and look for indicates that etc.) To operations Search 158 Assessment Marks: separate part identification Appendix G of the Generally, the is not always Winter Storm building. If an Search and possible due Guidelines CFD-34 areas is Rescue Left searched Quadrant and - FEMA Branch & US&R Task Force Identifer (i.e: Chesterfield Fire Department, Engine34) to site no victims are Manager, or conditions. In Department found, it must Operations these Level Actions 7/1/99 be marked Section Chief 1300 with an X. It will be in a situations, it is Initiated By hrs is also position to important that On-Duty important that pass supervisory Senior Top situation additional Quadrant updates be received on to personnel Battalion Time and date noted as they the establish a Chief that the Task are available, appropriate workable Force to reduce element personnel left needless rescue, identification the structure duplication of command, method for search efforts. medical, each specific Previous technical, etc. Rats search Right Quadrant - Personnel hazards structure. markings NOTE: would Bottom be Quadrant - Number of live and dead victims still inside the structure (“X” if no victims) It is important 2 Live crossed out to clearly 3 Dead and a new marking identify each Search would be personnel placed next to separate structure should use it with the International most recent within an area Orange spray information. when paint to mark important the exact Personnel location of a using the information is victim alert. marking In addition, system will be being disseminated surveyor’s inundated tape may be with to other used as a flag additional operational to denote the information entities. The appropriate relative to the area, in incident. primary conjunction Extemporaneo with the spray us information method of identification paint marking. needs to be acknowledged should be the As with the and existing street Structure/Haz appropriately ard disseminated - name and Evaluation, it in most cases, building is important this number, if that the information known. markings are would not be specific to noted on the Obviously, each area of structure such entry or marking. 159 I. A. Direct Admin istrativ e Officer (AO) to ensure that station s have suffici ent resour ces to staff any first out appara tus respon ding from their respect ive station s with minim um of two person nel. For examp le Engine Compa ny (3 person B. C. D. I. nel) Truck Compa ny (3 person nel) Utility Vehicl e (2 person nel) Ambul ance Assign availab le staff to four-w heel drive vehicle s for those station s that do not have four-w heel drive brush trucks. Where possibl e, use utility vehicle s instead of brush trucks for ALS respon ders to protect ALS equip ment. This will enable (2 personnel) the depart ment to reduce engine and truck respon ses during advers e conditi ons. A. These assign ed vehicle s will carry B. the radio design ation of “UTIL ITY” follow ed by the respect ive station numbe r. Whene ver possibl e, utility vehicle s and brush trucks should be staffed with at least one ALS firefig hter or officer and ALS equip ment at ALS station s. Fourwheel drive vehicle s will respon d in place of engine s or trucks to assist ambul ances, and for Priorit y3 calls for service . When respon ding to calls for service , four-w heel drive vehicle s should procee d, if possibl e, ahead of other vehicle s as “scout s” to assess conditi ons II. and help avoid other vehicle s becom ing stuck. Direct Logisti cs to distrib ute tow straps and linch pins to all four-w heel drive units. Such equip ment should be used to assist ambul ances and other similar sized fire depart ment vehicle s that becom e stuck. I. Consid er staffin g the Chain Repair Shop with at least one Chain Repair Techni cian dedicat ed solely to repairi ng chains for Fire and EMS units. In additio n, special arrang ements need to be made for disburs ing 160 spare chain saws and for servici ng all chain saws to assure their availab ility. I. A. The Senior Battali on Chief will direct Emerg ency Comm unicati ons Center Fire and EMS Dispat ch Operat ions Superv isor to begin: Reduci ng respon se of emerg B. I. ency appara tus to calls for service Limiti ng numbe r of Priorit y3 EMS calls to no more than 3 at a time Limiti ng numbe r of Priorit y 3 fire calls to no more than 3 at a time due to ice storm, wires down, etc. For snow emerg encies, initiate snowpl owing operati ons with assign ed staffin g, using Utility North and Utility South as soon as possibl e to stay ahead of accum ulation . Vehicl es should have plows mount ed and be loaded with sand the day prior to expect ed inclem ent weathe r. Give priorit y to plowin g those fire station s staffin g ambul ances and rescue squad units. I. Direct the Admin istrativ e Officer to initiate emerg ency minim um staffin g proced ures and suspen d use of compu terized minim um staffin g rotatio n for mornin g staffin g needs. The AO should attemp t to fill vacanc ies using person nel from the off-goi ng shift at the station where the vacanc ies exist. If unable to do so, use the next closest station and so forth. I. Initiate Flexibl e Shift Chang e to allow short notice traded time arrang ements and allow person nel extra time to reach their duty station . Allow short notice annual leave, if still availab le in the Staffin g Book, for those person nel unable to report for duty due to severe weathe r. I. If the Emerg ency Operat ions Center (EOC) is activat ed, fill the depart ment’s represe ntative positio n with an off-dut y Battali on Chief. The on-dut y Senior Battali on 161 I. Chief should go to the Emerg ency Comm unicati ons Center to coordi nate all county resour ces. If the EOC Snow emerg encies assure that the primar y and spare sets of snow chains are ready for each piece of appara tus that is equipp is not activat ed, and if benefi cial, assign an off-dut y Battali on Chief to the Emerg ency Comm unicati ons ed in their station . Ambul ances should have two spare sets of chains. Test the operati on of the Insta-c hains. A. I. Ensure that all portabl Center , to coordi nate comm unicati ons and resour ce allocat ion, while allowi ng on-dut y Battali on e power equip ment is service able and has adequa te fuel availab le. This includ es, but is not limited to: Portabl e power saws, B. C. I. Chiefs to stay operati onal in the field. The Senior Captai n in charge of Emerg ency Comm unicati ons can also particu larly chain saws Portabl e genera tors Rescue equip ment, i.e., Hurst tool power plants and access ories. Ensure that the serve in this positio n. I. II. For snow/i ce conditi ons, consid er establi shment of staged ambul ances not station emerg ency genera tor is tested, operab le and that adequa te fuel is on hand. Ensure that four-w heel drive units, either perma nently or equipp ed with tire chains, for use during long transp orts once main roads are clear of snow or ice. III. tempor arily assign ed to the station , are equipp ed for first respon se duty. Ensure adequa te diesel fuel and heatin g fuel supplie s are Fire Station Level Responsibiliti es - Company Officers will be responsible for the following once the Senior Battalion Chief declares that this policy is in effect. on hand. 162 Appendix H Incident Command System Forms 201-220 Nati onal Fire Aca dem y ICS For ms Cata log