Incident Annexes - Flooding - Copy
Incident Annexes – Flooding
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Mission
To protect the public health and safety in the event of severe flooding, primarily flash flooding.
Organization
The Director of Emergency Management or, in his absence, the Coordinator of Emergency Management, is responsible for making the decision to order evacuation in the event of a potentially life-threatening flood situation. The Fire Department and law enforcement agencies will disseminate the warning to evacuate. The Coordinator of Emergency Management will develop and maintain (1) a flash flood warning system, (2) emergency response plans and procedures, and (3) a hazard mitigation plan.
Concept of Operations
Flooding is a major hazard for the City of Harrisonburg and Rockingham County. The Coordinator of Emergency Management is responsible for developing and maintaining (1) a flood warning system, (2) emergency response plans and procedures, and (3) a hazard mitigation plan.
Emergency Management Actions – Flooding
1. Normal Operations
a. Develop and maintain plans and procedures for flooding.
b. Designate areas to be evacuated.
c. Develop and maintain the flash flood warning system. Provide training for EOC personnel in the use of computer equipment.
d. Identify needed flood mitigation measures and encourage their implementation.
2. Increased Readiness
During events such as extended periods of heavy rains and/or large approaching storm systems. A “Flash Flood Watch’ may be issued by the National Weather Service or the local coordinator.
a. Review and update plans and procedures if needed.
b. Monitor weather advisories, river/reservoir levels, and flood gauge reports.
3. Emergency Operations
a. Mobilization Phase “Flash Flood Warning”
(1) Advise persons in flood-prone areas to prepare for evacuation.
(2) Place the EOC staff on standby.
(3) Test primary and alternate communications.
(4) Review and update plans and procedures for warning, reception and care, and emergency public information.
(5) Identify vehicles and equipment which should be moved to higher ground.
(6) Place emergency responders on standby.
b. Response Phase
(1) Direct the evacuation of threatened areas. Designate an on- scene commander for each area. Provide back-up radio communications.
(2) Initiate sandbagging and flood-fighting activities if feasible.
(3) Relocate public owned vehicles/equipment to higher ground.
(4) Designate and open Shelter Centers as required.
(5) Provide emergency public information as appropriate.
(6) Declare a local emergency as needed.
(7) Report situation and support requirements, if any, to the Virginia EOC. Continue to provide daily status reports throughout the emergency.
(8) Activate search and rescue teams.
(9) Direct that utilities be shut off in evacuated areas.
(10) Establish traffic control for evacuated areas.
(11) Direct the testing of drinking water for purity in flooded areas.
(12) Evaluate the situation and direct protective action as required.
(13) Declare the area safe for re-entry after danger has passed.
4. Recovery
Restore facilities and services. Drain flooded areas if appropriate. Assess damages. Request post-disaster assistance, as appropriate.