Part 2: Response Checklists

Hazard-Specific Response Checklists

Introduction

Part 2 contains hazard-specific Response Checklists that follow offer a means to address the following:

notifications,
protective actions,
special and unique response procedures,
emergency public information, and
other response needs generated by a particular hazard.

This section uses simplified action guides (checklists) to help guide borough response activities and to identify the types of circumstances and scale of disasters where outside assistance may be necessary. The checklists are organized by hazard type and focus on the specific planning needs and regulatory issues generated by the hazard, and identify appropriate outside agencies to contact for assistance.

It is important that response actions be coordinated with local emergency management personnel or disaster emergencies that affect one or more cities or unincorporated areas of the Borough.

There will always be some circumstances where state, or federal resources will be necessary to support response activities.

Large scale disasters involving multiple communities will require a coordinated regional response. The Borough will be the primary liaison between the affected communities, state, and federal agencies.

Use the Checklists

The sample checklist below shows how the response checklists are organized.

Checklist actions are organized by response phase: warning, response, and recovery. No warning will occur for some types of incidents (e.g. earthquakes),

The checklist identifies response actions, which are general actions or activities that may be appropriate or necessary during each incident type.

State and federal agencies, and other entities that may be able to provide assistance or guidance during the incident are listed in the contacts column. A telephone directory is included in Appendix D. In many instances, the contacts include a prompt to contact the affected cities or areas.

Response Considerations

A number of factors and conditions can impact emergency response and management, particularly in Alaska communities. The following considerations relate to the implementation of the response actions recommended in this EOP.

Seasonal variations in weather and daylight length may significantly impact response operations. Significant efficiency losses may occur during the winter season, where cold temperatures, snow cover, shorter daylight length, and high winds may make certain response activities unsafe or unfeasible.
Field personnel should always be deployed in pairs or teams.
Regular check-in procedures (radio telephone) should be used to monitor the safety of field units.
Incident objectives should always begin with safety considerations for both responders and the public.

The response actions listed in this EOP are suggestions and guidelines only. City employees, emergency response personnel, and IMT members should always use their best personal and professional judgment before carrying out any emergency response actions that could potentially endanger themselves or others.

Damage assessment is conducted in three phases: Initial Damage Assessment, Preliminary Damage Assessment, and Damage Survey Reports Development. The initial assessment provides supporting information for the disaster declaration, and is the responsibility of the local government. The preliminary damage assessment and the damage survey reporting process are in-depth analysis of long-term effects and costs of the emergency, and are done with the combined efforts of local, state, and federal agencies.

Damage Assesment Process Do's and Don'ts

The following are things that assessment teams and officials should and should not do during the damage assessment process:

DO

Prepare maps detailing areas of damage. Separate maps showing private and public damages should be prepared. This will assist Federal and State assessment teams in locating damages. It also provides local officials with the entire picture of how much, and where, the damage has occurred.
Maintain detailed records of labor, equipment, and supply costs from the outset of the disaster. This will ensure that if Federal assistance is provided, all eligible costs will be considered.
Provide budget information. Accurate and complete budget information is critical to making a competent decision when assessing the ability of a community to deal with and recover from a disaster. Both annual and maintenance budgets for the fiscal year should be provided.
Review insurance coverage. Insurance coverage is always considered when determining the amount of assistance needed. This is particularly important if a public facility is located within a designated floodplain. Flood insurance must be carried on public facilities located in floodplains. If the facility is not covered, the amount of assistance will be reduced by the amount of coverage which could have been provided.

DON'T

Pad costs and inflate figures.
Padding costs and figures to make the damages appear greater than they are is the most detrimental action that can be taken. Such an action does not guarantee disaster assistance. It cannot be emphasized enough that only actual damage and reasonable costs be reported.
Include "deferred maintenance" items.
It must be emphasized that only disaster-related damages be reported. Chronic problems or those resulting from a lack of maintenance will not be included in any assistance received.
Forget to assess public damages.
The victim of a disaster is always the first consideration. But damages to roads, bridges, and public buildings and facilities may also have occurred. It is critical to receiving a Public Assistance declaration to have these assessments along with the damages to private residences and businesses.
Simply accept and file applications for assistance.
Follow through with providing referrals or assistance.

Initial Damage Assessment

Organization and supervision of the initial damage assessment is the responsibility of the Operations Section, with supporting fiscal documentation from the Finance Section. Efficient accomplishment of this task will require major assistance from all departments and available volunteer resources. If the city and borough can document actual costs, these should be used to develop accurate cost estimates. Record keeping, especially of expenditures, should be started very early in the incident. The Finance Section will assign a charge code to which all incident-related expenditures will be assigned.

The initial damage assessment should begin as soon as possible after the impact of the emergency, and should be conducted using the following priorities:

Priority 1 - Public safety and restoration of vital services. Each facility should be analyzed for structural integrity and safety, functional capability, and estimated cost to repair or replace.

EOC, Dispatch-Communications centers, fire stations.
Hazardous materials industries, natural gas pipelines
Hospitals, schools, and shelters
Power, telephone, and radio communications systems
Bridges and overpasses.

Priority 2 - Private establishments with important community functions.

Major businesses

Priority 3 - Assessment of damage to support emergency or major disaster declaration. An estimated number of private dwellings and businesses affected by the incident will be needed to support the request for a state or federal declaration. A cursory, "drive-by" damage assessment should be made at the same time as the more detailed survey required for Priority 1 and 2 facilities.

Private homes, multiple family dwellings
Businesses

Preliminary Damage Assessment

The initial damage assessment should provide the basis for subsequent assessment activities. The preliminary damage assessment builds upon that information to provide supporting documentation for state and federal disaster assistance. Assessment activities shall be directed and supervised by the Operations Section (typically, MSB Public Works), with cost information provided by the Finance Section.

Assign personnel to State and Federal Damage Assessment Teams. The Planning Section should arrange appointments with managers and/or owners of affected facilities in order to facilitate the process. The State/Federal teams will complete the FEMA forms. Although the Borough is not responsible for completing these forms, personnel assigned to teams should be familiar with the information gathered on them.

Gather information using survey/damage assessment teams on foot (door-to-door surveys); in vehicles or vessels (observing damage through a slow moving car/boat); using aerial surveillance; and/or using telephone surveys if phone lines are still operable.

Verify any information gathered second-hand or through hearsay as soon as possible.

Provide current cost estimates (Finance Section Chief) and damage assessment information (Planning Section Chief) to the other members of the General Staff.

Include, to the extent possible, the following information in the preliminary damage assessment:

Location and description of the disaster
Public infrastructure damage
Private property damage
Approximate number of families affected.
Demographics of the affected area
Whether the disaster is still occurring, as well as other current conditions
Any conditions that could affect the ability to carry out relief operations

Note the affected areas as precisely as possible on street maps. Create a master map of all affected areas that consolidates information from the street maps and shows the overall extent of the disaster.

Provide demographic characteristics of the affected areas, including basic dwelling structure types, home ownership, and adequacy of hazard insurance.

Acquire information of interest to other functions, such as reports of deaths and injuries, evacuated families, and widespread utility outages. Any such information should be passed to the appropriate ICS functions.

Individual/Private Damage Assessment

The following information must be gathered and compiled for individual damage assessment:

Number of persons dead, injured, or hospitalized.

Number of persons evacuated and number sheltered.

Number of businesses (including apartment buildings) destroyed, or with major, minor, and affected damage.

Number of residences (including mobile homes and apartment residences) destroyed, or with major, minor, and affected damage.

Estimate of percentage of insurance coverage. This information may be obtained from Realtors, tax assessors, insurance companies, and lending institutions. Flood insurance information is available from the National Flood Insurance Program or local insurance agents.

Agricultural losses. Loss of all buildings, equipment, cropland and livestock of operating farms.

Debris Removal

The clearance and disposal of debris is an essential element of the immediate recovery efforts of a community following a natural disaster. The task of clearing debris is so critical to life safety and security that it is often considered a response rather than a recovery activity. Some of the main tasks involved in debris clearance and disposal are:

Remove debris from public rights-of-way.

Remove debris from other public property.

Coordinate or assist in removal of debris from private property, within the limits established by the community.

Establish disposal sites.

Provide input for contracted disposal, including burning.

Deal with hazardous materials disposal requirements.

Provide assistance in cleanup of hazardous waste spills.

Provide for increased garbage volume and construction debris.

Rebuilding

Shortly after a disaster occurs and emergency needs have been addressed, the focus of community recovery shifts to reconstruction. However, before reconstruction can occur, damaged structures must be inspected and the owners and occupants must be notified of conditions for continued use of these structures.

Reconstruction and return to normalcy require some or all of the following:

Inspection of homes and businesses in affected area for health and sanitation hazards, safety, and structural integrity. Coordinate inspections with utility service providers to ensure code compliance.
Land use and building permits may be required when rebuilding. Contact the appropriate city or borough planning department for permitting requirements.
Access to damage buildings according to an established policy that may establish safety guidelines for entry to damaged buildings (who is allowed in and for how long, safety measures to be taken, legal requirements, etc.)

Annex K addresses disaster recovery.

Frequently Used Acronyms and Abbreviations

The following abbreviations are used frequently throughout the checklists in this section. A full list of acronyms and abbreviations is included in Appendix B.

Acronym	Meaning
ADCRA	Alaska Division of Community and Regional Affairs
ADEC	Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation
ADHSS	Alaska Division of Health and Social Services
ADMVA	Alaska Department of Military and Veteran Affairs
ADNR	Alaska Department of Natural Resources
ADOTPF	Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities
AEIC	Alaska Earthquake Information Center
AST	Alaska State Troopers
CDC	Centers for Disease Control (federal)
DES	Department of Emergency Services, Mat-Su Borough
DHS	United States Department of Homeland Security
DHS/EM	Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (Alaska, a division of DMVA)
EOC	Emergency Operations Center
EPA	Environmental Protection Agency
ESD	Emergency Service Directors (or equivalent position, referring to other jurisdictions)
FBI	Federal Bureau of Investigations
FEMA	Federal Emergency Management Agency
IC	Incident Commander
ICP	Incident Command Post
IMT	Incident Management Team
LE	Law Enforcement
MSB	Matanuska-Susitna Borough
MSBSD	Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District
NTSB	National Transportation Safety Board
NWS	National Weather Service
PIO	Public Information Officer
SAR	Search and Rescue
SECC	State Emergency Coordination Center
USCG	United States Coast Guard

Avalanche Checklists

Avalanche Warning Phase

POTENTIAL CONTACTS
MSB
DES
ESD in potentially affected cities/areas
ADHS/EM
MSBSD
Police & fire departments in affected area
NWS (for snow forecasts)
ADOTPF (if roadways are threatened)
Radio station in affected area

*See Appendix D for phone numbers

RESPONSE ACTIONS
Identify at-risk areas.
Identify mitigation measures that may reduce avalanche impact or severity.
Issue public safety announcements regarding avalanche-prone areas, winter storm safety rules, winter automobile travel considerations, advice on actions if trapped in a vehicle by a blizzard, and information pertaining to avalanche control actions along the highway systems.
Arrange for public alert and warning.
Ensure evacuation routes are passable.
Evacuate high-risk areas.
Evaluate need for sheltering.
Notify local responders of potential need for search & rescue.
Inventory heavy equipment for use in response & recovery.
Preposition emergency equipment, fuel, and medical supplies in safe area for use after avalanche.
Establish resource tracking and cost accounting system
Arrange for safe delivery of incoming response personnel and supplies.

Avalanche Response Phase

POTENTIAL CONTACTS
Hospital/clinic in affected area
AST
DHS/EM (disaster relief)
FEMA (disaster relief)
American Red Cross (disaster relief & relocation/sheltering)
Salvation Army AK (disaster relief)
SECC (if established)
Notify all other organizations listed under WARNING PHASE (above) as appropriate.
*See Appendix D for phone numbers

RESPONSE ACTIONS
Review Warning checklist.
Activate Emergency Operations Center and establish Incident Command Post, if necessary.
Establish a watch/ observation system for future avalanches.
Launch search & rescue efforts as needed.
Disseminate public information.
Limit travel/recreation in affected areas.
Account for all persons in affected area.
Establish shelters.
Secure evacuated areas.
Establish safe location for emergency medical care.
If conditions warrant, declare a borough disaster emergency and request state disaster emergency declaration.

Avalanche Recovery Phase

POTENTIAL CONTACTS
Ensure that all organizations listed under WARNING and RESPONSE phases have been notified, as appropriate.
Counseling services (community healing)
*See Appendix D for phone numbers

RECOVERY ACTIONS
Review Warning & Response checklists.
Coordinate recovery activities with local, state, and federal agencies.
Identify safety hazards and undertake corrective action.
Arrange for snow and debris clearance.
Restore damaged utilities and transportation systems (air, road, port)
Arrange for return of evacuees
Arrange emergency housing as needed.
Perform damage assessments, post-incident cleanup, and utilities restoration.
Continue to disseminate public information regarding ongoing hazards and relief efforts.
Initiate community healing programs, as needed.
Provide monetary figures necessary to support a request for disaster declaration.
Complete and submit appropriate agency documentation and reports.
Perform a post-incident critique.

Earthquake Checklists

EarthQuake Warning Phase

WARNING: Earthquakes occur without sufficient warning to undertake pre-incident-specific actions. There is no tsunami risk in the Mat-Su Borough. The Borough is at a greater risk of soil liquefaction in low lying wet areas.

EarthQuake Response Phase

POTENTIAL CONTACTS
MSB DES
Police department in affected area
Alaska Earthquake Information Center (AEIC)
SECC (if established)
MSBSD
AST
Hospital/clinic in affected area (if human health risks)
Alaska Department of Public Health (if human health risks/fatalities)
ADOTPF
Tri-Borough Mutual Aid
DHS/EM (disaster relief)
FEMA (disaster relief)
American Red Cross (disaster relief & relocation/sheltering)
Salvation Army AK (disaster relief)
*See Appendix D for phone numbers

Response Actions
Warn citizens of the dangers of weakened or collapsing buildings.
Issue evacuation orders as appropriate.
Activate IMT & establish EOC and ICP.
Work with utility companies & municipalities to restore essential public utilities and facilities.
Control fires and hazmat releases.
Activate reconnaissance, rescue and medical strike teams and/or task forces.
Maintain public order and crowd control.
Disseminate public information.
Account for all persons in community.
Establish shelters.
Secure evacuated areas.
Establish safe location for emergency medical care and arrange for medical evacuations as necessary.
Estimate damage extent.
Establish resource tracking and cost accounting systems
If conditions warrant, declare a borough disaster emergency and request state disaster emergency declaration.

Earthquake Recovery Phase

Response Actions
Review Response checklist.
Coordinate recovery activities with state and federal relief agencies.
Arrange for debris clearance.
Work to restore damaged utilities and transportation systems (airstrip, roadways, port, gas, electric, and water facilities).
Assessment of critical infrastructure for operator and occupant safety.
Arrange for emergency housing as necessary.
Establish disaster aid centers to process applications for individual and family rehabilitation.
Survey safety hazards and undertake corrective measures, including a health and sanitation survey and disease prevention measures.
Arrange for handling and identification of fatalities and mental health support services.
Disseminate public information regarding ongoing hazards and relief efforts.
Continue to restore and maintain essential public utilities and facilities.
Establish Community Healing Program, if needed.
Perform damage assessments.
Provide monetary figures necessary to support a request for disaster declaration.
Complete and submit necessary reports and paperwork to agencies.
Perform a post-incident critique.

Earthquake Stabilization and Restoration Sequence

The priorities reflected in this list are general guidelines for returning the affected Mat-Su Borough communities to operational and economic normalcy following an earthquake.

Type of Service	Priority 1	Priority 2	Priority 3
Communications	Emergency response EOC EAS radio station services Warning sirens	Essential phone circuits Non-EAS radio stations	Data and other commercial communications services
Facilities	Dispatch Centers Fire Stations Hospital/Medical Facilities Shelters Water Treatment Plants Police AST	Grocery Stores Public Works Sewer Treatment Plants City/Borough offices State/Federal offices	Schools Libraries Businesses
Energy	Power to fuel pumps Power to EOC Power to shelters Power to hospital/medical facilities Power to water treatment plants	Power to sewer treatment Heating/cooking Power to public facilities	Dwellings Businesses
Transportation	Primary routes Evacuation routes Airport	Secondary routes	Harbor facilities
Equipment	Emergency generators Emergency response vehicles	Heavy Equipment	Buses
Personnel	Borough dept. heads Emergency response personnel IMT staff	Workers essential to reconstruction, debris and waste disposal	Personnel necessary for economic recovery
Water	Fire suppression Potable water Sanitation	Industrial processes

Energy Shortage or Interruption Checklists

Energy Shortage or Interruption Warning Phase

POTENTIAL CONTACTS
MSB DES
Radio station in affected area
Police department in affected area
AST
Electricity or fuel provider(s) in affected area
Enstar
MEA
Chugach Electric
*See Appendix D for phone numbers

Response Actions
Identify at-risk areas.
Estimate possible consequences.
Inform IMT as appropriate.
Establish and maintain contact with other affected areas and jurisdictions.
Coordinate with other state and federal agencies.
Alert public utilities and review emergency shutdown procedures.
Estimate nature & scope of assistance required by community & threatened utilities.
Arrange for public announcements via radio, television, newspaper.

Energy Shortage or Interruption Response Phase

POTENTIAL CONTACTS
DHS/EM (disaster relief)
FEMA (disaster relief)
SECC (if established)
Tri-Borough Mutual Aid (if needed)
MSBSD
American Red Cross (disaster relief & relocation/sheltering)
Salvation Army AK (disaster relief)
Enstar
MEA
Chugach Electric
*See Appendix D for phone numbers

Response Actions
Review Warning checklist.
Activate IMT, establish EOC and ICP.
Determine the extent of interruption.
Disseminate public information.
Account for all persons.
Prepare to activate shelters or locate emergency housing for evacuees.
Arrange for emergency and backup power for critical services.
Develop energy conservation plan & coordinate with other jurisdictions.
Identify potential "back-up" fuels, such as cut wood, and plan for allocation.
Be ready for problems such as inactivated traffic signals, street lights, heating problems, low water pressure.
Provide special assistance to low income and homeless as needed.
If conditions warrant, declare a borough disaster emergency and request state disaster emergency declaration.
Estimate damage extent.
Establish resource tracking and cost accounting systems

Energy Shortage or Interruption Recovery Phase

POTENTIAL CONTACTS
Ensure that all organizations listed under WARNING and RESPONSE phases have been notified, as appropriate.

Counseling services (community healing)
Enstar
MEA
Chugach Electric
*See Appendix D for phone numbers

Response Actions
Review Warning & Response checklists.
Coordinate recovery activities with state and federal relief agencies.
Establish disaster aid centers to process applications for individual and family rehabilitation.
Establish priorities for utility restoration.
Restore essential public utilities and facilities.
Establish Community Healing Program, if needed.
Perform damage assessments.
Provide monetary figures necessary to support a request for disaster declaration.
Complete and submit appropriate agency documentation and reports.
Perform a post-incident critique.

Oil Spill and Hazardous Materials Release Response Checklists

NATIONAL RESPONSE CENTER (NRC) 24-HR CONTACT: 1-800-424-8802

The NRC must be contacted whenever an oil discharge enters or threatens to enter navigable waters of the United States or whenever a hazardous substance greater than a reportable quantity is released. Failing to report such releases to the NRC can result in severe fines.

ALASKA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION (ADEC)

State law requires all oil and hazardous substance releases to be reported to ADEC.

During normal business hours call or fax a completed spill report form to the nearest ADEC Area Response Team. Outside normal business hours, call 1-800-478-9300

Central Response Team (CRT): 269-3063 (ph) 269-7648 (fax)

Only trained responders with the requisite Hazardous Materials certification should take part in tactical oil spill response operations.

Refer to the Unified Plan and Subarea Contingency Plans for additional information on organizing for Oil Spill and Hazardous Materials response, response strategies, and additional notification information.

http://www.akrrt.org/plans.shtml

Oil Spill and Hazardous Materials Release Warning Checklist

WARNING: Oil Spills and Hazardous Materials Releases occur without sufficient warning to undertake pre-incident-specific actions.

Oil Spill and Hazardous Materials Release Response Checklist

POTENTIAL CONTACTS
MSB DES
SECC (if established)
Fire department in affected area
Harbor Master (if vessel/port spill)
MSBSD
Hospital/clinic in affected area (if human health risks)
National Response Center
ADEC Spill Reporting
Alaska Chadux (oil spill cleanup)
CISPRI (oil spill cleanup)
Alyeska SERVS (oil spill cleanup)
U.S. Coast Guard MSD Kenai
CHEMTREC
Call 800 number listed on shipping papers/labels.

*See Appendix D for phone numbers

Response Actions
Assess the situation to determine type of release, approximate size, weather factors, etc.
Secure the area where release has occurred.
If safe to do so, stop the leak and initiate containment.
Identify materials involved. Look for information on labels, shipping papers.
Disseminate public information about evacuation or shelter-in-place.
Initiate evacuation, if necessary.
Prepare to activate shelters or locate emergency housing for evacuees.
Inform EMS, hospitals of injuries.
Activate incident management team, establish command center.
Monitor public health & safety and respond to developing hazards.
Restore and maintain essential services.
If conditions warrant, declare a borough disaster emergency and request state disaster emergency declaration.
Refer to the appropriate Facility Response Plan (FRP) or Vessel Response Plan (VRP), or if no plan exists, refer to the Subarea Contingency Plan (SCP).

Oil Spill and Hazardous Materials Release Recovery Phase

Response Actions
Review Response checklist.
Ensure that all hazardous materials have been disposed of or neutralized.
Identify safety hazards and undertake corrective action.
Perform post-incident cleanup and restore damaged utilities and transportation systems.
Coordinate recovery activities with state and federal relief agencies.
Establish disaster aid centers to process applications for individual and family rehabilitation.
Establish Community Healing Program, if needed.
Perform damage assessments.
Provide monetary figures necessary to support a request for disaster declaration.
Complete and submit appropriate agency documentation and reports.
Perform a post-incident critique.

Pandemic Flu Response Checklists

Note: This section contains basic response action checklists for MSB personnel in the event of a Pandemic Influenza outbreak. During a Pandemic Flu incident, the State of Alaska Department of Public Health will be the lead agency managing the public health response and coordinating with federal agencies. The role of the Borough's IMT and EMS would be to support the state-led response both by taking proactive steps and by responding to direct requests from Department of Public Health.

Pandemic Flu Warning Phase

POTENTIAL CONTACTS
Alaska Department of Public Health
All hospitals and clinics
Private health care providers
Radio station in affected area

*See Appendix D for phone numbers

Response Actions
Monitor information releases from the Alaska Department of Public Health.
Review MSB Pandemic Influenza Plan, Annex L of this plan
Coordinate with schools, businesses, municipalities regarding plans to close and re-open facilities in case of a pandemic.
Publicize emergency public health information to include: Description of the situation and Guidelines on infection prevention; Location of mass vaccination centers; Closures of schools, offices, and other facilities; and Where to find additional information including situation updates, toll-free information lines, public and media briefings, etc.
Continue to emphasize the importance of annual influenza vaccine.
Inventory emergency medical personnel and supplies.
Identify local surge capacity sites.
Maintain an alert or standby of IMT personnel as needed to support the public health response.

Pandemic Flu Response Phase

POTENTIAL CONTACTS
State Medical Examiner
US Army 103rd Civil Support Team
Army National Guard
MSBSD
SECC (if established)
American Red Cross (disaster relief & relocation/sheltering)
Mental health support services
*See Appendix D for phone numbers

Response Actions
Review Warning checklist.
Activate incident management team, establish command center.
Coordinate with the Department of Public Health regarding response support needs.
Coordinate with municipal clerks and registrars regarding procedures to fill out and issue death certificates in case of a mass casualty.
Take steps to minimize the disruption of critical local services (fire protection, water, sewer, utilities, etc.).
Continue to disseminate public information, including location of mass dispensing clinics, disease prevention measures, and other critical information.
Establish emergency morgues, as necessary.
If conditions warrant, declare a borough disaster emergency and request state disaster emergency declaration.

Pandemic Flu Recovery Phase

POTENTIAL CONTACTS
Ensure that all organizations listed under WARNING and RESPONSE phases have been notified, as appropriate.

Counseling services (community healing)

*See Appendix D for phone numbers

Response Actions
Review Warning & Response checklists.
Arrange for handling and identification of fatalities and mental health support services.
Initiate immediate and long range rehabilitation measures and programs.
Continue to disseminate public information regarding ongoing human health risks and response activities.
Establish Community Healing Program, if needed.
Work on monetary damage estimates for disaster declaration.
Complete and submit appropriate agency documentation and reports.
Perform a post-incident critique.

Severe Weather Response Checklists

Severe Weather Warning Phase

POTENTIAL CONTACTS
AST
MSB DES
ADOTPF & MSB PW (if roadways are threatened)
Radio station in affected area
Police department in affected area
American Red Cross (if relocation is required)
National Weather Service (for forecasts)
*See Appendix D for phone numbers

Response Actions
Confirm forecasts with National Weather Service.
Identify at-risk areas.
Disseminate public information.
Assess current levels of heavy equipment for snow removal, etc.
Assess fuel levels. Initiate conservation programs as necessary.
Check generators and other backup power.
Pre-position response resources to support the response. Inventory heavy equipment, vehicles, and vessels to support response. Move emergency equipment, fuel, and medical supplies to safe area.

Severe Weather Response Phase

POTENTIAL CONTACTS
ADNR Forestry (for fire risk)
MSB DES
ADOTPF & MSB PW (if roadways are threatened)
Hospital/clinic in affected area (if injury/death)
DHS/EM (disaster relief)
FEMA (disaster relief)
SECC (if established)
Tri-Borough Mutual Aid (if needed)
American Red Cross (disaster relief & relocation/sheltering)
Salvation Army AK (disaster relief)
MSBSD
*See Appendix D for phone numbers

Response Actions
Review Warning checklist.
Continue to monitor forecasts.
Activate incident management team, establish command center.
Continue to disseminate public information.
Account for all persons from affected areas.
Determine the need to establish shelters for those who may be without heat or essential services.
Keep in communication with state/federal emergency response agencies.
Inform EMS, hospitals, clinic of injuries.
Establish emergency medical care facilities and arrange for medical evacuations, as necessary.
If conditions warrant, declare a borough disaster emergency and request state disaster emergency declaration.

Severe Weather Recovery Phase

POTENTIAL CONTACTS
Ensure that all organizations listed under WARNING and RESPONSE phases have been notified, as appropriate.

Counseling services (community healing)

*See Appendix D for phone numbers

Response Actions
Review Warning & Response checklists.
Coordinate recovery activities with state and federal relief agencies.
Provide Storm Damage Report, for forwarding to NWS.
Identify safety hazards and undertake corrective action.
Establish disaster aid centers to process applications for individual and family rehabilitation.
Arrange for snow and debris clearance.
Restore essential public utilities and facilities.
Perform damage assessments.
Establish Community Healing Program, if needed.
Provide monetary figures necessary to support a request for disaster declaration.
Complete and submit appropriate agency documentation and reports.
Perform a post-incident critique.

Terrorism/Weapons of Mass Destruction Checklists

Note: Terrorism warnings may come directly from the FBI.

If the warning is generated locally, the FBI Terrorism Hotline is the central point of contact for all federal agencies.

Terrorism/Weapons of Mass Destruction Warning Phase

POTENTIAL CONTACTS
Alaska 24-hr Terrorism Hotline (FBI)
National Terrorism Hotline (NTH)
MSB DES
Fire & police departments in affected area
Radio station in affected area
AST
Hospital/clinic in affected area
Alaska Department of Public Health (if human health risks/fatalities)
Other state/federal law enforcement agencies, as needed.

*See Appendix D for phone numbers

Response Actions
Investigate threats through local, state, federal law enforcement channels. Identify: Type of threat; What areas will be impacted and to what extent; How much warning time will elapse; What are possible consequences; and What measures can be taken to mitigate the possible effects.
Estimate the nature and scope of outside assistance that may be required.
Initiate incident communications plan.
Publicize emergency public information to include: Description of the situation and identification of at-risk areas; Guidelines on the protection of real and personal property; Location of emergency shelters or need to shelter in place; Closures of schools, offices, and other facilities; and Evacuation routes and reception areas and how future warning and evacuation instructions will be disseminated.
Maintain an alert or standby of personnel as necessary.
Inventory emergency medical personnel and supplies.
Identify local surge capacity sites.
Maintain an alert or standby of IMT personnel as needed to support the public health response.

Terrorism/Weapons of Mass Destruction Response Phase

POTENTIAL CONTACTS
FEMA Rapid Response Information System (RRIS)
Biological/chemical
FBI Bomb Data Center (if explosive device)
CDC (if suspected biological materials)
US Army 103rd Civil Support Team
Army National Guard
Tri-Borough Mutual Aid (if needed)
MSBSD
DHS/EM (disaster relief)
FEMA (disaster relief)
SECC
Salvation Army AK (disaster relief)
Mental health support services

*See Appendix D for phone numbers

Response Actions
Review Warning checklist.
Activate incident management team, establish command center.
Coordinate response with state and federal agencies.
In case of attack involving hazardous materials, see Hazmat checklist above.
If anthrax suspected, contain substance in double bag and wash hands with soap and water, no decon needed if substance is contained.
If biological agents are suspected, consult with veterinary specialists as early as possible to control spreading through animals and to minimize impacts to livestock and food supply.
Maintain order - control crowds, protect property.
Continue to disseminate public information, including evacuation information, shelter in place, how to get information on victims.
Issue evacuation orders as appropriate. Secure evacuated areas.
Account for all persons in affected (evacuated) areas.
Establish crowd control, reconnaissance, rescue, and medical strike teams/task forces with command center communications.
Control fires and the escapement and/or spread of hazardous or toxic substances.
Search for secondary devices.
Inform EMS, hospitals of injuries, especially if contaminated victims involved.
Conduct emergency decontamination.
Establish shelters as needed.
Establish emergency morgues, as necessary.
If conditions warrant, declare a borough disaster emergency and request state disaster emergency declaration.

Terrorism/Weapons of Mass Destruction Recovery Phase

POTENTIAL CONTACTS
Ensure that all organizations listed under WARNING and RESPONSE phases have been notified, as appropriate.

Counseling services (community healing)

*See Appendix D for phone numbers

Response Actions
Review Warning & Response checklists.
Take other actions necessary to restore public confidence and to solve problems at the root of the disturbances.
Initiate criminal investigations as needed.
Arrange for emergency housing as necessary.
Establish disaster aid centers to process applications for individual and family rehabilitation.
Survey safety hazards and undertake corrective measures, including a health and sanitation survey and disease prevention measures.
Arrange for initial debris clearance and restoration of essential public utilities and facilities.
Arrange for handling and identification of fatalities and mental health support services.
Initiate immediate and long range rehabilitation measures and programs.
Continue to disseminate public information regarding ongoing hazards and relief efforts.
Establish Community Healing Program, if needed.
Work on monetary damage estimates for disaster declaration.
Complete and submit appropriate agency documentation and reports.
Perform n post-incident critique.
Take other actions necessary to restore public confidence and to solve problems at the root of the disturbances.
Initiate criminal investigations as needed.

Transportation Incident Checklists

Transportation Incident Warning Phase

WARNING: Transportation Incidents usually occur without sufficient warning to undertake pre-incident-specific actions.

Transportation Incident Response Phase

POTENTIAL CONTACTS
MSB DES
Police department in affected area
Fire department in affected area
AST
Hospital/clinic in affected area
ADOTPF (if roadways impacted)
Alaska Railroad
MASCOT
MSBSD
Tri-Borough Mutual Aid (if needed)
DHS/EM (disaster relief)
FEMA (disaster relief)
SECC (if established)
American Red Cross (disaster relief & relocation/sheltering)
Salvation Army AK (disaster relief)
Social support and mental health services
NTSB

*See Appendix D for phone numbers

Response Actions
Secure the area. Control crowds.
Control fires and hazmat releases as necessary. Refer to the appropriate checklist.
Activate IMT, establish EOC
Inform EMS, hospital if injuries
Evaluate need for evacuation and sheltering
Arrange for public alert and warning.
Account for all persons in affected area.
Ensure evacuation routes are passable.
Establish a radiological monitoring strike teams and/or task force(s) if radioactive materials are believed to be involved.
Establish shelters as necessary.
Establish emergency medical care facilities and arrange for medical evacuations, as necessary.
Disseminate public information about shelters, how to find out about victims.
Request AST, Red Cross assistance with temporary morgues and burials.
Restore and maintain essential services.
Notify National Transportation and Safety Board of mass casualty incidents. Secure scene for investigation.

Transportation Incident Recovery Phase

POTENTIAL CONTACTS
Ensure that all organizations listed under WARNING and RESPONSE phases have been notified, as appropriate.

Counseling services (community healing)

*See Appendix D for phone numbers

Response Actions
Review Response checklist.
Maintain scene security.
Identify safety hazards and undertake corrective action.
Arrange for emergency housing as necessary.
Establish disaster aid centers to process applications for individual and family rehabilitation.
Arrange for initial debris clearance and restoration of essential public utilities, facilities, and transportation systems.
Arrange for handling and identification of fatalities and mental health support services.
Continue to disseminate public information.
Establish Community Healing Program, if needed.
Work on monetary damage estimates for disaster declaration.
Complete and submit appropriate agency documentation and reports.
Perform a post-incident critique.

Volcanic Ashfall Response Checklists

If WARNING TIME IS EXTREMELY LIMITED, there are two conditions that the community should be concerned with regarding volcano activity: EARTHQUAKES AND VOLCANIC ASHFALL.

Volcanic Ashfall Warning Phase

POTENTIAL CONTACTS
Alaska Volcano Observatory
National Weather Service
MSB DES
Police department in affected area
Radio station in affected area
Fire department in affected area
ADOT PF & MSB DES
AST
American Red Cross (if relocation is required)
MSBSD

*See Appendix D for phone numbers

Response Actions
Evaluate forecasts & predictions. Confirm risks with AK Volcano Observatory.
Identify type of risk (mudslide, ash cloud, etc.) and at-risk areas.
Identify high-risk populations who may need special attention or early evacuation.
Activate incident management team, establish command center.
Identify safe areas suitable for sheltering evacuees. Set up shelters.
Ensure that evacuation routes are passable.
Arrange for public alert and warning.
Notify public of ashfall safety rules, vehicle travel considerations, and other appropriate information.
Contact and warn outlying populations, small aircraft, fishing vessels, or others that may be threatened by ash fall.
Inventory heavy equipment for use in response & recovery.
Preposition emergency equipment, fuel, and medical supplies in safe area for use after volcano.
Prepare emergency services for possible need for operations in heavy ash and dust environments.

Volcanic Ashfall Response Phase

POTENTIAL CONTACTS
Hospital/clinic in affected area (if injury or death)
Public Health Department (if human health risks or fatalities)
ADOT PF & MSB PW
DHS/EM (disaster relief)
FEMA (disaster relief)
SECC (if established)
Tri-Borough Mutual Aid (if needed)
EPA (air quality)
American Red Cross (disaster relief & relocation/sheltering)
Salvation Army AK (disaster relief)
Social support and mental health services

*See Appendix D for phone numbers

Response Actions
Review Warning checklist.
Establish a watch/observation system for volcano activity.
Continue to assess eruption situation.
Continue to disseminate public information.
Arrange for emergency housing and sheltering as necessary.
Secure evacuated areas.
Account for all persons from affected areas.
Establish facility/safe location for emergency medical care.
Establish emergency medical care facilities and arrange for medical evacuations, as necessary.
Inform EMS, hospitals of injuries.
Conduct air quality testing and monitoring as needed.
Disseminate public information about shelters, how to find out about victims.
Implement emergency utility cutoff as needed.
Conduct reconnaissance of areas becoming impacted, especially by heavy ash fallout. Be alert to building and structural failure due to increased roof loading from ash and debris
Work to restore damaged utilities and transportation systems (airstrip, roadways, port, gas, electric, and water facilities).
If conditions warrant, declare a borough disaster emergency and request state disaster emergency declaration.

Volcanic Ashfall Recovery Phase

POTENTIAL CONTACTS
Ensure that all organizations listed under WARNING and RESPONSE phases have been notified, as appropriate.

Counseling services (community healing)

*See Appendix D for phone numbers

Response Actions
Review Warning & Response checklists.
Coordinate recovery activities with state and federal relief agencies.
Identify safety hazards and undertake corrective action, including health and sanitation surveys and initiation of disease prevention measures.
Arrange for debris clearance, especially in culverts/drainage areas.
Work to restore damaged utilities and transportation systems (airstrip, roadways, port, gas, electric, and water facilities), if any.
Arrange for emergency housing as necessary.
Establish disaster aid centers to process applications for individual and family rehabilitation.
Establish Community Healing Program, if needed.
Work on monetary damage estimates for disaster declaration.
Complete and submit appropriate agency documentation and reports.
Perform a post-incident critique.

Last Updated on Monday, 24 October 2011 09:27