HomeMy WebLinkAbout851092.tiff DIVISION r
OF WELD COUNTY Nino
lcgIDNERs
DISASTER 0 EC,E
OCT i 1 198b
EMERGENCY lil
SERVICES r'REE„y, coLO of September 30, 1985 �° r
Quarterly Information Bulletin Circulation - 450 \� �
Camk George West, Golden, CO 80401 •'%+ '•
DIRECTOR'S NOTES -
As the Federal Fiscal Year ends and we are "closing out our books", local al a entities- are
preparing their budgets for the new calendar year. Hopefully, preparedness
p
especially hazard analyses and local emergency planning will receive significant
consideration in local budget deliberations. I have recently written
nanton to countyy
commissioners stressing the urgency of comprehensive local emergency p 8
emergency command and management system development (letter to County Commissioners dated
13 August, 1985). Well prepared and exercised emergency operations plans have a major
influence on the efficient management of disaster operations and on the public's
perception of how well the job was done. The disaster recovery operations (Western
Slope-Presidentially declared; and State declared - San Luis Valley, Garfield, Mesa,
Dolores, 'and Teller Counties) which DODES is now managing continually highlight the need
of this planning emphasis.
We have also published our program emphasis for 1986 - which lays out our guidelines for
State and local multi-year development plans for the growing emergency management systems
throughtout the State.
Additionally, we are publishing a number of documents which will soon be sent out if you
did not receive them at our last training session in Grand Junction:
- The State Flood Hazard Mitigation Plan,
- Dam Failure Awareness: an Addendum to our High Risk Study,
- A checklist of answers to important questions which confront the emergency management
community.
Finally, please read the other issues contained in this newsletter carefully; they
reflect the growth and increasing complexity of our disaster preparedness system. If you
doubt the importance of the progress we are making, reflect on the urgent needs of our
good neighbors in Mexico following their massive and deeply regrettable disaster.
John P. Bytne
Director
M0663
OLM 851092
ee-
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TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND WARNING
DODES has a new main telephone number, 277-0854. This replaces only the 279-2511 number.
Any 273 prefix numbers you have for the staff are still good, as is the 279-8855 emer-
gency number. This is a result of adding new trunks, so you should get fewer busy
signals when calling DODES.
Lakewood has just contracted for a new electronic outdoor siren system solar powered with
public address capability to cover the entire city, to be built over the next four
months. Rather than pay for it all at once, Lakewood is procuring the system via lease
purchase, over a period of five years. In a time of disappearing federal warning funds,
this is a very good way of gaining a comprehensive outdoor warning system, without the
high initial outlay normally required.
OPERATIONS
The Operations Section would like to remind interested persons of the following dates:
1 Oct 1985 - FFY-86 Program Papers are due into DODES.
15 Oct 1985 - Progress reports on objectives in the 4th Quarter FFY-85 program paper
are due into DODES. We need these reports in order to consolidate
activities in our final report to FEMA.
15 Oct 1985 - Fourth Quarter EMA billings are due into DODES. Excessive delays in
submitting the final billing in FFY-85 may result in the books being
'closed tie ore we can-prOceen- tte billing.-
1 Nov 1985 - We will return approved FFY-86 Program Papers.
SHELTER SYSTEM SURVEY
Frank Mollner, the DODES Shelter System Engineer, will finish surveying Boulder and
Jefferson Counties and updating Chaffee and La Plata Counties for FFY-86 (1 October 1985
- 30 September 1986).
NATIONAL FLOOD INSURANCE PROGRAM
Order a Flood Insurance Study pertaining to your community (floodplain program) by calling
toll-free 1-800-638-6620.
JOB OPENINGS
The Division currently has two vacant positions to fill. One is a Disaster Preparedness
Specialist I, Hazardous Materials Coordinator; and the second is Radiological Defense
Officer. We will begin recruiting and advertising the positions for 10 days beginning
the week of 23 September 1985. Announcements will be posted in State personnel offices,
Job Service Centers and other State office buildings. Anyone interested in applying for
these positions should follow the instructions on the announcement. For further informa-
tion, you may contact Dave Lawton at 273-1784.
WESTERN SLOPE FLOOD RECOVERY UPDATE
Flood assistance grants being administered to communities in 15 Western Slope counties
as a result of 1984 floods is approaching the $5 million mark, as reconstruction progres-
ses and flood recovery activities wind down in the presidentially-declared disaster area.
The Public Assistance Program, a cost-sharing grant program between federal (75%),
state (10%) and local (15%) ,governments, is intended to help communities restore public-
ly-owned facilities and services damaged or destroyed as a result of a major disaster.
The program in Colorado is under the direction of State Coordinating Officer, Pat Byrne;
Federal Flood Recovery Manager, John Swanson; and Leonard Boulas, acting as the Gover-
nor's Authorized Representative. There are 71 Colorado counties, cities, towns, special
districts and private, non-profit organizations participating as applicants for this
assistance.
The warm weather months have provided local governments the opportunity to undertake
permanent reconstruction at those sites most seriously impacted by the spring floods of
1984. The work deadline for permanent projects is 26 January 1986. In addition to
helping to restore flood-damaged public facilities such as roads, bridges, parks and
public utility systems, the program reimburses communities for debris clearance, stream-
bank protection activities and emergency and protective measures taken at the time of the
flood. To date, seventeen of the 71 applicants have completed all work (emergency and
permanent), received full reimbursement and are officially "closed out."
The State's share of project costs became available this spring and is currently being
disbursed to applicants. Applicants with grants exceeding $25,000. are required to
undergo a state audit before final payment can be made. A final inspection of work is
also performed or larger projects such as work on bridges and water and sanitation
facilities. A small portion of both the federal and state shares is retained until all
work, reviews, inspections and audits have been completed. Upon final payment, the grant
is considered closed out. A summary of Western Slope assistance is as follows:
State Payments: Current $ 250,000. Projected $ 640.,000.
Federal Payments: Current $ 3,000,000. Projected $ 4,700,000.
Total Payments: Current $ 3,250,000. Projected $ 5,300,000.
DAM SAFETY
Dam failure is a particularly threatening hazard in Colorado as in many other states; and
many structural and nonstructural efforts are being taken to improve dam safety. The
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is responsible for the coordination of federal
efforts to promote dam safety as directed by Executive Order 12148, which created FEMA,
and a Presidential Directive dated October 4, 1979. FEMA's Dam Safety Program is direc-
ted towards providing technical assistance and guidance in support of strengthening State
Dam Safety programs, including the encouragement of nonfederal dam safety programs to
reduce this hazard to the public.
FEMA has awarded the State of Colorado a dam safety project to develop a Dam Owners
Guidance Manual, national in scope, applicable to all 50 states, and adaptable to meet
the unique needs of dam owners in other states. Co-chairmen of the project are John P.
Byrne, Director of Division of Disaster Emergency Services, and Jeris A. Danielson,
State Engineer. FEMA has approved the project to begin this fiscal year with completion
in September 1986. Mr. William Bivins, will be the FEMA Headquarters Project Officer,
and Pat Hagan (DODES) will be the Project Officer for Colorado.
According to a study done for FEMA and a report presented to a national conference of
state dam safety officials, Colorado is one of ten states with the best safety programs.
To keep momentum in the nonstructural approach to dam safety, DODES recently developed
and distributed a publication The Dam Failure Hazard; Awareness and Preparedness at the
DODES seminar held in Grand Junction, Colorado. Emergency Management Directors/Coordina-
tors who have not received a copy, or those who would like additional copies should
contact Pat Hagan at (303) 273-1773.
1985 LEGISLATIVE SESSION UPDATE
The following is a status on those bills introduced during the 1985 Legislative Session
which impact Emergency Preparedness:
HOUSE BILL 1096 FIRE DRILLS FOR PUBLIC SCHOOLS - LOST
HOUSE BILL 1036 AUTHORITY OF COUNTIES TO ADOPT FIRE CODES - PASSED
HOUSE BILL 1100 COUNCIL EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES - PASSED
HOUSE BILL 1153 CONCERNING OUTFITTERS - PASSED
HOUSE BILL 1212 SEARCH-RESCUE FUND - LOST
HOUSE BILL 1289 SURFACE WATER RUNOFF-BLOWING SOILS - LOST
HOUSE BILL 1337 TRANSPORT HAZARDOUS MATERIALS - LOST
HOUSE BILL 1377 LIABILITY OF RESERVOIR OWNERS - PASSED
SENATE BILL 3 RESERVOIR OPERATORS - PASSED
SENATE BILL 50 RE: EMERGENCY TELEPHONE SERVICES - PASSED
SENATE BILL 62 OIL-GAS SAFETY REGULATIONS - PASSED
SENATE BILL 109 HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES SITES - PASSED
SENATE BILL 164 IDENTIFICATION OF HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES - PASSED
SENATE BILL 248 TRANSPORT` OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS - LOST
The major issue involved in this session from an emergency preparedness standpoint
was the issue of Hazardous Materials, and as can be seen from the above, favorable action
was not taken by the legislature. Undoubtedly this will be an issue again in this
year's coming session. Supplemental budget request to cover the costs of the Western
Slope Federally Declared oisas`£er in-the amount of $791,800. was approve -b!the legisla-
ture. Additionally, they did not object to the Governor using his emergency authority to
transfer year-end general fund reversions for the purpose of addressing State-declared
disaster costs to the tune of $700,000. DODES is presently seeking sponsorship for its
NOAA Radio Weather Monitor legislation for this next legislative session.
STATE DECLARED DISASTERS
Since the time of the last newsletter the Governor has issued State Disaster Area desig-
nations for the following jurisdictions: Alamosa, Rio Grande, Teller, Garfield, Mineral
and Mesa Counties due to the impacts from spring snowmelt runoff flooding, and earth and
mudflows. State assistance on a cost-sharing basis has been authorized for each of these
jurisdictions, with the total State share of the assistance program being approximately
$700,000. The Governor used his emergency authority to transfer year-end general fund
reversions to provide for this financial aid. The DODES Disaster Recovery Staff (Bob
Ristner - Bob Wold) dealing with Western Slope Federal Disaster Recovery Program have
been assigned responsibiity for facilitating this State assistance. The Dolores County
State-declared disaster from the summer of 1984 is still open pending receipt of final
documentation of expenses. Two issues that have been raised as a result of these State
declarations are first, the need to formally establish a State Disaster Emergency Finan -
cial Aid Policy. This will be worked on during the coming months by DODES and the office
of State Planning and Budgeting. The other issue is the lack of a State Hazard Mitiga-
tion program that can address funding the longer term solutions to many of the State's
potential threats. This is an issue which needs to be addressed by the Colorado Legisla-
ture. Such an initiative, it is felt, should come from the counties, cities, and
towns, and their professional associations who are the ones most adversely affected by
the nonexistence of such a program.
TRAINING ACTIVITIES SCHEDULE
DATE ACTIVITY LOCATION
7-11 OCT 85 Intro. to Emergency Mgmt. Cheyenne WY
21-25 OCT 85 Intro, to Emergency Mgmt. Dillon CO
2-6 DEC 85 Emergency Planning Casper WY
20-24 JAN 86 Emergency Planning Salt Lake City UT
10-14 FEB 86 Emergency Planning Denver CO
10-14 MAR 86 Radiological Officer Course Cheyenne WY
10-14 MAR 86 Formulating Public Policy Salt Lake City UT
and Effective Communications.
25-27 MAR 86 Leadership & Influence Colorado Spgs. CO
14-15 APR 86 *New Directors Workshop(WEM) Lakewood CO
16-17 APR 86 *Advanced Directors Workshop Lakewood CO
19-23 MAY 86 Shelter Systems Officer Colorado Spgs CO
2=6 JUN 86 Radiological Resp. Team Trng. Dillon CO
22-24 JUL 86 Exercise Design Silver Creek CO
18-19 AUG 86 . Creative Financing CO
20 AUG 86 *Public Officials Conference CO
21-22 AUG 86 *Directors Workshop(WEM) CO
25-29 AUG 86 Shelter Systems Officer Thermopolis WY
15-19 SEP 86 Radiological Resp. Team Trng. Grand Junction CO
22-26 SEP 86 Leadership & Influence—Decision WY
Making and Problem Solving
(Basic Skills)
1. Use 'FEMA form 75-5 to nominate yourself and others for all training activities EXCEPT
those marked with (*) asterisk. Register for those activities marked with an asterisk
by rising the DODES registration form that will be sent to you in advance of the WEM
or Conference.
2. Applications (forms 75-5) and Registration forms must be received at DODES 4 weeks
prior to the start of the course or REM/Conference. This lead time is needed so
students can be notified of their acceptance for a course and so that motel
reservations and other details can be arranged. Send in form 75-5 applications
early.
3. Students of courses in Colorado and participants in our WEM/Conferences are normally
provided with a motel room and reimbursed in accordance with State rules for travel
(20 cents/mile round trip) and meals (B $4, L $6, D $14). Students sent to courses
in other states are reimbursed for lodging costs, per State rules, in lieu of lodging
furnished and travel/meal reimbursements are provided contingent upon satisfactory
completion of the training activity involved.
4. Courses in Colorado are limited to about 35 students. No more than 3 Colorado
students are sent to any one out-of-State course.
5. A description of Training Activities follow below. Note that there are pre-
reqdisites to attending some courses.
a. Introduction to Emergency Management: Designed for emergency managers, their
staffs, police, fire, public works, EMS, social services andd others from both
public and private, paid/volunteers, involved in managing or responding to
disaster emergencies; to give them solid understanding of emergency management
concepts, terminology and methods thru seminar sessions, team—building activities,
individual and group exercises. This course also includes graded quizzes and a
final exam. The American Council on Education(ACE) recommends local colleges
grant 2 semester credit hours, baccalaurate lower level for completion of this
course.
b. Emergency Planning: Designed for the same community leadership from public and
private sectors as the Introduction to Emergency Management Course; provides a
thorough understanding of the process of developing a plan, plan contents and
format and the team approach to planning thru a series of seminars and individual
and group exercises. The course includes graded quizzes and a final exam. A
prerequisite to this course is the Introduction to Emergency Management Course.
The ACE recommends local colleges grant 2 semester credit hours baccaluareate
upper level for completion of this course.
c. The 4 Basic Skills Course Modules: Leadership and Influence, Decision Making and
Problem Solving; Creative Financing and Effective Communication are designed
primarily for emergency management directors and their staffs and are short
courses designed to sharpen and refresh general managment skills. Each module is
conducted in seminar fashion that provides for extensive student participation.
Each module includes graded exercises. The ACE recommends award of one semester
credit hour, baccalaurate lower level for each module completed. No prerequisite.
ign rse: for e s as the
d. Introductions and theuPlanningisCourses.� Participants emergency earn of mthegetypes of
exercises; their uses; how to design an exercise program and write and conduct an
exercise, thru seminar and work group sessions that illustrate the value of
teamwork in exercising. A prerequisite to this course is completion of the home
study course "Emergency Management USA" or attendance at either the Introduction
or Planning course.
e. Shelter Systems Officer Course: Designed for the city/county social services
department which is the agency responsible for operation of shelters in an
emergency disaster. Open also to Red Cross and other volunteer agencies who
assist in managing the community's shelter system. Course students will be taught
how to train shelter managers, thru seminar, individual and group activities.
Quizzes and a final exam are included. Students must have taken the Shelter
Manager course as a prerequisite to attending this Shelter Systems Officer Course.
f. The Radiological Response Team Training Course is designed for public works, FMS,
law enforcement, fire service and health service workers who are involved in
response to hazardous materials incidents. Students of this course must have
completed a Radiological Monitor (or RM-upgrade) course given after February 1985.
g. The New Directors Workshop(WEM) is being rescheduled from the fall to the spring
as a means of reaching new directors earlier in their careers.
h. The agenda for the 16-17 April WEM remains open at this time. Suggestions for
topics are requested of Directors. Hazardous materials response and management is
a major topic being considered.
i. The POC scheduled for 20 August is intended for Directors and their chief elected
official. The POC will concentrate on the legal obligations of elected officials
emergericy"WtparedHese aa:Y""tom"``BAs of satisfying theme obligations thru
planning and exercising and other community activities. Early registrations will
get priority in the event fund availability places limits on attendance.
j. The WEM scheduled for 21-22 August will address program and fiscal guidance for
the coming Federal Fiscal year among other topics. Elected officials who attended
the POC are invited to remain for the WEM. Early registrations will get priority
of funds availability causes limits on number of attendees.
.. /
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS UPDATE
As you may know, five out of six pieces of Haz Mat related legislation introduced
during the 1985 session did not pass. The subject was, however, sent to an Interim
Committee for further study over the summer and a preliminary draft for proposed
legislative action in the next session is being worked. When we receive the final
draft proposal, we will solicit your comments and input at the earliest opportunity to
avoid the time crunch we experienced last year. Proposed legislation aside, it is
crucial that we have your immediate and continuing support if we are to . achieve a
meaningful improvement in our state wide Haz Mat emergency response capability — to
include resource assistance to local jurisdictions. If you and the elected officials
in your area do not perceive the local risks associated with the storage,
transportation and use of hazardous materials to be significant, then we will not have
the grass roots involvement necessary to bring about change.
On a related issue, you should know that as a result of the Bhopal, India tragedy, the
L' S Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has undertaken a study aimed at identifying
materials/chemicals posing acute hazards which may be in use throughout the county.
When the study is completed, the information generated will require immediate inclusion
in the all hazards concepts of risk analysis and capability assessment inherent in
integrated emergency management. The acute hazard identification will have particular
relevance to fixed facilities (e.g., storage, manufacture, etc.) in your local
jurisdictions. We will keep you posted.
ROCKY FLATS EXERCISE
An exercise of the Rocky Flats Facilty emergency response plans both on-site and off-
site was conducted on 10 September 1985. While overall response actions were adequate,
the critique of the exercise pointed to a need for upgrading communications between key
response elements; and for consideration in establishment of a fixed State forward
command post similar to that utilized with respect to Ft. St. Vrain.
RED CLIFF
MUDSLIDE WARNING DEVICE
BACKGROUND
During the snowmelt period in May of 1984, several mud slides occurred on
steep slopes above the Town of Red Cliff in Eagle County. Debris flows
released by shallow landslides and soil slips in the upper reaches of an
unwooded steep gully poured downslope where it intersected the main road into
town. The slides buried the road to a depth of 4 feet and closed the road for
over a week. Several homes sustained water and mud damage in basements. The
town waged a valiant flood and mud fight during those days in May, however,
the coming spring thaws of 1985 will probably bring more of the same to the
town.
On March 4, 1985, staff members of the Colorado Division of Disaster
Emergency Services (DODES), Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB), and the
Emergency Preparedness Director of Eagle County met with the Mayor and Town
Council to discuss the potential mud slide hazard facing their community. The
council voted to join the National Flood Insurance Program and pass certain
ordinances that would limit construction in certain high hazard areas. The
council also asked assistance from DODES and the Colorado Geological Survey in
evaluating the slide potential for spring 1985.
On March 12, 1985, Mr. Pat Rogers, Colorado Geological Survey, Robert L.
Kistner and David Holm, of Disaster Emergency Services accompanied by Jack
Johnson of Eagle County met with the town officials to evaluate the site and
noted that the only mitigation action at this time would be an alarm
triggering device to alert the dozen.or so occupants that live directly in the
path of the impending mud slide, a device similar to one which was
successfully tested last year in Utah. The critical problem is that the path
of the potential mud slide has an average 60 percent slope in its 2,000 ft. of
distance and a 1200 ft. change in elevation..
THE DEVICE
The mechanism is composed of an actuating device with a basic 30 gallon trash
can suspended in the debris channel that is torn loose by the force of a
debris flow. The breaking of the wire triggers the control box devices to
sound the one hundred watt high/low police type siren and at the same time
turn on the red strobe to warn traffic on the road. The control box houses a
battery which is the power source for the warning device. The battery is
recharged constantly from the top mounted solar cells.
INSTALLATION
Installation of device was accomplished by the Division of Disaster Emergency
Services and Town of Red Cliff volunteers. The warning device was operational
throughout the period of May 15, 1985 to present. As of this date, the device
has not sounded a warning, however, it remains ready to serve.
Y MBA,
,tG Federal Emergency Management Agency
m Washington, I)AD. 20472
"yo o
AUG 2 1985
Mr. John P. Byrne
Director, Disaster Emergency
Services
DOC, Camp George West
Golden, Colorado 80401
Dear Mr. Byrne:
FEMA's Office of Public Affairs is updating its Winter Safety Workbook to
help planners in your state design and conduct an effective winter
awareness campaign.
FEMA would like to improve the distribution and sharing of public
information/education materials on winter safety. Target groups include
those most vulnerable to severe winter: the elderly, handicapped, and
economically disadvantaged.
An initial distribution will be made to individuals at the state and
local levels and in the private sector who contributed to or expressed an
interest in our last winter survival campaign.
We have found awareness campaign workbooks an effective tool in helping
emergency managers deliver winter safety messages to the public. Please
let us know if you would like these materials distributed in your state
to assist in developing and conducting winter preparedness programs.
If you have any ideas or resources that you would like to contribute
please call Jane Sornberger, Paul Girolami, or Jeryl Jackson at (202)
646-4600, or write to the Office of Public Affairs, Winter Safety
Campaign, FEMA, Washington, D.C. 20472. The winter season is fast
approaching, and we would appreciate hearing from you.
ince y,
girCkg
Robert V. Mahaffey
Director
Office of Public Affairs
*****CALL DAVE LAWTON -- 273-1784
DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY
94TH ORDNANCE DE TA CNMENT (EOD)
FORSCOM FIELD OPERA TING ACTIVITY(DCSOPS)
FORT CARSON, COLORADO 10913
ACA
August 30, 1985 ter,
Gentlemen:
The 94th Ordnance Detachment (Explosive Ordnance Disposal ) located at Fort
Carson, Colorado is available to provide EOD support to any public safety agency
in Colorado.
This support includes rendering safe and disposing of any military type
ordnance or improvised explosive devises (homemade bombs) which present a threat
to public safety.
We are prohibited by the Department of Defence from disposing of commercial
type explosives or hazardous chemicals that do not pose an imminent danger to the
public. We are, however, still available to respond to the incident site and
provide technical assistance and advice.
We are also available to present classes on explosive ordnance recognition,
explosive safety, bomb threat/bomb search procedures, and any other explosive
related subject that you desire. These classes will be presented at no cost to
you and on the date and location that you desire.
If we can be of any assistance to you whatsoever, please do not hesitate to
call us. We have an EOD stand-by on duty 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Our
telephone number is (303) 579-4242 or 579-2643 (2643 is the 24 hour number) . If
unable to contact the 94th Ordnance Detachment, call the 543rd Ordnance Detachment
(Explosive Ordnance Disposal Control Center) , Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri at (314)
368-6145/4313.
Enclosure 1 is the information we need to schedule classes; request should
be made to the Commander, 543rd Ordnance Detachment (EODCC), Ft. Leonard Wood,
Missouri 65473-5800, in sufficient time (60 days) for a written response and
scheduling; please send an information copy to the 94th Ordnance Detachment (EOD) .
Enclosure 2 is am EOD incident checklist.
Thank you for your time. I hope we can be of assistance to you and your
agency.
Sincereel ,
2 Encls r Rt4e7REINHARD
1LT, OrdC
Commanding
*****CALL BOB KONEVAL - 273-1859
Hello