HomeMy WebLinkAbout960078.tiff RESOLUTION
RE: WELD COUNTY LOCAL EMERGENCY OPERATION PLAN FOR MAJOR WINTER
STORMS
WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners of Weld County, Colorado, pursuant to
Colorado statute and the Weld County Home Rule Charter, is vested with the authority of
administering the affairs of Weld County, Colorado, and
WHEREAS, the Board has been presented with the Weld County Local Emergency Operation
Plan for Major Winter Storms for incorporation into the Weld County Emergency Operations Plan to
ensure that all essential County services are maintained during a major snowstorm, and
WHEREAS, after review, the Board deems it advisable and in the best interests of the
citizens of Weld County to approve said plan, a copy of which is attached hereto and incorporated
herein by reference, and to incorporate said plan into the Administrative Manual.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of County Commissioners of Weld
County, Colorado, that the Weld County Local Emergency Operation Plan for Major Winter Storms,
to be incorporated into the Weld County Emergency Operations Plan and the Administrative Manual,
be, and hereby is, approved.
The above and foregoing Resolution was, on motion duly made and seconded, adopted by
the following vote on the 17th day of January, A.D., 1996.
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
WE in COUNTY, COLORADO
Barbara J. Kirkmeyer, hair /
rsi f�tr` � K
�' > ty Clerk to the Board ,7
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-�G_eorge-E. Baxter, Pr
' '� eputy Cle to the Board
Dale K. Hall
APP AS TO FO • °
:z:≥rtI; /
u ty Attorney
(Pa+) 960078
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WELD COUNTY
LOCAL EMERGENCY OPERATION PLAN
MAJOR WINTER STORMS
960078
WELD COUNTY
LOCAL EMERGENCY OPERATION PLAN
MAJOR WINTER STORMS
UPDATE
Resolution Full Resolution signed April 4, 1984
APPENDIX 3 Reimbursement Policy April 4, 1984
Updated Full Resolution signed January 5, 1987
960078
WELD COUNTY
LOCAL EMERGENCY OPERATION PLAN
MAJOR WINTER STORM
Table of Contents
Page
GENERAL INFORMATION
VULNERABILITY 2
PLANNING ASSUMPTIONS 2
PURPOSE OF THE PLAN 2
WARNING SYSTEM 3
DEFINITIONS and TERMINOLOGY 3
Il. SPECIFIC INFORMATION
COMMAND and CONTROL 4
ACTIVATION of the PLAN 5
NOTIFICATION of ACTIVATION 5
CRITICAL COUNTY FACILITIES 5
FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE VEHICLES 5
SNOWMOBILES 6
III. DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES by DEPARTMENT
COUNTY COMMISSIONERS 6
OFFICE of EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT 6
PUBLIC WORKS 6
FIRE DEPARTMENTS/DISTRICTS 7
LAW ENFORCEMENT 7
BUILDINGS and GROUNDS 7
AMBULANCE SERVICE 7
FINANCE and ADMINISTRATION 7
PERSONNEL DEPARTMENT 7
CONTRACTUAL REPAIR SERVICES 7
AMERICAN RED CROSS 7
APPENDICES
APPENDIX 1 MASTER CHECKLIST for WINTER STORM 8
APPENDIX 2 SNOW REMOVAL PRIORITY ROUTES 11
APPENDIX 3 WINTER STORM CONTINGENCY PLAN RESOLUTION 12
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WELD COUNTY
LOCAL EMERGENCY OPERATION PLAN
MAJOR WINTER STORM
GENERAL INFORMATION
A. Vulnerability
Major Winter Storm
Weld County and Northeast Colorado are as susceptible to major winter storms as the Rocky Mountain
communities along the front range. The types of emergencies are the same: fire,traffic accidents,medical
emergencies. Snow, ice, sleet and blizzard conditions will impede the normal quick response the public has come to
expect. Heavy precipitation will bog down travelers and create emergency demands on the Public Works
Department to clear transportation routes. It is at this time that plans should be activated for auxiliary and special
response to accommodate identified needs. The demands will be met in a timely fashion if all agencies are aware of
the resources available to them in an emergency.
B. Planning Assumptions
This plan has been developed to incorporate the snow removal plan developed by the Public Works
Department. It will be contained in Appendix 2. While the Director of Public Works is responsible for
snow and ice removal,the Sheriffs Office,municipal law enforcement and Colorado State Patrol are
charged with Incident Command in a field emergency, except for those emergencies where the Fire Chief
is in Command. This contingency is intended to address health and safety as related to the increased
demands placed on County and private resources.
This plan has been developed based on the following assumptions:
1. The Weld County Public Works Department has designated priority routes to maintain a
minimum transportation system connecting hospitals,major transportation routes and
communities.
2. The Public Works Department will not be able to keep priority#1 routes clear,and
3. A state of emergency could last up to three(3)days.
C. Purpose of the Plan
This contingency plan has been prepared in order to:
I. Insure essential county services are maintained during a major snowstorm.
2. Document procedures and policies to be followed by each county department,as
necessary.
3. Insure all county departments respond in a coordinated manner.
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4 Assign duties and responsibilities to be carried out by each county department and by
specific individuals within each department.
D. Warning System
Severe weather warnings by the National Weather Service can be monitored by telephone, and
NOAA weather radio as well as local radio. On duty law enforcement and Public Works
personnel in the field can observe and report weather conditions to the Weld County Regional
Communications Center and the Public Works Director,when requested.
E. Definitions and Terminology
The National Weather Service frequently uses the following terms in their weather bulletins. To
prevent misunderstanding, definitions and descriptions are provided.
Ice Storm - Freezing rain or drizzle is called an Ice Storm. Moisture-falls in liquid form, but
freezes upon impact.
Sleet- Ice storms are sometimes incorrectly referred to as sleet." Sleet is easily identified as frozen
raindrops(ice pellets)which bounce when hitting the ground or other objects. Sleet does not stick
to trees and wires,but sleet in sufficient depth does cause hazardous driving conditions.
Snow- "Snow"in a forecast,without a qualifying word such as occasional or"intermittent",
means that the fall of snow is steady in nature,and will probably continue for several hours
without letup.
Heavy snow warnings-are issued to the public when a fall of four inches or more Is expected in a
12-hour period or fall of six inches or more is expected in a 24-hour period. Some variations on
these rules may be used in different parts of the country. Where four-inch snowfalls are common,
the emphasis on heavy snow is generally associated with six or more inches of snow. In other
parts of the country where heavy snow is infrequent, or in metropolitan areas with heavy traffic,a
snowfall of two or three inches will justify a heavy snow warning.
Snow flurries-are defined as snow falling for short durations at intermittent periods; however,
snowfall during the flurries may reduce visibility to an eighth of a mile or less. Accumulations
from snow flurries are generally small.
Snow squalls-are brief, intense falls of snow and are comparable to summer rain showers. They
are accompanied by gusty surface winds.
Blowing and drifting snow-generally occur together and result from strong winds and falling
snow or loose snow on the ground.
"Blowing snow"is defined as snow lifted from the surface by the wind and blown about to a degree
that horizontal visibility is greatly restricted.
"Drifting snow"-is used in forecasts to indicate that strong winds will blow falling snow or loose snow
on the ground into significant drifts. In the northern plains,the combination of blowing drifting snow,
is often referred to as a"ground blizzard."
"Blizzards" are the most dramatic and perilous of all winter storms,characterized by low temperatures
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and by strong winds bearing large amounts of snow. Most of the snow accompanying a blizzard is
in the form of fine,powdery particles of snow which are whipped in such great quantities that at times
visibility is only a few yards.
"Blizzard warnings" are issued when winds with speeds of at least 35 mph are accompanied by
considerable falling or blowing snow and temperatures of 20 degrees F or lower are expected to
prevail for an extended period of time.
"Severe blizzard warnings"are issued when blizzards of extreme proportions are expected and indicate
wind with speeds of at least 45 mph plus a great density of falling or blowing snow and a temperature
of 10 degrees F or lower.
"Cold wave warning"indicates an expected rapid fall in temperature within a 24-hour period which
will require substantially increased protection to agricultural, industrial, commercial, and social
activities. The temperature falls and minimum temperatures required to justify cold wave warnings
vary with the changing of the season and with geographic location. Regardless of the month or the
section of the country,a cold wave warning is a red f lag alert to the public that during a forthcoming
forecast period a change to very cold weather will require greater than normal protective measures.
"Hazardous driving(travelers')warnings"are issued to indicate that falling,blowing or drifting snow,
freezing rain or drizzle, sleet or strong winds will make driving difficult.
"Stockman's warning"alert ranchers that livestock will require protection from a large accumulation
of snow or ice,a rapid drop in temperature, or strong wind.
"Wind chill factor" strong winds combined with low temperatures cause a very rapid cooling of
exposed surfaces. Unprotected portions of the body, such as the face or hands,can chill rapidly and
should be protected as much as possible from the cold wind. A very strong wind combined with a
temperature slightly below freezing can have the same chilling effect as a temperature nearly 50
degrees F lower in a calm atmosphere. Arctic explorers and military experts have developed a term
called the "wind chill factor", which states the cooling effect of various wind and temperature
combinations. In certain areas,the Weather Service issues this information as the"wind chill index".
II. SPECIFIC INFORMATION
A. Command and Control
1. Agency in charge-Law Enforcement
The Sheriff or Municipal Police Chief or Colorado State Patrol is the official responsible for
coordinating field operations during a storm to assist and support the Roads and Bridges
(Public Works or State Department of Highways)Director(s)in order that they may perform
snow removal duties. The Law Enforcement agency shall command and direct all public
safety functions relating to the emergency until and unless relieved by the Emergency
Management Board, city manager,mayor or town council or the State Director of Public
Safety,at which time the Law Enforcement official shall serve as advisor to the above stated
titles.
2. Emergency Operations Center(EOC)
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The Emergency Operations Center for Public Works Department shall be at the County
Shops in the case of the County activation and at the direction of the municipal and CSP
officials. The address is 933 N. Ilth Avenue, Greeley. In the event of a major emergency
in addition to the snow removal effort, the Line-up Room in the Weld County Sheriffs
Office will be used for the EOC. This address is 910 Tenth Avenue, Greeley. All
designated county personnel shall be directed where to report when the plan is activated.
3. Mobile Command Post
The mobile Command Post will be used to coordinate a major incident within the overall
winter storm emergency. At present there is no vehicle assigned for the task of serving as
a field Command Post. However,there are two vehicles in the county that have radios with
all of the frequencies that may be used: the Weld County Ambulance vehicles or, in the
event, there is a concurrent hazardous materials incident, the Greeley Fire Department
Hazardous Materials Response Team has the same capability in two vehicles.
B. Activation of the Plan
1. The Public Works Annex concerning snow removal will be activated by the Director,Public
Works, through the approval of the Board of County Commissioners or, if they are not
readily available,at his discretion according to the Annex. It is requested that the activation
of the plan include notification of the Office of Emergency Management. The Sheriffs
Office should also be notified of the activation.
2. The public safety portion of this plan shall be activated by the Sheriff,municipal police chief
or the Colorado State Patrol,whoever has jurisdiction over the involved location.
3. The on-duty Commander of the Law Enforcement agency involved shall monitor the
situation by keeping in touch with the Roads and Bridges(Public Works or State Highway)
Director,the National Weather Service and any other involved response agency.
C. Notification of Activation
I. If the Sheriff(municipal police chief or CSP)orders the public safety portion of this plan
activated, the following individuals shall be contacted through the established county
emergency fanout.
2. The following will report to the Weld County EOC or have an authorized designee report
to represent their agency: Sheriff, County Commissioners, Finance and Administration
Director, OEM Director, Public Works Director, Public Information Officer,
Communications Director, Ambulance Director,Buildings and Grounds.
D. Critical County Facilities
The following is a list of County Buildings that are essential to county operations during a storm and
must be given the highest priority of services, staffing and snow removal.
1. Roads and Bridges Headquarters
2. County shops
3. Centennial Complex
4. Social Services
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5. Health and Human Resources Building
5. Ambulance Service-Greeley,Evans and Ft. Lupton
E. Four-Wheel Drive Vehicles *this is a policy decision
In the event snowfall is so great that county equipment cannot be used,the County will ask its
essential employees to use privately owned 4x4 vehicles to perform their duties. If the employees
agree to provide the vehicles,the County shall pay mileage per county reimbursement schedule of
$0.27 per mile and shall assume full responsibility that may arise out of use during the storm.
(County resolution signed 4 April 1984;Appendix 3.)
If more 4x4 vehicles are needed,a request for citizens to volunteer their vehicles will be made,
again the County will assume full responsibility and liability.
A list of all county personnel with four-wheel drive vehicles will be compiled for entry into the
Resource List.
All non-County 4x4 vehicles should be equipped with an employee with a radio.
F. Snowmobiles *this is a policy decision
In extreme cases the county may ask its employees to volunteer personal snowmobiles for
emergency purposes. If the employee agrees to provide the vehicles, the County shall
assume the same responsibility for mileage reimbursement and liability as for the 4x4
vehicles. (County Resolution 4 April 1984;Appendix 3.)
If more snowmobiles are needed, a list has been compiled of citizens who are willing to
provide their vehicles in an emergency. This list has been distributed to Weld County
Communications and is maintained by the Office of Emergency Management.
III. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES BY DEPARTMENT
Each County agency is assigned the following duties during a snow emergency:
County Commissioners
1. Declare a snow emergency at the request of the Roads and Bridges Director or when
conditions are such that they deem it necessary.
2. Prepare to make policy decisions effecting the operations and/or financing of the Winter
Storm Plan.
3. Public Information
Office of Emergency Management
1. Provide emergency resources as requested
2. Provide advice to Commissioners regarding emergency operations
Public Works
1. Execute Snow Removal Plan
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2. Request County Commissioners to declare a snow emergency
3. Maintain and issue snow progress reports to Commissioners
4. Assist law enforcement and ambulances responding to an emergency
Fire Departments/Districts
I. Respond to fire alarms
2. Respond to emergency medical calls with ambulance if applicable
3. Rescue stranded motorists
4. Provide transportation for essential workers
5. Provide food and bedding for essential city workers.
Law Enforcement
1. Enforce emergency traffic regulations and parking restrictions
2. Provide traffic control as requested
3. Coordinate the towing abandoned vehicles from snow routes(if applicable)
4. Rescue stranded motorists
5. Coordinate 4x4 vehicles offered to the County by citizens
6. Perform regular duties on priority basis as required.
Buildings and Grounds
1. Maintain snow removal operations around Centennial Complex and other assigned essential
facilities
2. Maintain/repair essential utilities
3. Insure emergency generator capability
Ambulance Service
1. Provide EMS services as requested
2. In case of overload,triage response.
Finance and Administration
1. Authorize open purchase orders
2. Document all expenditures during disasters
Personnel Department
1. Activate snow day call down for closing County offices
2. Assist all departments with volunteer personnel as requested.
3. Register volunteered 4X4 vehicles and snowmobiles offered to the county.
Contractual Repair Services
1. Maintain and repair equipment, as needed.
2. Maintain and repair communications,as needed.
American Red Cross
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1. Provide transportation for and to citizens and residents in need.
2. Provide food and shelter for snowstorm victims.
3. Provide emergency medical necessities for motorists or evacuees.
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WELD COUNTY
LOCAL EMERGENCY OPERATION PLAN
MAJOR WINTER STORM
APPENDIX 1
MASTER CHECKLIST
FOR WINTER STORM
Phase Response Agency
Alert 1. Review Disaster Plans and Procedures All
a. Update inventory of personnel supplies and equipment
b. Review assignments
c. Mutual aid plans
d. Shelter plan
e. Determine minimum staffing levels needed to maintain
essential services
2. Monitor NWS NOAA broadcasts WCRCC
Warning 1. Notify key personnel of severe weather watch WCRCC
a. Notify WCSO/OEM
b. Insure EOC is properly equipped OEM
c. Generator tanks are full B&G
d. Report snowfall and weather conditions WCSO/PW
e. Review emergency public information with news PIO
media representatives
f Prepare survival information for dissemination to the public PIO
g. Review EBS procedures PIO
h. Request briefing from Command Personnel PIO
Order all vehicles to fill gas tanks WCSO/PW
Response I. Activate notification fanout WCRCC/OEM
2. Implement snow removal plan PW/B&G
3. Activate emergency public information plan BOCC
4. Brief Commissioners OEM
5. One PIO to EOC PIO
6. Brief county PBX/dispatch OEM
7. Brief news media on situation at pre-set intervals PIO
8. Keep public informed PIO
a. Initiate releases
b. Suggest snow removal around hydrants(by citizens)
c. Request public call only in case of emergency
d. Release information regarding emergency operations
9. Establish rumor control center if needed PIO
a. Set up away from EOC and Comm Ctr
b. Announce "snow phone" number
10. Chain up emergency vehicles PD/FD/PW
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a. Law enforcement vehicles
b. Fire vehicles
c. Staff cars
11. Locate and inspect food for emergency use at jail WCSO
12. Relocate cots and blankets as needed OEM
13. Test and check emergency generators B&G
14. Activate County EOC;notify key officials WCRCC/OEM
a. Commissioners
b. Sheriff
c. Finance and Administration
d. Roads and Bridges
e. Buildings and Grounds
f. Public Information Officer
g. Communications Supervisor
h. American Red Cross
Ambulance
j. Personnel
k. Social Services
15. Implement Incident Command System, as necessary WCSO
a. Appoint logistics officer
b. Appoint situation officer
c. Appoint planning officer
d. Appoint liaison officer
16. Respond to EOC and assume command BOCC
17. Brief EOC staff as they arrive OEM
18. Prepare for power outage PW/B&G
19. Assess manpower needs All depts
a. Holdover on-duty personnel
b. Call off-duty in
c. Cancel leaves
d. Mutual aid
e. Volunteers
f. Private Contractors
g. Place ARA on alert for emergency repairs
20. Assess communication needs Law/Fire/
EMS/PW
21. Assess supply needs All departments
a. Identify supplies needed, but not on hand;prepare standby
procurement orders
b. Identify supply sources
c. Food,bedding,blankets
d. Medical supplies
e. Four wheel vehicles, snow mobiles
22. Declare disaster/emergency BOCC/Mayor
a. Notify OEM
b. Notify COEM
c. Notify news media
d. Announce emergency powers to be used
23. Assume command of situation BOCC/Mayor
24. Draft disaster/emergency declaration County Attorney
25. Maintain incident log of critical events and decisions All departments
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a. Date andtime of critical events and decisions
b. Location
c. Names of witnesses and reporting party
d. Names of persons involved
e. Detailed description of events All departments
26. Call in off-duty dispatchers, if necessary WCRCC
27. Suspend routine county/municipal operations All departments
a. Order all non-essential services curtailed
b. Re-assign personnel
c. Restructure essential operations to meet needs
d. Close County/City Complex
e. Screen all law enforcement, fire and EMS calls
28. Maintain water supply Utilities
a. Repair broken water meters/hydrants
29. Provide traffic control within capabilities Law Enforcement
30. Tow abandoned vehicles off of snow routes if applicable Law Enforcement
31. Notify hospitals of situation WCRCC
32. Senior on-duty paramedic report to EOC/station to begin WCAS
telephone triage
33. Relocate ambulances as necessary WCAS
34. Keep critical county facilities operational B&G/PBX
a. Access to parking lots
b. Heat and lights
c. Water
d. Telephone service
35. Rescue stranded motorists Fire and Police
36. Provide transportation for essential workers PW/WCSO
a. Firefighters
b. Police
c. Road and Bridge
d. Utilities
e. EOC staff
37. Request mutual aid as needed Fire/Police/PW
38. Coordinate and implement procedure to use 4 x 4 vehicles Law Enforcement
offered to County by citizens
39. Activate emergency fund charging procedures Finance
a. Maintain records on all purchases
RECOVERY
I. Re-establish normal government organization and services All agencies
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WELD COUNTY
LOCAL EMERGENCY OPERATION PLAN
MAJOR WINTER STORM
APPENDIX 2
SNOW REMOVAL PRIORITY ROUTES
In Weld County the Public Works Department has designated the following as priority routes:
A. Emergencies routes involving human life and safety
B. National Defense(Air Force Missile Site access roads)
C. Essential dairy-livestock-access roads
D. Main arterial roads
E. School Bus routes
F. Mail delivery routes
II. Remaining collector roads(including subdivisions and unincorporated towns)
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WELD COUNTY
LOCAL EMERGENCY OPERATION PLAN
MAJOR WINTER STORM
APPENDIX 3
RESOLUTION
RE: REIMBURSEMENT POLICY FOR DAMAGE INCURRED DURING EMERGENCY,DISASTER, OR
SEARCH AND RESCUE SITUATIONS.
WHEREAS,the Board of County Commissions of Weld County,Colorado, Pursuant to Colorado Statue and
the Weld County Home Rule Charter, is vested with the authority of administering the affairs of Weld County,
Colorado,and
WHEREAS, in the event of an emergency, disaster, or search and rescue situations it is sometimes necessary
to utilize equipment of employees,volunteers and reserve deputies in extraordinary ways that increases the risk of
damage to the equipment at no fault of the owner,and
WHEREAS, because of the potential risk employees, volunteers,and reserve deputies are reluctant to use
their equipment in such situations without assurance of damage coverage,and
WHEREAS, use of such equipment in situations of this type is in the best interest of Weld County.
NOW,THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of County Commissions of Weld County hereby
adopts the following policy:
In the event of an emergency,disaster or search and rescue situation,the Sheriff or Board of County
Commissioners,as appropriate, my request an employee, volunteer, or reserve deputy to utilize their vehicle or
equipment in connection with the emergency,disaster,or search and rescue operation. In the event the vehicle or
equipment is damaged due to extraordinary use out of no negligence of the claimant, as determined by the Sheriff or
Board of County Commissioners,the claimant employee,volunteer,or reserve deputy my be reimbursed for actual
damages as determined by the county's insurance adjuster for damage incurred in connection with the extraordinary
use associated with the emergency, disaster,or search and rescue situation, in addition to normal mileage
reimbursement.
This policy shall not extend to normal use of private-vehicles-reimbursed for mileage by Weld County for
normal county business,heavy equipment contractors under contract to Weld County for any purpose,or aircraft.
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ouwJ 0
The above foregoing resolution was, on motion duly made and seconded, adopted by the following vote on
the 4th day of April,A.D., 1984.
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONS
WELD COUNTY, COLORADO
Signed
Norman Carlson, Chairman
Excused
Jacqueline Johnson,Pro Tern
Signed
Gene Brantner
Signed
Chuck Carlson
Signed
John Martin
040484
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Weld County Office of Emergency Management
910 Tenth Avenue • Greeley,CO 8063 1-3 873 •(970)356-4015 extension 4250 • Fax:(970)353-8551
January 8, 1996
Weld County Board of County Commissioners
915 Tenth Street
Greeley, CO 80631
Dear Chairman Kirkmeyer:
On November 1, 1995 the Weld County Office of Emergency Management
participated in a statewide Winter Snowstorm exercise. At that time the Weld
County Local Emergency Operation Plan ANNEX for Major Winter Storms was
reviewed. Over the past few months the plan has been reviewed and has been used in
actual events, though not major they were events. The Major Winter Storms plan
did work. I have made changes to the plan to include format changes, name changes
and the mileage rate change from $.25 to $.27 a mile.
Would you please review this plan and have it adopted by resolution so that I can get
it sent to all departments involved. If you have any questions please contact me at
extension 4250.
Sincerely,
Ed Herring
Director
enclosure: WCLEOP Major Winter Storms
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