HomeMy WebLinkAbout20143910.tiff RESOLUTION
RE: APPROVE APPLICATION TO PARTICIPATE IN THE FEMA INTEGRATED EMERGENCY
MANAGEMENT COURSE AND AUTHORIZE CHAIR TO SIGN NECESSARY
DOCUMENTS
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 an Application to participate in the FEMA
Integrated Emergency Management Course from the County of Weld, State of Colorado, by and
through the Board of County Commissioners of Weld County, on behalf of the Office of Emergency
Management, to the Colorado Department of Public Safety, Division of Homeland Security and
Emergency Management, commencing upon full execution, with terms and conditions being as
stated in said application, and
WHEREAS,after review,the Board deems it advisable to approve said application, a copy of
which is attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of County Commissioners of Weld
County, Colorado, that the Application to participate in the FEMA Integrated Emergency
Management Course from the County of Weld, State of Colorado, by and through the Board of
County Commissioners of Weld County, on behalf of the Office of Emergency Management, to the
Colorado Department of Public Safety, Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management,
be, and hereby is, approved.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED by the Board that the Chair, be and hereby is, authorized to
sign necessary documents.
The above and foregoing Resolution was, on motion duly made and seconded, adopted by
the following vote on the 17th day of December, A.D., 2014.
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
WELD COUNTY, COLORADO
ATTEST: U.d L/ Sic •Jdp;ok ( C4c'� x�c^D'-ii
Douglak Rademacher, Chair
Weld County Clerk to the Board , L
- t bara Kirkmey , Pro-Te
BY. 0.41.124_2 1 <_ .y3,,, .
Deoult Clerk to th Boarefe
•L t "!
• `� -n P. Conway
APPROVED AS TO FORM: �
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Co ty Attorney
William . Garcia
Date of signature: t"6 75"
2014-3910
CC: BOOS EM0016
iEbi
MEMORANDUM
DATE: December 9, 2014
JAI G N T Y
— -- TO: Board of County Commissioners—Pass-Around
FR: Roy Rudisill, Director, Emergency Management
RE: FEMA Integrated Emergency Management Course
Commissioners, Weld County has the opportunity to participate in the FEMA Integrated Emergency
Management Course, like the one we attended in 2012. The application is due the end of December. I sent
an email to the County Department Heads and all of the Departments have expressed interest in sending
staff to support this training. This Training will provide us an opportunity to continue to test our EOC
operations, and gage the improvements we have developed since the last training and the 2013 flooding.
If you recall,the travel to the FEMA training facility is reimbursable,the only cost is employee time in the
training and meal costs at $125.20 each. Total spent in 2012 was 3,190.00. This training opportunity will
be opened up to our local jurisdictions and provide them the ability to participate. Some of our smaller
communities may not be able to attend the training on their own due to limited staff; therefore,this will
allow them the opportunity to participate in this FEMA training.
I have attached the copy of the application and a Draft cover letter to be signed by the BOCC Chair for
your review.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Roy
Request Approve
Work Session BOCC Agenda
Sean Conway 4t/
Bill Garcia cl.�
Barbara Kirkmeyer
Mike Freeman
Doug Rademacher 'A 0j
2014-3910
Pass-Around Memorandum; September 25, 2012 Page 1
OFFICE OF BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
%N. 165 ° PI IONE: 970-336-7204
FAX: 970-336-7233
1 130 O STREET
RI:I?"I
���/ EI , P.O. BOX 758
O-� T Y GREELEY. COLORADO 80632
December 15, 2014
Director Dave I lard
Colorado Division of Emergency Management
9195 E. Mineral Avenue. Suite 200
Centennial. CO 80112
Dear Mr. !lard,
On Behalf of the Weld County. ] would like to request consideration to participate in a community
specific Integrated Emergency Management Course (IEMC). Weld County has been aggressive in
developing our emergency management program and our EEC Multi Agency Coordination Group;
this training opportunity will allow us to identify gaps and improvements to our current program.
The Office of Emergency Management is under the direction of the Board of Weld County
Commissioners. Weld County has an enhanced emergency management program. this is one more
opportunity to build relationships with other Jurisdictions. private partners and NGO"s. and expand
our understanding of the capabilities within our County.
I understand this is a large commitment for County stall and Elected Officials; I support the
application to FIiMA from our Office of Emergency Management and 1 will support attendance by
our staff.
The Integrated Emergency Management Course %%ill provide an excellent educational experience to
those individuals who have a direct role in our emergency management program FOC operations.
Your support and consideration in this matter arc greatly appreciated.
Very truly yours.
BOARD OF COI [MN COMMISSIONERS
/
Douglas Rademacher. Chair
Weld County, Co IEMC Application December 2014
Weld County
O N Y
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
Application for consideration to FEMA's
Integrated Emergency Management Course
(IEMC)
December 12, 2014
Submitted by
Weld County Office of
Emergency Management
/2- 1-7-2o/y
Weld County, Co IEMC Application December 2014
To: Board of Weld County Commissioners
From: Roy Rudisill
Subject: Integrated Emergency Management Course (IEMC)Application
Date: December 12, 2014
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) offers an Integrated Emergency
Management Course (IEMC) to local governments. IEMC is a comprehensive training program
for local officials and agencies that are involved with emergency management issues. The
training is designed specifically to our community and is a free, one-week training program that
will allow OEM to pull together all players and agencies involved in planning for,responding to,
recovering from and mitigating against disasters in our community. Weld County previously
submitted an application in 2010 and attended this course in August of 2012. This training will
test our current emergency operations plan, and updated internal processes and procedures post
2013 flooding event. This training will also test and strengthen our communication systems and
the overall effectiveness of and how we work together as a team to accomplish common goals to
ensure the safety of our citizens.
The IEMC course, which has been offered since 1983, has received widespread praise for
helping prepare communities for the unexpected. It has been credited with helping responders
react quickly during the devastating 1995 Oklahoma City bombings as well as the Centennial
Park bombing during Atlanta's Olympic Games. I believe this training also helped Weld County
respond to and recover from the 2013 floods. The course provides local managers, response
personnel, volunteer agencies and the elected officials with "the necessary skills and training to
react more effectively" when an emergency situation occurs.
The course, offered to local jurisdictions by FEMA's National Emergency Training Center
(NETC), focuses on the ways various levels of government can interact during disasters for
maximum optimal response. Each year, a select number of jurisdictions are chosen to send
representatives to one of the training center's integrated emergency management courses. The
IEMC immerses participants in the practical application of the functions associated with disaster
response management. Classroom instruction interspersed with challenging simulated events
will allow participants to test, evaluate and strengthen emergency responses. Each IEMC
concludes with a simulated emergency situation that forces students to cope with management
decisions in the high-stress disaster environment. The goals for the week include sharing
expertise and learning about the many emergency response services available to help us help our
communities.
Participants can include Weld County elected officials, Weld County's Department Heads, the
Office of Emergency Management, members of our EOC MAC Group (Multi Agency
Coordination Group), line personnel from responding agencies, Colorado Division of Homeland
Security and Emergency Management, Colorado State Patrol, National Weather Service,
2
Weld County, Co IEMC Application December 2014
American Red Cross, United Way, Industry partners, Utility companies and town administrators
and chiefs.
"This is a more integrated approach to emergency management training," said former FEMA
Director James Lee Witt. "It reflects how our state and local emergency management officials
are pulling together as a team to help their communities prepare, respond and recover from
disasters."
"Optimal integrated emergency response is vital during a catastrophic event," said FEMA
Region IV Regional Director Ken Hutchinson. "It can mean the difference between a successful
response and an unsuccessful one. That's why this course is so important for state and local
governments."
COST & SOURCE OF FUNDING: FEMA pays for the majority of the training. Airfare is
reimbursed by FEMA up to $400* per ticket; sleeping rooms and transportation to and from the
airport will be provided. The County will be responsible for paying for individual meal tickets at
an estimated price of$125.20 per ticket. The total cost for employee meal tickets in 2012 was
3,190.00.
TIMING: Upon approval and acceptance into the program, dates and times are dependent upon
openings at FEMA.
AGENCIES AND ORGANIZATIONS / INVOLVED PARTIES (individuals, contractors,
government agencies, etc.)
• County Attorney
• Finance Department
• Office of Emergency Management(sponsoring agency)
• Sheriffs Office
• Public Works
• Paramedic Services
• Fire Districts
• Local Communities
• NCMC
• Atmos/Excel/United Power/REA
• Salvation Army/Red Cross
• Health Department
• Assessor
• Human Services
• Coroner's Office
• United Way
• Colorado Division of Homeland Security Emergency Management
• 233rd Air Nation Guard SWS.
• FEMA Region VIII
3
Weld County, Co IEMC Application December 2014
STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS, IF ANY: Colorado Revise Statutes requires each County
to maintain a Disaster Agency CRS 24-33.5-700. The Weld County Board of County
Commissioners by resolution developed the Office of Emergency Management (OEM) under
Resolution #881176. In 2012 the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) took on a more
active role in emergency management and moved the Office of Emergency Management under
the Direction of the BOCC. This allowed the OEM to work more closely with other Department
Heads and a the BOCC for planning and preparedness for disaster response.
AGENCIES, DEPARTMENTS, OFFICE, COORDINATED WITH:
County Department Office
Accounting
Barb Connolly 1336-7240 I 1
Administrative Services I
Don Warden 356-4000
Assessor
Chris Woodruff 1 353-3845 1
Buildings and Grounds
Toby Taylor 1 304-6531
Clerk and Recorder
Steve Moreno 1353-3840
Commissioners
Commissioners 1 336-7204
Communications/ Dispatch I
Mike Wallace 356-4000
Jon Lunsford 356-4000
Coroner
970-635-
Mark Ward 4126
County Attorney
Bob Frick 336-7235
Extension Services
Keith Maxey 336-7230
Emergency
Management
Roy Rudisill 304-6540
Merrie Leach 304-6540
Health Department
Dr Mark Wallace 304-6410
Andrew
Glendenning 304-6410
4
Weld County, Co IEMC Application December 2014
Human Resource
Patti Russell 336-7220
Human Services
Judy Griego 353-1551
353-1551
353-1551
Information Services
Ryan Rose 304-6570
Planning Services
Tom Parko 353-6100
Public Works
Jay McDonald 304-6496
Purchasing
Trevor Jiricek 356-4000
Security
Security Staff 356-4000
Sheriffs Office
Steve Reams 356-4015
Roger Ainsworth 356-4015
Alan Caldwell 356-4015
Treasure
John Lefebvre 353-3845
REQUIRED/RECOMMENDED ACTION (brief statement of what your recommendation
is for the Board of County Commissioners):
• A commitment from the Board of Weld County Commissioners for this important
training.
• A letter requesting acceptance into the program from Board of Weld County
Commissioners to the Colorado Division of Homeland Security and Emergency
Management.
• Continued application until Weld County is accepted into this training program.
• Upon acceptance into this training program, a full commitment from Weld County to
have department heads, line personnel and all designated key players participate in this
training to fully understand the emergency management process.
5
Weld County, Co IEMC Application December 2014
Attachment A: About Weld County(Tab 1)
Attachment B: Organizational Chart(Tab 2)
Attachment C: Emergency Management in Weld County(Tab 3)
• Status of Emergency Management
— Laws and Authority
— Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment
— Hazard Mitigation
— Standardized Emergency Management System
— Preparedness, Training and Exercises
— Communications and Warning
— Public Education and Information
— Logistics and Facilities Management
— Finance and Administration
• Past Disaster History
• Hazards in Weld County
• Project Impact Status
• Major Events
• Commitment to IEMC Training
Attachment D: Goals& Objectives (Tab 4)
Attachment E: Support Letter from Stakeholders (Tab 5)
6
Weld County, Co Attachment A: Demographics
Weld County is in the northeast region of the State, adjacent to the Wyoming and Nebraska
borders. The land area of Weld County is 3,992 square miles, which makes it the largest in the
Planning Area and the third largest in the State.
Weld County Data
Weld County finds itself in the path of opportunity. With a strategic location providing access to several
institutions of higher education, world-class employers, diverse cultural and recreational offerings, new
residents are moving to Weld County in record numbers.
Quick Facts:
• Weld County, Colorado has grown by 39.7% between the years of 2000 and 2010. This is an
addition of over 70,000 people
• Weld County lies directly adjacent to the Denver Metropolitan Area which is the largest
metropolitan area in the Rocky Mountain West.
• Weld County's cost of living index is typically below the national average
• Weld County has a number of the fastest growing cities in Colorado
• There are 31 incorporated towns and cities in Weld County
• Colorado ranks 48th among the 50 states in tax revenues compared to personal income. The
State ranks 18th, with per capita state and local taxes averaging 5%lower than the national
average.
• Because of its extensive oil and gas activity, Weld County has been able to maintain a real
estate property tax level that is significantly lower than the surrounding areas. This
translates into a competitive advantage for businesses.
Weld County terrain is relatively flat; the northeastern portions of the county contain the
extensive Pawnee National Grassland and the Pawnee Buttes, which just 250 feet above the
surrounding terrain. The county is served by two interstate highways: I-25 (US 87)runs
through the southwestern corner and I-76 from the south central edge northeastward to the
Morgan county border. Other major roads include US 85 and US 34,which intersect near
Greeley, and State Highway 14, which runs through Ault. Many of Weld County's
3 lincorporated cities (8) and towns (23) are along these highway corridors.
History and Tradition
Major Stephen H. Long made an expedition to the area now known as Weld County in 1821. He
reportedly said that the region would never be fit for human habitation and should remain
forever the unmolested haunt of the native hunter, bison and jackal. In 1835 a government
expedition came through the general area; the next year a member of that party, Lt. Lancaster
Lupton, returned to establish a trading post located just north of the present town of Fort
Lupton. In about 1837 Colonel Ceran St. Vrain established Fort St. Vrain; Fort Vasquez was
built south of Platteville about 1840. The latter was rebuilt in the 1930's by the State Historical
Society.
7
Weld County, Co Attachment A: Demographics
The U.S. Congress took parts of the Territories of Nebraska,Kansas,New Mexico and Utah to
create the Territory of Colorado in 1861. All parts of Colorado lying east of Larimer County
and north of the present Adams County were in the original Weld County, one of 17 counties
established by the first territorial legislature in September, 1861. Weld County was named for
Lucius Weld,the first territorial secretary; St. Vrain became the first county seat.
During the first 16 years of Weld County's history the county seat was moved from St. Vrain to
Latham(three miles east of the present Greeley)to Evans,to Greeley, to Evans again, and
finally in 1877,returned to Greeley.
A large segment of the Weld County region was settled by people of German descent who
migrated from Russia in the early 1900's. Originally they came as railroad workers; many soon
worked in the productive beet fields and eventually became prosperous landowners. Weld
County's Spanish-surname population began to arrive during the mid 1920's as laborers for the
sugar beet industry.
Weld County's sugar beet industry began with the building of sugar factories in Greeley and
Eaton in 1902. In 1903 another was built in Windsor, followed in 1920 by one at Fort Lupton
and another at Johnstown in 1926
EDUCATION
Education has always been an important part of life in Weld
County where twelve school districts offer educational a,
opportunities which have earned a reputation for quality.
Greeley is the home of the University of Northern Colorado, a
4-year university offering bachelors,masters and doctorate
degrees to 11,000 students. Aims Community College is a 2- �,' a " ► ' '
year liberal arts and vocational college in Greeley with a second
campus in Fort Lupton.
With 3,992 square miles within its borders and a population of over 252,000, Weld County has
plenty of room for growth. Its thirty-one incorporated towns offer a variety of lifestyles from
urban to rural.
To make certain Weld County maintains its quality of life, a comprehensive plan has been
developed and implemented. The plan, simply stated,puts the right things in the right places.
The result that Weld County provides an ideal location for corporations, industry and
businesses. Most importantly it's a nice place for people.
INDUSTRY
Numerous industrial sites are located throughout Weld County. IP"
Fully developed rail and non-rail parks; undeveloped parcels,
many zoned and with rail utilities adjacent to the property; a
variety of industrial and commercial sites; and availability of
both new and renovated prime office space are indicative of this �.�..
area's attitude toward growth. Convenient access to every type
Weld County, Co Attachment A: Demographics
of supply artery facilitates the industrial possibilities in Weld County.
Major employers who already call Weld County "home" include:
ANADARKO PATROLIUM CORP.
BURRIS COMPANY, INC.
CARE STREAM HEALTH CARE
HARSH INTERNATIONAL
HENSEL-PHELPS CONSTRUCTION
JBS SWIFT BEEF COMPANY
KODAK
METAL CONTAINER CORPORATION
NOBEL ENERGY INC
NORTHERN COLORADO MEDICAL CENTER
OWENS-ILLINOIS
PLATTE VALLEY STEEL
ROCHE CONSTRUCTORS
RR DONNELLEY NORWEST
STARTEK
STATE FARM INSURANCE
VESTAS WIND SYSTEMS
For complete listing see www.upstatecolorado.orq
RESOURCES
Fertile fields of green can be found in every part County, which ranks as the third leading
agricultural area in the United States. Weld County is Colorado's leading producer of cattle,
grain and sugar beets.
An abundance of water has been important to not only the agricultural community,but also to
industrial development.
Weld County is the leading county in Colorado in the area of oil production and third in gas
production. . The county's many abundant resources provide a sound economic base and a
secure future for the area. (Source: drillingedge.com)
One of Weld County's most valuable resources is its labor force. The people resources provide a
healthy labor climate for any corporation or industry.
9
Weld County, Co Attachment A: Demographics
Weld County Facts Guide
Date of Incorporation 1861
Form of Government Home Rule Charter
Date Present Charter Adopted Jan. 1, 1976
Area—Square Miles 3,992 Square Miles
County Seat Greeley, Co
Population by Race / Ethnicity
This self-classification variable allows Census respondents to select the race or races with which
they most closely identify. Ancestry is a person's nationality, lineage or country of birth. Persons
of Hispanic origin may be of any racial classification. (As a result, the figures in the table below
exceed 100%.)
Percent of Population
Race
Upstate Colorado 2012
Whine . 68.20%
Hispanic 28.4%
Black 1.30% '=
Asian 1.40%
American Indian 1.7%
10
Weld County, Co Attachment A: Demographics
Weld County Home Rule Charter
Weld County residents were quick to realize the opportunities afforded a county when given an
opportunity to write its own charter. Following adoption of a constitutional amendment by the
voters of Colorado in 1970, Weld County began work toward drafting its own set of governing
rules.
A 21 member commission was elected in 1974 to write a charter. Seven and a half months of
study and scores of public hearings went into the charter before it was presented to the voters in
September 1975. Passage of the charter made Weld County the first in the state to adopt its own
home rule charter. Since then only one other, Pitkin County,has followed course. Weld
County's Home Rule Charter went into effect on January 1, 1976, seven months before the
100th anniversary of Colorado's statehood.
The charter brings government closer to the residents of Weld County and gives them the
authority to manage their own affairs. Changes in the charter are permitted by a majority vote of
the residents.
Prominent among the changes brought about by the charter are: gym .
1. Enlargement of the Board of County Commissioners from three to five.
2. Establishment of a five-member,non partisan,unpaid Weld County Council.
3. Abolition of the post of county surveyor.
4. Consolidation of the existing 12 departments into five, each to be the responsibility of an
elected commissioner.
5. Provision for a full time county attorney and staff,rather than hiring an attorney on an hourly
basis.
6. Expansion of the number of members on citizens boards to bring better representation in the
fields of planning, health, and zoning adjustment.
7. Establishment of a county personnel division to provide standards for employment
qualifications and pay.
8. Provision for enactment of ordinances to establish policy and giving preference to local
bidders if price and quality are competitive.
Boards and Commissions
There are also other groups that directly affect Weld County's government and its policies -
official boards and commissions. The Board of Weld County Commissioners appoint the
members of the various County Boards and Commissions that offer guidance and suggestions to
many of our department. These volunteers usually serve without compensation.
• Airport Authority Board
• Area Agency on Aging
• Board of Adjustments
• Building Trades Advisory Board
• Child Protection Citizen Review Panel
11
Weld County, Co Attachment A: Demographics
• Community Corrections Advisory Board
• Extension Advisory Council
• Fair Board
• Faith Partnership Council
• Family, Youth and Children Commission
• Greeley Housing Authority Board
• Health Board
• Human Services Committee
• Island Grove Park Board
• Juvenile community Review Board
• North Colorado Medical Center Board of Trustees
• Planning Commission
• Uniform Building Code Board of Appeals
• Upstate Colorado Economic Development Board
For a complete description on these Boards and Commissions please go to www.co.weld.co.us
Continuity of Government
Weld County has developed a Continuity of Government Team (COG Team), This working
group helps to coordinate with County Departments and Offices to make sure they are able to
continue County services during emergencies. The COG Team has representation from County
Departments that provide Services to the Community. The main focus of the COG Team is to
make sure each Department has a plan for continued operations and that these plans are tested.
This has helped with the development of a Continuity of Operation Plan (COOP)for the County.
12
Attachment B: Organizational Chart
13
Attachment C: Emergency Management
9 Y 9
Local Laws &Authority - The Board of Weld County Commissioners formally established
an Office of Emergency Management in December 1988 by Resolution# 881176. Weld County
also abides by State and Federal Statues for Emergency Management and Preparedness.
Hazard Identification & Risk Assessment—Weld County has identified several natural
and technological hazards that may affect the jurisdiction and has prepared a risk assessment and
adopted a FEMA Approved Hazard Mitigation Plan. Weld County also participates with the
Northeast All Hazard Region in the Homeland Security Capability Assessment and Vulnerability
Assessments . This documentation is available through the Office of Emergency Management.
Hazard Mitigation Management—Weld County is a partner with the Northeast Colorado
Emergency Managers Association (NCEM) who assists its members with natural hazard
mitigation planning through planning meets and updates to Hazard Mitigation Plans. Weld
County is in the process of updating their Hazard Mitigation Plan which will be a standalone
plan, the first for Weld County. Federal guidelines require local governments to adopt plans to
qualify for federal hazard mitigation grants, and municipalities can fulfill this requirement by
participating in the County plan. The NCEM Association is coordinating its efforts with those
jurisdictions that are developing their own plans.
Having a natural hazard mitigation plan can help reduce losses in the event of a future disaster,
establish priorities for loss prevention, and reduce the social and economic disruption brought on
by disasters. The natural hazards examined in the plan are:
• Biological Hazards • Land Subsidence
• Blizzards and Severe Winter Storms • Landslide
• Dam Failures and Levee Failures • Lightning
• Drought • Noxious Weeds
• Earthquake • Straight-Line Winds
• Flooding • Temperature Extremes
• Fog • Tornados
• Hailstorms • Wildland/Grassland Fires
The plan includes a risk assessment for these natural hazards, identifying the number of people
and businesses vulnerable to each one. This information can be used to prioritize pre-disaster
mitigation actions and post-disaster recovery efforts.
The plan identifies current and future mitigation measures that communities are implementing to
reduce the risk from natural hazards. Mitigation measures include building relocation, open
space acquisition, wildland fuel management, and public information projects. These projects are
all eligible for grants made by the Colorado Division of Homeland Security and Emergency
Management from the Federal Emergency Management Agency(FEMA).
Standardized Emergency Management System (SEMS'— Weld County adopted the
National Incident Management System (NIMS) through Resolution in January 2006. The
County continues to complete NIMS training in the incident command system. During the
14
Attachment C: Emergency Management
planning process of exercises ICS is a tested Target Capability. Weld County has an approved
Emergency Operations Plan; with supporting ESF annexes and incident specific annexes.
Preparedness (Planning, Training and Exercises) — Weld County has taken steps to
develop a planning component for the jurisdiction's emergency management program.
Preparedness — Weld County has a full-time Emergency Management Director,
Coordinator and Administrative support who work on preparedness planning with county
departments and local municipalities, specifically with relation to planning efforts, resource
identification, systems interoperability, public warning/notification. OEM staff also
coordinates exercises and training throughout the county to increase preparedness
capabilities. Training and Exercises are coordinated with the Colorado Division of
Homeland Security and Emergency Management. All Exercises are developed under the
HSEEP model, for the benefit of an After Action Report and an Improvement Plan.
OEM staff are also responsible for citizen preparedness and educational outreach programs.
Due to the possibility of severe weather in Weld County, OEM staff work closely with the
National Weather Service / Boulder Office, to provide training to citizens and first
responders in spotting severe weather. Weld County is a host to many large planned events,
Weld County Agencies utilize the development of Incident Action Plans for all large scale
planed events. Weld County has been designated as a StormReady ® community by the
National Weather Service.
Planned Events:
• Colorado Farm Show 2008-2014
• Independence Stampede 2008-2014
• Weld County Fair 2008-2014
Exercises:
• Airport Exercise (Full Scale)2007
• Pan Flu Exercise(Full Scale)2008
• Active Shooter Exercise (Full Scale)2010
• National Veterinary Stock pile Exercise Dec 2012
• 233`d MCI Full Scale exercise 2013
• Winter and Spring EOC exercises 2013
• Spring and Winter EOC exercises. 2014
Training:
• ICS 300 2012-2014
• ICS 400 2012-2014
• Multi Agency Coordination Group Training 2012-2014IEMC 2012
• NGL Pipeline Safety Training 2012, 2014
15
Attachment C: Emergency Management
Communication and Warning - Weld County's EOP ESF #2, Communications, details
current systems we rely upon during emergency situations. These systems are tested on a regular
basis and are maintained regularly. These systems augment and provide backup for all devices
used during an emergency response operation. Weld County has one PSAP that dispatches for all
emergency response agencies. Dispatch also has the ability to launch all sirens in the County.
• National Warning System(NAWAS)
• Emergency Alert System (EAS)
• Public Warning System (Outdoor Warning Sirens (local jurisdictions & Internal Alert
System)
• NOAA Weather Radio
• Fire Emergency Radio Net(FERN)
• Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES)
• 700/800 FRCC Public Safety Radio
CodeRed Emergency Communications Network for Residents: traditiona ltelephone (land lines)
and cellular telephone, text messaging and email registration
16
Public Education & Information - The Office of Emergency Management maintains a
web site and provides educational information relating to emergency management concerns.
The office has conducted outreach training for local churches and community organizations. In
addition to the website, and public outreach efforts, we have also partnered with READY
Colorado which serves as the umbrella organization to get public education and information out
to individuals within our jurisdiction. OEM is developing a train the trainer program for
community preparedness. Logistics & Facilities Management - Weld County has an
Emergency Operation Center that is location in the Weld County Administration building. Weld
County works closely with the City of Greeley and the Carbon Valley area to support Emergency
Operation Center exercises and training. Due to the size of the County it is necessary to have
supporting EOC's and the ability to coordinate with these communities and organizations. Weld
County has developed a Logistics ordering process that is tested with EOC exercises and was
improved upon after the 2013 floods.
Finance and Administration - The Finance Department is represented in our MAC Group
and is part of the COG Team Local Disaster and emergencies have provided the opportunity to
seek reimbursement for costs from the State and FEMA. This process has helped to define
specific processes for finance and logistics. This section has developed a continuity of
operations plan and knows the process for reimbursement.
Past Declared Emergencies — Weld County has had two declared Federal Disasters in
recent years, (2008 Tornado, 2013 Floods) other weather emergencies and several man-made
emergencies where emergency management has played an important role in the coordination,
response,recovery and mitigation efforts.
Declared Emergencies/Disasters
• Spring Flooding 2014 (Local Emergency)
• Floods 2013 (Federal)
• Hail Storm 2012 (Local Emergency)
• Hail, Flooding Spring 2012 (Local Emergency)
• Spring Flooding 2010 (Local Emergency)
• Winter Storm 2009, EOC activation (Local Emergency)
• Tornado 2008 (Federal)
• Hail 2008 (USDA)
• Snow storm of 2006 (Emergency Declaration)
• Snow storm of 2003 (Emergency Declaration)
• Wildfires 2002 (Federal)
• Severe Storms 2001 (Federal)
• Flooding 1999 (Federal)
More information is available in the Weld County Hazard Mitigation Plan.
Hazards in Weld County - Weld County has identified the following hazards to be the
most likely to occur: Winter storms, tornado/wind storms, hazardous material spills, floods,
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fires, drought, transportation accidents, and epidemic/biohazards. Other hazards include acts of
terrorism/cyber terrorism.
Project Impact—Weld County is not participating in the Project Impact Program.
Major Events—Weld County has hosted several yearly events including:
• Colorado Farm Show 2008-2014
• Independence Stampede 2008-2014
• Weld County Fair 2008-2014
Weld County has responded and/or supported the following
In September 2013 Weld County along with several other county's across the state were hit
1 " of rain in a short period of time. This
by a slow moving summer storm that dumped 8
storm system stayed around for several days and the outcome was a 1000 year flood. Weld
County was one of several Counties that received a Federal Disaster designation for Cat A-G.
In May 2008, Weld County was hit by an EF3 Tornado. The tornado effected several
communities and caused severe damage in the Town of Windsor. Weld County activated the
Emergency Operation Center and operated the EOC for approximately 78 hours. This was a
Declared Disaster by the Governor and receives Federal Support for individual assistance.
In December 2006, a winter storm and blizzard hit the front range of Colorado. Weld
County received 3' of snow; this was a Declared Emergency by the BOCC and the
Governor. Weld County did not receive Federal Assistance due to this not being a
record snowfall. Weld County Operated their EOC for 48 hours in support of search
and rescue operations and stranded motorists.
Commitment to IEMC Training — County officials have responded to the Weld County
Office of Emergency Management's recommendation regarding the IEMC and have fully
committed to participate in the week-long training and exercise program. There was is support
from all departments to provide time to essential personnel to attend this important training
opportunity. This training and exercise will help to support the emergency management program
in weld County.
Goals and Objectives 2014-2015
• Current staff will continue to attend regular scheduled meetings at the federal, state and
local agencies to keep apprised of new developments in emergency preparedness.
Meetings include: NEAHR, CEPC,NCEM, FREMF, etc.
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• Update the Weld County's Emergency Operations Plan by working effectively with all
department heads to ensure a common operating picture and understand roles and
responsibilities. Complete ESF updates to the EOP in compliance with CPG 101.
• Complete and adopt the Weld County Recovery Plan and develop RSF and Operational
Annexes.
• Complete Weld County Hazard Mitigation Plan update.
• Continue our training and exercise program to address training needs within the
jurisdiction. Provide opportunities for exercises to evaluate training and needed
improvements. All exercises will be developed, facilitated and documented using the
HSEEP standards.
• Increase our public education and outreach training program so citizens are better
informed and prepared.
• Continue training for Emergency Management and COG Team Staff. Provide
opportunities to attend training at the federal, state and local levels so staff stays apprised
of new developments, techniques and innovations in the industry and hare lessons
learned.
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