LETTER OF PROMULGATION
The Boundary County Emergency Operation Plan (EOP) dated September 2002 is hereby authorized to be the official plan for Boundary County Inter-governmental operations. This plan is designed to provide coordinated city, county, highway, school district, other governmental agencies and volunteer organizations prior to, during and after threat or actual occurrence of a natural or man made technological disaster, including nuclear attack. This plan is applicable to all elements of industrial and private/non-profit organizations assigned responsibilities hereunder or engaged in or in support of emergency operations under this plan. Periodic exercises will be scheduled to provide familiarity with emergency functions.
The signatories to this Emergency Operation Plan concur with the concepts, requirements and assignments of the Emergency Operation Functions, including all procedural appendices and Standard Operating Guidelines found therein.
The Boundary County Emergency Operation Plan is intended to and shall be interpreted to give effect to the purposes of the Idaho Disaster Preparedness Act of 1975, as amended, Chapter 10, title 46, Idaho Code and shall not be interpreted to increase the liability of Boundary County or any signatory.
This Plan supersedes the Boundary County Emergency Operation Plan dated July 15, 1991.
Signatories to the EOP shall execute their acceptance in counterpart, originals of which shall be filed with the County Clerk.
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Any signatory may withdraw its acceptance and participation in the EOP by giving a thirty (30) day written notice filed with the County Clerk.
Ron Smith, Chairperson Date
Board of County Commissioners
Dan Dinning Date
Board of County Commissioners
Walt Kirby Date
Board of County Commissioners
Darrell Kerby Date
Joe Mesenbrink Date
Mayor – City of Moyie Springs
Adopted by the Board of County Commissioners of Boundary County on the day of , 2002.
Received by the County Clerk on day of , 2002.
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DISTRIBUTION
Copies of this Plan and published changes to this Plan shall be provided to the following agencies:
Boundary County;
Ambulance
Assessor
Clerk
Commissioners (3)
Community Hospital (2)
Disaster Services (6)
Library
Prosecuting Attorney
Road and Bridge
School District # 101
Search and Dive
Sheriff (2)
Television Translator Board
American Red Cross
Avista, Spokane
Bonner County Emergency Management
Bonners Ferry Fire Department
Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad
City of Bonners Ferry
City of Moyie Springs
Curley Creek Fire District
Idaho Bureau of Disaster Services
Idaho Bureau of Hazardous Material
Idaho Department of Lands
Idaho State Police (3)
Kootenai Tribe of Idaho
Moyie Dam
Moyie Springs Fire Department
Mt. Hall Fire District
Naples Fire District
National Weather Service
North Bench Fire District
Panhandle Health District
Paradise Valley Fire District
Union Pacific Railroad
US Customs
US Forest Service, Bonners Ferry
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Promulgation Document page i
Signature of Approval page ii
Record of Distribution page iii
Record of Changes page iv
CONTENTS page 1
Hazard Analysis page 2/3
Elected Officials page 5 Disaster Services Director page 6/7
Incident Command Structure page 8
Incident Command EOC _ page 9
Incident Commander page 10
EOC Manager page 11
Public Information Officer page 12/13
Liaison Officer page 14
Planning and Assessment page 15/16
Operations/Coordination page 17
Logistics Chief page 18
Finance Chief page 19
Amateur Radio page 20/21
All Incidents page 22
Civil unrest, Terrorism, Bomb threat page 23/24
Earthquake page 25/26
Flood page 27/28
Hazardous Material page 29/30
Power Failure page 31
Severe Weather page 32/33
Acronyms page 34
Radio Frequencies page 35
Emergency Contact List page 36/37
Draft Declarations & Sample Report Forms page 38
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HAZARD ANALYSIS
I. NATURAL HAZARDS
1. WINTER STORM
Winter storms are a relatively common experience for residents of Boundary County. A combination of temperatures to 30 below zero and high winds can close roads, threaten disruption of utilities, limit access to rural homes, impede emergency services delivery and close businesses. Such storms also create hazardous travel conditions, which can lead to increased vehicular accidents and threaten air traffic. Additionally, stranded motorist due to closed roads and highways may present a shelter problem.
2. FLOOD
Although disastrous flooding is uncommon, stream or river flooding, caused by heavy moisture content in mountain snows or heavy rains remain a possibility and increased development along streams and rivers also have increased the possibility of damaging floods.
3. HIGH WINDS
Strong winds are common to the county. When combined with blowing dirt or snow, the winds cause a threat to traffic and can damage homes, businesses, crops and utilities. Likewise, the threat of small tornadoes and microburst remains, although historically insignificant, high winds should be considered in emergency planning.
4. FIRES
Wildlands fires are common in the rural areas of Boundary County. Although the majority of larger fires are on public lands, residents and private property can be damaged. Local fire departments face increased threats to combined structural and Wildland fire fighting.
5. EARTHQUAKE AND SEISMIC ACTIVITY
Catastrophic earthquakes are not common however, less than catastrophic earthquakes can and have caused damage in the county. Seismic activity within the county is evident and continues to be a concern for emergency planning.
6. OTHER NATURAL DISASTERS
Although not common to our area other natural disasters in other areas of the county may impact the county residents, local economy and the environment.
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1. POWER FAILURE
A long-term power outage could create havoc for the public. Homes, as well as congregate care is immediately impacted, as is industry and business. Crops and livestock can become can become threatened and communications hampered. This type of incident should be considered a major threat to our communities and should be considered in the emergency planning effort.
2. HAZARDOUS MATERIAL RELEASE
The county has a threat from a release of hazardous materials from both fixed and transportation incidents. Hazardous materials are transported, stored and used in all parts of the county. Hazard ranges from small spills on roadways to major transportation releases on railways. Illegal methanphetamine operations have become a concern too. The closest “ Level A “ State Hazmat team is located in Coeur d’ Alene. However, response time for the Team is a minimum of two hours and is a concern of planners and responders alike.
3. CIVIL DISOBEDIENCE
Although in the strictest sense, civil disobedience is uncommon in the county, emergency planners should take it into consideration.
4. TERRORISM
Terrorist events can occur in Boundary County. Law Enforcement is a leading agency in dealing with terrorism and should lead the emergency planning effort and assist local agencies in preparing to deal with acts of terrorism.
Although not considered likely to occur on U.S. soil, war is a threat to our nation and the citizens of the County. Emergency planners still look to the State and Federal Governments for guidance and support in this area. War on other than U.S. soil can affect the emergency preparedness and response abilities of our County as well as our economy. National Guard resources may not be available to augment local response to natural or man-made disaster.
A mass casualty event, such as a major explosion or fire in an industrial plant or school bus accident, can create special problems and should be considered a possibility in the planning process.
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CONCEPT OF OPERATION
The county concept of operation is based on the Incident Command System (ICS). The IC Team is made up of personnel with varied skills and functions from the County and Cities and managed by the Disaster Services Director (DSD). The DSD is appointed by the County Executive Committee. The Executive Committee is made up of; the County Commissioners, Mayors of Bonners Ferry and Moyie Springs, County Prosecuting Attorney and City Attorney, County Sheriff, Disaster Services Director and the County Incident Commander.
The sequence of events that would require activation of the County Incident Command Team would be:
1. Event occurs.
2. Event requires multiple agency response or response to a hazardous material incident.
3. Emergency response by the County Incident Command Team, Disaster Services Director or County Commissioners.
4. Provides coordination, support and executive guidance as necessary to support the incident.
5. Event concludes or becomes manageable and the Incident Command Team de-activates.
Sequence of Notification:
1. Chairperson of the County Commissioners.
2. County Commissioners and Mayors of Bonners Ferry and Moyie Springs.
Sequence of Staffing:
1. The Incident Command Team and Disaster Services Director may determine that an EOC type support organization is necessary.
2. Disaster Services Director decides and notifies what staffing is required for support of the incident.
Specific functions are described and detailed in the following sections. Response to specific hazards associated with the county area outlined in the appendices. Forms, list sample declarations, and checklists are included in the index.
The County EOP is a living document requiring constant revision. Revisions should occur anytime response methodology, capabilities or resources change.
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ELECTED OFFICIALS
(County Commissioners, etc.)
1. When notified, serves in the EOC.
2. Declares an emergency/disaster if appropriate.
3. May serve as spokesperson before media or delegates and supports that function.
4. Gives final approval to release emergency information/instructions/media releases.
5. Authorizes procurement of resources.
1. Authorizes mitigation strategy.
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DISASTER SERVICES DIRECTOR
RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Direct and/or coordinate the efforts of the jurisdiction and various response forces.
2. Coordinates with the response efforts of other jurisdictions.
3. Train the EOC staff.
4. Manage the EOC.
5. Identify resource needs and provide resources.
6. Assure appropriate warning to the public.
1. Analyze the emergency situations and provide the appropriate organized response.
2. Coordinate with the response efforts of other jurisdictions.
3. Activate the EOC as required.
4. Notify the Commissioners of the emergency/disaster situation.
5. Activate the call out list and notify the EOC staff of the emergency.
6. Manage the EOC.
7. Assure an Incident Event Log is maintained.
8. Collect and disseminate damage assessment information.
9. Submit Situation Reports and Damage Assessments to BDS.
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10. Assist with logistical support and resource delivery.
11. Implement the emergency communications as needed.
12. Report to BDS or Regional EOC as required.
13. Provide a public information desk and assist the PIO with gathering and releasing information.
14. Make recommendations for evacuation.
15. Request American Red Cross Assistance for mass care and/or shelter.
16. Coordinate resource and procurement needs with the Logistic Chief.
1. Assure Incident Event Log is maintained.
2. Collect and disseminate damage assessment information.
3. Submit Situation Reports and Damage Assessment information to BDS.
4. Coordinate Logistical support and resource delivery.
5. Implement emergency communications procedures as needed.
6. Report to BDS or Regional EOC as required.
7. Provide a public information desk and assist the PIO with gathering and releasing information.
8. Coordinate publishing of mass care location(s) and use information.
9. Coordinate resource and procurement needs with the Logistic Chief.
10. Coordinate administration of State and Federal assistance program delivery with BDS.
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INCIDENT COMMANDER
CONCEPT OF OPERATIONS
The Incident Commander is responsible for the management of the incident and reports to the County Executive Board. Coordinates inter-agency and Intra-agency on-scene tasking. Provides direction and control to personnel and equipment from responding government, local government and service agencies.
1. Know the capabilities of your local emergency response organizations.
1. Is responsible for coordinating county wide emergency response.
2. Ensures that safety receives priority consideration in all tasking of incident response.
3. Assesses incident to determine appropriate response and develops operational plans.
4. Consult with and briefs the Incident Command Team and Chief Executives concerning the overall incident action plan.
5. Assist the Incident Command Team in developing objectives for the incident.
6. Keep the Incident Command Team informed of the action plan accomplishments.
7. Assign priorities for resources.
8. Authorizes release of information to news media.
9. Approves demobilization plan
1. Same as response only with recover objectives.
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EOC MANAGER
CONCEPT OF OPERATIONS
The county concept of emergency operations
1. See that supplies and equipment in the EOC are stocked, maintained and ready for an event.
2. Work with all EOC staff so that they are trained in their duties and responsibilities.
2. Develops Recovery Staff Plan.
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PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER
CONCEPT OF OPERATIONS
The county concept of emergency operations for emergency public information is that there shall be a sole spokesperson for all emergency information, whenever possible. This person will be the PIO (Public Information Officer) or designee. The PIO may elect to utilize other personnel to act a spokesperson, depending upon the circumstances, technical information and political consideration. Local media takes precedence over national media.
1. Develop public education programs.
2. Maintain current media lists, appropriate plans and SOP’s and participate in county exercises.
3. During response and recovery, the PIO will counsel the County Commissioners in emergency information releases, response and all public other information.
1. Report to EOC.
2. Coordinate with the Disaster Services Director and County Commissioners on all emergency information releases.
3. Unless required do not withhold information from the public. This erodes public trust and confidence.
4. Whenever possible put a positive spin on releases.
5. Reassure the public that officials are working to resolve the situation.
6. Monitor media and public reports for accuracy and effectiveness.
7. Be prepared to provide warning to the pubic.
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8. Respond to media queries in a timely fashion.
9. Provide information regarding locations of mass care, shelter and aid centers.
10. Establish rumor control procedures.
11. Prepare timely, accurate news releases as required.
12. Maintain a chronological record of events.
13. Utilize other personnel to act as spokespersons, depending upon the circumstances, technical information and political consideration.
1. Establish rumor control procedures.
2. Advertise aid and recovery centers locations and services.
3. Prepare timely, accurate news releases as required.
4. Schedule news conferences, interviews and other media access.
5. Give public praise to those who have done a good job.
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LIAISON OFFICER
CONCEPT OF OPERATIONS
The Liaison Officer is the point of contact for assisting or coordinating agencies. This function is assigned to prevent officials from being overloaded by questions from the numerous assisting agencies that some incidents involve.
1. Have a good working knowledge of EOC and ICS structures, policies and procedures.
2. Learn what area agencies and organizations might assist in an event, and what their roles, responsibilities and needs will be.
1. Acts as the point of contact for assisting or coordinating agencies and organizations.
2. Provide lines of authority, responsibility and communications.
3. Works out interagency conflicts.
4. Works with private contractors and organizations to address their needs.
5. Reassure the public that officials are working to resolve the situation.
1. Same as response.
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PLANNING AND ASSESSMENT
CONCEPT OF OPERATIONS
The Planning and Assessment Section, headed by the Plans Chief, is responsible for the collection, evaluation, dissemination and use of information about the development of the incident and status of resources. Planning must include an assessment of the present and projected situation, constantly considering contingencies. Proactive incident management depends on an accurate assessment of the incidents potential and a prediction of likely outcomes.
1. Know the capabilities of your local emergency response organizations.
2. Study incidents reported in the media to learn what can happen and how other agencies handle different situations.
1. Gathers information and analyzes the situation as it progresses.
2. Records the status of resources, including those already committed to the incident, anticipates needs, and the projected impact of additional resources responding to the incident.
3. Generate an action plan for the next operational period.
4. Records and protects all documents relevant to the incident. (Incident reports, communication logs, injury claims and status reports).
5. Activate appropriate technical experts/specialists to assist in developing action plans.
1. In incidents requiring a major resource commitment, adequate planning is needed to ensure an effective, safe and cost effective demobilization and return of resources.
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2. Personnel being demobilized must be debriefed before being released.
3. Stress counseling may be necessary following traumatic incidents.
4. Responsible for the after action report.
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OPERATIONS / COORDINATION
CONCEPT OF OPERATIONS
The Operations Chief, provides interagency coordination and manages response and recovery. Provides direction and control of personnel and equipment from various responding agencies in the County.
1. Know the capabilities of your local emergency response organizations.
2. Study incidents reported in the media to learn what can happen and how other agencies handle different situations.
1. Is responsible for coordinating the County wide emergency response.
2. Help the Incident Commander (s) with span of control issues.
3. Assist the Incident Command Team in developing objectives for the incident.
4. Develop operational plans.
5. Consult with the Incident Command Team and Chief Executives about the overall incident action plan.
6. Keep the Incident Command Team informed of the situation and resource status.
7. Assign priorities for resources.
1. Same as response only with recover objectives.
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LOGISTICS CHIEF
CONCEPT OF OPERATIONS
The Logistics Chief oversees operational supply functions (including donated goods and services) and maintains contact between government and various private, commercial and industrial organizations that participate in the emergency operation. Provides logistical support to the Incident Command Team, including all actions necessary to ensure the availability of resources required to support the operation. Manages service and support resources.
RESPONSIBILITES
I. PREPARATION
1. Provides a complete picture of resources available.
2. Maintain a resource inventory of locally available resources.
3. Is aware of resources available through mutual aid agreements.
II. RESPONSE
1. Coordinates with Operations regarding needs and priorities.
2. Identifies facilities and sites available for resource storage, staging and provides for security.
3. Coordinates the acquisition and deployment of resources.
4. Monitors potential resources shortages and advises Operations.
5. Seeks outside resources when local resources are not adequate.
6. Meets critical resources needs despite interruptions or damage to the infrastructure.
7. Sees that all responders have; food, water, and toilet facilities and can get warm and dry.
8. Provides communications resources.
III RECOVERY
1. Maintain accountability of the jurisdiction’s use of resources.
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FINANCE CHIEF
CONCEPT OF OPERATIONS
Ensure the protection of the rights of the citizens and to see that all actions and expenditures are carried out according to proper protocol and statutes and to limit liability and reduce litigation.
1. Know the State and Local Statutes concerning Disaster and Emergency Operations.
2. Reviews County emergency plans for compliance with legal statutes.
3. Know the policies, laws, procedures and resources for emergency expenditures.
1. Is responsible for all legal considerations of the incident.