I. PURPOSE

This plan will establish policies and procedures that will allow the governments of St. Clair County and the cities therein to save lives, minimize injuries, protect property, preserve functioning civil government, and maintain economic activities essential to St. Clair County's survival and recovery from natural, technological, and war-related disasters. It will establish the guidelines for conducting efficient, effective, coordinated emergency operations involving the use of all resources belonging to St. Clair County or available to it.

This plan will outline actions to be taken by local government officials and cooperating private or volunteer organizations to: 1) prevent avoidable disasters and reduce the vulnerability of St. Clair County residents to any disasters that may strike; 2) establish capabilities for protecting citizens from the effects of disasters; (3) respond effectively to the actual occurrence of disasters; and 4) provide for recovery in the aftermath of any emergency involving extensive damage within the county.

It is not the intent of this plan to attempt to deal with those events that happen on a daily basis, which do not cause widespread problems and are handled routinely by the city and/or county agencies. It will, however, attempt to deal with those occurrences such as floods, tornadoes, earthquakes, etc., which create needs and cause suffering that the victims cannot alleviate without assistance, and that requires an extraordinary commitment of government resources.

II. SITUATION AND ASSUMPTIONS

A. Situation

1. St. Clair County is located in the west-central part of Missouri. Counties that border St. Clair are Bates and Vernon to the west, Henry to the north, Benton and Hickory to the east, and Cedar and Polk to the south.

2. Based on the 1990 Census, the land area of St. Clair County is 698 square miles with a population of 8,457. The largest communities in the county include Appleton City (1,257), Osceola (841), and Lowry City (676). Other communities include Collins, Gerster, Vista, and Roscoe.

3. St. Clair County is vulnerable to many hazards, all of which have the potential to disrupt the community, cause damage, and create casualties. The identified natural hazards include flooding, tornadoes, wildfire, earthquake and severe winter storms. There is also the threat of a war-related incident such as a nuclear attack. Other technological disasters include dam failure, hazardous materials incidents, power failure, and transportation accidents.

4. St. Clair County has capabilities and resources, which, if effectively employed, would minimize or eliminate the loss of life and damage to property in the event of an emergency or major disaster. This must include the utilization of private and volunteer organizations to the greatest extent possible.

5. Mutual aid agreements

a. The St. Clair County Fire and Rescue Squad has a verbal mutual aid agreement with both the Hickory County and the Polk County Fire and Rescue Squad's Emergency Management Organizations. They also maintain a mutual aid agreement with Ellett Memorial Hospital's Emergency Medical Services and the Appleton City Fire Department.

b. The Ellett Memorial Hospital's Emergency Medical Services (EMS) has written mutual aid agreements with Bates and Cedar County, as well as with Whiteman Air Force Base. They also maintain verbal mutual aid agreements with Golden Valley Hospital, Sac-Osage Hospital, and St. Clair County Fire and Rescue Squad.

c. The Appleton City Police Department maintains verbal mutual aid agreements with both the St. Clair County and Bates County Sheriff's Offices.

d. The Appleton City Fire Department has mutual aid agreements with all surrounding fire services, including the St. Clair County Fire and Rescue Squad, as well as with the Missouri Department of Conservation and Whiteman Air Force Base.

e. The Lowry City Fire Department has written mutual aid agreements with Deepwater, Iconium Fire Protection District, Clinton, and Sac-Osage Fire Protection District, as well as with Whiteman Air Force Base.

f. The Lowry City Police Department maintains mutual aid with the St. Clair County Sheriff's Office.

6. In the event of a nuclear attack, St. Clair County has been designated as a risk area due to the Whiteman Air Force Base missile complex. Therefore, if time permits, residents of St. Clair County would relocate to their safer "host" area, Hickory County.

7. This emergency operations plan is being developed and maintained as required by local executive order, pursuant to Missouri State Law, Chapter 44, RSMo, and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) guidance.

B. Assumptions

1. Some of the situations as previously stated may occur after implementation of warning and other preparedness measures, but others may occur with little or no warning.

2. Officials of St. Clair County are aware of the possible occurrence of an emergency or major disaster and are also aware of their responsibilities in the execution of this plan and will fulfill these responsibilities as needed.

3. The proper implementation of this plan will reduce or prevent the loss of lives and damage to property in St. Clair County.

4. Depending upon the severity and magnitude of the situation, local resources may not be adequate to deal with every occurrence. It may be necessary to request assistance through volunteer organizations, the private sector, mutual aid agreements, or state and federal sources.

5. Although an attack on this country is considered unlikely, there is that possibility as long as the world's war-making capability exists. Should an attack occur, it would probably be after days or weeks of international tension that would allow such protective measures as evacuation and sheltering to be implemented.

III. CONCEPT OF OPERATIONS

A. General

1. It is the responsibility of local government to provide for a comprehensive emergency management program that meets the emergency needs of those who either have been or might be affected by an emergency or major disaster. When the emergency exceeds the local government's capability to respond, assistance will be requested from the state government. If additional assistance is needed beyond state capabilities, the state will coordinate requests to the proper federal agencies.

2. The chief elected official is ultimately responsible for emergency management activities within the boundaries of that jurisdiction. The Presiding Commissioner of St. Clair County is responsible for those activities in the unincorporated areas of the county (see Title II, Division 10, Chapter II, of the Missouri Code of Regulations). The chief elected official of each municipality (i.e., Mayor) has a similar responsibility within their corporate boundaries. These officials can delegate their authority, but never their responsibility.

3. At no time will the County Commission supersede the authority of the elected officials of any of the incorporated subdivisions unless: (1) requested to do so by those elected officials, (2) the local subdivisions' governmental body is incapacitated or ceases to exist, or (3) empowered to do so by the governor under the authority of Chapter 44, RSMo.

4. This plan is based on the concept that the emergency functions assigned to the various groups, organizations, and individuals involved in this plan will parallel their normal day-to-day functions as closely as possible. The same personnel and material resources will be employed as much as possible in both normal and emergency functions.

5. Those day-to-day functions that do not contribute directly to the emergency operations may be suspended for the duration of the emergency. The efforts that would normally be required for those functions will be redirected to the accomplishment of emergency tasks by the agency concerned.

6. This plan or portions thereof will be implemented according to the emergency classification and control procedures set forth in Appendix 3 to this Basic Plan. The procedures discussed under this appendix will describe what happens when an emergency/disaster occurs, activation of the EOC, response procedures that will take place, and notification of departments/individuals.

7. By County Court Order dated May 22, 1979, St. Clair County created an emergency management organization responsible for the preparation and implementation of emergency functions for St. Clair County in accordance with Chapter 44, RSMo, and the State of Missouri Emergency Operations Plan. Two other communities in St. Clair County have also established a legal basis for their emergency management organization:

a. Appleton City, City Ordinance dated December 4, 1961

b. Lowry City, City Ordinance dated August 11, 1966

B. Operational Time Frames

This plan is concerned with all types of hazards that may develop in St. Clair County and must account for activities before, during, and after an occurrence. The following operational time frames were established for the various actions to be performed within the scope of this plan:

1. Mitigation -- A period of time during which activities are undertaken by individuals/departments to improve their capabilities to respond to a potential emergency and fulfill their assigned responsibilities.

2. Preparedness -- A period of time during which activities are undertaken by individuals/departments to increase their readiness posture during periods of heightened risk.

3. Response -- A period of time during which activities are undertaken by individuals/departments to respond to an occurrence that threatens or harms people/property.

4. Recovery -- A period of time during which activities are undertaken by individuals/departments to provide for the welfare of the people following a disaster and/or emergency.

IV. ORGANIZATION AND ASSIGNMENT OF RESPONSIBILITIES

A. Organization

1. Most of the departments within local government have emergency functions in addition to their normal, day-to-day duties which parallel or complement normal functions. The emergency management organization in St. Clair County will be set up along the following functional lines:

a. Direction and Control

b. Communications and Warning

c. Emergency Public Information

d. Damage Assessment

e. Law Enforcement

f. Fire and Rescue

g. Resource and Supply

h. Hazardous Materials Response

I. Public Works

j. Evacuation

k. In-Place Shelter

l. Reception and Care

m. Health and Medical

2. St. Clair County and each incorporated subdivision should develop a capability in each of these functional areas. In some cases, one agency handles a particular operation for both on a day-to-day basis (i.e., County Family Services, County Health Department, etc.).

3. The organizational charts for St. Clair County and its municipalities are located in Appendix 1 to this Basic Plan.

B. Assignment of Responsibilities

1. Specific groups, departments/agencies, and individuals will be assigned primary and/or support responsibilities to prepare for and to perform each of the functions listed above. In some cases a function will be assigned to a county official or agency, while others to city agencies or a combination thereof. Assignments for St. Clair County and its communities are identified on charts in Appendix 2.

2. The specific tasks to be performed in each function are found in detail in each functional annex. Appendix 2 to this Basic Plan contains a general list of task assignments by function common for a county or city organization.

3. It will be the responsibility of those agencies and individuals having a primary or secondary assignment to develop and maintain current standard operating procedures (SOPs) and checklists which detail how their assigned tasks will be performed to support implementing this plan.

4. All levels of government and private sector organizations involved in community service activities have heavy responsibilities for maintaining awareness of and being prepared to provide for the needs of persons with disabilities or other special problems. Throughout this plan, the requirements of special needs groups will be addressed (i.e., providing medical, transportation, and other related support during emergency situations for the handicapped, elderly, etc.).

V. DIRECTION AND CONTROL

A. General

1. The Presiding Commissioner of St. Clair County and the Mayors of its municipalities (or designated representatives) are responsible for all emergency management activities including the implementation of this plan and directing emergency response within the confines of their jurisdiction.

2. The Emergency Management Director is responsible for the following within their jurisdiction:

a. Coordination of all emergency management activities.

b. Decisions on routine day-to-day matters pertaining to emergency management.

c. Advising on courses of action available for major decisions.

d. Insuring proper functioning of the EOC during emergency operations.

e. Acting as liaison with other local, state, and federal emergency management agencies.

f. Coordinating EOC operations.

g. Other duties as outlined in the local ordinances, court orders, and agreements.

B. Emergency Operations Center (EOC)

1. The primary EOC for St. Clair County will be located at the St. Clair County Courthouse in Osceola. (See Annex B, Appendix 2 for a list of communications capabilities.) A portable generator is available for this facility.

2. The County's alternate EOC would be located at the St. Clair County Jail in Osceola. This location has communications capabilities, including MULES, NAWAS, and two-way radio base stations. A back-up diesel generator is used at this facility.

3. Other communities in St. Clair County will operate independent of each other and operate their own EOCs, unless they relegate their authority to another jurisdiction or higher form of government.

Appleton City:

Primary EOC . . . . Community Building

Alternate EOC . . . Ellett Memorial Hospital

Osceola:

Primary EOC . . . . City Hall

Alternate EOC . . . Fire Station, 3rd & Olive

Lowry City:

Primary EOC . . . . City Hall

H.Roe Bartle Scout Reservation:

Primary EOC . . . . RHQ

Secondary EOC . . . Shop

All of the above locations have communications capabilities available. Also, Appleton City and Lowry City each have portable generators available for their EOCs.

4. The EOCs will be manned according to the level of emergency. See Appendix 3 to this Basic Plan.

VI. CONTINUITY OF GOVERNMENT

A. Lines of Succession

In the event that an official or agency charged with participating in emergency operations is unable to perform, lines of succession will be established to ensure continuous emergency services are provided.

1. The line of succession for the St. Clair County Presiding Commissioner is as follows:

a. Presiding Commissioner

b. District Commissioners

2. The lines of succession for the Mayors of each incorporated subdivision are as follows:

Appleton City--Mayor, Mayor Pro Tem, Board of Aldermen

Osceola--Mayor, Mayor Pro Tem, Utility Superintendent

Lowry City--Mayor, Mayor Pro Tem, Board of Aldermen

H. Roe Bartle Scout Reservation--Resident Director, Ranger

3. The lines of succession for the Emergency Management Directors of the various jurisdictions are as follows:

St. Clair County--Emergency Management Director, Assistant Emergency Management Director, Director of Operations, Director of Logistics.

Appleton City--Police Chief, or the Fire Chief, depending upon the emergency situation

4. The line of succession for each department head is according to the standard operating procedures established by each department (see annexes and departmental SOPs).

5. In the event circumstances resulting from a disaster prevent a political entity from performing effective operations, the next higher political subdivision may assume authority until that political entity is able to adequately resume operations.

B. Preservation of Records

1. St. Clair County stores its essential records in a vault inside the courthouse.

Appleton City stores its vital documents in fire-proof file cabinets in City Hall.

Lowry City keeps its important documents in fire-proof file cabinets in City Hall.

2. In order to provide normal government operations after a disaster, all vital records of both a public and private nature recorded by such county and city officials as the clerk, tax collector, tax assessor, etc., must be protected and preserved. These would include legal documents, property deeds, tax records, etc. The following guidelines will apply:

a. Certain records and documents are vital to the continuance of government following a major disruption of normal activities due to a major disaster. These records and documents are to be identified by officials responsible for their day-to-day maintenance.

b. Resources from local government will be allocated to provide for one or more of the following options: (1) duplication of all such records, (2) timely movement to secure or safe areas outside the danger area, and/or development of secure and safe storage areas in St. Clair County.

3. Each emergency support service (i.e., law enforcement, fire, public works, etc.) must establish procedures to protect records deemed essential for continuing government functions and the conduct of emergency operations.

VII. ADMINISTRATION AND LOGISTICS

A. Administration

1. Emergency authority (See Part IX, Authorities and References).

2. Reports and records as required will be submitted to the proper authorities in accordance with the instructions in the individual annexes.

3. Agreements and understandings with other local jurisdictions, higher levels of government, and other agencies can be utilized to supplement local resources should an emergency situation exhaust the capabilities of Cedar County. Requests for such assistance will be made in accordance with negotiated mutual aid agreements and understandings. All such agreements should be formalized in writing whenever possible.

4. Discrimination on the grounds of race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, physical impairment, or economic status will not be allowed in the execution of emergency management functions. This policy applies to all levels of government and the private sector.

5. Disaster assistance from the state or federal government will be utilized in accordance with their provisions and statutes. Requests for such assistance can only be made by the chief elected official of the jurisdiction or his designated successor and must be submitted to the Governor of Missouri regardless of what type of assistance is required.

6. Review and written concurrence of this plan and its annexes will be accomplished as follows: Each agency/department of government and private sector organizations assigned emergency responsibilities will review this plan. They will report their concurrence to their Emergency Management Director. The County Commissioners and the Mayors will sign the promulgation document for all departments and organizations.

B. Logistics

1. Supply Requisition Procedures

a. St. Clair County:

Each county/city department is responsible for procurement of its own essential supplies needed for emergency operations through normal procurement channels. If, in the opinion of a department head, specific purchases are necessary for the protection of citizens and property, the department head may make those purchases without standard authorization.

b. Municipalities:

Each city department and agency is responsible for its own supplies needed for emergency operations. Supplies available for emergency operations will include all materials, equipment, resources, and facilities belonging to any unit of the city government.

c. Requisitions of privately-owned property will be in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 44, RSMo.

2. Set up procedures for receiving and managing the donations and services of individual citizens, private sector organizations, and others not included in the formal response structure.

3. Identify, as appropriate, special or critical resources required for radiological and chemical analysis, environmental assessment, biological sampling, etc.

4. Develop procedures for inventory, storage, maintenance, and replacement of administrative and logistical support items during emergency conditions.

5. Identify the availability and accessibility of resources from neighboring jurisdictions, military installations, the state and the federal government.

VIII. PLAN DEVELOPMENT AND MAINTENANCE

A. Review and written concurrence of this plan and its annexes will be accomplished as follows: Each agency/department of government and private sector organizations assigned emergency responsibilities will review this plan. They will report their concurrence to their jurisdiction's chief elected officials. These officials and the Emergency Management Directors of these jurisdictions will sign the promulgation document for all departments and organizations.

B. The St. Clair County Emergency Management Director will instigate an annual review of the plan by all officials and agencies. The Director will ensure that necessary changes and revisions to the plan are prepared, coordinated, published, and distributed. The Director will provide a copy of the plan revisions to all organizations/agencies assigned responsibility for implementation of the plan.

C. This plan will be activated once a year in the form of a simulated emergency, taking into account actual events in order to determine if revisions can be made that would improve disaster response and recovery operations. This will also provide practical controlled operations experience to those who have EOC responsibilities. This will be done by the Emergency Management Director with the approval of the chief elected officials.

D. This plan or any portions thereof will be activated by the order of the chief elected official present, or by the procedures set forth in Appendix 3 to this Basic Plan.

E. This plan will become effective upon the date it is approved and signed by the chief elected officials of St. Clair County and municipalities within St. Clair County.

IX. AUTHORITIES AND REFERENCES

A. Federal Public Law 93-288, Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Act, as amended

B. Federal Public Law 99-499, SARA, Title III

C. FEMA's Guide for State and Local All-Hazard Emergency Operations Planning (draft) and Missouri's All-Hazard Emergency Operations Guidance (draft)

D. Revised Statutes of Missouri, Chapter 44, as amended

E. Revised Statues of Missouri, 49.070

F. Missouri Code of Regulations, Title II, Division 10 Chapter II

G. State of Missouri Emergency Operations Plan, as amended

H. SEMA's Missouri Hazard Analysis, dated August 1995

I. St. Clair County Court Order dated August 22, 1979

J. Appleton City, City Ordinance dated December, 1961

K. Lowry City, City Ordinance dated August 11, 1966

Appendices

1. Emergency Management Organizations by Emergency Function (for St. Clair County and its municipalities)

2. Assignment of Responsibilities

Attachment A - Primary & Support Responsibilities Charts

Attachment B - Task Assignments by Function

3. Emergency (Disaster) Classification & Control Procedures

4. Procedures for Requesting Assistance

5. St. Clair County Hazard Analysis

Attachment A - Earthquake Response

Attachment B - Projected Earthquake Intensities (Map)

NOTE: See each annex for specific coordinators in each municipality.

A. Primary and Support Responsibilities Charts (Attachment A)

1. These P & S charts will assign specific agencies and/or individuals the responsibility to prepare for and to perform each of the thirteen identified emergency management functions, in addition to hazardous materials response, and also whether they have a primary or supporting role.

2. These charts are general in nature and should not be considered all inclusive.

B. Task Assignments by Function (Attachment B)

1. Following the P & S Charts there is a general list of tasks to be assigned to each function. These are only general lists that will be expanded upon in the various annexes.

2. There is one list of tasks for each function. Some tasks may be common to more than one function.

P-Primary responsibility for function S-Support for function

MUNICIPALITIES

FUNCTIONS AND EMERGENCY RESPONSIBILITIES CHART, PRIMARY & SUPPORT

P-Primary responsibility for function S-Support for function

The following is a basic list of tasks assigned to each function. These task assignments are common to both county and city organizations. Specific tasks are listed in the appropriate Annex.

A. Direction and Control (Annex A)

St. Clair County -- County Commission

Municipalities -- Mayor/City Administrator

1. Make policy decisions relating to emergency management

2. Plan for emergency management activities

3. Oversee Hazard mitigation activities

4. Control operations during disasters

5. Coordinate and direct relief and recovery operations

6. Coordinating emergency management activities

7. Maintain an exercise program

8. Supervise the emergency public information function

B. Communications and Warning (Annex B)

St. Clair County -- County Sheriff

Municipalities -- Municipal Police Chief

1. Monitor all emergency situations to insure proper response

2. Train personnel (full-time and supplementary)

3. Support all other emergency functions when needed

4. Develop warning plans and procedures for all identified hazards (See Basic Plan, Situation and Assumptions).

5. Maintain and expand warning and alert devices (sirens, tone-activated receivers, etc.)

C. Emergency Public Information (Annex C)

St. Clair County -- Presiding Commissioner

Municipalities -- Mayor/City Administrator

1. Predesignate an information office which will be the point of contact for the media during disaster situations

2. Coordinate with the various departments concerning the release of public information

3. Develop procedures for rumor control and information authentication

4. Clear information with the chief executive before release to the public

5. Use all news media for the release of information

6. Maintain and release as appropriate EPIs for all identified hazards

7. Conduct annual programs to acquaint news media with emergency plans.

D. Damage Assessment (Annex D)

St. Clair County -- County Assessor

Municipalities -- City Emergency Management Director

1. Maintain plans and procedures consistent with those of the state and federal government

2. Recruit and train personnel

3. Provide disaster information to Direction and Control

4. Assist federal and state officials in damage estimation

5. Assist in mitigation activities by identifying potential problem areas

E. Law Enforcement (Annex E)

St. Clair County -- County Sheriff

Municipalities -- Municipal Police Chief

1. Maintain law and order during emergency operations

2. Provide necessary support during emergency operations (i.e. site security, access control, traffic control, EOC security, etc.)

3. Provide and/or support communications and warning

4. Lend support to fire, medical, hazardous materials and other emergency services as dictated by the situation.

5. Coordinate with other law enforcement groups

6. Implement and/or continue training courses for auxiliaries and reserves

7. Provide personnel with the appropriate level of hazardous materials training

F. Fire Service (Annex F)

St. Clair County and Municipalities -- City/Rural Fire Departments/Districts

1. Control fires during emergency operations

2. Conduct fire prevention inspections

3. Assist with search and rescue operations

4. Support health and medical, communications and warning

5. Respond to hazardous materials incidents

6. Provide radiological support, including decontamination

7. Maintain/develop plans when required or conditions change

9. Conduct training courses in self-help fire prevention techniques, as well as, fire prevention inspections

10. Provide personnel with the appropriate level of hazardous materials training

G. Resource Management (Annex G)

St. Clair County -- County Clerk

Municipalities -- City Clerk

1. Maintain and update resource lists of supplies and personnel for use in disaster situations

2. Identify potential resource requirements

3. Coordinate with other agencies and departments to fill resource shortages

4. Assist with stocking of shelters

H. Hazardous Material Response (Annex H)

Local Fire Department -- St. Clair County LEPC

1. Develop/maintain hazard analysis

2. Provide initial hazard assessment to response personnel and the general public

3. Lead the initial environmental assessment

4. Prescribe personnel protective measures

5. Issue pubic warning

6. Establish an on-scene command post

7. Determine when reentry is possible

8. Provide response personnel (i.e. law enforcement, fire, public works, health and medical) with the appropriate level of hazardous materials training

9. Work with local hospitals to insure procedures are available to handle contaminated patients and to decontaminate and isolate such patients

10. Maintain a peace-time radiological accident capability

11. Maintain the inventory of radiological equipment from the state

I. Public Works (Annex I)

St. Clair County -- County Commissioners, County Road and Bridge

Municipalities -- Municipal Public Works

1. Remove debris and dispose of garbage

2. Make emergency road and bridge repairs

3. Restore utility service, especially to critical facilities

4. Gather damage assessment information

5. Provide necessary support to other departments (i.e. heavy equipment, barricades, etc.)

6. Provide personnel with the appropriate level of hazardous materials training

J. Evacuation (Annex J)

St. Clair County -- County Sheriff, City/Rural Fire Departments

Municipalities -- Municipal Police Chief, City Fire Chief

1. Verify evacuation routes and implement evacuation plans

2. Identify affected facilities or individuals with special needs (hospitals, nursing homes, invalids, etc.)

3. Make arrangements to keep essential facilities operating

4. Maintain a continuous flow of traffic

5. Furnish to the Public Information Officer instructions regarding evacuation procedures (i.e., rest areas, fuel stops, etc.) for release to the public

K. In-Place Shelter (Annex K)

St. Clair County and Municipalities -- Emergency Management Director

1. Advise the public on what protective actions to take

2. Identify warning procedures

3. Maintain emergency public information materials

4. Assist with the movement of people to shelters if necessary

5. Provide protective shelter for the population in situations for which such action is appropriate. Coordinate with Reception and Care, Annex L.

6. Nuclear attack sheltering will require implementing special procedures (i.e. marking, stocking, and upgrading)

L. Reception and Care (Annex L)

St. Clair County -- County Emergency Management Director/American Red Cross

Municipalities -- City Emergency Management Director/American Red Cross

1. Review list of designated temporary lodging and feeding facilities

2. Review procedures for the management of reception and care activities (feeding, registration, lodging, etc.)

3. Designate facilities for special needs groups

4. Maintain supply of registration forms

5. Coordinate mass feeding operations with Resource and Supply

6. Develop procedures to assist evacuees with medical problems

M. Health and Medical (Annex M)

St. Clair County and Municipalities -- County Health Department

1. Provide for public health services during an emergency

2. Coordinate plans with representatives of private health sector to include hospitals, nursing homes, etc.

3. Implement plans for mass inoculation

4. Review provisions for expanded mortuary services

5. Develop procedures to augment regular medical staff

6. Develop plans to provide medical care in shelters

I. PURPOSE

To establish emergency/disaster classification and control procedures for county and/or city officials and emergency response personnel during periods of emergency/disaster.

II. EMERGENCY CLASSIFICATION

A. Level I Emergency is an occurrence that can be handled routinely by one or more departments within the County and/or City. It has the potential to require resources in excess of those available to the responding agency(s) through mutual aid agreements, etc., to bring the situation under control.

B. Level II Emergency is an occurrence that requires a major response and the significant commitment of resources from several governmental agencies, but will still be within the capabilities of local resources to control. (Example: localized flooding, isolated tornado damage, etc.)

C. Level III Emergency is an occurrence that requires an extensive response and commitment of resources from all departments/agencies and could necessitate requesting outside assistance from state and federal agencies. (Example: earthquake, major tornado damage over large areas with extensive casualties, extensive flooding or any incident requiring an evacuation of a significant sized area.)

III. RESPONSE PROCEDURES

A. The dispatcher, upon notification of an emergency, shall notify the officer on duty to respond. (The term dispatcher when used in these procedures applies to the Sheriff's Dispatcher for St. Clair County. These procedures may also be applied to the dispatchers in the municipalities.)

B. On-scene command and control of the affected area will be established by the first ranking officer of the responding agency at the scene of the incident.

C. The Incident Commander officer will maintain radio contact with the dispatcher to advise of the situation and to alert additional response agencies as necessary.

D. When it becomes apparent to the commanding officer at the scene that control of the incident is beyond the response capabilities of the initial responding agency(s) and the emergency has escalated from Level I to Level II or higher, the officer will instruct the dispatcher to notify the next in command (i.e., Sheriff, Police Chief, Fire Chief, Emergency Management Director, etc.) of the seriousness of the disaster.

E. The next in command will in turn, advise the chief elected official (i.e., Presiding Commissioner for St. Clair County, or Mayor of the involved municipality) of the situation, at which time a determination will be made as to whether or not the EOC should be activated and personnel should be assembled.

F. Should it be decided to assemble the EOC staff, each member of the EOC staff will be contacted by the dispatcher and advised to report to the EOC. The dispatcher will be assisted by the on-duty personnel at the department and/or the Emergency Management Director to make the notifications if necessary (See Appendix 2 to Annex A for EOC Staffing Roster/Call-Up List).

G. After the EOC staff has assembled, it will be determined what personnel will be required to control operations. This determination will be made by the officials present.

IV. NOTIFICATION PROCEDURES

A. It will be the responsibility of the dispatcher on duty to notify key government officials and emergency response organizations/departments. The primary methods of communications will be through radio, telephone and/or pager.

B. The dispatcher will have available at the communications center the necessary call-up/notification lists which include names and telephone numbers of individuals and organizations to contact. It is the responsibility of the dispatcher along with each organization/department to see that these lists are kept current.

C. In some cases it will be the responsibility of the first organization member contacted to notify and/or recall the necessary personnel within that organization to respond to the incident. Therefore, each organization must maintain current internal personnel notification/recall rosters and a means to implement them.

D. Depending upon the type of emergency, the dispatcher will notify/warn special locations such as schools, nursing homes, factories and the hospital. A list of names and telephone numbers to contact is available with the dispatcher. On-duty personnel at the department and/or the Emergency Management Director will assist with this notification.

E. It is the responsibility of the dispatcher to keep a log of all messages received and sent (See Annex A for copies of message and log forms).

F. Operational procedures/checklists will be established and utilized in so far as possible.

G. Situations requiring notification that are not covered by these checklists will be handled on a case by case basis by the Emergency Management Director and his staff.

I. STATE AND FEDERAL ASSISTANCE

A. Assistance from State and/or Federal agencies such as the Department of Conservation, Department of Natural Resources, CORPS of Engineers, etc. can be requested directly by calling the appropriate agency. State and/or Federal assistance may also be requested through the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA).

B. SEMA Notification

1. SEMA has a 24-hour Telephone number to request assistance in a disaster or emergency: 573/751-2478.

a. Working hours: Your call will be answered by personnel on duty in the EOC.

b. Non-working hours: Leave your name and a call back number. Your call will be returned by the Duty Officer.

2. If the telephone lines are down, the Duty Officer can still be contacted. The Missouri State Highway Patrol can relay the information to Troop F in Jefferson City by radio. During working hours, the Missouri Uniform Law Enforcement System (MULES) can also be used to transmit messages to the MULES terminal in the State Emergency Operations Center.

II. NATIONAL GUARD ASSISTANCE

A. General Facts

1. Requests for such assistance can only be made by the chief elected official or designated successor as outlined in this plan (see Part VI of the Basic Plan, Continuity of Government).

2. Requests should only be made after local resources are exhausted.

3. The State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) should be informed prior to making such a request.

B. Procedures

1. Analyze the situation to determine:

a. If threat to life or property still exists.

b. To insure all local resources are committed.

2. Make the request directly to the Governor through SEMA by the quickest means possible. If the telephone or radio is used, a hard copy should follow.

This Appendix is designed to provide an overview of the hazards that could affect St. Clair County. In general, hazards can be placed into two (2) categories: Natural and Technological.

Tornado Since Missouri lies in the heart of the nation's "tornado alley", its residents are particularly vulnerable to tornadoes. Seventy percent of Missouri's tornadoes occur during the months of March, April, May and June, but a tornado can occur at any time of the year. In past years (1950 - 1994) the county has recorded 14 tornado touchdowns; consequently, St. Clair County is considered at risk to tornadoes.

Winter Although excessive snowfalls with prolonged severe cold or storms producing

Storms blizzard conditions are rare in Missouri, they do occur. Most snow usually falls during the months of December, January and February. Southern Missouri counties average 8-12 inches of snow a year.

A large winter storm accompanied by severe cold could cause numerous secondary hazards such as, power failure, transportation incidents and fuel shortages.

Floods Flooding is a potential risk in St. Clair County. Waterways include Stockton Lake, St. Clair Creek, Horse Creek, the Sac River and various other creeks and branches. Flooding could potentially occur anywhere in the county along these waterways. The city of El Dorado Springs does participate in the National Flood Insurance Program, but St. Clair County does not.

Earthquake Although earthquakes in the Midwest occur less frequently than on the west coast, the threat of an earthquake to Missouri residents is high. In the event of a magnitude of 7.6 earthquake along the New Madrid seismic zone, St. Clair County could experience an intensity of VI on the Modified Mercalli Scale. For more information, see Appendix 5 to this Basic Plan.

Other Additional natural hazards that could affect St. Clair County include: drought (prolonged period with no rain that can affect agricultural areas and impact water supply systems) and wildfire (uncontrolled burning in grasslands, brush, or woodlands).

Hazardous St. Clair County is prone to hazardous materials incidents from both fixed Materials containment sites and transportation accidents. There are numerous fixed facilities that store/use hazardous materials, three major highways (U.S. 13, U.S. 82, U.S. 54) and three pipelines that cross through the County. For additional information see Appendix 6 to Annex H.

Transportation This type of incident involves passenger air or rail travel that results in death or Accident serious injury. There are no passenger rail lines in St. Clair County and the nearest airport that provides passenger service is located in Springfield (Springfield-Branson Regional). Highway incidents are usually excluded under this hazard and addressed under hazardous materials incident.

Dam Failure There are eleven dams located inside St. Clair County. For more information on dams affecting St. Clair County, see Appendix 8 to Annex J.

Fire Fire is the primary cause of accidental death in the United States, surpassing floods, automobile accidents and other disasters (20 times more deaths are caused by fire than by floods, hurricanes, tornadoes and earthquakes combined.) Fires are by far the most frequent hazard that will affect St. Clair County.

Fires may be accidental (lightning) or intentional (arson) and have the potential to cause major conflagrations, leading to secondary hazards, such as a hazardous materials incident.

Power Failure This type incident involves any interruption or loss of electrical service due to disruption of power generation or transmission caused by accident, natural hazards, equipment failure or fuel shortage. A significant power failure would require the involvement of the emergency management organization to coordinate provision of food, water, heating, etc.

Nuclear St. Clair County is considered a risk area for nuclear attack. However, radioactive Attack fallout from a nuclear attack could pose a serious threat to St. Clair County residents. For more information, ref. Emergency Manager's Handbook.

Civil Disorder Any incident intended to disrupt community affairs and requiring police intervention to maintain public safety. Civil disorders are limited to the following types: terrorist incidents, riots, strikes resulting in violence, and demonstrations resulting in police intervention and arrests. Although, the target areas of strikes and terrorist incidents are generally more easily defined, areas subject to riots or demonstration may encompass large portions of the community. The types of facilities that could be targets of such activities include government buildings, military bases, schools/universities, and correctional facilities.

I. PURPOSE

This All Hazard Plan (EOP) for St. Clair County is based on a functional response to the potential disasters that could occur within the county. While the plan provides the basis for emergency response to any of these disasters, this appendix has been developed to further define actions specific to earthquake response.

II. SITUATION AND ASSUMPTIONS

A. Situation

1. The New Madrid Seismic Zone is centered in Southeast Missouri and northeast Arkansas, but extends into parts of Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Mississippi and Tennessee. The region is considered to pose the greatest danger and have the highest seismicity level of any area east of the Rocky Mountains. Due to the geology of the area, damages could be spread over a large area of the Central United States.

2. Attachment B to this appendix illustrates the projected Modified Mercalli intensities for Missouri should a 7.6 magnitude earthquake occur anywhere along the New Madrid Seismic Zone. St. Clair County can expect to feel the effects of a VI intensity on the Modified Mercalli scale. (See Attachment B for a list of these effects.)

3. A major earthquake could cause massive casualties and injuries, as well as severe damage to private and public property. (Most casualties and injuries are due to falling objects and debris, not from the actual movement of the ground.) Railroads, highways, bridges, telecommunications, and utilities could also be severely damaged. An earthquake could trigger secondary events such as explosions, fires, landslides, flooding, liquefaction and hazardous materials releases. Natural gas and petroleum pipelines could rupture, causing fires and explosions. Dam failures are also likely to follow a major earthquake.

4. A major earthquake would overwhelm a local jurisdiction's ability to adequately respond to the situation.

5. Earthquakes are more likely to hinder emergency operations than most other disasters or emergencies (i.e., difficulties coordinating services and acquiring resources could be much more critical).

B. Assumptions

1. Access to and from the damaged area may be severely restricted for hours at least, if not days.

2. Communications and life-support systems may be severely hampered or destroyed.

3. Seismic caused ground motions and its resulting damage may vary within a geographical region. There could be heavy damage in one area and only slight damage in another area.

4. Initial reports of the earthquake may not reflect the true nature of the problem.

5. A catastrophic earthquake would result in an immediate declaration of a "State of Emergency" by the Governor, followed later by a Presidential Disaster Declaration. This would allow state and federal emergency operations to begin.

6. Local jurisdictions may have to "go it alone" for the first 72 hours after an earthquake, before state and federal assistance arrives.

III. CONCEPT OF OPERATIONS

A. The overall organization and emergency responsibilities for St. Clair County Emergency Management operations are provided in the All Hazard Plan and its Annexes. In the event of an earthquake emergency response will be established in the following order:

1. Save lives and eliminate hazards which pose an immediate threat.

2. Establish reliable lines of communications between St. Clair County and the State EOC. This may be accomplished using county-or city-owned resources, private utility companies, and/or amateur radio operators.

B. Other emergency operations which will be given high priority are:

1. Emergency medical services

2. Essential debris removal (i.e., major routes or structures)

3. Search and rescue operations

4. Evacuation of hazardous structures (after inspection)

5. Public health (potable water supply and disease control)

6. Public works (inspect and clear roads; restore utilities)

7. Resource management (establish priorities and resource controls)

8. Open shelters and establish feeding centers for persons unable to return home.

(Note - Detailed information on above functions are provided in the appropriate annex of the All Hazard Plan.)

C. Once the initial event has occurred, Damage Assessment personnel will be sent out to make an initial survey of the damage.

D. In the event of a major earthquake, the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) will activate the State Emergency Operations Center (EOC) in Jefferson City.

Earthquake effects - Intensity VI: Everyone feels movement. Poorly built buildings are damaged slightly. Considerable quantities of dishes and glassware, and some windows are broken. People have trouble walking. Pictures fall off walls. Objects fall from shelves. Plaster in walls might crack. Some furniture is overturned. Small bells in churches, chapels and schools ring.