Winter Storms December 2, PDF Free Download

Winter Storms December 2, 2009 Plan Update

Flanagan & Associates, LLC Consultants Tulsa, OK www.rdflanagan.com rdflanagan@rdflanagan.com Plan can be reviewed at: www.rdflanagan.com/canadiancounty.html

Chapter 3 Committee members

Overview of Process Step 1: Step 2: Step 3: Step 4: Step 5: Step 6: Step 7: Step 8: Step 9: Organize to Prepare the Plan Involve the Public Coordinate with Other Agencies and Organizations Assess the Assess the Problem (i.e., Specific Vulnerabilities) Set Goals (i.e., Priorities Based Upon Assessments) Review Possible Activities (i.e., Measures) Draft the Action Plan Adopt the Plan Step 10: Monitor, Evaluate, and Update Chapter 7

Severe Winter Storms A severe winter storm is one that drops 4 4 or more of snow during a 12-hour period, or 6 6 or more during a 24- hour period. An ice storm occurs when freezing rain falls & freezes immediately on contact.

Winter Storm History Four of the most expensive disasters in Oklahoma history were winter storms in the last 8 years. 38 documented snow & ice events in Canadian County in the last 20 years $524.4 Million in reported damages during those events. Source: National Climatic Data Center, NOAA

Historic Data & Averages Winter Weather Average Annual Snowfall.......... 6.4 inches Avg. # of Days w/ Snow on Ground..... 3 days Greatest Seasonal Snowfall.... 37.3 (1948-49) 49) Greatest Daily Snowfall... 15.5 (Jan. 10, 1905) Coldest Temperature.....-15. 15 F F (Feb. 13, 1905) # of Days w/ Temp <20 F F........... 22 days

Winter Storms can produce Extreme cold, causing wind chill levels dangerous to humans and animals Snow accumulation, causing blocked transportation routes and possible residual flooding Reduced visibility and slick surfaces, causing hazardous driving (the leading cause of winter storm deaths) and walking conditions

Winter Storms can produce (cont.) Housefires and CO poisoning due to inappropriate alternative heating sources Transmission lines and tree limbs coated with ice, causing power and communication disruptions Major damage to streets, bridges, and other infrastructure

December 2000 - Ice Storm

December 2000 - Ice Storm Source: Oklahoma Climatological Survey Major snow and ice storms struck statewide, especially powerful in the southeast quarter. Power was lost to at least 120,000 homes and businesses were without power for several days. At least 27 deaths were directly attributed to this storm. Total property damage was approximately $170 million statewide from this event.

December 2000 - Ice Storm Source: FEMA 16,205 individuals registered for disaster housing assistance $2,446,263 in housing assistance approved $193,600 in SBA loans approved. $242,256 in Individual & Family Grant Program grants approved 3,027 people visited Disaster Recovery Centers 278 Requests for debris removal & emergency protective measures $3,213,753 obligated for debris removal & emergency protective measures

January 2002 - Ice Storm

Impact Map and Ice Storm Footprint Map (utilizing OCS and MESONET decision-support weather products) Denotes electric cooperative service areas impacted by Jan 2002 ice storm (Graphic used with permission of the Oklahoma Climatological Survey & OAEC)

January 2007 - Ice Storm

January 2007 - Ice Storm Source: ODEM State Situation Updates 32 deaths were directly attributed to this storm - 19 were due to traffic accidents - 8 were due to complications from hypothermia - 3 due to falls on ice - 2 due to smoke inhalation 3,919 injuries directly attributed to this storm At height of outages over 120,000 households lacked power on Sun, Jan. 14

December 2007 - Ice Storm

December 2007 - Ice Storm Source: ODEM State Situation Updates 29 deaths were directly attributed to this storm - 16 died in traffic accidents - 9 died in house fires - 2 died of carbon monoxide poisoning - 2 died of hypothermia 43 emergency shelters opened in response to this storm At the height of outages over 634,000 households lacked power on Dec. 11

December 2007 - Ice Storm Source: ODEM State Situation Updates & news media Several Canadian County Rural Water Districts had no back-up power. The wastewater lift stations had no back-up power.

The Sperry-Piltz Ice Accumulation Index (SPIA) ICE INDEX 1 RADIAL ICE AMOUNT (inches) < 0.25 0.25 0.50 WIND (mph) 15-25 < 10 DAMAGE AND IMPACT DESCRIPTIONS Some localized utility interruptions possible, typically lasting only 1 or 2 hours maximum. 2 3 < 0.25 0.25 0.50 0.50 1.00 0.25 0.50 0.50 0.75 0.75 1.00 > = 25 15-25 < 10 > = 25 15-25 < 10 Scattered utility interruptions expected, typically lasting less than 8 12 hours maximum. Numerous utility interruptions, with some damage to main feeder lines expected, with outages lasting from 1 to 5 days. 4 0.50 0.75 0.75 1.00 1.00 1.50 > = 25 15-25 < 10 Prolonged & widespread utility interruptions, with extensive damage to main distribution feeder lines and possibly some high voltage transmission lines. Outages lasting 5 10 days. 5 0.75 1.00 1.00 1.50 > 1.50 > = 25 15-25 < 10 Catastrophic damage to entire utility systems, including both distribution and transmission. Outages could last from 1 to several weeks in some areas. Shelters needed. (Categories of damage are based upon combinations of precipitation totals, temperatures and wind speeds.)

Balthrop s Winter Storm Physical Intensity Event Level (Source: Ok Disaster Plan) Conditions Impacts Level 1 Nuisance Event No Major Impact Level 2 Minor Event Caution Advised Little snow/ice accumulation. Roads not hazardous Dusting to 2 2 of snow. No measurable ice. Winter Weather Advisory Little to no effect. Untreated roadways may become hazardous. Livestock may need supplemental feed.

Balthrop s Winter Storm Physical Intensity (Source: Ok Disaster Plan) Event Level Conditions Level 3 Major Event Isolated Emergency Conditions Level 4 Extreme Event The Jurisdiction is under a Full State of Emergency Significant Snow Accumulations 2-8. Ice Accumulations of ¼ ½.. Reduced visibility. Wind causing drifting snow. Winter Storm Warning Crippling Event. Snow accumulations over 8. 8. Winds over 35 mph. Drifting snow, little to no visibility. Ice accumulations of more than ½. Blizzard Warning Impacts Widespread hazardous road conditions. Travel discouraged. Areas isolated Road conditions hazardous to impassable. People and livestock isolated. Widespread power & utility outages. Infrastructure damage. High potential for loss of livestock. Structures threatened from accumulating snow & ice. Communications infrastructure lost from ice accumulation. May be a long lasting event.

Typical Community Recovery Profile of customers interrupted in 12/07 Ice Storm (In 2007, the temperatures remained above freezing for most of the recovery period) 1 st week 2 nd week 3 rd week Source: Public Service Company of Oklahoma

What are some of the major Problems and Issues related to Severe Winter Storms in the?

Who are the most vulnerable populations during Severe Winter Storms in the?

Vulnerable Populations: All residents and properties are at Risk from Winter Storms Elderly - 50% of Hypothermia deaths are over 60 Indigent - from hypothermia and make- shift heating/lighting sources Automobile/Transportation Accidents are the leading cause of deaths Travelers - stranded by closed highways and bus lines 75% of Hypothermia Deaths are Male: Exhaustion, Heart Attacks, Overexertion

Measures 2004 Plan What is our status on each? Reduce the number of overhead power lines through consolidating existing lines and burying new lines underground. Develop and assess a contingency plan for responding to massive power outage due to severe storms and overload demands. Provide for routine trimming of trees to reduce power outages during storms. Update the debris management plan.

Goals & Objectives GOAL: To reduce injuries, loss of life, and damage to property, equipment and infrastructure caused by Winter Storms

Goals & Objectives 1. Public Information & Education. Improve public awareness of Winter Storm hazards and give people knowledge about measures they can use to protect themselves, their property and their community 2. Preventive Measures. Identify costs and the benefits of loss-prevention programs such as burying power lines to reduce utility outages or building snow-load roofs, with consideration for uncalculated benefits such as averting environmental and business losses

Goals & Objectives (cont.) 3. Structural Projects. Identify, fund, and implement measures, such as winterization retrofits to homes, critical facilities, transportation systems and infrastructure, to avert or reduce losses from Winter Storms. Provide additional protection, such as generators and emergency shelters, for agencies and facilities that serve vulnerable populations 4. Property Protection. Identify, fund, and implement projects to protect people and public and private property from losses in Winter Storms

Goals & Objectives (cont.) 5. Emergency Services. Identify and expand emergency services for people who are at high risk in Winter Storms, such as the homeless, elderly, disabled, and oxygen- dependent people 6. Natural Resource Protection. Evaluate options and take advantage of opportunities for sustainable Winter Storm policies and programs to reduce negative environmental impacts; examples include programs for debris management, streets snow removal, tree trimming and replacement, energy conservation, and winterization

Potential mitigation measures Which 2004 measures do we keep? What are some additional measures we may adopt in 2010?

Potential additional Winter Storm Public Information & Education Educate the public on the dangers of carbon monoxide pollution and the use of appropriate heating systems during power outages Preventive Measures Develop a Master Generator Plan for the community guiding generator planning, acquisition, deployment, and use for all critical facilities and operations during a major power outage

Potential additional Winter Storm Preventive Measures Provide wiring and transfer switches to accommodate emergency generators during disaster power outages for Critical Facilities including Emergency Operations Centers, City Hall, Dispatch, Police, Fire, Community Centers used for emergency shelters during disasters, lift stations, water treatment plants, and community medical facilities. Provide Critical Facilities (City Hall, Emergency Operations Center, 911 Dispatch, Police Station, Fire Stations, and other essential Critical Facilities) with Emergency Back-Up Generators, or Reliable Contracts to provide Back-Up Generators.

Potential additional Winter Storm Preventive Measures Identify and encourage Private Critical Facilities (Financial Institutions, Elder Care Facilities, Designated/Potential Community Emergency Shelters, etc.) to have generator pad, wiring/transfer switches and Emergency Back-Up Generators, or Reliable Contracts to provide Back-Up Generators. Adopt an Ordinance requiring wiring/transfer switches for Elder Care Facilities and Nursing Homes, to accommodate Emergency Back-Up Generators in the event of prolonged power outages.

Potential additional Winter Storm Preventive Measures Develop Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs( MOUs) ) with Private Sector gasoline service facilities, in times of Emergency or Power Outages, to provide fuel and give priority to Emergency/Critical Vehicles (government, police, fire, ambulance, etc.).

Potential additional Winter Storm (cont.) Property Protection Continue upgrading communities equipment and vehicles for combating ice storm damage/adverse impact to public infrastructure Structural Projects Review the possible critical structural "snow load" thresholds on flat-roofs on community or critical facilities Ensure that critical facilities have automatic transfer panels through which a generator can be connected safely

Potential additional Winter Storm (cont.) Emergency Services Work with local media outlets to assure that timely warnings, alerts, and winter storm educational messages are available to people who speak a language other than English, including American Sign Language Incorporate the Sperry-Piltz Ice Accumulation Index (SPIA) into Winter Storm forecasting and planning. Natural Resource Protection Assure that materials and techniques used in ice/snow response are environmentally responsible -- in composition, appropriate quantities, and waste runoff control

When the Lights go OUT! Developing a Master Generator Plan

¼ of ice can put 500 lbs. of extra weight on every line between utility poles That s s an extra 1½1 tons of load on every one of these poles -- not counting tree limbs During a major ice storm, Above ground lines Above ground lines WILL FAIL!

Why do we need a Master Generator Plan? During a sustained outage Critical facilities are unable to perform necessary functions; Social Service agencies can t t serve their clients; Essential vehicles may not be able to refuel; Communications systems will fail; Childcare and Long-term care facility residents will be at risk.

But can t t we just get enough generators from the state/fd/city? There aren t t enough to cover any but the most critical facilities; Even those may have to come from outside the immediate area; Immediate priority is public health & safety Police & Fire Departments water treatment plants hospitals

AND The best generator in the world doesn t t do any good if a facility doesn t t have a way to plug it in!

Elements of an MGP 1. Inventory all critical facilities 2. Determine critical Functions & timeline 3. Determine generator size 4. Permanent vs. Generator ready? 5. What fuel is most appropriate? 6. Develop a Budget & Operational Timeline 7. Provide for continual Maintenance & ongoing Testing

Elements of an MGP 1. Inventory all Critical Facilities How critical is the facility? How long can it stay down? What population does it serve? Ability to function without the facility? Response and Recovery functions the facility provides? Does it already have a generator? Is it sufficient?

Elements of an MGP 2. Determine Critical Functions & Timeline Which staff & what equipment performs which essential functions? Communications, computers, lights, alarms, utilities, water, etc. How quickly do they have to recover? (ex: Police can t t stop working. Payroll may be essential, but can wait a day or two to get back online) Don t t forget maintenance to support the facility itself.

Elements of an MGP 3. Determine Generator Size A licensed electrical contractor can determine what size generator can meet essential needs, including surge capacity as items are cycling on and off.

Elements of an MGP 4. Permanent vs. Generator Ready If a facility can wait a day or two to get up and running, it may be more cost-effective to install a concrete pad and transfer panel (and quick-connect connect line if using Natural Gas), and get a contract with a generator supplier. Make sure they can support you if they have multiple customers in a wide-spread community emergency.

Elements of an MGP 5. Choice of Fuel Diesel Advantages: Diesel generators are generally cheaper and smaller for the same efficiency Disadvantages: Will need a sufficient storage tank Diesel can be temperature-sensitive if correct grade not purchased A reliable fuel source may be hard to find during a widespread outage Natural Gas Propane

Elements of an MGP 5. Choice of Fuel Diesel Natural Gas Advantages: NG usually emits less exhaust NG can be plumbed in, so resupply is not an issue. Disadvantages: Propane NG generators are larger & more expensive for the same output. Natural Gas may be cut off during a fire.

Elements of an MGP 5. Choice of Fuel Diesel Natural Gas Propane Advantages: Frequently more readily available during an outage than diesel Fewer emissions than diesel Disadvantages: Requires a separate storage tank. Generator may be more expensive.

Elements of an MGP 6. Develop a Budget & Operational Timeline Which generators are the most important? Identify potential funding sources. HMGP/PDM Annual operating budget Economic development monies Capital Improvement bond issues Private facilities may be responsible for their own.

Elements of an MGP 7. Provide for Continual Maintenance & ongoing Testing Regular full load testing is necessary. Don t t be surprised when it won t t run something you thought it would. Are there maintenance personnel on- site, or will maintenance have to be contracted out? (Additional expense) Manufacturer will provide recommended testing guidelines.

Assessing the Costs Type of fuel will have a large effect on cost; Don t t forget funding for fuel storage; It may be appropriate to get community generators that are transportable, rather than generators at ALL facilities; All generators have ongoing maintenance and testing costs. Budgets need to include that; During an emergency, ALL prices may escalate. Pre-planning is not just an emergency measure, it s s financially responsible.

Other Considerations On-site Location Away from ventilation intakes Safety concerns (security fence?) Separate location for fuel storage MOU s with private businesses in lieu of generators May be an alternative to wiring fuel stations Transfer panels & Back-feeding Without effective transfer panels, utility workers safety is at risk. At least one utility worker has lost his life from power backfeeding during a recent outage.

Questions or Comments? Plan can be reviewed at: www.rdflanagan.com/canadiancounty.html