Table G - 6. Actions Identified by the () (From Master Action Chart) Multi-Hazard Plan, 2017 Action Comments 5 All-Hazards Local Planning & Regulations Update the Operations Plan on an annual basis. Work with Cities to create/update local EOPs. and All cities within Wilkin County are encouraged to work with County to create and/or update their local emergency operations plans. County Budget 6 All-Hazards and Response Engage local city government in emergency management training and exercises. and agencies frequently host training and exercises related to multiple types of hazards/functions. Participation from local city governments would greatly increase local knowledge and preparedness. County Budget Page G - 36
Multi-Hazard Plan, 2017 Action Comments 7 All-Hazards Provide outreach, education and awareness to residents and businesses on the hazards that face Wilkin County. and has a website as well as a Facebook page to provide the public with information related to severe weather, tips for emergency preparedness, and steps to take to protect life safety during dangerous events such as floods or severe winter storms. The FB page is also used to raise awareness of things such as floodplain ordinances, reducing flood risk around the home, business continuity planning for disaster, and more. Cities are encouraged to further share information via their own websites or FB pages. 8 Promote the use of NOAA weather radios as a key communications resource for residents, businesses, and facilities that house vulnerable populations (i.e., nursing homes, senior centers, and day care facilities). and This is a standing element of s messaging to the public on personal measures to adopt for severe weather readiness. Budget Page G - 37
Multi-Hazard Plan, 2017 Action Comments 9 10 11 and Response Encourage residents to be self-sufficient during power outage events that may result from severe winter or summer storms. (Develop home survival kit, have backup power generator, etc.) Promote the National Weather Service s annual Winter Weather Week in the fall and Weather Week in the spring to improve local residents understanding of storm hazards and personal readiness measures. Identify critical facilities or infrastructure that do not have backup power in the event of a major power outage resulting from severe winter or summer storms. (Critical facilities may include: police/fire departments, EOC, health care facilities, water & sewer treatment facilities, and other facilities deemed as critical, i.e. public schools and sheltering facilities). and and local cities, Public Works This is a standing element of s messaging to the public on personal measures to adopt for severe weather readiness. This is standing effort of WC s Program. All cities are encouraged to promote the NWS awareness weeks through sharing information locally via their own means of delivery (i.e., City websites, social media, public meetings, etc.) and numerous jurisdictions have identified a need for backup power for government buildings or other critical facilities or infrastructure. The Courthouse is one of the few locations that has adequate backup power. Budget budgets budgets Page G - 38
Multi-Hazard Plan, 2017 Action Comments 12 13 and Response Purchase and install generators or related equipment (e.g., adopt wiring, generator hookups) for identified critical facilities that require backup power. Identify power lines vulnerable to failure during severe ice storm or wind events and work with public utilities/rural electric coops to evaluate and implement mitigation projects such as aboveground improvements or burying of power lines as needed., Public Works WC Public Works and Electric Coops, local city governments, and schools will evaluate feasibility to purchase and install generators for key facilities. Power lines in nearly all communities in Wilkin County are located above ground and are very susceptible to wind damage and/or ice/snow accumulation. Wilkin County and cities will work with electric coops to identify areas of concern and discuss potential measures such as Converting overhead lines to underground lines in areas that have been subject to repetitive damage. Rural electric cooperatives may be eligible to apply for FEMA HMA funding. 5% Initiative for Generators Electric Coop, funding for Retrofit Page G - 39
Multi-Hazard Plan, 2017 Action Comments 18 Identify areas where vulnerable populations are susceptible to tornadoes or extreme wind events (i.e. schools, campgrounds, or mobile home parks) and evaluate for construction or retrofit of safe rooms or storm shelters. works with cities to identify areas of need and evaluate where storm shelters or safe rooms would be of benefit to protect vulnerable populations. Currently there is only 1 designated storm shelter for the county, located in the City of Breckenridge. budgets 19 21 & Response Implement construction or retrofit projects for safe rooms or storm shelters in identified vulnerable locations. Install outdoor warning sirens to cover the cities of Kent, Doran and other rural areas. City of Nashua City of Doran in coordination with local city or school. in coordination with Public Works works with local government/organizations to determine possible locations for storm shelters/safe rooms. This is a priority of the program. Use of outdoor warning sirens is an important tool used to notify residents to take cover in the event of dangerous high wind events. The lack of these warning sirens presents a gap in our ability to reach all residents through this means. budgets funding for Safe Room Construction County Budget for 5% Initiative Page G - 40
Multi-Hazard Plan, 2017 Action Comments 22 24 Extreme Temps (Heat / Cold) Extreme Temps (Heat / Cold) and Response & Response Evaluate and address community capabilities to provide temporary warming or cooling centers to the public during periods of extreme hot or cold temperatures. Obtain generators for facilities that are designated to provide sheltering to the public in order to secure the ability to provide heat or cooling in the event of a loss of power. Moderate Kent, in coordination with City Admin and WC Public Health and local communities will work to meet needs at the local level, such as use of local churches or community centers with heating/cooling capacity to accommodate those who need assistance (i.e., elderly). Nearly all of our shelter facilities are not equipped with backup power to provide either heat or cooling if there is a loss of power. will work with cities that have a designated Red Cross shelter on this effort. (Designated Shelters: City Hall, Rothsay Public School, Rothsay Community Center, Rothsay Baptist Church, Kent Community Hall, Campbell Community Center, Breckenridge United Methodist Church, and Breckenridge School). for 5% Initiative Page G - 41
Multi-Hazard Plan, 2017 Action Comments 28 Flooding 35 Flooding Local Planning & Regulations / Provide information to the public during flood events on current conditions and how to stay safe (i.e., Turn Around, Don t Drown). Maintain efficient city drainage of stormwater to handle high rain events and implement identified improvements where needed to decrease damage done by fast moving water. Cities of Doran and in coordination with local City Admin and public works depts.. This is a standing part of s Program. Information is posted on the County website and website and Facebook page. Information is also disseminated via TV and Radio. In an effort to maintain proper drainage within city limits (storm sewer/culverts and ditches), local city public works will identify areas for improvement that will decrease damage from high volume rain events. County Budget funding from PCA 39 Flooding Encourage all property owners in flood hazard areas to purchase flood insurance., WC Env./Zoning Office, local city Admin & planning & zoning depts.. regularly promotes awareness of flood insurance for at-risk homeowners via public outreach. Page G - 42
Multi-Hazard Plan, 2017 Action Comments 40 Flooding 51 Wildfire Identify existing structures that would benefit from flood proof measures and implement projects as feasible. Provide education to the public and private landowners on the dangers of and prevention of wildfire, particularly during periods of highrisk due to drought and high winds. Moderate Moderate Doran WC Env./Zoning Office, local city public works in collaboration with local fire departments Through the floodplain and shore land ordinance enforcement procedures, Environmental is aware of existing structures in areas prone to flooding and encourages property owners to consider flood proofing measures when feasible. Grass fires in rural areas or agricultural fields are the main concern for wildland fires in. WC will use its website, Facebook/ Twitter, and news releases to help raise public awareness during periods of wildfire risk. funding (FMA Program) County Budget / funding through DNR Firewise program Page G - 43