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HomeMy WebLinkAboutIR 8196 INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS No.................8196 oSubject: June 1, 1999 To the Mayor and Members of the City Council Improved Severe Weather Preparedness Ian In light of recent severe weather events around the nation the Emergency Management staff has discussed ways to improve preparedness using existing resources. Our staff identified current capabilities and new ways to substantially enhance current efforts. Although this is not a complete picture, one could conclude from the following that we are, as prepared if not more prepared than other comparable cities. Public Information/Education: • Seasonal safety tips - We have developed quality displays for the City Web Page and our own Emergency Management Office page to promote community preparedness. This should be available in the coming weeks. We will increase instructive messages and information through various print and electronic media, including the Fort Worth Star Telegram, City Page and water bill inserts. Local media representatives for the most part have been very cooperative in helping us get the message out about taking personal responsibility for severe weather preparedness, obtaining Weather Alert Radios and the Outdoor Waming Sirens not being our first line of defense. • Training - Skywam Weather School will be open to the public not just Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (R.A.C.E.S.). members and radio operators. Incident Command Schools will be conducted for R.A.C.E.S., Citizens Fire Academy, and other volunteers. R.A.C.E.S. radio training nets will be conducted once a month. • Brochures - We are arranging for the Tarrant County Print Shop to print an "All Hazards" coloring book for children. Due to our contract with the County it is much more economical to get print work done there. We will continue to try and produce weather brochures from the American Red Cross, Federal Emergency Management Agency and the State although all of these sources are beginning to get out of the brochure business completely. • Education - Increase public speaking and presentations to schools, civic and neighborhood groups and institutions. We will specifically target after school care and summer programs. We already are working closely with Herman Earwood, the safety officer for FWISD, on several other projects. We have developed a strong relationship with the National Weather Service (NWS). Jim Stepkovich with NWS has also agreed to speak to school age children and civic groups. ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH,TEXAS NF-1 INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS No. 8196 gym. r To the Mayor and Members of the City Council June 1, 1999 Page 2 of 3 Subject: Improved Severe Weather Preparedness Preparedness and Warning: • The Emergency Alert System (EAS) - We have the plan, procedures and authentication codes to activate EAS through WBAP 820 AM or through the National Weather Service. Although it is not necessary for us to initiate the warning we have the capability. • Media Hotline - We have the capability to quickly notify print and broadcast agencies to disseminate timely warning information to the public. • Cable Override -We have the capability to relay information to control room technicians to display warning information and instructions to Charter Communications Gable viewers. • NOAA Weather Alert Radios - We continue to aggressively promote the purchase and use of Weather Alert Radios for all households and institutions. Every interview we do will include this suggestion. • Outdoor Warning System - Our last test had an 88% success ratio. ISS just designed a new controller to be installed next week. The cost was $400 and it gives us more diagnostic capability and more reliability. Our response to siren inquiries is the same as it has been for years. Sirens are an outdoor warning system. Do not expect to hear them indoors. If you do hear them go indoors and turn on your television or radio. Purchase a Weather Alert Radio. It will wake you up if you are asleep and you have the benefit of constant weather forecasts. Be responsible and pay attention to changing weather conditions. Heed watches and warnings issued by the National Weather Service. Planning and Programs: • Outdoor Public Event Planning - We have coordinated, reviewed and written numerous contingency plans for warning, evacuation and sheltering of participants and patrons for large outdoor events. • Extreme Weather Shelter Plans - Sheltering of Homeless in the extremely cold or hot weather is a coordinated effort between Parks and Community Services, Fort Worth Fire Department, Fort Worth Police Department and The T, and local homeless shelters, namely the Presbyterian Night Shelter. ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH,TEXAS INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS No. 8196 To the Mayor and Members of the City Council June 1, 1999 Page 3 of 3 Subject: Improved Severe Weather Preparedness • Summer Breeze Program — Two members of the EMO staff were instrumental in developing and carrying out the Summer Breeze Program last summer, which distributes fans to needy citizens trying to escape the heat. They will continue to help organize and administer the program this summer, which starts June 8, 1999. There will be a press conference announcing the kickoff date. • Damage Assessment - Extensive planning and coordination has already taken place among the Emergency Management Office, Risk Management and Transportation and Public Works for timely assessment and identification of vital repair needs and safety hazards in the aftermath of a disaster. • Recovery Resource efforts - Various agreements for assistance in the aftermath of a tornado are in place with many entities such as the Association of General Contractors (AGC), the Better Business Bureau and the National Association of Remodlers Industry (NARI) • Shelters -An Extensive Shelter matrix has been developed with descriptions of facilities around the City and County. Parks and Community Services is also very involved in this program. Shelter staffing plans are already in place with the American Red Cross. • Disaster Welfare Information and Critical Incident Stress Management - Efforts between the City of Fort Worth, the American Red Cross, the Hospitals and the Medical Examiners Office are a work in progress. Two members of the Emergency Management Office are very active in this program and have leadership roles in the North Texas Critical Incident Stress Management organization (CISM). Our continued discussion of emergency preparedness issues and participation by all City Departments, and with other agencies at the table, puts us in a much better position to respond effectively. In the aftermath of the 1995 hailstorms, the 1998 water main breaks and our training and exercises we have really come together as a team. Upper management support has been the key to our success in this arena and we appreciate it very much. b e rel Manage M f ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH,TEXAS