[KYHAM] KEN Training for October 13: Appendix D-3 Earthquake Emergency Actions

[Ron Dodson]

Reminder to all that October has been declared Earthquake
Preparedness Month in Kentucky!  
The Preparedness Guide for Kentucky Earthquakes is available at:
http://kyem.dma.state.ky.us/EARTHQUAKEFILES/2002%20KENTUCKY%20EARTHQUAKE%20PREPAREDNESS%20GUIDE.htm


We now continue our series on county emergency operations plans
with...

Appendix D-3 Earthquake Emergency Actions

I.	SITUATION AND ASSUMPTIONS

A.	All parts of Kentucky can be affected by an Earthquake.  The
level of impact will be determined by the proximity to the
location of
the Earthquake.

B.	Technology is improving in regards to earthquake prediction,
but no fool proof system exist.

C.	Due to damaged roads and bridges, counties should be prepared
to be self-sufficient for 72 hours or more.

D.	Additional information about Earthquakes and Earthquake
Preparedness activities can be found in Annex DD of this EOP.

II.	MISSION

The mission of this appendix is to outline basic emergency
actions to be taken following a damaging earthquake.

III.	DIRECTION AND CONTROL

Direction and Control of this Appendix is the responsibility of
the Emergency Manager.

IV.	CONCEPT OF OPERATIONS

A.	Upon receipt of a report that an earthquake is occurring or
has occurred in the vicinity, take the following actions:

1.	Activate the Emergency Operations Center.

2.	Assess the situation.  Initiate damage assessment reporting
including private industry, business, and utilities in the area. 
Utility damages are particularly important.  

3.	Evaluate the overall County situation.  Compare reports from
the incident areas by EM, police, fire, and public works
officials in
charge of operations with other reports to obtain a community
wide
assessment of the situation. This evaluation should produce more
effective
decisions on what is needed, where, and when.

4.	Keep in communication with the incident areas to determine
priorities for handling rescue casualties, fire-fighting,
spillage of chemicals, health hazards due to sewage line
breakages, flooding,
electric outages, need for shelter, and other immediate
operational requirements.

5.	Designate field operations chiefs as required.

6.	If necessary, activate mutual aid in accordance with
agreements.

7.	If the disaster exceeds local capability, request State and
federal assistance.

8.	Limit access to the affected area. Cordon the area of
rescue, fire, and other hazardous operations.  Reroute traffic as
required,
keeping the public informed through news broadcasts.

9.	Maintain current situation reporting from the field to the
Emergency Operations Center.  Provide information for periodic
news releases to the public to minimize public alarm, keep the
operations area clear, and assist emergency services agencies.

10.	Initiate inspection of public and private buildings and
other structures for hazards and structural damage necessitating
early
condemnation, evacuation, demolition, or other safety measures. 
This should be under the direction of a public works engineer.

11.	Additional information about Damage Assessment and other
actions to take during the Recovery Phase, refer to Annex V,
Recovery, of
this EOP.

12.	When conditions permit, close out emergency operations  and
submit final reports, as required.