Severe Weather

Severe weather affects Emergency Service Organizations (ESO’s) in many different forms.  Responding to storm related incidents and calls for service in the community can be stressful for the organization and the community you serve.  More often than not, members of the ESO are also impacted at home and the workplace.  The commitment of the ESO to the citizens we serve will require a vast amount of resources as the devastation may be widespread and long lasting.

During these times of crisis the ESO will be called upon to act as a stable and dependable entity.  One key to accomplishing this goal is to be prepared internally as an organization to sustain services throughout the event and remain a reliable resource.  A recent survey of your organization revealed that the administration and members of the ESO have action plans in the event of such an emergency however, they are not documented.  Written procedures, checklist or guidelines can prove to be invaluable for the ESO in a pre-emergency situation.  This documentation process also allows for these action plans to be discussed in detail in a non-emergency environment.  Written guidelines are also useful to all members of the ESO in the event that chief officers are not available.

VFIS recommends your organization develop written procedures that can be enacted as needed during an immediate event or an approaching/forecasted event.  Some areas to consider in these action plans are included but not limited to the following:

Protection of wall/building openings

Securing exterior fixtures and loose objects

Preparing and testing of backup power systems

Shutting down commercial utilities

Preparing for possible flooding

Apparatus relocation plan

Maximum wind speed response restrictions

Total evacuation plan (if applicable)

Instructions for salt water exposure to apparatus

Re-entry procedures

General continuity of operations guidelines

Windstorm Protection

The recent hurricane seasons brought storms which wreaked havoc, causing large-scale damage from wind and water across many states.  While some progress has been made in mitigation measures to protect lives and property, we continue to evaluate areas for further opportunities to reduce the possibility of damage from future storms.  

Trees which may collapse onto your organization's structures during high winds, whether on your property or an adjacent property, should be considered for removal to mitigate property damage. Explore an agreement with the adjacent property owner in situations where property damage could result from trees not on your property.

VFIS also recommends your organization coordinate the development, distribution, execution and training schedule of these plans with your local Emergency Management Agency for your jurisdiction. 

Available Resources

• ESO Disaster Planning and Business Continuity Guide
• Severe Weather Preparation with Pender Fire and EMS
• Severe Weather Action Plans
• NFPA 1616 Standard on Mass Evacuation Sheltering and Re-Entry
• Pre-Flood Readiness Checklist
• ESO Disaster Planning & Business Continuity
• Disaster Planning for Emergency Service Organizations