NWS Amarillo Decision Support Symposium – November 3, 2009 Decision Making: The Emergency Management Perspective Kevin Starbuck, CEM Emergency Management Coordinator Amarillo/Potter/Randall OEM

Function of Emergency Management A program of coordinated activities addressing the emergency management cycle: –Mitigation / Prevention –Preparedness –Response –Recovery Addressing All-Hazards: –Natural Hazards –Technological Hazards

Natural Hazards: –Severe Weather:  Drought  Severe Winter Storms  Tornadoes  Severe Thunderstorms  Flooding –Wildfires –Seismic Activity –Pandemics Technological Hazards – Fires – Hazardous Materials  Transportation (highways, railroads, and pipelines)  Chemical Facilities  Nuclear Facilities – Miscellaneous Hazards  Industrial Accident  Transportation Accident  Utilities Disruptions – Dam Failure

Emergency Operations Center (EOC) & Warning Points Centralized point for providing policy direction by the Emergency Management Director and executive team members. Communications focal point for the jurisdiction during a major incident or disaster. –Conducts local government warning and emergency public information. Provides coordination and support of field operations. Operates as a Multi-Agency Coordination Center (MACC). Manages the recovery process. Amarillo / Potter / Randall EOC Basement of City Hall

Basic Incident Command Structure

Consequence Assessment Warning Protective Actions: – Take Shelter – Shelter-In-Place – Evacuation – Receiving Centers – Shelters Damage Assessment / Recovery Emergency Management Decision Points

Information Expectations Real-Time Accurate Updated/Verified Often Coordinated Message NIMS Compliant: – Plain Language – Interoperability

Current Communication Mechanisms Two-Way Communication: – Telephone / Pagers – Conference Calls – Hotlines Internet: – Pidgin – Webinars – / SITREPs – Websites / Social Networking – HAZCOLLECT – WebEOC NOAA Weather Radio

NATIONAL RESPONSE FRAMEWORK: “Resilient communities begin with prepared individuals and depend on the leadership and engagement of local government, NGOs, and the private sector.” Focus on Preparedness

Picture Courtesy of Maribel Martinez Kevin Starbuck, CEM Emergency Management Coordinator Amarillo/Potter/Randall OEM (806)