Review Hurricane Plan Section 3.1.6, Common Objectives.
Ensure adequate emergency supplies are in stock and available for use in the event of emergency operations. (Examples include, but are not limited to, flashlights, batteries, plastic, rope, rain gear, tire patching / plugging supplies, first aid kits etc.) A detailed list shall be provided to Safety Manager.
ISF-19 PURCHASING and PROCUREMENT
Review ISF-19.
Review Hurricane Plan Section 3.1.6, Common Objectives.
ISF-20 CONTRACTS
Review ISF-20.
Review Hurricane Plan Section 3.1.6, Common Objectives.
ISF-21 CLAIMS MANAGEMENT
Review ISF-21.
Review Hurricane Plan Section 3.1.6, Common Objectives.
Ensure GSWSA has current versions of the proper FEMA-required forms and documents for tracking damages and losses.
ISF-22 FACILITY SERVICES
Review ISF-22.
Review Hurricane Plan Section 3.1.6, Common Objectives.
ISF-23 FACILITY LOCATES
Review ISF-23.
Review Hurricane Plan Section 3.1.6, Common Objectives.
ISF-24 FACILITY REPAIRS
Review ISF-24.
Review Hurricane Plan Section 3.1.6, Common Objectives.
ISF-25 COORDINATION WITH OTHER UTILITY PROVIDERS
Review ISF-25.
Review Hurricane Plan Section 3.1.6, Common Objectives.
OPCON 4
ALL INCIDENT SUPPORT FUNCTIONS (ISF)
Review specific ISF Responsibilities, Hurricane Plan Common Objectives, and ensure completion of assigned OPCON 5 tasks and activities.
ISF-1 DIRECTION and CONTROL
Ensure appropriate departments are increasing preparedness activities in accordance with this plan.
Review Draft Press Releases; update or revise as necessary.
Test Satellite phones and begin battery charging
Test Radio’s
ISF-4 EMPLOYEE WELLBEING
Begin developing plans for augmenting food supplies if needed.
ISF-5 DISPATCH
Broadcast general radio and intercom announcements regarding OPCON change, and other information as requested by Safety Manager.
E-mail OPCON changes to “Everyone” group.
ISF-7 SITUATION STATUS (SITSTAT)
Monitor the storm closely; provide routine status reports.
Monitor Horry County Emergency Preparedness Department (EPD) WEBEOC web site for information regarding Horry County’s status and activities.
ISF-8 RESOURCE STATUS (RESTAT)
Print SCWARN contact and resource information.
Inventory vehicle spare keys; obtain any missing keys.
ISF-9 WATER TREATMENT
Ensure a 14 day supply of treatment chemicals is on-hand or immediately available; consider alternate methods to chlorinate should it become necessary.
ISF-10 WATER DISTRIBUTION
Review locations of key system valves should portions of the system need to be isolated; consider physically locating and exercising any questionable valves.
Ensure all system pressure sensors and chlorine analyzers are operational, and disinfection chemical tanks are full.
Ensure 14 day supply of treatment chemicals is on hand or immediately available; consider alternate methods to treat water should primary treatment chemicals not be available.
ISF-11 WASTEWATER TREATMENT
Ensure a 14 day supply of treatment chemicals is on-hand or immediately available; consider alternate methods to chlorinate should it become necessary.
ISF-12 WASTEWATER COLLECTION
Ensure By-Pass Pump and other vital equipment are located and in working order.
ISF-18 SUPPLIES and MATERIALS
Review emergency supplies and purchase additional supplies as needed.
Update all mapping information and locate all as-built documents.
ISF-24 FACILITY REPAIRS
Inventory repair parts and obtain any necessary parts to complete repairs.
OPCON 3
ALL INCIDENT SUPPORT FUNCTIONS (ISF)
Review specific ISF Responsibilities, Hurricane Plan Common Objectives, and ensure completion of assigned OPCON 4 tasks and activities.
Ensure all departments and ISFs begin to record all Emergency Management activities on a FEMA Timesheet to document employees’ time.
Pick up and secure objects that could become missiles in high wind.
Until GSWSA returns to normal operations, Billing and Collections Department should suspend issuance of non-payment meter pull work orders.
ISF-1 DIRECTION and CONTROL
Although not all of these positions will be tasked at this point, review staff assignments for the following ICS positions (primary or backup staff): (Refer to Section 12.7 of the Basic Plan, ICS Position Assignments.)
Incident Commander
Public Information Officer
Spokesperson
Operations Section Chief
Engineering Section Chief
Planning & Logistics Section Chief
Finance Section Chief
Others as necessary
These persons can enlist assistance and support as necessary and can begin to expand their organizational areas as appropriate, in accordance with the GSWSA Generic ICS Structure and NIMS ICS. (Safety Manager will provide guidance and assistance in developing and implementing NIMS ICS.)
Ensure all departments and ISFs begin to record all Emergency Management activities on a FEMA Timesheet.
Begin preparations for setting up and activating the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) if necessary.
Send Evacuation Information Log forms out to all departments.
ISF-3 EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS
Review need to issue Press Releases with pre-storm information.
ISF-4 EMPLOYEE WELLBEING
Purchase perishable food items and other supplies as necessary.
Begin finalizing food service plans and preparations.
ISF-5 DISPATCH
Broadcast general radio and intercom announcements regarding OPCON change and other information as requested by Safety Manager.
E-mail OPCON changes to “Everyone” group.
ISF-6 TELEPHONES
Should the answering service not be prepared to continue operations throughout the storm, assign and schedule staff to provide continuous customer support services.
ISF-9 WATER TREATMENT
Keep all storage tanks as close to full as possible.
Consider potential operational strategies involving closing tank valves, shutting pumps off, etc.
Consider increasing chlorine feed rates, to increase chlorine residuals in the Distribution System.
Pick up and secure objects that could become missiles in high wind.
ISF-10 WATER DISTRIBUTION
Locate, inventory, and ensure readiness of equipment such as backhoes, excavators, trailers, air compressors, pumps, saws, etc.
A detailed list of all available equipment shall be provided to the Operations Section Chief and to ISF-8, Resource Status.
List of shelters & critical customers in the county to ensure water supply.
Pick up and secure objects that could become missiles in high wind.
ISF-12 WASTEWATER COLLECTION
Locate, inventory, and ensure readiness of equipment such as backhoes, excavators, trailers, air compressors, portable generators, pumps, traffic control devices, saws, etc. A detailed list of all available equipment shall be provided to the Operations Section Chief and to ISF-8, Resource Status.
List of shelters & critical customers in Horry County to better manage waste treatment needs :
Pre-position portable emergency diesel generators as necessary.
Consider evacuating portable generators if necessary.
ISF-14 SAMPLING and ANALYSIS
Ensure adequate supplies are on hand to meet additional sampling and analysis requirements if necessary.
ISF-15 DAMAGE ASSESSMENT
Ensure adequate supplies of film, videotapes, batteries, etc., for documenting damages to facilities and structures.
ISF-16 INFORMATION SYSTEMS
Prepare “Vital Records” for evacuation if necessary (back-ups).
Consider the need for systems to be shut down, evacuated, etc.
As directed by the Incident Commander, assign and schedule staff to provide continuous IT support services.
ISF-17 FINANCE & ACCOUNTING
Consider the potential need to provide emergency Payroll should that normal process be affected by the timing of the storm.
Distribute FEMA Timesheets, and other necessary forms required for cost recovery documentation.
ISF-18 SUPPLIES and MATERIALS
As directed by the Incident Commander, assign and schedule staff to issue supplies during storm preparations, damage assessment, and recovery.
ISF-19 PURCHASING AND PROCURRMENT
As directed by the Incident Commander, assign and schedule staff to issue purchase orders and purchase major materials, supplies, and equipment during storm preparations, damage assessment, and recovery.
ISF-21 CLAIMS MANAGEMENT ISF-22 FACILITY SERVICES
Develop a plan for bracing EOC if needed.
Assist ISF-1, ISF-4, and ISF-5 as necessary.
ISF-23 FACILITY LOCATES ISF-24 FACILITY REPAIRS ISF-25 COORDINATION WITH OTHER UTILITY PROVIDERS
OPCON 2
ALL INCIDENT SUPPORT FUNCTIONS (ISF)
Review specific ISF Responsibilities, Hurricane Plan Common Objectives, and ensure completion of assigned OPCON 3 tasks and activities.
Fuel vehicles and portable equipment.
Ensure Evacuation Information Logs have been completed and forwarded to ISF-2, HR & Accountability.
As appropriate, develop Duty Rosters and Shift Schedules for 24-hour coverage.
When appropriate, non-emergency personnel shall be released from duty before conditions become hazardous.
If emergency or critical facility operations personnel must be out working as weather conditions begin to deteriorate and sustained wind speed reaches 45 mph, dispatch will implement “Radio Accountability”. Radio Accountability calls for tracking the location and activities of all exposed personnel. Once sustained wind speed reaches 55 MPH, conditions may be declared “Hazardous” and all personnel may be advised to promptly discontinue field activities and report to their assigned base for the duration of the storm.
Consider where to stage vehicles and rolling equipment, to minimize the potential for damage from trees, wind-blown objects, and flooding. (With IC’s approval, consider assigning units to employees who are “sheltering” at home but available to respond during Response / Recovery phase.)
ISF-1 DIRECTION and CONTROL
Finalize assignments and implementation of ICS as necessary.
Activate EOC at level necessary.
Determine “emergency cash” to have on-hand at EOC.
ISF-2 HUMAN RESOURCES and ACCOUNTABILITY
Compile all Evacuation Information Logs.
ISF-3 EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS
Review need to issue Press Releases with pre-storm information.
Distribute Satellite Phones to designated EOC staff.
ISF-4 EMPLOYEE WELLBEING
Finalize food service and bedding arrangements as necessary.
ISF-5 DISPATCH
Prepare for “Radio Accountability” for field personnel as weather conditions deteriorate.
ISF-6 TELEPHONES
Should the answering service not be prepared to continue operations throughout the storm, staff to provide continuous customer support services.
Notify waste haulers stations are to be shut down, no more deliveries accepted.
ISF-7 SITUATION STATUS (SITSTAT)
Activate the Employee Emergency Information Line (EIL) and routinely update message to reflect current conditions.
ISF-8 RESOURCE STATUS (RESTAT)
As appropriate, make contact with mutual aid responders to get final status of available resources.
ISF-9 WATER TREATMENT
Cover plant windows as appropriate.
Finalize plans for isolating tanks, raising chlorine residuals, pump operations, etc.
ISF-10 WATER DISTRIBUTION
Make preparations to isolate coastal area water systems as outlined by the Incident Commander.
Secure ASR Wells as appropriate.
ISF-11 WASTEWATER TREATMENT
Cover plant windows with plywood as appropriate.
Schedule shutdown of waste receiving station coordinate with ISF-6 notifying waste haulers
ISF-12 WASTEWATER COLLECTION
Until “Hazardous Conditions” are declared(wind speeds of 50-55 mph) attempt to keep Pump Stations operational as long as safely possible.
Make preparations for emergency power as needed and coordinate with ISF-13
ISF-13 ELECTRICAL and EMERGENCY POWER
Position emergency generator for the Operations Center.
Place facility on emergency power as necessary.
If significant flooding is forecast due to a Category 4 or 5 storm personnel may be assigned to move portable generators to pre-determined safe areas to protect them from flood damage.
ISF-16 INFORMATION SYSTEMS
As directed by the Incident Commander, provide continuous IT support services.
ISF-18 SUPPLIES and MATERIALS
As directed by the Incident Commander, continue issuing supplies during storm preparations, damage assessment, and recovery.
ISF-19 PURCHASING AND PROCURRMENT
As directed by the Incident Commander, continue issuing purchase orders and purchase major materials, supplies, and equipment during storm preparations, damage assessment, and recovery.
ISF-22 FACILITY SERVICES
As appropriate, install protective covering over windows at the EOC.
ISF-24 FACILITY REPAIRS
Secure all valves and equipment to protect and be prepared for quick response.
ISF-25 COORDINATION WITH OTHER UTILITY PROVIDERS
Contact other utility providers to establish communications and review coordinated recovery efforts.
OPCON 1
(IMPORTANT NOTE: OPCON 1 is generally reserved for major hurricanes, so this level will not always be enacted, even for a direct hit by a hurricane.) ALL INCIDENT SUPPORT FUNCTIONS (ISF)
EOC fully activated
Equipment has been positioned.
Staff sheltered and waiting for orders to begin response and recovery efforts.
RESPONSE & RECOVERY
ALL INCIDENT SUPPORT FUNCTIONS (ISF)
NO Response or Recovery activities, damage assessments, or any other field operations shall occur until “Hazardous Conditions” are declared over and activities are coordinated and directed through appropriate ICS Staff.
The initial 24 to 72 hours following a hurricane will actually be the “Response” phase of emergency management operations and can be extremely busy and quite chaotic. This initial Response / Recovery phase can require Full Activation of the GSWSA Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and full implementation of the Incident Command System (ICS).
Each ISF should consult their individual Incident Support Function Responsibilities for Response / Recovery objectives.
Once Response / Recovery activities begin, KEEP DISPATCH INFORMED.
Ensure emergency response personnel are activated for missing employees, injured employees, chemical spills / releases, etc.
ALL Response / Recovery activities shall follow the Priorities outlined in Section 1.2 of the Basic Plan.
Employees needing information about returning to work can call the Emergency Information Line (EIL) at 443-8200 menu option #9 to hear a message.
ALL EMPLOYEES RETURNING TO WORK – CHECK IN WITH THE DESIGNATED Supervisor or Section Chief.
Tornado
SIITUATION
GSWSA and its service area are susceptible to the threat of tornadoes. According to the South Carolina Emergency Management Division, South Carolina has averaged 11 tornadoes each year since 1950, resulting in 47 fatalities and over 1,000 injuries. South Carolina ranks twenty-sixth (26TH) in the nation for the number of tornado strikes, and eighteenth (18TH) in the number of tornadoes per square mile.
Horry County averages somewhere around 2-3 Tornado Warnings each year. In addition, there may be another 2-3 Waterspout sightings each year along our coastline.
The most common period for tornadoes in South Carolina is during the months of March, April, and May, between 3:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. However, tornadoes can and do occur outside of these time frames.
While most tornadoes occurring in South Carolina, and in Horry County, are not particularly large or powerful (usually F0 or F1), they can and do result in damage, injuries, power outages, etc.
The FUJITA SCALE of TORNADO INTENSITY
F-Scale
Number
Tornado Intensity Phrase
Wind Speed (MPH)
Types of Damage
F0
Gale
40 – 72
Some damage to chimneys; breaks branches off trees; pushes over shallow-rooted trees; damages signboards.
F1
Moderate
73 – 112
Reaching hurricane wind speeds; peels surface off roofs; mobile homes pushed off foundations or overturned; moving vehicles pushed off the road; attached garages may be destroyed.
F2
Significant
113 – 157
Considerable damage. Roofs torn off frame houses; mobile homes demolished; boxcars pushed over; large trees snapped or uprooted; light object missiles generated.
F3
Severe
158 – 206
Roof and some walls torn off well-constructed houses; trains overturned; most trees uprooted.
F4
Devastating
207 – 260
Well-constructed houses leveled; structures with weak foundations blown off some distance; cars thrown and large missiles generated.
F5
Incredible
261 – 318
Strong frame houses lifted off foundations and carried considerable distances to disintegrate; automobile sized missiles fly through the air in excess of 100 yards; trees debarked; steel reinforced concrete structures badly damaged.
F6
Inconceivable
319 - 379
These winds are very unlikely, but would result in total destruction.
THREAT or HAZARD INFORMATION
Tornado: A funnel-shaped, rotating column of air, extending from a cloud base to the ground. Wind speeds can range from 40 mph to over 250 mph.