EMERGENCY OPERATIONS PLAN FORT MYERS BEACH, FLORIDA

Transcription

1 EMERGENCY OPERATIONS PLAN FORT MYERS BEACH, FLORIDA Emergency Management Operational Guidance Prepared by: Fort Myers Beach Planning Group Rodney Melsek, Planning Consultant Approved on: July 24, 2006

2 Emergency Operations Plan Fort Myers Beach, Florida Preface The Fort Myers Beach Emergency Operations Plan is the result of collaborative effort between Town officials and various Lee County agencies, jurisdictions, government levels, volunteer organizations, and the private sector to deal with all-hazards and effectively utilize resources during emergency situations. It includes coordinating efforts with the State of Florida and the Federal government. Participants and stakeholders in its development include Lee County Emergency Management, Sheriffs Office, Parks and Recreation Department, Public Safety Department, Utilities Department, Solid Waste Department, and Animal Services. Others are the Fort Myers Beach Fire and Rescue District, Iona-McGregor Fire and Rescue District, Fort Myers Beach Water, Estero Island Medical Center, American Red Cross, U.S. Coast Guard, and Federal Emergency Management Agency. The entire incorporated area of the Town of Fort Myers Beach is located within an area of Coastal High Hazard as defined in Florida Statutes, Chapter All life and property on Estero Island is especially vulnerable to destruction by high winds and flooding caused by hurricanes, and their accompanying tornadoes and heavy rainfall. Large areas of the island are subject to damage from wave action of flood waters. Life and property may also be endangered by the insufficient precautions of others, when wave action batters structures with unsecured debris and wreckage of destroyed structures. Evacuation is limited by the two exit points from the Town, necessitating advanced warning. During an emergency, utility services may be disabled, and may continue to be nonfunctional for extended periods; public safety may be impaired through lack of police and fire protection and emergency medical response; downed power lines, gas leaks, and damage to structures can cause safety hazards; and basic necessities such as food, fresh water, and gasoline may be unavailable for extended periods. This Plan is designed to give the reader an understanding of these vulnerabilities and associated threats to public safety on Fort Myers Beach. Consistent with the National Incident Management System (NIMS) and the Lee County Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan (CEMP), this Plan further describes and details actions to be executed following the declaration of an emergency affecting Fort Myers Beach. Special needs populations, critical infrastructure, and potential shelters sites are identified in the Plan. Contingencies are in place to assist incident command authorities with search and rescue and related support requirements, with a specific emphasis on evacuation and re-entry procedures. We are pleased by the collaboration and progress we ve made in developing this Plan and providing citizens and responders with an outline of vulnerabilities, concerns and existing response contingencies. This Plan should not, however, be construed as the final chapter in emergency planning for the Town of Fort Myers Beach. Town officials continue to conduct analyses in several critical areas. The results of these efforts will be incorporated in this Plan in the future as provided for in the Basic Plan. PREFACE P- 1 PREFACE

3 Table of Contents Page Preface P-1 Promulgation Document P-5 Our Value System P-6 Key Terms P-8 Basic Plan I. Introduction 1 II. Purpose 2 III. Framework for Emergency Management 2 National Incident Management System 2 Incident Command System 3 Authorizing Town Ordinance 3 IV. Focus 3 V. Current Situation 4 Potential Hazards 4 Geography 4 Land Use 5 Demographics 5 Economic Profile 6 VI. Planning Assumptions 6 VII. Concept of Operations 7 Organization 7 Responsibilities 8 Emergency Operations Center 10 Plan Implementation and Notification 11 Division of Responsibilities 11 Alert Levels and Tasks 12 Sequence of Events 13 Aid 13 ID 13 TABLE OF CONTENTS P- 2 TABLE OF CONTENTS

4 VIII. Administration and Logistics 14 IX. Plan Development and Maintenance 14 X. Training, Exercises and Evaluations 14 XI. Authorities and References 15 Annexes PHASE 1 Preparedness A Direction and Control B Resource Acquisition and Management C Warning, Communication and Public Information D PHASE 2 Response (to include Incident Action Planning) E Evacuation, Emergency Sheltering and Re-entry F Health & Medical Needs G PHASE 3 Recovery H PHASE 4 Mitigation I Supplements Town Manager -Succession I Record of Changes II Emergency Contact Information III Distribution List IV Hurricane Decision Timeline V Ordinance Post-Disaster Recovery and Reconstruction VI Emergency Equipment List VII Lee Tran Evacuation Routes VIII Listing of Pet-Friendly Hotels IX Town Council and Town Staff Listing X We Invite Your Feedback and Suggestions XI The Town Emergency Manager Position An Overview XII TABLE OF CONTENTS P- 3 TABLE OF CONTENTS

5 Citizen Preparedness Special Supplement! Information to Help You Through a Disaster Before a Storm If You Remain in Your Home If You Go to an Emergency Shelter What About You re Pet? After a Storm Precautions During a Power outage Portable Generator Safety Tips Coping Without Water Coping Without Sewage Consumer Protection Tips Construction Help for the Elderly and Disabled Looking for a Contractor Insurance and Claims Tips Hurricane Preparation Myths and Facts Preparedness for People with Special Needs Persons with Special Needs Evacuation Checklist Food Safety Food Safety Contact Information Tab A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R ** Your Personal Household Emergency Preparedness Plan S TABLE OF CONTENTS P- 4 TABLE OF CONTENTS

6 Emergency Operations Plan Fort Myers Beach, Florida Promulgation Document Fort Myers Beach Town Ordinance provides the legal authority and responsibility to respond to all disasters and emergencies impacting the jurisdiction. Summary Nothing in Ordinance prevents the Town Council from taking any action authorized by law when sitting in regular or special session, to include declaring, extending or terminating a state of local emergency or mandatory evacuation. Whenever an emergency exists, a quorum of the Town Council can declare a state of emergency. If no quorum exists, the state of local emergency may be declared by, in order, the Mayor, Vice Mayor, or the Town Manager or designee. Upon the declaration of a state of emergency the Town Manager or designee(s) will have the authority to direct and coordinate the Emergency Operations Plan (EOP). The EOP will include procedures to implement the policies set forth in Ordinance and be consistent with county emergency management plans. The duration of a state of emergency, continuation and termination thereof shall be governed by the provisions of Ordinance PROMULGATION DOCUMENT P- 5 PROMULGATION DOCUMENT

7 Emergency Operations Plan Fort Myers Beach, Florida Our Value System When an emergency occurs that impacts the Town of Fort Myers Beach, whether natural or manmade, or where an incident or potential incident raises the likelihood that assistance must be available, Town officials must be prepared to rapidly facilitate delivery of that assistance. The Town of Fort Myers Beach will meet this responsibility through the Town emergency management team. The Town has a robust emergency management team comprised of Town officials, representatives from other agencies and volunteer organizations. The organization ties directly into the Lee County emergency management organization, supporting countrywide operations in emergency situations. The Town maintains a current Emergency Operations Plan (EOP). We have a MISSION to serve the residents and businesses of the Town of Fort Myers Beach. Acknowledging that laws, regulations and policies must be adhered to, these should not be perceived as a constraint or an excuse for why things can t be done. It s the job of the Town emergency management team to work within these laws, regulations and policies but seek ways to carry out their emergency management mission. The Town emergency management team will: 1. Follow the processes and procedures in the Fort Myers Beach Emergency Operations Plan. 2. Do everything possible to reduce the magnitude of any emergency situation which impacts the residents of Fort Myers Beach. We have CORE VALUES In order for the Town emergency management team to be successful, a fundamental value system exists and is understood. The value system identifies those things most important to the emergency management staff. 1. We care about the residents of Fort Myers Beach. 2. We don t fear criticism we learn from it. 3. We don t settle for less. 4. We try to plan for everything. 5. The residents and businesses of Fort Myers Beach come first. OUR VALUE SYSTEM P- 6 OUR VALUE SYSTEM

8 6. We concentrate on the details. 7. Persistence pays. 8. We encourage proactive identification, notification and resolution of issues. Our TEAM serves us well 1. We establish goals and objectives to support our mission. 2. We promote citizen outreach. 3. We manage an effective warning and communications system. 4. We re part of the Lee County Unified Command. 5. We institute partnerships with other agencies and volunteer organizations. We have a VISION Emergency management operations are guided by a vision which defines the culture of the team. The vision is promoted by Town officials in all we do. 1. We are a team who speak with one voice. 2. We respect each other. 3. We ensure extraordinary customer service. 4. We treat problems as challenges. 5. Your concerns are our concerns. 6. We keep our eye on the ball. 7. We are good stewards of your trust. 8. We focus all our energy on accomplishing the mission. OUR VALUE SYSTEM P- 7 OUR VALUE SYSTEM

9 Key Terms Key terms throughout this plan are defined in the section in which they first appear. Critical Infrastructure - Those facilities, systems, networks and functions so vital to the Town of Fort Myers Beach that their incapacity or destruction would have a debilitating impact on residents and businesses in terms of economic stability, public health and welfare, safety and security. Critical infrastructure can be publicly or privately controlled, but essential to minimal operation of the economy and local government. Examples include water and waste-water systems, electric systems, roads and bridges, and law enforcement services. Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Usually a permanent protected facility established to coordinate and direct the response to any disaster. First Responders Personnel with the initial responsibility to respond to an emergency incident and capable of dealing with the emergency on a 24-hour basis to include firefighters, police, search & rescue personnel, lifeguards, ambulance attendants, EMS personnel, public works staff, and other public service personnel. An on-scene Incident Commander directs the activities of first responders. Incident Any natural or manmade occurrence or event that requires an emergency response to protect life or property. Incident Command System (ICS) - A standardized emergency management concept specifically designed to allow its user(s) to adopt an integrated organizational structure equal to the complexity and demands of single or multiple incidents, without being hindered by jurisdictional boundaries. Jurisdiction The range or sphere of authority. Public agencies have jurisdiction at an incident related to their legal responsibilities and authority for incident mitigation. Jurisdictional authority at an incident can be political and/or geographical (e.g., the Town of Fort Myers Beach, Lee County, the state of Florida, or a federal boundary line); or functional (e.g., Lee County Sheriffs Department, Lee County Health Department). Major Disaster Any incident affecting the Town of Fort Myers Beach that results in extraordinary levels of damage, casualties or disruption that severely affects the population, infrastructure, environment, economy, resident morale, or Town functions. A major disaster causes damage of sufficient severity and magnitude to warrant disaster assistance by Lee County, the State and/or Federal Government to supplement the efforts and available resources of the Town and disaster relief organizations. National Incident Management System (NIMS) - A comprehensive approach to incident management that establishes and institutes national response policy and procedures. KEY TERMS P- 8 KEY TERMS

10 Private sector - Includes many distinct entities including: o For-profit businesses (publicly traded or privately held). o Trade associations. o Non-governmental organizations and entities. o Not-for-profit enterprises. o Faith based organizations. Resource Personnel, equipment and teams available or potentially available for assignment to emergency operations for which status and accountability is maintained (generally does not include expendable supplies). Stakeholders - Any person, group, or organization affected by and having a vested interest in an emergency affecting the Town of Fort Myers Beach and subsequent response and recovery operations. Town emergency management team - The elected and appointed staff who manage Town resources needed to prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies affecting the Town of Fort Myers Beach. Simply put, the team are the people who manage and control an emergency situation in accordance with this EOP on behalf of the residents of the Town of Fort Myers Beach. Key members of this team are identified throughout this Plan. Unified Command the single organization that enables agencies with different legal, geographic and functional responsibilities to coordinate, plan and integrate effectively. In a major disaster, Lee County will establish a Unified Command to direct activities throughout the county. Voluntary Agency - Any chartered or otherwise duly recognized tax-exempt local, state, or national organization or group that has provided or may provide needed services to the Town of Fort Myers Beach or individuals in coping with an emergency or major disaster. Voluntary Agencies are extremely important and helpful to people adversely affected by a disaster. They are the backbone of the emergency assistance effort and provide emergency shelters and assistance when a disaster is anticipated such as a hurricane or soon after an occurrence such as a tornado or flood. Such assistance may include: 1. Mass care such as meals, beds, and comfort kits in mass shelter facilities. 2. Medicine 3. Clothing 4. Transient accommodations 5. Health care 6. Cleaning supplies 7. Other assistance as needed KEY TERMS P- 9 KEY TERMS

11 Emergency Operations Plan Fort Myers Beach, Florida Basic Plan Introduction The Mayor, Town Council, Town Manager, appointed officials and citizens of Fort Myers Beach determined the need for a comprehensive, all-hazards approach to emergency management following the devastating hurricanes in Florida in 2004 and The outcome of that concern is this Emergency Operations Plan (EOP). It was developed to serve three purposes: A. To facilitate a local first response to emergencies. B. To assist the citizens of Fort Myers Beach during emergencies when individual and family capabilities are overwhelmed. C. To serve as a liaison with Lee and other counties, the State of Florida and the Federal government when assistance is necessary and authorized. It has been clearly established that government is responsible for addressing the public s emergency needs in case of any emergency or disaster. This EOP establishes the overall authority, roles and functions performed by the officials of the town of Fort Myers Beach, Florida in an emergency. This EOP is a guide to how the Town of Fort Myers Beach will conduct all-hazards incident management and is built upon flexible, scalable and adaptable organizational authorities and policies. The plan: A. Assigns responsibilities to organizations and individuals for carrying out specific duties that may exceed the capability of any one organization, agency or individual. B. Establishes lines of authority and organizational relationships. C. Describes how citizens and property will be protected in emergencies. D. Identifies people, equipment, facilities, supplies and other resources that can be available during the response to and recovery from an emergency, within the jurisdiction of the town of Fort Myers Beach or by agreement with other jurisdictions. E. Identifies steps to address mitigation efforts. Specifically, the Emergency Operations Plan describes: A. What emergency response actions will occur. B. Under what circumstances. C. Using what resources. D. Who will be involved and by and with what authority. BASIC PLAN 1 BASIC PLAN

12 Purpose The purpose of the Town of Fort Myers Beach Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) is to provide guidance to elected and appointed officials of the town, the citizens and business owners and operators on Fort Myers Beach, and officials and members of all public, private and volunteer entities which support this Plan regarding preparedness for, response to, recovery from and mitigation efforts associated with all levels of natural, technological or manmade incidents or threats of such incidents in order to: A. Ensure the delivery of uniform, effective, and expedient life-saving and lifesustaining assistance to the citizens. B. Stabilize an emergency and protect property. C. Improve traditional methods of the command and control of emergency operations resources by adhering to sound Incident Command System (ICS) principles. D. Clarify the roles and responsibilities of the elected and appointed officials of the town of Fort Myers Beach, FL, and officials and members of all public, private and volunteer entities which support this Plan in order to establish lines of authority and eliminate overlap and duplication of efforts. Framework for Emergency Management A. National Incident Management System (NIMS) Town of Fort Myers Beach officials will participate in the National Incident Management System (NIMS) in order to facilitate rapid and efficient emergency disaster operations. In support of that system, the Fort Myers Beach EOP provides the framework for different agencies, jurisdictions, government levels, volunteer organizations, and the private sector to deal with all-hazards and effectively utilize resources in a coordinated effort. The EOP is organized consistent with the 4 PHASES of emergency management: 1. PHASE I: preparedness; direction & control; resource acquisition & management; and warning, communication and public information. 2. PHASE 2: response; evacuation & re-entry; and health & medical needs. 3. PHASE 3: recovery 4. PHASE 4: mitigation Some PHASES are continuous with a certain amount of overlap. NIMS establishes coordination, linkages, interoperability and partnerships among the participants and fully integrates facilities, equipment, communications, procedures and authorities into a common emergency management program. Managing emergencies necessarily involves many stakeholders including fire, sheriff, medical, community, business, volunteer, county, and other neighboring jurisdictions. NIMS and ICS provide a system in which all stakeholders work together to effectively and efficiently respond to any emergencies. BASIC PLAN 2 BASIC PLAN

13 B. Incident Command System (ICS) Like NIMS, the Incident Command System (ICS) is an emergency management model for command, control and coordination. Fort Myers Beach officials will employ the basic features and principles of this system in managing emergencies. ICS provides a standardized structure that can pull the many parts of emergency operations together. C. Authorizing Town Ordinance Fort Myers Beach Town Ordinance No describes the procedures for declaring a state of emergency and all related actions by Town officials. The ordinance provides the authorities for the development of this Emergency Operations Plan and all measures necessary to protect public health, safety and welfare in order to preserve the lives and property of the residents of Fort Myers Beach, Florida. Focus The focus of the Fort Myers Beach Emergency Operations Plan is on essential measures for protecting the public: A. Preparedness B. Resource acquisition and management C. Warnings, communications and public information D. Response E. Evacuation F. Health and medical needs G. Infrastructure restoration and recovery H. Mitigation BASIC PLAN 3 BASIC PLAN

14 Current Situation Potential Hazards The entire incorporated area of the Town of Fort Myers Beach is located within an area of Coastal High Hazard as defined in Florida Statutes, Chapter All life and property on Estero Island is especially vulnerable to destruction by high winds and flooding caused by hurricanes, and their accompanying tornadoes and heavy rainfall. Large areas of the island are subject to damage from wave action of flood waters. Life and property may also be endangered by the insufficient precautions of others, when wave action batters structures with unsecured debris and wreckage of destroyed structures. Evacuation is limited by the two exit points from the Town, necessitating advanced warning. Afterward, utility services may be disabled, and may continue to be nonfunctional for extended periods; public safety may be impaired through lack of police and fire protection and emergency medical response; downed power lines, gas leaks, and damage to structures can cause safety hazards; and basic necessities such as food, fresh water, and gasoline may be unavailable for extended periods. Located on the trailing edge of the North American plate, Florida infrequently experiences earthquakes. The chance of tsunami on the western coast of Florida is considered remote, though not impossible. Both earthquake and tsunami could occur with little to no advance warning possible. The inundation resulting from tsunami would be sudden and could be more severe than storm surge; an earthquake of sufficient severity could disable utilities, destroy structures, and cause subsidence that could permanently inundate portions of the Town. The risk of epidemic is increased in Fort Myers Beach by the seasonal migration of part-year residents and the regular influx of temporary visitors from thousands of miles away. Other possible emergency risks include brush fires and urban fires, explosion, toxic or radioactive materials leak, terrorist attack, or ground subsidence or sinkhole. Other long-term risks include coastal erosion, wind-driven soil erosion, invasive species, and accumulation of pollutants affecting air, water, and soil quality. Geography The Town s jurisdiction includes approximately 2.9 square miles of land area, or all of Estero Island, plus the area of water within a perimeter extending one thousand feet from the shoreline of Estero Island. Estero Island is part of a system of barrier islands along Florida s west coast formed by erosion and movement of sand along the shoreline. A barrier island is a dynamic landform, subject to long-term landward movement, and sudden landward movement resulting from large storms, a process called barrier island rollover. The topography of Estero Island is nearly flat, with the greatest relief a gentle slope upward from the submerged near-shore area to the vegetated dunes beyond the backshore area of the beach. The usual topographic BASIC PLAN 4 BASIC PLAN

15 sequence in section proceeding from the ocean side to the bay side would be nearshore, beach, dune, wash-over fan, marsh, tidal flat, and finally the estuarine lagoon of Estero Bay. In the absence of human alterations, the dunes are the highest point on the profile of the island, and water drains either down the face of the beach into the ocean or back from the dunes into the mangrove marshes where it percolates into the bay. Human alterations of Estero Island have replaced the dunes, wash-over fan, and portions of mangrove marsh with rows of buildings, pavement, and a system of canals. The remaining beach and dunes, mangrove marshes, and tidal flats are environmentally sensitive and indicated as such on the Town s Future Land Use Map. Much of the beach is also protected from development by the State s 1978 Coastal Construction Control Line. The entire island is subject to flooding from heavy rains and from storm surge that overtops the dunes and washes across the island. Land Use Land use in the Town is oriented toward the main tourist attractions of the beach and recreational boating, and limited by the transportation corridor of Estero Boulevard. Businesses cluster in the downtown area (Pedestrian Commercial future land use) and stretch down Estero Boulevard to the vicinity of Town Hall and the library (Boulevard future land use). A second center of commerce is at the south end of the island surrounding Santini Plaza (also Pedestrian Commercial future land use). Along Estero Boulevard at the north and south ends of the island are mostly high-rise and other multi-family residential buildings; single-family homes are more common on tributary roads to the bay side of Estero Boulevard and along Estero Boulevard in the central portion of the island. Demographics The population of Fort Myers Beach was 6,561 in the 2000 census. Estero Island has a population density of 1,456 persons per square mile. The median age of residents is 59.1 years. Persons reporting forms of disability numbered 1,352, or 21 percent of the population. The census data indicate 8,429 housing units, of which 3,425 were occupied 2,632 by owner, 793 by renter. This leaves 5004 or 59.4 percent of the housing units unoccupied by permanent residents, indicating a very sizable seasonal population fluctuation. Of these units 4,156 were reported as being for seasonal, recreational, or occasional use, 686 for rent, 65 for sale, 40 rented or sold but not occupied, and 57 vacant for other reasons. The influx during high season is difficult to calculate; estimates range from five to thirty thousand additional persons. There are also transients with no fixed residence and visitors in recreational vehicles. Of permanent residents, 462 or 7.2 percent identified their spoken language as a language other than English. Households in which no member over 14 years of age spoke only English or spoke another language and reported speaking English very well accounted for 116 persons. Only 28 persons reported speaking English not at all, and 80 persons reported speaking English not well. Approximately half of those speaking languages other than English reported speaking Spanish. BASIC PLAN 5 BASIC PLAN

16 Economic Profile The Town s workforce included 2,479 people as of the 2000 census, of whom 743 were in management, professional, and related occupations; 581 in service occupations; 724 in sales and office occupations; 274 in construction occupations; and 151 in production, transportation, and material moving occupations. According to the 2002 economic census, Town businesses accounted for 492 jobs in retail trade; 335 jobs in real estate; 49 jobs in professional and scientific services; 36 jobs in health care; 150 jobs in arts, entertainment, and recreation; 1037 jobs in accommodation and food services; and 121 jobs in other services other than public administration. The 64 retail trade establishments did nearly $58 million worth of business; 30 real estate establishments did about $18.5 million worth of business; 17 professional, scientific, or technical establishments did about $6.2 million worth of business; 6 health care establishments did about $2 million worth of business; 9 arts and recreation establishments did about $14.2 million worth of business; 63 accommodation and food services establishments did about $60.5 million worth of business; and 34 other services establishments did almost $8 million worth of business. Per capita income was $34,703. Property values are high, with the much of the most valuable property located in the areas most exposed to storm surge and high winds. Many buildings were built prior to Lee County s imposition of flood regulations in 1984, and do not conform to elevation and other structural requirements that would help protect them from damage. A major hurricane could destroy structures and change the topography of the island, possibly to the extent of total loss of all real property in Fort Myers Beach with little to no possibility of rebuilding, in the event of extreme barrier island rollover. A more likely scenario, a less extreme disaster that could destroy or damage some parts of the island, would affect the most valuable property along the beach and in the downtown area most severely. Flood regulations would limit businesses redevelopment prospects in the present commercial core areas because of existing and proposed revised velocity flood zones. Businesses could be destroyed, leading to short-term unemployment for their employees, and not be able viably to rebuild, leading to a permanent loss of jobs and commercial activity in the Town.. Planning Assumptions The following planning assumptions are provided in the absence of specific guidance, knowledge of location, and timing of possible emergencies. A. Government alone cannot protect the lives and property of the citizens and promote their well-being without forming partnerships with other jurisdictions, agencies, private sector groups, and volunteer organizations. B. Organizations at the local, State and Federal level will actively work together and share knowledge and resources with non-governmental service providers during emergency operations. C. Every level of Town of Fort Myers Beach government will participate in and contribute to emergency management. BASIC PLAN 6 BASIC PLAN

17 D. The citizens of the Town of Fort Myers Beach play a vital role in the overall emergency management concept. E. In times between emergencies or disasters, Town of Fort Myers Beach officials will focus emergency management efforts on mitigation and preparedness activities. F. Emergency managers will make rapid decisions based on the best possible intelligence. G. The effects of an emergency or disaster may overextend and overtax adjacent communities and jurisdictions and Lee County and may disrupt the delivery of supplies and services provided in Mutual Aid agreements. H. Emergency response resources will be identified, prioritized, and tracked in the most efficient manner possible. Resource shortfalls should be anticipated and methods sought to augment them. I. The Fort Myers Beach Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and Alternate (offisland) EOC will be located away from vulnerable, high-risk areas but be accessible to local officials and citizens in a convenient, safe location. J. During a major emergency, utility services may be disabled and may continue to be nonfunctional for an extended period. Public safety may be impaired due to the lack of police and fire protection and emergency medical response. Downed power lines, gas leaks, and damage to structures may cause serious safety hazards, and basic necessities such as food, water and fuel may be unavailable for an extended period to time. Concept of Operations Organization As outlined in the Lee County Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan (CEMP), during a major disaster within Lee County an Incident Commander directs all county response efforts from a local command center. The magnitude of emergency management actions coordinated between the Town of Fort Myers Beach and Lee County will vary depending upon the size of an emergency. (See Annex B for a complete description of the Fort Myers Beach emergency management organization relative to Lee County operations) The Town emergency management team will consist of the following positions: A. Emergency Manager-Town Manager B. Preparedness Coordinator-Town Manager C. Warning/Public Information Coordinator-Town Clerk D. Health/Medical Needs Coordinator Public Services Supervisor BASIC PLAN 7 BASIC PLAN

18 E. Evacuation/Re-entry Coordinator-Public Works Director F. Recovery Coordinator-Community Development Director G. Mitigation Coordinator(s)-Community Development Director and Public Works Director H. Resource Manager Finance Director Responsibilities In any organization that promotes effective and efficient operations somebody must be responsible for every action and activity. The Town emergency management team is no exception, and great detail is paid in this Plan to identifying responsibilities. A. The primary responsibilities of each team member are listed in the specific Annex relevant to their function. B. Team member responsibilities related to other functions are highlighted in bold italics throughout the Plan as those responsibilities are identified. C. Other government and voluntary agency responsibilities are highlighted in bold italics throughout this Plan as those responsibilities are identified. Fort Myers Beach Emergency Manager The position of Fort Myers Beach Emergency Manager will be filled by the Town Manager, or in the case of his/her incapacity or absence, will follow the line of succession among Town officials. Upon Implementation of this Plan the Town Emergency Manager will: Represent Fort Myers Beach in the Lee County Unified Command structure. Ensure that all participating agencies, jurisdictions, entities and organizations are notified. Be responsible for all activities related to response, recovery and mitigation on Fort Myers Beach. Facilitate the decision-making process among members of the Town emergency management team. Play the key role in disseminating the decisions of the Town emergency management team. Ensure coordination of activities among participating persons, agencies, organizations, entities and jurisdictions. Facilitate establishing a common set of objectives and strategies during an emergency among all Town emergency management participants. BASIC PLAN 8 BASIC PLAN

19 Prior to or following the implementation of the EOP the Town Emergency Manager: WILL NOT usurp the authority of the local incident commander at the scene of a serious but local incident (i.e. fire, traffic/boating accident, disruption of sewer or water). The role of managing first responders to those incidents rests with the senior on-scene official of the agency most-directly involved in response. Duties of the Town Emergency Manager: 1. Advises, informs and reports to the Town Council and local elected officials regarding all emergency management activities. 2. With the Town Attorney coordinates between the Town Council and the Town emergency management team. 3. Coordinates all components of the Town emergency management program and planning process. 4. Analyzes, assesses and reports potential threats to the jurisdiction. 5. Oversees damage assessments following an emergency 6. Has day-to-day responsibility for overseeing emergency management programs and activities, to include: o Policy development. o Coordinating with other government agencies, the private sector, adjacent jurisdictions, volunteer agencies and local relief organizations on preparedness issues and emergency planning initiatives. o Assessing the availability and readiness of local resources and identifying shortfalls and ways of filling them. o Developing, implementing and managing public awareness and community education programs. o Monitoring the status of emergency facilities. o Monitoring the status of mitigation projects. o Training, exercises, and evaluations, to include involving the private sector and local relief organizations in these activities. o Monitoring the public alert system. o Establishing a network of expert advisors and inspectors for all potential hazards. o Recommending reviews and revisions to the EOP. o Finance/administration of emergency management programs. BASIC PLAN 9 BASIC PLAN

20 Preparedness Coordinator Town Manager (See Annex A for primary duties) Warning & Public Information Coordinator Town Clerk (See Annex D for primary duties) Health & Medical Needs Coordinator Public Services Supervisor (See Annex G for primary duties) Evacuation & Re-entry Coordinator Public Works Director (See Annex F for primary duties) Recovery Coordinator Community Development Director (See Annex H for primary duties) Mitigation Coordinator(s) Community Development Director and Public Works Director (See Annex I for primary duties) Resource Manager Finance Director (See Annex C for primary duties) Fort Myers Beach Emergency Operations Center The Emergency Operation Center (EOC) for the Town of Fort Myers Beach is at Town Hall, 2523 Estero Blvd. The EOC is a central location where emergency management personnel coordinate all activities during an emergency on Fort Myers Beach. The EOC centralizes decision-making and resource coordination. A. Prior to an Evacuation from the Island 1. Upon implementation of this EOP and prior to an order to evacuate the island, Town Hall will function as the EOC. Staff and communications equipment will operate at that site. 2. Telephone # for a live operator is For an updated message only, the phone number is ext 140. BASIC PLAN 10 BASIC PLAN

21 B. Alternate EOC 1. The alternate site for the Emergency Operations Center, if the Town Hall cannot be used, is located at the Masonic Temple at Pine Ridge Road (one third of a mile from the San Carlos Boulevard-Pine Ridge Road intersection). Staff and communications will operate at that site. 2. Telephone # for a live operator is For an updated message only, the phone number is ext 140. C. Second Alternate EOC 1. The second alternate site for the Emergency Operations Center, if the Masonic Temple cannot be used, is the Clarion Hotel at South Cleveland Avenue, Ft. Myers, Florida. 2. Telephone # for live operator is For an updated message only, the phone number is ext Implementation of The Emergency Operations Plan The Fort Myers Beach Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) will be implemented when the Town Council passes a proclamation declaring a state of local emergency described in Town Ordinance No A state of local emergency also provides the authority for the use of supplies, equipment, materials and facilities identified in the EOP. The Town Emergency Manager will notify all relevant persons, agencies, jurisdictions, and organizations when the EOP is implemented. The Fort Myers Beach EOP can be partially or fully implemented in the context of any emergency or potential threat of emergency, thus allowing the delivery of specific resources to meet whatever the need may be. In many serious but purely local emergency situations, the full implementation of this plan may not be necessary. As examples, no evacuations may be required, Lee County may not activate its emergency management organization, and Mutual Aid Agreements may not need to be implemented. The Town Emergency Manager will consult with the Town Council to direct which portions of the EOP require implementation based on the situation. Division of Responsibility Fort Myers Beach Town Manager and staff are responsible for all emergency management operations on the island as described in the EOP consistent with Town Ordinance and the Lee County Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan (CEMP). A. The Town Manager or designee coordinates closely with the Lee County Emergency Operations Center (LEEEOC) to assure compliance with the Lee Count CEMP, cohesiveness of emergency preparedness, response and recovery, and to accomplish mutual aid. BASIC PLAN 11 BASIC PLAN

22 1. The LEEEOC is located at 2665 Ortiz Avenue, Ft. Myers, FL The LEEEOC can be reached at B. The Mutual Aid Agreement is a statewide agreement between the Town and the Department of Community Affairs of the State of Florida. It includes all the local governments signing the Agreement. C. A contract with a local contractor has been developed for mobilizing street cleaning and tree removal immediately following first responders on the scene of any emergency or following any major disaster. Alert Levels & Tasks A. Alert Level 1: No threat of an emergency--day to day functioning in nonemergency status. Under normal circumstances Town Hall remains at Alert Level 1 and the EOP is constantly being improved. Example: From the end of tropical storm season to June 1, the Town Hall functions at alert level 1. B. Alert Level 2: Low alert--some indication of a threat of an emergency exists-- low to moderate potential for emergency status. The Town Hall makes general emergency preparedness a top priority but general operations priorities continue simultaneously. General preparedness responsibilities as assigned by the EOP are double-checked for complete long-term preparedness. Example: from June 1 through the end of hurricane season, the Town Hall remains on low alert but tropical storm formation which could affect the Town is not expected in the next 48-hour window. Normal Town Hall functions with an overarching priority of emergency preparedness. C. Alert Level 3: Moderate alert--clear indication of a threat of an emergency-- moderate potential for emergency status. The Town Hall makes specific emergency preparedness and response the top priority and general operational priorities are suspended or subordinated to specific preparedness tasks and response planning as assigned by the EOP in anticipation of a threatened disaster. Examples: the Town is within the five day cone of uncertainty for a tropical storm that is predicted to reach hurricane status. In the aftermath of a disaster, recovery operations have become routine and Town Hall uses best efforts to resume standard level of general operations. D. Alert Level 4: High alert--imminent emergency--high potential for emergency status. The Town Hall suspends all general operations and emergency operations are activated. 1. The evacuation and re-entry plan is consistently and repeatedly communicated through direct means to residents, businesses and media. 2. Response planning and recovery responsibilities as assigned by the EOP are reviewed and tasks are assigned as necessary in preparation for an imminent disaster. Examples: The Town is within the 72-hour cone of uncertainty for a category 1 hurricane showing little potential for weakening. In the aftermath of a disaster, recovery operations continue on a day-to-day basis BASIC PLAN 12 BASIC PLAN

23 and general operations are suspended or subordinated as necessary to prioritize and facilitate the Town s full recovery E. Alert Level 5: Disaster the Town Hall functions full time as the Town Emergency Operations Center (EOC) whether on or off island and assigned responsibilities and tasks in the EOP are executed thru response to recovery. Hour-to-hour and day-to-day operations are in accordance with the EOP. Example: A Category 1 hurricane has delivered a direct blow to the town and essential services are not yet available to all or portions of the island and a response and recovery operation is necessary. Sequence of Events A. Before an implementation of the EOP: The Town Hall remains at alert level 1. Disaster preparedness planning is ongoing as new information and ideas are identified by Town officials and appropriate revisions are made to the EOP. B. During an implementation of the EOP: The Town Hall is at an alert level higher than 1. The Town Manager is functioning primarily as Emergency Manager with general Town Manager responsibilities subordinate to emergency operations. Town Hall functions are guided first by the EOP with other functions subordinate to emergency management responsibilities and tasks. C. After an implementation of the EOP: The Town Hall moves to return from emergency operations to alert level 1 and resumes normal operations. Incident Action Plan(s) (IAP) and results are reviewed by the Town operations element for indications of improvements that may be made to the EOP. EOP is revised to include improvements and any suggested policy changes are forwarded to the Town Council for action. Aid The Town will respond and assist any Fort Myers Beach resident or property owner, if possible, in communicating with the entity responsible for or best positioned to provide the asset(s) to meet the unmet needs, or provide other information as relevant to meeting the unmet need(s). The Town has and will continue to participate as partners with other jurisdictions in terms of seeking and providing aid through mutual aid agreements. Requiring Proper Identification All agencies/organizations and other jurisdictions that are listed in this Plan will coordinate with Town officials to ensure that their representatives/responders are in possession of a proper ID for use during emergency management activities. BASIC PLAN 13 BASIC PLAN

24 Finance and Logistics In times of a declaration of a local emergency, the Town suspends its normal purchasing procedures to allow for obtaining the necessary supplies and equipment to respond to the emergency (Section 6A of Ordinance 06-12). Ordinance provides authority for the Town of Fort Myers Beach to declare a State of Local Emergency and to waive the procedures and formalities otherwise required of political subdivision by law pertaining to: A. Performance of public work and taking whatever action is necessary to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of the community. B. Entering into contracts. C. Incurring obligations. D. Employing permanent and temporary workers. E. Utilizing volunteer workers. F. Renting equipment. G. Acquiring and distributing, with or without compensation, supplies, materials and facilities. H. Appropriation and expenditure of Public funds. The Finance Office, Town Resource Manager, will, however, track all emergency related expenditures and ensure that proper documentation is kept to maximize the Town s ability to recover all State and Federal reimbursement allowed to the Town. Maintaining the Emergency Operations Plan The Town Manager, staff and Town Council will review the EOP yearly and make revisions and updates in coordination with participating persons, agencies, entities, jurisdictions and organizations identified in this Plan. Training, Exercises & Evaluations The Town Emergency Manager will be responsible for training and exercises related to the EOP. Training of emergency management personnel should focus on: A. What they are supposed to do clarify roles and responsibilities. B. When they are to do it. C. How they are to do it, to include: 1. Policies, plans and procedures related to their jobs. 2. Coordinating their efforts with the other agencies, organizations and jurisdictions in emergency situations. BASIC PLAN 14 BASIC PLAN

25 3. Reporting (communicating needs and status). Training will include a wide-range of activities from classroom training, on-the-job training, use of checklists, worksheets and/or other job aids (Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) etc.). The Town Emergency Manager will develop exercises that: A. Test and evaluate the EOP, policies and procedures. B. Identify resource gaps. C. Improve coordination with partner agencies, organizations and jurisdictions. Progressive Community Exercise Program Training for potential response operations will be held in conjunction and cooperation with other local responding agencies and will be an ongoing commitment. A comprehensive Progressive Community Exercise Program will be established by the Town Emergency Manager to exercise this Plan. The Town Emergency Manager will maintain records of these exercises. Feedback related to the outcome of these exercises will be solicited by the Town emergency management team and delivered to the Town Council (see Supplement XI). The Town Council will review the feedback in order to improve emergency management activities within the Town. Regardless of established normal job descriptions and normal duties, all members of the Town of Fort Myers Beach staff and Town emergency management team will be encouraged to familiarize themselves as much as possible with their roles in emergency response situations and will be supported by the Town in so doing. Authorities & References Chapter 252, Florida Statutes, Article VIII, Section 2, Florida State Constitution. Chapter 166, Article X, Fort Myers Beach Town Charter. Ordinance 06-12, Post Disaster Recovery and Reconstruction (See Supplement VI.) Lee County Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan, 2001 The National Response Framework (NRF) and those Federal plans and underlying enabling authorities covered thereby The Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5121, et seq.) The National Incident Management System (NIMS), available at the NRF Resource Center at BASIC PLAN 15 BASIC PLAN

26 Emergency Operations Plan Fort Myers Beach, Florida Annex A PHASE 1 Of Emergency Management Operations Preparedness A hurricane will not impact Fort Myers Beach every year..but everyone should stay prepared as if it will Key Terms Rodney Melsek Emergency Management Planning Consultant Points of Distribution (POD) - Local sites from which food, water and emergency supplies are distributed to the public. Preparedness - Involves the full range of deliberate, critical actions necessary to build, sustain and improve the capability to protect against, respond to, and recover from emergencies. Preparedness is a process of: o Identifying personnel, training requirements, support activities and resources needed to respond to all emergencies. o Developing specific plans for delivering resources and providing support for all emergencies. o Encouraging all citizens and businesses to develop individual, household and business emergency plans. Purpose The purpose of this Annex is to describe the measures the Town of Fort Myers Beach is taking to be better prepared to respond and recover from emergencies. It also provides helpful information to residents and businesses regarding emergency preparedness measures that they can take to better prepare themselves for an emergency. PREPAREDNESS Annex A-1 PREPAREDNESS

27 Planning Assumptions A. Preparedness is a never-ending effort on the part of government, citizens and other organizations--preparation is a journey, not a destination. B. The process of preparing for an emergency is as important as the preparations themselves. C. Not everyone will be prepared. In 2007 the American Red Cross reported that only 36% of people in the U.S. have evacuation plans and only 28% have disaster supply kits. The Town Preparedness Coordinator will: Responsibilities A. Manage preparedness activities such as community education programs and public awareness programs. B. Coordinate with other agencies, organizations, jurisdictions and the private sector regarding preparedness activities. C. Maintain the Town Emergency Preparation Guide. The Town Emergency Manager serves as the Town Preparedness Coordinator Fort Myers Beach Prepares Preparedness must be a continuous effort among the Town of Fort Myers Beach, adjacent communities or jurisdictions, Lee County, private-sector and volunteer agencies and the citizens of Fort Myers Beach to identify potential threats, determine vulnerabilities and identify required resources and actions. Preparedness measures help reduce the impact of emergencies and include the following actions: Development of an Emergency Operations Plan. Training and assigning staff in key areas of emergency operations. Designating facilities for emergency use. Getting citizens involved. Conducting seminars and providing information in other ways. Development of personal Household Emergency Preparedness Plans. Development of the Fort Myers Beach Emergency Operations Plan A. Planning Group On May 30, 2006 a planning group, consisting of: PREPAREDNESS Annex A-2 PREPAREDNESS

28 1. Dennis Boback, Mayor of Fort Myers Beach 2. Anne Dalton, Town Attorney 3. Rachel Lambert, Town Manager 4. Jerry Murphy, Community Development Director 5. Jack Green, Public Works Director 6. Michelle Mayher, Town Clerk met with Rodney Melsek, Planning Consultant, via a conference call to begin setting the framework for this EOP. The group continued to meet on a weekly basis to update and revise the Plan. An Action Plan was developed and enabled the planning group to focus on assigned tasks. B. Stakeholders Meeting 1. On June 22, 2006 a meeting of Stakeholders 1 was held in the Town Hall Council Chambers. The purpose of this meeting was to receive input from those agencies who would be directly involved in developing the EOP. Suggestions were received and added to the EOP. A complete listing of attendees is listed in Supplement III. 2. On June 26, 2006 a meeting of Stakeholders II was held in the Town s Council Chambers. The purpose of this meeting was to identify those businesses and agencies that would provide an essential service to the Town immediately after a disaster and/or emergency incident. A complete listing of attendees is listed in Supplement III. C. Assigning and Training Emergency Operations Staff 1. The Town Manager, with the assistance of the Town Planning element, will assign staff to the Town emergency management team. 2. The Town Manager, with the assistance of the Town Planning element, will conduct table training exercises to assure that staff fully understands roles in the case of a emergency or disaster. D. Identifying First Responder Shelters and Points of Distribution (POD) 1. Shelters: First responders may be housed at the three hotels located at the possible Points of Distribution (POD) listed below. Town emergency management team members who are Island residents will evacuate to the Clarion Hotel. 2. Three (3) potential Points of Distribution (POD) on Fort Myers Beach are: a. South End of the Island at Holiday Inn. b. Mid Island at Diamond Head Hotel. c. North End of Island at Pink Shell. PREPAREDNESS Annex A-3 PREPAREDNESS

29 These are the sites from which food, water and emergency supplies may be distributed to the public. Normally the County, state or National Guard will manage these sites and the Town Emergency Manager can request such assistance. However, a better alternative is for the Town to hire local people for this work. If there is a Federal response to a disaster which includes Lee County, the Town may be reimbursed by the FEMA Public Assistance Program, usually at 100% during the early phases of a disaster. 3. Medical Center(s) may be available on site for first responders. (See Annex G) Citizen Preparedness The citizens of Fort Myers Beach should and can prepare for emergencies. These activities can help keep individuals and families safe and prevent them from becoming victims. Every home should have a 72-Hour Disaster Survival Kit and ensure a minimum threeday (72 hours) store of supplies for each person. As shelters are opened, residents may evacuate to the shelter closest to them. Although hurricanes are our focus, there are other incidents that could require evacuation. Brush fires, hazardous material spills, floods and tornados all have the potential to disrupt our daily activities. Here is a suggested list of survival kit supplies and items needed on re-entry: Canned and other non-perishable food. Manual can opener. Drinking water 2 gallons per person per day, (use sterile containers) other juices and soft drinks. Baby needs; diapers, formulas etc. Personal medications and prescriptions. First aid kit. Battery operated television or radio and flashlight. Extra batteries. Blankets, pillows, sleeping bags or lawn chairs. Sanitary supplies. Cards, books, small games. Road maps. Wet and cold weather clothing. Pet foods. Personal waste disposal (port-a-potty with liner, minimum 6 mil). Disinfectant, bug spray and sunscreen. PREPAREDNESS Annex A-4 PREPAREDNESS

30 Cleaning supplies. Tarp(s). Cash for emergency purchases (assume ATMs will not be working). Generators, fuel for generators, full tank of gas. Gather important documents (birth certificates, insurance policies, health records, mortgages, deeds, titles, financial documents) in one place ready to take with you. Any documents you may need should be gathered now and kept in a protected place. Even if you do not evacuate, you may need all of the above during and after a storm. You may want to make sure that you have some cash on hand in case credit cards cannot be processed due to power failures. During hurricane season, it may be a good idea not to stock up freezers ahead of time. Use what you have and keep a minimum amount of frozen foods. Plan your evacuation route and keep a map of the Lee County shelters among your documents. Once a Hurricane Watch is issued, contact relatives and friends as to whether or not you plan to evacuate. Once you plan to evacuate call them as to when and where you are planning to evacuate. Keep this list with your important documents Develop Your Own Household Emergency Preparedness Plan Tab S to the Special Supplement in this Plan provides you and your family with your own emergency preparedness plan. Fill the plan out, keep it up-to-date, and ensure that everyone in the family has access to it. Hurricane Seminars Hurricane Seminar(s) are held yearly on Fort Myers Beach. A. A seminar may be held in early spring to alert residents to prepare their property for hurricane season before leaving for their other homes. B. A second seminar is usually held in June and kicks off hurricane season to remind residents of the need for preparation and to distribute preparedness materials. Getting Hurricane Information & Updates Residents have several ways of receiving hurricane information and updates. A. The Fort Myers Beach Website address is and is hosted by Lee County and will have the latest hurricane information. PREPAREDNESS Annex A-5 PREPAREDNESS

31 B. The Town is working on having its own radio frequency at 1640 AM which will enable the Town to run continuous updates on evacuation and re-entry for residents. C. The Town has developed an Emergency Preparation Guide for residents and businesses on the island. The guide can be found at D. The Town phone number ext 140 will have continued update information for residents. E. Brochures developed by Lee County EOC will be available at seminars and at Town Hall. F. Updated Town information will be sent to WINK TV, NBC, and other local media outlets for daily updates. Preparedness Information Everyone Should Read Every household, resident and business owner on Fort Myers Beach should obtain and read a copy of the Fort Myers Beach Emergency Preparation Guide. The guide can be found at The Guide provides important information on how to prepare and respond to an emergency. Following the advice in this brochure will help your household and business take control of disasters. Please read this guide carefully and keep it close at hand. Share this information with your household, friends and neighbors. Residents and business owners should also read the Special Supplement in this Plan titled Citizen Preparedness: Information to Help You Through a Disaster. It provides detailed information on a wide variety of disaster-preparedness related subjects to help you and your family through a disaster.. Maintaining this Annex The Town Preparedness Coordinator will be responsible for maintaining this Annex. PREPAREDNESS Annex A-6 PREPAREDNESS

32 Emergency Operations Plan Fort Myers Beach, Florida Annex B PHASE 1 Of Emergency Management Operations Direction & Control Key Terms Incident Management System - A management structure that combines facilities, equipment and personnel under one organizational structure to accomplish established objectives pertaining to mitigating the effects of a disaster. Area Command the organization established to oversee the management of multiple emergencies that are being managed by a single (unified) command, or a very large emergency that is being managed by multiple (unified) commands. Branch - An organizational level within Lee County having specific geographic responsibility for incident operations. The Branch level is organizationally between an Operations Section and its Geographic Division(s). Division - An organizational level below a Branch having responsibility for a specific geographical area of Lee County. Task Force - Resources of any type and kind with a common communications and leader that are grouped together to carry out a specific task. Multi-Agency Coordinating Center (MACC) - A temporary location or facility where response operations are conducted for a specific geographical area or Division. Agency Representative - A person assigned to the Fort Myers Beach Town emergency management team by another government agency or DIRECTION & CONTROL Annex B-1 DIRECTION & CONTROL

33 private entity that has been delegated authority to make decisions affecting that agency s or organization s participation in incident management activities. Purpose The purpose of this Annex is to explain how the Town will direct and control the activities that are essential to saving lives, protecting property and restoring government services prior to, during and following an emergency. Planning Assumptions A. The Town has limited resources and staff to respond to large complex emergencies and will fully integrate into the Lee County emergency management organization. B. The Town emergency management team will make every effort to provide 24- hour operations at the Town Emergency Operations Center (EOC) during major disasters. C. The Town will use all resources available to it to respond to emergency situations. These may include assets from adjacent jurisdictions, organizations, private sector entities and citizens. Responsibilities Persons with roles, responsibilities and decision-making authorities to implement and support the Fort Myers Beach EOP will be responsible for emergency management operations, logistics, planning, finance and communication as outlined in this Plan. The Town Manager will serve as the: Town Manager A. Fort Myers Beach Emergency Manager. B. Fort Myers Beach Task Force Leader in the Lee County emergency management organization. Town Emergency Management Team A. They day-to-day duty of the Town emergency management team is to provide guidance to the Town Council on emergency management and program activities. B. Upon implementation of the EOP the Town emergency management team is responsible for providing: 1. Broad guidance and direction regarding emergency management activities. DIRECTION & CONTROL Annex B-2 DIRECTION & CONTROL

34 2. Situational assessment. 3. Coordination and liaison, vertically and horizontally (i.e. within the Lee County emergency management organization, and to agencies involved in emergency operations on Fort Myers Beach). 4. Objectives and priorities. 5. Resource acquisition and management. (See Basic Plan for a description of the responsibilities of all Town officials during an emergency) Agency Representatives The Town Manager may invite a wide-range of subject matter experts from agencies, organizations and jurisdictions to advise the Town emergency management team. These persons shall be known as Agency Representatives. Agency Representatives may include, but are not limited to: A. Fort Myers Beach Fire Control and Rescue District. B. Lee County Sheriffs Office. C. Lee County School District. D. A Health & Medical Coordinator from agencies identified by the Town Emergency Manager. E. Lee County Animal Control Services. F. American Red Cross. G. Lee County Parks Dept. H. U.S. Coast Guard. I. Florida Power and Light. J. Lee County Public Works Dept. Agency Representatives may serve in the Town EOC when that facility is activated. In those situations their duties may include, but not be limited, to: A. Coordinate staff and resource management for emergency operations. B. Coordinate logistical support to responders as requested. C. Monitor the emergency situation, gather information, and provide updates to first responders and others. D. Develop required reports. E. Duties consistent with the Town Charter. DIRECTION & CONTROL Annex B-3 DIRECTION & CONTROL

35 Making Emergency Management Policy The Town Council will serve as the policy-making element for the Town emergency management team and programs. Day-to-day duties of the Town Council include: 1. Establishing policies for emergency operations, focusing on the economic, political, legal and social implications of those programs and policies. 2. Approving Mutual Aid Agreements, standby contracts and all other resource management and preparedness activities. 3. Reviewing the EOP yearly, or more frequently as necessary, and approve revisions and updates. Participation in making policy: The Town Council may invite a wide-range of Southwest Florida agency, organization, and jurisdiction officials to participate in policy-making efforts. Town Council duties during emergency situations include: 1. Formulating policies as necessary during the emergency. 2. Supporting the Town emergency management team with agreements and contracts as requested. NOTE: During an emergency, the Town Council DOES NOT manage first responders. The on-scene Incident Commander directs the activities of first responders. Coordinating Activities On a day-to-day basis, the Town Manager and Town Attorney will maintain coordination among: 1. Members of the Town emergency management team. 2. The Town Council. 3. Director, Lee County emergency management organization. 4. Agencies directly involved in emergency operations on Fort Myers Beach (i.e. Agency Representatives) such as, but not limited to: a. Fire Departments. b. Lee County Sheriffs Office. c. Medical Center(s). d. American Red Cross. e. Florida Power & Light. f. Others (see list above). DIRECTION & CONTROL Annex B-4 DIRECTION & CONTROL

36 Emergency Management Organization & Operations The magnitude of emergency management actions coordinated between the Town of Fort Myers Beach and Lee County will vary depending upon the size of an emergency. On Local Incidents A local Incident Commander will direct activities in a serious but purely local emergency within the Town of Fort Myers Beach. Management of activities will be at the field level as close to the incident as possible. The Town Emergency Manager and Town emergency management team will be responsible for fulfilling any unmet needs in local emergencies and forwarding requests that the Town is unable to fulfill to Lee County officials. A local Incident Commander and the Town emergency management team may use portions of this Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) to support activities at localized incidents. The Fort Myers Beach EOP can be partially or fully implemented in the context of any emergency or potential threat of emergency, thus allowing the delivery of specific resources to meet whatever the need may be. In many serious but purely local emergency situations, the full implementation of this plan may not be necessary. On Major Disasters As outlined in the Lee County Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan (CEMP), during a major disaster in Lee County, to include an incident on Fort Myers Beach, an Incident Commander will direct all county response efforts from a local command center. When deemed appropriate, the Lee County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) will be the command center and will be the central point for establishing goals and objectives and coordinating activities throughout the county. A Unified Command will be established to set goals and allocate (limited) resources. County operations, planning, administration and logistics will be directed and administered from the County EOC. Fort Myers Beach Task Force In a major disaster Lee County may organize into geographic area Branches to manage activities in specific areas of the county. The Beaches Geographical Response Division will be established within the area Branch that encompasses the Town of Fort Myers Beach. The Town emergency management team will function as the Fort Myers Beach Task Force responsible for coordinating activities and executing actions. A. Lee County will assign a Liaison Officer to the Beaches Geographical Response Division or Fort Myers Beach Task Force to coordinate decision-making activities and requests for resource assistance. B. The Town emergency management team will establish its operational structure based on this EOP. The team will operate with four functional coordination elements: Operations, Planning, Logistics/Finance, and Communications. These DIRECTION & CONTROL Annex B-5 DIRECTION & CONTROL

37 elements will coordinate decision-making activities and requests for resource assistance with Lee County emergency management staff. C. During a major disaster, The Town emergency management team will represent island interests in the Lee County Unified Command, recommend policy, and provide feedback to the Town Council and up the chain of command to the County EOC. 1. The Town Manager may participate in the Unified Command to represent Town interests in the decision-making process regarding goals and objectives and the allocation of scarce, critical resources. 2. The Town emergency management team is charged with executing operational actions directed by the Unified Command. 3. Town resources, to include the Town emergency management team, will locate to the pre-identified EOC, direct Town operations, and participate in the Unified Command. Establishing a Multi-Agency Coordinating Center When the Beaches Geographical Response Division is established, response activities may be directed from a Multi-Agency Coordinating Center (MACC). This center carries out the goals and objectives set by the Unified Command and has the flexibility to determine the best way to achieve established goals and objectives within their area of responsibility. In essence, a MACC serves as a field "emergency operations center" for the assigned Geographic Divisions. The Beaches Geographical Response Division will be located at Iona-McGregor Fire Station # 4. The Division includes resources from: A. The Iona-McGregor Fire Control and Rescue District. B. The Fort Myers Beach Fire Control and Rescue District. C. Lee County Sheriff West District. D. The Town of Fort Myers Beach. E. Representatives from County Departments and private utilities. Maintaining this Annex The Town Manager will be responsible for maintaining this Annex. DIRECTION & CONTROL Annex B-6 DIRECTION & CONTROL

38 Fort Myers Beach Task Force Incident Commander/Mgr Operations Section Planning Section Logistics Section Finance Section Geographic Branch Geographic Branch Beaches Geographical Response Division INDEX Lee County EM Organization FMB EM Organization Town Command Staff (FMB Task Force) Preparedness Duties Operations Planning Logistics/Finance Communications Health/Medical Needs Response Activities Evacuation/Re-entry Recovery Mitigation Plans & Reports Resource Management Warning, Communications and Public Information Annex B-7 DIRECTION & CONTROL

39 Fort Myers Beach Emergency Management Team DIRECTION & CONTROL Annex B-8 DIRECTION & CONTROL

40 Policy Town Council Town Attorney Coordination Town Emergency Manager Lee County Agency Reps: LCEOC Fire Department Lee County Sheriff s Office Medical Center Red Cross FP&L Others Operations Town Emergency Manager Operations Planning Logistics / Finance Communications Public Works Community Development Public Services Finance Office Public Works Community Development Town Attorney Town Clerk Finance Director Accounting Coordinator Maintenance Support Town Clerk IT Support Administrative Support DIRECTION & CONTROL Annex B-9 DIRECTION & CONTROL

41 Emergency Operations Plan Fort Myers Beach, Florida Annex C PHASE I Of Emergency Management Operations Resource Acquisition & Management Key Terms Resource Management The function in emergency management organizations that manages people, equipment, and facilities to accomplish specific tasks. Resource management ensures that: o A complete picture of available resources is known to emergency management officials. o All available resources are at the right place in the right time and used appropriately. o Additional resources can be obtained when shortfalls are identified. o The critical needs of victims are met despite disruption of commerce and infrastructure. o The status and accountability of all resources is maintained Mutual Aid Agreements - Formal, written agreements between the town of Fort Myers Beach and other jurisdictions that provide the conditions under which resource sharing takes place during an emergency. These agreements provide for pooling resources when the participating jurisdiction(s) have a shortfall. Technical Assistance Federal support provided to the Town of Fort Myers Beach when the Town has the resources but lacks the complete knowledge and skills needed to perform a required activity such as hazardous materials assessments. Technical assistance is provided by FEMA or other federal agency when the Town lacks the knowledge and expertise to accomplish an identified task. Technical Assistance is authorized only after a declaration for a major disaster or emergency and does not require a State cost-share. It does, however, exclude the permanent provision of things such as funds, equipment and supplies. RESOURCE ACQUISITION Annex C-1 MANAGEMENT

42 Emergency Support Functions (ESF) - A grouping of either state or federal government and private-sector capabilities into an organizational structure to provide support, resources, program implementation, and services that are most likely to be needed to save lives, protect property and the environment, restore essential services and critical infrastructure, and help victims and communities return to normal, when feasible, following major disasters. There is a lead state or Federal agency for each ESF and that agency has primary responsibility for managing the agency function when providing services in response to an emergency. For example, at the Federal level the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is lead agency for ESF-3 and provides services directly related to Corps missions and capabilities. (A complete list of Federal ESFs can be found in the National Response Framework) Purpose The purpose of this Annex is to describe the means, organization and processes by which the Town of Fort Myers Beach will find, allocate and distribute resources to satisfy needs generated by an emergency. Planning Assumptions A. Response elements will be self-sufficient for the first 24 hours following an emergency. B. Businesses and residents on the island directly affected by an emergency should be able to be self-sufficient for the first 72 hours (3 days). C. Evacuees in emergency shelters may or may not receive life-sustaining services from the facility. D. Successfully completing some response actions will require having volunteers and donated resources available for use. E. Organizations with Mutual Aid Agreements with the Town will be able to fulfill their commitments. F. Resources managed and supplied from higher levels of government such as Lee County, the state or Federal government may or may not be allocated in accordance with priorities which reduce the level of support to the Town. Responsibilities The Town Resource Manager will: A. Manage and direct resource support activities during an emergency. B. Ensure resource lists are current. C. Ensure that agreements for resources are in place. RESOURCE ACQUISITION Annex C-2 MANAGEMENT

43 D. Coordinate donation activities. E. Maintain an inventory and status of all resources available and utilized in an emergency. Identifying Resources & Supplies A. A list of personnel and equipment needed in emergency operations will be part of this Plan. B. A generalized equipment list to be used in emergency situations by the Fort Myers Beach Fire Control and Rescue District, Lee County Parks & Recreation Department, Lee County Sheriffs Office, Lee County Public Works Department, Lee County Solid Waste Department, and other agencies party to this Plan will be part of this Plan. 1. The Town Public Works Director s cell phone will be the contact number for the activation request of the resources listed in this Plan. 2. The cost for the use of the equipment listed in this Plan will be based on selected equipment. 3. Transport and return of equipment will be determined based on selected equipment. C. The Lee County Public Works Department owns, operates and maintains the sewer system and the attendant lift stations serving Fort Myers Beach. The Town Public Works Director will maintain wiring schematics and operations plans for the system. Filling the Gaps When additional resources are needed prior to, during, or in the recovery and mitigation phases of an emergency, the Town Emergency Manager will gather information to fill the need and provide that information to Agency Representatives. Information will include, but not be limited to: A. What is needed. B. How will it be used. C. Who needs it. D. Where it is needed. E. When is it needed. F. The priorities. RESOURCE ACQUISITION Annex C-3 MANAGEMENT

44 Pre-Purchased Supplies The Town of Fort Myers Beach has rented six generators for powering the Town s water pump stations, the Lee County primary waste water lift stations and other facilities as follows: Water Pump Stations Two 100-KW generator are dedicated for use at the Marina and North pump stations. The South pump station has a fixed backup generator. Lee County Primary Waste Water Lift Stations Three-56 KW generators are available to power the 3 primary lift stations. Fort Myers Beach Town Hall and EOC One 56-KW generator will be used for Town Hall operations, and that generator can be moved to the alternate Town EOC if needed. Other equipment, such as minor earth moving and debris removal equipment and emergency communication equipment may be considered for future budgets. The cost of storing and maintaining such equipment will be considered in the budget. Mutual Aid Agreements Mutual Aid Agreements are formal, written agreements between the town of Fort Myers Beach and other jurisdictions that provide the conditions under which resource sharing takes place during an emergency. These agreements provide for pooling resources when the participating jurisdiction(s) have a shortfall. Mutual Aid Agreements are one mechanism for achieving a truly integrated emergency management system. While each jurisdiction has its own roles and functions, the ultimate responsibility for providing for public safety is shared among all. The result of a joint effort is an effective emergency management team that reflects the insights, experience and skills of everyone on the team. Mutual Aid Agreements may include, but not be limited to, the following: Emergency personnel. Large equipment (i.e. bulldozers, dump trucks). Communication capabilities. Facilities, such as warehouses or temporary shelters. Emergency program management. Other resources identified by town (i.e. generators, sandbags). RESOURCE ACQUISITION Annex C-4 MANAGEMENT

45 A Statewide Mutual Aid Agreement exists between the Town of Fort Myers Beach and the Department of Community Affairs of the State of Florida. The Agreement includes many local governments, special districts, and educational districts throughout the state. This agreement gives the local governments of the state the authority to make agreements for mutual assistance in emergencies, and through such agreements to ensure the timely reimbursement of cost incurred by the local governments which render such assistance. The Agreement allows participating parties to request assistance (oral or written) in a major disaster. If a participating party has no other mutual aid agreement that covers a minor emergency, it may also invoke assistance under this Agreement. If an emergency affects multiple jurisdictions and assistance is not available to the Town through an agreement, the Town Resource Manager will explore private resources in the open market or from other municipalities not directly impacted by the emergency. Contents of Mutual Aid Agreements Mutual Aid Agreements are formal documents that identify the resources communities are willing to share during an emergency. The Town Resource Manager will ensure that such agreements entered into by the Town of Fort Myers Beach include: A. Definition of key terms. B. Roles and responsibilities of each party to the agreement. C. Procedures for requesting and providing resources. D. Procedures, authorities and rules for allocation and reimbursement of costs. E. Notification procedures. F. Protocols for interoperable communications. G. Treatment of workers compensation, liability and immunity. H. Recognition of qualifications and certifications. I. Relationships with other agreements among jurisdictions. Standby Contracts Standby contracts are contracts with suppliers of critical equipment and supplies to be used during emergency situations which have been identified by the town of Fort Myers Beach. The Town of Fort Myers Beach has selected a disaster recovery assistance contractor and contract negotiations are underway as of July, Public Utility company agreements are being researched. The Town will piggyback on Lee County debris removal and debris monitoring contracts during the recovery phase of a disaster. The Town Resource Manager will ensure that all Standby Contracts are implements when appropriate. RESOURCE ACQUISITION Annex C-5 MANAGEMENT

46 Private Sector Resources The phone company Embarq is installing lines at the off-site Town EOC. Another private company, Florida Power and Light, is one of the Town s emergency management contacts and stakeholders in the implementation of this Plan. Donations Donations may be accepted if useful. However, no donations are currently being actively solicited. Unsolicited donations can be problematic. Donations such as 4-wheel drive vehicles, pick-up trucks or larger vehicles, boats, or other transportation resources may be useful. Soliciting emergency supplies is usually labor and time intensive. The Town Resource Manager will be responsible for donations management. Local Volunteer Resources There are three groups of volunteers that may be requested to assist the Town in the event of an emergency: A. The Public Safety Task Force is a six-member council-appointed committee whose primary function is to advise the Town Council regarding matters of public safety. In the event of an emergency this team may assist with distribution of supplies at various Points of Distribution (POD), assisting as runners to distribute communications, and other duties as deemed necessary. This committee is under the direction of the Town Clerk. B. Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) is a formalized and certified program conducted by the Fort Myers Beach Fire Control and Rescue District. Some Public Safety Task Force members may also be part of CERT. CERT members are under the direction of Fort Myers Beach Fire Control and Rescue District. CERT training is designed to prepare people to help themselves, their families and their neighbors in the event of a major disaster. C. The American Red Cross (ARC) has a team of volunteers trained to offer CPR, AED and First Aid and have been trained in shelter operations, communications (use of radios, cell phones) and other equipment during disasters. The ARC Team operates under the direction of the Volunteer Coordination of the Lee County Chapter of the American Red Cross at (239) State Support The role of the State of Florida is to supplement and facilitate local efforts before, during and after emergencies. The state provides direct guidance and assistance to local jurisdictions through emergency management program development, and channels Federal guidance and assistance down to the local level. The state has technical and response capabilities that can be requested when local and county resources are stretched thin and/or fall short of demands. RESOURCE ACQUISITION Annex C-6 MANAGEMENT

47 The emergency management structure in Florida (Chapter 252, Florida statutes) identifies 4 levels of ascending intervention local, county, state and federal. The basic concept is to allow the local level of government to be charged with the initial responsibility for emergency response and recovery, attempting to mitigate the situation with resources available. Requests for assistance from the next higher level will be made when the magnitude of the emergency either exceeds the resources of, or are not available to, the local level. Upon exhaustion of county resources and existing mutual aid agreements, requests for state assistance through the Statewide Mutual Aid Agreement will be made to the Florida Department of Emergency Management (DEM). The Governor of Florida may declare a state of emergency and direct state resources into the affected area. State resources may also be requested through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC). These requests are filtered through the DEM and the State EOC. The Florida DEM coordinates all disaster resources through various Emergency Support Functions (ESF). Each ESF has assigned to it a state agency with primary responsibility for managing the agency function. When state resources are determined to be inadequate to respond to an emergency, the Governor will request assistance through the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). When the President declares an emergency or a major disaster, Federal assistance is authorized to assist the state. The Florida DEM is responsible for coordinating assistance received through Federal programs to Lee County. Lee County will direct emergency response efforts within the county. When Lee County emergency management officials can t fill requests for assistance from the Town emergency management team during an emergency, Lee County will forward those requests to the state in accordance with county and state standard operating procedures. A state computer request/tracking system exists for this purpose. Florida will use EMAC, similar to local Mutual Aid Agreements, with neighboring states to supplement state resources. Federal Support The Federal government provides legislation, Executive Orders, and regulations that influence disaster activities. The Federal government maintains the largest pool of fiscal resources that can be applied to emergency management. Assistance can take the form of fiscal support, technical assistance, and information about materials, personnel resources and research. The Federal government can provide assistance when requested by the Governor. Most emergencies are not of sufficient magnitude to merit a Presidential Disaster Declaration. However, when local and state resources are insufficient, the Governor of Florida may ask the President to declare a Federal emergency or disaster. Prior to making a declaration request, the Governor must ensure that all appropriate local actions have been taken. If Lee County is included in the declaration request they must: RESOURCE ACQUISITION Annex C-7 MANAGEMENT

48 A. Survey the area to determine the extent of private and public damage. B. Conduct joint preliminary damage assessments with FEMA officials to estimate the types and extent of Federal disaster assistance required. (See Annex E for information regarding damage assessments) When a Federal declaration includes Lee County, FEMA can fill gaps in assistance which cannot be filled at the local, county or state level. Requests for such assistance from the Town emergency management team must be passed to Lee County emergency management officials, who will forward those requests to the state for processing with FEMA. When a Presidential Disaster Declaration has been issued in a state, senior FEMA Incident Management Assistance Team (IMAT) officials will be present at the State EOC in Tallahassee and/or other locations in the state to receive and act on such requests. Through the National Response Framework (NRF), the Federal government provides assistance using fifteen Federal Emergency Support Functions. FEMA may also have representatives present at the Lee County EOC to expedite such requests. Maintaining this Annex The Town Resource Manager will be responsible for maintaining this Annex and Supplements to this Plan dealing with resource management. RESOURCE ACQUISITION Annex C-8 MANAGEMENT

49 Emergency Operations Plan Fort Myers Beach, Florida Annex D PHASE 1 Of Emergency Management Operations Warning, Communications & Public Information Key Terms Warning - The function in emergency management operations that deals with disseminating timely forecasts of all emergencies requiring response actions to government officials and the public. Warning information is critical and must be made available to ensure that responders and the public take appropriate protective actions to protect lives and limit damage to property. Code Red - The Code Red emergency notification system utilizes a telephone database of resident contact numbers and is able to call those numbers with a prescripted warning message regarding the nature of an emergency, the area affected, and actions residents should take during the emergency period. Verizon - A commercially-available wireless telephone network that has the added capability of providing two-way radio push-to-talk communications. Marine Band (VHF radio) - The Marine Band is a two-way radio system that is utilized throughout Lee County. The U.S. Coast Guard monitors channel 16 for emergencies. Lee County 800-MZH System - The public safety radio system used by Lee County. The system is a trucked-communications system that enables Lee County emergency management officials and public safety agencies to communicate with each other during an emergency. WARNING, COMMUNICATIONS Annex D-1 PUBLIC INFORMATION

50 This Annex describes the following: Purpose A. The emergency warning system in place for residents and businesses in the Town of Fort Myers Breach and the responsibilities and procedures for using the system. B. Existing emergency communications systems for use by residents and the Town emergency management team. C. The means, organization and procedures to give the public accurate, timely and useful information and instructions throughout the period of an emergency. Planning Assumptions A. Some people directly threatened by an emergency or hazard may ignore, not hear, or not understand warnings issued by the Town. B. Special needs groups such as the hearing-impaired, sight-impaired, physically disabled, require special attention to ensure a workable warning system is established. C. Emergency response organizations such as the Fort Myers Beach Fire Control and Rescue District and the Lee County Sheriffs Office may be called upon to help warn the public in the case of an emergency. In major disasters, warning operations will be conducted in cooperation with other jurisdictions, services, the state and the Federal government as part of emergency management activities outlined in this Plan. D. Local radio and television stations will be willing to issue warning announcements. E. If available, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio Stations will disseminate warnings issued by the National Weather Service (NOAA tone alert radios are automatically activated when such warnings are issued). Responsibilities A. The Town Emergency Manager or designee has the authority to order the activation of any warning system for serious but local emergencies. The Town Emergency Manager will coordinate with the Lee County EOC during weatherrelated incidents prior to activating the warning system. B. During the response to any serious but local emergency, the Incident Commander, representing an emergency response element, has the authority to activate any warning system as deemed appropriate at any time day or night. C. If needed, staff from the Lee County Beaches Geographic Division can be used to help disseminate warning information. WARNING, COMMUNICATIONS Annex D-2 PUBLIC INFORMATION

51 D. The Town Emergency Manager will notify agencies and organizations that supply representatives to the Emergency Operations Center (EOC). E. The Town Warning & Public Information Coordinator will: 1. Determine warning resource requirements and availability. 2. Evaluate special warning systems for hearing and sight impaired residents. 3. Coordinate warning systems with other agencies, jurisdictions and TV and radio stations. 4. Establish a good working relationship with local media. 5. Prepare and distribute emergency information (packets) for release to the media. 6. Coordinate information for release to media regarding animal care during emergencies. 7. Direct the activities of the Town Public Safety Task Force. F. The Town Warning & Public Information Coordinator will assist Lee County officials to: 1. Implement procedures to alert emergency responders and/or provide situation updates. 2. Activate public warning systems if necessary. 3. Implement warning augmentation procedures if primary systems fail. 4. Coordinate warning procedures with adjacent jurisdictions. 5. Ensure pertinent information is provided to the media for distribution to the public. 6. Issue cancellation of warnings or otherwise ensure emergency responders and the public become aware of the fact that an emergency situation has been terminated. G. Other Agencies and Organizations Upon receipt of a warning, Agency Representatives and organization officials serving with the Town emergency management team will: 1. Report to the EOC if asked. 2. If appropriate, augment EOC efforts to warn the public with the use of vehicles and staff. WARNING, COMMUNICATIONS Annex D-3 PUBLIC INFORMATION

52 Warnings Alerts & Warnings to Public Officials The Lee County Sheriffs Department or the Lee County Emergency Dispatch Center will notify key agency personnel of incidents posing a threat to public safety. Possible threats include bomb threats, hostage situations, explosions, hazardous materials incidents, vehicle accidents, mass casualty incidents, structure fires, and severe weather. Warnings will be disseminated to: A. The cities of Bonita Springs, Cape Coral, Fort Myers, Sanibel and the Town of Myers Beach. B. Law Enforcement agencies, the Ft. Myers Beach Fire Control and Rescue District. and Emergency Medical Service (EMS) agencies in Lee County. One-hundred twenty to 96 hours prior to the landfall of tropical storm force winds members of the Town Council and the Town emergency management team will be notified by telephone, FAX, or other electronic means. Upon notification these officials will hold an emergency meeting of the Town Council to declare a state of local emergency if necessary and determine the level of activation of the Town EOC. Warnings may also be disseminated by the Lee County Sheriffs Department or Emergency Dispatch Center to: A. Lee County residents and visitors. B. Residents and visitors with impairments (hearing impaired, medically infirmed). Alerts & Warning to Residents A. During emergency situations local residents will be informed by the most expeditious means possible. B. All warnings for hurricane or weather-related events will be coordinated by the Town Warning & Public Information Coordinator with the Lee County Public Information Officer (PIO) so as not to issue conflicting messages. C. If time is not a constraining factor, the Town s Code Red emergency telephone notification system will be activated for the portions of the island expected to be affected. The Code Red system augments the alert and warning system that businesses and other buildings on the island use to disseminate information. D. The Town Warning & Public Information Coordinator will send a press release or statement to local media outlets and broadcast over the Town radio station to get messages out in a timely manner. E. Local first responders from the fire department or law enforcement agencies, when able, will go street-by-street with loudspeakers with a pre-scripted message WARNING, COMMUNICATIONS Annex D-4 PUBLIC INFORMATION

53 approved by the Incident Commander with a brief explanation and desired actions to take regarding an emergency. F. Local newspapers, community-wide telephone directories, radio and television stations, cable franchises (scrawler, cable override), NOAA Weather Radio, the Emergency Broadcast/Alert System, law enforcement and fire service vehicle public address systems/sirens, and volunteer groups (CERT) can be used to notify the public. G. The Marine Band will be used to warn residents and visitors on the island of the nature of any emergency, the areas affected, and what actions residents should take during the period of the emergency. The Town Warning & Public Information Coordinator may request the U.S. Coast Guard to use this channel to provide pertinent information on local marine conditions during all phases of an emergency which affect the Town. Warning Devices Equipment used to implement the Town s notification and warning program will include: A. Phone switch(s), telephones, , ARD telephone lines and TTY telephones. B. 800-MHz, VHF and UHF radio repeaters, base stations, mobile radio units, portable radio units and Mobile Data Computers (MDCs). C. NOAA Weather Radio Transmitter (located at the Town EOC). D. Pagers (alpha-numeric and digital). E. Facsimile machines. F. Computers (servers, work stations, LAN and WAN Systems, and specialized software application programs). G. National Weather Service (NWS) Weather Wire. H. Emergency Broadcast/Alert System. I. The Town radio station, 1640 AM WPSH. J. Law enforcement and fire service vehicles. Specialized Warning Systems A. The Code Red system will notify buildings and residents on the island of emergencies with telephone service. B. Facsimile machines and will be used to disseminate press releases. C. Recreational areas, beaches and outside areas will be notified by first responder beach patrols via loudspeakers with a pre-scripted message approved by the Incident Commander. A brief explanation of the emergency and desired actions to take will be broadcast. WARNING, COMMUNICATIONS Annex D-5 PUBLIC INFORMATION

54 Warning the Hearing Impaired & Non-English Speaking Residents A. TTY Alert (United Way 211) will be used to warn the hearing impaired. B. Residents who are on Lee County s People with Special Needs Registry will be notified by the Lee County Emergency Notification Network. C. Messages over the Town radio station may be broadcast in other languages than English as appropriate. Test & Repair of Warning Systems A. The Town Warning & Public Information Coordinator will ensure that the Code Red system and the Town radio station will be tested at least once a year prior to or early during hurricane season. B. Warning devices or services will be considered critical infrastructure for repair and replacement purposes. Hurricane Information & Updates Residents and businesses have several ways of receiving hurricane information and updates: A. The website with the latest hurricane information is and is hosted by Lee County. B. The Town has its own radio frequency at 1640 AM, WPSH, which enables the Town to run continuous updates on evacuation and re-entry for residents during an emergency. C. The Town phone number ext 140 will have continued update information for residents. D. Brochures developed by the Town and Lee County will be available at seminars and at Town Hall. E. Updated Town information will be sent by the Town Warning & Public Information Coordinator to local media outlets as it is developed. WARNING, COMMUNICATIONS Annex D-6 PUBLIC INFORMATION

55 Communications Key Terms Communications - In emergency management operations the communication function focuses on the communication systems that will be established, used, maintained, augmented and provide back-up during emergency situations. Planning Assumptions A. Major disasters usually require a communications capability beyond the normal capacities of local government. Therefore, the Town Warning & Public Information Coordinator will identify the type and source of additional communications equipment and support needed during emergencies. B. During a major disaster communication operations will be conducted in cooperation with other jurisdictions, services, the state and Federal government. C. The Town of Fort Myers Beach will require communication augmentation by higher levels of government and/or the private sector. D. Organizations and entities will maintain operational control of their own communication systems and coordinate the use of those systems as outlined in this Plan. E. During disaster response operations the Town of Fort Myers Beach will utilize the county-wide communications plan developed by Lee County. F. Extreme weather incidents, civil unrest, the release of hazardous materials, special events such as the annual Shrimp Festival, Boat Races, New Years Eve and the Fourth of July celebrations and an influx of tourists have the potential to overwhelm available communication resources. Responsibilities A. The Town Emergency Manager will: 1. Activate communication functions during emergency operations. 2. Implement emergency communication procedures. 3. Ensure that emergency communication functions can be accomplished on a 24-hour basis. B. The Warning & Public Information Coordinator will manage the communication functions and staff in the Town EOC. C. Volunteer organizations, representatives from adjacent jurisdictions, and other Agency Representatives in the Town EOC will keep the Warning & Public WARNING, COMMUNICATIONS Annex D-7 PUBLIC INFORMATION

56 Information Coordinator informed of their communication operations as long as necessary during emergency situations. In addition they will: 1. Provide backup communication capabilities as able. 2. Provide mobile or portable backup communication links to mass care facilities as able. 3. Be responsible for cleaning, repairing, and maintaining communication equipment before returning to normal operations or storage. Emergency Communications The Marine Band (VHF radio), the County 800 MHZ radio system and satellite telephones will be used for primary communications during emergencies among the following emergency management elements: A. Emergency Management officials. B. Town EOC/Alternate EOC and the county emergency management organization. C. Mass care facilities. D. Local media outlets. E. Hospitals, aid stations and ambulance dispatch points. F. Adjacent jurisdictions. G. Private organizations. H. Businesses. The Town has Marine Band (VHF) radios to use for internal communications. The Fort Myers Beach Fire Control and Rescue District has a multi-band repeater and can key-in on whatever frequency the Town is using. Accounting & Reimbursement Procedures All accounting and re-imbursement procedures for the use, rental or purchase of communications equipment during emergency situations will conform to practices acceptable to FEMA. Procedures will be developed by the Town Warning & Public Information Coordinator to ensure the transition of communication equipment during and following an emergency. The Town Warning & Public Information Coordinator will work with the Town Resource Manager to develop the procedures and maintain the necessary documents for audit by FEMA. WARNING, COMMUNICATIONS Annex D-8 PUBLIC INFORMATION

57 Phone Lists & Radio Frequencies A complete list of the phone numbers and radio frequencies used by emergency management agencies throughout Lee County is maintained by those agencies and is provided on a need-to-know basis. This includes the Fort Myers Beach Fire Control and Rescue District, the Lee County Sheriffs Department, and adjacent jurisdictions. Repairing & Replacing Communications Equipment The Town of Fort Myers Beach will use current insurance policies to which it is a party to repair and replace damaged communications equipment used during emergencies. The Town Warning & Public Information Coordinator will direct these efforts when necessary. Communications Mutual Aid Agreements When needed during emergencies, the Town of Fort Myers Beach will use the Statewide Mutual Aid Pact, to which it is a signatory, to obtain additional communications equipment and facilities. The Town Warning & Public Information Coordinator will direct these efforts. WARNING, COMMUNICATIONS Annex D-9 PUBLIC INFORMATION

58 Public Information Key Terms Public Information - In emergency management operations the public information function ensures that the public gets accurate, timely and useful information and instructions throughout the period of emergencies. Emergency management staff should initially focus on disseminating information and instructions to the residents at risk in the community. The staff should also focus on the public s desire to seek information. Planning Assumptions A. Local media will cooperate in placing the community s need for public information ahead of the need for normal news coverage. B. News organization representatives such as reporters and photographers may create a heavy demand on emergency management public information staff. C. The Town Warning & Public Information Coordinator function will be activated for all emergencies on Fort Myers Beach. D. Because of the great number of tourists and seasonal visitors on the island, public information campaigns can never be 100% effective. E. People and media will always want more information than they can get. Responsibilities A. The Town Emergency Manager will serve as the Public Information Officer (PIO) and primary spokesperson before the media or delegate this responsibility to the Town Warning & Public Information Coordinator. He/she will: 1. Grant final approval to release emergency information and instructions. 2. Designate the location for local media briefings. 3. Approve any special provisions for media coverage. 4. Assist with news releases and rumor control. B. The Town Warning & Public Information Coordinator manages all aspects of public information for the Town. 1. When so directed, serve as the Town PIO. 2. Assume all public information functions assigned by the Town Emergency Manager. 3. Ensure timely preparation of public information materials and dissemination. 4. Ensure that the public is able to obtain information and give feedback. WARNING, COMMUNICATIONS Annex D-10 PUBLIC INFORMATION

59 5. Coordinate with the American Red Cross (ARC) on any public information services provided by that agency. 6. Coordinate with Town emergency management team members to obtain necessary information for public information materials. 7. Assist Lee County officials in collecting necessary public information and preparing press releases in a timely manner. 8. Assist Lee County officials in briefing public affairs officers who visit emergency sites. 9. Assist Lee County officials in scheduling news conferences and interviews. 10. Assist Lee County officials in rumor control activities. 11. Work with the Town Resource Manager to obtain media assistance in disseminating information regarding potential donors of unmet needs, donated items, and other such matters. 12. Coordinate with local media regarding the dissemination of public information and getting their cooperation in education and preparedness efforts. 13. Coordinate with school officials in disseminating public information to school populations as appropriate. 14. Disseminate unmet need requests to businesses and the public. 15. Maintain a chronology of emergency-related public information activities. C. The Town Resource Manager will provide the PIO with any unmet need requests from donation-related entities for dissemination to businesses and the public. D. Volunteer organization representatives will provide support in disseminating public information materials as requested. E. All other Agency Representatives in the Fort Myers Beach Emergency Management organization will: 1. Provide information requested by the PIO. 2. Clear all emergency-related news releases with the PIO. 3. If possible, provide public affairs officers to support public information activities. 4. Refer media inquiries to the PIO. WARNING, COMMUNICATIONS Annex D-11 PUBLIC INFORMATION

60 Lee County Emergency Information Center The mission of the Lee County Emergency Information Center (EIC) is to contribute to the safety and well being of the community before, during and after a disaster by disseminating information that is timely, accurate, consistent and easy to understand. The information explains what people can and should do to provide for their own safety and well being, plus what they can expect from Lee County, Town emergency management team members, and other local, state and Federal government agencies to provide the services needed to rebuild communities and restore lives. A. The EIC is established at the Lee County EOC or at some other appropriate location. Field offices may be established at the Multi-Agency Coordination Center (MACC) of Geographical Response Divisions to assist in public information activities. B. The EIC will develop and implement information strategies designed to: 1. Instill community confidence that Lee County is using all possible resources and is working in partnership with the Town of Fort Myers Beach, state and Federal agencies to restore essential services and help individuals begin to put their lives back together. 2. Work with the media to promote a positive understanding of response, recovery and mitigation programs. 3. Provide targeted media markets with equal access to timely and accurate information about disaster response, recovery and mitigation programs. 4. Manage expectations as effectively as possible so victims have a clear understanding of all response, recovery and mitigation services available to them. C. Principal Method for Disseminating Public Information The principal method for disseminating public information during emergencies will be through the local media. Local newspapers, television and radio stations will all be used. In addition, the Code Red system, cable franchises, law enforcement agencies, fire and rescue agencies, volunteer groups, and other local first responders with public address capabilities will be used depending on the nature and location of the emergency. During activations of the Town EOP for weather-related events, public information provided by the Town Public Information Officer will be coordinated (coincide) with updates from the National Hurricane Center, emergency management advisories from the state, and updates from Lee County officials. This will prevent the dissemination of conflicting information and messages. WARNING, COMMUNICATIONS Annex D-12 PUBLIC INFORMATION

61 Time Delineating Schedule for A Potentially Disastrous Weather Event When a potentially disastrous weather event, such as hurricane or storm-water flooding threatens, Lee County follows the Time Delineating Schedule (TDS) in the Lee County CEMP. The County Public Information Office steps-up disaster preparedness and safety warning activities. As the storm approaches, other preparedness activities are activated. Phase I of the TDS is implemented approximately 3 days prior to a hurricane or tropical storm landfall. In the case of disasters that occurs with little or no warning such as tornadoes, massive HAZMAT incidents and wildfires, public information activities begin at the Emergency Incident or Evaluation Phase. The Town emergency management team will be prepared to react to the following schedule as implemented by Lee County: Awareness Phase hours prior to landfall. During this phase weather-related preparedness issues are re-enforced. The objective is to have a plan and follow the plan. Local resources and emergency sheltering activities are closely monitored. A. The Town emergency management team will receive a FAX or advisory from Lee County EOC on track, speed and direction of a weather system. B. The Town Emergency Manager should contact Lee County EOC to determine possible activation activities. C. The Town Emergency Manager should ensure that press releases are prepared, reviewed, and revised as appropriate. D. Lee County will issue public information and news releases via FAX, or post them on the Lee County web site. E. Lee County may put a cable override system on stand-by status. Decision Phase hours prior to landfall. Lee County will: A. Implement Evacuation Plans. B. Activate the County EOC. C. Coordinate information activities with Geographical Response Divisions. D. Establish 24-hour EIC operations. E. Keep the Town emergency management team apprised of storm potential. F. Post all news releases on the web site, FAX, and broadcast over EAS, Comcast and Time-Warner Cable systems. G. Rebroadcast public service announcements as necessary. WARNING, COMMUNICATIONS Annex D-13 PUBLIC INFORMATION

62 H. Schedule County EOC officials on local television and radio talk shows. I. Furnish live radio and television situation reports to local and national media at scheduled times. J. Provide situational awareness briefings at scheduled times (usually 0800, 1000, 1600 and 2100 hrs). K. Request an aircraft with video recording capability, to fly the storm path and/or coast once conditions are safe. Videotape will be made available to all media and shown to public at selected sites following the storm. 04 hours to landfall. Lee County will: Emergency Incident Phase A. Monitor news media for storm information. B. Coordinate closely with other EOC emergency information staff. C. Ensure the following information has been or is broadcast: 1. Local and state response preparations. 2. Homeowner and property owner precautions. 3. Recovery related issues such as insurance, pictures of property, important papers, etc.. 4. Evacuation routes. 5. Shelter information and locations. 6. Evacuation and re-entry information. 7. Traffic conditions. 8. Public health and safety topics. 9. Donations management information. 10. Media advisories on response activities, especially to radio and TV outlets in the impacted area. WARNING, COMMUNICATIONS Annex D-14 PUBLIC INFORMATION

63 Immediately following an emergency: Evaluation Phase A. Lee County, the Town Emergency Manager or the Unified Command will inform residents of what actions are being taken to evaluate the impact of the incident. B. First-responder and/or assessment evaluation reports will be forwarded to Town, county and state officials in accordance with standard procedures. Restoration Phase During this Phase, Lee County, the Town Emergency Manager or the Unified Command will inform citizens of what has been done, what needs to be done, what action residents can take to speed the recovery process, and what resources are available to help mitigate the emergency. A. If requested, VIP tours of the affected area will be arranged. B. If a Presidential Disaster Declaration is received, the need to coordinate equipment and staffing with FEMA to set-up a Joint Field Office (JFO) and shift public information operations to that location will be determined. C. The EIC will be deactivated. D. The County Mitigation Coordinator and the State Mitigation Officer will coordinate to provide information to citizens on measures they can use to mitigate future damages. E. If requested, written materials on hazard mitigation measures will be prepared. F. If requested, briefings with incoming Community Relations teams will be held. Getting Information to Special Needs Groups In order to disseminate public information regarding emergency preparedness to special needs groups, the Lee County All Hazards Guide is published in Spanish, German, and Creole in addition to English. There are also several foreign language radio stations that serve Lee County. Some are legitimate and others may be ghosted stations. Hearing-impaired citizens require a TTDY system to receive phone calls regarding emergency information. Fort Myers Beach Public Information Seminars The Town Public Safety Task Force, lead by the Town Clerk, in conjunction with Lee County emergency management officials, the Fort Myers Beach Fire Control and Rescue District, the Lee County Sheriffs Office, and the American Red Cross hold a yearly Hurricane Seminar for the residents of Fort Myers Beach. The Lee County All Hazards Guide and the Fort Myers Beach Preparation Guide will be distributed at this Seminar. WARNING, COMMUNICATIONS Annex D-15 PUBLIC INFORMATION

64 Establishing a Single Point of Contact For Public Information The Town Public Information Officer will be the single point of contact for the news media and the public regarding public information. He/she may be located at the Town EOC, the County EIC, with the Beaches Geographic Response Division or at the MACC. Public Information Priorities For Town officials, the priorities for public information activities prior to, during and following an emergency will be: A. Release public information that ensures accurate and adequate communication to the public regarding all emergency activities, including preparedness. B. Proactively provide information to the public and the news media through briefings and press releases that manages expectations and frames in realistic terms what the Town can and cannot do. C. Provide clear and accurate information to the public and news media that allows individuals to make decisions regarding their specific situations. D. Gather information regarding the scope of the disaster, damaged areas, hazards, dangerous areas, and estimates of loss of life in the most effective way possible. E. Determine if local warning systems or capabilities to protect the public have been affected by an incident. If needed, emphasize life-saving information to minimize further loss of life or property. F. Continuously identify emerging public information trends and anticipate issues. Public Information Activities Prior to Hurricane Landfall The following actions will be taken by the Town Public Information Officer in the event of a hurricane or notice emergency. A. Coordinate with the Town Emergency Manager to determine the status of plans and the timing of actions. B. Establish and maintain contact with County PIO officials and the media. Provide information and instructions, to include printed material, to the media with the guidance of County PIO officials and the Town Emergency Manager. C. Arrange for the accelerated printing of public information material if needed to supplement current stocks. D. Monitor the media. E. Augment public information staff as needed. Establish required facilities for public information operations with the support of Town emergency team members and/or the Unified Command. WARNING, COMMUNICATIONS Annex D-16 PUBLIC INFORMATION

65 Public Information Activities Following a No-Notice Emergency The following actions will be taken by the Town Public Information Officer in the event of a no-notice emergency. A. Coordinate with the Town Emergency Manager to determine what protective actions need to be taken. B. Develop stand-by/more-to-follow public information instructions with as many specifics about the emergency available. C. Apprise County PIO officials of the situation. D. Ensure the warning system is activated and public information is being distributed. E. Coordinate with the media to repeat and update initial warnings and provide people with additional contact information. F. Monitor the media. Public Information Activities Following Hurricane Impact The following actions will be taken by the Town Public Information Officer following the impact of a hurricane: A. Coordinate all public information activities with the County EIC. B. Maintain contact with the media. C. Monitor media reports and telephone inquires for accuracy and respond to rumors as appropriate. D. Augment public inquiry and/or media relations staff within the Unified Command when requested. E. Maintain facilities for public information activities at the Town EOC and assist with same at the county EIC. F. Arrange for printing of public information material related to family protection programs, actions, and health and safety instructions. G. Ensure the distribution of printed public information materials to the media, to pre-selected locations (businesses, motels, hotels and cottages) and to community and volunteer groups. H. Compile a chronology of events. Speaking with One Voice When the Town is activated in the EOC for a serious but local incident, all news releases will be coordinated with the Town Emergency Manager. WARNING, COMMUNICATIONS Annex D-17 PUBLIC INFORMATION

66 When the Town emergency management team is activated within the Lee County Beaches Geographic Division, all news releases will be coordinated with the Lee County Public Information Officer. The Town Public Information Officer will participate in scheduled conference calls with Lee County PIO officials to coordinate news releases so as to not disseminate conflicting information. The Lee County PIO will conduct briefings for media representatives following coordination with State PIO officials. During emergency situations the Town PIO may locate at the county EIC. Augmenting Public Information Staff When the Town emergency management team is activated within the Lee County Beaches Geographic Division, the Town Public Information Officer will usually locate with and support the county EIC field office in the Beaches Geographic Division, at the MACC, or in the Town EOC. It will be the responsibility of the County PIO to staff the EIC and field offices to meet the demands of the media in accordance with the Lee County CEMP. The Town PIO may be requested to augment this staff and should maintain a roster of volunteers or staff members for this purpose. Public Information Activities In Local Emergencies In the event of a serious but local emergency that impacts the Town of Fort Myers Beach but warrants no Emergency Declaration from the Governor or Lee County, the Forty Myers Beach Town Council may declare a local state of emergency in accordance with this Plan. In those instances, Lee County officials will support the Town PIO as requested and all news releases will be prepared and distributed by the Town Emergency Manager or designee. Conference Calls Prior to a notice event such as a hurricane, or immediately following a no- notice event such as a tornado, the flow of public information will be coordinated through a series of conference calls as follows: A. The Florida Department of Emergency Management will normally host conference calls with disaster-impacted counties on a schedule to be coordinated with the County Emergency Management Director, normally 11:15 a.m. and 5:15 p.m. daily. B. The County Operations Section Chief will host conference call(s) with the activated Divisions within Lee County on a schedule to be coordinated with the Division Supervisors, normally 9:00 a.m. ET and 4:00 p.m. ET daily. WARNING, COMMUNICATIONS Annex D-18 PUBLIC INFORMATION

67 C. The Town Public Information Officer may participant (host) a daily conference call with public media personnel at a time to be determined based on the nature of the emergency. Fort Myers Beach Participation In a Joint Federal/State Information Center A Joint Information Center (JIC) is a single location established by the state and Federal government where the media have access to information and the public information staff of various levels of government can consult with one another. A JIC is the best way to ensure that local, state and Federal officials are using the same information and are not making inconsistent statements and that the most recent and accurate data is being disseminated. The Town emergency management team will participate in JIC operations as directed by the Beaches Geographic Division Supervisor. Information regarding JIC operations will be discussed and coordinated on conference calls with County EOC staff on daily conference calls. Maintaining this Annex The Town Warning & Public Information Coordinator will be responsible for maintaining this Annex and ensuring that other necessary warning, communications and emergency public information procedures are developed in accordance with this Plan. WARNING, COMMUNICATIONS Annex D-19 PUBLIC INFORMATION

68 Emergency Operations Plan Fort Myers Beach, Florida Annex E PHASE 2 Of Emergency Management Operations Response Key Terms Response Activities - Address the short-term, direct effects of an emergency. Response includes immediate actions to save lives, protect property, and meet basic human needs. Response includes the execution of Emergency Operations Plans and of activities designed to limit the loss of life, personal injury, property damage, and other unfavorable outcomes. Common Operating Picture (COP) A universal real-time snapshot of an incident available to emergency management personnel created from site inspections, data, maps, and assessments. A common operating picture provides up-to date information on the status and needs of people, critical facilities, infrastructure, resources and the environment. Essential Elements of Information (EEI) - Facts and/or data identified by senior emergency management officials as being essential to conduct effective operations and creating a common operational picture. EEIs play an indispensable role in effective planning and decision-making in disaster response operation. Incident Action Plan (IAP) - A plan developed during each operational period of an emergency operation which identifies incident objectives, provides details of specific tactical activities and furnishes supporting information. Information Collection Plan (ICP) the mechanism(s) used during emergency operations for gathering and monitoring essential elements of information. These mechanisms may include written, electronic, telephonic or radio reports, but it is imperative that every reporting element understand and comply with the ICP. Initial Response Resources (IRR) Commodities that are provided to victims after a disaster occurs. Initial response resources include supplies such as baby RESPONSE Annex E-1 RESPONSE

69 food, baby formula, blankets, cots, diapers, meals ready-to-eat, plastic sheeting, tents, ice, water, emergency generators, industrial ice makers, mobile kitchen kits, portable potties with service, portable showers, and refrigerated vans. Purpose The purpose of this Annex is to identify response activities and describe how response operations will be directed and coordinated. Planning Assumptions A. Response efforts for the Town of Fort Myers Beach will primarily be the responsibility of local and county government, but a number of assistance programs identified in the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act will be available if the disaster, to include Lee County, has received a Presidential Disaster Declaration. B. Individual, private sector, non-governmental, volunteer and state and federal individual and public assistance programs will be used during response operations to the greatest extent possible. C. Town emergency management team members may themselves be victims of a disaster, in term of personal and/or property loss. This may impact the management of response activities described in this Plan. Responsibilities The Town Emergency Manager will be responsible for maintaining this Annex and ensuring that necessary procedures are developed in accordance with it.. RESPONSE Annex E-2 RESPONSE

70 Primary Duties of Town Emergency Management Team During Response Operations Coordinate Decision- Making Activities Fill Unmet Needs Request Additional Resource Assistance Execute Operational Actions 1. With Local Incident Commander 2. In the Unified Command With local resources 1. Through the Unified Command 2. To other agencies, jurisdictions, organizations, individuals and businesses Directed by: 1. Local Incident Commander 2. Unified Command RESPONSE Annex E-3 RESPONSE

71 8 Stages of Response The strategic intent of response activities is to provide assistance to those affected by an emergency as quickly and robustly as possibly. Response really begins when an emergency is imminent and continuers immediately after an incident occurs. As such, response activities often overlap with many preparedness, recovery and mitigation activities described in this Plan. There are eight stages of response to any emergency. The length of each stage depends upon the situation. For example, the alert and notification stage for a flood or hurricane may be several days. In some cases there is less time before the onset of an emergency. For a tornado or explosion it may be a matter of minutes. Stage 1: Alert & Notification Stage 3: Gather Situational Awareness Stage 5: Public Welfare Stage 7: Restore Infrastructure Stage 2: Protect Citizens & Property Stage 4: Develop an Incident Action Plan Stage 6: Assess Damage Stage 8: Demobilization ACCOMPLISHED BY Activating & mobilizing people, resources and capabilities Identifying needs Requesting additional resources and capabilities RESPONSE Annex E-4 RESPONSE

72 Stage 1 Alert & Notification Alert (See the Basic Plan for a description of alert levels) Notification (See Annex D) Activating the EOC The Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is where Town officials responsible for responding to an emergency assemble to direct and control the Town s response. The EOC must function smoothly and efficiently. (See the Basic Plan for location and contact numbers for the Fort Myers Beach primary, alternate and second alternate EOC) It is important to have a well-equipped EOC capable of providing for continued operations throughout an emergency. The EOC goes into operation when Town officials decide that the situation is serious enough to require a coordinated and other-than-routine response. However, the EOC does not become operational for all emergencies. One of the first tasks in any emergency is to quickly assess the situation to determine if its size or severity warrants activating the EOC. Staffing the EOC may be as simple as performing duties at desks or walking down the hall to an operations center. Or it may be more elaborate, such as relocating to the alternate EOC and calling in Agency Representatives from various locations. Regardless, when activating the EOC, Town officials will gauge staffing level by the scale of the emergency. Four classifications of emergencies are useful in determining the operational status of the EOC. These correspond to the alert levels described in the Basic Plan: A. ROUTINE (Alert Level 1) emergencies which local services can handle, such as fires and traffic accidents. B. LIMITED (Alert Level 2 and3) more serious emergencies when limited staff at the EOC may be necessary. Examples include advanced readiness ( days) for an approaching hurricane or when an emergency goes beyond the Town s capability to respond. C. POTENTIAL (Alert Level 4) one step beyond a limited emergency such as when a hurricane is 5-6 days away. RESPONSE Annex E-5 RESPONSE

73 D. FULL-SCALE (Alert Level 5) total mobilization of EOC staff in response to an anticipated or major emergency. A local Incident Commander will direct response activities in a serious but purely local emergency within the Town of Fort Myers Beach. Management of activities will be at the field level as close to the incident as possible. The Town Emergency Manager will be responsible for fulfilling unmet needs in local emergencies with local resources or seek needed resources from adjacent jurisdictions, other agencies and organizations, or from private-sector sources. Beyond that, requests for assistance will be forwarded to Lee County officials. The Town Council may implement the Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) or portions thereof, to coordinate serious but local activities if the Lee County emergency management organization is not mobilized. (See the Basic Plan for emergency activation procedures and implementation of this EOP) Making the Town EOC Operational ACTIONS 1. Alert EOC staff and Agency Representatives 2. Activate special communication equipment, support equipment and facilities RESPONSIBLE AGENT Incident Commander and/or Town Emergency Manager (EM) Town Resource Manager 3. Institute a message flow system Town Emergency Manager 4. Brief EOC staff on the situation Incident Commander and/or Town EM 5. Prepare a staff work schedule Town Emergency Manager 6. Provide staff necessities Town Resource Manager 7. Control access to the EOC Town Resource Manager 8. Initiate reporting procedures Town Emergency Manager 9. Deal with the media Incident Commander and/or Town EM 10. Control rumors Incident Commander and/or Town EM RESPONSE Annex E-6 RESPONSE

74 Stage 2 Protect Citizens & Property Stage 2 of response is related to providing services as security, fire protection, protection from hazardous materials, emergency medical care, decontamination, fatality management, search and rescue, and evacuation from the disaster area. The primary concern is for the life-safety of the residents, immediate treatment of those who may be injured, and the proper disposition of fatalities. Closely associated with this are measures to secure property and prevent further damage. In Stage 2, the focus is on the following: Evacuation, Emergency Sheltering & Re-Entry (See Annex F) Health & Medical Needs (See Annex G) Decontamination Operations (See Annex G) Saving & Sustaining Lives In a serious but purely local emergency, the local Incident Commander will direct lifesaving and life-sustaining activities and may request assistance from Town officials. In a major disaster, life-saving and life-sustaining activities throughout Lee County will be directed by the Unified Command. The Unified Command will establish priorities and allocate resources. Within the Unified Command, the Town emergency management team, organized as the FMB Task Force, will execute operational actions, coordinate decision-making activities, fill unmet needs and request resources to save and sustain lives on Fort Myers Beach. The Town emergency management team will provide local resources as available. (See Annex G for detailed information regarding life-saving and life-sustaining efforts) RESPONSE Annex E-7 RESPONSE

75 Ensuring Public Safety & Law Enforcement If needed, the Town Emergency Manager will coordinate with the Lee County Sheriffs Department, the Unified Command or the local Incident Commander and use established protocols to Request Mutual Aid Assistance to restore critical law enforcement and public works services on Fort Myers Beach. A. Law Enforcement The Lee County Sheriffs Office may request assistance through the Florida Law Enforcement Mutual Aid Plan. B. Fire and Rescue To assist in restoring fire and rescue services on Fort Myers Beach, the Town Emergency Manager will coordinate with the County Fire - Rescue Coordinator assigned to Lee County by the state. State coordinators are assigned to counties in accordance with the State of Florida Fire - Rescue Disaster Response Plan. Using the National Guard In emergency situations the Governor of Florida may activate the National Guard, a critical state resource with expertise in communications, logistics, search & rescue and decontamination. The governor commands the National Guard and can deploy them in response to a disaster. When deployed on active duty for the state the National Guard is not part of any Federal military response effort. State active duty for the National Guard is based on state statutes and policy and the state is responsible for all costs relating to the deployment. Such deployments are not subject to posse comitatus restrictions and allow the Governor, with the approval of the President and the Secretary of Defense, to order the National Guard to undertake activities for the military protection of the territory, domestic population, infrastructure or other assets determined to be critical to national security. RESPONSE Annex E-8 RESPONSE

76 Stage 3 Situational Awareness Situational awareness, also known as a common operating picture, is the provision of timely and accurate information during an emergency. It is the lifeblood of emergency management. Without it, good decision-making is much more difficult, and efficient and effective response and recovery activities can be impaired. Situational awareness requires continual monitoring, verification, and the integration of essential elements of information. Gathering Situational Awareness In a serious but purely local emergency, the Town Emergency Manager will coordinate with the local Incident Commander to ensure that essential elements of information (EEI) are collected, analyzed and disseminated. This will create a common operating picture that allows decision-makers to anticipate requirements, allocate resources, and engage in pro-active planning. The Town Emergency Manager will coordinate this process. Rapid collection of information should be linked to: A. Saving and sustaining lives. B. Identifying immediate safety and security hazards. A rapid analysis of information prior to or following an emergency will enable Town officials to: A. Prioritize actions. B. Allocate resources. C. Request additional resources from Mutual Aid partners, adjacent jurisdictions, other entities and organizations, Lee County, the state and/or Federal agencies. The collection of information should initially focus on data related to: A. Evacuation, if required. B. Search and rescue efforts, if required. C. Status of critical infrastructure: with emphasis on utilities, communications systems, fuel, food and water supplies. D. Status of critical facilities: fire station(s), water and sewer distribution facilities. E. Continued risks and/or potential cascading effects (those that might occur as a result of the initial emergency). F. Numbers of displaced residents (if applicable) and the extent of damage. RESPONSE Annex E-9 RESPONSE

77 In major emergencies or those that require the evacuation of the Island, the Unified Command will direct the collection of information to assess, monitor, and mitigate the incident. Personnel within the Beaches Geographical Response Division will be assigned specific information-collection tasks. Elements within the Division will be assigned to direct and/or coordinate search and rescue, debris clearance, damage assessment, food and medical service, and logistics support tasks. Special Task Forces or Strike Teams may be organized to complete other specific tasks. Each element has a component for reporting information and the status of tasks and resources. Within the Fort Myers Beach Task Force, the Town Planning element will be responsible for compiling this information. Each entity within the Beaches Geographical Response Division should have a liaison at the Division Command Post. The Town Emergency Manager or designee will serve as the Town liaison. (See Annex B for the complete composition of the Division) The Town emergency management team will participate in gathering information as directed by the Beaches Geographical Response Division. The process of gathering information must be workable in both notice incidents such as a hurricane and immediately following a no-notice incident such as a tornado. Reporting Situational Awareness A. Minor Emergencies In a serious but purely local emergency, the local Incident Commander from the Agency responsible to mitigate an emergency will continuously monitor the situation and provide situation updates to the Public Information Office of his/her agency. Local updates to the media and residents will come from the Public Information Office of the agency responsible for mitigating the emergency. The type of incident determines the responsible Agency. The Incident Command structure is designed according to the type of disaster and based on authority; knowledge, training, and experience. The Incident Commander is the senior onscene official from the agency assigned responsibility for the incident. The following elements may be partially or fully activated to provide coordination or logistical support to the local Incident Commander in these efforts: 1. The Town emergency management team. 2. Elements of the Lee County emergency management organization such as the Geographic Division. 3. The County EOC. B. Major Emergencies Critical information regarding the status of residents, infrastructure and services on Fort Myers Beach following a major disaster will be passed through established reporting channels within the Unified Command. The Town Emergency Manager will direct Fort Myers Beach Task Force reporting activities through the Beaches Geographical Response Division in accordance with established protocols. RESPONSE Annex E-10 RESPONSE

78 Based on an analysis of the situation, the Public Information Officer in the Unified Command will disseminate emergency information to the public in accordance with standard procedures identified in applicable plans. The Town PIO may be requested to help in this effort. Monitoring Situational Awareness A. Minor Emergencies In a serious but purely local emergency the Local Incident Commander will be responsible for the continued assessment of any emergency situation to protect residents and property. The Town Emergency Manager will assist in this effort as requested by the Local Incident Commander. B. Major Disasters The Information Collection Plan (ICP) established within the Unified Command provides the mechanism for continually gathering and monitoring situational awareness. The Town Emergency Manager will comply with the ICP in accordance with procedures established by the Unified Command. During a major disaster the Unified Command Public Information Officer will continuously assess, respond, and inform local authorities and the general public of what actions have been taken, what needs to done, and how this is to be accomplished. Acting on Situational Awareness The key to directing response activities is situational awareness. Providing information upward and guidance downward is the key to situational awareness. Once information has been gathered and analyzed, it should be: A. Reported. B. Turned into actionable tasks. Tasks are then assigned to an operations element to be completed. The Town emergency management team will act on situational awareness as directed by the Unified Command in a major disaster, or requested by the Local Incident Commander in a serious but purely local emergency. RESPONSE Annex E-11 RESPONSE

79 Stage 4 Incident Action Planning During major disaster response operations, Unified Command staff will use the incident action planning process to assess progress and direct activities. Key Terms Plan A plan, whether in oral or written form, provides the guidance, structure and direction necessary to meet required needs. A plan is a guideline that identifies what has to be done to accomplish a specific mission, who is responsible for doing it, and what resources will be used to accomplish the mission. Incident Action Plan (IAP) The singular overarching plan in any emergency situation that is the end result of the incident action planning process during each operational period. It is an oral or written plan containing specific objectives for managing an incident and identifies operational resources and assignments. It may also include supporting plans and documents that provide important information such as safety, medical, communications and transportation instructions. Incident Action Planning Cycle A series of meetings and briefings held throughout an operational period that focus on activities related to providing specific resources to mitigate an emergency. The end result of the incident action planning cycle is the IAP. Operational Period An operational period identifies the time frame for the scheduled execution of specific tasks to mitigate an emergency. Operational periods can vary in length, but usually do not exceed 24 hours in the early stages of an emergency. The Incident Action Planning Cycle Sound, timely planning provides the foundation for effective emergency management. For each emergency, whether purely local or a major disaster directed by a Unified Command, the incident action planning cycle may* be used to develop an Incident Action Plan (IAP) to: A. Identify incident objectives for each operational period. B. Provide details of specific actionable tasks (tactical activities). C. Furnish supporting information. An IAP identifies this information for each operational period. The operational period in an emergency will be established by one of the following: A. The local Incident Commander. B. The Unified Commander C. The Town Emergency Manager during training and exercises. The primary focus of incident action planning is on actionable tasks related to providing specific resources to mitigate an emergency. Assistance and support in emergency situations must be managed, coordinated and delivered in the most-timely way. This is RESPONSE Annex E-12 RESPONSE

80 accomplished in a series of meetings and briefings throughout an operational period. The end result of the planning cycle is an IAP. A. In a major disaster, when the Town emergency management team is activated as the Fort Myers Beach Task Force in the Beaches Geographical Response Division, the team will: a. Participate in the incident action planning cycle as directed by the Division. The schedule of meetings and briefings will be established by the Unified Command. b. Coordinate decision-making activities and requests for resources through the Division. c. Be tasked with executing actions and supporting response and recovery operations as directed by the Division. The Town Emergency Manager will direct the activities of the Fort Myers Beach Task Force in compliance with the Unified Command incident action plan. B. In a serious but purely local emergency, the local Incident Commander will initiate the incident action planning cycle. Along with staff from his/her agency, he/she may request the Town emergency management team to participate in the process. The Town Emergency Manager will direct the team in how the process works and what is expected of them. *NOTE: Not all serious but purely local emergencies on Fort Myers Beach require a written Incident Action Plan. The need for written plans will be based on incident requirements and the decision of the local Incident Commander. RESPONSE Annex E-13 RESPONSE

81 The Incident Action Planning Cycle Hold Operation Tactics Meeting Prepare Operation Plans Conduct Initial Briefing Develop Incident Objectives Finalize Operation Plans Assess Progress Conduct Planning Meeting Prepare and Approve IAP Conduct Operations Briefing Execute IAP Make Contacts Initial Assessment Collect Information Initial Response Notifications Incident Initial Response The incident action planning process begins when a threat to Fort Myers Beach is identified or during the initial response to a no-notice event. Town officials will immediately monitor, collect and review essential elements of information related to the event. The Town Council may declare a state of emergency and activate the EOP or portions of the EOP. The Town Emergency Manager may activate the EOC or alternate EOC. RESPONSE Annex E-14 RESPONSE

82 The Town emergency management team will conduct an initial assessment of the situation to determine priorities and develop potential organization resource needs and facilities. The Town Emergency Manager will make contact with the County Emergency Management Director, adjacent jurisdictions and develop preliminary response plans. Developing Incident Objectives In Anticipation of an Incident If an event or situation warrants advance emergency planning such as July Fourth celebrations or the annual Island Shrimp Festival, the Town Emergency Manager will hold a meeting with the Town emergency management team to set objectives related to preparations and possible response. In Local No-notice Incidents In a serious but purely local emergency, incident objectives will be established by the local Incident Commander. Depending upon the nature and complexity of the incident, the Town Emergency Manager will coordinate with the local Incident Commander regarding the objectives and brief the Town emergency management team. In a Major Disaster In a major disaster objectives will be set by the Unified Commander. As part of the Unified Command, the Town emergency management team will be briefed on the objectives. IN EACH INSTANCE: Objectives should be: 1. Clearly stated 2. Measurable 3. Attainable RESPONSE Annex E-15 RESPONSE

83 Conducting an Initial Briefing Immediately following any emergency, the local Incident Commander or Unified Commander will conduct an initial incident briefing. The briefing should include, but not be limited to: 1. Incident objectives and strategies for accomplishing those objectives. 2. High priority activities. 3. Expectations. 4. Available resources. 5. Significant actions already taken. 6. Roles and responsibilities. 7. Meeting and planning schedule. 8. Public information strategies. 9. Financial agreements and procedures. 10. Safety and security concerns. Following that briefing the Town Emergency manager should conduct a briefing with the Town emergency management team to identify: 1. The local Incident Commander and lead agency in a purely local emergency. 11. The organization structure and staffing of the Unified Command if the incident is a major disaster. 12. What support to the local Incident Commander is requested, OR if the Unified Command is established. Preparing Operation Plans When requested during a serious but purely local emergency, members of the Town emergency management team will support the local Incident Commander and his/her agency to identify and develop actionable tasks and resource assignments to accomplish incident objectives. Operations plans will be developed that: 1. Identify and develop tasks to accomplish incident objectives. 2. Assign resources. 3. Identify additional resource requirements. RESPONSE Annex E-16 RESPONSE

84 The Operations Tactics Meeting In this phase of the cycle, activities related to accomplishing incident objectives are finalized. The participants: 1. Review incident the objectives. 2. Review actionable tasks and assignments. 3. Ensure the tasks are complete, clear, concise and accurate. 4. Review the resources needed to carry out the tasks. 5. Assign any additional available resources. 6. Identify logistical capabilities and other support needs such as communications, traffic, and medical needs. 7. Identify and discuss support agency and organization needs and limits. 8. Identify all facility locations. Finalize Operation Plans In this phase of the cycle actionable tasks for each operational-element are finalized. Tasks are incorporated into specific operation plans as part of the IAP based on the results of the tactics meeting. Conduct a Planning Meeting In this phase of the cycle operation plans are reviewed, adjusted and approved. The participants: 1. Update the current situation 2. Review the incident objectives 3. Review the draft operation plans 4. Ensure draft operation plans meet incident objectives 5. Review any open actionable tasks 6. Solicit feedback 7. Obtain approval from everyone to support operation plans RESPONSE Annex E-17 RESPONSE

85 Prepare and Approve IAP Immediately following the planning meeting, the IAP for the next operational period is published. Supporting plans and documents that provide important information will be attached to the IAP such as: 1. Communications Plan 2. Medical Plan 3. Traffic Plan 4. Safety and Security Plan Once the IAP is completed it is reviewed for accuracy and completeness by: 1. Local Incident Commander OR 2. Unified Commander Conduct Operations Briefing Following the approval of the IAP, all operational response elements directed by the local Incident Commander or the Unified Command will be briefed to execute and support the Plan. The participants: 1. Review the incident objectives. 2. Review the current situation. 3. Review the task and assignment lists. 4. Review all additional plans in the IAP. RESPONSE Annex E-18 RESPONSE

86 Execute IAP In response to any emergency, operational elements are authorized to make adjustments to the IAP and reallocate resources to adapt to changing conditions during an operational period. However, adjustments must be coordinated with the local Incident Commander or Unified Commander. Assess Progress An important aspect of beginning the next incident action planning cycle is assessing work progress to date. In any emergency all operational elements need to regularly assess work progress against current operations identified in the IAP and address deficiencies for the next operational period. An Incident Action Plan An Incident Action Plan is generally composed of specific forms whose purpose is as follows: A. List incident objectives as established by the local Incident Commander or the Unified Commander. Objectives are short-term aims that must be achieved within a very specific period of time to successfully accomplish the mission of mitigating the emergency. ICS Form 202 (Incident Objectives) is a template for listing incident objectives. B. List the organizational elements and personnel assigned to the operation with contact information. ICS Form 203 (Organization Assignment List) is a template for creating this list. C. List the assignments for each of the organizational elements within the command for the period covered by the Action Plan. This list includes personnel, locations, resources and work assignments for the elements. ICS Form 204 (Assignments List) is a template for this list. D. Describe communications used during the operation, to include contact numbers for all facilities, key staff, type of communications equipment and frequencies specific to all elements of the organization. ICS Form 205 (Communications Plan) is a template for this plan. E. Identify the medical facilities available during the emergency, to include aid stations, transportation arrangements, hospitals, and medical emergency procedures for handling victims. ICS Form 206 (Medical Plan) is a template for this information. RESPONSE Annex E-19 RESPONSE

87 F. Draw an organization chart of the elements engaged in the emergency. ICS Form 207 (Organization Chart) is a template for this chart. G. Other forms as needed, such as a meeting schedule, safety information, evacuation and traffic plans. A local Incident Commander or the Unified Commander may choose to use the approved ICS form to develop an IAP. In any case, the Town Emergency Manager should ensure that Town emergency management team members are familiar with forms associated with an IAP. Fort Myers Beach Emergency Management Planning Element Town Emergency Manager Operations Element Planning Element Logistics/Finance Element Communications Element Finance Office Public Works Community Development Town Attorney Town Clerk Composition When activated, the Town emergency management Planning element is comprised of the Resource Manager, the Evacuation/Re-entry Coordinator, the Recovery Coordinator, the Town Attorney and the Public Information Coordinator. The Town Emergency Manager or designee serves as lead of the Planning element. When the Town emergency management team is activated as the Fort Myers Beach Task Force, other subject matter experts may be assigned to the Planning element by the Town Emergency Manager or thru the Unified Command. These could include other RESPONSE Annex E-20 RESPONSE

88 organization representatives or subject matter experts such as environmental or medical officials. Primary Focus When activated, the primary focus of the Town Planning element is to: A. Support operations through the incident action planning process as directed by the local Incident Commander, the Town Emergency Manager, or the Unified Command. (The Town operations element is responsible for managing, coordinating and delivering emergency services). B. Develop and utilize an Information Collection Plan to collect, analyze and monitor essential elements of information as directed by the local Incident Commander or the Unified Command. C. Support other Town elements as necessary in the incident action planning processes. Responsibilities When activated, the Town Planning element is responsible for the collection, evaluation, analysis, dissemination and use of information about an incident as well as the status of all Town resources. The planning element develops information whose purpose is to: A. Understand the current situation. B. Predict probable courses of incident activities. C. Prepare alternate operational strategies. Duties When activated, and in coordination with the local Incident Commander or Unified Command, the duties of the Town Planning element may include, but are not limited to: 1. Participate in the incident action planning process. 2. Collect and process situational information. 3. Reassign personnel or resources. 4. Establish and monitor reporting schedules. 5. Determine the need for and recommend specialized resources to support the incident. 6. If requested, assemble and de-mobilize other personnel to support the incident. 7. Assemble information on alternative operational strategies. 8. Provide periodic predictions on incident potential. RESPONSE Annex E-21 RESPONSE

89 9. Report significant changes in incident status. 10. Compile and display status information in the EOC. 11. Incorporate individual traffic, medical, communications, and safety information into an Incident Action Plan. 12. Compile and forward all necessary reports that: a. Provide details of the status of all tasks assigned to the Task Force. b. Assess damages, request resources, and/or demobilize Task Force resources. c. Provide input for the Incident Action Plan. Lee County and state officials may want to keep informed regarding any serious but purely local emergency on Fort Myers Beach. As the essential elements of information are collected, analyzed and reported they may be used to compose a common operating picture reported to all levels of government. RESPONSE Annex E-22 RESPONSE

90 Stage 5: Public Welfare Stage 5 of response focuses on caring for people during and immediately after an emergency. Lee County and service agencies such as the American Red Cross, Salvation Army, and other community agencies identified in this plan who are skilled in feeding, clothing, and sheltering the public will provide these services. (See Annex F for a detailed description of evacuation and sheltering efforts) (See Annex G for a detailed description of health and medical efforts) State Assessment of Public Welfare In the aftermath of a disaster, with or without a Presidential Declaration, Lee County may request the State of Florida to deploy specialized teams and establish facilities in the disaster area to assess and address public needs. The teams and facilities may include: A. Community Relations Team: a team to disseminate information and collect data to assist disaster victims and communities in receiving assistance. The primary function of these teams is to identify and report unmet victim needs and to inform victims of the disaster assistance programs and registration process. B. Unmet Needs Committee: a committee comprised of volunteer agencies, private sector representatives and government agencies to help identify unmet needs and possible assistance. The Town Emergency Manager will respond to a request for staff participation if this committee is established following a disaster affecting residents of Fort Myers Beach. C. Human Needs Assessment Team: a team deployed immediately following a disaster to help Lee County assess and report the immediate needs of disaster victims. D. Advanced Recovery Liaison(s): pre-incident liaison(s) to conduct initial coordination with Lee County officials and the Town emergency management team to assist in the deployment of all Florida teams to aid in recovery efforts. E. Disaster Recovery Center(s) (DRC): set up in a disaster area (can be mobile) to provide information on the complete range of disaster assistance to victims. Management of these facilities is the responsibility of the State, FEMA or Lee County. The Town emergency management team may assist in the selection of sites for these Centers. F. Reconstruction Information Center(s): set up as a one-stop information and permitting point for coordination, technical assistance, and reconstruction expertise assistance in recovery and mitigation activities. These Centers will be staffed by personnel with reconstruction and/or permitting responsibilities. The Town emergency management team may be asked to assist in establishing these Centers. RESPONSE Annex E-23 RESPONSE

91 Stage 6 Assess Damage In consultation with the local Incident Commander or the Unified Command, the Town Emergency Manager will direct and/or coordinate damage assessment following an emergency to determine what is required and in what quantity, as well as priorities for restoration of essential services. Also, getting estimates of the associated costs may be necessary to request outside help if local resources are exhausted. In the aftermath of a major disaster, with or without a Presidential Declaration, Lee County may request the State of Florida to deploy Damage Assessment Teams to conduct, with the aid of local government, assessments of public and private non-profit entities and individual homes and businesses. These assessments quantify the extent of damage and are used to justify Federal assistance. When requested, the Town emergency management team should be prepared to support this effort. 3 Phases of the Damage Assessment Process A. PHASE 1: Initial Impact Assessment Initial Impact Assessment takes place within hours after an incident and focuses on lifesaving needs, imminent hazards, and critical lifelines. B. PHASE 2: Preliminary Damage Assessment (PDA) Preliminary Damage Assessment details the types of damage and affixes a dollar amount to damage. C. PHASE 3: Detailed Damage Assessment A Detailed Damage Assessment is done to determine structures that are safe or unsafe to occupy or to have power restored. The ability of the Town emergency management team to perform a rapid assessment accurately and within the first few hours after an emergency is critical to providing an adequate response for life-threatening situations and imminent hazards. Coordinated and timely assessment permits the local Incident Commander, Unified Command and Town emergency management team to prioritize response activities, allocate scarce resources, and request assistance quickly and accurately. Initial Impact Assessment The first step in an Initial Impact Assessment involves identifying the following: A. What information will be collected. B. Who will be responsible for collecting the information. C. What supplies and equipment will be needed by those collecting the information. D. How the assessment data will be consolidated, summarized, and communicated. RESPONSE Annex E-24 RESPONSE

92 E. What follow-up actions will be needed. Following an emergency on Fort Myers Beach, local first responders will begin the Initial Impact Assessment process with a windshield assessment. This initial assessment will determine the numbers of structures that are damaged and how badly damaged the structures are. The initial impact damage assessment serves two major purposes: A. To provide a picture of how the community has been affected by a major or minor disaster. B. Based on this picture, to assess what resources are needed to mitigate the situation. The initial windshield assessment conducted by first responders should determine the boundaries of the disaster area(s), access points to the disaster area(s), and casualty information. The assessment should be completed as soon as possible, usually within 24 to 72 hours following the disaster. Once the boundaries and access points have been identified, the immediate physical needs of disaster victims that have life threatening injuries are addressed. The information from the initial impact assessment will be forwarded through the Town emergency management team to Lee County. Once the information is collected the Lee County Property Appraisers Office will produce an initial assessment of property losses (i.e., flood depths, wind speed) observed at impact. This information serves as the initial snapshot assessment until further field assessments are completed. Preliminary Damage Assessment Conducted after the Initial Impact Assessment in major disasters, the Preliminary Damage Assessment (PDA) assists in determining how much federal and state individual and/or public assistance is needed to recover. In a minor disaster this assessment is conducted to justify the need for state and Federal assistance. This assessment is normally conducted by Town code enforcement staff with assistance from Lee County, state and/or Federal officials. The following principles guide this process: Minor Major Destroyed Damaged 20% or less of replacement value Damaged greater than 20% an dup to 50% of replacement value Damaged greater than 50% of replacement value Detailed Damage Assessment Conducting Detailed Damage Assessments are a key step in caring for the long-term needs of the community. RESPONSE Annex E-25 RESPONSE

93 The Town emergency management team will identify and use experienced assessors such as professional tax consultants, bank officers, appraisers, and real estate agents. Fire departments and insurance companies may also have experienced damage assessors. The damage estimates will be more reliable if the estimators are familiar with conditions prior to the emergency and have had some experience. Nothing tells it more graphically and dramatically than a photograph. Damages should be documented with photos. The Town Emergency Manager will make a list of the individuals who are qualified to assess the damage done or the replacement value of property. The Town Manager will contact these persons to solicit their participation in this Plan. Assessing Status of Critical Infrastructure This portion of an assessment looks at the impact on the community's critical infrastructure and its ability to provide essential services. These services include, but not limited to, water, sewer, electrical distribution, communications and the supportive road network. An assessment of critical infrastructure should be undertaken as soon after a disaster as possible as part of the initial impact assessment and/or the follow-up preliminary damage assessment. The assessment also examines the Town's ability to meet the needs of victims, the status of fire, law enforcement, medical systems, critical facilities, and major resource needs and shortfalls. RESPONSE Annex E-26 RESPONSE

94 Stage 7 Restore Infrastructure Stage 7 of response involves actions to repair infrastructure and essential services. Among many other tasks, this means restoring utility service, clearing or repairing roads, removing debris from the disaster scene, and possibly shoring up weakened structures. During this stage and to the extent possible: A. Town Hall will resume normal operations. B. Businesses not severely damaged in the disaster will reopen. C. Schools may reopen. D. Public transportation may resume. During this stage it is quite likely that the Town emergency management team will use outside assistance provided by the county, the state or the Federal government. The Town s main goal is to safely and efficiently restore Fort Myers Beach to as near pre-storm conditions as soon as possible. In order to achieve this goal the Town s primary focus is to restore infrastructure. During the initial stages of an emergency and for some time afterward there may be a need for temporary repairs to roadways, water and sewer systems, and the electrical distribution systems. Debris removal should also be initiated as soon as possible following a disaster. Repair and Reconstruction Activities Repair and reconstruction activities begin when search and rescue activities are completed. Actions may include making temporary repairs to key facilities and damaged homes. Permanent repair and reconstruction activities could continue for months or years as residents and businesses receive insurance settlements or Federal disaster loans and grants to rebuild. Debris Clearance Strategy Clearing debris from roads and streets will be guided by the following priority sequence: A. Emergency access to aid search & rescue operations. B. Roadways providing access to designated Staging Areas and Points of Distribution supporting disaster relief efforts. Once road clearing operations supporting search & rescue operations, clearing intercounty roadways, and providing access to designated response and recovery centers are completed, debris clearance will be guided by the following priority sequence: A. Areas designated as staging and distributing disaster relief aid. B. Facilities designated as field command centers for emergency response operations, fire district and law enforcement stations. RESPONSE Annex E-27 RESPONSE

95 C. Areas with minor damage. D. Areas with major damage. E. Areas with catastrophic damage. Debris will be separated to avoid mixing hazardous materials and hazardous waste with other types of debris. Agencies or organizations contracted to clear, remove and dispose of debris will follow the following principles: debris collection and removal from residential and commercial properties will follow the following collection sequence: A. Priority 1 - raw garbage. B. Priority 2 rubbish. C. Priority 3 - yard waste. D. Priority 4 - construction/demolition debris. Debris will be separated into these four (4) general priority classes. Residents and business interests will be instructed to separate debris in this fashion and notified of the established schedule for picking up these four general debris classes. Local Debris Clearing Contract A contract with a local contractor has been developed by Town officials for mobilizing street cleaning and tree removal immediately follow first responders on the scene of any emergency. The Town Emergency Manager will ensure this contract is implemented. Electrical Power, Communications, Water & Waste-water Service Restoration The following priorities will govern customer power and communication service restoration once damaged electrical transmission systems, substations and distribution systems are restored. A. Priority 1: Emergency response and recovery facilities having no emergency power or telephone service (community emergency operations or command centers, response/recovery centers), medical facilities that have no emergency power, repairing emergency communication centers and facilities, and designated facilities providing emergency food, water and ice. B. Priority 2: Water treatment and pumping facilities having no emergency power, law enforcement and fire stations having no emergency power, Staging Areas, Points of Distribution (POD) and/or Distribution Centers requiring emergency power. C. Priority 3: Waste water treatment plants and lift stations, general telephone service, solid waste facilities, law enforcement and fire stations having emergency power, public and private facilities necessary for resource management and RESPONSE Annex E-28 RESPONSE

96 distribution activities (government facilities handling emergency purchasing, designated grocery store/restaurant outlets). D. Priority 4: Community areas receiving minor damage, and other government facilities. E. Priority 5: Community areas receiving major damage. F. Priority 6: Community areas receiving catastrophic damage. The following procedure shall govern water service restoration: Valve off major leak areas. Identify high damaged areas. Assess and provide service to meet critical customer needs such as emergency response and recovery facilities. Establish emergency water sites as necessary. Establish priorities and repair-damaged facilities in the following order: trunk mains, distribution mains, service connections. Re-pressurize water system as necessary. Establish water potability. The following procedure shall govern wastewater service restoration: Assess damages to system waste water treatment plants, lift stations, electrical support systems, to include evaluating the need to take lift stations off line in flooded evacuated areas to avoid damage to property when powered. Work with private franchises providing service to determine extent of damaged facilities and priorities in reestablishing service. Reestablish wastewater service to franchise areas as power and water service is restored. RESPONSE Annex E-29 RESPONSE

97 Stage 8 Demobilization Demobilization is the orderly, safe and efficient return of resources used in response to an emergency to its original location and status. Demobilization should begin as soon as possible to facilitate the accountability of resources. The Town Resource Coordinator will take the following actions to ensure efficient demobilization of resources: A. Develop procedures to ensure and validate the safe return of resources to their original locations. B. Develop resource-tracking and accountability processes and ensure applicable reimbursement, to include compliance with Mutual Aid agreements. C. Enforce steps to ensure the safety of responders during demobilization. RESPONSE Annex E-30 RESPONSE

98 Summary of Response Activities The local or Unified Incident Commander, and the Town Emergency Manager should ensure that the initial focus of emergency management operations will be as follows: Situation Assessment Activity Life-saving and life-sustaining operations Safety and security operations Public health and medical operations Status of critical infrastructure Status of critical services: law enforcement and public works Compile and forward requests for assistance to fill gaps In Coordination With First responders Fire Department/ EMS Sheriffs Office/Coast Guard/Nat. Guard Fire and Medical Center(s) Public works and contracted services First responders Other responsible agencies and volunteer organizations Maintaining this Annex The Town Emergency Manager will be responsible for maintaining this Annex. RESPONSE Annex E-31 RESPONSE

99 Initial Objectives During a Major Response Operation OBJECTIVE 1. Save Lives and Ensure Public Safety and the Safety & Health of Emergency Response Workers 2. Provide Essential Services to Victims 3. Prevent/Minimize Further Damage 4. Stabilize and Restore Minimal Functioning of Critical Infrastructure 5. Survey Long-term Recovery Needs 6. Ensure Continuity of Government Operations 7. Provide information upward and guidance downward and turn that information into actionable tasks FMB will execute actions directed through the Unified Command related to: a. Emergency search & rescue operations. b. Law enforcement, security and public safety operations. c. Inspection of critical facilities (i.e. bridges, roads, water/sewer/electrical system. d. Inspection of potential hazardous materials sites such as filling stations. a. Identifying Town resources and potential shortfalls (coordinate aid from local sources first: adjacent jurisdictions, other agencies, the private sector, and volunteer organizations). b. The delivery of critical resources water, ice, food, medical care, generators, tarps and plastic sheeting c. Emergency shelter operations a. Debris assessments/removal b. Critical power/communication restoration efforts a. Medical services b. Water/sewer systems c. Commercial power system d. Commercial communication systems a. Sheltering b. Housing a. Carrying on basic Town operations a. Reporting through the Unified Command b. Providing accurate information to the public RESPONSE Annex E-32 RESPONSE

100 Essential Elements of Information The following tables identify the Essential Elements of Information (EEI) required during the two most-frequent types of emergencies to affect the residents of the Town of Fort Myers Beach tropical cyclones and floods. RESPONSE Annex E-33 RESPONSE

101 PRE-LANDFALL INFORMATION ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS OF INFORMATION FOR A TROPICAL CYCLONE Item Specific Information Required Responsible Element 1 Island demographics (to include non-english speaking population) Planning 2 Pre-landfall shelter information (how many, where etc.) Planning 3 Status of FMB emergency warning/broadcast system Logistics/Finance 4 Status of EOC/alternate EOC Logistics/Finance 5 Emergency resources available and shortfalls Logistics/Finance 6 Voluntary agency preparations Logistics/Finance 7 Critical issues Emergency Manager 8 Status of Estero Blvd. and feeder roads, bridges/causeway, communications, infrastructure water, sewer, electricity, schools, fire station, etc. Operations 9 Major operational challenges Operations 10 Safety/security issues Emergency Manager 11 Town priorities Emergency Manager 12 Status of Town officials and staff Emergency Manager 13 Evacuation data (% of pre-landfall evacuations, # of residents not evacuating) Planning 14 Shelter populations (how many FMB residents sheltered) Planning RESPONSE Annex E-34 RESPONSE

102 POST-LANDFALL INFORMATION Item Specific Information Required Responsible Element 1 Initial damage estimates Planning 2 Status of cellular service in the area Planning 3 Status of FMB emergency warning/broadcast system Planning 4 Status of EOC/alternate EOC Logistics/Finance 5 Status of resources and shortfalls Logistics/Finance 6 Voluntary agency operations Logistics/Finance 7 Critical issues Incident Commander 8 Status of Estero Blvd./feeder roads, bridges/causeway, communications, water, sewer, electricity, schools, fire station (part of initial damage assessment) Operations 9 Major operational challenges Operations 10 Safety/security issues Operations 11 Town priorities Emergency Manager 12 Status of Town officials and staff Emergency Manager 13 Re-entry planning & recommendations (if necessary) Planning 14 Status of housing (# of units impacted, type of damage Planning 15 Status of aid from other jurisdictions Planning 16 Hazard potentials Operations 17 Status of Town operations Planning RESPONSE Annex E-35 RESPONSE

103 ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS OF INFORMATION FOR A FLOOD Item Specific Information Required Responsible Element 1 Location of sustaining floods (boundaries) Operations 2 Residential and commercial damage estimates Planning 3 Population affected (or evacuated) Planning 4 Potential shelter requirements Logistics/Finance 5 Status of resources and shortfalls Logistics/Finance 6 Voluntary agency operations Logistics/Finance 7 Critical issues Incident Commander 8 Status of roads, bridges, communications, infrastructure water, sewer, electricity, schools, fire station, etc. Operations 9 Major operational challenges Operations 10 Safety/security issues Incident Commander 11 Town priorities Emergency Manager 12 Status of Town officials, staff and facilities Emergency Manager 13 Status of reconnaissance operations (who, where, when info available, what are they looking at) Planning 14 Population who can return, population who can t Planning 15 Status of aid from other jurisdictions Operations 16 Hazard potentials Operations RESPONSE Annex E-36 RESPONSE

104 Emergency Operations Plan Fort Myers Beach, Florida Annex F PHASE 2 Of Emergency Management Operations Evacuation, Emergency Sheltering And Re-Entry Key Terms Evacuation A protective action by an individual to vacate his/her place of residence in response to a health-endangering situation. Mandatory evacuation - A protective action whereby persons within a designated area must leave as directed by local or state officials because an imminent threat to life and property exists. Recommended evacuation A protective action in the form of a warning or advisory to persons within a designated area that a threat to life and property exists or is likely to exist in the immediate future or that the area might be cut off from emergency services. Small-scale evacuation - An evacuation which is minor and limited in scope not to involve all residents of the island. Small-scale evacuations can be directed by the on-scene local Incident Commander with follow-up coordination with the Town Emergency Manager. Large-scale evacuation - An evacuation which involves all the residents of the island. A large-scale evacuation can be directed by the Town Emergency Manager in coordination with Lee County or State of Florida officials. The Governor of Florida, the Lee County Board of Commissioners and the Fort Myers Beach Town Council have the authority to recommend or order an evacuation and will direct evacuations from a hurricane. EVACUATION Annex F-1 EVACUATION

105 Purpose The purpose of this Annex is to describe how the Town emergency management team will accomplish the following goals: A. Coordinate the safe and orderly evacuation of Fort Myers Beach residents when health-endangering conditions exist or threaten to exist. B. Provide information regarding emergency sheltering operations in Lee County. C. Return residents, property and business owners to the island as soon as possible following an incident, given a safe environment for return. Planning Assumptions A. Emergency supplies such as water, tarps, and food may not be available on the island for up to 72 hours following an emergency incident. B. An emergency incident will not interfere with the efficient functioning of the Town emergency management team. C. A dusk to dawn curfew may be in effect immediately following an emergency incident. D. There will be sufficient time to ensure a safe and orderly evacuation of the island. E. Between 5-20% of residents will evacuate prior to being directed to do so. F. Some residents will refuse to evacuate. G. Some residents will refuse to evacuate unless arrangements are made to care for their animals. H. Approximately 20% of residents will require mass care emergency sheltering during an evacuation. I. Standard-designed evacuation routes will be used when appropriate. J. No-warning evacuations may be ordered on an as-needed basis as directed by a local Incident Commander or the Town Emergency Manager. K. Prior to a regional evacuation, the State will implement coordination with the affected counties, coordinate the lifting of tolls on state toll facilities, lock down all drawbridges, deploy support personnel, determine regional evacuation routes, ensure reasonably-priced fuel, and address regional medical issues in accordance with the Florida Regional Evacuation Procedure (June, 2000). Responsibilities The Fort Myers Beach Town Council retains the authority to declare states-ofemergency, order evacuation of the Town, end states-of-emergency, and authorize reentry of persons to the Town of Fort Myers Beach. EVACUATION Annex F-2 EVACUATION

106 The Town Emergency Manager is responsible for the implementation of evacuation and subsequent re-entry orders issued by the Town Council. The Emergency Manager will communicate those decisions to and coordinate with the appropriate agencies tasked with managing the evacuation and re-entry. The Town Evacuation & Re-entry Coordinator will direct and monitor the implementation of any evacuation of the island and coordinate all related activities. When an analysis of an emergency situation, or a potential emergency, indicates that an evacuation may be necessary, the Town Emergency Manager will: Advise the Town Evacuation & Re-entry Coordinator, other Town emergency management team members, the administrative staff and Agency Representatives. Make arrangements to immediately coordinate evacuation activities with Lee County officials and surrounding jurisdictions. The Town Emergency Manager (Town Manager) A. Responsible for overall planning necessary to carry out any evacuation of the island. B. Makes recommendations to the Town Council regarding its decision as to a largescale evacuation of the island. Factors to consider when evaluating the need for an evacuation include, but are not limited to, the following: 1. Potential magnitude of the emergency. 2. Speed, onset, duration and impact of the emergency. When ordering an evacuation, the Town Emergency Manager will: 1. Develop a timetable for evacuation. 2. Communicate evacuation orders to the residents in a timely and effective manner. 3. Communicate and coordinate with participating agencies, entities and jurisdictions who direct the evacuation effort. Town Evacuation & Re-entry Coordinator (Public Works Director) A. Will direct and monitor the implementation of any evacuation of the island. B. Establish and maintain coordination with the Lee County Sheriffs Office regarding traffic control during an evacuation and the security of evacuated areas. C. Assist in developing evacuation plans, policies and guidelines with Lee County officials to maintain efficient traffic flows off the island. D. Assist in designating evacuation routes in coordination with Lee County officials, Lee County Sheriff and county transportation officials. EVACUATION Annex F-3 EVACUATION

107 E. Assist in developing guidelines for clearing disabled vehicles, accidents and care of occupants during an evacuation. F. Identify transportation resources available for an evacuation in an emergency and maintain a database of these resources. Coordinate with Lee County transportation officials regarding resources to assist residents needing transportation during any evacuation. G. Coordinate all evacuation and re-entry planning activities with the Town Emergency Manager. H. Identify high risk areas on the island and prepare a timeline for evacuations in different risk areas. I. Cooperate with animal control authorities with plans to evacuate animals during emergencies. Town Warning & Public Information Coordinator (Town Clerk) A. Develop and distribute evacuation awareness and preparedness materials for the public, to include potential emergency shelter information in cooperation with Lee County Officials and other Agency Representatives. B. Develop and distribute information regarding shelter and evacuation signage in cooperation with Lee County officials. C. Develop signage regarding the location of a (temporary) Town Hall and the Emergency Operations Center should the same be located off of the island. D. Coordinate with the public media and develop and distribute information to the media regarding (temporary) Town Hall and the Emergency Operations Center should the same be located off of the Island. E. Develop information regarding public safety and other considerations for distribution to residents returning to the island. Town Health & Medical Coordinator (Public Services Supervisor) A. Assist Lee County officials in developing plans for the evacuation of people with special needs. B. Coordinate with Agency Representatives assigned to the Town emergency management team regarding emergency public shelters during an evacuation. Agency Representatives Involved In Evacuation & Re-Entry Agency Representatives involved in evacuation/re-entry may include, but is not limited to: 1. Lee County Sheriffs Department. 2. Fort Myers Beach Fire Control and Rescue District. EVACUATION Annex F-4 EVACUATION

108 3. U.S. Coast Guard. 4. Lee County Division of Public Safety Emergency Medical Services. 5. Lee County Department of Transportation. 6. Lee County School District. 7. National Guard (if necessary). A. Areas to be evacuated: Provisions of an Evacuation 1. Hurricane: as determined by analysis of the specific threat. 2. Flood: as determined by analysis of the specific threat. 3. Hazmat spill: as determined by analysis of the specific threat. 4. Fire/explosion: as determined by analysis of the specific threat. 5. Terrorist attack: as determined by analysis of the specific threat 6. Sinkhole: as determined by analysis of the specific threat. 7. Pandemic: as determined by analysis of the specific threat. B. Travel Route and Options: North and South direction as indicated by evacuation signs. C. Potential Destinations: Shelters as opened by Lee County EOC. D. Modes of Transportation: Private automobile; buses provided by Lee County at pickup areas on the island. E. Command & Control: Off island. F. Special Needs Evacuation in coordination with Lee County EOC 1. School children: school buses from Lee County School Board. 2. Handicapped: registered with County as people with special needs. 3. Transient population: contact Chapel by the Sea. 4. People without transportation: pick-up services at designated bus stops on the island. G. Public Warnings: alert to all residents; website announcement; radio and TV station announcements. H. Access Control to Evacuated Area(s): Town Emergency Manager and/or responsible authorities. EVACUATION Annex F-5 EVACUATION

109 The Administration of an Evacuation A. Evacuation monitoring -- Lee County Sheriffs Office and the Town Evacuation & Re-Entry Coordinator using Town Public Works staff will direct evacuation when called. B. Maps of evacuation routes will be available when requested. C. Mutual Aid Agreements or other in-place agreements--contact the EOC or appropriate providers. D. Movement of other resources out of the area, if necessary. 1. Equipment: Town Public Works staff taking equipment off island. 2. Medical supplies: Medical Center taking supplies off island. 3. Fuel: Public Works storage off island. 4. Food, water for Town staff and Town Council. 5. Critical Town records. Further Evacuation Instructions for Residents Gather important documents such as birth certificates, insurance policies, health records, mortgages, deeds, titles, and financial documents in one place ready to take with you. Any documents you may need should be gathered now and kept in a protected place. Even if you do not evacuate, you may need all of the above during and after a storm. You may want to make sure that you have some cash on hand in case credit cards cannot be processed due to power failures. During hurricane season, it may be a good idea not to stock up freezers ahead of time. Use what you have and keep a minimum amount of frozen foods. Plan your evacuation route and keep a map of the Lee County shelters among your documents. Once a Hurricane Watch is issued, contact relatives and friends as to whether or not you plan to evacuate. Once you plan to evacuate call them as to when and where you are planning to evacuate. Keep these instructions with your important documents EVACUATION Annex F-6 EVACUATION

110 Emergency Sheltering Key Terms Mass Care - Focuses on providing shelter, food, clothing and other essential lifesustaining requirements to victims who have been displaced from their homes or affected by an emergency. American Red Cross - Assists disaster victims with immediate needs, including food, clothing, shelter, transportation, and medical care, until additional assistance is obtained. Planning Assumptions A. Lee County and the American Red Cross (ARC) serve as the principal organizations responsible for operating mass care facilities during emergencies. Other non-profit or public community organizations may assist as requested. B. Sufficient warning time will be given the residents of Fort Myers Beach to ensure that mass care facilities are open in a timely manner to provide shelter and other services to evacuees. C. Approximately 80% of residents will seek shelter with friends or relatives rather than go to an emergency mass care facility. D. Where available, military support, as approved by the Governor, will be available to support mass care operations. E. Major emergencies that threaten large areas of Lee County and/or the state will require the use of Mutual Aid Agreements. F. Fort Myers Beach Town Manager will coordinate with, or enter into agreements with, Lee County officials to arrange for mass care facilities and services when residents cannot be cared for on the island. Responsibilities Town Emergency Manager A. Assign the Health & Medical Needs Coordinator to the EOC upon the declaration of any emergency. B. Coordinate with the Town Warning & Public Information Coordinator to facilitate the dissemination of information on mass care facilities. C. Coordinate with the Health & Medical Needs Coordinator to activate first responder facilities on the island. EVACUATION Annex F-7 EVACUATION

111 Town Health & Medical Coordinator A. Coordinate with the ARC, Lee County and adjacent jurisdictions regarding opening of mass care facilities. Make recommendations related to potential resident needs, hazard considerations, locations, and services. B. Assist Lee County officials in developing a common operating picture and reporting procedures regarding mass care facility operations. C. Take actions as directed by mass care organizations and jurisdictions and the Town Emergency Manager to facilitate opening facilities. D. Coordinate with shelter management for reports which account for residents and with Agency Representatives at the EOC to support handling family inquires. E. Coordinate with the Town Resource Manager for potential supply needs at the mass care facilities. F. Coordinate with Agency Representatives and EOC staff to ensure that communications are working, evacuation routes and mass care facilities are clearly marked, traffic control procedures are in place, and agencies and jurisdictions are aware of mass care requirements. G. Coordinate with Agency Representatives and EOC staff on pet and animal shelters and assist animal care agency efforts to provide care for animals during emergencies. H. Maintain appropriate record of expenditures and, following an emergency, provide the record to the Town Finance Director. Town Warning & Public Information Coordinator A. Coordinate public announcements regarding the availability of mass care facilities and animal shelters. Town Resource Manager The Town Resource Manager will provide support, if available and as requested, to mass care facilities. The American Red Cross Recent implementation of American Red Cross Shelter Selection Criteria has resulted in a severe reduction of shelter management personnel. Unless granted an exception, buildings used as shelters located in a Category 4 area or lower (land-falling or paralleling/exiting) will no longer be managed by the ARC. In addition, buildings not meeting certain flood and wind design criteria will not be managed by the ARC. This loss of capability has significantly increased Lee County s hurricane shelter deficit. EVACUATION Annex F-8 EVACUATION

112 Major hurricanes affecting other areas of Florida may also require Lee County to serve as a hosting area to shelter evacuees coming from these threatened areas. Lee County maintains a list of trained shelter management personnel sufficient to operate facilities that cannot be managed by the ARC under certain hurricane threat scenarios. Paramedic Operations The Lee County Division of Public Safety Emergency Medical Services provides paramedics to activated emergency shelters and assists in furnishing emergency medical care. A paramedic is assigned at each Special Care Center with a full complement of advanced life support equipment and ambulance support. Emergency Shelter Locations First responder shelters on Fort Myers Beach will be provided at three hotels located at the Town Points of Distribution (POD): A. Holiday Inn at the south end of island. B. Diamond Head Hotel at mid-island. C. Pink Shell at the north end of island. The Town emergency management team will evacuate to the Fort Myers Clarion Hotel. Residents who must evacuate will be directed to Lee County shelters. Emergency shelters will be managed by Lee County in cases when a Category 3 or lower hurricane threatens the Southwest Florida area. The facilities will provide a safer option to residents living in designated vulnerable areas than staying in their residence or vehicle(s). Emergency shelter staff is comprised of volunteers recruited by the County and/or paid county personnel. Other publicly-funded personnel may also be used to implement shelter operations. Lee County will direct the shelter managers. Lee County Emergency Medical Services, the Lee County Sheriffs Department, and Lee County Division of Emergency Management Agencies will provide shelter support services. Emergency shelters will be opened based on the forecast hurricane threat and the ability of the selected facility to provide a survivable place to ride out a hurricanes forecasted effects. Lee County transit vehicles, Lee County School District busses, Disadvantaged Transportation Providers and EMS programs will provide transportation resources for people with special needs. Once the evacuation order has been issued the County EOC will A. Designate and publicize the location of open emergency shelters. B. Designate and publicize the location of emergency pick-up points for evacuees requiring transportation. EVACUATION Annex F-9 EVACUATION

113 C. Coordinate and monitor the emergency evacuation situation. D. Determine necessary protection measures or actions with appropriate governmental officials representatives, agencies and organizations. Lee County emergency shelters are listed below. Residents should be aware that the ARC and the EOC only open shelters based on need and availability. Residents are encouraged to have alternate plans for sheltering outside the hazard zone. EVACUATION Annex F-10 EVACUATION

114 Lee County Emergency Shelters Location Alva Elementary/Middle Church St. Alva Alico Arena FGCU Pkwy. Fort Myers Bayshore Elementary School Williams Rd. N. Fort Myers Colonial Elementary School 3800 Schoolhouse Rd. Fort Myers Diplomat Elementary School 1115 NE 16th Terrace Cape Coral Diplomat Middle School 1039 NE 16 th Terrace Cape Coral Estero Community Park Rec. Center 9200 Corkscrew Palm Blvd., Estero Estero High School River Ranch Rd. Estero Germain Arena Everblades Parkway, Estero Harns Marsh Elementary School 1800 Unice Rd. Lehigh Acres Heights Elementary School Alexandria Ct. Fort Myers J. Colin English Elementary School 120 Pine Island Road N. Fort Myers Lehigh Middle School 104 Arthur Avenue Lehigh Acres Lee Middle School 1333 Marsh Ave. Fort Myers Lehigh Senior High School 901 Gunnery Rd. Lehigh Acres Littleton Elementary 700 Hutto Rd. Fort Myers Mariner High School 701 Chiquita Blvd. Cape Coral Mirror Lakes Elementary School 525 Charwood Ave. S. Lehigh Acres Riverdale High School 2815 Buckingham Rd. Fort Myers Royal Palm Exceptional School 1817 High St. Fort Myers Skyline Elementary 620 SW 19th St. Cape Coral South Fort Myers High School Plantation Rd. Fort Myers Tanglewood Elementary School 1620 Manchester Blvd. Fort Myers, Three Oaks Elementary School Cypress View Dr. Estero Three Oaks Middle School Three Oaks Parkway Blvd. Estero Tice Elementary 4524 Tice St. Fort Myers Varsity Lakes 801 Gunnery Rd. Lehigh Acres Veterans Park 49 Homestead Road S. Lehigh Cares Post-Disaster Aid Stations on Fort Myers Beach The Fort Myers Beach Fire Control and Rescue District will provide information regarding the location of pre-determined aid station sites for post-disaster operations to the Town Health & Medical Needs Coordinator. The locations will be disseminated to the public via the public information and warning system as directed by the Town Warning & Pubic Information Coordinator. EVACUATION Annex F-11 EVACUATION

115 The Lee County EOC will: Emergency Shelter Operations A. Designate those areas or residents who should evacuate and publicize any official evacuation notices or orders. B. Designate and publicize the location of open emergency shelters. C. Designate and publicize the location of emergency pick-up points for evacuees requiring transportation. D. Coordinate and monitor the emergency evacuation situation. E. Determine and coordinate necessary protection measures or actions with appropriate governmental officials representatives, agencies and organizations. F. Keep public emergency shelters open until conditions warrant. The Lee County emergency management organization or other agencies described above will designate, operate and support emergency shelters. The evacuation notice will include information regarding open shelter facilities. Food, Water, Medicine, Bedding and Hygiene at Emergency Shelters Evacuees may be required to furnish their own water, food, medicine, bedding, and personal hygiene items at emergency shelters. Handling Inquires at Emergency Shelters The Town Health & Medical Needs Coordinator will work through the Lee County Liaison Officer assigned to the Fort Myers Beach Task Force or Beaches Geographic Division to get information on how mass care facilities will respond to inquires regarding disaster victims from family members. It will be the responsibility of the Town Warning & Public Information Coordinator to get this information to the public. Caring for Special Needs Victims At Emergency Shelters The Lee County EOC makes the decision if and when Special Care Centers open and then notifies the Lee County Health Department, the VA clinic, the shelter facility owners and other agencies involved in an evacuation. The number and location of Special Care Centers initially designated for opening depends on a variety of factors. At a minimum, two (2) Special Care Shelters will open when shelters are ordered to open. Only registered shelterees are admitted to the Special Care Centers. Veterans and Hope Hospice patients are the only shelterees pre-assigned to a specific shelter. Others are notified of their Special Care Shelter assignment on a per-incident basis. Each year, the EVACUATION Annex F-12 EVACUATION

116 Lee County Health Department and EMS reviews the list for appropriate assignments to Special Care Shelters or hospitals. The Lee County EOC will designate and publicize the location of emergency pick-up points for evacuees requiring transportation. Caring for Pets and Animals at Emergency Shelters The Town of Fort Myers Beach does not provide for the care or feeding of any personal pets during an evacuation. Residents are encouraged to check for pet-friendly shelters and hotels prior to the start of hurricane season and make arrangements accordingly. The Lee County Civic Center is an evacuation site for small animals. Caloosa Regional Park is an evacuation site for large farm animals. Requests for assistance are channeled through the Lee County EOC. Resource assistance includes: A. Emergency medical care. B. Coordinating volunteer service and donation efforts. C. Coordinating efforts to rescue and capture animals. D. Coordinating with local agencies to reunite animals with their owners. E. Coordinating the storage and distribution of relief supplies to animal caretakers and shelters. F. Coordinating efforts to control animal diseases that have public health significance. EVACUATION Annex F-13 EVACUATION

117 Re-Entry Decision-Making The final decision to permit re-entry to the island following an incident will be made by the Town Council. Factors that will guide the Town Council in its decision to permit reentry to the island following an incident shall include: A. That an initial windshield survey damage assessment has been completed by the Fire District and the Lee County Sheriffs Department, as designated by the Beaches Geographic Response Division, Lee County EOC, or the Fort Myers Beach Public Works Director. B. The access to the Island is available which does not pose a safety threat. C. Estero Boulevard is passable and does not pose a significant threat to safety. D. If flooding was present, flood waters have receded. E. Life-threatening situations are isolated or mitigated. F. Fire and rescue, police and medical services are available. Residents, property owners and business owners are given ample time upon returning to the island to secure needed supplies BEFORE non-residents are allowed onto the island. Once entry is allowed, those entering the island will be allowed to come and go as necessary. Re-entry onto Fort Myers Beach may be authorized by the Town Council of Fort Myers Beach on a phased basis: Level I Access: allows for reentry of agencies and groups that play key roles in restoring normal operations after a disaster. They may include search and rescue agents, infrastructure and utilities repair personnel, and official damage assessment teams. Level II Access: allows for reentry of critical support groups, such as relief workers, healthcare personnel, and insurance agents and adjustors, as well as residents, property owners, business operators and their key personnel (a limit of three emergency passes may be issued, by the Chamber of Commerce, to key personnel). Level III Access: unrestricted re-entry. The following factors WILL NOT prevent residents, property owners, business owners re-entry to the island unless there is a significant threat to safety: A. Unworkable sewer system B. Unworkable water system C. Power outage EVACUATION Annex F-14 EVACUATION

118 D. Blocked side streets To affect re-entry to the island, the Town Emergency Manager will: A. Develop a timetable for re-entry. B. Communicate Town Council re-entry orders to residents in a timely and effective manner. C. Communicate and coordinate with participating agencies, entities and jurisdictions who direct the re-entry process. Resident Re-entry Requirements No vehicle shall be left unattended in any right-of-way or staging area at any time for any reason, and any such vehicle shall be subject to being towed at the violator s own risk. This shall not apply to first responders and Town vehicles. To be permitted entry onto Fort Myers Beach following evacuation, residents, property owners, business owners and key business employees must present sufficient personal identification of their status as resident, property owners, business owner or key business owner employee such as driver s license or official Florida identification or passport with a Fort Myers Beach address or Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce identification. Minor children of an otherwise properly identified resident, property owner, or business owner will be permitted entry with such resident, property owner or business owner. One (1) care giver of an otherwise properly identified disabled resident, property owner or business owner will be permitted entry upon identification as such by resident, property owner or business owner. OR residents, property owners or business owners must produce a photo ID and any one of the following indicating an Island residence, property or business owner: Title to property in the same name. Utility bill in the same name. Tax bill in the same name. Lee County Property Appraiser parcel record in the same name. Current rental lease with resident address in the same name. Resident Re-entry Survival Kit Every home should have a 72-Hour Disaster Survival Kit and ensure a minimum threeday (72 hours) supply for each person. Although hurricanes are our focus, there are other incidents that could require evacuation. Brush fires, hazardous material spills, floods and tornados all have the potential to disrupt our daily activities. When returning to the island following an incident, each person is encouraged to bring the following supplies: EVACUATION Annex F-15 EVACUATION

119 Canned and other non-perishable food Manual can opener Drinking water 2 gallons per person per day, (use sterile containers) other juices and soft drinks Baby needs; diapers, formulas etc. Personal medications and prescriptions First aid kit Battery operated television or radio and flashlight Extra batteries Blankets, pillows, sleeping bags or lawn chairs Sanitary supplies Cards, books, small games Road maps Wet and cold weather clothing Pet foods Personal waste disposal (port-a-potty with liner, minimum 6 mil) Disinfectant, bug spray and sunscreen Cleaning supplies Tarp(s) Cash for emergency purchases (assume ATMs will not be working) Generators, fuel for generators, full tank of gas Keep this list with your important documents Maintaining this Annex The Town Evacuation & Re-entry Coordinator will be responsible for maintaining this Annex. The Health & Medical Needs Coordinator and the Warning & Public Information Coordinator will assist this effort. EVACUATION Annex F-16 EVACUATION

120 Emergency Operations Plan Fort Myers Beach, Florida Annex G PHASE 2 Of Emergency Management Operations Health & Medical Needs Key Terms Health and Medical Needs - Focus on emergency medical services (EMS), public health, environmental health, mental health and mortuary services. Disaster Medical Assistance Team (DMAT) - A team of public and private health professionals or para-professionals who are federalized to assist state or local governments in triage, stabilization of patients at a disaster site and the provision of austere medical services. Specialty teams provide specific medical care as required (e.g., crush injuries, burns). Disaster Mortuary Operational Response Team (DMORT) - A team of public and private mortuary specialists who are federalized to assist state and local governments in maintaining a temporary morgue facility; victim identification; and processing, preparation, and disposition of remains. A DMORT also provides technical assistance and personnel to recover, identify, and process deceased victims. Purpose The purpose of this Annex is to identify the provisions for mobilizing and managing health and medical services in disaster or emergency situations affecting the residents of Fort Myers Beach. It addresses pre-disaster, disaster, and post-disaster considerations and identifies how health and medical operations will be directed and accomplished. HEALTH & MEDICAL NEEDS Annex G-1 HEALTH & MEDICAL NEEDS

121 Planning Assumptions A. The health and medical needs provided for the residents of Fort Myers Beach apply primarily to major disaster situations that cause significant casualties or fatalities which overwhelm local medical, health and mortuary services. B. Public and private health and medical service resources located in Lee County will be available for use during an emergency. Many of the personnel connected with these resources, however, may be impacted by the emergency. C. Emergency measures to protect life and health during the first 24 hours following an emergency may be exclusively dependent upon local and county resources. D. It may be necessary to locate disaster victims in austere medical facilities following an emergency that provide victims and healthcare providers adequate protection from the effects of the emergency. E. Volunteer efforts to perform essential health and medical tasks must be anticipated and coordinated. F. In major disasters, health and medical operations will be conducted in cooperation with other jurisdictions, services, the state and the federal governments as part of the emergency management organization outlined in this plan. G. According to an American Red Cross survey in 2007, only 48% of people in the U.S. have taken CPR training. Responsibilities Health & Medical Needs Coordinator The Town Health & Medical Needs Coordinator will: A. Cooperate with Lee County EOC and appropriate agencies to address health and medical needs following an emergency. B. Survey sites for mass care facilities. C. Coordinate the mass-care site list with American Red Cross (ARC). D. Meet with representatives from all local health and medical agencies and organizations to ensure practicality and interoperability with this Plan. E. Meet with representatives of first responders and the ARC to coordinate disaster plans. F. Coordinate with the Warning & Public Information Coordinator regarding a public information program to inform residents of mass care facilities if needed. The Town Health & Medical Needs Coordinator will assist Lee County Officials to: A. Rapidly assess health and medical needs of the residents of Fort Myers Beach preduring-post emergency situations. HEALTH & MEDICAL NEEDS Annex G-2 HEALTH & MEDICAL NEEDS

122 B. Oversee and coordinate health and medical organizations which can provide services to the residents of Fort Myers Beach and help them obtain resources. C. Ensure that essential medical command posts are established as required. D. Coordinate with neighboring health and medical organizations on matters related to assistance. E. Coordinate with incoming groups which may be providing health and medical services to Fort Myers Beach residents to ensure qualifications and proof of licensure. F. Maintain a patient and casualty tracking system. G. Locate, screen, procure, and allocate health and medical resources, including personnel, required to support operations. H. Provide information through the Public Information Officer regarding the number of injuries, deaths, etc. I. Support the jurisdiction s efforts to respond to inquiries regarding the status of family members. Agency Representatives Agency Representatives on the Town emergency management will assist the Town Health & Medical Needs Coordinator and: A. Provide ongoing status reports regarding health and medical issues. B. Provide and/or receive mutual aid. C. Provide information for public advisories. D. Refer all medial requests to the Health & Medical Needs Coordinator. E. Maintain updated resource inventory lists of emergency supplies, equipment and resources and sources of replacement. F. Arrange for security on work sites such as aid stations. G. Develop plans to evacuate and/or shelter patients, staff, equipment, supplies and vehicles before, during and after an emergency. H. Prepare detailed job aides and procedures for their organizations to include: rosters, procedures for performing tasks, contact information, information on local suppliers of medical supplies and transportation resources, and communications plans of other responding organizations. Fort Myers Beach Fire Control and Rescue District The Fort Myers Beach Fire Control and Rescue District has the responsibility for the transportation of the sick and injured to the appropriate facility able to handle the emergency. District ambulances are staffed by state-certified paramedics. The District also has mutual aid agreements with Lee County and surrounding jurisdiction Fire HEALTH & MEDICAL NEEDS Annex G-3 HEALTH & MEDICAL NEEDS

123 Control and Rescue Districts to provide Advanced Life Support transport to residents and tourists if requested. Citizens Duty to Report Hazardous Materials or Infectious Diseases Citizens should call local 911 to report any immediate threat from hazardous materials or infectious diseases. Infectious disease notifications to the public may also come from the Lee County Health Department. Issuing Health & Medical Advisories Town and County officials will advise residents of Fort Myers Beach of health and medical issues regarding water supplies, waste disposal, vectors, immunizations, and disinfection procedures during emergencies. (See Annex D for warning procedures) Coordinating Mental Health Services Mental health care to disaster victims and workers is a primary concern following an emergency. Emergency public shelters managed by the American Red Cross may have mental health disaster services available. Rehabilitation Centers for emergency workers are generally established to provide rest and any requested counseling. Beaches Geographical Response Division Medical Command Post During a major disaster, a Medical Command Post will be established within the Beaches Geographic Response Division. Fort Myers Beach is within the area of responsibility of the Medical Command Post. The framework to establish the wide variety of health and medical services that are required in pre-disaster, disaster, and post-disaster situations through the Medical Command Post will be coordinated by the Town Health & Medical Needs Coordinator. Pre-disaster, the Fort Myers Beach Fire Control and Rescue District will provide emergency services. Pre-disaster medical operations for approaching hurricanes or tropical storms for the residents of the Town of Fort Myers Beach will continue until winds reach 40 mph. Once the winds subside to below 40 mph operations will continue. All health and medical aid will depend on local EMS and mutual aid per the Lee County CEMP. Post disaster, if the Fort Myers Beach Fire Control and Rescue District and county health care professionals cannot handle the magnitude of the situation, the Beaches Geographic Response Division will request aid from the state through the Unified Command. HEALTH & MEDICAL NEEDS Annex G-4 HEALTH & MEDICAL NEEDS

124 The Town Health & Medical Needs Coordinator is responsible for coordinating EMS, hospital, public health, environmental health, mental health and mortuary services planning and response activities on Fort Myers Beach. Lee County Medical Care Group The Lee County Medical Care Group is part of the Lee County Emergency Management organization and focuses on treating the injured and providing care for the medically infirmed following a disaster. Resources from the medical community, fire, and EMS Services are coordinated to meet these needs. The Town Health & Medical Needs Coordinator should prepare to coordinate with this Group. The Lee County Medical Care Group will be represented in the Beaches Geographical Response Division Medical Command Post. Guiding Principles of Medical Care for the Injured A. Fire Rescue and EMS Units will provide immediate care and transport of the injured to medical facilities. B. If activated, the MACC (Division Level) will determine medical operational status, emergency room availability and bed status for medical facilities. C. Returning physicians and incoming medical support will be briefed by the County and assigned to a medical facility. D. Area hospitals will enact pre-established agreements with parent corporations or outside hospital groups to bring in additional personnel, materials, and supplies to support medical care operations. Medical Care Assignments Agency Lee County Medical Society Area Hospitals EMS Law Enforcement Medical Care Group Town Health & Medical Needs Coordinator Assignment Physician Support Support Staff, Pharmaceutical and equipment Support Staff, equipment and supplies, and transport Security of facilities Additional medical support assistance Coordinate health and medical services to residents of the Town of Fort Myers Breach Holding and Treating Victims During Minor Emergencies During serious but purely local emergencies on Fort Myers Beach the on-scene Incident Commander will designate an appropriate location for triage and treatment as necessary. HEALTH & MEDICAL NEEDS Annex G-5 HEALTH & MEDICAL NEEDS

125 Life-Saving Operations For the immediate treatment of victims following an emergency, the Fort Myers Beach Fire Control and Rescue District, Lee County EMS, and State of Florida utilize a common method of triage. This procedure is based on the Simple Triage and Rapid Treatment (START) method. START is an easy-to-learn triage program designed for rescue workers who do not use a triage system everyday. Using the START triage program, victims are placed into categories according to the degree of medical attention they require. Triage of Injured The Fort Myers Beach Fire Control and Rescue District is the local governmental agency tasked with providing emergency care and transport of the sick and injured. If an evacuation of the island has been implemented, the District will establish an aide station as soon as possible after re-entry. If the District does not have the resources available to meet the needs of the community the Town Health & Medical Needs Coordinator will request assistance from the Medical Care Group in the Beaches Geographic Response Division. A. Primary Triage During primary triage, treatment and transportation priorities are established for non-deceased victims: 1. Priority 1: victims with life-threatening injuries in need of immediate transport. Victims will be treated where they lay. Only correction of life-threatening problems, such as airway obstructions or severe hemorrhage, or attempted ventilation should be managed during initial triage. 2. Priority 2: victims with non-life-threatening injuries, but will need to be transported as soon as possible. 3. Priority 3: victims with minor injuries, or possibly no injuries at all. This may be the last group transported. B. Secondary Triage In the secondary stage of triage, treatment is performed on all non-priority 1 victims if immediate transportation to a hospital is available. During this stage of triage, transportation priorities for all victims are established. C. Treating the Walking Wounded Emergency Medical Service (EMS) responders will locate and remove all walking wounded victims to a location away from the incident if possible. Victims will be kept together and medical staff will be notified of their location. Triage will begin as soon as possible. ASUALTY MULTI-CASUALTY HEALTH & MEDICAL NEEDS Annex G-6 HEALTH & MEDICAL NEEDS

126 Disposition of Casualties at Local Hospitals EMS personnel will determine the appropriate hospital destination for all patients based on availability of the facility to handle the incident. Special consideration will be taken so as not to over tax the resources of any one receiving facility. The Fort Myers Beach Fire Control and Rescue District and Lee County EMS utilize the following transport destination protocol: A. All victims meeting trauma alert protocols will be transported to Lee Memorial Hospital. B. Non-trauma victims will be transported as follows: Lee Health System: Lee Memorial Hospital (Cleveland Campus) Health Park Cape Coral Hospital HCA System: Gulf Coast Hospital South West Regional Medical Center East Pointe Hospital (Lehigh Acres) Collier County: Naples Community Hospital North Collier Hospital Cleveland Clinic Charlotte County: Bon Secours St. Joseph Hospital Charlotte Regional Medical Center Fawcett Memorial Hospital Englewood Community Hospital. Sarasota County: Sarasota Memorial Hospital Bon Secours Venice Hospital C. Treatment of Biohazard and Hazardous Material Contaminated Victims Victims will be transported to the Cape Coral Hospital following decontamination as appropriate. Field Hospitals In major disasters area medical facilities may be damaged, inaccessible to disaster victims or unable to handle the volume of injuries. Under these conditions, field hospitals will be established. Field hospitals will initially be set up at the following locations: HEALTH & MEDICAL NEEDS Annex G-7 HEALTH & MEDICAL NEEDS

127 Location Riverdale High School Estero High School (To be determined) East Lee South Lee North Lee Area Served Additional locations can be established using Federal Disaster Medical Assistance Team (DMAT) resources as conditions dictate. Special Care Centers Location Area Served Ray V. Pottorf Elementary School Main Special Care Center (all) Caloosa Elementary School Cape Coral, North Lee County, the islands Sunshine Elementary School East Lee County Shady Rest Care Pavilion Ft. Myers, Central Lee County, Sanibel-Captiva, the beaches Edison Learning Center Same as Shady Rest Nursing Pavilion Presbyterian Church of Bonita South Lee Country,North Collier County Springs VA Hospital Veterans of Lee County Lee County Special Care Centers will continue operation in major disasters when patients homes are damaged or isolated. Additional patients will be triaged to determine care needed after the disaster. Home Health Care Agencies that cannot operate out of their offices will use the Centers. Home Health Care Agencies will also assist in determining client needs after the disaster. Agencies responsible for coordinating Special Care Center operations will continue operations under the direction of the Lee County Health Department. Moving Patients from Damaged Medical Facilities To repair damaged facilities, certain hospitals and nursing homes may be evacuated. Patients would be transferred to other facilities within the County or outside the area. Lee County will request state assistance through the Unified Command to find host medical locations outside Lee County. Lee County will direct assistance from within the Unified Command logistics section to move patients. State Medical Assistance Regional Emergency Response Advisors The Florida State Office of Emergency Operations has a number of Regional Emergency Response Advisors (RERA) throughout the state. These advisors respond to emergencies by providing assistance and advice as needed to the county health departments and local responders. During major emergencies these advisors can be requested through the HEALTH & MEDICAL NEEDS Annex G-8 HEALTH & MEDICAL NEEDS

128 County EOC to provide information and facilitate acquisition of additional state resources. These advisors may also manage health and medical assets brought to the disaster site from other areas of the state. Federal Medical Assistance If Florida should request federal assistance to manage medical needs at a disaster, the State Office of Emergency Operations may request federal assistance teams. A. Disaster Medical Assistance Team A Federal Disaster Medical Assistance Team (DMAT) is composed of approximately 35 members. These individuals may be federal employees or private citizens who are federalized to participate in a FEMA related disaster response. Participants on the DMAT are health professionals or paraprofessionals. Team capabilities include triage and stabilization of patients at a disaster site and provision of austere medical services. Specialty teams provide specific medical care as required such as crush injuries and burns. A DMAT supplies its own billeting, food, transportation, communications and resupply support and is composed of a Team Leader and/or Medical Director, physicians, nurses, pharmacists, Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT), paramedics, communication technicians, logistic technicians, and others. B. Veterinary Medical Assistance Team A Veterinary Medical Assistance Team (VMAT) provides veterinary services. C. National Nursing Response Team A National Nursing Response Team (NNRT) is available for situations specifically requiring nurses and not a full DMAT. D. National Pharmacy Response Team A National Pharmacy Response Team (NPRT) will be used in situations such as those described for the NNRT, but where pharmacists, not nurses or a DMAT, are needed. E. National Medical Response Team A National Medical Response Team (NMRT) are equipped and trained to provide medical care for potentially contaminated victims of weapons of mass destruction. Protection from Hazardous Materials and Infectious Diseases A hazardous materials or infectious disease incident affecting the Town of Fort Myers Beach will bring together a greater number and a wider variety of agencies than any other single emergency. Fire, law enforcement, public health and several other agencies will have some statutory functional responsibility for incident mitigation. A representative from each of these agencies will post with the Incident Commander or at the incident EOC to speak for and commit agency resources. HEALTH & MEDICAL NEEDS Annex G-9 HEALTH & MEDICAL NEEDS

129 Hazardous materials response efforts must focus on detecting, identifying, containing, cleaning up, or disposing of hazardous material spills or leaks. Minimizing the risk of releases of oil or other hydrocarbon spills or leaks into coastal water sources and preventing or minimizing the threat of potential releases is also the focus of such efforts. In the case of a hazardous materials spill, the Town Health & Medical Needs Coordinator will locate with the Incident Commander or at an incident-specific EOC established for the purpose of directing response activities. Response Priorities: Hazardous Material Incidents Response actions at hazardous materials incidents will be guided by the following priority sequence: A. Quickly respond to hazardous material spills or leaks. B. Examine, assess, and contain any damage to coastal facilities. C. Assess damage at sites which store or use Extremely Hazardous Substances as defined by the Environmental Protection Agency. D. Assess spill and leak damage and potential for additional leaks at coastal marinas and other fueling facilities. E. Assess damage to coastal waters from fuel spills from damaged vessels. Lee County Hazardous Materials Group The Lee County Emergency Management Hazardous Materials Group, comprised of Hazardous Materials Teams, is responsible for and directs decontamination operations in Lee County. When requested, the Town emergency management team will support that Group. Response Priorities Infectious Disease and Public Health Public health priorities related to infectious diseases focus on: A. Monitoring for high risk infectious disease areas. B. Coordinating portable water services and human waste facilities. C. Educating the public on steps to maintain acceptable health standards. D. Providing removal of remains and monitoring deceased identification. E. Checking food and water supplies for contamination. F. Providing crisis counseling services, and initiating and maintaining vector control measures HEALTH & MEDICAL NEEDS Annex G-10 HEALTH & MEDICAL NEEDS

130 Response Efforts Infectious Disease and Public Health Issues Response efforts to public health issues are organized as follows: A. Infectious disease areas are assessed and monitored by epidemiologist teams. Injury and disease patterns are assessed and technical assistance is provided to control potential disease outbreaks. B. Water systems are examined to determine contamination to potable water supplies and any critical public health hazard posed by the contamination. Emergency water supply centers are tested and transported to Points of Distribution (POD). Public education materials on how to make water potable are distributed. The Lee County Environmental Laboratory assists State Department of Health and Environmental Protection staff with water sampling. Restoring or maintaining water pressure to minimize back-flow and to support fire-fighting operations is a high priority. C. Waste water systems are evaluated to determine when they can return to normal operations. Portable sanitation resources are brought into affected areas to supplement damaged or over extended systems. Arrangements are also made to service these facilities. D. Food supplies are tested for possible contamination. Community restaurants and other food outlets used for emergency food supplies must meet emergency health standards. E. Animal-related public health threats include the potential for animals to transmit disease, carry pathogenic agents, and transmit rabies through bites. Collection and control of wild and domestic animals require care services and relief resources to catch, transport, confine, feed, shelter and locate lost or confused animals. Disposal and euthanasia services are needed to handle critically sick or injured animals. Animal care and relief requires the combined efforts of volunteer, veterinary and animal related organizations. F. Vector control measures to reduce insect transmitted diseases should begin as soon as practical. Air and ground spraying methods are used to control the spread of disease through insects. HEALTH & MEDICAL NEEDS Annex G-11 HEALTH & MEDICAL NEEDS

131 Local Decontamination Operations Issues dealing with initial decontamination following an emergency are the responsibility of the Fort Myers Beach Fire Control and Rescue District and the Lee County Hazardous Materials Teams. First responders and the Incident Commander will set control zones based on a known agent, or general guidelines for unknown substances. The three most commonly used zones are the exclusion zone, contamination reduction zone and support zone. The exclusion zone is the area immediately around the agent where contamination does or could occur. The exclusion zone is the innermost of the three zones of a hazardous materials site. Special protection is required for all personnel while in this zone. The contamination reduction zone is the area between the exclusion zone and the support zone. The contamination reduction zone contains the personnel decontamination station(s). Resources which have been assigned to respond to the incident are staged in the support zone. This zone is free of contamination. Exclusion Zone Contamination Reduction Zone Support Zone Hazardous Materials Control Zones Local decontamination efforts include, but are not limited to: Removing or chemically changing the contaminants from personnel and equipment. Identifying contaminated people and equipment. Decontaminating people and equipment. Providing temporary clothing. HEALTH & MEDICAL NEEDS Annex G-12 HEALTH & MEDICAL NEEDS

132 Securing patient s personal belongings, if possible. Controlling the movement of people and equipment within the contamination reduction zone. Coordinating the transfer of contaminated patients requiring medical attention after decontamination. Handling, storing, and transferring contaminants within the Contamination reduction zone. Federal Decontamination Response Efforts Mass decontamination of people and facilities on Fort Myers Beach following a major hazardous materials or radiological incident would involve input and assistance from the following federal agencies: Department of Defense (DoD). Department of Energy (DOE). Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). Three Annexes of the National Response Plan (NRP) deal with decontamination: Public Health and Medical Services Oil and Hazardous Substances Nuclear/Radiological Incident DoD, DOE, DHS, EPA, NASA and the NRC would be involved in a nuclear or radiological incident. The EPA and/or the U.S. Coast Guard would be involved in a major oil or hazard materials incident. The EPA would respond if the incident is on land, the U.S. Coast Guard if the incident is on water. A. How Federal Response Is Initiated Within FEMA, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is the lead federal agency providing federal support to state and local governments in response to an actual or potential discharge and/or release of hazardous materials following a major disaster or emergency. The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) provides major support to this effort. As an element of the National Response Plan (NRP), these agencies may be activated under one of the following conditions: 1. In response to a disaster for which the President, through FEMA, determines that Federal assistance is required to supplement the response efforts of the affected State and local governments, under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act. HEALTH & MEDICAL NEEDS Annex G-13 HEALTH & MEDICAL NEEDS

133 2. In anticipation of a major disaster or emergency that is expected to result in a declaration under the Stafford Act. Federal resources should be requested to respond to a decontamination effort on Fort Myers Beach when local, county and state resources prove insufficient and a federal disaster declaration has been issued. B. Decontamination Efforts EPA and U.S. Coast Guard decontamination activities are carried out in accordance with the current National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan (NCP). The NCP is mandated under the following environmental laws: Clean Water Act Superfund Oil Pollution Act The NCP is managed by the National Oil and Hazardous Substances Response Team (NRT) comprised of EPA and U.S. Coast Guard personnel. The NRT is supported by 13 Regional Teams (RRT) and has various response support teams and contract mechanisms including regional contact teams for monitoring and responding to hazardous materials incidents. HEALTH & MEDICAL NEEDS Annex G-14 HEALTH & MEDICAL NEEDS

134 Fatality Management In Florida, a mss-casualty incident is classified by levels depending on the number of victims. The number of victims is based on the initial assessment of the Incident Commander, prior to triage. The number of casualties may exceed the capabilities of the local jurisdiction and will require assistance from other EMS providers. Additional response will be activated to support the units already on the scene or en-route. All units will respond as directed by the Incident Commander, most usually to a staging area. Mass-casualty incident levels: C. Level I: 5-10 Victims: the Incident Commander will notify the 2 nearest hospitals, the nearest Trauma Center and the Town Emergency Manager. Level 2: Victims: the Incident Commander will notify the 3 nearest hospitals, Trauma Center and the Town Emergency Manager. Level 3: Victims: the Incident Commander will notify the 4 closest hospitals, Trauma Center and the Town Emergency Manager. Level 4: Victims: the Incident Commander will notify the 10 closest hospitals, 5 Trauma Centers and the Town Emergency Manager. Level 5: over 1,000 Victims: the Incident Commander will notify the 20 closest hospitals, 10 Trauma Centers and Town Emergency Manager. A level 5 mass-casualty incident is also declared when local, county and/or regional response resources are overwhelmed or exhausted. When this happens, Lee County emergency management officials will request assistance from the state or the state may request federal assistance. Identification, Transportation and Disposition of the Deceased In accordance with Lee County and Town protocols, a mass-casualty incident is defined as an incident in which there are 6 or more victims. The Fort Myers Beach Fire Control and Rescue District, Lee County EMS, and State of Florida utilize the START method of triage to separate casualties from those requiring medical aid. When an incident affecting the Town of Fort Myers Beach results in casualties, the Lee County Medical Examiner handles remains when fatalities are located. If the Medical Examiner does not have sufficient transportation for the deceased, assistance is requested from the Lee County EOC. Remains of victims are covered and marked for removal by the Medical Examiner. If public health is threatened, remains may be removed. If access to the Medical Examiners Office is blocked by debris or does not have electrical power, alternate morgues will be established by the Medical Examiner. Refrigerated trailers or vans can be used to store victim remains if the Medical Examiner s storage facilities reach capacity. Additional morgue or holding facilities are added as needed. The Medical Examiner coordinates locations of temporary morgues with resource assistance from the Lee County EOC. HEALTH & MEDICAL NEEDS Annex G-15 HEALTH & MEDICAL NEEDS

135 State Fatality Management Assistance If a mass-casualty incident affecting the Town of Fort Myers Beach overwhelms local resources, there may be a need for the activation of the Florida Emergency Mortuary Response System (FEMORS). FEMORS is a State of Florida-sponsored group of volunteer mortuary technicians and morticians who can assist local medical examiners and funeral homes. The medical examiner system in Florida is in the Department of Law Enforcement. The state, in coordination with the Department of Law Enforcement, the Lee County EOC, and the County Medical Examiner will request activation of the FEMORS. Capability of FEMORS on Fort Myers Beach TBD Federal Fatality Management Assistance National Disaster Medical System The National Disaster Medical System (NDMS) is a nationwide reservist medical mutual aid network between federal and non-federal sectors that includes medical response, patient evacuation (ambulance service), and definitive medical care. At the federal level, it is a partnership among the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Department of Defense (DOD), the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and FEMA. Disaster Mortuary Operational Response Team If Florida should request federal assistance to manage a mass-casualty incident affecting the Town of Fort Myers Beach, the State Office of Emergency Operations may request Federal Disaster Mortuary Operations Response Teams (DMORT). A DMORT is part of the National Disaster Medical Service (NDMS) and DMORT resources exist in each FEMA Region of the United States. Those serving the southeastern U.S. are in Atlanta, Georgia with FEMA Region IV. A DMORT is composed of private citizens who are federalized to participate in a FEMA related disaster response. Participants on the DMORT are associated with the National Foundation for Mortuary Care. Team responsibilities include maintaining a temporary morgue facility; victim identification; and processing, preparation, and disposition of remains. A DMORT also provides technical assistance and personnel to recover, identify, and process deceased victims. A DMORT is capable of addressing mortuary concerns in unique situations, including deaths from chemical, biological, or radiological intervention. A DMORT supplies its own support in terms of billeting, transportation, food and re-supply. HEALTH & MEDICAL NEEDS Annex G-16 HEALTH & MEDICAL NEEDS

136 A DMORT is composed of a designated Team Leader and: Medical Examiners Coroners Pathologists Forensic anthropologist Medical Records Technician Fingerprint technicians Forensic Odontologists Dental Assistants X-Ray Technicians Funeral Directors Mental Health Professionals Computer Professionals Administrative Support Security Personnel A DMORT can respond to any type emergency and establish or support existing operations relating to mortuary needs to include equipment and supplies for setting up and operating a fully functional mortuary facility. A mobile Mortuary Container Depot is maintained at Sky Harbor Airport, Phoenix, AZ. This location is the DMORT depository for equipment and supplies for deployment to a disaster site. A DMORT is also capable of providing search and rescue operations for recovery and special handing needs of the deceased. Federal DMORTs are generally asked to deploy for a minimum of 14 days before replacements are brought in for a longer-term deployment. Non-Federal Fatality Management Assistance Many non-federal sources can be requested to provide assistance in mass-casualty incidents. These include major pharmaceutical suppliers, hospital supply vendors, the National Foundation for Mortuary Care, certain international disaster response organizations and international health organizations. Request for this assistance is coordinated by the Department of Health & Human Services (HHS). An HHS representative is present in the Florida EOC in Tallahassee. If activated, FEMA can also coordinate this assistance. HEALTH & MEDICAL NEEDS Annex G-17 HEALTH & MEDICAL NEEDS

137 Mutual Aid Agreements Mutual Aid Agreements exist between Lee County and area Fire Control and Rescue Districts, including the Fort Myers Beach Fire Control and Rescue District, to provide EMS services. These organizations are legislatively-mandated to provide medial services to Fort Myers Beach in the event of an emergency as needed. Lee County and the Town of Fort Myers Beach have also signed the Statewide Mutual Aid Pact, providing aid from state-wide participating jurisdictions. Long-term Health & Medical Care The Town of Fort Myers Beach does not have the available resources to provide longterm care of victims following a major disaster. The Town Emergency Manager will direct the coordination of needed care to Lee County officials or private organizations such as the American Red Cross and Salvation Army. Acquiring Additional Local Health & Medical Personnel Currently there are 2 local health clinics in the Town of Fort Myers Beach. No aid agreements currently exist between Town officials and these clinics to provide emergency services during disaster operations. Acquiring Additional Medical Supplies Do to the vulnerability of the island there are no pre-positioned medical supplies on the island prior to landfall of a hurricane. All health and medical aid will depend on local EMS and mutual aid as described in the Lee County Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan. Maintaining this Annex The Town Health & Medical Needs Coordinator will be responsible for maintaining this Annex. HEALTH & MEDICAL NEEDS Annex G-18 HEALTH & MEDICAL NEEDS

138 Emergency Operations Plan Fort Myers Beach, Florida Annex H PHASE 3 Of Emergency Management Operations RECOVERY KEY TERMS Recovery - The development, coordination and execution of plans for the restoration of services and infrastructure and for the reconstitution of government operations following an emergency. Private-sector, non-governmental and public assistance programs are utilized to identify needs, define resources, provide temporary housing, address long-term care and treatment of impacted persons, identify lessons learned, and develop initiatives to mitigate the effects of future emergencies. Public Assistance - A major category of federal assistance for the repair of infrastructure, public facilities and debris removal and may include the repair of non-federal roads, public buildings and bridges. Individual Assistance - A major category of federal assistance for damages to residences and businesses or for personal property losses. Individual assistance includes: A. Grants to individuals and families for temporary housing, repairs, replacement of possessions, and medical and funeral expenses. B. Loans to individuals and businesses from the Small Business Administration (SBA). C. Crisis counseling for victims and responders D. Legal services E. Disaster unemployment benefits RECOVERY Annex H-1 RECOVERY

139 Purpose The purpose of this Annex is to describe recovery activities and responsibilities and how those operations will be directed and coordinated. Planning Assumptions D. Recovery efforts for the Town of Fort Myers Beach may involve a number of assistance programs under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act if the disaster (to include Lee County) has received a Presidential Disaster Declaration. E. Individual, private sector, non-governmental, volunteer and individuals/public assistance programs will be used during recovery operations to the greatest extent possible. F. Long-term recovery includes economic restoration and rebuilding Town facilities and housing and may take years. G. Major emergencies that threaten large areas of Lee County and/or the State will require the use of Mutual Aid Agreements. H. Depending upon insurance coverage--more specifically, flood insurance coverage up to 80% of home rebuilding efforts after a catastrophic storm may come from local or national charitable organizations, church-affiliated groups, Habitat for Humanity, local volunteers and donations. I. Officials of the Town of Fort Myers Beach may themselves be victims of a disaster, in term of personal and/or property loss. This may impact the management of recovery activities. Responsibilities During recovery operations it will be the responsibility of the Town Recovery Coordinator to: A. Establish priorities and identify resources. B. Assist appropriate agencies in coordinating long-term housing initiatives. C. Assist appropriate agencies in addressing the long-term care and treatment of affected persons. D. Assist appropriate agencies in addressing public health measures as a result of the emergency. E. Assist in identifying environmental issues related to recovery efforts. F. Direct restoration efforts. G. Work with the Mitigation Coordinator to incorporate mitigation opportunities into recovery plans. H. Evaluate and incorporate lesson learned from response and recovery activities. RECOVERY Annex H-2 RECOVERY

140 I. Provide information to residents and businesses applying for state or federal assistance to: 1. Repair infrastructure 2. Repair or replace possessions 3. Obtain SBA loans 4. Participate in crisis counseling programs, obtain legal services and unemployment benefits 4 Steps to Recovery The strategic intent of recovery activities is to return the Town of Fort Myers Beach and its citizens to normal activities following an emergency. There are 4 steps to managing successful recovery activities. Recovery activities are classified as short-term and long-term. Short-term recovery is immediate and tends to overlap with response. The Town emergency management team coordinates the restoration of utility services, repairs roads, and shores-up or demolishes severely damaged buildings. Additionally, there may be a need to provide food and shelter for disaster victims. Some of these activities may be long-term. Step 1: Identify Priorities and Needs Stage 3: Incorporate Mitigation Efforts Step 2: Organize Recovery Activities Stage 4: Incorporate Lessons Learned RECOVERY Annex H-3 RECOVERY

141 Step 1: Identify Priorities Minor Emergencies In minor emergencies on the island recovery efforts will be directed by the local Incident Commander with help from the Town emergency management team. The three top priorities will be to: A. Ensure public safety and security B. Prevent/minimize further damage C. Stabilize the situation and return to normal operations Other priorities may be established by the local Incident Commander and/or the Town emergency management team as necessary. These may be related to a number of issues, to include: A. Securing resources to aid in recovery B. Disseminating public information The Town Recovery Coordinator will be responsible to direct or coordinate these activities as needed. The Town Emergency Manager may assign other Town emergency management team members to assist in these efforts as appropriate. RECOVERY Annex H-4 RECOVERY

142 INITIAL OBJECTIVES DURING A MAJOR RECOVERY OPERATION OBJECTIVE 1. Return residents, property owners and business owners to the Island as soon as possible, given a safe environment. 2. Ensure an initial damage assessment is complete within 12 hours or as soon as possible following the emergency of the following: (See Annex E for a complete description of damage assessments 3. Assess and document* damages to public infrastructure, to include electrical restoration services at the following: * To include photographs and written estimates 4. Restore Town Hall/Town Council functions as soon as possible. A. Assess the need for special laws or permits. B. Assess the need for a curfew (dusk to dawn) C. Engage in short-term planning to return community services D. Review finance and purchasing powers 5. Organize recovery efforts and mobilize resources 6. Furnish residents with up-to-date information regarding recovery efforts and special instructions (i.e. use of water, fuel, sewer etc.) FMB will execute actions directed through the Unified Command related to: a. Ensuring bridge(s) to the island are intact and passable, especially the Matanzas Bridge b. Ensuring Estero Boulevard is passable a. Sewer system b. Water system c. Power/electrical system d. Side roads a. Town Hall b. Island Fire station c. Water tanks d. Pump lift stations e. Points of Distribution (POD) f. Beach Elementary School a. County legal ordinance, resolutions and powers following an emergency b. Price gouging c. FEMA re-imbursement procedures d. Contractor licensing a. Temporary housing b. Transportation c. Food and clothing Managing commitments with regard to food, water, ice, tarps, generators, etc. RECOVERY Annex H-5 RECOVERY

143 LONG-TERM RECOVERY OBJECTIVES FOLLOWING A MAJOR EMERGENCY A. Coordinate Preliminary Damage Assessments (PDA) with County, State and/or Federal officials. B. Ensure completion of Detailed Damage Assessments. C. Submit applications for loans, grants and technical assistance that the Town may require. D. Coordinate the implementation of assistance programs (reconstruction of damaged areas). E. Develop and manage a long-term master plan for community development. F. Seek Town Council, County, State, or Federal approval for new laws or permits. G. Coordinate the recovery efforts of service organizations and local businesses. H. Monitor recovery efforts and evaluate the need for additional assistance. The Town Recovery Coordinator will be responsible to direct or coordinate these activities as necessary. The Town Emergency Manager may assign other Town emergency management team members to assist in these efforts as appropriate. (how will Town officials quickly identify needs following response operations? RECOVERY Annex H-6 RECOVERY

144 Step 2: Organize Recovery Activities Fort Myers Beach Recovery Task Force The Town of Fort Myers Beach will organize a Recovery Task Force to coordinate PHASE 3 efforts of emergency operations. The Town Recovery Coordinator will chair the Task Force. The Task Force will bring together partners from a variety of agencies and organizations to aid residents and businesses on Fort Myers Beach in recovery efforts. The partners could include, but not be limited to, representatives from: 1. Lee County Emergency Management 2. Lee County Tax Assessor 3. Local banks and financial institutions 4. FMB Chamber of Commerce 5. FMB/Lee County zoning office 6. FMB/Lee County licensing/permitting office 7. Lee County Planning Commission 8. FMB Public Works Director 9. FMB Mitigation Coordinator 10. Lee County Contractor s Association Local business owners and concerned resident(s) should also be invited to participate on the Task Force. The Town Public Information Officer should be included on the Task Force to manage information dissemination. Other Town officials should be included as needed to manage the recovery process. RECOVERY Annex H-7 RECOVERY

145 Duties of the FMB Recovery Task Force Duty Short-term Long-term Help Residents Gather Basic Information Mobilize Recovery Resources Administer Recovery Efforts Regulate Recovery Efforts Coordinate Recovery Efforts 1. Photographs 2. Written estimates 1. Restore utilities 2. Identify aid programs 3. Secure hazardous resources 4. Identify temporary clothing and food needs 1. Implement short-term plans to return critical services 2. Coordinate re-building efforts, especially infrastructure 3. Get schools, medical facilities and other critical services and facilities up and running as soon as possible Assess needs for special laws, regulations or permits 1. Evaluate temporary housing needs 2. Evaluate public health concerns 3. Address environmental issues as a result of the disaster 4. Coordinate the transition from response to recovery (Phase 2 to Phase 3) 1. Expenditure records 2. Detailed damage assessments 1. Help residents and businesses obtain grants, loans and other assistance 2. Submit applications for technical assistance from state or Federal authorities 3. Help residents repair homes and businesses Begin long-term planning for community restoration and development Obtain approval for new laws, regulations, or permits 1. Evaluate long-term care needs 2. Coordinate among programs, organizations and local resources Evaluate Recovery Efforts Monitor all activities Evaluate if additional aid is needed RECOVERY Annex H-8 RECOVERY

146 Temporary Housing Due to the physical geography of Estero Island, a barrier island in a flood plain, the construction of temporary housing units following a disaster on the island is not permissible. FEMA policy is not to construct temporary mobile home group sites within a flood plain. Residents requiring temporary housing immediately following a disaster should: A. Utilize Lee County shelters. B. Seek FEMA housing assistance, if available. C. Investigate private or non-profit organization housing resources until temporary housing is established off-island. Engaging the Private Sector in Recovery Town officials will engage the private sector in partnerships relating to emergency recovery activities on a continuing basis. Businesses on Fort Myers Beach have a long and storied history of rising to serve the best interests when residents are in need. Some local businesses have signed agreements to act as Points of Distribution (POD) distributing relief supplies. Town officials encourage all local businesses that are not impacted by an emergency to help in recovery efforts whenever possible. (if Town officials are themselves victims of the disaster, how will that affect recovery efforts?) The Role of Business in Emergency Management A. Protect employees. B. Provide resources for employees as agreed upon to include water, power, food, shelters, staff, and medical care. C. Help in decision-making and planning with the Town emergency management team when appropriate. D. Help in getting critical infrastructure up and operational as soon as possible following a disaster. E. Develop plans to protect facilities, personnel and infrastructure. F. Engage in appropriate Mutual Aid Agreements. RECOVERY Annex H-9 RECOVERY

147 Step 3: Incorporate Mitigation Efforts The Town will incorporate mitigation measures and techniques into recovery efforts as feasible. (See Annex I) RECOVERY Annex H-10 RECOVERY

148 Step 4: Incorporate Lessons Learned Learning Our Lessons Following any emergency involving the Town emergency management team or resources, Town officials must evaluate response and recovery activities to identify lessons learned and develop initiatives to improve efforts in future incidents. The Town Emergency Manager will be responsible for the collection and evaluation of this information. The following questions can lead to initiatives to improve emergency management efforts: A. Was the Town prepared? B. Were there weaknesses in the EOP? C. Did recovery go smoothly? D. Did the EOC function as we planned? E. Were communications adequate? To get answers to these and other questions The Town Emergency Manager may request: A. That Town emergency management team members evaluate each of their functional areas. B. A series of Town meetings with residents and business owners. C. Meetings with County emergency management officials to get their perspective on response and recovery efforts. Compiling an After Action Report Following an analysis of emergency management operations described above, the Town Emergency Manager will be responsible for compiling an After Action Report (AAR). The AAR may be as simple as a compilation of feedback forms in Supplement XI. RECOVERY Annex H-11 RECOVERY

149 Obtaining Federal Assistance The Process Following a major emergency, if the Town s initial assessment of damages indicates the need for resources beyond its capability to obtain, the Town Emergency Manager will notify Lee County. If the county lacks the necessary resources to meet the needs, the County Emergency Manager will notify the state and request a disaster declaration if one has not already been issued. The state will then dispatch personnel and equipment to the disaster area to assist. If it appears the Town may need federal assistance, the state will notify FEMA which may also dispatch representatives to the area to review the damage. The Town Emergency Manager and staff will work with the state and FEMA representatives assessing damages and identifying types of resources needed. If officials determine that there is sufficient damage and local and state capabilities are exhausted, the Governor will submit an official request for a Presidential Disaster Declaration. Only the Governor of Florida can request a Federal Disaster Declaration by certifying the expenditure of state and local funds and implanting the State Emergency Operations Plan. The state then assumes most of the responsibility for seeking federal assistance through FEMA. Town officials will be responsible for providing county and state officials with the necessary documentation to support the request for Federal aid. A. The most common reason for failure to obtain Federal assistance in recovery efforts is the lack of adequate documentation. Documenting a disaster simply means providing evidence of what happened. Photographs are the most irrefutable evidence. There is no such thing as too many pictures. B. Good documentation by Town officials, residents and businesses requires these steps: 1. Take pictures of the damages and repairs. 2. Make notes on the damages and repairs. 3. Clip and file newspaper stories about the damages/repairs. Obtain video footage if available. 4. Record all expenditures and keep all receipts and invoices. 5. Ensure that everyone acting on behalf of the Town does the same. The governor s request for a Federal Disaster Declaration can result in 3 responses from the federal government, each with a different form of assistance. The federal government could: A. Issue a Presidential Disaster Declaration authorizing the resources of the federal government for assistance to the state. RECOVERY Annex H-12 RECOVERY

150 B. Issue a Presidential Emergency Declaration focusing on specific assistance needed to save lives, protect property, public health and safety, or lessen the threat of future disasters. C. Authorize direct assistance from various Federal departments through their own emergency or normal programs without a Presidential Declaration. In any of these cases, the state will receive some kind of assistance, which can then be funneled down to Fort Myers Beach response and recovery efforts. NOTE: the federal government may turn down the request for a Declaration if existing state, county and Town resources are deemed sufficient. describe the procedures for requesting aid outside the jurisdiction (from FEMA thru the County and State) What to Expect from Federal Involvement If the President signs a Federal Disaster Declaration, FEMA will name a Federal Coordinating Officer (FCO) to coordinate federal assistance and the Governor will appoint a State Coordinating Officer (SCO) as the primary liaison to the FCO. FEMA will dispatch a Federal Incident Management Assistance Team (IMAT) led by an FCO to coordinate all federal assistance programs. In most cases, volunteer groups like the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army and the Mennonite Disaster Services will also coordinate their private relief efforts through FEMA. The Federal Incident Management Assistance Team will establish a Joint Field Office (JFO) within the state staffed with federal, state and representatives from the private relief organizations to coordinate assistance efforts. Types of Federal Assistance Available The following types of aid are available from the federal government: Direct Federal Assistance Direct Federal Assistance (DFA) is support provided by FEMA or another Federal agency to State and local jurisdictions which lack the capability to perform or contract for eligible emergency work. DFA is under the purview of State and local governments to provide such things as emergency protective measures to save lives, protect public health and safety, and to protect improved property and/or debris removal. All Direct Federal Assistance is subject to the Federal-State cost share and indemnification provisions of the FEMA-State Agreement. A Mission Assignment for DFA must be signed by the State Approving Official. RECOVERY Annex H-13 RECOVERY

151 Grants Fort Myers Beach must apply for a grant and meet the qualifications. A federal grant is an award of money accompanied by certain clearly-stated conditions for the using the funds. Usually, some type of matching funds from the state or the Town will be required. Before applying for a grant, Town officials must ensure that Fort Myers Beach can: A. Meet all the applicant qualifications. B. Provide the required matching funds. C. Complete the activity or program for which the grant is provided. Loans and Loan Guarantees The federal government may also supply low-interest loans or loan guarantees. A loan guarantee is simply a guarantee to a local bank or lending institution that a loan will be repaid (if a local businessman takes out a guaranteed loan and goes bankrupt, the federal government is responsible to repay the unpaid portion of the loan. The federal government is very careful in deciding who qualifies for a guaranteed loan). Following a Presidential Disaster Declaration, loans are made available for home and personal property, business physical loss, and economic injury. Technical Assistance Technical assistance usually consists of Subject Matter Experts (SME) who possess skills that are not available to local officials. For example, an expert from the Army Corps of Engineers may help plan future flood control projects. Small Business Administration Assistance The Small Business Administration (SBA) is authorized by the Small Business Act to make three types of disaster loans: Home Physical Disaster Loans Home physical disaster loans are primary source of funding for permanent rebuilding and replacement of uninsured disaster damages to privately-owned real or personal property. SBA home physical disaster loans are available to homeowners, renters, non-farm businesses and non-profit organizations. Business Physical Disaster Loans Business physical disaster loans can be used to repair or replace disaster damaged business property, including inventory, supplies, machinery and equipment. Non-farm businesses and private non-profits may also borrow this money. RECOVERY Annex H-14 RECOVERY

152 Economic Injury Disaster Loans Economic injury disaster loans provide necessary working capital to small businesses until normal operations resume after a disaster. The law restricts economic injury disaster loans to small businesses only. Disaster victims must repay SBA disaster loans. SBA can approve loans only to applicants with a reasonable ability to repay the loan and other obligations from earnings. The terms of each loan are established in accordance with each borrower s ability to repay. More information can be found at: Individual Assistance Individual assistance is a major category of federal assistance for damages to residences and businesses or for personal property losses. A. Emergency needs are provided by volunteer and other agencies and include essential needs that must be met immediately following a disaster food, water, shelter, transportation and medical care. B. FEMA provides disaster housing assistance under the Individual & Households Program (IHP) (100% Federal funds) in the form of: 1. Temporary housing: money to rent a different place to live, OR FEMA will provide some form of temporary housing. 2. Repair: money for homeowners to repair damages not covered by insurance. 3. Replacement: money to replace or rebuild a disaster-damaged home. (NOTE: by law, FEMA cannot pay to return a home to its pre-disaster condition). C. The FEMA Other Needs Assistance (ONA) program is available for disasterrelated assistance for other necessary expenses and serious needs (75% federal funds, 25% state funds). 1. Personal property: money to repair/replace personal property damaged or destroyed not covered by insurance. 2. Transportation: money to repair/replace an individual s primary means of transportation that is no longer useable. 3. Other expenses: moving and storage expenses; towing, connecting utilities; fuel. 4. Funeral & burial costs: for victims whose death was caused by the disaster D. Disaster Legal Services provides legal services to low-income disaster victims who are unable to obtain legal services to meet disaster-related needs. RECOVERY Annex H-15 RECOVERY

153 E. Disaster Unemployment Assistance provides unemployment benefits and reemployment services to individuals unemployed because of a disaster. F. Crisis Counseling Assistance provides crisis counseling services to victims to help relieve stress, grieving, or mental health problems cased or aggravated by a disaster. G. The Social Security Administration (SSA) works to expedite the delivery of checks delayed by a disaster. The SSA also helps eligible individuals apply for Social Security disability and survivor benefits. 4. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) provides tax assistance to individuals with disaster-related losses of more than 10% of their adjusted gross income. 5. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides information about pensions and other benefits, insurance settlements and VA mortgages. The VA can help individuals apply for death benefits, pensions, and adjustments to VA-insured home mortgages. Insurance Assistance The Florida State Insurance Commissioner and the American Insurance Association provide advice on the following insurance-related issues following a disaster: A. Obtaining copies of lost insurance policies. B. Filing claims. C. Expediting settlements. D. Legal services are provided to low-income victims on the following: 1. Replacing legal documents. 2. Transferring titles. 3. Resolving contracting problems. 4. Filing will probates. 5. Resolving insurance problems. 6. Handling landlord-related issues. Go to for a comprehensive list of Individual Assistance sources. Public Assistance Public Assistance is a major category of federal assistance for the repair of infrastructure, public facilities and debris removal and may include the repair of non-federal roads, public buildings and bridges. The objectives of the FEMA Public Assistance Program RECOVERY Annex H-16 RECOVERY

154 (PA) are to provide assistance to states, local governments and selected non-profit organizations. The federal government usually provides 75% of the funding for PA projects, with the state or other non-federal source providing the other 25%. Public assistance damages and reimbursable activities are divided into the following 7 categories: Category A: debris removal emergency work. Category B: emergency protective measures. Category C: road systems. Category D: water control facilities. Category E: public buildings and equipment. Category F: public facilities. Category G: parks, recreational and other facilities. Following a Federal Disaster Declaration, Town officials should closely monitor the Declaration for the categories of Public Assistance available from FEMA. Maintaining this Annex The Town Recovery Coordinator will be responsible to coordinate necessary revisions to this Annex and ensure that necessary procedures are developed in accordance with this Plan. RECOVERY Annex H-17 RECOVERY

155 Emergency Operations Plan Fort Myers Beach, Florida Annex I PHASE 4 Of Emergency Management Operations Mitigation Key Terms Mitigation A program designed to rebuild communities to higher standards thereby reducing or eliminating the effects of future natural disasters on life, safety, and infrastructure. FEMA defines mitigation as any sustained action to reduce or eliminate long-term risk to lives and property from all hazards. The purpose of mitigation is two-fold: 1. To protect people and structures 2. To minimize the costs of disaster response and recovery Mitigation Measures Measures designed to reduce or eliminate risks to persons or property, or lessen the effects or consequences of a disaster. Mitigation measures can help avoid a disaster or intervene to stop a disaster from occurring. Mitigation involves a wide-range of measures to include: A. Deterrence. B. Inspections. C. Surveillance. D. Taking advantage of State/Federal mitigation education/outreach programs. E. Coordination with State/Federal mitigation agencies/programs. F. Compliance with State/Federal mitigation plans. MITIGATIION Annex I-1 MITIGATION