2014 Russell County Hazard Mitigation Plan Update Lee County Slide Show.pdf · 2014 Lee County Hazard Mitigation Plan Update ... the cold never bothered me anyway.” ... We’ll
33
2014 Lee County Hazard Mitigation Plan Update Stakeholders and Technical Advisors Meeting 2/26/14
“Let the storm rage on, the cold never bothered me anyway.” Elsa
Presenter
Presentation Notes
Welcome from Kathy Carson. Go around the room and share name and who you are representing today.
44 CFR 201.6; Local Mitigation Plans
“The local mitigation plan is the representation of the jurisdiction’s
commitment to reduce risks from natural hazards, serving as a guide for decision
makers as they commit resources to reducing the effects of natural hazards.”
Presenter
Presentation Notes
This is what the Federal Regulations say about Local Hazard Mitigation Plans. (Read this slide to them)
Local Mitigation Plan Requirements Documentation of the Planning Process
Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment
Mitigation Strategy
Plan Maintenance Process
Formal Adoption by Local Governments
Presenter
Presentation Notes
This is what the Federal Regulations require every local plan to include. (Show current plan) It’s a huge document when it is done.
Local Mitigation Planning Process “An open public involvement process is essential
to the development of an effective plan.” The public must have the opportunity to
comment on the plan.
Neighboring communities, local and regional agencies, business, academia, and private and non-profit agencies must have the opportunity to be involved.
Presenter
Presentation Notes
The Federal Regulations stress that Hazard Mitigation Planning be open to the public and give neighboring communities, local and regional agencies, schools and the public a chance to be involved in the process. In fact FEMA feels that the planning process is as important as the actual plan itself. We want to sincerely thank you for being here today.
Benefits of Mitigation Planning Minimize the loss of lives and property. Increase public awareness of the risks of
natural hazards. Strengthen preparedness, communication and
response before, during and after events. Minimize the cost of disaster response and
recovery.
Presenter
Presentation Notes
As we said earlier, Lee County is required to update their Hazard Mitigation Plan every 5 years to stay eligible for Federal funding. Sort of a “Because I said so..” type of thing. But that is not the main reason we are here today and are going to be working together over the next few months. There are substantial benefits to mitigation planning for everyone in Lee County.
Role of Stakeholders
Attend meetings in February and April
Appoint/Suggest Delegates to Provide Technical Information and Data
Encourage Citizens to Attend Public Meetings/ Comment on Plan Drafts
Adopt Final Plan by Resolution
Presenter
Presentation Notes
We have 2 groups here today: Stakeholders and Technical Advisors. Stakeholders are general elected officials, City Managers, County Administrators, Their role in the process… You have the position and influence we need to make sure your jurisdiction is accurately reflected in the plan and that the plan is adopted when it is completed.
Role of Technical Advisors Attend meetings in February and April Assist with data collection and information
exchange Review relevant sections of the draft plan Provide feedback
Assist with plan maintenance after adoption
Presenter
Presentation Notes
Technical advisors are folks with expertise in emergency management, public safety, public works, health, utilities, public schools, transportation, engineering, business. You have the knowledge and skills we need to make sure our plan update is accurate and contains achievable goals, objectives and strategies.
2014 Lee County Update Timeline
February, 2014: Initial Stakeholder Meeting
March, 2014: Public Comment Period
April, 2014: Second Stakeholder Meeting
May, 2014: Public Meeting
May, 2014: Plan Draft Comment/Review
June-October, 2014: AEMA Review of Draft
November, 2014: Draft Revisions, as Needed
January, 2015: Final Plan Adoption by Jurisdictions
Presenter
Presentation Notes
The current Lee County Plan expires in mid 2015. We were awarded the grant to do this update in late November 2013. It usually takes a full 2 years to update a plan but we don’t have a full 2 years. We plan to be completely done in January, 2015. Here is our timeline.
Today’s Goals
Review the Mission Identify the Hazards
Assess Risks & Vulnerabilities
Presenter
Presentation Notes
We have three goals for out meeting today. First we are going to take another look at the Mission/Vision that was established about 9 years ago to make sure it still encompasses why we are gathered here today. Second, we are going to look at the hazards that impact Lee County. We’ll look at past occurrences and their impact and as a group assess the risks of future events and our vulnerabilities to them. I do need you to get into groups so we can accomplish these goals. I need groups of about 5 people. I’ll give you a minute to get into those groups.
Mission? Vision? Envision?
A vision for disaster resistance…
The mission of the County Mitigation Committee is…
We envision a community where….
Presenter
Presentation Notes
You have a handout that shows 4 examples of current HMGP mission/vision statements from other counties in Alabama. Take a minute to look over them. They were picked at random to show a variety of approaches.
Existing Lee County Mission Statement
“To ensure that the communities of Lee County are less vulnerable to the effects of natural hazards through the effective administration of hazard mitigation grant programs, implementation of hazard risk assessments, promotion of wise floodplain management, and facilitation of a coordinated approach to mitigation policy through state, regional, and local planning activities.”
Presenter
Presentation Notes
You have a copy of the Lee County Mission Statement in your handouts. It was put together by the first planning group in 2004. Was anyone here today involved? In your groups take about 4 minutes to discuss the existing mission statement and any changes you would like to make. We’ll briefly share our ideas afterwards.
Hazard Identification
What natural hazards present a risk to Lee County citizens and jurisdictions ?
Presenter
Presentation Notes
What natural hazards pose a risk to Lee County? (Wait for input from group)
Data On Past Hazard Events
Data on past hazard events is provided to help make informed assessments for the future
Data sources include: National Climate Data
Center, United States Geological Service, Geological Survey of Alabama, Alabama Forestry Commission, Alabama Hazard Mitigation Plan, & 2010 Lee County Hazard Mitigation Plan
Presenter
Presentation Notes
Based on the Hazards identified in 2009, I’ve put together some information to help us assess and rate the natural hazard risks in Lee County. The data comes from a variety of sources. We are looking at the past to help us “predict” the future.
Natural Hazards Profile and Risk Index
Frequency: How Often Event Will Occur Magnitude: Extent of County Affected
Severity Levels: Damage to Health and Safety Damage to Property/Crops Damage to Function Duration: Length of Hazard Event
Presenter
Presentation Notes
As we look at each hazard, we need to think in terms of frequency, magnitude, severity and duration of events. There is a Risk Hazard Rating Key and a Risk Hazard Rating Sheet Index in your handouts. Please keep in mind we will have better information on some events than others. After we look at the slide, we’ll give your group a few minutes to discuss and rate the event on frequency, magnitude, severity, duration. DO NOT RATE VULNERABILITY YET. WE WILL LOOK AT VULNERABILITY AFTER WE FINISH ALL EVENTS.
Rating Key: Frequency
Highly Likely
• Near 100% probability in the next year.
Likely • 1 chance in every 10 years.
Possible • 1 chance in every 100 years.
Unlikely
• Less than1% probability in the next 100 years.
Presenter
Presentation Notes
Lets go through the rating key in your handout. Frequency is rated by looking at the probability an event will occur in the next year, ten years, 100 years or more than 100 years.
Rating Key: Magnitude
Large • More than 50% of jurisdiction affected.
Moderate • 25%-50% of jurisdiction affected.
Small • 10%-25% of jurisdiction affected.
Very Small
• Less than10% of jurisdiction affected.
Presenter
Presentation Notes
Magnitude is rated by the percent of the jurisdiction or county likely to be affected by the event. This can be complicated when you look at something like flooding or wildfire. Yes flooding can occur countywide, citywide, townwide BUT does 50% of the town, county, city flood? Is it more lilkely 10%, 20%, 30%?
Rating Key: Severity Safety Property Function
Catastrophic
Multiple Deaths or Injuries possible
More than 50% of property is severely damaged
Complete shutdown for 30+ days
Critical Injuries/Illnesses resulting in permanent disability
More than 25% of property is severely damaged
Complete shutdown for more than 1 week
Limited Injuries/Illnesses but no permanent disabilities
More than 10% of property is severely damaged
Complete shutdown for more than 1 day
Negligible Any injuries treatable with first aid
Less than 10% of property is severely damaged
Shutdown for less than 24 hours
Presenter
Presentation Notes
This is the most complicated of the ratings because you are rating severity to safety, property and function separately at 4 levels from negligible to catastrophic.
Rating Key: Duration
Long • Event lasts days.
Medium • Event lasts hours.
Short • Event lasts minutes/seconds.
Presenter
Presentation Notes
The rating key for duration is pretty simple.
Rating Each Hazard Hazard Frequency
Highly Likely Likely
Possible Unlikely
Magnitude Large
Moderate Small
Very Small
Severity Catastrophic
Critical Limited
Negligible
Duration Long
Medium Short
Vulnerability From 1-10
1=Low 2=High
Drought
Earthquake
Flood
Hail
Lightning
Sinkholes
Thunder- storms
Tornadoes
Presenter
Presentation Notes
Everyone has a rating sheet in their packet for your convenience. However, each group needs to work together to come up with the rating sheet we will use for planning purposes. Please use the yellow rating sheet for your group rating. We will go through each hazard and rate Frequency, Magnitude, Severity and Duration. Information about the history of each event in Lee County will be shared to help you assess the future risks to Lee County from theses hazards. We won’t rate Vulnerability until the end.
Drought In Lee County 1996-2013 Frequency: 2006, 2007, 2008, 2010,
Jurisdictions Severity: Loss of Life: None Injuries: None Property Damage: None Crop Damage: ??? Duration: 3 to 36 months
Presenter
Presentation Notes
We are going to assess the first hazard together just to make sure every group is comfortable with the assessment tool. Frequency: Drought is an event that occurs gradually and is unpredictable in location and duration. We have actually experienced a lot of drought in Lee County over the past 17 years but there has only been 1 federal disaster declaration for drought and that was in 1977. Would you rate the frequency of drought to be highly likely, likely, possible or unlikely? Magnitude: Drought affects wide areas. You can see from the drought monitor on the slide that multiple counties were in severe drought. Using the key, would you rate the magnitude of drought to be large, moderate, small or very small? Severity: Impacts of drought includes damage to livestock and crops, water rationing, for homeowners, business owners damage to lawns and landscaping, increased vulnerability to sinkholes and wildfire, damaged fisheries and inflated energy prices due to the loss of hydro power. I wasn’t able to quantify the damage to crops from the most recent drought. So how would you rate the severity levels for safety, property and function? Duration: We had a recent drought that lasted 36 months. Using the key would you rate duration as Long, medium or short?
Earthquakes in Lee County 1886-2013 Frequency: There have been no seismic events
centered in Lee County since 1886 Magnitude: Varies according to intensity Severity Levels: Loss of Life: None Recorded Injuries: None Recorded Property Damage: None Recorded Crop Damage: None Recorded Duration: Seconds
Presenter
Presentation Notes
The most recent Alabama State Mitigation Plan focused more closely on the threat of Earthquakes in the state. Here in Lee County, we don’t have a history of earthquake events. We are not in the New Madrid, Southern Appalachian or South Carolina seismic zones. The closest earthquake epicenters to Lee County occurred in Clay County and north Autauga County and they were small magnitude quakes.
Flooding in Lee County 1996-2013 Frequency: 1998, 1999, 2003, 2004,
Localized (4 of those in Auburn) Severity: Loss of life: None Injuries: None Property Damage: $3,845,000 Crop Damage: $105,000 Duration: 4-24 Hours
Presenter
Presentation Notes
Flooding from rainfall occurs almost every year in Lee County. Some years like 2005 and 2009 it happens multiple times in a year. The property damage from flooding is pretty significant. This picture shows flooding in August, 2013 which impacted Lee Road 146. What areas in Lee County are more vulnerable to flooding? (Let them answer)
Hail in Lee County 1996-2013 Frequency: Multiple annual occurrences every
year except 2004 & 2007 Magnitude: Localized areas within a
jurisdiction Severity: Loss of Life: None Injuries: None Property Damage: $360,000 Crop Damage: $11,000 Duration: Minutes
Presenter
Presentation Notes
Hail occurs in Lee County every year, most frequently during the late spring and early summer. In March of 2013, hail 3” in diameter was recorded in Griffen Mill. A hailstorm in 2003 caused $250,000 in damage in Loachapoka.
Lightening in Lee County 1996-2013 Frequency: 1996(3), 1997, 1998, 2002(3),
2003, 2007, 2008, 2009 Magnitude: Localized within a jurisdiction Severity: Loss of Life: None Injuries: None Property Damage: $333,500 Crop Damage: None Duration: Minutes
Presenter
Presentation Notes
This slide depicts lightning that has been responsible for property damage in Lee County since 1996. There have been 12 recorded events of damage due to lightning. The picture actually is of lightning over Auburn University, that did not cause damage.
Sinkholes/Land Subsidence in Lee County
Frequency: Possible Annually; 1 naturally occurring sinkhole identified
Magnitude: Localized within a jurisdiction Severity: Loss of Life: None Injuries: None Property Damage: $1,000,000 Crop Damage: None Duration: Days/Months/Years
Presenter
Presentation Notes
Sinkholes are caused by naturally dissolved voids in rock, a drop in the water table from drought or pumping, heavy construction, collapse of underground mines, excessive rainfall or drainage. While sinkholes related to limestone are not common in Lee County, sinkholes related to mining, heavy construction have caused issues to roads, water lines, and homes near Spring Villa. That issue is reflected in the high level of property damage on this slide.
Thunderstorms in Lee County 1996-2013
Frequency: Multiple Events Annually Magnitude: Varies; Can be countywide or
localized Severity: Loss of Life: 2 Injuries: None Property Damage: $673,000 Crop Damage: $12,000 Function: Interruptions due to power outages Duration: Minutes-Hours
Presenter
Presentation Notes
Severe thunderstorms are a part of life in Lee County. We see them year round. We see pop up storms that hit one jurisdiction and not another and storm fronts that impact every jurisdiction in the County. While these storms can also cause flooding from torrential rain and damage from imbedded hail or lightening, what is reflected on this slide is the damage from thunderstorm winds. Thunderstorm winds have been responsible for 2 deaths in Lee County.
Tornadoes In Lee County 1996-2013 Frequency: 15 tornadoes; 1997,1998, 2004,
2005, 2007, 2009(7), 2011, 2012, 2013 Magnitude: Generally localized to portions of
jurisdictions; Varies with strength of tornado Severity: Loss of Life: None Injuries: 5 Property Damage: $5,626,000 Crop Damage: None Function: Localized interruptions Duration: Minutes
Presenter
Presentation Notes
Since 1996 there have been 15 tornadoes in Lee County. We live in a State where tornadoes are likely to occur. They are the most unpredictable of storms and their impacts can be devastating as we saw just a few years ago when EF4 and EF5 tornadoes tore through the state. Fortunately, Lee County was not hit in April 2011, although the storms were as close as Tallapoosa County. The picture here shows the aftermath of an EF2 tornado in February, 2009 that caused 3 injuries and 1.1 million in damages in Salem.
Tropical Storms/Hurricanes in Lee County 1996-2013
Hurricanes are generally at tropical storm strength when they pass over Lee County. They can cause torrential rain, wind damage, flooding, tornadoes, and power outages. Since 1996, tropical storms have passed over Lee County 4 times, thankfully without loss of life, injuries or high levels of property damage.
Wildfires in Lee County 1996-2013
Frequency: Average 20 wildfires in Lee County annually
Magnitude: Average 138 Acres Per Fire Severity: Loss of Life: None Injuries: None Property Damage: None Reported Crop Damage: $40,900 Duration: Hours
Presenter
Presentation Notes
I was surprised to discover how often wildfires occur in Lee County. According to the Alabama Forestry Commission, there are an average of 20 wildfires in the county annually. The Forestry Commission statistics show areas around Smiths and southern parts of the County along Hwy 51 and 169 have higher occurrences of wildfire than other parts of the County. Something to consider in your groups is the encroachment of suburban neighborhoods into forested areas of the county. An example is development along Farmville Road.
Winter Storms in Lee County 1996-2013
Frequency: 2 Winter Storms and 2 Severe Cold/Wind Chill Events; 2014?
Magnitude: Countywide Severity: Loss of Life: None Injuries: None Property Damage: $15,000 Crop Damage: $1,020,000 Function: Schools/Business Closed Duration: Hours-Days
Presenter
Presentation Notes
We don’t often have Winter Storms in Lee County but we just had one recently. Between 199-2013 there were 2 winter storms and 2 severe cold/wind chill events, with no deaths or injuries. I believe there were accidents with injuries in the recent winter storm. So consider that as you determine potential severity in your group. The problem with winter weather in Lee County is that when it does occur, it causes real impacts on the function of schools, business and government. Travel becomes difficult. We don’t know how to drive in ice/snow. We don’t have the equipment to keep the roads clear.
Rating Each Hazard: Vulnerability Hazard
Frequency Magnitude Severity Duration Vulnerability From 1 to 10 1= lowest 10=highest
Drought Possible Large Limited Long ?
Earthquake
Flood
Hail
Lightning
Sinkholes
Thunder-storm
Tornado
Presenter
Presentation Notes
Now lets look at the vulnerability ranking for each hazard. We want to rank each hazard with a number from 1-10 based on how vulnerable you believe Lee County or a jurisdiction within Lee County is to the hazard. You can give more than 1 hazard the same vulnerability ranking. Your group may believe that based on frequency, magnitude, severity and duration of past events, the vulnerability of Russell County to drought is a 6. You might determine that Russell County’s vulnerability to Winter Storms is also a 6. And that’s fine. Your group can also assign different vulnerability scores to the 3 jurisdictions in the County. Wildfire is an example of this. Hurtsboro and the unincorporated portions of the county may get a higher vulnerability score for wildfire than the jurisdiction of Phenix City. On the other hand, Phenix City may be more vulnerable to floods then unincorporated areas of the County. I will take the ratings of all the groups for each hazard and get an average vulnerability ranking for each hazard.
Before We Adjourn…
In Kind Labor Cost Worksheets E-mails Needed: Please be sure we have
