local all hazards response concept richard okulski, wcm national weather service – mid south ...
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Local All Hazards Response Concept Local All Hazards Response Concept
Richard Okulski, WCM
National Weather Service – Mid South
www.nws.noaa.gov/meg
Weather Support
Significant Events
OverviewOverview
• Recent Memphis HAZMAT Incident
• Local Office All Hazards Response
• Resources
• On and Off Site Support
• Strengths and Challenges
• Summary
• Recent Memphis HAZMAT Incident
• Local Office All Hazards Response
• Resources
• On and Off Site Support
• Strengths and Challenges
• Summary
NWS MissionNWS Mission
• The National Weather Service (NWS) provides weather, hydrologic, and climate forecasts and warnings for the United States, its territories, adjacent waters and ocean areas, for the protection of life and property and the enhancement of the national economy.
• Our forecasters work 24/7 – 365 days a year to protect America
• The National Weather Service (NWS) provides weather, hydrologic, and climate forecasts and warnings for the United States, its territories, adjacent waters and ocean areas, for the protection of life and property and the enhancement of the national economy.
• Our forecasters work 24/7 – 365 days a year to protect America
Weather and Significant EventsWeather and Significant Events
• Some Significant Events are Weather Related (“Elvis” in 2003, Hurricane Katrina in 2005)
•Other Events are Not Weather Related, However Weather Plays an Important Role in Response and Recovery Operations
Memphis TN HAZMAT EventMemphis TN HAZMAT Event
• August 4th - Brooks Ave
• Fire at Pro-Serve Industrial Complex•Toxic Herbicide Chemicals in Storage Tanks
• Shelby County EMA Requested On Site Meteorological Support
• WFO Memphis Dispatched A Forecaster to Support Fire Suppression Efforts and Plume Dispersion Impacts
Local All Hazards Response Concept
Local All Hazards Response Concept
• All WFO Forecasters Trained For Off Site All Hazards Support
• HAZMAT, Homeland Security Incidents, Seismic Events
• Smaller Cadre (2-4 Forecasters) Trained For On Site Support
• Laptop PCs, Dial Up Internet Capability• Portable Weather Observing Equipment • Integrate Into Incident Command Structure • Knowledge of Dispersion Models (HYSPLIT, CAMEO)
National Weather ResourcesNational Weather Resources
Weather Radar Satellite
Upper Air System
Automated Surface Observation System
High speed computers
Local Weather ResourcesLocal Weather Resources
StrengthsStrengths• Meteorologist is On Site
– Firmer Grasp of Small Scale Weather Details (Eyes on the Incident)
• Tied Into Incident Command Structure (Safety Briefings, Planning Meetings)
• Portable Weather Observing Station
• Weather Watch – Response and Recovery Efforts
• Meteorologist is On Site
– Firmer Grasp of Small Scale Weather Details (Eyes on the Incident)
• Tied Into Incident Command Structure (Safety Briefings, Planning Meetings)
• Portable Weather Observing Station
• Weather Watch – Response and Recovery Efforts
Challenges Challenges • Dispatch Criteria
– Event Scope and Duration
– Weather Factor in Risk Assessment
• Communications
– Access to Weather Data (Internet)
– Links to ICS Radio Network
• Logistical Support
– Host Provides Meals, Lodging
• Dispatch Criteria
– Event Scope and Duration
– Weather Factor in Risk Assessment
• Communications
– Access to Weather Data (Internet)
– Links to ICS Radio Network
• Logistical Support
– Host Provides Meals, Lodging
Summary Summary • WFO Memphis Supports All Hazards Incidents
• We Provide On and Off Site Meteorological Support
• We Want to Work With You to Determine the Proper Dispatch Criteria
• Communications Is The Key to Making NWS On Site Support a Success
• WFO Memphis Supports All Hazards Incidents
• We Provide On and Off Site Meteorological Support
• We Want to Work With You to Determine the Proper Dispatch Criteria
• Communications Is The Key to Making NWS On Site Support a Success
Working together to save livesWorking together to save lives
Thank you
Richard Okulski, WCM
National Weather Service
Weather Forecast Office - Memphis
(901) 544-0411
Webpage: www.srh.noaa.gov
Thank you
Richard Okulski, WCM
National Weather Service
Weather Forecast Office - Memphis
(901) 544-0411
Webpage: www.srh.noaa.gov