Current Mitigation Measures - By Hazard

Fictitious County is fortunate to have a number of hazard mitigation efforts in place. Some exist as legal measures through either local ordinance, state law or federal regulation. A general outline of those efforts is listed by hazard. Many efforts overlap into multiple hazards to make Fictitious County and the municipalities hazard resistant communities.

Aircraft Accidents Large Structural Fires
Civil Disorder Mass Casualty
Drought Other or Unknowns (biologics, disease, etc.)
Earthquake Pipeline Break
Fixed Nuclear Facility Power Failure
Floods Terrorist Activity
Forest Fires Thunderstorms
Hazardous Materials Tornados
Hurricanes Waste  or Waste water spills
Landfill Fires Winter Storms


Aircraft Accident Mitigation Efforts: General information regarding aircraft accidents and the definition is available in the hazard identification index.

A. Fictitiouston Municipal Airport now has taxiways to prevent aircraft accidents. Aircraft once had to taxi on active runways for both departure and arrival flights.
B. Ramps for aircraft parking are well away from the runway.
C. Firefighters have undergone specialized training in fire suppression for aircraft and have specialized equipment for dealing with fires that may result from an aircraft accident.
D. Rescue and EMS personnel have received specialized training in extrication of passengers and crew.
E. Response policy was developed and implemented in coordination with all response agencies and the airport.
F. The NTSB was consulted regarding the response policy and it has been reviewed and found appropriate.
G. Exercises and actual events have kept responders prepared.
H. The airport has a portable generator for fuel.
I. Fictitiouston Municipal Airport meets FAA / NTSB safety standards.
J. Access to aircraft and fuel supplies is restricted by appropriately locked doors and gates.

Civil Disorder Mitigation Efforts: General information regarding civil disorder and the definition is available in the hazard identification index.

A. Fictitiouston and Fictitious County actively participate in a race relations council.
B. Community leaders are from various ethnic backgrounds.
C. Community leaders hold open forums to discuss ethnic issues.
D. STAR (Standing together against racism).
E. Chapter 14 Article 36A of the NC General Statutes.
F. NCGS 14-288.2 Riot; inciting to riot; punishments

Drought: General information regarding drought and the definition is available in the hazard identification index.

A. Direct contact with the National Weather Service regarding drought predictions.
B. Direct contact and consultation with NC Cooperative Extension Service regarding agricultural drought predictions.
C. Cities daily monitor reservoirs and reservoir levels during dry periods.
D. Private water companies monitor wells and storage tanks.
E. Voluntary water conservation practices are put in place as necessary.
F. Mandatory water conservation practices are put in place as necessary.
G. Auxiliary water sources are identified.

Earthquake: General information regarding earthquakes and the definition is available in the hazard identification index. Also see the vulnerability assessment for earthquake hazard.

A. Increased awareness of earthquake potential by local government officials.
B. Increased awareness of earthquake potential by the public.
C. Increased awareness of the availability of information from the USGS.
D. Encouraged citizens to check for hazards in their home in accordance with FEMA publications. 
E. Encouraged homeowners to review insurance policies as part of an overall family disaster plan.
F. Shelter agreements are in place via Red Cross to provide shelter operations.
G. Encouraged citizens, business owners, and others to develop emergency preparedness plans, emergency response plans and emergency recovery plans.

Fixed Nuclear Facility: General information regarding a fixed nuclear facility and the definition is available in the hazard identification index.

A. Direct communications with the nuclear facility via selective signaling.
B. NRC Standards of operation for nuclear power plants.
C. Rotating siren system that is activated by local emergency response agencies as appropriate.
D. Established and published evacuation routes.
E. Established emergency action levels.
F. Training of offsite EOC, Public Information, and other government personnel annually.
G. Training of offsite response personnel annually.
H. Bi-annual, federally graded exercise.
I. Public is well informed by Emergency Management and the utility through brochures, calendars and other public information materials.
J. Tests of siren system and other alerting systems are checked at least quarterly.
K. Local officials are kept informed through meetings with plant and utility personnel.
L. Public telephone access to the utility to ask questions and receive answers.
M. Shelter agreements are in place via Red Cross to provide shelter operations.
N. Financial support to local government agencies to support offsite exercises and purchase of response and detection equipment as well as training costs.
O. Detection and monitoring equipment is on hand, routinely tested and calibrated.

Floods: General information regarding floods and the definition is available in the hazard identification index. Also see the vulnerability assessment for floods.

A.

Fictitious County (000000) and the City of Fictitiouston (000000) are participants in the National Flood Insurance Program, making citizens eligible for flood insurance.
B. Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMS) are available in the various planning offices prior to construction.
C. Fictitious County Code of Flood Plain Management (Chapter 10, Article III, Sections 10-51 to 10-100).
D. SBCCI Standard for Flood Plain Management (SSTD 4-89).
E. Greater awareness of public and private sector regarding flooding potential.
F. Digital floodplain maps are now available to emergency management and other emergency planners and responders.
G. Potential road closure listings from NC DOT are available.
H. Access to and considerable cooperation from local broadcast media to warn the public of the potential for flooding. (EAS)
I. Watches and warnings issued by the National Weather Service.
J. Public education in flood potential and the availability of flood insurance.
K. Public education programs regarding flooding and emergency management are conducted as often as possible or requested.
L. Weather alert radios are in each school and day care center to provide early warning. Radios are also in use in most government agencies.
M. Discouragement of the public and developers from developing property in flood zones (see ordinances above).
N. Shelter agreements are in place via Red Cross to provide shelter operations.
O. All property addresses are now known so work can begin on further mitigation efforts.

Forest Fires: General information regarding forest fires and the definition is available in the hazard identification index.

A. Public awareness of the causes of forest fires have helped reduce the overall number of occurrences.
B. Direct contact with the District Forestry office that issues "fire potential" reports daily by radio.
C. Burning bans are imposed and rigidly enforced as needed. Citations have been issued in the past.
D. Education by fire marshals and fire departments, as well as the Department of Environment and Natural Resources has greatly reduced outdoor burning of trash, reducing the number of forest fires.
E. Aggressive training and response by local fire departments have diminished acreage consumed by forest fires.
F. Most fire departments are equipped with specialized equipment to help fight forest fires.
G. Fire safety education is conducted in all 4th grade classrooms by the Fire Marshals office and is coordinated with each participating fire department.
H. Fire "Quiz Bowls" have become popular fire education, and thereby prevention tools.
I. NC Forestry responds to all reports of forest (or brush) fires and can therefore coordinate the response of Forestry resources directly, as needed.

Hazardous Materials: General information regarding hazardous materials and the definition is available in the hazard identification index.
Also see vulnerability assessment for hazardous materials.

A. Each fire department (city/county) is trained to at least the "Awareness Level" under OSHA 1910.120 standards. Some departments meet standards for "Operations level". Fictitious County has at least four persons trained at the technician level and over a dozen qualified radiological monitoring trainers.
B. Community "Right to Know" is in place and has educated many members of the public regarding chemical hazards in the area.
C. S.A.R.A. Title III is in place in Fictitious County. Tier II reports are required annually from each company that keeps, stocks or maintains certain levels of hazardous chemicals. This information is shared with local fire departments, and upon request, to the public.
D. Extremely Hazardous Substances (EHS) facilities are required, by law, to have pre-planning. These plans were completed in 1990 and are reviewed by Emergency Management and/or the LEPC annually.
E. At least one NCDEM Regional Response Team (RRT) is within a one hour response from Fictitious County.
F. Fictitious County has a written mutual aid agreement with Unknown County that includes use of respective hazardous materials response units.
G. Fictitious County keeps a current list of spill clean up companies available to business, industry, transportation companies and the public.
H. Dispatch and response procedures are in place for all reports of chemical accidents.

Hurricanes: General information regarding hurricanes and the definition is available in the hazard identification index.
Also see the vulnerability assessment for hurricanes.

A. Fictitious County Emergency Management participates in hurricane preparedness planning as a potential reception area for coastal evacuees as well as practical exercises and assists in actual hurricane events.
B. Hurricane awareness information is presented to the public as often as possible.
C. Hurricanes are tracked in the EOC as they develop and government officials, and the media are kept informed of the preparations of response forces.
D. Response forces are experienced and well trained.
E. Emergency plans are in place and exercised.
F. Hurricane watches and warnings are issued by the National Weather Service.
G. Watches and warnings are received via weather alert radios in all schools and day care centers as well as most government offices.
H. Watch and warning procedures to further alert agencies are carried out by emergency communications which calls each agency.
I. A Reverse 911 system was recently installed by the Sheriff to provide additional alert and warning capability.
N. Shelter agreements are in place via Red Cross to provide shelter operations.

Landfill Fires: General information regarding landfill fires and the definition is available in the hazard identification index.

A. Procedures have been developed by the county Solid Waste Department to effectively extinguish the majority of fires.
B. Practical experience as well as training has been conducted with many fire departments.
C. Response procedures have been enhanced.
D. Necessary equipment and manpower (through contractors) have been located as resources that can respond.
E. Regulations at facilities prohibit the deposit of flammable liquids, chemicals or other such substances.
F. The county Solid Waste facility is inspected for and mitigation efforts installed to prevent methane gas buildup, thereby reducing the potential for fire.

Large Structural Fires: General information regarding large structural fires and the definition is available in the hazard identification index.

A. Fire inspections are conducted as often as possible at businesses and industry by fire marshals on a schedule.
B. Building evacuations must be posted.
C. Fire extinguishers clearly marked, available, tested and recharged on a regular basis.
D. Fire extinguisher use classes are taught as often as possible.
E. NFPA standards and codes are followed.
F. Fire code is rigidly enforced with citations issued for violations.
G. Fire departments regularly conduct pre-plans for facilities, businesses and industry in their respective jurisdictions.
H. Additional fire safety and fire education programs are conducted as often as possible.

Mass Casualty: General information regarding mass casualty and the definition is available in the hazard identification index.

A. Each hospital has developed coordinated procedures to handle mass casualty incidents.
B. Emergency Medical Service has developed a Mass Casualty plan.
C. Plans are exercised on a regular basis.
D. Training and exercises have been and continue to be conducted on mass casualty events including transportation, water, fixed facility, aircraft and schools.
E. Inspections are conducted on new construction by inspections departments to ensure compliance with building codes.
F. Buildings are inspected regularly by fire marshals to ensure compliance with fire codes and ensure that fire exits are not locked or otherwise obstructed.
G. Mutual aid agreements have been entered into that may assist in supplying additional resources in a mass casualty incident.

Other or Unknowns (biologics, disease, etc): General information regarding other or unknown hazards and the definition is available in the hazard identification index.

A. Each hospital has developed coordinated procedures to handle infectious diseases and each hospital has an infectious disease coordinator.
B. Training has been conducted with all area responders and agencies regarding biological hazards.
C. The Health Department, in conjunction with Emergency Management, area medical providers and others, has developed a bio-terrorism plan.
D. The Health Department is in constant contact with state and federal agencies regarding biological and disease threats.
E. The Cooperative Extension Service has conducted training for government agencies and the public regarding foot and mouth disease and the procedures that have been developed to prevent an outbreak.  Procedures have been developed if an outbreak is detected.
F. State laboratories have increased efforts to more quickly identify such threats or hazards.
G. Fictitious County participates in the Health Alert Network.

Pipeline Break: General information regarding pipeline breaks and the definition is available in the hazard identification index.

A. Close contact is maintained with the facilities regarding any potential disruption or breaks in the gas pipeline station.
B. Underground pipelines are clearly marked.
C. A 24-hour emergency number is available to emergency personnel.
D. Emergency plans are updated and reviewed annually by both plant personnel and Emergency Management.
E. Area fire departments have conducted pre-plans and inspections at the facilities.
F. Security has been increased.

Power Failure: General information regarding major power failures and the definition is available in the hazard identification index.

A. Formal emergency plans are in place at both the local and state level to restore power as quickly as possible.
B. Electric power system personnel are available 24/7 in emergency situations.
C. Response unit (fleet) maintenance programs.
D. Public education in the form of public program presentations, publications, brochures and flyers.
E. 24 hour emergency dispatch of personnel to locate and resolve distribution problems.
F. 24 hour telephone numbers available to the public.
G. Pole maintenance programs, whereby distribution poles are inspected and if necessary replaced.
H. Work plans in place to build new or upgrade sub-stations.
I. Right-of-Way maintenance programs, whereby right-of-ways are cleared of trees or other debris that may cause an outage.
J. Media centers or information distributed to the public to keep the public informed regarding outages and the progress on repairs.
K. Technical representatives are available upon request for the Emergency Operations Center.
L. Contracted emergency assistance to provide supplies, equipment and manpower as part of an emergency plan.
M. Installation of underground systems where feasible, cost effective or otherwise appropriate.

Terrorist Activity: General information regarding terrorist activity and the definition is available in the hazard identification index.

A. Each hospital has developed coordinated procedures to handle infectious diseases and each hospital has an infectious disease coordinator.
B. Training has been conducted with all area responders and agencies regarding terrorist activity and potential biological hazards or other hazards, such as bombings.
C. The Health Department, in conjunction with Emergency Management, area medical providers and others, has developed a bio-terrorism plan.
D. The Health Department is in constant contact with state and federal agencies regarding biological and disease threats.
E. The Cooperative Extension Service has conducted training for government agencies and the public regarding foot and mouth disease and the procedures that have been developed to prevent an outbreak, and procedures that have been developed if an outbreak is detected.
F. State laboratories have increased efforts to more quickly identify such threats or hazards.
G. Law enforcement has received additional training and awareness regarding terrorist activity with increased coordination between local, state and federal law enforcement to exchange information.
H. Response agencies have received additional training regarding terrorist potential.
J. The public has been kept informed.
K. Local response procedures have been developed for suspicious packages and or mail.
L. Additional procedures and efforts have been made regarding mass casualty incidents that may result from a terrorist act.
M. Increased levels of security or additional security measures have been put into place at many government facilities (i.e., security guards at Hall of Justice, barricades at Sheriff's Department main entrance).

Thunderstorms: General information regarding thunderstorms and the definition is available in the hazard identification index.
Also see the vulnerability assessment for thunderstorms.

A. Close contact is maintained by telephone with the National Weather Service (NWS)
B. Fictitious County Communications has the capability to monitor by radar, storms approaching the county, as well as the potential intensity of the storms.
C. NWS issues watches and warnings to the public and government agencies.
D. Public education continues to take place regarding watches and warnings
E. Weather alert radios have been placed in each school and day center as well as many government agencies.
F. Access to and considerable cooperation from local broadcast media to warn the public of the potential for severe thunderstorms.
G. When necessary the Emergency Action System (EAS) can be activated at the local level by appropriate officials.
H. Power and or utility restoration plans and mitigation efforts are in place with the various electric utilities.
I. Debris clearance, as required can be requested from various agencies, including NC DOT.

Tornados: General information regarding tornados and the definition is available in the hazard identification index.
Also see the vulnerability assessment for tornados.

A. Close contact is maintained by telephone with the National Weather Service (NWS)
B. Fictitious County Communications has the capability to monitor by radar, storms approaching the county, as well as the potential intensity of the storms.
C. NWS issues watches and warnings to the public and government agencies.
D. Public education continues to take place regarding watches and warnings.
E. Weather alert radios have been placed in each school and day center as well as many government agencies.
F. Access to and considerable cooperation from local broadcast media to warn the public of the potential for severe storms.
G. When necessary the Emergency Action System (EAS) can be activated at the local level by appropriate officials.
H. Power and or utility restoration plans and mitigation efforts are in place with the various electric utilities.
I. Debris clearance, as required can be requested from various agencies, including NC DOT.
J. Numerous "courtesy" inspections and recommendations regarding tornado shelters have been conducted at area businesses.
K. Backup warning systems exist from call down lists, to reverse 911. As many calls as possible are made prior to the entry of the storm system in the county as an additional warning method.
L. If necessary or appropriate fire department sirens can be sounded as an additional warning method to the public.
M. Broadcasts are made via all emergency radio frequencies to all emergency services agencies regarding watches and warnings.
N. Shelter agreements are in place via Red Cross to provide shelter operations.

Waste  or Waste water spills: General information regarding waste and or waste water spills and the definition is available in the hazard identification index.

A. State water quality standards exist and are applied to local waste water facilities. Facilities are permitted by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. State and federal inspections are conducted.
B. Rigid standards for sampling of water and tests are in place and followed.
C. Containment areas are regularly inspected and as necessary repaired.
D. Gates to facilities are locked or otherwise secured to restrict access.
E. Full redundancy of all raw water and waste water station pumps.
F. Generator capability at lift stations in the event of a power failure.
G. Generators are on line at all water and waste water plants in event of power failure.

Winter Storms: General information regarding winter storms and the definition is available in the hazard identification index.
Also see the vulnerability assessment for winter storms.

A. Close contact is maintained by telephone with the National Weather Service (NWS).
B. Fictitious County Communications has the capability to monitor, by radar, storms approaching the county, as well as the potential intensity of the storms. Numerous other weather monitoring stations are available to the communications center and the emergency operations center.
C. NWS issues watches and warnings to the public and government agencies.
D. Public education continues to take place regarding watches and warnings
E. Weather alert radios have been placed in each school and day center as well as many government agencies.
F. Access to and considerable cooperation from local broadcast media to warn the public of the potential for severe storms.
G. When necessary the Emergency Action System (EAS) can be activated at the local level by appropriate officials.
H. Power and or utility restoration plans and mitigation efforts are in place with the various electric utilities.
I. Debris clearance, as required can be requested from various agencies, including NC DOT. Pre-determined routes for clearance are in place.
J. Snow and ice removal methods are in place by the municipalities and NC DOT.
K. Backup warning systems exist from call down lists, to reverse 911. As many calls as possible are made prior to the entry of the storm system in the county as an additional warning method.
L. If necessary or appropriate fire department sirens can be sounded as an additional warning method to the public.
M. Broadcasts are made via all emergency radio frequencies to all emergency services agencies regarding watches and warnings.
N. Shelter agreements are in place via Red Cross to provide shelter operations.