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CITY OF OKEECHOBEE
COMPREHENSIVE EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT PLAN
(CEMP)
(Revised 2023)
CITY OF OKEECHOBEE
COMPREHENSIVE EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT PLAN 2023
TABLE OF CONTENTS
I. INTRODUCTION
II. SITUATION
III. AUTHORITIES AND REFERENCES
IV. ORGANIZATION
INSERT- CITY ORGANIZATIONAL CHART
V. CONCEPT OF OPERATIONS
VI. EXECUTION
VII. RESPONSIBILITIES
VIII. ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
IX. AGREEMENTS AND UNDERSTANDINGS
INSERTS
EMERGENCY SUPPLIES PURCHASES
AGREEMENTS RIGHT-OF-ENTRY AGREEMENT FORM
X. CONCURRENCE AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
XI. HURRICANE ANNEX
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CITY OF OKEECHOBEE
COMPREHENSIVE EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT PLAN 2023
I. INTRODUCTION
A. Purpose
1. To minimize loss of life, suffering and property damage resulting from any natural or
peacetime emergency other than nuclear attack. Provide every means of service to
the citizens of the City for rapid, orderly recovery from such disaster through maximum
use of local resources, available assistance from Okeechobee County and adjacent
counties or the State and Federal assistance, financial, or otherwise.
B. Scope
1. Natural disasters or peacetime emergencies can occur anywhere and at any time with
little or no warning. This Plan assigns responsibilities and establishes policies and
procedures for the City, with assistance from Okeechobee County and volunteer
agencies. These policies and procedures will provide effective coordination and
emergency operations before, during, and after natural or peacetime emergencies
other than nuclear attack.
II. SITUATION
A. Hazard Analysis
1 . Tropical storms threaten the City from June through November with the possibility of
a fully developed hurricane. Abnormally high water is associated with tropical storms
or hurricanes as they approach or cross Lake Okeechobee and could pose a threat.
Consideration must be given to low-lying areas and the possibility of flooding.
2. Tornadoes, funnel clouds, and severe weather threaten and occur throughout the
year. These phenomena subject the City to violent winds, abnormal hail, flooding,
pressure differential, and thunderstorms.
3. Florida East Coast Railway and Amtrak passes directly through the center of the City
of Okeechobee running East to West. This poses the possibility of train
derailments/disasters at any time.
4. Accidents involving hazardous materials threaten the City daily.
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B. Demographics
1. Permanent resident population of the City 5,347 as of 2021. Since the City is the
commercial hub of Okeechobee County, it is common to see week-day populations
more than double. Okeechobee County has a permanent resident population of
40,266 as of 2021 which can double during the tourist season.
2. Upon the order of evacuation by the Okeechobee County Emergency Management
Director, the evacuation would route directly through the City.
III. AUTHORITIES AND REFERENCES
A. Local
1. Ordinances, Code of Ordinances, City Council and the Chief of Police.
2. Ordinances, Code of Ordinances, Sheriff, Emergency Management Director (EMD),
the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) of Okeechobee County, Florida
3. American Red Cross Disaster Manual, Okeechobee County Local Mitigation Strategy
B. State
1. Governor's Executive Order, "Emergency Management" (current).
IV. ORGANIZATION
A. Normal Operation
1. The departments of the City are in daily operation.
B. Emergency Operation
1. As outlined in the organizational diagram — Upon determination of activating the
Emergency Operations Center, the Police and Public Works become directly
responsible to the City Administrator and the City Council. The organization of each
department may change to facilitate the performance of emergency functions.
Pursuant to F.S. Chapter 252.38 the City emergency operations will coincide with the
Okeechobee County Emergency Operations Center and Okeechobee County's
Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan 2022.
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CITY ORGANIZATIONAL CHART UNDER EMERGENCY
OPERATIONS
City Council
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City
Administrator
_ J
General
Public Works Goverment City Clerk
General
Services
Finance
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V. CONCEPT OF OPERATIONS
A. The governing body of the City will react upon notification by Okeechobee County that a
State of Emergency has been declared to exist within the boundaries of its political
jurisdiction, which Okeechobee County will report to the State immediately.
B. Operational Phases will be used to simplify and expedite required actions.
1. Phase I — Pre-emergency or preparatory activities
2. Phase II — Immediate emergency functions
3. Phase III — Post-emergency recovery or clean-up
C. Establishment of a Phase is automatic and is determined by the type and/or status of the
disaster.
D. During emergency operations, the City of Okeechobee maintains direct contact with
Okeechobee County Emergency Operations Center via landline (primary) or radio
(secondary). During emergency conditions, records are maintained by this office using
Situation Reports. The Okeechobee County Emergency Operations Center provides
coordination of all reports which are submitted to the South Florida Are Coordinator in
Tallahassee.
E. All requests for State assistance are coordinated through Okeechobee County.
F. The Okeechobee County Chapter, American Red Cross has primary responsibility for
rendering emergency assistance to individuals and families during natural disasters, in
accordance with the provisions of its Federal Charter.
VI. EXECUTION
A. In the event of a threatened or actual peacetime emergency involving the City:
'I . The City Administrator (or his/her authorized representative) will establish his/her command
post for the City through the Okeechobee County Emergency Operations Center and will
serve as coordinating agency for emergency operations and public information center, in
coordination with Okeechobee County and American Red Cross. The City Administrator shall
issue such emergency directions as he/she deems necessary, which shall remain in effect
until the City Administrator determines otherwise.
2. Those City departments performing essential functions will be required to remain on duty or
return to duty during the period of extended emergencies continuing or occurring past normal
duty hours.
3. Those City departments including those with functions declared nonessential to emergency
operations, will secure their facilities, records and equipment against possible loss or damage,
and take such action as is necessary to ensure the safety of assigned personnel.
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VII. RESPONSIBILITIES
A. General
1. Peacetime emergency assistance which may be granted to state and local
government by federal agencies may be provided under either or both of two
conditions:
a. Limited assistance under the authority of the particular agency in the absence of a
major disaster declaration by the President.
b. The disaster assistance prescribed by Public Law 93-288, as amended by Public
Law 100-707, pursuant to declaration of a major disaster by the President.
2. Peacetime emergency assistance furnished by any of the several federal agencies to
eligible applicants is an after-the-fact action, which may be in the form of a grant in
aid, low interest loans, matching funds or goods in kind. Immediate disaster assistance
may be rendered by the American Red Cross, military installations, volunteer disaster
organizations, and state agencies with emergency capabilities as required and/or
requested.
3. The responsibilities of federal, state and local agencies and the requirements of
conditions of eligibility of state and local governments requesting federal financial
assistance are set forth in the following publications:
a. Florida Statutes (Chapter 215 and Chapter 252).
b. Handbook for Disaster Assistance from the Florida Division of Emergency
Management.
4. The Governor will declare by Executive Order or Proclamation, a disaster emergency
if he/she finds a disaster has occurred or that the occurrence or the threat thereof is
imminent. By authority of Florida Statutes, Chapter 252, he/she can direct the state or
local government agency to utilize its available workforce, equipment, supplies,
facilities and any resources required to alleviate the effects of the disaster. Subject to
any applicable requirements for compensation under Chapter 252 the Governor may
commandeer or utilize any private property if he/she finds this necessary to cope with
a disaster emergency. Assistance furnished by the State to the City will be requested
through Okeechobee County and coordinated by the Regional Emergency
Management Coordination Team (region 6).
5. The Okeechobee County Administrator will coordinate requests from the City for
assistance from State and Federal Agencies through the State Division of Emergency
Management and shall advise the Chairperson, Board of County Commissioners to
order Emergency Management forces to the aid of the City when required in
accordance with the statutes of the State. These requests will be made only when
local resources are fully committed and inadequate to cope with the situation or a
particular capability is required that is not otherwise available.
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VIII. ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
A. INCREASED READINESS PROCEDURES
1. Specific procedures determined by the threatening disaster and the period of
advanced warning are contained in various exhibits to this Plan. Specific
department/division actions are outlined in the respective exhibits.
B. ACTIVATION OF THE EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER
1. The decision to activate the Emergency Operations Center is made by the City Chief
of Police or his/her designee. The state of emergency shall remain in effect until the
City Chief of Police or designer deems otherwise.
C. RECORDS PRESERVATION AND RESTORATION
1 . Each department is responsible for the protection and preservation of their records so
that normal operations may continue after the disaster. If deemed necessary records
will be moved to alternate locations for protection.
2. Preservation of vital records should be determined by the City Clerk as the Records
Management Liaison Officer to the State and procedures defined for the protection
and salvage of such records.
D. FUNDING AND ACCOUNTING
1. It is essential that accurate accounts be maintained.
2. Financial reimbursement will be approved only if proper accounting "out of pocket"
expenses is documented; this should include all workforce, supplies and equipment
costs over and above normal operating expenses. Accounting should begin the minute
preparation for a disaster begins.
3. Proper accounting and submissions of reports, expenditures and accounting are found
in Public Law 93-288 (Damage Assessment and Expenditure Reporting Annex of this
Plan) and should be filed in accordance with this law.
4. Should a disaster strike, the City will appoint a "Disaster Expense Coordinator:
responsible for collecting and recording all data concerning the expenses resulting
from the disaster and/or disaster operation. This "Disaster Expense Coordinator" shall
standardly be the Director of Finance.
E. RECORDS AND REPORTS
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Y
1. The importance of promptly notifying the County Emergency Management Division of
any actual or threatened peacetime emergency cannot be over-emphasized. A
peacetime emergency exists when life and property are threatened and the situation
requires coordinated action by more than one governmental and/or volunteer agency,
state or local. Reports fall into two (2) categories:
a. Alert to Probable Disaster should include information as to type of disaster, such
as tornado funnel clouds, waterspout, other weather phenomena, major fire,
hazardous materials, etc., time of initial report, probable area(s) to be affected,
severity (as soon as determined), source of warning data and local actions, if any,
being taken.
b. Notice of Sudden Disaster should include information as to type of disaster,
geographical areas affected, and when known, casualties; killed, injured and
hospitalized, injured not hospitalized, damage to public property, damage to
private property and the total of both.
2. Disaster reports are classified as FLASH, DAILY AND FINAL. The City will relay
information consistent with their responsibility to the County Division of Emergency
Management as soon as it is known.
3. Damage survey reports are to be completed immediately following a disaster to
determine the extent of loss of life and property. The Public Assistance Coordinator
coordinates the scheduling of the damage survey inspection teams and assists in the
revies of completed damage survey reports (DSRs).
IX. AGREEMENTS AND UNDERSTANDINGS
A. Agreements entered into between the City of Okeechobee and Okeechobee County are
contained hereto.
1. Agreements/hold harmless documents between the City of Okeechobee and any
other agencies are contained hereto.
X. HURRICANE ANNEX
A. Operational Phases
1. Phase 1
a. Definition: This phase would be pre-disaster preparation.
b. This phase would become effective upon notification of a hurricane watch/warning
via the Okeechobee County Emergency management operations center. Time
factors would vary depending on the conditions of the storm.
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c. The City Administrator will call for an immediate meeting with staff once a hurricane
warning is in effect, to discuss any immediate concerns and to announce and
declare the activation of the emergency operation center.
d. Each department is responsible for ensuring their work areas, vehicles and
equipment. Each department is responsible for having access to up-to-date
emergency contact numbers of personnel.
e. Employee families planning to be at the City's shelter (Public Safety Building) are
to bring enough food and personal effects (blankets, pillows, toiletries, etc.) for
themselves for five (5) days.
f. Each department should refer to the department's emergency plan for specific
requirements to assist with preparation.
2. 72 HOURS
a. The Director of Emergency Management of the designee will be on standby.
b. Check all equipment and vehicles to ensure working order and make necessary
repairs.
c. Take inventory of equipment, assuring all in working order, parts/batteries needed
are stocked, etc. this would include assuring plenty of oil/fuels needed.
d. Assure all employees will have adequate rain/protective gear.
e. Patrol streets and work areas, remove possible hazards.
f. Clear streets and areas of trash/debris/etc.
g. Verify available personnel and place on standby. Advise personnel to listen to local
radio stations for information on reporting to work.
h. If conditions warrant, initiate evacuation of critical areas.
i. Shelter to be confirmed for families of City employees required to work during
hurricane.
j. Special Needs notification and confirmation of need.
k. Damage Assessment team members notified — Okeechobee County Damage
Assessment Team Director notified of confirmed team members.
I. Initiate personnel logs specifically of storm operations
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3. 48 HOURS
a. Personnel required to work during the storm to be released to secure their home,
property, and families.
b. Notify off-duty personnel to secure their homes and prepare to report for work at
the 24-hour warning.
c. Confirm availability of resources with agencies.
d. Inspect Public Safety Building for specific needs.
4. 36 HOURS
a. Gas up all vehicles and equipment.
b. Secure all work areas, including offices.
c. Pick up additional equipment at rental agencies.
d. Food and water for employees to be picked up and delivered to Police Department,
Public Safety Building and City Hall.
5. 30 HOURS
a. Fill all available water coolers.
b. Final preparations for Public Safety Building.
c. Test run all emergency generators.
d. Check records to be moved from City Hall location, if deemed necessary, or
covered with protective covering.
e. Pick up supplies (Vis queen, plywood, batteries, etc.).
6. 18 - 24 HOURS
a. Employees who are required to work during storms are to report for work. All Police
and Public Works employees to be working during storm are to bring personal
effects/toiletries, change of clothes, bedding, etc.
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b. Work areas to be secured and resources ready for response.
c. Public Safety Building opens for occupants — employee's families.
d. City Clerk to copy over all press releases initiated through the County Emergency
Operations Center (CEOC).
e. City designated representation to report to Okeechobee County Emergency
Operations Center.
f. City Hall to be secured.
7. 10 — 12 HOURS
a. Personnel assigned to work during the storm are to be their assigned workstation.
8. PHASE II
a. THIS PHASE WOULD BE IMMEDIATE EMERGENCY FUNCTIONS AND
WOULD COMMENCE AT ONSET OF STORM.
b. ALL PHASE I DUTIES SHOULD BE COMPLETED BY THIS TIME.
c. Only emergency actions necessary to prevent injury, loss of life, or damage to
property will be undertaken during Phase II.
d. The Public Works and Police Departments are responsible for the organization,
administration, and direction of emergency activities during disasters, subject only
to the City Administrator.
e. Direction of actions will be through the Okeechobee County Emergency
Operations Center as designated by the City Administrator or his/her designee.
9. PHASE III
a. DEFINITION: THIS PHASE WOULD BE POST-DISASTER RECOVERY.
b. After the storm has passed, personnel report to pre-determine locations. Each
Department is responsible for determining their personnel response locations.
c. Evacuated areas to be secured. Okeechobee County Fire Department personnel,
along with the Police Department and Public Works, will enter damaged areas to
perform search, rescue operations, and clear the area of hazards.
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d. Okeechobee County Damage assessment team members to report to pre-
determined location, gather information and submit initial damage estimates.
Department Heads to notify and assist assessment team with awareness of
damage. (See Damage Assessment and Expenditure Reporting Annex). Primary
streets to be cleared of debris. Search and rescue are ongoing in all areas. Press
releases will be distributed to the media by the CEOC and will be broadcast as
available.
e. Debris removal will be organized under the direction of Okeechobee County.
B. DEPARTMENT RESPONSILBITIES
THE FOLLOWING ARE ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES EITHER ACCEPTED BY
OR ASSIGNED TO THE DEPARTMENTS INDICATED, WHICH ARE APPLICABLE
DURING NATURAL DISASTERS.
ALL DEPARTMENTS WILL RESUME NORMAL WORK SCHEDULES FOLLOWING A
DISASTER. DEPARTMENTS HEADS WILL BE REPONSIBLE TO ENSURE THAT
ALL PERSONNEL ARE ACCOUNTED FOR AND AVAILABLE FOR DUTY. ALL
DEPARTMENTS WILL PROVIDE WORKFORCE AND/OR EQUIPMENT AND
SUPPLIES AS REQUIRED AND AVAILABLE IN SUPPORT OF RECOVERY
EFFORTS.
1. CITY COUNCIL
a. Declare State of Emergency and appoint Chief of Police as the City's Emergency
Management Official.
2. CITY ADMINISTRATOR
a. Declare activation of Emergency Operations Center
b. Appoint representative to report to Okeechobee County Emergency Operations
Center— Phase I
c. Determine alternate location for City operations if City Hall facility is damaged.
d. Determine time frame for placing employees on standby.
e. Consideration of videos of City facilities and properties, as well as overall City.
(This would be helpful in the damage assessment process).
f. Make a determination about his/her employees as to when and how to report to
work.
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3. PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR ROLE
a. Work with emergency response officials to establish zones for evacuation in the
City, determining which areas would be priority should be coordinated with the
Police Department.
b. PRE-PHASE I
1) Maintain plans, arrangements, and agreements for debris removal, monitoring
and disposal in case of emergency. This is done via Piggyback agreement with
BOCC,
2) Maintain listings, drawings, photos, etc. of City facilities. This would be
necessary in the damage assessment process.
3) Maintain updated listing of personnel who will report for work as soon as
disaster has passed to assist with clean up. Schedule needed personnel in
shifts to provide 24-hour operations, where necessary. Suggest 12-hour shifts
be used — PRE-PHASE I.
4) Determine whether personnel will need to be notified, i.e., local radio station,
or will they report for work following the disaster. Determine location for
personnel to report. Ensure all employees are briefed on requirements to return
to work. Determine whether adequate workforce will be available, if not, an
agreement for temporary workforce needs to be established.
5) Establish a stand-by crew to work during disaster. Assure all work time is
recorded accurately. Determine what location these personnel will remain on
standby — (Public Safety Building).
6) Resource lists — maintain listing of available, operable equipment (chainsaws,
power tools, generators, tractors, etc.). Determine whether additional
equipment will be necessary, if so, ascertain agreements with agencies
guaranteeing availability of equipment in the event of a disaster— PRE-PHASE
I.
7) Maintain listing of heavy equipment available, as well as equipment operators.
Determine whether additional operators and equipment will be necessary. If so
determined, agreements/listings to be established with contractors who will be
available to assist the City. This would include a list of volunteered heavy
equipment for possible utilization in recovery operations — PRE-PHASE I.
8) Advise Okeechobee Country Emergency Management Director and American
Red Cross of the suitability of buildings for hurricane shelter use, including any
possible flooding problems — PHASE I.
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9) Advise Police Department of roads suitable for evacuation routes — PHASE I.
10)Coordinate with Police Department flow of traffic for evacuation — PHASE I.
11)Assure City buildings and property have had precautionary measures taken —
PHASE I.
12)Ensure all storm information and briefings are disseminated too, in order to
apprise their employees of the situation and responsibilities.
13)Report to the Emergency Operations Center upon notification.
14)Responsible for aiding and assisting the Police Department in expediting traffic
to shelter and ensuring evacuation routes remain open. Personnel and vehicles
can be drawn from other departments for workforce and equipment pools. —
PHASE I.
15)Public Works Director to ensure updated listing of Damage Survey Team
Members is maintained. Public Works Director is Team Chief for damage
survey action following storm.
16)Secure necessary maps and material required for fulfilling responsibilities
during Emergency Operations Center activation.
17)Ensure a list of areas that may suffer initial damage from rain, flooding, high
winds, etc. This list should be included in the Emergency Preparedness Plan.
18)Establish and follow a priority list in debris removal to open traffic routes —
PHASE III.
19)County Fire and Rescue and City Police Department will assist with designation
of priority clean up areas.
20)Coordinate work crews to clear City roadways and remove debris. Maintain up
to date list of crews for preparation before disaster and clean up after— PHASE
III.
21)Determine method of debris removal and disposal.
22)Maintain accurate records of all workforces, equipment and financial resources
used in debris removal — PHASE I and PHASE Ill — Finance Director to assist
with record keeping.
23)Request State assistance through Okeechobee County Emergency
Management. The Public Works Director has overall responsibility for the
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damage assessment team (SEE DAMAGE ASSESSMENT AND
EXPENDITURE REPORTING ANNEX) — PHASE III.
24)The Public Works Director has direction of cleanup operation after the disaster.
This operation would include personnel from others. The Public Works Director
would direct the operation with the assistance of the Program Coordinator —
PHASE III.
25)Make arrangements for the storage of unclaimed salvageable property.
26)Assist Police Department in ensuring evacuation routes remain open by
providing workforce and equipment by providing traffic control devices and
personnel.
27)Pick up additional equipment needed, as agreed upon, at rental agencies.
28)Establish emergency standby crews — establish standby location.
29)Tie down or otherwise secure traffic control devices and street signs to
minimize damage during storm. Remove unsecured street sings or any signs
which could become hazardous.
30)Ascertain agreement for portable toilets — arrange for delivery at appropriate
time.
31)Assist with securing City facilities and transportation of City records to an
alternate location, if necessary.
32)Cleanup operation after disaster.
4. FINANCE DEPARTMENT
a. The Finance Director is the "Disaster Expense Coordinator"for the City. It is his/her
responsibility to ensure accurate records are kept for all expenses incurred in
preparation for, during and after a disaster.
b. Maintain and have available insurance information necessary for damage
assessment reporting.
c. Secure clerical staffing for assistance with Damage Assessment Reporting.
d. Establish recordkeeping plan for disaster records (payroll, rentals, equipment,
purchases, etc.).
5. CITY CLERK
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a. It is the responsibility of the City Clerk to assure all City documents and records
are adequately and properly protected in the event of a disaster.
b. Secure clerical staffing for assistance with Damage Assessment Reporting
immediately following the storm.
c. Declaration of Emergency and Coordinate a Special Council Meeting.
d. Determine whether moving City records to an alternate location is necessary.
e. Post to Social Media operations.
6. MECHANIC
a. Place standby emergency generators in operational readiness. Fuel will be needed
during and after the storm.
b. Assign mechanic to remain on duty during a disaster for emergency vehicles and
generators.
c. Have fuel tanks full to maximum.
d. Assure stock (tires, parts, etc.) for department vehicles.
7. POLICE DEPARTMENT
a. Establish safe routes for mass evacuation based on location of areas to be
evacuated and withing evacuation routes for Okeechobee County, as outlined in
the Okeechobee County Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan (CEMP).
b. Assist in severe weather information system and report all tornado sightings to the
County emergency operations center immediately.
c. Assume and maintain a command post at the scene of any localized disaster in
areas of responsibility.
d. Upon notification of evacuation order, will station guides and/or erect visible traffic
control markers as required to expedite evacuation traffic to shelters and
evacuation routes. Vehicles equipped with sirens and public address units will be
utilized in warning the public of evacuation orders.
e. Assist Okeechobee County Sheriffs Department with coordination of
highway/railroad bridge operations during early phases of evacuation.
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f. Will coordinate the flow of evacuees and direct those evacuees to proper routes to
maintain traffic flow, in conjunction with the Okeechobee County Sheriffs
Department.
g. Assist in identification of extent of damages in cooperation with the Okeechobee
County Impact Assessment Team.
C. EVACUATION
1. INTRODUCTION
a. To establish planning procedures to be utilized by the City, in conjunction with
Okeechobee County Emergency Management to prepare for the rapid and timely
movement of residents from City and County areas that may require evacuation.
The objective of the annex is to provide the necessary data and guidelines to
evacuate residents to places of safety.
2. CONCEPT OF OPERATIONS
a. By authority of Florida Statutes, Chapter 252, the Governor may direct and compel
the evacuation of all or part of the population from any stricken or threatened area
within the State if he/she deems the action necessary for the preservation of life or
other disaster mitigation, response or recovery.
b. By authority of Florida Statutes, Chapter 252 and supporting Executive Orders, the
Chairman, Board of County Commissioners maintains the authority to direct and
compel evacuation of critical areas as deemed necessary, in the absence of the
Governor's order.
c. Method of evacuation liaison between:
1) City of Okeechobee Police Department
2) Okeechobee County Sheriffs Department
3) Okeechobee County Fire and Rescue Department
4) Emergency Medical Services
d. Transportation will be primarily by private vehicle. Emergency transportation for
residents with disabilities or residents with special needs will be coordinated
through the home health care agencies that service Okeechobee and will be
arranged for the indicating the need on the registration form provided by
Emergency Management.
e. Evacuation of waterways and marine interests will be under the control of the
Officer-in-Charge, Okeechobee County Search and Rescue and is designated as
the on-scene commander for the purpose of implementing and coordinating
emergency procedures for movement of boat traffic. The Sheriff or the designee
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will be responsible for coordination of highway and railroad bridge operations
during the early phases of an evacuation. This coordination will be to support
assumed mass traffic flow prior to an evacuation order. The City Police Department
will provide assistance with this procedure when needed.
XI. DAMAGE ASSESSMENT AND EXPENDITURE REPORTING
A. AUTHORITIES
1. FEDERAL
a. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, PL 100-707
b. Code of Federal Regulations, Title 44, Part 206
2. STATE
a. Florida Statutes, Chapter 252
b. Executive Order Number (current), "Disaster Preparedness"
3. LOCAL
a. Okeechobee County Resolution Number 76-84
b. City of Okeechobee
B. GENERAL
1 . Response to a peacetime disaster will be based on the assessment of personal and
property losses and on the reports of action to alleviate the situations and
expenditures required for that effort.
2. The response is progressive. Actions will be taken at the County level with State and
Federal involvement, as necessary. Effective responses require timely and accurate
information. Initial reports are the necessary basis for the Governor's decision to
declare a state of emergency and to request a Presidential emergency or a major
disaster declaration. These reports also form the basis for determining specific types
and extent of assistance needed in the disaster area.
3. The scope of damage assessment requirements and the need for timely data make it
unrealistic for a State team to attempt a comprehensive assessment of the entire
disaster area. Therefore, damage assessments will come from the Okeechobee
County Damage Assessment Team.
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4. State damage assessment efforts will normally be restricted to verification of the
County reports, except in special cases requiring specific assistance to local damage
assessment teams.
C. DEFINITIONS
1 . Emergencies refer to occurrences out of the ordinary which require immediate
response actions on the part of one or more agencies.
2. Disaster refers to occurrences that reflect wide-spread destruction and distress to the
extent where it may tax local capabilities.
D. CONCEPT OF OPERATIONS
1. The City will make an initial assessment of damage to its jurisdiction following the
disaster. Okeechobee County will activate damage assessment teams. The team will
be comprised of previously designated and trained individuals who will collect data
regarding types and severity of damages for use in determining appropriate action for
County and State evaluation. The City will file required reports with the County to
coordinate damage assessments. Care must be exercised to ensure non-duplication
of data. The consolidated County Report will be submitted to the State Division of
Emergency Management through the assigned Area Coordinator.
E. TASKS
1. Damage Assessment
a. Planning and Preparation
1) The City will establish command operations pursuant to F.S. Chapter 252.38
and it will submit periodic status reports of activities, provide damage
assessment estimates and coordinate all requests for State and Federal
assistance with the CEOC.
F. DIRECTION AND CONTROL
1. Direction and control of Damage Assessment rests with the Public Works Director.
Expenditure Reporting rests with the Finance Director.
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CITY OF OKEECHOBEE
DECLARATION ENDING STATE
OF LOCAL EMERGENCY
WHEREAS, on , a State of Emergency was declared based upon potential
harm to the populace and damages which might be caused by Hurricane
within the City of Okeechobee, Florida; and
WHEREAS, after careful consideration of the aftermath of Hurricane and
the welfare of the City of Okeechobee, it has been determined that the State of Local Emergency
need not extend beyond _
NOW THEREFORE, in accordance with the authority invested in me by the City Council of
the City of Okeechobee, County of Okeechobee, Florida, I hereby declare that the State of Local
Emergency officially instituted by me on shall be ended effective
DONE this day of_ at (EDT).
City of Okeechobee, Florida
MAYOR
CITY OF OKEECHOBEE, FLORIDA
CHIEF OF POLICE
CITY OF OKEECHOBEE, FLORIDA
WITNESSES:
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CITY OF OKEECHOBEE
DECLARATION OF LOCAL EMERGENCY
WHEREAS, Hurricane is approaching the Southeast coast of
Florida; and
WHEREAS, the National Hurricane Center has predicted a strong likelihood that such
hurricane may directly strike the area in which the City of Okeechobee is located; and
WHEREAS, since Hurricane is a direct threat to the City of
Okeechobee, it may result in substantial injury or harm to the population of the City of
Okeechobee and substantial damage to or loss of property; and
WHEREAS, Ordinance of the Okeechobee County code of Laws and Ordinances
and State of Florida Statutes, Chapter 252 provides that the Director of the Department of Public
Safety may invoke local emergency powers as set forth in the ordinance and perform such
functions as provided by laws and regulations of the City of 8:
and of the State of Florida.
NOW THEREFORE, in accordance with the authority invested in me by the City Council of
the City of Okeechobee, Count of Okeechobee, Florida its ordinances and the laws of the State,
of Florida, I hereby declare a Local emergency to exist in the City of Okeechobee, Florida.
This declaration shall remain in effect until the City Administrator determines otherwise or for a
period of seven (7) days, whichever comes first, unless extended pursuant to the provisions of
law.
MAYOR
CITY OF OKEECHOBEE, FLORIDA
CHIEF OF POLICE
CITY OF OKEECHOBEE, FLORIDA
WITNESSES:
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RECOVERY INTRODUCTION
The Federal Response Plan identifies eighteen (18) groups to assist with all realms of recovery.
The personnel and resources involved in emergency response operations will be grouped into
ESFs. Each ESF will be headed by a primary agency which has been selected based on its
authorities, resources and capabilities in that functional area. Other agencies have been
designated as support agencies for one or more ESFs, based on their resources and capabilities
to support the ESF. The designated primary agency(ies) will be responsible for coordinating the
activities of each respective ESF. Each ESF will provide resources using its primary and support
agency authorities and capabilities, in coordination with other ESFs, to support its missions.
ESFs will allocate resources based on priorities and needs identified in conjunction with the
County Administrator and the Okeechobee Emergency Response Team (OERT). In cases
where a conflict of priorities develops because of more than one ESF needing the same
resource, the affected ESFs will work with the OERT to resolve the conflict.
The City of Okeechobee has designed its recovery in conjunction with the Okeechobee County
Emergency Management Recovery Plan. All the Emergency Support Functions will be
coordinated through OERT. The following is a list of these groups:
ESF #1 Transportation
ESF #2 Communications
ESF #3 Public Works and Engineering
ESF #4 Firefighting
ESF #5 Emergency Management
ESF #6 Mass Care
ESF #7 Resource Management
ESF #8 Health and Medical
ESF #9 Search and Rescue
ESF #10 Hazardous Materials and Environmental Protection
ESF #11 Food & Water
ESF #12 Energy
ESF #13 Military Support
ESF #14 External Affairs
ESF #15 Volunteers and Donations
ESF #16 Law Enforcement and Security
ESF #17 Animal and Agricultural Issues
ESF #18 Business, Industry and Economic Stabilization
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EMERGENCY SUPPORT FUNCTION GROUP #1
TRANSPORTATION UNIT
The ESF 1 Transportation Unit is responsible for coordinating City wide transportation support
to local government and voluntary organizations. This will be coordinated with Okeechobee
County (EOC-MT) and includes, but is not limited to:
• Overall coordination of transportation assistance to other emergency support functions,
local government, and voluntary agencies requiring transportation capacity to perform
emergency response missions.
• Prioritization and/or allocation of all government transportation resources.
• Processing all transportation requests from county, municipal, and voluntary agencies.
• Operational coordination of ground, air, rail, and marine traffic.
• Providing situational awareness of roadway conditions.
• Coordinates repairs needed to road infrastructure in accordance with State and Federal
specifications.
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EMERGENCY SUPPORT FUNCTION GROUP #2
COMMUNICATIONS UNIT
The ESF 2/Communications Unit is responsible for the provision and coordination of all
communications support to other emergency support functions within the City emergency
response team and agencies as required. Support includes, but is not limited to:
• Coordination of local participation in the federal Telecommunications Service Priority
(TSP) System procedures.
• Provision of communications equipment and capability including telephone, radio, and
data.
• Identification of communications facilities and resources available for use.
• Coordination of operation, installation, and restoration of commercial communications
services.
• Coordination, acquisition, and deployment of additional resources, equipment, and
personnel to establish point to point communications as required.
• Prioritization and coordination of restoration activities with public utility communications
providers.
• Review a priority phone restoration plan with phone companies.
• Determine phone bank needs and develop a plan for phone answering points to alleviate
the overload in 9-1-1 dispatch centers.
• Provide bilingual communication for public recovery information.
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EMERGENCY SUPPORT FUNCTION GROUP #3
PUBLIC WORKS UNIT
The ESF 3/Public Works Unit is responsible for providing technical advice and evaluations,
engineering services, construction management and inspection, emergency contracting,
facilities management, emergency road and debris clearance, emergency traffic signalization,
flood control and solid waste facilities. Support includes, but is not limited to:
• Management of the emergency preparation of government infrastructure and facilities.
• Emergency clearance of debris for reconnaissance of the damaged areas and passage
of emergency personnel, supplies, and equipment for lifesaving, life-protecting, health,
and safety purposes during the immediate response phase.
• Clearing, repairing, or construction of designated damaged emergency access routes
necessary for the transportation of rescue personnel and supplies. These routes include
streets, roads, bridges, airports, and any other designated transportation facilities.
• Emergency restoration of critical public services and facilities including the drainage
systems. Florida Power and Light and Glades Electric will be responsible for restoring
power losses throughout the county within their own jurisdictions. Okeechobee Utility
Authority will be responsible for restoring water and sewerage losses throughout the
community. Telecommunications will be responsible for restoring the loss of telephone
communications throughout the county.
• Emergency demolition or stabilization of damaged structures and facilities designated by
state or local government as immediate hazards to public health and safety, or as
necessary to facilitate the accomplishment of life-saving operations.
• Technical assistance and damage assessment.
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EMERGENCY SUPPORT FUNCTION GROUP #4
FIREFIGHTING
The ESF 4/Firefighting Unit is responsible for managing and coordinating local fire services
operations, and the coordination of personnel, equipment, and resources to support other
emergency support functions in hazard mitigation and search and rescue operations. This is all
done through the Okeechobee Fire Department. Support includes, but is not limited to:
• Detection and suppression of fires.
• Mobilization of personnel, equipment, and supplies to support fire services, search and
rescue, and prevention operations.
• Coordination of mutual aid through the Florida Fire Chiefs Association as warranted.
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EMERGENCY SUPPORT FUNCTION GROUP #5
DIVISION OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
The ESF 5 Emergency Management Unit is responsible for collecting, processing, and
disseminating information to facilitate emergency response efforts and the preparation of special
operations plans. Support includes, but is not limited to:
• Coordination of Incident Management and response efforts.
• Issuance of mission assignments.
• Incident Action Planning.
• Collection, processing, and dissemination of essential elements of information for use by
response operations and provision of input for reports, briefings, displays, and plans.
• Consolidation of information into reports and other materials which describe and
document the overall response activities and keep the CEOC and other emergency
support functions apprised of overall operations.
• The maintenance of displays of pertinent information for use in briefings.
• Support of the operation of the Emergency Management Information System (EMIS).
• Research of technical information.
• Collection and management of information from all sources.
• Preliminary damage and impact assessment statements.
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EMERGENCY SUPPORT FUNCTION GROUP #6
MASS CARE
The ESF 6 Mass Care is responsible for coordinating efforts to provide sheltering, feeding, and
emergency relief, and for coordinating bulk distribution of supplies to victims. Support includes,
but is not limited to:
• Establish and operate mass care and coordinate special need shelters.
• Coordinate relief efforts with any and all volunteer organizations actively engaged in
providing assistance.
• Establish and administer a system to provide casualty information and shelter registration
lists to human service agencies.
• Establish mass feeding facilities.
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EMERGENCY SUPPORT FUNCTION GROUP #7
RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
The ESF 7 Resources Unit is responsible for providing logistical management and resource
support to all emergency support functions in response and recovery efforts to include
emergency relief supplies, facilities, equipment, office supplies, contracting services, and all
other resources which may be required. Support includes, but is not limited to:
• Maintain inventories of resources available locally;
• Identify the location and identification of necessary logistical support and resources.
• Establish and administer depot and distribution facilities.
• Coordinate state and federal resources.
• Negotiate contracts for support of emergency actions.
• Provide requested resources to all other emergency support functions and other agencies
and governments active in emergency response.
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EMERGENCY SUPPORT FUNCTION GROUP #8
HEALTH AND MEDICAL
The ESF 8 Health & Medical Unit is responsible for providing supplemental assistance in
identifying and meeting the general health and welfare of victims of a major emergency or
disaster, and for the provision of emergency first aid and pre-hospital emergency medical
services to the affected population. Support includes, but is not limited to:
• Assessment of general health and medical needs of the affected population.
• Surveillance and monitoring of conditions which could impact general health.
• Evaluation of food, drug, or medical safety.
• Assessment of worker health and safety.
• Identification of biological, chemical, or radiological physiological hazards.
• Evaluation of the mental health of victims.
• Implementation of vector controls.
• Advise on portability of water sources and the disposition of solid waste and wastewater.
• Victim identification and mortuary services.
• Provision of emergency public health information.
• Provision of pre-hospital and hospital emergency medical care.
• Identification, coordination, and mobilization of medical equipment, supplies, and
personnel.
Special Needs - responsible for the coordination of local resources in the registration, sheltering,
and care of people with special needs before, during, and after a significant emergency. Support
includes, but is not limited to:
• Coordination and support of the registration of people with special needs.
• Overall management of the special needs program.
• Coordination of transportation of people with specials needs.
• Identification of facilities and resources available for sheltering and care of people with
special needs.
• Coordination of staffing of special needs shelters.
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EMERGENCY SUPPORT FUNCTION GROUP #9
SEARCH AND RESCUE UNIT
The ESF 9 Search & Rescue Unit is responsible for conducting urban search and rescue
operations, including locating, extricating, and providing disaster medical treatment for victims.
Support includes, but is not limited to:
• Mobilization and management of search and rescue teams.
• Initiation of a search for victims throughout the impacted area.
• Strategic command and control of emergency rescue teams.
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EMERGENCY SUPPORT FUNCTION GROUP #10
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS UNIT
The ESF 10 Hazardous Materials Unit is responsible for providing a coordinated response to
major releases or spills of hazardous materials. Support includes, but is not limited to:
• Detection and identification of hazardous materials discharges.
• Coordination of initial incident command at the scene of a release.
• Support of protective action decisions by field command.
• Coordination of the overall containment and cleanup.
• Provision of equipment, personnel, and technical assistance.
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EMERGENCY SUPPORT FUNCTION GROUP #11
FOOD & WATER UNIT
The E.SF 11/Food & Water Unit is responsible for identifying, securing, and arranging the
transportation of food assistance to the affected areas. Support includes, but is not limited to:
• Maintain an inventory of warehoused food products/quantities and identification of
sources to obtain additional supplies.
• Coordination of warehouse space for storage of food supplies.
• Coordination of transportation of food supplies to designated distribution or mass feeding
sites.
• Preparation and segregation of food stuffs for mass bulk distribution.
• Coordination of the issuance of emergency food stamps and vouchers.
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EMERGENCY SUPPORT FUNCTION GROUP #12
ENERGY UNIT
The ESF 12 Energy Unit is responsible for the coordination, prioritization, and restoration of
public utilities and services to include emergency water and wastewater, flood control,
emergency power, fuel and gas. Support includes, but is not limited to:
• Assessing system damages and requirements to restore such systems.
• Emergency preparation and restoration of portable water, temporary restoration of water
and wastewater, and provision of water for firefighting.
• Prioritize restoration of services.
• Coordinate public utility equipment and personnel as required.
• Provide guidance for utility information and conservation.
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EMERGENCY SUPPORT FUNCTION GROUP #13
MILITARY SUPPORT UNIT
The ESF 13 Military Support Unit is responsible for the coordination of both State and Federal
military support to local governments. Support includes, but is not limited to:
• Coordination of military Rapid Impact Assessment Teams.
• Overall management and prioritization of military support.
• Processing mission requests for military assistance from other emergency support
functions.
• Direct coordination with the Defense Coordinating Officer concerning disaster relief.
Provide and maintain maps and listing of City facilities and properties.
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EMERGENCY SUPPORT FUNCTION GROUP #14
PUBLIC INFORMATION UNIT
The ESF 14 Public Information Unit is responsible for the coordination and dissemination of
emergency public information to the public, either directly through the various forms of news
media or through the Community Information Center (CIC). The Lead Agency for ESF 14 is the
Okeechobee County Administration. Support agencies include United Way 211, Okeechobee
County Sheriffs Office, Okeechobee School District and Raulerson Hospital.
The purpose of this Emergency Support Function (ESF) / NIMS Unit is to establish a mechanism
that efficiently provides and disseminates vital information to the public in the event or threat of
a major or catastrophic emergency. This ESF works within the Okeechobee County NIMS/EOC
Structure and will be a part of the command staff that reports directly to the incident commander.
The scope of information that will be provided to the public before, during, and after an
emergency includes, but is not limited to the following:
• Specific protective actions to be taken in response to an emergency threat.
• The status of emergency conditions and operations within the affected area(s).
• Availability of shelter and emergency services.
• Measures to be taken for public health and welfare.
• Information concerning specific emergencies, their associated threats, and protective
actions to the news media and general public.
• Identification of a central point of contact that will allow the news media and general public
to access information.
• Format for managing and staffing public information telephone lines before, during, and
after a disaster.
• Public information concerning needed volunteer goods and services.
• Pre-scripted public service announcements as issued throughout the year by FEMA,
Florida DEM, ARC, and other agencies concerned with getting needed emergency
information to the public.
• The Public Information procedures, including those for Joint Information Centers (JICs)
and the Joint Information System shall remain flexible and can expand and contract as
the situation warrants.
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EMERGENCY SUPPORT FUNCTION GROUP #15
VOLUNTEER & DONATIONS UNIT
The ESF 15/Volunteers & Donations Unit is responsible for the overall management and
coordination of volunteers and donated goods. Support includes, but is not limited to:
• Receipt and management of donations to the disaster relief effort.
• Screening, evaluation, and assignment or referral of volunteers.
• Operation of reception facilities for donations and volunteers.
• Coordination of distribution of donated goods.
9 Provision of support for unassigned or affiliated volunteers.
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EMERGENCY SUPPORT FUNCTION GROUP #16
LAW ENFORCEMENT UNIT
The purpose of this Emergency Support Function (ESF) is to establish procedures for the
command, control, and coordination of county, municipal, and state law enforcement personnel
and equipment to support emergency and disaster response operations. The ESF-16 Law
Enforcement and Intelligence Unit also establishes procedures for the use of the Florida National
Guard (FNG) in support of security missions and other law enforcement agency activities. These
procedures will support the implementation of actions as outlined in the Florida Mutual Aid Plan
for law enforcement pursuant to Chapter 23.1231, the Florida Mutual Aid Act.
The ESF 16/Law Enforcement Unit is responsible for coordinating all law enforcement response
and recovery actions. Support includes, but is not limited to:
• Coordination of resource requests from law enforcement agencies.
• Coordination and consolidation of information from law enforcement agencies.
• Provision of general statuses of law enforcement agencies.
• Coordination of the implementation of the Florida Law Enforcement Plan.
• Providing a system for the receipt and dissemination of information, data and directives
pertaining to law enforcement and intelligence activities.
• The scope of the ESF-16 Law Enforcement and Intelligence Unit is to coordinate the
overall activities of the City's law enforcement agency with state and federal governments
as well as the County's Emergency Operations Center (EOC).
• During the preparedness phase, primary and support agencies will develop internal alert
rosters, checklists, inventory lists, contractor or supplier lists, maps, forms, diagrams, and
other items that are needed in the response or recovery mode.
• During, or following a disaster, calls for law enforcement service may be similar to those
during day-to-day operations. As expected, there will be a dramatic increase in call
volume. There may be an increase in certain types of calls for services not typically
requested during normal operations. Search and rescue operations and anti-looting
operations, for instance, could increase following a disaster. All agencies will utilize the
Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) from the jurisdiction to which they are supplying
mutual aid.
The Okeechobee County Sheriffs Office will continue communications with all law enforcement
personnel in Okeechobee County. The Okeechobee County Sheriffs Office, City Police
Department and the Okeechobee County Fire Rescue will continue to dispatch from the
consolidated communications center in Okeechobee.
In order to expand their communications capabilities, the scheduled work hours of dispatchers
will be adjusted, off duty personnel will be required to report to work.
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The Okeechobee County Sheriffs Office and the Okeechobee Police Department will maintaln
ongoing communications and coordination during normal times through unified command.
The Okeechobee County Sheriff's Office will maintain the ESF-16 Law Enforcement and
Intelligence Unit position in the Okeechobee County EOC when it is activated. The ESF-16 Law
Enforcement and Intelligence Unit will coordinate with all other law enforcement agencies in the
support agency list,
via their liaisons within the Okeechobee County EOC.
The ESF-16 Law Enforcement and Intelligence Unit will give guidance to establish priorities for,
and otherwise direct the Okeechobee County Sheriffs Office Communications Center's
activities.
The ESF-16 Law Enforcement and Intelligence Unit will communicate and coordinate with the
Okeechobee Police Department via commercial telephone, fax, cellular phone, or radio.
The ESF-16 Law Enforcement and Intelligence Unit will conduct briefings as needed for mutual
aid law enforcement serving in the jurisdiction of Okeechobee County, and the city of
Okeechobee.
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EMERGENCY SUPPORT FUNCTION GROUP #17
ANIMAL AND AGRICULTURAL SERVICE UNIT
The ESF 17/Animal Services Unit is responsible for the coordination of local resources in
response to pet, farm, and wild animal care needs before, during, and after a significant
emergency. Support includes, but is not limited to:
• Assessment of animal needs.
• Overall management of animal care services.
• Coordination of support of pet, farm, and wild animal needs.
• Identification of local facilities and resources available for animal concerns.
• Coordination of animal care volunteers.
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EMERGENCY SUPPORT FUNCTION GROUP #18
BUSINESS, INDUSTRY AND ECONOMIC STABILIZATION UNIT
The ESF 18/ Business, Industry and Economic Stabilization Unit is responsible for the
coordination of local business within Okeechobee County. It is essential for these businesses to
begin operations to return a sense of normalcy to the community.
• Coordination and support of the local businesses reopening.
• Coordinate business access for damage assessment activities, securing property, and
recovery functions.
• Maintain inventory of available lodging rooms within the County, prior to and after an
emergency.
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