HomeMy WebLinkAboutR-2005-011 City of Yakima Emergency Response / Hazards Mitigation PlanRESOLUTION NO. R-2005- 11
A RESOLUTION adopting the 2003 Yakima County Comprehensive
Emergency Management Program and the 2004
Yakima County Multi -Jurisdictional Hazards
Mitigation Plan as the Official Emergency
Response/Hazards Mitigation Plan for the City of
Yakima.
WHEREAS, the 2003 Yakima County Comprehensive Emergency
Management Program meets state requirements for an emergency
management program, and the 2004 Yakima County Multi -Jurisdictional
Hazards Mitigation Plan meets the Federal Emergency Management
Agency requirements for compliance with the Disaster Mitigation Act of
2000 (44 CFR 201.6); and
WHEREAS, the Yakima County Comprehensive Emergency
Management Program (CEMP) and other supporting documents and
plans, including the flood response plan; Columbia Generating Station;
hazardous materials, fixed and transportation; weapons of mass
destruction/terrorism; USBR dams; foreign animal disease of livestock;
and bio -terrorism, provide a basis for coordinating emergency operations
throughout every level of government in the Yakima Valley;
WHEREAS, the CEMP is required per RCW 38.52.070; and
WHEREAS, keeping the Yakima County Comprehensive
Emergency Management Program and the Yakima County Multi -
Jurisdictional Hazards Mitigation Plan up to date is timely and provides
the umbrella needed to continue with active participation in both State
and Federal programs; and
WHEREAS, it is concluded that the adoption of both the
Comprehensive Emergency Management Program and the 2004 Yakima
County Multi -Jurisdictional Hazards Mitigation Plan is necessary and in
the public interest;
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
YAKIMA:
That the 2003 Yakima County Comprehensive Emergency
Management Program and the 2004 Yakima County Multi -Jurisdictional
Hazards Mitigation Plan are hereby adopted as the official emergency
response/hazards mitigation plan for the City of Yakima, provided,
however, that neither document shall be deemed to constitute a
component or element of the Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan,
an official control, or a development regulation, nor shall either document
have any mandatory or advisory effect on the future physical
development of the City of Yakima or the City of Yakima Urban Growth
Area, unless and until formally adopted by the City of Yakima for such
purpose.
ADOPTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL this 18th day of January,
2005.
Paul P. George, Mayor
ATTEST:
City Clerk
Yakima County
Comprehensive Emergency Management Program (CEMP)
Executive Summary
Legal Requirements
RCW 38.52 directs each political subdivision in the State of Washington to establish a
local emergency management organisation or to be part of a joint local organization. It
further requires that each recognized organization have a plan.
WAC 118-30 contains the administrative rules pertaining to local emergency
management, including the requirement that the local emergency management
organisation be established by ordinance or resolution. The WAC also requires that local
jurisdictions maintain a current plan of operations based on an analysis of local hazards.
Overview
The CEMP describes basic strategies, assumptions and mechanisms through which
departments/agencies within government jurisdictions will mobilize resources and
conduct activities to guide and support local emergency management efforts through
response and recovery. To facilitate effective intergovernmental operations, this plan
adopts a functional approach that groups the type of assistance to be provided under
Emergency Support Functions. These functions serve as the primary mechanism through
which assistance is managed in an effective area.
CEMP provides for an orderly means to prevent or minimise (mitigation strategies),
prepare for, respond to and recover from emergencies or disasters that threaten life,
property, economy, and the environment within Yakima County boundaries by:
Identifying major natural and technological hazard threats to life, property,
economy, and/or the environment that are known or thought to exist.
Assigning emergency management responsibilities and tasks.
Describing predetermined actions (responsibilities, tasks) to be taken by
department/agencies, cities and towns, and other cooperating organizations and
institutions, to eliminate or mitigate the effects of these threats and to respond
effectively and recover from an emergency or disaster.
Providing for effective assignment and utilization of government employees.
Documenting the current capabilities and existing resources of
departments/agencies, cities and towns, and other cooperating organizations and
institutions which must be maintained to enable accomplishment of those
predetermined actions.
Providing for the continuity of government during and after an emergency or
disaster.
Rnhanne ennrPratinn (miitnal aid aureementc and memnranrdnmc of
understanding) and coordination with cooperating community agencies,
neighboring jurisdictions, state and federal agencies.
Providing for an emergency planning team comprised of representatives from all
departments as identified and utilized through this plan development for:
continuing review and revision of the plan; exercise planning and evaluation;
reviewing and offering recommendations on emergency management initiatives.
r— r�1n—coovs..0rz.'.'r my
lei CflJ'ca.r3iig 1; La
Emergency aVC
Management Program (CEMP) is to provide government, associated
agencies and volunteer organizations guidance for the following:
Mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery policy and procedures.
Disaster and emergency responsibilities.
Emergency management training and public education activities.
The CEMP is strategic and "responsibility oriented", and addresses:
Coordinated county -wide evacuation, shelter, and post -disaster response and
recovery.
Rapid deployment and pre -deployment of resources.
Communication and warning systems.
Annual exercises to determine the ability to respond to emergencies.
Clearly defined responsibilities for departments/agencies, cities and towns,
associated agencies and volunteer organizations through a "functional" approach
to planning and operations.
Yakima County
Comprehensive Emergency Management Program
(CEMP)
Table of Contents
Letter of Promulgation
Forward
Acknowledgments
Record of Changes
Record of Changes Form
How To Use This Plan
Basic Program (Plan)
This plan describes the basic strategies, assumptions and mechanisms
through which the jurisdictions (government and private) within Yakima
County will mobilize resources and conduct activities to guide and support local
emergency management efforts.
Elements include:
I. Mission
II. Organization and Responsibilities
III. Concept of Operations
IV. Administration and Logistics
V. Direction and Control
VI. Attachments
A. Responsibilities--Primary/Support--Matrices
Figure 1--CEMP Emergency Support Function Planning Responsibility Matrix
B. Agreement for Mutual Aid for Emergencies or Disasters in Yakima County
C. Glossary of Terms, Abbreviations and Acronyms, References
Section I: Continuity of Operations (COOP)
COOP planning and program is an effort to assure the continuance of
essential local jurisdiction functions during emergencies and disasters.
COOP aims to ensure that critical daily "business" functions and emer-
gency function responsibilities are maintained
Elements include:
A. Purpose
B. Background
C. Objectives
D. Planning Considerations
E. Elements of a Viable COOP Capability
F. COOP Implementation
G. Responsibilities
Section 2: Mitigation
Mitigation efforts include activities that will prevent or reduce the impact of
emergency/disaster results on people, property and environment Efforts include
building codes, land use planning, training and education, structural and non-structural
safety measures. Federal policies require a formal mitigation program implementation
plan any time an area is subject of a Presidential Disaster Declaration and federal
disaster monies are received.
Elements include:
7 Emergency Services IkAeasures
2. Public Information
3. Preventative/Property Protection
4. Environmental Protection
5. Pre- and Post -Disaster Mitigation Measures
6. Preventative
Section 3: Preparedness
Preparedness is an "insurance policy" against disasters. It is undertaken because
)mitigation activities rannnt eliminate the occurrence of all events. Preparedness is
planning how to respond should an emergency or disaster occur, and working to
increase local resources and their ability to respond effectively. Preparedness activities
include planning to ensure the most effective, efficient response; efforts to minimize
damages, such as forecasting and warning systems; and laying the groundwork for
response operations, such as stockpiling supplies.
Elements include:
A. General
B. Policies
C. General Preparedness Activities
D. Terrorism Preparedness Activities
E. Training
F. Exercises
G. Public Awareness and Education
H. Planning
Tabs:
Emergency Support Functions (ESFs)
Transportation ESF 1
Telecommunications/Warning ESF 2
Public Works/Engineering ESF 3
Firefighting ESF 4
Information Analysis/Planning ESF 5
Mass Care ESF 6
Resource Support ESF 7
Health/Medical ESF 8
Search and Rescue ESF 9
Hazardous Materials ESF 10
Food and Water ESF 11
Energy ESF 12
Military Support to Civil Authorities ESF 20
Recovery SF 21 (Addressed as CEMP, Section 5)
Law Enforcement ESF 22
Damage Assessment ESF 23
Evacuation/Movement ESF 24
Animal Response ESF 25
Section 4: Response
During an emergency event or disaster, various responders must suddenly work in a
coordinated fashion to maximize the results of their efforts. No one agency, city, town or
special district can afford to maintain the personnel and equipment levels necessary to
handle an earthquake, flood, etc. These entities must work together.
Elements include:
A. General
B. Policy
C. General Response Functions
D. Purpose of CEMS
E. Organizational Levels
F. CEMS Emergency Functions (EFs)
G. Mutual Aid
Section 5: Recovery
Recovery is designed to identify those actions that local jurisdictions must take to
support themselves and to coordinate emergency recovery activities at the conclusion of
the response activities. Recovery provides local jurisdiction emergency management
personnel with operational guidance in order to effectively manage recovery activities in
the aftermath of an emergency or disaster.
Elements include:
Emergency Support Function (ESF) 21, Recovery
Reentry Operations
Recovery Management
Rebuilding and Reconstruction
Public Agency Recovery
Business Recovery
Section 6: Special Subjects
Identifies plans that require specific response criteria as determined by Local, Federal
and/or State regulations.
Elements include:
A. Flood Response Plan (TBD)
B. Columbia Generating Station (CGS)
C. Hazardous Materials—Fixed and Transportation
D. Weapons of Mass Destruction/Terrorism
E. USBR Dams
F. Foreign Animal Disease of Livestock (TBD)
G. BioTerrorism (Health District)
Strategic
Hazard
Identification
Community
Assessment
(HULA)
Yakima County Emergency Management Program Elements
Comprehensive
Emergency
Management
Program
(CEMVIP)
54 Hazards
Impact to:
People,
Property,
Economy,
Environment
Empowers
through:
-► Operational
Multi -
Jurisdictional
Hazards
Mitigation
Plan
Implementation —
Authorities and
Regulations
To define:
Roles and
Responsibilities
For
Mitigation,
Preparedness,
Response,
Recovery
Community
Emergency
Management
System
(CEMS)
Qperations
Field
Local EOC
Operational Area EOC
Goals,
Functions,
Projects/
Activities
Standards
for
Response
—► Tactical
/ Hazard
Specific
Coordination
Mutual Aid
Agreement
Flood
Landslide
Wildfire
Severe Winter
Storm
Wind Storm
Earthquake
Volcanic Eruption
H[azMat
Hazard
Specific
Flood
HazlVIat
Fire
Weather
Energy
Terrorism
Mass Fatalities
CGS
Jurisdiction
Emergency
Operations
Plans
(EOP)
54 Hazards
Impact to:
People,
Property,
Economy,
Environment
Empowers
through:
-► Operational
Multi -
Jurisdictional
Hazards
Mitigation
Plan
Implementation —
Authorities and
Regulations
To define:
Roles and
Responsibilities
For
Mitigation,
Preparedness,
Response,
Recovery
Community
Emergency
Management
System
(CEMS)
Qperations
Field
Local EOC
Operational Area EOC
Goals,
Functions,
Projects/
Activities
Standards
for
Response
—► Tactical
/ Hazard
Specific
Coordination
Mutual Aid
Agreement
Flood
Landslide
Wildfire
Severe Winter
Storm
Wind Storm
Earthquake
Volcanic Eruption
H[azMat
Hazard
Specific
Flood
HazlVIat
Fire
Weather
Energy
Terrorism
Mass Fatalities
CGS
Local Mitigation
Planning Requirements
Of the Disaster Mitigation
Act of 2000
§201.6 of the Interim Final Regulation
Local Mitigation Plan is the hazard mitigation plan
required of a local or Indian tribal government acting
as a subgrantee as a condition of receiving a project
subgrant under the IJMGP as outlined in
44 CFR 201.6.
Subgrantee means the government or other legal entity
to which a subgrant is awarded and which is
accountable to the grantee for the use of the funds
provided. Subgrantees can be a State agency, local
government, private non-profit organizations, or
Indian tribal government as outlined in Sec.
206.433. Indian tribal governments acting as a
subgrantee are accountable to the State grantee.
Plan requirement. (1) For all disasters declared on or
after November 1, 2003, local and tribal government
applicants for subgrants, must have an approved local
mitigation plan in accordance with 44 CFR 201.6
prior to receipt of HMGP subgrant funding. Until
November 1, 2003, local mitigation plans may be
developed concurrent with the implementation of
subgrants
Sec. 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. Local plans will also serve as the basis for the
State to provide technical assistance and to prioritize
project funding.
(a) Plan requirement.
(1) For disasters declared after November 1,
2003, a local government must have a
mitigation plan approved pursuant to this
section in order to receive HMGP project
grants. Until November 1, 2003, local
mitigation plans may be developed
concurrent with the implementation of the
project grant.
(2) Regional Directors may grant an exception to
the plan requirement in extraordinary
circumstances, such as in a small and
impoverished community, when justification
is provided. In these cases, a plan will be
completed within 12 months of the award of
the project grant. If a plan is not provided
within this timeframe, the project grant will
be terminated, and any costs incurred after
notice of grant's termination will not be
reimbursed by FEMA.
(3) Multi jurisdictional plans (e.g. watershed
plans) may be accepted, as appropriate, as
long as each jurisdiction participates in the
process, answers all the questions and has
officially adopted the plan. State-wide plans
will not be accepted as multi jurisdictional
plans.
(b) Planning process. An open public
involvement process is essential to the
development of an effective plan. In order to
develop a more comprehensive approach to
reducing the effects of natural disasters, the
planning process shall include:
(1) An opportunity for the public to comment on
the plan during the drafting stage and prior
to plan approval;
(2) An opportunity for neighboring
communities, local and regional agencies
involved in hazard mitigation activities, and
agencies that have the authority to regulate
development, as well as businesses,
academia and other private and non-profit
interests to be involved in the planning
process; and
(3) Review and incorporation, if appropriate, of
existing plans, studies, reports, and technical
information.
(c) Plan content. The plan shall include the
following:
(1) Documentation of the planning process used
to develop the plan, including how it was
prepared, who was involved in the process,
and how the public was involved.
(2) A risk assessment that provides the factual
basis for activities proposed in the strategy
to reduce losses from identified hazards.
Local risk assessments must provide
sufficient information to enable the
jurisdiction to identify and prioritize
appropriate mitigation actions to reduce
losses from identified hazards. The risk
assessment shall include:
A description of the type, location, and
extent of all natural hazards that can
affect the jurisdiction. The plan shall
include information on previous
occurrences of hazard events and on the
probability of future hazard events.
(ii) A description of the jurisdiction's
vulnerability to the hazards described in
paragraph (c)(2)(i) of this section. This
description shall include an overall
summary of each hazard and its impact
on the community. The plan should
describe vulnerability in terms of:
(i)
(A) The types and numbers of
existing and future buildings,
infrastructure, and critical
facilities located in the identified
hazard areas;
(B) An estimate of the potential
dollar losses to vulnerable
structures identified in paragraph
(c)(2)(i)(A) of this section and a
description of the methodology
used to prepare the estimate;
(C) Providing a generaldescription
of land uses and development
trends within the community so
that mitigation options can be
considered in future land use
decisions.
(iii) For multi jurisdictional. plans, the
risk assessment section must assess
each jurisdiction's risks where they
vary from the risks facing the entire
planning area.
(3) A mitigation strategy that provides the
jurisdiction's blueprint for reducing the
potential losses identified in the risk
assessment, based on existing authorities,
:policies, programs and resources, and its
ability to expand on and improve these
existing tools. This section shall include:
(i) A description of mitigation goals to
reduce or avoid long-term
vulnerabilities to the identified
hazards.
(ii) A section that identifies and analyzes
a comprehensive range of specific
mitigation actions and projects being
considered to reduce the effects of
each hazard, with particular emphasis
on new and existing buildings and
infrastructure.
(iii) An action plan describing how the
actions identified in paragraph
(iv) (c)(2)(ii) of this section will be
prioritized, implemented, and
administered by the local
jurisdiction. Prioritization shall
include a special emphasis on the
extent to which benefits are
maximized according to a cost
benefit review of the proposed
projects and their associated costs.
(v) For multi jurisdictional plans, there
must be identifiable action items
specific to the jurisdiction requesting
FEMA approval or credit of the plan.
(4) A plan maintenance process that includes:
(i) A section describing the method and
schedule of monitoring, evaluating,
and updating the mitigation plan
within a five-year cycle.
(ii) A process by which local
governments incorporate the
requirements of the mitigation plan
into other planning mechanisms such
as comprehensive or capital
improvement plans, when
appropriate.
(iii) Discussion on how the community
will continue public participation in
the plan maintenance process.
(5) Documentation that the plan has been
formally adopted by the governing body
of the jurisdiction requesting approval of
the plan (e.g., City Council, County
Commissioner, Tribal Council). For
multi jurisdictional plans, each
jurisdiction requesting approval of the
plan must document that it has been
formally adopted.
(d) Plan review.
(1) Plans must be submitted to the State
Hazard Mitigation Officer for initial
review and coordination. The State will
then send the plan to the appropriate
FEMA Regional Office for formal review
and approval.
(2) The Regional review will be completed
within 45 days after receipt from the
State, whenever possible.
(3) Plans must be reviewed, revised if
appropriate, and resubmitted for approval
within five years in order to continue to
be eligible for HMGP project grant
funding.
YAIQMA COUNTY MULTI -JURISDICTIONAL HAZARDS MITIGATION PLAN
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
RY
The Yakima County Multi -Jurisdictional Hazards Mitigation Plan includes resources and information
to assist countyresidents, public and private sector organizations, and others interested in participating
in planning for natural and technological hazards. The mitigation plan provides a list of activities that
may assist Yakima County in reducing risk and preventing loss from future hazard events. The action
items address multi -hazard issues, as well as activities for flood, landslide, severe winter storm, wind-
storm, wildfire, earthquake, volcanic eruption and hazardous materials.
How IS DIE PLAN ORGANIZED?
The mitigation plan contains a five-year action plan matrix, background on the purpose and method-
ologyused to develop the mitigation plan, a profile of Yakima County, sections on eight natural and techno-
logical that occur within the county, and several appendices. All of the sections are described in detail in
Section 1, the plan introduction.
WHO PARTICIPATED IN DEVELOPING 'nit PLAN?
The Yakima County Multi -Jurisdictional Hazards Mitigation Plan is the result of a collaborative effort
between Yakima County cities/towns, citizens, public agencies, non-profit organizations, and the private
sector. Public participation played a key role in development of goals and action items. Public forums
were held to include Yakima County residents in plan development.
Aproject Steering Committee met on December 11, 2002, to review the DMA200 0 process and provide
guidance in developing the plan.. The Steering Committee was comprised ofrepresentatives from:
- Yakima County Board of County Commissioners
Ron Gamache, County Commissioner
Doug Cochran, Yakima County ChiefAdministrative Officer
- Yakima County Public Works
Vern Redifer, Director and County Engineer
- Yakima County Planning Department
DickAnderwald, Director
-Yakima Valley Office of Emergency Management
Jim Hall, Director, Office of Emergency Management
Charles W. Erwin, Senior ProgramAnalyst, Office of Emergency Management
WHAT IS '1 u PLAN MISSION?
The mission of the Yakima County Multi -Jurisdictional Hazards Mitigation Plan is to promote sound public
policy designed to protect citizens, critical facilities, infrastructure, private property, and the environment
from natural and technological hazards. This can be achieved by increasing public awareness, documenting
the resources for risk reduction and loss -prevention, and identifying activities to guide the county towards
building a safer, more sustainable community.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
PAGE i
YAKIMA COUNTY MuLII-J1UIUSDI€'rIONAL HAZARDS MITIGATION PLAN
'HAT ARE THE PLAN GOALS?
The plan goals describe the overall direction that Yakima County jurisdictions, organizations, and citizens
can take to work toward mitigating risk from natural and technological hazards.
The goals represent stepping -stones between the broad direction of the mission statement and the specific
recommendations outlined in the action items.
IL Protect Life; Property and Public welfare
Implement activities that assist in protecting lives bymakdnghomes, businesses, infrastructure, critical
facilities, and other property more resistant to losses from natural and technological hazards.
Reduce losses and repetitive damages for chronic hazard events while promoting insurance coverage for
catastrophic hazards.
Improve hazard assessment information to make recommendations for discouraging new development and
encouraging preventive measures for existing development in areas vulnerable to natural and technological
hazards.
2. Public Awareness
Develop and implement education and outreach programs to increase public awareness of the
risks associated with natural and technological hazards.
Provide information on tools, partnership opportunities, and funding resources to assist in implementing
mitigation activities.
3. Partnerships and Implementation
Strengthen communication and coordinate participation among and within public agencies, citizens, non-
profit organizations, business, and industry to gain a vest interest in implementation.
Encourage leadership within public and private sector organizations to prioritize and implement local, county,
and regional hazard mitigation activities.
4. Emergency Services
Establish policy to ensure mitigation projects for critical facilities, services, and infrastructure.
Strengthen emergency operations by increasing collaboration and coordination arr,nngpublic agencies, non-
profit organizations, business, and industry.
Coordinate and integrate natural and technological mitigation activities, where appropriate, with emergency
operations plans and procedures.
How ARE nil ACTION ITEMS ORGANIZED?
The action items are a listing of activities in which county agencies, local jurisdictions and citizens
can be engaged to reduce risk. Each action item includes an estimate of the time line for implementation.
Short-term action items (ST) are activities that county agencies, local jurisdictions may implement with
PAGE 11
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
YAKIMA COUNTY MULTI -JURISDICTIONAL HAZARDS MITIGATION PLAN
existing resources and authorities within one to two years.
Long-term action items (LT) may require new or additional resources or authorities, and may take be-
tween one and five years to implement.
MULTI-YEAR ACTION PLAN MAS
The action items are organized within the following matrices, which list the multi -hazard and hazard -specific
action items included in the mitigation plan. The matrix includes the following information for each action
item:
1. Coordinating Organization. The coordinating organization is the public agency with regulatory re-
sponsibility to address natural or technological hazards, or that is willing and able to organize resources, find
appropriate funding, or oversee activity implementation, monitoring, and evaluation. Coordinating organiza-
tions may include local, county, or regional agencies that are capable of or responsible for implementing
activities and programs.
2. Time Line. Action items include both short- and long-term activities. Each action item includes an
estimate of the time line for implementation. Short-term action items (ST) are activities which county and
local jurisdiction agencies are capable of implementing with existing resources and authorities within one to
two years. Long-term action items (LT) may require new or additional resources or authorities, and may
take between one and five years to implement.
3. Ideas for Implementation. Each action item includes ideas for implementation and potential resources,
which may include grant programs or human resources. The matrix includes the page number within the
mitigation plan where this information can be found.
4. Plan Goals Addressed. The plan goals addressed by each action item are included as a way to
monitor and evaluatehowwell the mitigation and evaluate how well the mitigation plan is achieving its goals
once implementation begins. The plan goals are organized into the following five areas:
- Protect Life, Property and Public Welfare
- Public Awareness
- Natural Systems
- Partnerships and Implementation
- Emergency Services
5. Partner Organizations. Partner organizations are listed in Appendix B, of this plan and are agencies or
public/private sector organisations that maybe able to assist in the implementation of action items by provid-
ing relevant resources to the coordinating organization.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
PAGE 111
YAKIMA COUNTY MULTI -JURISDICTIONAL HAZARDS MITIGATION PLAN
How Wri J • .TBE PLAN BE INIPLOCEN's° W, MONITORED, AND EVALUATED?
The Plan Maintenance Section of this document details the formal process that will ensure that the Yakima
County Multi -Jurisdictional Hazards Mitigation Plan remains an active and relevant document. The plan
maintenance process includes a schedule for monitoring and eval»ating the Plan annually and producing a
plan revision every five years.
PLAN ADOPTION
The Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) and participating jurisdictions, e.g. cities, towns and special
districts, will be responsible for adopting the Yakima Co'uL ty Multi-J'uisdictionai Hazards Mitigation Plan.
These governing boards have the authority to promote sound public policy regarding natural and technologi-
cal hazards. Reference Appendix B for a listing of those jurisdictions. TabieB.1 lists those stakeholders
participating in the mitigation plan promulgation. Appendix B further classifies jurisdictions as either Pending
or Participating. Pending indicates those jurisdictions who have not elected to complete data collection.
Participating are those that have provided OEM with completed forms listing mitigation strategies and
actions and will be formally adopting the mitigation plan.
COORDINATING BODY
AYakima Cnnnh T-Ta7arrl Mitiaaatinn Steering Cnmmitteewill he reApansiblefnrennrilinatingimrnlementa-
tion of Plan action items and undertaking the formal review process. The BOCC will assign representatives
from agencies, including, but not limited to, the current Hazard Mitigation Steering Committee.
FACILITATOR
The BOCC and governing bodies representing the cities/towns and special districts will adopt theYakima
County Multi -Jurisdictional Hazards Mitigation Plan, and the Hazard Mitigation Steering Committee will
take responsibility for plan maintenance. The Office of Emergency Management Director, or designee, will
serve as afacilitator to convene meetings of the steering committee, assign tasks such as updating and
presenting the Plan to the members of the committee. Plan implementation and evaluation will be a shared
n: il:ty .......on,_ ..11 VI. U.I Hazard 11 toga u«CS4.....ing/"�U...irdtL.... members. responsibility among all of the r].GtGZLLLLlV11L1}J'GLLLVIl Steering L.V1111u1LLGG 1llGi11VG1 J.
IMPLEMENTATION THROUGH EXISTING PROGRAMS
Yakima County jurisdictions address county -wide planning goals and legislative requirements through its
Comprehensive Land Use Plans, Flood Control Zone District, Critical Areas and Shoreline Programs,
Capital Improvement Plans, and International Building Codes. The Mitigation Plan provides a series of
recommendations that are closely related to the goals and objectives of these existing planning programs.
Yakima County jurisdictions (Reference Appendix B for this listing.) will have the opportunity to implement
recommended mitigation action items through existing programs and procedures. Upon adoption of the
Mitigation Plan, the Office of Emergency Management will assist local municipalities in developing then
hazard mitigation goals and actions by providing the mitigation plan as abaseline of information on the
natural and technological hazards that impact the county.
FORMAL REVIEW PROCESS
The Mitigation Plan will be evaluated on an annual basis to determine the effectiveness of programs, and to
reflect changes in land development or programs that may affect mitigation priorities. The evaluation pro-
cess includes a firm schedule and timeline, and identifies the local agencies organizations participating in plan
evaluation. The facilitator will be responsible for contacting the Hazard iviitigation Steering Committee
PAGE ill
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
YAKThIA COUNTY MULTI -JURISDICTIONAL HAZARDS MITIGATION PLAN
members and organizing the annual meeting. Committee members will be responsible for monitoring and
evaluating the progress of the mitigation strategies in the Plan.
CONTINUED PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT
The Office of Emergency Management is dedicated to involving the public directly in the continual review
and updates of the Mitigation Plan. Copies of the plan will be catalogued and kept at public libraries in the
county. The existence and location ofthese copies will be publicized on the county's website. This site will
also contain an email address and phone number to which people can direct their comments and concerns.
DEVELOPMENT OF MITIGATIONACTIONS
FEMA provides grants (Hazard Mitigation Grant Program) to local jurisdictions to implement
long-term hazard mitigation measures following major disaster declarations. To be eligible, projects
must permanently reduce losses from natural hazards, comply with environmental requirements, be identified
in the local Hazard Mitigation Plan, and be cost-effective. Examples of prof ects that can be funded include:
property acquisition or structure relocation with conversion of land to public open space; elevation -in-place
of flood prone buildings; flood retrofit or seismic rehabilitation of existing buildings; training for architects,
engineers, building officials, and other professionals on implementation of mitigation standards and codes;
and initial implementation of vegetation management programs intended to reduce exposure ofhigh-risk
structures to wildfire hazards. The local government HMGP cost -share is normally 25%.
Hazard mitigation actions can identify a range of structural approaches to lower the costs of future disasters
by meeting the unique needs of the community. Structural mitigation projects could involve modifying the
current "built" environment to decrease the risk to people and property by `retrofitting" structures in existing
neighborhoods. They can also be just the opposite and involve restoring the environment ofhazardous
areas to its original condition by removing vulnerable structures. Two critical mitigation initiatives that impact
all jurisdictions are the Flood Control Zone District funding and the adoption of the International Building
Codes.
Mitigation strategies can also involve non-structural initiatives, such as educational programs to inform the
community about the risk the public and its property face in order to encourage them to purchase insurance
or retrofit their homes. Program can also include developing and enforcing regulations to prevent construc-
tion in hazard areas, or to ensure that development that does occur will be resistant to the hazards threaten-
ing the area.
Yakima County jurisdictions, i.e., cities/towns, special districts—schools, fire and irrigation,
occupy a uniqueness when attempting to follow FEMA guidance in developing mitigation actions.
First, declared disasters under the StaffordAct, which historically have included Yakima County, have been
limited to 100 -year flooding as witnessed in the 1995-1996 floods. Even the most recent Nisgnally Earth-
quake resulted in Yakima County's inclusion in a federal disaster declaration for Individual Assistance only.
The Risk Assessment and hazard map for each participating jurisdiction (Reference Section 3—Risk
Assessment and hazard mapping in Sections 6-13) establishes the jurisdiction's hazard vulnerability. Based
upon these two tools, Yakima County jurisdictions are relatively disaster -free. The exception to this would
be incidents of flooding. Flood mitigation actions, to include funding, are adequately addressed by the
Flood Control Zone District. Jurisdictions rely upon the FCZD for determining flood mitigation actions. An
exception to this are the irrigation districts.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
PAGE V
YAKIMA t COUNTY MULTI -JURISDICTIONAL HAZARDS MITIGATION PLA
Secondly, due to a jurisdictions risk assessment and proximity to identified hazards, the majority ofmitiga-
tion actions involve on-going public awareness and education, as represented by fire and school districts.
Therefore, public education, emphasizing individual responsibility and action, is an important element of a
successful hazard mitigation program. Many of the participating jurisdictions have developed educational
materials and programs that benefit them and the population within their jurisdiction.
PAGE Vi
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
STRUCTURE OF '1711+; PLAN
Each section of the mitigation plan provides information and resources to assist people in understanding
the county and the hazard -related issues facing citizens, businesses, and the environment. Combined, the
sections of the plan work together to create a document that guides the mission to reduce risk and prevent
loss from future hazard events.
The structure of the plan enables people to use a section of interest to them. It also allows county
jurisdictions to review and update sections when new data becomes available. The ability to update
individual sections of the mitigation plan places less of a staffing burden on jurisdictions. Decision -
makers can allocate staff resources to selected pieces in need of review, thereby avoiding a full update,
which can be time-consuming. New data can be easily incorporated, resulting in a hazards mitigation
plan that remains current and relevant to Yakima County jurisdictions
The mitigation plan is organized in three parts. Part 1 contains an executive summary, introduction,
county profile, risk assessment and multi -hazard section. Part 2 contains the eight hazard sections and
Part 3 includes five appendices and two attachments. Each section of the plan is described below.
PART 1: MITIGATION ACTION PLAN
Executive Summary
The Executive Summary provides an overview of the mitigation plan mission, goals,
to reduce risk and prevent loss from future hazard events.
Section 1: Introduction
The Introduction describes the background and purpose of developing the mitigation plan. for Yakima
County.
Section 2: Community Profile
Community Profile presents the history, geography, demographics, and socio -economics of Yakima
County. It serves as a tool to provide an historical perspective of hazards in the county.
Section 3: Risk Assessment
Risk Assessment provides information on hazard identification, vulnerability and risk associated with
hazards in Yakima County.
Section 4: Multi -Hazard Goals and Action Items
Multi -Hazard Goals and Actions Items provides information on the process used to develop goals and
action items that cut across the eight hazards addressed in the mitigation plan.
Section 5: Plan Maintenance
Plan Maintenance provides information on plan implementation, monitoring and evaluation.
PART 2: HAZARD -SPECIFIC INFORMATION
Five chronic hazards and three catastrophic hazards are addressed in this plan. Chronic hazards occur
with some regularity and may be predicted through historic evidence and scientific methods. The chronic
hazards addressed in the plan include:
- Section 6: Flood
- Section 7: Landslide
- Section 8: Wildfire
- Section 9: Severe Winter Storm
- Section 10: Wind Storm
Catastrophic hazards do not occur with the frequency of chronic hazards, but can have devastating
impacts on life, property, and the environment. The three catastrophic hazards presented in the plan are:
- Section 11: Earthquake
Section 12: Volcanic Eruption
- Section 13: Hazardous Materials
Falai of the hazard -specific sections includes information on the history, 1nazaru causes and
characteristics, hazard assessment, goals and action items, and local, state, and national resources.
Jurisdictions identified in Appendix B were invited to submit their mitigation efforts and are included
under each section.
PART 3: RESOURCES
The plan appendices are designed to provide users of the Mitigation Plan with additional information to
assist them in understanding the contents of the mitigation plan, and potential resources to assist them
with implementation.
Appendix A: Plan Resource Directory
This appendix includes county, regional, state, and national resources and programs that may be of
technical and/or financial assistance to Yakima County during plan implementation.
Appendix B: Public Participation Process
This appendix includes specific information on the various public processes used during development of
the plan.
Appendix C: Analysis of Hazard Mitigation Projects and Prioritizing
This appendix describes FEMA's requirements for benefit cost analysis in hazards mitigation, as well as
approaches for conducting economic analysis of proposed mitigation activities. Methodology for
prioritizing mitigation actions is described.
A Y 4.+ A
carri”..11vla AJ. L1.76 Ul Abi VL�'111A
This appendix provides a list of acronyms for county, regional, state, and federal agencies and
organizations that may be referred to within the Mitigation Plan.
Appendix E: Survey of Mitigation Projects and Initiatives
This appendix provides lists of "best practices" compiled from numerous sources, e.g.; state and federal
mitigation guidebooks.
Attachment One
Agreement for Yakima Valley Office of Emergency Management, dated April 3, 1984 and updated on
October 18, 2000.
Attachment Two
Section Two Mitigation, Comprehensive Emergency Management Program (CEMP). This section
of the CEMP describes the strategy for county -wide mitigation efforts. The Yakima County Multi -
Jurisdictional Hazards Mitigation Plan becomes an extension of Section Two.
ITEM TITLE:
BUSINESS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
YAKIMA, WASHINGTON
AGENDA STATEMENT
Item No.
For Meeting of January 18, 2005
Resolution adopting the 2003 Yakima County Comprehensive
Emergency Management Program and the 2004 Yakima County
Multi -Jurisdictional Hazards Mitigation Plan
SUBMITTED BY:
Chief Sam Granato, Chief of Yakima Police Department
Chief Dennis Mayo, Chief of Yakima Fire Department
Joe Caruso, Supervising Code Inspector
CONTACT PERSON/TELEPHONE: Joe Caruso, Supervising Code Inspector
(509) 575-6257
SUMMARY EXPLANATION:
The 2003 Yakima County Comprehensive Emergency Management Program
meets state requirements for an emergency management program, and the 2004
Yakima County Multi -Jurisdictional Hazards Mitigation Plan meets the Federal
Emergency Management Agency requirements for compliance with the Disaster
Mitigation Act of 2000 (44 CFR 201.6).
The Yakima County Comprehensive Emergency Management Program (CEMP)
and other supporting documents and plans, including the flood response plan;
Columbia Generating Station; hazardous materials, fixed and transportation;
weapons of mass destruction/terrorism, USBR dams; foreign animal disease of
livestock; and bio -terrorism, provide a basis for coordinating emergency operations
throughout every level of government in the Yakima Valley. The CEMP is required
per RCW 38.52.070 and provides a current framework for all hazards reduction in
the community.
Resolution X Ordinance Other (Specify)
Contract Mail to (name and address):
Phone:
Funding Source
APPROVED FOR SUBMITTAL:
City Manager
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Adopt Resolution.
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION:
COUNCIL ACTION:
Resolution adopted. RESOLUTION NO. R-2005-11