HomeMy WebLinkAbout3606RESOLUTION NO. 3 6 0 6
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
AUBURN, WASHINGTON, APPROVING THE AMENDED
REGIONAL DISASTER PLAN FOR EMERGENCY
ASSISTANCE FOR PUBLIC AND PRIVATE
ORGANIZATIONS IN KING COUNTY, WASHINGTON
WHEREAS, among the municipal responsibilities of the City of Auburn are those
involving police and fire services; and
WHEREAS, adjunct to those responsibilities is the need to respond more
comprehensively in the event of an emergency; and
WHEREAS, it is also important and appropriate for the City to coordinate with
neighboring agencies and jurisdictions in the case of a regional emergency; and
WHEREAS, on December 2, 2002, the Auburn City Council adopted Resolution
No. 3553 authorizing the
Emergency Assistance for
Washington; and
City's participation in the Regional Disaster Plan for
Public and Private Organizations in King County,
WHEREAS, the Regional Disaster Plan partners amended the Omnibus Legal
and Financial Agreement (Article XVIII) and recommend that the participating agencies
approve the revised Omnibus.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AUBURN,
WASHINGTON, HEREBY RESOLVES as follows:
Section 1. The City of Auburn's participation in the Regional Disaster Plan for
Public and Private Organizations in King County, Washington, is approved, and the
Resolution No. 3606
April 24, 2003
Page 1
Mayor of the City of Auburn is hereby authorized to execute appropriate agreements
and documents, including but not limited to the 2002 Signatory Document Sheet
(a!tached and denominated as Exhibit "A"), in furtherance of such participation.
Section 2. The Mayor is further authorized to implement such administrative
procedures as may be necessary to carry out the directives of this legislation.
Section 3. This resolution shall be in full force and effect upon passage and
signatures thereon.
DATED and SIGNED this ~"~'/' day of t'-~'~.~.z~/ ,2003.
CITY OF AUBURN
PETER B. LEWIS
MAYOR
ATTEST:
Dan~lle E. Daskam
City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Daniel B. Heid,
City Attorney
Resolution No. 3606
April 24, 2003
Page 2
Regional Disaster Plan for Public and Private Organizations in King County
2003 Signatory Documentation Sheet
In January 2002 the Regional Disaster Plan for Public and Private Orqanizations in King County,
Washinqton, consisting of five core documents, was sent out for adoption and signature. This
voluntary plan is intended for participating organizations, within King County, to assist each other in
disaster situations when their response capabilities have been overloaded.
For 2003, three new Emergency Support Function (ESFs) documents are completed and ready for
adoption and inclusion to the Plan. They are as follows: · Appendix 2: Public Information
· Appendix 6: Training & Exercises
· ESF-2: Telecommunications &Warning
This "2003 Signatory Documentation Sheet" is requested because there was one change to the
legal document, the Omnibus Legal and Financial Agreement (specifically Article XVIII), from the
2002 Open Comment Period. Participating organizations are requested to approve and adopt,
through signature to this form, the revised Omnibus. New partners are also requested to use this
signatory sheet.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Subscribing Organization hereto has caused this Regional
Disaster Plan for Emergency Assistance to be executed by duly authorized representatives
as of the date of their signature:
ORGANIZATION:
ADDRESS:
CITY OF AUBURN
25 WEST MAIN STREET
AUBURN WA 98001
(253) 931-3041
PHONE #:
~y 5, 2003
DATE:
A~IZED-StGNATURE:
Peter B. Lewis, Mayor
03/24/03
Regional Disaster Plan for Public and Private Organizations in King County, Washington
OMNIBUS LEGAL AND FINANCIAL AGREEMENT
for Organizations Participating in the Regional Disaster Plan
for Public and Private Organizations in King County
This OMNIBUS AGREEEMENT is made and entered into by certain public and
private organizations to enable them to provide Emergency Assistance to each other
during times of emergency or disaster.
WHEREAS, the Subscribing Organizations have expressed a mutual interest
in the establishment of an Omnibus Agreement to facilitate and encourage
Emergency Assistance among participants; and
WHEREAS, in the event of an emergency a Subscribing Organization who
has executed this Omnibus Agreement may need Emergency Assistance in the form
of supplemental personnel, equipment, materials or other support; and
WHEREAS, each Subscribing Organization may own and maintain
equipment, stocks materials and employs trained personnel for a variety of services
and is willing, under certain conditions, to lend its supplies, equipment and services
to other Subscribing Organizations in the event of an emergency; and
WHEREAS, the proximity of the Subscribing Organizations to each other
enables them to provide Emergency Assistance to each other in disaster situations.
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and
agreements hereinafter set forth, the undersigned Subscribing Organization agrees
as follows:
Article I - APPLICABILITY.
This Omnibus Agreement is available for execution to all Subscribing Organizations,
in and bordering geographic King County. Execution of this Omnibus Agreement by
a Subscribing Organization will occur when a Subscribing Organization signs an
identical version of this Omnibus Agreement.
Article II - DEFINITIONS.
'Assistance Costs' means any direct material costs, equipment rental
fees, fuel, and the labor costs that are incurred by the Lender in providing
any asset, service, or assistance requested. For further information on
costs, see section XII.
The Basic Plan, OMNIBUS LEGAL AND FINANCIAL AGREEMENT
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'Basic Plan' is the core document of the Regional Disaster Plan for Public
and Private Orqanizations in King County. It provides the architecture for
multi-jurisdictional, multi-disciplinary disaster response operations in King
County. The Basic Plan will be supported by this Omnibus Legal
Agreement and later by Emergency Support Functions, which are
chapters on certain functional areas, such as communications,
transportation, and resource management. The Basic Plan was
developed by the Regional Disaster Planning Task Force, under the
direction of the King County Emergency Management Advisory
Committee.
'Basic Plan Package' includes the following core documents that create
the framework necessary to implement the concept of operations implied
in the Basic Plan. This suite of documents includes: - the Basic Plan,
- this Omnibus Legal Agreement,
- Appendix 1: Direction and Coordination
'Borrower' means a Subscribing Organization who has adopted, signed
and subscribes to this Omnibus Agreement and has made a request for
Emergency Assistance and has received commitment(s) to deliver
Emergency Assistance pursuant to the terms of this Omnibus Agreement.
'Emergency' includes, but is not limited to, a human-caused or natural
event or circumstance within the area of operation of any participating
Subscribing Organization causing or threatening loss of life, damage to
the environment, injury to person or property, human suffering or financial
loss, such as: fire, explosion, flood, severe weather, drought, earthquake,
volcanic activity, spills or releases of hazardous materials, contamination,
utility or transportation emergencies, disease, infestation, civil
disturbance, riots, act of terrorism or sabotage; said event being or is likely
to be beyond the capacity of the affected Subscribing Organization or
Organizations, in terms of personnel, equipment and facilities, thereby
requiring Emergency Assistance.
'Emergency Assistance' means employees, services, equipment,
materials, or supplies offered during an Emergency by the Lender and
accepted by the Borrower to assist in maintaining or restoring normal
services when such service has been disrupted by acts of the elements,
equipment malfunctions, accidents, terrorism/sabotage and other
occurrences where Emergency Assistance from other Subscribing
Organizations is necessary or advisable, as determined by the requesting
Subscribing Organization.
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'Emergency Contact Points' are the persons, in a line of succession, listed
on the Emergency Contact Information Form to be submitted to the Zone
Emergency Planning Committee by each Subscribing Organization. The
list includes names, addresses, and 24-hour phone numbers of the
Emergency contact points of each Subscribing Organization. The people
listed as Emergency Contact Points will have (or can quickly get) the
authority of the Subscribing Organization to commit available equipment,
services, and personnel for the organization. Note: The phone number of
a dispatch office staffed 24 hours a day that is capable of contacting the
Emergency contact point(s) is acceptable.
'King County Emergency Management Advisory Committee' acts in an
advisory capacity to the County Executive, Council and Emergency
Management Division on emergency management matters, and facilitate
the coordination of regional emergency planning in King County.
'Lender' means a Subscribing Organization who has signed this Omnibus
Agreement and has agreed to deliver Emergency Assistance to another
Subscribing Organization pursuant to the terms and conditions of this
Omnibus Agreement.
'Omnibus Agreement' means identical agreements executed in
counterparts which bind the executing Subscribing Organization to its
terms and conditions to provide and receive Emergency Assistance. The
terms and conditions of the Omnibus Agreements are all identical and the
execution of an Omnibus Agreement binds a Subscribing Organization to
all other Subscribing Organizations who have executed identical Omnibus
Agreements in counterparts. To be effective for purposes of receiving
Emergency Assistance, this Omnibus Agreement and the Basic Plan must
be fully executed and received by the Zone Emergency Planning
Committee.
'Subscribing Organization' means the executive governing authority of any
public or private organization in, or bordering King County, WA, that
chooses to subscribe to and sign onto the 'Basic Plan Package' of the
Regional Disaster Plan for Public and Private Organizations in King
County.
For large and complex organizations like county government, cities, and
major employers, all departments and branches of these complex
organizations are included as 'Subscribers' under the single executive
authority of these organizations.
'Termination Date' is the date upon which this Agreement terminates
pursuant to Article V.
The Basic Plan, OMNIBUS LEGAL AND FINANCIAL AGREEMENT
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Regional Disaster Plan for Public and Private Organizations in King County, Washington
Article III - PARTICIPATION.
It is agreed, acknowledged, and understood that participation in this Omnibus
Agreement is purely voluntary and at the sole discretion of the requested lender. No
Subscribing Organization shall be liable to another Subscribing Organization for, or
be considered to be in breach of or default under this Omnibus Agreement on
account of any delay in or failure to perform any obligation under this Omnibus
Agreement, except to make payment as specified in this Omnibus Agreement.
However, Subscribing Organizations who execute the Omnibus Agreement are
expected to:
Ensure that other Subscribing Organizations in the Emergency
Response Zone have their Organizations' most current Emergency
Contact Points.
Participate in scheduled meetings to coordinate operational and
implementation issues to the maximum extent possible.
Article IV - ROLE OF EMERGENCY CONTACT POINT FOR SUBSCRIBING
ORGANIZATIONS
Subscribing Organizations agree that their Emergency Contact Points or their
designee can serve as representatives of the Subscribing Organizations in any
meeting to work out the language or implementation issues of this agreement.
The Emergency Contact Points of a Subscribing Organization shall:
Act as a single point of contact for information about the availability of
resources when other Subscribing Organizations or Zones seek
assistance.
Participate in Zone Coordination meetings convened on the
implementation of this agreement.
Take the initiative to obtain and communicate decisions and
discussion items of the meeting.
Maintain a manual containing the Basic Plan package including a
master copy of this Omnibus Agreement (as amended) and a list of
Subscribing Organizations who have executed this Omnibus
Agreement.
Article V - TERM AND TERMINATION.
This Omnibus Agreement is effective upon execution by two or more
Subscribing Organizations.
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A Subscribing Organization opting to terminate its participation in this
Omnibus Agreement, shall provide written termination notification to
the King County Emergency Management Advisory Committee, care of
the King County Office of Emergency Management, 7300 Perimeter
Rd. S., Room 128, Seattle, WA, 98108, or by Fax at (206) 296-3838.
Notice of termination becomes effective upon receipt by the King
County Emergency Management Advisory Committee who shall, in
turn, notify all subscribing organizations. Any terminating Subscribing
Organization shall remain liable for all obligations incurred during its
period of participation, until the obligation is satisfied.
Article VI - PAYMENT FOR SERVICES AND ASSISTANCE.
Borrower shall pay to the Lender all valid and invoiced Assistance Costs within 60
days of receipt of the lender's invoice, for either all or part of the Emergency
Assistance services provided by the Lender. In the event the Lender provides
supplies or parts, the Lender shall have the option to accept payment of cash or in
kind for the supplies or parts provided.
Article VII - INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR.
Lender shall be and operate as an independent contractor of Borrower in the
performance of any Emergency Assistance. Employees of Lender shall at all times
while performing Emergency Assistance continue to be employees of Lender and
shall not be deemed employees of Borrower for any purpose. Wages, hours, and
other terms and conditions of employment of Lender shall remain applicable to all of
its employees who perform Emergency Assistance. Lender shall be solely
responsible for payment of its employees' wages, any required payroll taxes and any
benefits or other compensation. Borrower shall not be responsible for paying any
wages, benefits, taxes, or other compensation directly to the Lender's employees.
The costs associated with borrowed personnel are subject to the reimbursement
process outlined in Article XlI. In no event shall Lender or its officers, employees,
agents, or representatives be authorized (or represent that they are authorized) to
make any representation, enter into any agreement, waive any right or incur any
obligation in the name of, on behalf of or as agent for Borrower under or by virtue of
this Omnibus Agreement.
Article VIII - REQUESTS FOR EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE.
Requests for Emergency Assistance shall be directed to the designated Emergency
Contact Point(s) on the contact list provided by the Subscribing Organizations
and/or directed to and managed by the Zone Coordination function. The extent to
which the Lender provides any Emergency Assistance shall be at the Lender's sole
discretion. In the event the emergency impacts a large geographical area that
activates either Federal or State emergency laws, this Agreement shall remain in
effect until or unless this Agreement conflicts with such Federal and State laws.
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Article IX - GENERAL NATURE OF EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE.
Emergency Assistance will be in the form of resources, such as equipment,
supplies, and personnel or the direct provision of services. The execution of the
Omnibus Agreement shall not create any duty to respond on the part of any
Subscribing Organization hereto. A Subscribing Organization shall not be held liable
for failing to provide Emergency Assistance. A Subscribing Organization has the
absolute discretion to decline to provide any requested Emergency Assistance and
to withdraw resources it has provided at any time without incurring any liability.
Resources are "borrowed" with reimbursement and terms of exchange varying with
the type of resource as defined in Articles X through XlI. The Subscribing
Organizations recognize that time is critical during an emergency and diligent efforts
will be made to respond to a request for resources as rapidly as possible, including
any notification(s) that requested resources are not available.
Article X - LOANS OF EQUIPMENT.
Use of equipment, such as construction equipment, road barricades, vehicles, and
tools, shall be at the Lender's current equipment rate, or if no written rates have
been established, at the hourly operating costs set forth in an industry standard
publication as selected by the Regional Disaster Planning Task Force, or as
mutually agreed between Borrower and Lender. Equipment and tool loans are
subject to the following conditions:
At the option of the Lender, loaned equipment may be loaned
with an operator. See Article XII for terms and conditions
applicable to use of borrowed personnel.
Loaned equipment shall be returned to the Lender upon release
by the Borrower, or immediately upon the Borrower's receipt of an
oral or written notice from the Lender for the return of the
equipment. When notified to return equipment to a Lender, the
Borrower shall make every effort to return the equipment to the
Lender's possession within 24 hours following notification.
Borrower shall, at its own expense, supply all fuel, lubrication and
maintenance for loaned equipment. The Borrower will take proper
precaution in its operation, storage and maintenance of Lender's
equipment. Equipment shall be used only by properly trained and
supervised operators. Lender shall endeavor to provide
equipment in good working order. All equipment is provided "as
is", with no representations or warranties as to its fitness for
particular purpose.
The Basic Plan, OMNIBUS LEGAL AND FINANCIAL AGREEMENT
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Lender's cost related to the transportation, handling, and
loading/unloading of equipment shall be chargeable to the
Borrower. Lender shall provide copies of invoices for such
charges where provided by outside sources and shall provide
hourly accounting of charges for Lender's employees who perform
such services.
Without prejudice to a Lender's right to indemnification under
Article XIV herein, in the event loaned equipment is lost or
damaged while being dispatched to Borrower, or while in the
custody and use of the Borrower, or while being returned to the
Lender, Borrower shall reimburse the Lender for the reasonable
cost of repairing said damaged equipment. If the equipment
cannot be repaired within a time period indicated by the Lender,
then Borrower shall reimburse Lender for the cost of replacing
such equipment with equipment, which is of equal condition and
capability. Any determinations of what constitutes "equal condition
and capability" shall be at the discretion of the Lender. If Lender
must lease or rent a piece of equipment while the Lender's
equipment is being repaired or replaced, Borrower shall reimburse
Lender for such costs. Borrower shall have the right of
subrogation for all claims against persons other than parties to this
Omnibus Agreement who may be responsible in whole or in part
for damage to the equipment. Borrower shall not be liable for
damage caused by the sole negligence of Lender's operator(s).
Article Xl - EXCHANGE OF MATERIALS AND SUPPLIES.
Borrower shall reimburse Lender in kind or at Lender's actual replacement cost, plus
handling charges, for use of partially consumed or non-returnable materials and
supplies, as mutually agreed between Borrower and Lender. Other reusable
materials and supplies which are returned to Lender in clean, damage-free condition
shall not be charged to the Borrower and no rental fee will be charged. Lender shall
determine whether items returned are "clean and damage-free" and items shall be
treated as partially consumed or non-returnable materials and supplies if item is
found to be damaged.
Article Xll - LOANS OF PERSONNEL.
Lender may, at its option, make such employees as are willing to participate
available to Borrower at Borrower's expense equal to Lender's full cost, including
employee's salary or hourly wages, call back or overtime costs, benefits and
overhead, and consistent with Lender's personnel union contracts, if any, or other
conditions of employment. Costs to feed and house loaned personnel, if necessary,
shall be chargeable to and paid by the Borrower. The Borrower is responsible for
assuring such arrangements as may be necessary to provide for the safety,
The Basic Plan, OMNIBUS LEGAL AND FINANCIAL AGREEMENT
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housing, meals, and transportation to and from job sites/housing sites (if necessary)
for loaned personnel. The Subscribing Organizations' Emergency Contact Points or
their designees shall develop planning details associated with being a Borrower or
Lender under the terms of this Omnibus Agreement. Lender personnel providing
Emergency Assistance shall be under the control of their regular leaders, but the
organizational units will come under the operational control of the command
structure of the Borrower. Lender shall not be liable for cessation or slowdown of
work if Lender's employees decline or are reluctant to perform any assigned tasks if
said employees judge such task to be unsafe. A request for loaned personnel to
direct the activities of others during a particular response operation does not relieve
the Borrower of any responsibility or create any liability on the part of the Lender for
decisions and/or consequences of the response operation. Loaned personnel may
refuse to direct the activities of others without creating any liability on the part of the
Lender. Any valid licenses issued to Lender personnel by Lender or Lender's state,
relating to the skills required for the emergency work, may be recognized by the
Borrower during the period of emergency and for purposes related to the
emergency. When notified to return personnel to a Lender, the Borrower shall make
every effort to return the personnel to the Lender's possession immediately after
notification.
Article Xlll - RECORD KEEPING.
Time sheets and/or daily logs showing hours worked and equipment and materials
used or provided by the Lender will be recorded on a shift-by-shift basis by the
Lender and/or the loaned employee(s) and will be provided to the Borrower as
needed. If no personnel are loaned, the Lender will provide shipping records for
materials and equipment, and the Borrower is responsible for any required
documentation of use of material and equipment for state or federal reimbursement.
The documentation will be presented to the Administration/Finance Section of the
Incident Management structure. Under all circumstances, the Borrower remains
responsible for ensuring that the amount and quality of all documentation is
adequate to enable disaster reimbursement.
Article XlV - INDEMNIFICATION AND LIMITATION OF LIABILITY.
INDEMNIFICATION. Except as provided in section B., to the fullest
extent permitted by applicable law, the Borrower releases and shall
indemnify, hold harmless and defend each Lender, its officers,
employees and agents from and against any and all costs, including
costs of defense, claims, judgments or awards of damages asserted or
arising directly or indirectly from, on account of, or in connection with
providing Emergency Assistance to the Borrower, whether arising
before, during or after performance of the Emergency Assistance and
whether suffered by any of the Subscribing Organizations or any other
person or entity.
The Basic Plan, OMNIBUS LEGAL AND FINANCIAL AGREEMENT
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The Borrower agrees that its obligation under this section extends to
any claim, demand and/or cause of action brought by or on behalf of
any of its employees, or agents. For this purpose, the Borrower, by
mutual negotiation, hereby waives, as respects any indemnitee only,
any immunity that would otherwise be available against such claims
under the Industrial Insurance provisions of Title 51 RCW of the State
of Washington and similar laws of other states.
ACTIVITIES IN BAD FAITH OR BEYOND SCOPE. Any Subscribing
Organizations shall not be required under this Omnibus Agreement to
indemnify, hold harmless and defend any other Subscribing
Organization from any claim, loss, harm, liability, damage, cost or
expense caused by or resulting from the activities of any Subscribing
Organizations officers, employees, or agents acting in bad faith or
performing activities beyond the scope of their duties.
LIABILITY FOR PARTICIPATION. In the event of any liability, claim,
demand, action or proceeding, of whatever kind or nature arising out of
rendering of Emergency Assistance through thiS Omnibus Agreement,
the Borrower agrees, to indemnify, hold harmless, and defend, to the
fullest extent of the law, each signatory to this Omnibus Agreement,
whose only involvement in the transaction or occurrence which is the
subject of such claim, action, demand, or other proceeding, is the
execution and approval of this Omnibus Agreement.
DELAY/FAILURE TO RESPOND. No Subscribing Organization shall
be liable to another Subscribing Organization for, or be considered to
be in breach of or default under this Omnibus Agreement on account
of any delay in or failure to perform any obligation under this Omnibus
Agreement, except to make payment as specified in this Omnibus
Agreement.
MEDIATION AND ARBITRATION. If a dispute arises out of or relates
to this Contract, or the breach thereof, and if said dispute cannot be
settled through direct discussions, the parties agree to first endeavor
to settle the dispute in an amicable manner by mediation. Thereafter,
any unresolved controversy or claim arising out of or relating to this
Contract, or breach thereof, may be settled by arbitration, and
judgment upon the award rendered by the arbitrator may be entered in
any court having jurisdiction thereof. The parties to this Contract may
seek to resolve disputes pursuant to mediation or arbitration, but are
not required to do so.
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SUBSCRIBING ORGANIZATION LITIGATION PROCEDURES. Each
Subscribing Organization seeking to be released, indemnified, held
harmless or defended under this Article with respect to any claim shall
promptly notify the Borrower of such claim and shall not settle such
claim without the prior consent of Borrower, which consent shall not be
unreasonably withheld. Such Subscribing Organization shall have the
right to participate in the defense of said claim to the extent of its own
interest. Subscribing Organization's personnel shall cooperate and
participate in legal proceedings if so requested by the Borrower, and/or
required by a court of competent jurisdiction.
Article XV - SUBROGATION.
BORROWER'S WAIVER. Borrower expressly waives any rights of
subrogation against the Lender, which it may have on account of, or in
connection with, the Lender providing Emergency Assistance to the
Borrower under this Omnibus Agreement.
LENDER'S RESERVATION AND WAIVER. Lender expressly
reserves its right to subrogation against the Borrower to the extent the
Lender incurs any self-insured, self-insured retention or deductible
loss. The Lender expressly waives its rights to subrogation for all
insured losses only to the extent the Lender's insurance policies, then
in force, permit such waiver.
Article XVl - WORKER'S COMPENSATION AND EMPLOYEE CLAIMS.
Lender's employees, officers or agents, made available to Borrower, shall remain
the general employee of Lender while engaged in carrying out duties, functions or
activities pursuant to this Omnibus Agreement, and each Subscribing Organization
shall remain fully responsible as employer for all taxes, assessments, fees,
premiums, wages, withholdings, workers' compensation and other direct and indirect
compensation, benefits, and related obligations with respect to its own employees.
Likewise, each Subscribing Organization shall provide worker's compensation in
compliance with statutory requirements of the state of residency.
Article XVll - MODIFICATIONS.
No provision of this Omnibus Agreement may be modified, altered, or rescinded by
any individual Subscribing Organization without two-thirds affirmative concurrence of
the Subscribing Organizations. The King County Emergency Management Advisory
Committee will be the coordinating body for facilitating modifications of this Omnibus
Agreement. Modifications to this Omnibus Agreement must be in writing and will
become effective upon approval of the modification by a two-thirds affirmative vote
of the Subscribing Organizations. Modifications must be signed by an authorized
representative of each Subscribing Organization.
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Article XVlII- NON-EXCLUSIVENESS AND PRIOR AGREEMENTS.
This Agreement shall not supercede any existing mutual aid agreement or
agreements between two or more governmental agencies, and as to assistance
requested by a party to such mutual aid agreement within the scope of the mutual
aid agreement, such assistance shall be governed by the terms of the mutual aid
agreement and not by this Agreement. This Agreement shall, however, apply to all
requests forassistance beyond the scope of any mutual aid agreement or
agreements in place prior to the event.
Article XlX - GOVERNMENTAL AUTHORITY.
This Agreement is subject to laws, rules, regulations, orders, and other
requirements, now or hereafter in effect, of all governmental authorities having
jurisdiction over the emergencies covered by this Omnibus Agreement, the
Subscribing Organization or either of them.
Article XX - NO DEDICATION OF FACILITIES.
No undertaking by one Subscribing Organization to the other Subscribing
Organizations under any provision of this Omnibus Agreement shall constitute a
dedication of the facilities or assets of such Subscribing Organization, or any portion
thereof, to the public or to the other Subscribing Organization. Nothing in this
Omnibus Agreement shall be construed to give a Subscribing Organization any right
of ownership, possession, use or control of the facilities or assets of the other
Subscribing Organization.
Article XXl - NO PARTNERSHIP.
This Omnibus Agreement shall not be interpreted or construed to create an
association, joint venture or partnership among the Subscribing Organizations or to
impose any partnership obligation or liability upon any Subscribing Organization.
Further, no Subscribing Organization shall have any undertaking for or on behalf of,
or to act as or be an agent or representative of, or to otherwise bind any other
Subscribing Organization.
Article XXll - NO THIRD PARTY BENEFICIARY.
Nothing in this Omnibus Agreement shall be construed to create any rights in or
duties to any Third Party, nor any liability to or standard of care with reference to any
Third Party. This Agreement shall not confer any right, or remedy upon any person
other than the Subscribing Organizations. This Omnibus Agreement shall not
release or discharge any obligation or liability of any Third Party to any Subscribing
Organizations.
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Article XXlll - ENTIRE AGREEMENT.
This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement and supersedes any and all prior
agreements of the Parties, with respect to the subject matters hereof.
Article XXlV- SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS.
This Omnibus Agreement is not transferable or assignable, in whole or in part, and
any Subscribing Organization may terminate its participation in this Omnibus
Agreement subject to Article V.
Article XXV - GOVERNING LAW.
This Omnibus Agreement shall be interpreted, construed, and enforced in
accordance with the laws of Washington State.
Article XXVl - VENUE.
Any action which may arise out of this Omnibus Agreement shall be brought in
Washington State and King County.
Article XXVll - TORT CLAIMS.
It is not the intention of this Omnibus Agreement to remove from any of the
Subscribing Organizations any protection provided by any applicable Tort Claims
Act. However, between Borrower and Lender, the Borrower retains full liability to the
Lender for any claims brought against the Lender as described in other provisions of
this agreement.
Article XXVlll - WAIVER OF RIGHTS.
Any waiver at any time by any Subscribing Organizations of its rights with respect to
a default under this Omnibus Agreement, or with respect to any other matter arising
in connection with this Agreement, shall not constitute or be deemed a waiver with
respect to any subsequent default or other matter arising in connection with this
Agreement. Any delay short of the statutory period of limitations, in asserting or
enforcing any right, shall not constitute or be deemed a waiver.
Article XXlX - INVALID PROVISION.
The invalidity or unenforceability of any provisions hereof, and this Omnibus
Agreement shall be construed in all respects as if such invalid or unenforceable
provisions were omitted.
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Article XXX - NOTICES.
Any notice, demand, information, report, or item otherwise required, authorized, or
provided for in this Omnibus Agreement shall be conveyed and facilitated by the
King County Emergency Management Advisory Committee, care of the King County
Office of Emergency Management, 7300 Perimeter Road S., Room 128, Seattle,
WA 98018, Phone: 206-296-3830, Fax: 206-296-3838. Such notices, given in
writing, and shall be deemed properly given if (i) delivered personally, (ii) transmitted
and received by telephone facsimile device and confirmed by telephone, or (iii) sent
by United States Mail, postage prepaid, to the Emergency Management Advisory
Committee.
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EMERGENCY SUPPORT FUNCTION (ESF) 2
TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND WARNING
PRIMARY AGENCIES:
SUPPORT AGENCIES:
Local Government and Private Information &
Telecommunications Service (ITS) Departments
King County Radio Communications Services Section
(800 MHz Radio)
Eastside Public Safety Communications Agency
(EPSCA)
(800 MHz Radio)
City of Seattle (800 MHz Radio)
Local Emergency Management Organizations
Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs)
Private Telecommunications Service Providers
King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks
King County E911Program Office
National Weather Service - Seattle
King County Hospitals
Amateur Radio Organizations
I. INTRODUCTION
A. Purpose
The purpose of this Emergency Support Function (ESF) is to facilitate
a regional approach to prioritizing, reestablishing and maintaining
voice and data communications capabilities throughout King County.
It also defines responsibilities and mechanisms involved with alerting
key officials and warning the general public of potential or occurring
emergencies.
B. Scope
This ESF encompasses all local government agencies, special
purpose districts, and private industries in the King County region that
are signatories to the Regional Disaster Plan for Public and Private
Organizations in King County, Washington. It addresses
responsibilities and priorities for all forms of voice and data
communications systems used by these agencies during emergencies.
Specific protocols regarding emergency communications are
addressed in Appendix 1: Communications Protocols, of this ESF and
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in standard operating procedures and checklists of participating
jurisdictions.
This ESF also defines the parties involved and their responsibilities for
disseminating regional warnings throughout King County. Regional
public information roles and responsibilities will be addressed in the
Regional Disaster Plan Appendix 2 - Public Information.
II.
POLICIES
Participants of the Regional Disaster Plan will assist in the coordination of
emergency communications during disasters that affect the King County
region. Incorporated jurisdictions will perform emergency management
functions within their jurisdictional boundaries as mandated by RCW
38.52.070. A collaborative response by public, private and nonprofit
organizations will greatly benefit and facilitate emergency communications
throughout the King County.
Following a disaster, emergency communications and warning systems within
the King County region will be reestablished based on the following priorities:
· public warning, support of evacuations, and rescuing victims
· reestablishing critical infrastructure and government functions
· support for field response actions that address the basic human needs of
victims
· protection of public property, the economy and the environment
III.
SITUATION
A. Emergency/Disaster Conditions and Hazards
Natural and technological disasters may significantly impact
communications infrastructure in King County. Communications
services of all types may be limited or interrupted due to structural
damages, equipment failures, or excessive demand. Loss of standard
communications systems may necessitate the need to reprioritize
existing systems to support the most critical operational needs of the
region.
Disaster warnings may be issued by emergency response agencies in
King County for any hazard posing a threat to public safety. However,
no single warning system can guarantee contact with all vulnerable
residents for every hazard. Therefore, jurisdictions throughout King
County must jointly participate in a comprehensive warning system
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including multiple methods of receiving and disseminating warning
messages.
Planning Assumptions
Communications systems are vulnerable and may be damaged,
destroyed, or overwhelmed during and following an emergency or
disaster. Due to disrupted transportation routes, weather conditions, a
lack of resources, or the level of damage, repairs to communications
equipment and infrastructure could take days, weeks or months.
No single warning system exists in King County that will alert all
citizens of every threatening disaster or emergency situation. There
may be occasions when there is no time or mechanism to provide
warning.
The Emergency Alert System (EAS) transmits immediate life safety
warnings initiated by federal, state or local authorities, relying on radio
and television broadcasters, and the National Weather Service to relay
messages to King County citizens. Broadcasters are not required to
relay state or local warning messages, yet are required to relay
presidential messages initiated by the National Warning Center. Once
the initial warning is accomplished, public information officers within
local EOCs will keep the public informed of what actions to take to
prevent further injury or property loss. (Note: Appendix 2, Public
Information, of the Regional Disaster Plan identifies the parties
involved with coordinating regional public information and their
responsibilities).
The National Weather Service - Seattle is the primary originator of
weather related warnings for all jurisdictions in King County.
The Flood Warning Center, operated by the King County Department
of Natural Resources and Parks, Water and Land Resources Division,
provides technical assistance to local jurisdictions regarding flood
conditions and directly warns vulnerable jurisdictions and residents
when flood conditions occur.
As participants of the Regional Disaster Plan, local emergency
management agencies, PSAPs, and private industries will monitor
hazardous conditions that may impact their jurisdictions or facilities,
and maintain equipment for receiving warnings for all potential
hazards.
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Amateur radio resources may be utilized to augment primary
communications systems such as hard line telephones and 800 MHz
radio in EOCs and other critical facilities.
IV. CONCEPT OF OPERATIONS
A. General
Reliable communications capabilities are necessary for day to day
government operations, warning the public of impending events,
management of response and recovery efforts, search and rescue
missions, and coordination with other organizations. Communications
systems in Emergency Operations Centers (EOC), alternate EOCs,
PSAPs, warning originators, and field units must incorporate the
highest levels of redundancy to ensure functionality following any
potential hazard.
Warning messages may be transmitted by the State Warning Point
(SWP) or other state agencies, federal agencies, PSAPs, local EOCs,
and on-scene incident commanders, depending on the specific hazard,
statutory responsibilities and the threatened population. Methods of
transmitting warning messages to key officials and the public and
receiving messages from originators include EAS, National Weather
Service All Hazard Radio, EMWlN, Emergency Email Network, media
broadcasts, telephone, dedicated government communications
systems, pager or radio notification, public address announcements,
person-to-person contacts, and internet transmissions.
The State Warning Point (SWP) disseminates national warnings and
additional state warnings via the National Warning System (NAWAS)
to local Primary Warning Points (statewide fanout). The King County
Sheriff's Office (KCSO) Communications Center is the "Primary
Warning Point" for the King County region. The King County and
Seattle EOCs serve as alternate"Primary Warning Points." The
following PSAPs in King County are "Secondary Warning Points":
· Eastside Communications Center
· Port of Seattle Police Department
· Bothell Police Department
· Redmond Police Department
· Enumclaw Police Department
· Seattle Police Department
· Issaquah Police Department
· King County Fire District #13 (Vashon Island)
· Kirkland Police Department
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· Mercer Island Department of Public Safety
· Valley Communications Center
Upon receiving a national or state warning message from the State
Warning Point (SWP), the King County Primary Warning Point will
continue the statewide fan-out to all secondary warning points in the
county. Secondary Warning Points will follow local procedures
regarding notification of local emergency management and response
agencies (see this ESF's.attached Appendix 2: Statewide Warning
Fan-out).
Procedures addressing the protocols for operating regional warning
systems in King County include:
· Local Emergency Management Agencies' Communications SOPs
· National Warning System Operations Handbook
· Central Puget Sound Region EAS Plan
Organization
During day-to-day operations, local governments, districts, agencies,
and organizations develop, coordinate and maintain their own internal
voice and data communications systems. Landline telephone service
(dial tone) throughout King County is provided by various private
industries including Qwest and Verizon. All jurisdictions, districts and
private industries coordinate independently with private service
providers to manage telephony services in King County.
The county-wide 800 MHz radio system is maintained as three
subsystems using common controller equipment. The subsystems are
maintained by King County ITS Division, the City of Seattle, and
EPSCA (Bellevue, Kirkland, Mercer Island, Issaquah, Redmond and
Woodinville). The City of Seattle maintains the common controller
equipment. The microwave components of the system are maintained
by the City of Seattle (components in the northern part of the county)
and King County ITS Division (components in the southern part of the
county).
The King County ITS Division maintains several Very High Frequency
(VHF) and Ultra High Frequency (UHF) repeater systems for public
safety use throughout the county. During regional disasters, these
systems can augment the regional 800 MHz system as a multi-
jurisdictional communications tool.
King County government owns, operates and maintains the I-NET
(Institutional Network), a fiber optic network providing voice, data, and
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video connections to approximately 280 county, city and district sites
throughout King County.
Miscellaneous common carriers located throughout the county provide
mobile dispatch service, paging service, and cellular telephone
service.
Procedures
Jurisdictions and private industries participating in the Regional
Disaster Plan maintain specific standard operating procedures
regarding emergency communications for their organizations.
All participants in the Plan will implement the protocols included in
Appendix 1: Communications Protocols of this ESF for inter-
jurisdictional communications. These protocols define primary and
secondary communications systems for both voice and data, and
differentiate between systems utilized and monitored during normal
and emergency operations.
Mitigation
All mitigation activities are detailed in jurisdictional and regional
mitigation plans and procedures, and appropriate state and federal
mitigation guidelines.
Response / Recovery Activities
All response and recovery activities are detailed in jurisdictional plans
and procedures, and appropriate state and federal recovery
guidelines.
V. RESPONSIBILITIES
A. Primary Agencies
Local Government ITS Departments, EPSCA, City of Seattle
The King County Department of Executive Services ITS
Division, EPSCA and the City of Seattle are responsible for
coordinating the maintenance and continued operations of the
800 MHz radio system. During disasters, the first priority for
regional communications system restoration will be the 800
MHz radio system for emergency response agencies. Each
managing jurisdiction is responsible for maintaining the integrity
of their subsystem by managing the priorities of users. The
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King County ITS Division will maintain, operate and restore, as
necessary, county-owned VHF and UHF repeater systems to
augment the 800 MHz system in support of regional public
safety communications during disasters.
All jurisdictions and districts will coordinate independently or by
zone with private industry telephone service and equipment
providers to ensure telephone, cellular and internet service for
government functions are maintained and restored as soon as
possible. If done by zone, representatives from private
telephone service providers will be represented in "Zone
Coordination Centers" during disasters. Information regarding
restoration times, extent of outages, and needed resources will
be communicated from the "Zone Coordination Centers" to all
jurisdictions throughout the zone. Local governments will
prioritize critical telecommunications systems based on the
criteria stated in "Section II. Policies" of this ESF. Regional
Disaster Plan parties will focus their resources on restoring
internal communications systems first, then reestablishing
communications with other jurisdictions in the county, and finally
providing resource assistance, when possible, to other impacted
parties.
King County ITS Division will operate, maintain and restore, as
necessary, the I-NET and Wide Area Network systems. All
jurisdictions and private industries are responsible for the
maintenance and operation of departmental Local Area
Networks.
Local Emergency Management Organizations
Local emergency management organizations will coordinate the
notification and mobilization of amateur radio personnel to
support emergency operations within their jurisdictions. Each
zone will coordinate mutual aid requests for amateur radio
resources within their zone, consistent with the concept of
operations of the Regional Disaster Plan. The King County
EOC will coordinate mutual aid assistance of amateur radio
resources in support of all emergency management zones.
(See Appendix 1: Communications Protocols.) Requests for
amateur radio resources from the State EOC will be
coordinated consistent with the State Radio Amateur Civil
Emergency Services (RACES) Plan.
King County OEM will develop and maintain operational
procedures for activating and testing the EAS. The Local Area
Emergency Communications Committee (LAECC) is comprised
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m
of representatives from King County, Seattle, Bellevue, Pierce
County, Kitsap County, Snohomish County, Jefferson County,
and Island County. In conjunction with private broadcasters, the
LAECC will coordinate with EAS warning centers within King
County, as well as federal, state and local agencies and
members of the media regarding improvements to EAS
activation procedures.
Local offices of emergency management will coordinate with
federal and state agencies regarding the appropriate use of
federal and state communications systems on a daily basis and
during emergencies and disasters. Local SOPs regarding the
use of these systems will be consistent with state and federal
SOPs.
Public Safety Answering Points (PSAP)
The KCSO Communications Center serves as the Primary
Warning Point in King County for the National Warning System,
as stated in the National Warning System Operations
Handbook. Responsibilities of the primary warning point include
receiving warnings from local, state and federal sources
regarding all potential hazards and relaying warnings, when
necessary, to all Secondary Warning Points (as listed in the
National Warning System Operations Handbook) in King
County. Each PSAP is responsible for communicating warnings
and notifications to local agencies and EOCs consistent with
established local procedures.
The KCSO Communications Center also serves as the primary
originator of EAS warning messages throughout King County as
referenced in the Central Puget Sound Regional EAS Plan.
Alternate originators of EAS messages include Eastside
Communications Center, King County EOC, and the Seattle
Division of Emergency Management. PSAPs serve as a critical
link between local incident commanders and the EAS. Incident
commanders requesting EAS activation in support of local
protective actions will coordinate with their appropriate PSAP
who will connect them directly with the KCSO Communications
Center.
Private Telecommunications Service Providers
Private telecommunications service providers maintain
responsibility for operating and restoring privately owned
communications infrastructure and equipment in King County.
All jurisdictions and private industries will coordinate with private
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service providers to ensure operability of critical
telecommunications systems.
Service interruptions to telecommunications systems in King
County will be addressed by private telecommunications
providers consistent with the provisions stated in Washington
Administrative Code 480-120-520. Under all conditions,
agencies and facilities responsible for restoring and maintaining
public health and safety shall be given top priority for
telecommunications service restoration. Secondary priorities for
restoration of service during disasters will be established by
representatives of the "Utilities & Transportation Commission"
at the State EOC.
B. Support Agencies
King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks
The King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks
will maintain a county-wide warning system through the Flood
Warning Center for county departments, cities, special purpose
districts, and citizens who reside along river basins.
King County Department of Executive Services, E911
Program Office
The King County E911 Program Office is responsible for
administering the regional 911 telephone system covering the
entire county. The Office also maintains the dedicated
computer data network between all PSAPs in the county.
National Weather Service - Seattle
The National Weather Service - Seattle (NWS-Seattle) office is
responsible for disseminating all weather related warnings,
advisories and statements for 14 counties in western
Washington, including King County. NWS - Seattle will
disseminate weather information and warnings through several
means including dedicated weather systems (EMWIN, Weather
Wire, NOAA Ali-Hazard Radios), national warning systems
(NAWAS, Emergency Email Network), and the internet. The
Washington State Patrol relays all NWS - Seattle weather
statements for King County to all ACCESS terminals in the
county.
Pursuant to a written agreement between the NWS - Seattle
office and the Washington Emergency Management Division,
the NWS office will relay civil emergency warnings developed
and authorized by state or local emergency management
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agencies. These warning messages will be transmitted via
NOAA Weather Radio and the NOAA Weather Wire Service
throughout designated Washington counties.
The NWS - Seattle office also maintains multiple
communications systems including NAWAS, 800 MHz radio,
Amateur Radio, and unpublished telephone numbers for use
only by emergency response agencies.
Hospitals
Harborview Medical Center serves as net control for 800 MHz
and amateur radio communications among all hospitals in King
County. Harborview also coordinates data communications and
internet updates regarding the status of all hospitals in the
counhy.
Amateur Radio Organizations
As part of their emergency management plan, each local
jurisdiction in King County is responsible for coordinating
amateur radio resources for emergency communications
support. For multi-jurisdictional events necessitating activation
of the Regional Disaster Plan and mobilization of mutual aid,
each zone will coordinate mutual aid requests for amateur radio
resources within their zone. The King County EOC will
coordinate identification and mobilization of amateur radio
operators to support all zones.
When tasked through the King County EOC during regional
disasters, the King County Search and Rescue Association
(KCSARA) and Amateur Radio Emergency Services (ARES) will
identify and mobilize, among their members, available amateur
radio operators. These operators will be notified and deployed
by KCSARA and ARES to fulfill resource requests received from
impacted zones.
VI. REFERENCES
· Local Emergency Management Plans within King County
· Washington State Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan
· Central Puget Sound Region EAS Plan
· National Warning System Operations Handbook
· Regional Disaster Plan, Appendix 2: Public Information
· Washington State RACES Plan
· WAC 480-120-520, Major Telecommunications Outages and Interruptions
· NWS Agreement for Transmission of Warning Messages, April 1981
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EMERGENCY SUPPORT FUNCTION (ESF) 2
TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND WARNING
APPENDIX 1 - Communications Protocols
Introduction
Communications systems used by emergency managers must be reliable,
redundant, and effective in accomplishing their intended purpose.
Participants in the Regional Disaster Plan utilize various communications
systems to send and receive voice and digital data on a daily basis and
during emergencies. These protocols identify the various systems used by
regional partners in King County for communication of voice and digital
information, the circumstances under which each system is used, and an
appendix of technical communications information.
Purpose
This document identifies and prioritizes the various systems used by regional
partners to communicate emergency information. It establishes certainty and
consistency among emergency management partners in King County
regarding specific contact information and the circumstances for using given
communications systems.
Scope
These protocols address systems used daily and during emergencies by all
participants of the Regional Disaster Plan to send and receive data and voice
communications. Systems include commercial, governmental, and amateur; data
and voice; terrestrial and satellite based; hard wired and radio; publicly disseminated
and restricted to emergency management agencies. These protocols describe
which systems will be utilized for communications based on the type of information
involved, the capabilities of the receiving parties, and the operability of all available
systems.
Communications and Warninq Systems Overview
Commercial Telephone
The primary means of voice communication between local EOCs, district facilities,
private businesses, and other fixed sites during normal and emergency operations is
through the public switch telephone network (PSTN). Telephone service to critical
facilities often has diverse routing to separate switching centers. These systems can
detect line failures and automatically re-route telephone calls via other
telecommunications routes to ensure there is no loss of service. Commercial cellular
telephone service is utilized as a secondary voice system, usually to support mobile
communications.
During emergencies, emergency management, dispatch, and response
organizations can utilize the Government Emergency Telecommunications
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Service (GETS) to prioritize outgoing landline or cellular telephone calls or
faxes over private and federal networks.
I-NET (Institutional Network)
I-NET is a fiber optic network designed to connect approximately 280 public facilities
throughout the county. Owned, operated and maintained by King County
government, the network provides data, voice, and video communications
capabilities to various cities, schools, special purpose districts, and King County
government facilities.
Facsimile
Facsimile through analog and cellular systems serves as a secondary data
communications system during day-to-day and emergency operations.
Broadcast facsimile capability is available through private vendors to rapidly
disseminate hardcopy information to several pre-determined groups.
Alpha Text Paging
Alpha text paging is utilized as a primary system for communicating data and
notifications to internal staff and regional partners.
Dial-In Conferencing
Conference call capability, maintained by various regional partners and available
through private telephone companies, enables inter-agency, inter-jurisdictional, or
countywide coordination of disaster events via landline telephones.
Satellite Telephone and Radio
Various regional partners maintain satellite telephone and radio terminals as
secondary voice communications systems during emergencies. The telephone
operation of these systems resembles a conventional cellular phone. For push-to-
talk radio operation, users can communicate via two dedicated talk groups.
Internet / Email Communications
Email serves as a primary data communications system during day-to-day
and emergency operations. All regional partners maintain email capabilities
through which text and graphics can be widely disseminated in a minimal
amount of time. Many regional partners maintain internet web sites for day-to-
day posting of preparedness information. During emergencies and disasters,
these web sites often serve as a secondary, yet critical, means of
disseminating emergency response and recovery information (providing
information directly to local media serves as primary).
Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) Data Network
The 15 PSAPs in the county and the E-911 Program Office are linked through a
dedicated data network. The network uses the county-wide microwave system with
frame relay links for transport. This should ensure that the network will not be
affected by public switched network congestion or other failures. The primary day-to-
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day function of this network is to provide the PS^Ps with a method of sharing data
communications. In addition, the network is interfaced to the county-wide 800 MHz
system, which allows the PS^Ps to track and display real time radio activity. In the
event of an area wide emergency, such as an earthquake, the data network has
been designed to continue to function for communications among the PS^Ps and
the E-911 Program Office, even if the public switched network is unavailable.
PSAPs connected to PSAP Data Network:
Eastside Communications Center
Bothell Police Department
Enumclaw Police Department
Issaquah Police Department
King County Sheriff's Office
King County Fire District #13
Kirkland Police Department
Mercer Island Department of Public Safety
Washington State Patrol
Port of Seattle Police Department
Redmond Police Department
Seattle Fire Department
Seattle Police Department
University of Washington Police
Department
Valley Communications Center
A Central Computerized Enforcement Service System (ACCESS)
ACCESS is a Washington State Patrol (WSP) owned and operated landline
data system that supports all law enforcement agencies within the state.
Through this system, law enforcement intelligence, criminal investigation
data, and other essential law enforcement information is exchanged. For
emergency management purposes, WSP has authorized and supports the
use of ACCESS for dissemination of warning and notification information to
local jurisdictions. Such information can include NWS warnings, watches and
statements, and information regarding any threat to a jurisdiction. ACCESS
is a secondary data notification system for law enforcement agencies and
PSAPs. ACCESS terminals in King County are located in every PSAP, law
enforcement department, and jail facility.
National Warning System (NAWAS)
The NAWAS system is a dedicated "open circuit" landline telephone system
used to pass warning and notification information among federal agencies
and state and local governments. In Washington, NAWAS is comprised of
the Primary State Warning Point located in the state EOC, the Alternate State
Warning Point located in the Washington State Patrol communications
center, Yakima; and 29 local primary warning points.
NAWAS is a voice only network that allows simultaneous signaling and
broadcasting to one or more warning points. Generally, warnings and other
information are disseminated from the state primary or alternate warning
point to all or selected local primary warning points. NAWAS is a primary
system for dissemination of warning and other critical information from the
State EOC to county EOCs and other NAWAS receiving sites in the state.
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There are five NAWAS sites in King County: King County Sheriff's Office
Communications Center (Primary Warning Point); King County EOC; City of
Seattle EOC; Boeing Fire Department; NWS - Seattle office.
Radio Communications Systems
Regional partners maintain a wide range of radio communications capabilities
across several established frequencies and systems including:
Comprehensive Emergency Management Network (CEMNE7)
CEMNET is a very high frequency (VHF) Iow-band radio system operated by
the Washington State Emergency Management Division. CEMNET serves
as a secondary communication link between the state EOC and local EOC's
throughout Washington. The following map depicts the location of the 12
mountaintop base stations that comprise the backbone of the network. The
CEMNET base stations are controlled from the state EOC through the
Washington State Patrol microwave system.
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The following regional partners maintain CEMNET as a secondary
communications system with the State EOC and with jurisdictions throughout
the county and the Puget Sound Region:
City of Seattle EOC
City of Redmond EOC
City of Snoqualmie EOC
City of Bellevue EOC
City of Mercer Island EOC
City of Auburn EOC
City of Kirkland EOC
King County EOC
Valley Communications PSAP
University of Washington Seismology Lab
NWS - Seattle
Harborview Medical Center
CEMNET frequencies can be programmed into mobile radios to enhance
intra-jurisdictional communications. During emergencies or periods of heavy
radio traffic, the State EOC serves as Net Control for CEMNET.
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800 MHz TRUNKED RADIO SYSTEM
The 800 MHz radio system serves as the primary day-to-day means of
emergency voice communications between PSAPs, police and fire
departments, emergency medical services, public school districts and public
hospitals within King County. The system is also utilized day-to-day and
during emergencies by several other county and city departments, special
purpose districts, and hospitals. During emergencies, the system serves as a
secondary voice communications system between the local EOCs.
The county-wide 800 MHz network is configured as three subsystems that
work through common network controller equipment. Subsystems include the
City of Seattle subsystem, the EPSCA subsystem (Bellevue, Kirkland, Mercer
Island, Issaquah, Redmond), and the subsystem that was jointly developed
by King County and Valley Communications Center. By connecting all sites
within the subsystems to common network controller equipment, it is possible
to implement talk groups on the system that have seamless coverage over
the entire county. Using analog audio technology, the system has been
designed for portable grade coverage wherever possible and the system
loading is patterned so that all areas of the county experience relatively
similar system capacity access.
1FNumber of Public II . , . ii' Approximate
Subregion Safety Customer ,-... II Number of Radios
iii .................... Il ................... jl ....................
C_°? ....................................... t .................................... J. .............................................. /I .................. '.. ............................
CommonCen,ra, 11 i[ 1[
Controller Sites
Very High Frequency I Ultra High Frequency (VHF I UHF)
The King County ITS Division maintains several VHF and UHF repeater
systems for public safety communications. These systems can be utilized, if
needed, to support public safety communications throughout the county in
addition to or in place of the 800 MHz system.
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Amateur Radio
Several emergency management agencies in King County maintain amateur
radio capability in their EOCs enabling voice communication over frequencies
in the VHF and UHF bands and for a limited number of agencies, HF bands.
During emergencies, amateur HF voice bands from 3.85 MHz to 29.7 MHz
(80 meters - 10 meters) serve as a secondary communication system
between the local EOCs and the State EOC. Amateur VHF voice bands from
52.05 to 54 MHz (6 Meters), 144.9 MHz to 148 MHz (2 meters) and the 440
Band (UHF) serve as secondary voice communications systems between
local EOCs within the county and between EOCs and field staff or command
posts.
A limited number of regional partners maintain packet radio stations,
providing the capability to send and receive electronic data files via VHF
packet radio equipment. During emergencies, packet radio serves as a
secondary data communications link between regional partners.
Amateur radio communications systems in local EOCs and field locations are
operated most often by volunteers committed to supporting disaster response
and recovery efforts. These volunteers are emergency workers registered
with local emergency management organizations and trained to provide radio
communications support during emergencies. Volunteer organizations such
as the King County Search and Rescue Association and Amateur Radio
Emergency Services support several local emergency management agencies
with amateur radio resources. As emergency workers, amateur radio
operators can be mobilized among regional partners as mutual aid assets.
Emergency Alert System
The Emergency Alert System is the primary means for regional partners to provide
large areas of the county with immediate, critical information and warnings regarding
emergencies and disasters. EAS replaced the Emergency Broadcast System as of
January 1, 1998. EAS encoding devices are located in the KCSO Communications
Center, Eastside Communications Center, King County EOC, Seattle EOC, and the
National Weather Service - Seattle office. These devices enable the creation and
transmission of verbal and text warning messages (limited to two minutes in length)
throughout the Puget Sound Region. Messages are received by radio, television,
and cable television stations, processed using EAS decoding devices and
rebroadcast over television and radio networks. Media stations are required to
maintain EAS equipment and rebroadcast national level warning messages.
However, EAS warning messages issued by local and state agencies are voluntarily
rebroadcast by media stations - there are no legal requirements for stations to
rebroadcast local or state warnings.
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NWS Weather Radio Network
The NWS Weather Radio Network is comprised of several VHF transmitters located
throughout the state. The NWS forecast offices in Seattle, Spokane, and Oregon
(Portland and Pendleton) broadcast current weather information, statements,
watches, warnings, and advisories on a 24-hour basis. Commercially available
weather radio receivers are located in EOCs, many public buildings throughout the
county, and in many homes. For warnings, watches, or any severe weather
situations, the Weather Radio Network transmits an alert tone to weather radio
receivers within the area at risk and immediately follows with a voice message
pertaining to the specific hazard. The NWS Weather Radio Network is also linked
to the Emergency Alert System to rebroadcast all emergency management EAS
warnings over weather radios. Transmitters listed below in bold service King
County.
1 - Neah Bay ........... 162.55 MHz
2 - Astoria OR ......... 162.40 MHz
3 - Olympia (NWS Seattle) 162.475 MHz
4 - Seattle (NWS Seattle) 162.55 MHz
5 - Yakima (NWS Spokane) 162.55 MHz
6 - Wenatchee (NWS Spokane) 162.475
MHz
7 - Pendleton OR .... 162.55 MHz
8 - Spokane ........... 162.40 MHz
9 - Okanogan ......... 162.40 MHz
10 - Puget Sound (NWS Seattle)
162.425 M Hz
11 - Umatilla ............ 162.425 MHz
12 - Tri-Cities ........... 162.45 MHz
13 - Mt Octopus ....... 162.42 MHz
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Emergency Management Weather Information Network (EMWIN)
EMWIN is a wireless broadcast service developed by the National Weather Service
to provide a Iow-cost means of transferring weather and emergency data from a
central point to an unlimited number of interested parties in range of the data
signals. EMWIN was developed as a tool for emergency managers for obtaining
essential real time weather information that is needed particularly during any
emergency or disaster situation. Through a satellite down link and the use of
specific software, users can receive real-time weather text data, images and
animated graphics on their computers. It also enables the user to activate external
devices such as pagers or alarms for special events as they are received.
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Re.qional Communications Protocols
The following protocols define primary and secondary voice and data
communications systems used by regional partners during normal and
emergency operations. Systems are prioritized based on type of information
communicated, the sending and receiving parties involved, and the functionality
of primary systems.
VOICE DATA
Primary
Landline telephone for voice
communications to and from daily work
sites
Secondary
Cellular telephone for
communications to and from field
locations
Primary
Email for electronic communication
of files, graphics, and messages to
and from daily work sites
Web site postings of preparedness
and contact information
;econdary
Alpha Text Pager for brief data
communications to specific
personnel
Facsimile for all hardcopy data that
can not be transmitted via email.
3. PSAP Data Network for exchanging
ASCII data between PSAPs and the
King County E-911 Program Office.
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VOICE
Primary
1. Landline telephone for voice
communications between regional
partners [Note: Can be
supplemented by use of GETS
cards for increased reliability]
2. NAWAS as the primary warning
system between the Primary
County Warning Point and the
State EOC
3. 800 MHz radio network for voice
communications between PSAPs
;econdary
Cellular telephone when landlines
are unusable; also for
communications to and from field
personnel
800 MHz radio for communicating
between EOCs, districts, field
personnel and other regional
partners with this capability
3. VHF / UHF government
frequencies for in-county public
safety communications when 800
MHz is overloaded or inoperable
4. Amateur Radio (6 meters VHF) for
communicating between EOCs,
districts, and other regional
partners with 6 meters capabilities
5. Amateur Radio (2 meters VHF) for
communicating between districts,
hospitals, field sites and other
regional partners with 2 meters
capabilities
6. Amateur Radio (440 Band UHF)
for communicating between
hospitals and other regional
partners with 440 band capabilities
7. CEMNET for communicating with
the state EOC and other zone
users
DATA
Primary
Email for electronic communication
of files, graphics, and other
information between specific users
or defined groups
Web site postings for data files
available to the public or restricted
groups
3. Alpha Text Pager for brief data
communications to specific
personnel
~econdary
Facsimile for all hardcopy data that
can not be transmitted via email or
web posting
!. PS^P Data Network for exchanging
ASCII data between PS^Ps and the
King County E-911 Program Office.
Amateur Radio (Packet) for
exchanging ASCII data files
between the EOCs and other
regional partners with packet radio
capabilities.
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Continue "Emergency Operations"-
Secondary Voice...
8. Satellite Telephone for
communicating with any telephone
user when landlines and cellular
telephones are inoperable
9. UHF Transit for communicating
with the King County Transit EOC
10. Established YHF and UHF
frequencies for monitoring marine
radio traffic, airport radio traffic,
and communicating with Puget
Sound Energy when landline and
cellular systems are unusable.
Available systems for receiving
warnings in local EOCs, PSAPs, and
daily work locations (not all systems
available at all locations)
Systems for transmitting regional
warnings from local EOCs, PSAPs, and
command posts (not all systems
available at all locations)
1. EAS (disseminates warnings over
1. NWS All Hazard Radio (receives
NWS and EAS warnings)
2. NAWAS
3. Local TV; AM/FM Radio
(receives EAS warnings)
4. Internet
5. EMWlN (receives NWS and EAS
warnings)
6. ACCESS
7. 800 MHz Radio (Voice, PSAP
Data Network)
Local TV, AM/FM radio and NWS
All Hazard Radios)
2. 800 MHz Radio (Voice, PSAP
Data Network)
3. Local media broadcasts
4. Internet
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RadiO COmmunicationS prOtocols
Emergency Operations
1. Regional Disaster PIan participants with 800 MHz capabilitY Will coordinate
intra-zone radio traffic based on local communications protocols.
The King County EOC will assist county departments, other jurisdictions and
field personnel with coordinating inter-zone emergency management radio
traffic on amateur frequencies and 800 MHz. Users will hail each other on a
common frequency (KC EOC COM, 145.11MHz, etc.) and the King County
EOC, serving as soft net control, will assist as needed with locating and
directing users to an available frequency (KC EOC OPS, 147.22 MHz, etc.).
All Regional Disaster Plan participants with 800 MHz capability should monitor
the KC EOC COM talk group (and other talk groups as they deem necessary)
during emergencies. The King County EOC will also monitor the KC EOC OPS
talk group.
Amateur radio frequencies will be utilized by Regional Disaster Plan participants
for coordinating logistical issues with other EOCs and maintaining contact with
field responders and emergency shelters. Amateur radio will also serve as an
alternate radio communications system from EOCs when the 800 MHz system
becomes overloaded or inoperable. The King County EOC will monitor and
transmit over the King County Search and Rescue repeater (145.11) as a
hailing frequency. Other available frequencies will be utilized for working
discussions.
Public Health Seattle & King County serves as net control for the DHP COM
800 MHz talk group. Harborview Hospital serves as net control for the Hospital
COM 800 MHz talk group.
During emergency operations, Regional Disaster Plan participants should
monitor voice and data communications systems, particularly radio systems, in
the order identified in this procedure, and as staffing resources are available
(primary systems first, then secondary (800 MHz - VHF/UHF - 6 meter amateur
- 2 meter amateur - 440 MHz amateur - CEMNET - 10 meter / 80 meter
amateur, Satellite Radio))
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Radio Talk Groups and Frequencies for Regional Communications
800 MHz Radio Talk Groups
KC EOC COM - Used by local emergency management agencies, districts, and
county departments for hailing other users.
KC EOC OPS - Used for coordinating life and safety issues such as evacuations.
ALLGOV - Used as an alternate talk group for coordinating life and safety issues
such as evacuations.
EM ZONE 1-5 - Reserved for each zone to use for intra-zone net control
purposes. EM Zone 5 is used for hailing the Seattle EOC. The County and city
EOCs can use these talk groups to hail EOCs within each respective zone.
LOC GOV N - May be used for coordinating operational issues between
jurisdictions in EM Zone 1 (generally north of 1-90 including the City of Seattle).
LOC GOV S - May be used for coordinating operational issues between
jurisdictions in EM Zone 3 (generally south of 1-90 including the City of Seattle).
Amateur Radio Frequencies and Capabilities
80 METERS: 3.987 MHz - Local EOCs with HF capability may monitor the State
EOC HF frequency based on available staff and availability of primary systems.
6 METERS: 52.05-54.0 MHz - Frequencies are accessible in a limited number of
local EOCs throughout the county. 6 METERS will be utilized by local EOCs as
a secondary system to 800 MHz for coordination between emergency
management zones and the King County EOC.
VHF - 145.11 MHz - King County Search and Rescue repeater frequency
monitored and utilized for hailing between local EOCs; also used for
communicating with field responders.
VHF and UHF Government Frequencies
Various frequencies are maintained and utilized by public safety agencies as an
alternate communications system to the 800 MHz network
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CEMNET
Operates primarily on three frequencies (channels): F1 - 45.200 MHz; F2 -
45.360 MHz; F3 - 45.480 MHz. For operational purposes, the state has been
divided into five regions with a channel designated for use within each region.
CEMNET sites within and around King County as well as their operating
channels are listed below.
Base station site Location
Call Sign
Capital Peak F2 King KAQ680
Capital Peak F2 Pierce KDL939
Capital Peak F2 Kirkland KOM575
Capital Peak F1 SW Snohomish SW Snohomish
Capital Peak F1 NWS - Seattle Seattle Weather
Capital Peak F1 Harborview Harborview
Capital Peak F1 UW - Seismology UW - Seismology
Capital Peak F1 Seattle Seattle
Capital Peak F1 Redmond Redmond
Capital Peak F1 Snoqualmie Snoqualmie
Squak Mt. F1 Valley Corn KOM586
Squak Mt. F1 Bellevue WNRI590
Squak Mt. F1 Mercer Island Mercer Island
Squak Mt. F1 Auburn Auburn
Squak Mt. F1 Kitsap KOM579
,
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EMERGENCY SUPPORT FUNCTION (ESF) 2
TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND WARNING
APPENDIX 2 - Statewide Warning Fan-out
Warning message
from the State
Warning Point
N
A
W
A
S
Local Primary
Warning Point
(KCSO
Communications
Center)
Communicated
via local
procedures
King County
Government Agencies
800 MHz Radio Network
Secondary Warning Points
Eastside Communications Center
Port of Seattle Police Department
Bothell Police Department
Redmond Police Department
Enumclaw Police Department
Seattle Police Department
Issaquah Police Department
King County Fire District #13
(Vashon Island)
Kirkland Police Department
Mercer Island Department of
Public Safety
Valley Communications Center
Communicate~
via local
procedures
Local Emergency Management
and Response Agencies
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APPENDIX 6
TRAINING AND EXERCISES
INTRODUCTION
A. Purpose
To establish a training and education program addressing the
operational response approaches and agreement framework of the
Regional Disaster Plan for Public and Private Orqanizations in Kin,q
County document and support components. To assist one another, as
partners in the Regional Disaster Plan, in training of appropriate
personnel, elected officials and volunteers who will operate under the
activation of this plan, understanding of organizational responsibilities,
and resource sharing under the parameters of "Direction and
Coordination" and the legal and financial agreement. The training
coupled with relevant exercises serve to improve the collaborative
operational readiness of the partners, through skill development and
emergency management enhancement, for an activation of the plan
for an intense, localized or widespread regional or catastrophic event
in geographic King County.
II. CONCEPT OF OPERATIONS
A. General
As signatories to the Regional Disaster Plan, it is vital that all the
participating partners have an understanding of theirs and other's roles
in the plan, and how we will coordinate together as a region. The
effectiveness of the plan and its supporting documents are directly
linked to the training, education and exercises on the operational
concepts of the plan. These activities validate the operational concepts
and resource preparations needed to carry out emergency functions of
the Regional Disaster Plan. In addition, participating partners should
also conduct training, education and exercises specific to their own
internal organizational plans and procedures.
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B. Training
The training program is designed to enhance the proficiency of the
participating partners and their personnel in general emergency
management subjects, and more importantly train their key players to
the roles and concepts and operations agencies may play when an
event justifies the activation of the Regional Disaster Plan. Each
individual public, private and nonprofit organization signed to the plan
is responsible for creating, training and maintaining to their own in-
house emergency response plan.
Exercises and Drills
Exercises are conducted to determine if plans and procedures
are operationally sound and to meet the approaches and
standards set in the Regional Disaster Plan. Exercises of the
Regional Disaster Plan may be conducted collectively as a
county region, by zone or individually. Evaluations of exercises
will identify strengths and weaknesses encountered during the
exercise and may identify necessary changes to the plan and
components. In conjunction, training may also be identified to
facilitate in overall effectiveness of the plan and its support
documents.
Drills are supervised instruction sessions designed to maintain
and develop skills in specified areas. A drill can be part of an
exercise.
D. Education
Education is a vital component in helping future Regional Disaster
Plan participant organizations and current signatories understand the
purpose and scope of the plan. Collaboratively, signatory
organizations are responsible for educating our communities and
organization to the purpose, scope and operations of the plan. King
County Office of Emergency Management is responsible for assisting
potential partners and new signatory agencies with the necessary plan
and signatory materials and support to educate their community or
organization. The education effort can be accomplished through
presentations to public, private and nonprofit organizations that could
be involved in and sign on to the Regional Disaster Plan.
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III. RESPONSIBILITIES
A. General
Signatory partners, through the Regional Disaster Planning
Task Force (RDPTF), will collaboratively develop, implement
and maintain a training, education and exercise program to
ensure all participating partners and personnel understand the
framework, roles and responsibilities of the Regional Disaster
Plan. A list of training topics for the Regional Disaster Plan
have been pre-identified. (Appendix A, page 4)
Each signatory partner is responsible for developing and
implementing a training, education and exercise program to
ensure their own personnel understand their roles and
responsibilities addressed specifically in their organization's
internal emergency management plan.
Signatory organizations to the plan will participate in exercises
to validate the components and effectiveness of the Regional
Disaster Plan. Exercises should be coordinated with other
partners within the geographic county region, specific
emergency coordination zones and/or disciplines from
organization to organization. A list of exercise topics for the
Regional Disaster Plan have been pre-identified. (Appendix A,
page 4)
B. All Participating Organizations
Determine organization's training and education needs, specific
to the Regional Disaster Plan, in coordination with the other
signatory partners through the Regional Disaster Planning Task
Force workgroup.
Ensure participation of emergency management staff and
appropriate personnel in training relevant to the components of
the Regional Disaster Plan.
Assist in the overall efforts, with the other partners, to continue
educating potential participating organizations, elected officials,
personnel, and volunteers about the Regional Disaster Plan for
Public and Private Organizations in Kin,q County.
4. Coordinate emergency management exercise and training
activities with the other partners to facilitate in continued
regional coordination and relationship building under the plan.
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Emergency Coordination Zones
Coordinate with associated cities, agencies and organizations
within respective zone on a training and education program to
ensure an understanding of zone functions and protocols.
Coordinate zone function and protocol exercises with
associated cities, agencies and organizations within respective
zone.
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APPENDIX 6: TRAINING & EXERCISES
APPENDIX A
TRAINING AND EXERCISE TOPICS
Proposed Trainin.q Topics
· General Overview of Regional Disaster Plan (include operational concepts,
triggers, HIVA, ESFs)
· Overview of Zone Protocols and Interaction with King County EOC
· Overview of Emergency Management Principles
· Basics of Incident Command System & Unified Command
· Understanding EOC Operations (address terminology)
· Specific Zone Protocol Training (include all disciplines in the zone in this training)
· Financial Impacts of the Regional Disaster Plan (address Omnibus, FEMA
reimbursement, other funding issues)
Classes would be offered to afl Regional Disaster Plan participants. Some of
these classes will be specifically designed, while others are actual State EMD
classes that could be offered locally in King County.
Proposed Exercise Topics
· Communication Drills (800 MHz, amateur radio, all means of communication we
would use in an activation of the RDP)
· Exercise Design & Evaluation class
· Zone Protocol Drills & Tabletops
· ESF Tabletops
· Drill the procedures for Sharing Resources - Prioritization Procedures
· Exercise the Direction & Coordination pieces of the Regional Disaster Plan
Initially the exercise phase will be Orientation Tabletops and Drills.
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APPENDIX 2
PUBLIC INFORMATION
PRIMARY AGENCIES:
SUPPORT AGENCIES:
All Participating Signatories · Cities (all their respective departments)
· Hospitals & Medical Providers
· King County Government
· Nonprofit Organizations
· Private Industry
· Special Purpose Districts (fire, sewer &
water, schools, port)
Washington State Emergency Management
Division
Federal Emergency Management Agency
Other Federal Agencies
INTRODUCTION
A. Purpose
The purpose of this appendix is to establish a regional "Joint
Information_System" (JIS) that will support emergency response
through an effective development, coordination, and dissemination of
emergency public information in the event of natural or technological
(human-caused) emergencies or disasters. This appendix is an
element of the Regional Disaster Plan for Public & Private
Organizations in King County. This appendix is intended to facilitate:
coordinated communications between affected agencies and
organizations with the media and public,
establishment of a central point for information distribution on
behalf of partners needing public information assistance as well
as facilitating regional information coordination, and
expansion of the Regional Public Information Network (RPIN) to
include online multi-organizational system to internally enhance
information sharing amongst public, private and nonprofit public
information personnel.
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B. Scope
Individual and regional public information functions and actions before,
during and following any emergency will be determined not only by the
severity of the emergency and the involved agencies and
organizations, but also by the perceptions of the public. A significant
emergency public information response will require the coordination of
many public and private organizations, Washington State and federal
agencies. Coordinated, accurate, consistent, timely, and easily
understood information can contribute to the overall safety and well-
being of the community, and instill confidence that public and private
agencies are conducting a fast, effective and efficient response and
recovery. This appendix describes those organizations and their
responsibilities and relationships.
II.
POLICIES
Public agencies under RCW 38.52 are responsible for the emergency
management functions in their jurisdiction. Private and nonprofit
organizations also have internal policies and plans that guide their
respective emergency management functions. Each organization is
responsible for the establishment of an emergency public information
function within its internal organizational structure.
During multi-jurisdictional, multi-agency and region-wide disasters, the
coordinated flow of public information and facts concerning the event
and respective responses to save lives and protect property is needed
to protect safety and well being of the public. Before its release,
participating agencies' disaster information will be coordinated to the
maximum extent possible to ensure consistency and accuracy.
During an activation of the Regional Disaster Plan, public
information/public affairs/media relations officers representing
responding organizations will work collaboratively to coordinate their
respective agencies' status and actions with other responding
organizations through a defined "Joint Information System (JIS)".
Larger regional events may necessitate the establishment of a "Joint
Information Center (JIC)" within that system that can serve as a central
point for face-to-face coordination for the public information function of
a multi-organizational response. Participating organizations should
anticipate this need and plan for additional staffing as appropriate.
Activation of the JIS and JIC does not preclude participating
organizations from releasing their own information about their policies,
procedures, or actions.
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Public agencies, as well as voluntary and private responding
organizations, are encouraged to participate in and share the
resources of the JIS. Responding agencies that are unable to send a
representative are encouraged to conduct their information activities in
cooperation within the JIS.
Any public or private organization that has a role to play in the region's
emergency response efforts may become a member of the Regional
Public Information Network (RPIN). Additionally, public or regulated
agencies and non-profit organizations having the need to widely
disseminate emergency-related information to the public are
encouraged to participate in the RPIN web site at www. GOVLINK.org.
The RPIN Steering Committee will continue working collaboratively to
further refine JIS procedures so they can be used for disasters that
encompass more than one jurisdiction or agency.
RPIN Definition
RPIN was formed in early 2000 to enhance inter-governmental
cooperation during emergencies and to explore strategies for
providing more effective, coordinated public information when
significant disruptions occur. RPIN members include
representatives from numerous government jurisdictions, agencies
and organizations that provide services to the public in the greater
King, Pierce and Snohomish County area. Their unique Internet
partnership on Govlink.org provides vital public information and
notifications on a regional basis. This web site benefits the public
and partners by:
· Providing a central source for news through direct links to
information being released by a variety of agencies and
organizations in central Puget Sound.
· Providing RPIN partners a central place to make their
information more easily accessible to the public and media via
the Internet when incidents occur. This includes both headlines
linking to RPIN partner Web sites or to news releases posted
directly on RPIN.
· Providing partner agencies with a redundant web site in the
event their own becomes inoperable.
· Allowing information to be sent directly to subscribers via e-mail
and pager notification.
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Regional Disaster Plan for Public and Private Organizations in King County, Washington
III.
SITUATION
A. Emergency/Disaster Conditions and Hazards
The King County region will periodically experience emergency
situations that require the coordinated dissemination of critical
information to the public via the news media and other informational
outlets. Potential emergency situations include both natural,
technological and human-caused events. Public information is critical
to alerting our citizens to an impending emergency, directing and
informing them during the emergency, and assisting them during the
recovery.
B. Planning Assumptions
The Emergency' Alert System (EAS) is the best means to
provide an initial warning to the public. It will only be used in
time-sensitive situations when the public must be warned
immediately of an impending emergency or disaster. Warning
and immediate life safety communications are addressed in
"ESF 2: Telecommunications and Warning."
As the initial warning communications are released, the public
information role quickly begins in keeping the media and public
informed. Responding agencies may provide instructions and
information to the public about the incident and actions they
should take to save and protect lives, property, economy, and
the environment. Additionally, those agencies provide
information to reduce public concerns about the incident and
what actions their respective organizations are taking.
After a major disaster, normal means of communications in the
affected area may be destroyed or severely disrupted;
therefore, only limited and incomplete information may be
expected from the area until communications can be restored.
In those situations, non-traditional means of communicating
between participating organizations and with the media and
public must be established and utilized.
Depending on the nature and magnitude of the emergency,
different levels of emergency public information response will be
required. Public information may in fact be the primary function
occurring during an emergency. This may happen when,
because of media coverage, the public perceives there to be a
greater danger than there actually is.
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Additionally, the public information function for many
organizations is performed by a limited number of individuals
within the organization, or may be a part-time duty for persons
with other responsibilities. Personnel resources available to
respond to larger events that attract significant attention or last
longer than 8-12 hours may be severely limited.
Rumors or misinformation can cause unnecessary distress
among the public, provoke counter-productive public actions,
and impede response and recovery efforts. Public information
personnel must focus on addressing these rumors by providing
accurate and timely information, which is coordinated with other
affected response agencies.
IV.
CONCEPT OF OPERATIONS
A. General
Jurisdictions, agencies and organizations are responsible for
providing their respective communities with information on the
incident and what immediate protective actions they should
take, such as initiating shelter or evacuating.
The public information function of individual organizations may
be phased in accordance with the size and scope of the
emergency situation. Initially a Public Information Officer (PLO)
from an agency or business may provide adequate PlO support
to an Incident Commander. As the incident grows or there are
multiple incident sites, the public information function may be
conducted from an Emergency Operations Center (EOC).
Multi-jurisdictional, multi-agency and region-wide events will
quickly warrant the need for coordinated communications
among those jurisdictions, agencies and organizations involved.
Public organizations may use the RPIN web site to assist in the
dissemination of public information in addition to their own web
site.
B. Organization
Participating organizations should establish a public information
function to provide information and instructions to their respective
communities before, during, and after an emergency or disaster. That
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internal function should coordinate that organization's emergency
public information actions with other affected organizations as needed.
Participating agency internal public information functions may be
categorized or defined as:
Self-sufficient Information Centers
Jurisdictions, agencies and organizations possessing sufficient
resources to respond to media and public information needs
surrounding the incident. They might require public information
assistance at some point during the response effort. This level
of capability does not preclude the activation of a JIC. If a JIC
is activated, coordination and information sharing between
individual information centers and the regional JIC is highly
desirable.
Reliant Information Centers
Smaller jurisdictions, agencies and organizations severely
impacted by an event, that are unable to manage the public
information response and rely on the JIC as a primary point of
release for their information.
The "Joint Information System (JIS)", defined in this appendix, will
provide the framework for organizations to coordinate emergency
public information. This system can provide the necessary staffing,
facilities and resources to develop and distribute verified information to
the public on behalf of multiple agencies for as long as conditions
warrant.
Within that system, a Joint Information Center (JIC) can be established
and serve as a central location to disseminate information in an
environment that provides broad organizational coordination and the
ability to function over an extended period of time, if necessary. When
an event is of significant magnitude and causes large-scale disruption,
the JIC may be activated at the direction of incident managers
overseeing the emergency management operations response.
JIS / JIC Involvement
Within the Joint Information System (JIS), there are two identifiable
event triggers for how an agency or organization will be involved in the
system:
High "Local-Impact' Event
The jurisdiction or agency having primary responsibility for an
incident requests public information mutual aid support. Public
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information resources through the Regional Disaster Plan will
be available to assist.
Region-wide Event
^ JIC is activated to assist the media and public by creating a
one-stop-shopping location for information dissemination.
Information is released based on the desires of the affected
jurisdictions, agencies and organizations.
Procedures
The Joint Information System (JIS) will operate at three different
levels:
Level One - Two or more local information centers are
activated for a minor incident. All activated agencies will
distribute their own public information messages. Those
involved in the incident are encouraged to share and coordinate
their messages before release.
Level Two- Multiple agencies are affected and response
operations are expected for over 24 hours. A JIC is activated.
Public information staffing is requested.
Level Three - A disaster proclamation has been issued. The
JIC expands to include state and federal agencies. Public
information liaisons should be established between operating
information centers. Public outreach and hotlines are initiated.
Within the JIS, if a single entity is impacted by an event and is in need
of additional resources to aid the organization in providing accurate
and timely information, public information personnel from other
organizations may assist the impacted agency and work under the
direction of the supervising public information officer (PLO)
representing the organization being assisted.
If there is an event with impacts to either multiple agencies or
organizations simultaneously, the formation of a JIC is a preferred
solution. This may be a single location where PIOs assemble to
collect, coordinate and disseminate information on the incident.
The RPIN web site may be utilized as a key method for making news
releases and other emergency information available to the media and
public in one central location. All public participating organizations are
urged to become RPIN partners if they have not already done so.
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(There currently is no method for unregulated private organizations to
post on RPIN's web site.)
JIC Operations
The JIC will provide a centralized location for public information
briefings to allow for participation by a variety of spokespeople
representing partner agencies and groups. The JIC will provide
"one-stop shopping" for the news media and others seeking
coordinated information.
Each individual responding agency and organization retains full
ability to provide its own emergency information to the public as
necessary, and is encouraged to provide representation and
share information with the JIC if co-location cannot be achieved.
Lead Agency
Typically there is one jurisdiction, agency or organization that is
impacted more significantly than others. That particular entity
could be the lead for a regional JIC. The operation of the JIC
should mirror the command organizational structure, if such a
structure is established.
Facility
Locations for a JIC for regional events may vary and be dictated
by the individual situation. In certain events, the best place for
the JIC might be close to the site of the incident, especially if
there is one single focus for response operations that is
attracting media interest. The facility will require appropriate
access and meet the needs of the JIC. Primary and alternate
locations should be identified in the event of a large-scale,
region-wide event.
Staffinq
Additional personnel staffing for a regional JIC will follow the
procedures established and coordinated by RPIN.
Having a public information plan that is executed by a well-
trained staff will mitigate the confusion that normally occurs in
disaster situations. Participation in regularly scheduled disaster
exercises will provide the cadre of personnel needed for larger
scale events.
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Personnel must be identified by their respective organizations
and designated as information staff (or other appropriate
designation) for use on a consolidated basis during
emergencies and disasters. JIC representatives should receive
initial and refresher training in emergency or disaster PlO
procedures.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Primary Agencies are responsible for ensuring that public
information functions and operations are appropriately
coordinated following a disaster. Primary Agencies attempt to:
Organize and coordinate the emergency public information
function for their individual organization.
Conduct training for personnel whose normal duties do not
include PlO functions.
Establish and coordinate procedures and the use of designated
facilities during emergencies and disasters.
Provide trained PlO staff or other appropriate individuals to staff
the JIC in support of other affected organizations and regional
events.
Make appropriate staff available to coordinate and share
information through various communication means if public
information resources cannot be sent to the JIC.
6. Participate in RPIN as resources allow.
7. Utilize the JIS when situations warrant.
Maintain updated public information contact names and
numbers as part of the "PLO Resource Directory."
Support Agencies should conduct their public information
function in a way that is consistent with local agencies public
information functions and operations following a disaster.
Support Agencies attempt to:
Coordinate respective public information within the Joint
Information System (JIS).
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Provide trained PlO representatives or other appropriate
individuals to the JIC as the situation dictates.
VI.
RESOURCE REQUIREMENTS
Pre-designated facilities and equipment must be identified to support the PlO
function during disasters.
VII.
REFERENCES
PlO Resource Directory
Regional Public Information Network
King County PlO Procedures Guide
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Joint Information Center Model
I[
EOC/IC Rep
Decision Team
Fed/State/Co/City
JIC Manager I~
(To Other ICs/JICs) I/
Media Monitoring I
I I I
IL°gistics I I Opemtions I I Planning
'Media Tech Support) (Content) (Long-Term)
Media Credentialling
Parking
Bdefing Room
Interview Scheduling
On-Site Media
Telephone Media
Web Production
Rumor Control
(Public Phone Bank)
ResearchNVdting
Subject Matter Expert Cell
Subject Matter Expert Cell
Supplies
Safety/Security
IT Services
(Phones, Computer)
Public Affairs Staffing
Message Development
(Short Term)
Story Idea Development
(Long Term)
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