Virtual Tabletop Exercise (VTTX) - Flood

Transcription

1 (VTTX) - Situation Manual May 23, 24 & 25, 2017 This Situation Manual provides exercise participants with all the necessary tools for their roles in the exercise. Some exercise material is intended for the exclusive use of exercise planners, facilitators, and evaluators, but players may view other materials that are necessary to their performance. All exercise participants may view the SitMan. Rev. April 2013 HSEEP-DD05

2 EXERCISE OVERVIEW Exercise Name (VTTX) - Exercise Dates May 23, 24 & 25, 2017 Scope This exercise is a tabletop exercise. Mission Area(s) Prevention, Protection, Mitigation, Response & Recovery Core Capabilities Objectives Threat or Hazard Scenario Sponsor Participating Organizations Point of Contact Planning, Public Information and Warning, Operational Coordination; Community Resilience; Threats and Hazards Identification; Mass Care Services; Mass Care and Rescue Operations; Public Health, Healthcare and Emergency Medical Services; Situational Assessment; Economic Recovery; Health and Social Services; Housing. This VTTX was written with no SMART objectives listed. SMART objectives are the responsibility of the agency taking part, if they wish to do so. As a discussion-based exercise, participating agencies discuss practicing group problem solving, familiarizing senior officials with a situation, conducting a specific case study, examining personnel contingencies, testing group message interpretation, participating in information sharing and assessing interagency coordination. The VTTX was designed around a realistic scenario. FEMA Emergency Management Institute (EMI) Federal, state, tribal or local levels of government agencies while utilizing the whole community approach of including applicable representative organizations (such as private sector partners, voluntary agencies, school districts, etc.) within each jurisdiction. Douglas M. Kahn at douglas.kahn@fema.dhs.gov or General Inquires: fema-emi-iemb@fema.dhs.gov or call Exercise Overview 1 FEMA Emergency Management Institute

3 GENERAL INFORMATION Exercise Objectives and Core Capabilities The following exercise objectives in Table 1 describe the expected outcomes for the exercise. The objectives are linked to core capabilities, which are distinct critical elements necessary to achieve the specific mission area(s). The objectives and aligned core capabilities are guided by elected and appointed officials and selected by the Exercise Planning Team. Exercise Objective Assist participants knowledge, skills, and abilities to effectively conduct all-hazards emergency response and recovery. Enable participants to better coordinate response operations with counterparts from Federal agencies, State governments, local governments, private sector organizations, and nongovernmental agencies. Allow participating locations to share real-time flood related preparation, response and recovery solutions with all participants. Core Capability Planning, Public Information and Warning, Operational Coordination Community Resilience; Threats and Hazards Identification; Mass Care Services; Mass Care and Rescue Operations; Public Health, Healthcare and Emergency Medical Services; Situational Assessment; Economic Recovery; Health and Social Services & Housing. Table 1. Exercise Objectives and Associated Core Capabilities Participant Roles and Responsibilities The term participant encompasses many groups of people, not just those playing in the exercise. Groups of participants involved in the exercise, and their respective roles and responsibilities, are as follows: Players. Players are personnel who have an active role in discussing or performing their regular roles and responsibilities during the exercise. Players discuss or initiate actions in response to the simulated emergency. Observers. Observers do not directly participate in the exercise. However, they may support the development of player responses to the situation during the discussion by asking relevant questions or providing subject matter expertise. Facilitators. Facilitators provide situation updates and moderate discussions. They also provide additional information or resolve questions as required. Key Exercise Planning Team members also may assist with facilitation as subject matter experts (SMEs) during the exercise. Evaluators. Evaluators are assigned to observe and document certain objectives during the exercise. Their primary role is to document player discussions, including how and if those discussions conform to plans, polices, and procedures. General Information 2 FEMA Emergency Management Institute

4 Exercise Structure This exercise will be a multimedia, facilitated exercise. Players will participate in the following three modules: Module 1: Initial Response Module 2: Extended Response Module 3: Recovery Each module begins with a multimedia update that summarizes key events occurring within that time period. After the updates, participants review the situation and engage in functional group discussions of appropriate prevention/protection/mitigation/response/recovery issues. After the group discussions, participants will engage in a moderated plenary discussion in which a spokesperson from each group will present a synopsis of the group s actions, based on the scenario. Exercise Guidelines This exercise will be held in an open, low-stress, no-fault environment. Varying viewpoints, even disagreements, are expected. Respond to the scenario using your knowledge of current plans and capabilities (i.e., you may use only existing assets) and insights derived from your training. Decisions are not precedent setting and may not reflect your organization s final position on a given issue. This exercise is an opportunity to discuss and present multiple options and possible solutions. Issue identification is not as valuable as suggestions and recommended actions that could improve prevention/protection/mitigation/response/recovery efforts. Problem-solving efforts should be the focus. Exercise Assumptions and Artificialities In any exercise, assumptions and artificialities may be necessary to complete play in the time allotted and/or account for logistical limitations. Exercise participants should accept that assumptions and artificialities are inherent in any exercise, and should not allow these considerations to negatively impact their participation. During this exercise, the following apply: The exercise is conducted in a no-fault learning environment wherein capabilities, plans, systems, and processes will be evaluated. The exercise scenario is plausible, and events occur as they are presented. All players receive information at the same time. General Information 3 FEMA Emergency Management Institute

5 Exercise Evaluation Evaluation of the exercise is based on the exercise objectives and aligned capabilities, capability targets, and critical tasks, which are documented in Exercise Evaluation Guides (EEGs). Evaluators have EEGs for each of their assigned areas. Additionally, players will be asked to complete participant feedback forms. These documents, coupled with facilitator observations and notes, will be used to evaluate the exercise and compile the After-Action Report (AAR). General Information 4 FEMA Emergency Management Institute

6 Date: Wednesday, April 8 Time: 1230 Location: Birmingham/Trussville, AL MODULE 1: INITIAL RESPONSE Consistent with extreme weather cycles across most of the country, heavy rainfall in and around Birmingham, AL over the past week has saturated the ground and produced bank full and minor flooding conditions in parts of the region. Though the past two days have been dry, there is still high runoff potential for any additional precipitation. Light rain begins to fall early in the afternoon of Wednesday, April 8. The National Weather Service (NWS) issues a severe thunderstorm warning for Jefferson County at 1455 hrs as intense pockets of severe thunderstorms move toward Trussville from the southwest. At 1715 hrs, heavier rains move into the area, dumping up to two inches of rain per hour in and around Trussville, AL. Two hours later, at 1915 hrs, the local NWS weather forecast office Birmingham issues a flash flood warning in effect until 0400 hrs on Thursday, April 9. The NWS warns that rivers and/or streams, which are already vulnerable to flooding because of the previous bank full conditions and high rates of runoff, may become increasingly blocked with debris carried by the high water levels and overflow. More than six inches of rain have fallen across Birmingham and debris has piled up at bridges and bends along small rivers and streams. River spotters, water gauges and/or electric river-rise warning devices indicate(s) that waterways have risen to a dangerous levels. Wednesday, April hrs Local waterways Village Creek have begun to overflow their banks and several impassable bridges and roadways all roadways in and along Village Creek have been closed by Birmingham police. Emergency plans have been activated by authorities in the field and an Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is being staffed. Meanwhile, dozens of motorists have been trapped inside or atop their vehicles and Birmingham fire trucks are currently being used to wade through flooded areas to rescue motorists. Downed telephone poles, electrical lines, and flooded transformers have knocked out telephone service and power to much of Birmingham, leaving the streets that are passable dark and hazardous. Emergency dispatchers are receiving an average of 40 calls per hour generating numerous requests for service from community first responders. In addition, there are multiple Emergency Medical Service (EMS) dispatches which ambulances are not able to reach because of floodwaters. Some EMS crews have even requested assistance for large Public Works vehicles in order to hitch rides to reach otherwise unreachable victims. The extra energy exerted just to reach some victims is taking its toll on these responders as they are extremely understaffed. Module 1: INITIAL RESPONSE 5 FEMA Emergency Management Institute

7 Thursday, April hrs More than 160 people have been rescued but nearly 50 more await rescue on second floors, in attics, and on rooftops. These operations are taking more time and resources than expected because of the difficulty in rescuing people in the dark with the rain still falling. Rescue personnel have been working for hours and some are suffering from dehydration and exhaustion. On-call and offduty personnel have already been paged, but it is simply not enough; more staff is needed. Local and regional media outlets WBRC, Fox 6 are the first to contact City officials about the emergency situation and they are awaiting updates on response operations. Key Issues Questions ing of local waterways Emergency response operations underway (i.e. life-saving operations) Utilities unavailable in parts of the community Emergency dispatch and response personnel fatigued and overstretched Based on the information provided, participate in the discussion concerning the issues raised in Module 1. Identify any critical issues, decisions, requirements, or questions that should be addressed at this time. 1. What are some suggested incident objectives for this operational period? 2. Which agencies and/or jurisdictions should be involved in planning the response? 3. What priorities should be established between elements of the multi-agency coordination system? What potential coordination and policy issues could arise? 4. Do standard first responder protocols need to be reexamined at this time? How can response personnel be assisted in overcoming flood water, lack of electricity, dark, etc.? 5. What future resource requirements may incident management personnel face? How will the process of acquiring and allocating these resources work? 6. Should a local state of emergency be declared to activate state, or Federal, resources? Will you request a state, or Federal, disaster declaration? What are the short- and long-term implications of such a declaration? 7. What information is vital to the safety of the public? How will the multi-agency coordination system and the Joint Information System (JIS) assist in gathering, verifying, coordinating, and disseminating this public information? 8. How will a common operating picture be maintained within and across all jurisdictions of an incident? What is the role of policy and decision makers in this effort? Module 1: INITIAL RESPONSE 6 FEMA Emergency Management Institute

8 MODULE 2: EXTENDED RESPONSE Date: Thursday, April 9 Time: 0730 Location: Birmingham/Trussville, AL By 0730 hrs on Thursday, April 9, the rain had lightened and the worst of the flooding had passed. Emergency dispatchers continued to receive a heavy volume of calls requesting assistance. Response personnel are carrying on with rescues of people and pets trapped in homes. Fortunately, the majority of residents in flooded areas self-evacuated while roadways were still passable so by now, most life-saving operations have ceased; cleanup and repair operations, on the other hand, are just beginning. Thursday, April hrs waters have receded and local waterways have returned to levels only slightly above normal. Public works crews work to remove debris that has gathered in waterways, roads, and yards and perform maintenance on quickly-repaired roadways. Utility crews are also working to restore electricity and telephone service by fixing public infrastructure, including telephone poles, street lamps, and flooded transformers. In some cases, utility companies Alabama Power are asking for assistance from the public works crews in order to access the infrastructures they are attempting to repair. Though only a small portion of Trussville was directly affected by the flooding, assistance and support has begun to come in from all over Jefferson County, as well as the surrounding communities Trussville and Center Point. A staging area has been set up at a local school Trussville High School for volunteers to report and donations to be brought. Other citizens and media outlets, however, have begun calling EMA officials requesting information on a timeframe for road repairs, reopening of bridges, and the continuance or closures of specific government services. Local residents temporarily displaced by the flooding are also demanding to know when they will be allowed to return home and whether or not State or Federal individual assistance funding will be available, either through FEMA, the Small Business Administration (SBA), or another entity. Key Issues Rain and flooding has subsided; life safety and rescue operations cease Debris removal, utility maintenance, and road repair operations are underway Volunteers arrive en masse Media and public demanding information Module 2: EXTENDED RESPONSE 7 FEMA Emergency Management Institute

9 Questions Based on the information provided, participate in the discussion concerning the issues raised in Module 2. Identify any critical issues, decisions, requirements, or questions that should be addressed at this time. 1. What potential coordination and policy issues could arise from decisions regarding the prioritization of repair and cleanup sites and resources? What are the roles of the multiagency coordination system and the public information system in this process? 2. How have the resource requirements of the community changed? What will the process for the activation and demobilization of resources look like? 3. How has/will a State or Federal disaster declaration assist in acquiring needed resources? What are some other potential sources of assistance that have not yet been tapped? 4. How will communications and information management principles be utilized to develop a strategy across jurisdictions to handle volunteers? 5. Where will volunteers be sent to register? How will they be integrated into response efforts? 6. What steps will be taken to develop and disseminate public communications and utilize the multi-agency coordination system and the Joint Information Center (JIC)? 7. What current and future resource requirements will the multi-agency coordination system and public information system face? 8. What public services will be affected by the flooding? What services can continue as normal? 9. How will the potential for prolonged utility outages affect community operations? How will it affect individual residents? What is the community s role to provide assistance in such cases? 10. How will utility companies and other entities work with the incident command? Will they be formally included in the planning and operations process? Module 2: EXTENDED RESPONSE 8 FEMA Emergency Management Institute

10 Date: Friday, April 10 Time: 1700 Location: Birmingham/Trussville, AL MODULE 3: RECOVERY Water levels in local streams and rivers have returned to normal, utility poles and transformers have been repaired, and power has been restored to almost all of Jefferson County. Residents in flooded areas have begun returning home as most city services have been restored communitywide. Sunday, April hrs (Day 5) Engineering teams have begun planning major repairs to bridges and roadways destroyed during the flood, while residents continue fixing or disposing of their own damaged personal property. Environmental and public health teams are still working diligently to determine the potential health hazards, if any, presented in once flooded areas. Volunteer cleanup crews are doing their best to wash and sanitize public and private spaces. Tuesday, April hrs (Day 7) With most of the major response operations coming to a close, public concern has shifted to the availability of financial reimbursement and assistance. In particular, rumors are swirling around State and Federal assistance programs. Concerned citizens call community and State officials frequently about individual reimbursements for damaged or destroyed property. Meanwhile the media requests information on the total costs of the damage and the existence of State and/or Federal public assistance and hazard mitigation funding for the flooded areas. In addition, community officials have begun discussion of potential long-term recovery and mitigation projects that should be undertaken in the future. Key Issues Response operations closing down; roads cleared and utilities restored Heavy construction and other recovery efforts in preliminary stages Public and media concerns regarding individual and public assistance Community officials meet to discuss recovery and mitigation steps Module 3: RECOVERY 9 FEMA Emergency Management Institute

11 Questions Based on the information provided, participate in the discussion concerning the issues raised in Module 3. Identify any critical issues, decisions, requirements, or questions that should be addressed at this time. 1. What are the operational goals of recovery? Which of these goals are within the control of community officials? 2. What is the role of policy and decision makers in the gradual transition from response to recovery operations? What are some initial actions for these officials? 3. How long will this operational period last? What emergency management systems should be pared down/stood up at this point? 4. How will the process of acquiring and allocating resources change with the gradual transition to recovery operations? How will this change the role played by the multiagency coordination system? 5. How will the multi-agency coordination system interface with the management of current and future recovery and mitigation projects? What are appropriate oversight measures? 6. When should the management of communications and public information return to normal operations? When will the JIC be demobilized? For how long will the JIC be necessary and/or useful? 7. What environmental and public health hazards may result from the flood clean up? What is the role of policy- and decision-makers in ensuring the proper disposal of hazardous materials and the clean-up of any contaminated areas? 8. With an estimated 10% loss of businesses in your jurisdiction, what economic impact do you anticipate over the next year due to tax revenue losses? Module 3: RECOVERY 10 FEMA Emergency Management Institute

12 APPENDIX A: EXERCISE SCHEDULE Time Activity 12:00 p.m. Welcome and Opening Remarks 12:15 Module 1: Briefing, Caucus Discussion, and Brief-Back 1:15 Module 2: Briefing, Caucus Discussion, and Brief-Back 2:30 Module 3: Briefing, Caucus Discussion, and Brief-Back 4:00 Closing Comments Appendix A: Exercise Schedule A-1 FEMA Emergency Management Institute

13 APPENDIX B: EXERCISE PARTICIPANTS Participating Organizations Appendix B: Exercise Participants B-1 FEMA Emergency Management Institute

14 APPENDIX C: RELEVANT PLANS Appendix C: Relevant Plans C-1 FEMA Emergency Management Institute

15 APPENDIX D: ACRONYMS Acronym AAR ARC COP DHS DOH EDT EEG EMI EMS EOC FEMA FOUO HSEEP IC ICS JIC MAA MOA MOU NWS POC SA SITMAN TTX UC VTC VTTX Term After Action Report American Red Cross Common Operating Picture U.S. Department of Homeland Security Department of Health Exercise Design Team Exercise Evaluation Guide Emergency Management Institute Emergency Medical Services Emergency Operations Center Federal Emergency Management Agency For Official Use Only Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program Incident Command Incident Command System Joint Information Center Mutual Aid Agreement Memorandum of Agreement Memorandum of Understanding National Weather Service Point of Contact Situational Awareness Situation Manual Tabletop Exercise Unified Command Video Teleconference Appendix D: Acronyms D-1 FEMA Emergency Management Institute

16 APPENDIX E: PARTICIPANT FEEDBACK FORM Please enter your responses in the form field or check box after the appropriate selection. Name: Title: Agency: Role: Player Facilitator Observer Evaluator Part I: Recommendations and Corrective Actions 1. Based on the discussions today and the tasks identified, list the top three strengths and/or areas that need improvement Identify the action steps that should be taken to address the issues identified above. For each action step, indicate if it is a high, medium, or low priority. Corrective Action Priority 3. Describe the corrective actions that relate to your area of responsibility. Who should be assigned responsibility for each corrective action? Corrective Action Recommended Assignment Appendix E: Participant Feedback Form E-1 FEMA Emergency Management Institute

17 4. List the policies, plans, and procedures that should be reviewed, revised, or developed. Indicate the priority level for each. Item for Review Priority Part II: Assessment of Exercise Design and Conduct Please rate, on a scale of 1 to 5, your overall assessment of the exercise relative to the statements provided below, with 1 indicating strong disagreement with the statement and 5 indicating strong agreement. Assessment Factor Strongly Disagree Strongly Agree The exercise was well structured and organized The exercise scenario was plausible and realistic The multimedia presentation helped the participants understand and become engaged in the scenario. The facilitator(s) was knowledgeable about the material, kept the exercise on target, and was sensitive to group dynamics. The Situation Manual used during the exercise was a valuable tool throughout the exercise. Participation in the exercise was appropriate for someone in my position. The participants included the right people in terms of level and mix of disciplines Part III: Participant Feedback What changes would you make to this exercise? Please provide any recommendations on how this exercise or future exercises could be improved or enhanced. Appendix E: Participant Feedback Form E-2 FEMA Emergency Management Institute