City of Claremore, Oklahoma

Multi- Hazard Mitigation Plan

August 17, 2007

R.D. Flanagan & Associates Planning Consultants 724 Ramm Road Phone: 918-341 -2066 Claremore, OK 74017 Fax: 918-341-6162

Mr. Bill Penka, State Hazard Mitigation Officer August 17,2007 Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management P.O. Box 53365 Oklahoma City, OK 73 152

RE: City of Claremore Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan

Dear Mr. Penka:

We are pleased to submit the City of Claremore Multi-Jurisdictional Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan-2007, as fulfillment of the requirements of the Hazard Mitigation Grant (FEMA- 1401 -DR-OK).

This Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan, prepared in accordance with state and federal guidance, addresses floodplain management, dam failures, tornadoes, high winds, hailstorms, lightning, winter storms, extreme heat, drought, expansive soils, urban and wild fires, earthquakes, hazardous materials events, and transportation hazards.

We look forward to implementing this plan to further protect the lives and properties of our citizens fiom natural and man-made hazards. If we can answer any questions or be of further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Powell City Manager City of Claremore Table of Contents

Acknowledgements...... xi Executive Summary ...... xiii Background...... xiii Purpose ...... xiv Hazard Mitigation Citizens Advisory Committee...... xiv The Planning Process ...... xiv Plan Summary ...... xv Highest Priority Mitigation Measures ...... xvi Mitigation Action Plan ...... xvii Chapter 1: Introduction...... 1 1.1 About the Plan ...... 1 1.1.1 Purpose ...... 1 1.1.2 Scope ...... 2 1.1.3 Authority...... 2 1.1.4 Funding...... 2 1.1.5 Goals...... 3 1.1.6 Definition of Terms ...... 5 1.1.7 Point of Contact...... 5 1.2 Community Description...... 6 1.2.1 Geography ...... 6 1.2.2 Climate ...... 9 1.2.3 History ...... 9 1.2.4 Population and Demographics...... 10 1.2.5 Economy...... 14 1.2.6 Industry...... 15 1.2.7 Local Utilities—Lifelines...... 15 1.2.8 Future Development ...... 16 1.3 Regulatory Framework...... 17 1.3.1 Comprehensive Planning and Zoning ...... 17 1.3.2 Floodplain and Stormwater Management ...... 17 1.3.3 Building Codes...... 17 1.3.4 Fire Insurance...... 18 1.3.5 Fire Department Resources ...... 18 1.4 Existing Hazard Mitigation Programs...... 20 1.4.1 Community Rating System (CRS) ...... 20

City of Claremore i Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan 1.4.2 Flood and Stormwater Management Plans...... 20 1.4.3 Capital Improvements Plans...... 21 1.4.4 Emergency Operations Plan...... 21 1.4.5 Critical Facilities...... 22 Chapter 2: The Planning Process ...... 27 2.1 Step One: Organize to Prepare the Plan ...... 27 2.2 Step Two: Involve the Public ...... 31 2.3 Step Three: Coordinate with Other Agencies and Organizations ...... 31 2.4 Step Four: Assess the Hazard...... 34 2.5 Step Five: Assess the Problem ...... 35 2.6 Step Six: Set Goals ...... 36 2.7 Step Seven: Review Possible Activities...... 37 2.8 Step Eight: Draft an Action Plan...... 38 2.9 Step Nine: Adopt the Plan ...... 39 2.10 Step Ten: Implement, Evaluate, and Revise...... 39 Chapter 3: Natural and Man-Made Hazards ...... 40 Introduction...... 40 Hazards Summary ...... 41 Annual Average Damages...... 44 Hazards Analysis: Probability and Vulnerability...... 45 Secondary Events ...... 46 3.1 Floods ...... 47 3.1.1 Hazard Profile...... 47 3.1.2 Historical Events ...... 50 3.1.3 Current Stormwater Program ...... 52 3.1.4 Vulnerable Population...... 56 3.1.5 Conclusion...... 57 3.1.6 Sources ...... 57 3.2 Tornadoes ...... 58 3.2.1 Hazard Profile...... 58 3.2.2 Historical Events ...... 59 3.2.3 Vulnerable Population...... 66 3.2.4 Tornado Scenario...... 68 3.2.5 Conclusion...... 70 3.2.6 Sources ...... 71 3.3 High Winds...... 72 3.3.1 Hazard Profile...... 72 3.3.2 Historical Events ...... 74

City of Claremore ii Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan 3.3.3 Vulnerable Population...... 77 3.3.4 Conclusion...... 77 3.3.5 Sources ...... 77 3.4 Lightning ...... 78 3.4.1 Hazard Profile...... 78 3.4.2 Historical Events ...... 79 3.4.3 Vulnerable Population...... 80 3.4.4 Conclusion...... 81 3.4.5 Sources ...... 82 3.5 Hailstorms...... 83 3.5.1 Hazard Profile...... 83 3.5.2 Historical Events ...... 84 3.5.3 Vulnerable Population...... 86 3.5.4 Conclusion...... 87 3.5.5 Sources ...... 87 3.6 Winter Storms...... 88 3.6.1 Hazard Profile...... 88 3.6.2 Historical Events ...... 90 3.6.3 Vulnerable Population...... 93 3.6.4 Conclusion...... 94 3.6.5 Sources ...... 94 3.7 Extreme Heat...... 96 3.7.1 Hazard Profile...... 96 3.7.2 Historical Events ...... 98 3.7.3 Vulnerable Population...... 100 3.7.4 Conclusion...... 100 3.7.5 Sources ...... 100 3.8 Drought...... 101 3.8.1 Hazard Profile...... 101 3.8.2 Historical Events ...... 103 3.8.3 Vulnerable Population...... 106 3.8.4 Conclusion...... 107 3.8.5 Sources ...... 107 3.9 Expansive Soils ...... 109 3.9.1 Hazard Profile...... 109 3.9.2 Historical Events ...... 110 3.9.3 Vulnerable Population...... 111 3.9.4 Conclusion...... 113

City of Claremore iii Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan 3.9.5 Sources ...... 113 3.10 Urban Fires...... 114 3.10.1 Hazard Profile...... 114 3.10.2 Historical Events ...... 116 3.10.3 Vulnerable Population...... 118 3.10.4 Conclusion...... 119 3.10.5 Sources ...... 119 3.11 Wildfires...... 120 3.11.1 Hazard Profile...... 120 3.11.2 Historical Events ...... 122 3.11.3 Vulnerable Population...... 127 3.11.4 Conclusion...... 128 3.11.5 Sources ...... 128 3.12 Earthquakes ...... 129 3.12.1 Hazard Profile...... 129 3.12.2 Historical Events ...... 132 3.12.3 Vulnerable Population...... 134 3.12.4 Conclusion...... 135 3.12.5 Sources ...... 135 3.13 Hazardous Materials Events...... 136 3.13.1 Hazard Profile...... 137 3.13.2 Historical Events ...... 138 3.13.3 Vulnerable Population...... 140 3.13.4 Conclusion...... 143 3.13.5 Sources ...... 143 3.14 Dam Failures ...... 145 3.14.1 Hazard Profile...... 145 3.14.2 Historical Events ...... 147 3.14.3 Vulnerable Population...... 149 3.14.4 Dam Break Scenario...... 150 3.14.5 Conclusion...... 153 3.14.6 Sources ...... 153 3.15 Transportation Hazards ...... 155 3.15.1 Hazard Profile...... 155 3.15.2 Historical Events ...... 162 3.15.3 Vulnerable Population...... 166 3.15.4 Conclusion...... 169 3.15.5 Sources ...... 170

City of Claremore iv Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter 4: Mitigation Strategies ...... 171 The Research, Review, and Prioritization Process...... 171 Mitigation Categories ...... 172 4.1 Claremore Hazard Mitigation Goals ...... 173 4.1.1 Mission Statement ...... 173 4.1.2 Mitigation Goal...... 173 4.1.3 General Goals for all Natural Hazards ...... 173 4.1.4 Specific Goals for Particular Natural Hazards ...... 173 4.2 Public Information and Education...... 177 4.2.1 Map Information...... 177 4.2.2 Library ...... 178 4.2.3 Web Sites...... 178 4.2.4 Outreach Projects...... 180 4.2.5 Technical Assistance...... 180 4.2.6 Real Estate Disclosure...... 181 4.2.7 Educational Programs...... 181 4.2.8 Public Information Program Strategy...... 182 4.2.9 Conclusions ...... 184 4.2.10 Recommendations ...... 184 4.3 Preventive Measures...... 186 4.3.1 Planning...... 186 4.3.2 Zoning...... 188 4.3.3 Open Space Preservation...... 188 4.3.4 Building Codes...... 188 4.3.5 Floodplain Development Regulations...... 189 4.3.6 Stormwater Management...... 191 4.3.7 Critical Facility Protection ...... 193 4.3.8 Water Conservation...... 193 4.3.9 Power Outages from Winter Storms...... 194 4.3.10 IBHS Fortified Home Program ...... 195 4.3.11 Hurricane Clips...... 197 4.3.12 Mobile Home Tie-Downs...... 197 4.3.13 Extreme Heat Protection...... 197 4.3.14 Smoke Detectors...... 198 4.3.15 Proper Storage and Disposal of Hazardous Materials...... 199 4.3.16 Lightning Warning Systems...... 199 4.3.17 Conclusions ...... 200 4.3.18 Recommendations ...... 200

City of Claremore v Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan 4.4 Structural Projects ...... 201 4.4.1 Reservoirs and Detention ...... 201 4.4.2 Safe Rooms...... 201 4.4.3 School Safe Rooms...... 202 4.4.4 Levees and Floodwalls...... 202 4.4.5 Channel Improvements...... 203 4.4.6 Crossings and Roadways...... 203 4.4.7 Drainage and Storm Sewer Improvements...... 203 4.4.8 Drainage System Maintenance...... 204 4.4.9 Conclusions ...... 204 4.4.10 Recommendations ...... 205 4.5 Property Protection...... 206 4.5.1 Acquisition and Relocation...... 206 4.5.2 Building Elevation...... 207 4.5.3 Barriers ...... 207 4.5.4 Retrofitting ...... 207 4.5.5 Insurance...... 209 4.5.6 The City’s Role...... 210 4.5.7 Lightning Protection Systems...... 211 4.5.8 Surge Protectors...... 212 4.5.9 Landscaping for Wildfire Prevention ...... 212 4.5.10 Conclusions ...... 213 4.5.11 Recommendations ...... 213 4.6 Emergency Services ...... 214 4.6.1 Threat Recognition ...... 214 4.6.2 Warning ...... 215 4.6.3 Response...... 216 4.6.4 Critical Facilities Protection...... 217 4.6.5 Post-Disaster Recovery and Mitigation...... 218 4.6.6 Debris Management...... 218 4.6.7 CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) ...... 219 4.6.8 StormReady Communities...... 219 4.6.9 Emergency Operations Plan (EOP)...... 220 4.6.10 Incident Command System (ICS)...... 221 4.6.11 Mutual Aid / Interagency Agreements ...... 222 4.6.12 9-1-1 and 3-1-1...... 222 4.6.13 Site Emergency Plans...... 222 4.6.14 Conclusions ...... 222

City of Claremore vi Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan 4.6.15 Recommendations ...... 222 4.7 Natural Resource Protection...... 223 4.7.1 Wetland Protection...... 223 4.7.2 Erosion and Sedimentation Control...... 224 4.7.3 River Restoration...... 225 4.7.4 Best Management Practices...... 225 4.7.5 Dumping Regulations...... 226 4.7.6 Conclusions ...... 227 4.7.7 Recommendations ...... 227 Chapter 5: Action Plan...... 228 Chapter 6: Plan Maintenance and Adoption ...... 240

Appendix A: Glossary of Hazard Mitigation Terms...... A–1 Appendix B: Hazard Mitigation Committee Meeting Agendas ...... B–1 Appendix C: Hazardous Materials and First Response Information for Tier II Sites ...... C–1

City of Claremore vii Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan List of Tables

Table 1–1: City of Claremore Population Data ...... 10 Table 1–2: City of Claremore Housing Units, by Type...... 14 Table 1–3: City of Claremore Properties and Values by Improvement Type ...... 14 Table 1–4: Utility Suppliers for Claremore ...... 16 Table 1–5: Claremore Fire Department Resources...... 19 Table 1–6: Claremore Critical Facilities...... 24 Table 2–1: Claremore Hazard Mitigation Citizens and Technical Advisory Committee Meetings and Activities ...... 30 Table 2–2: How and Why Hazards Were Identified...... 34 Table 3–1: Summary of Damages in Claremore, Oklahoma between 1995 and 2004...... 44 Table 3–2 Hazard Analysis for City of Claremore, Oklahoma ...... 45 Table 3–3: Summary of Hazard Analysis Ranking Criteria ...... 46 Table 3–4: Secondary Hazard Events...... 46 Table 3–5: City of Claremore Streams and Drainage Areas...... 50 Table 3–6: Claremore Floodplain Building Vulnerability...... 56 Table 3–7: Fujita Scale ...... 59 Table 3–8: Tornadoes in Oklahoma and in Claremore since 1950 and since 1995...... 62 Table 3–9: Tornado Fatalities in the United States...... 66 Table 3–10: Claremore Tornado Scenario...... 70 Table 3–11: Beaufort Scale of Wind Strength...... 73 Table 3–12: Saffir-Simpson Scale ...... 73 Table 3–13: High Wind Fatalities and Property Damage 1995 to 2003...... 76 Table 3–14: History of Lightning Events, Fatalities, and Damages from 1995 to 2003 ...... 80 Table 3–15: Locations of Injurious Lightning Strikes...... 81 Table 3–16: Fatalities and Reported Damages Caused by ∃1” Hail From 1995 to 2003...... 84 Table 3–17: History of Extreme Cold and Severe Winter Storms, Fatalities, and Damages from 1995 to 2003 ...... 91 Table 3–18: Deaths from Extreme Heat ...... 98 Table 3–19: City of Claremore Expansive Soils...... 111 Table 3–20: Oklahoma Urban Fire Damages and Injuries & Deaths 1997-2001...... 116 Table 3–21: Claremore, OK Urban Fire Damages and Injuries & Deaths 1997-2001...... 117 Table 3–22: Oklahoma Critical Facility Fires 1997-2001 ...... 118 Table 3–23: Claremore, OK Critical Facility Fires, 1997-2001 ...... 118 Table 3–24: Oklahoma Grass and Crop Fires, 1997-1999 ...... 124 Table 3–25: Oklahoma Wildland Fires, 1997-1999 ...... 124 Table 3–26: Claremore History of Wildfire Events and Damages from 1997 to 2001 ...... 127

City of Claremore viii Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan Table 3–27: Comparison of Mercalli and Richter Scales ...... 131 Table 3–28: U.S. Hazardous Materials Incidents 1991-2002...... 138 Table 3–29: Claremore Hazardous Materials Incidents 1990 – 2003...... 139 Table 3–30: Claremore Hazardous Materials Incidents...... 140 Table 3–31: Claremore Hazardous Materials Sites ...... 143 Table 3–32: Total Buildings in the Oologah Dam Break Scenario ...... 150 Table 3–33: Critical Facilities in the Oologah Dam Break Scenario...... 150 Table 3–34: Total Buildings in the Lake Claremore Dam Break Scenario ...... 153 Table 3–35: Critical Facilities in the Lake Claremore Dam Break Scenario ...... 153 Table 3–36: Hazardous Material Transport Placards...... 160 Table 3–37: Claremore Critical Facilities in Transportation Corridor ...... 167 Table 3–38: Claremore Hazardous Material Sites in Transportation Corridor...... 169 Table 3–39: Properties within ¼ Mile of Major Transportation Features ...... 169 Table 4–1: STAPLEE Prioritization and Review Criteria...... 171 Table 4–2: Multi-Hazard Mitigation Web Sites ...... 179 Table 4–3: Cost Differential for a “Fortified” Home...... 196 Table 5–1: Multi-Hazard Mitigation Measures, By Priority and Hazard ...... 231

City of Claremore ix Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan List of Figures

Figure 1–1: City of Claremore Base Map...... 7 Figure 1–2: Claremore Land Use Map ...... 8 Figure 1–3: City of Claremore Age 65 and Older Population Locations ...... 11 Figure 1–4: City of Claremore Low Income Areas ...... 12 Figure 1–5: City of Claremore Mobile Home Park Locations ...... 13 Figure 1–6: City of Claremore Warning Sirens...... 23 Figure 1–7: City of Claremore Critical Facilities ...... 26 Figure 3–1: City of Claremore Basin Map ...... 48 Figure 3–2: City of Claremore Floodplain Map ...... 49 Figure 3–3: Historical Tornado Paths in Rogers County...... 65 Figure 3–4: Historical Tornado Damages...... 67 Figure 3–5: Tornado Scenario ...... 69 Figure 3–6: City of Claremore Expansive Soils ...... 112 Figure 3–7: Claremore Hazardous Materials Sites ...... 142 Figure 3–8: City of Claremore Hazard Dam Locations...... 148 Figure 3–9: Oologah Lake Dam Break Scenario...... 151 Figure 3–10: Lake Claremore Dam Break Scenario...... 152 Figure 3–11: City of Claremore Transportation Corridor Hazards ...... 168 Figure 4–1: Public Service Notice for Flooding...... 185

City of Claremore x Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan Acknowledgements

The City of Claremore Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan was developed with assistance from a Hazard Mitigation Grant from the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and local funding from the City of Claremore. The Claremore Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan, November 2004, was prepared by the City of Claremore, Oklahoma, under the direction of the Claremore City Council. Numerous agencies, organizations and individuals participated in the study, including:

Claremore City Council City Council Mayor Brant Shallenburger James Cochran City Council Ward 1 Thomas Lehman Debra Reynolds City Council Ward 1 Paula Watson Jim Patterson City Council Ward 2 Terry Chase Craig Stanely City Council Ward 2 Mick Webber Don Purkey City Council Ward 3 Rebekah Askew Don Myers City Council Ward 3 Buddy Robertson Kevin Gunn City Council Ward 4 Tony Mullenger Joseph Ogden City Council Ward 4 Flo Guthrie Chad Choat

Claremore Hazard Mitigation Citizen Advisory Committee Chairman Ray Brown Vice-Chair Bob “Newt” Clements Member Scott Thomas Member Randy Baldridge Member Steve Neely

City of Claremore xi Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan Claremore Staff Technical Advisory Committee City Manager Troy Powell Mark Rounds Public Works Director Charles Andrle City Engineer/Project Manager Samuel P. Balsiger Floodplain Manager Ron Easterling City Planner Gene Edwards Fire Chief Mark Dowler Bradd Clark Police Chief Mickey Perry Emergency Management Director Bob Anderson

Consultants

R. D. Flanagan & Associates Ronald D. Flanagan, CFM, Principal Planning Consultants David Wakefield, CFM 2745 E. Skelly Drive, Suite 100 Sterling Overturf / Greg Pollard Tulsa, Oklahoma 74105 Graham Russell / Nancy Mulcahy (918) 749-2696 Dave Lister / Patrick Fox fax: (918) 749-2697 Bob Roberts / John D. Flanagan E-mail: [email protected] web site www.rdflanagan.com

Meshek & Associates, Inc. Janet K. Meshek, P.E., CFM, President Engineering Consultants H. Dale Reynolds, P.E. P.O. Box 636 Chris Hill Sand Springs, Oklahoma 74063 (918) 241-2803 E-mail: [email protected] Web site: http://www.meshekengr.com/

City of Claremore xii Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan Executive Summary

In the early 1980s the Tulsa area, including Claremore, was identified in a national study as one of the nation’s most disaster-prone areas, having been declared a federal disaster area nine times in only fifteen years. Oklahoma’s location at the intersection of the hot arid zone to the west, the temperate zone to the northeast, and the hot humid zone to the southeast make it subject to a wide variety of potentially violent weather and natural hazards.

Making people and businesses as safe as possible from a variety of natural hazards is the first step in making the area attractive for new and expanding businesses. This Claremore Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan is a citywide effort to identify potential hazards and develop a sound plan to mitigate their impacts, with the goal of saving lives and property. This plan fulfills the requirements of the Hazard Claremore City Council Public Hearing involving the City of Mitigation Grant Program Claremore Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan (HMGP) of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management (ODEM).

Approval of this plan will qualify the City of Claremore to apply for HMGP disaster mitigation funds following a federal disaster declaration, and Pre-Disaster Mitigation Grants (PDM), as required under Section 322 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act of 2000.

Background The City of Claremore is vulnerable to natural and man-made hazards. The Hazard Mitigation Citizen Advisory Committee of Claremore has identified 15 hazards affecting the city, including floods, tornadoes, high winds, lightning, hailstorms, severe winter storms, extreme heat, drought, expansive soils, urban fires, wildfires, earthquakes, transportation, hazardous materials events, and dam failures.

City of Claremore xiii Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan Purpose The purpose of this plan is to: • Assess the ongoing mitigation activities in the community • Identify and assess the hazards that pose a threat to citizens and property • Evaluate additional mitigation measures that should be undertaken • Outline a strategy for implementation and monitoring of mitigation projects

The objective of this plan is to provide guidance for community activities for the next five years. It will ensure that the City of Claremore and other partners implement activities that are most effective and appropriate for mitigating natural hazards and hazardous materials incidents.

Hazard Mitigation Citizens Advisory Committee Citizens and professionals active in disasters provided important input in the development of the plan and recommended goals and objectives, mitigation measures, and priorities for actions. The Claremore Hazard Mitigation Citizen Advisory Committee (CHMCAC) is comprised of citizen leaders of the community appointed by elected officials.

The Planning Process The planning for the City of Claremore followed a ten-step process, based on guidance and requirements of FEMA for the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP), the Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) program, and the Community Rating System (CRS).

1. Organize to prepare the plan 2. Involve the public 3. Coordinate with other agencies and organizations 4. Assess the hazard 5. Assess the problem 6. Set goals 7. Review possible activities 8. Draft the action plan 9. Adopt the plan 10. Implement, evaluate, and revise

City of Claremore xiv Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan Plan Summary The Claremore Multi-Hazard and Flood Mitigation Assistance Plan provides guidance to help citizens protect life and property from natural hazards. The plan identifies the hazards that are most likely to strike the city, provides a profile and risk assessment of each hazard, identifies mitigation measures for each hazard, and presents an action plan for the implementation of the mitigation measures.

Chapter 1 provides a profile of the City of Claremore that includes a community description, a discussion of existing hazard mitigation programs, and detailed information on the planning process.

Chapter 2 presents detailed information documenting the planning process including citizen and agency involvement, methodologies used in the plan for damage estimates, and a risk assessment of how and why hazards were identified.

Chapter 3 provides an assessment of 15 natural and man-made hazards, methodologies used in the plan for damage estimates and risk assessments, and a table describing how and why each hazard was identified. Each assessment includes a hazard profile, catalogs historical events, identifies the vulnerable populations, and presents a conclusion.

Chapter 4 sets goals and organizes proposed mitigation strategies under six mitigation categories: public information and education, preventive activities, structural projects, property protection, emergency services, and natural resource protection.

Chapter 5 outlines the Action Plan for the implementation of high priority mitigation projects, and includes a prioritized list of mitigation measures for each of the natural and man-made hazards. The Action Plan provides a description of the project, the responsible party, how much it will cost, funding sources, timelines for implementation, and expected outcome or work product.

Chapter 6 provides a discussion and documentation of the City of Claremore Hazard Mitigation Plan adoption by the Planning Commission and City Council. Plan maintenance includes monitoring, evaluating, and updating the plan with involvement of the public.

Appendix A provides a glossary of terms commonly used in disaster management and hazard mitigation.

Appendix B provides the agendas from CHMCAC meetings and supporting staff meetings.

City of Claremore xv Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan Highest Priority Mitigation Measures The following are the top ten high priority mitigation measures for the City of Claremore, as defined by the CHMCAC. The complete list of recommended mitigation measures is found in Table 5–1, at the end of Chapter 5.

Rank Hazard Category Mitigation Measure Floods, Tornadoes, High Winds, Lightning, Hail, Severe Winter Storms, Extreme Heat, Urban Evaluate and develop/upgrade/build 911 Center and Preventive 1 Fires, Wildfires, Earthquakes, Emergency Operations Center and facilities as Measures Fixed Site Haz Mat Events, required Dam Failures, Transportation Events Construct safe rooms at critical governmental facilities Tornadoes, High Winds, Preventive 2 such as City Hall, Police, and Fire Stations, community Earthquakes Measures recreational and public school facilities Preventive Develop a transportation plan and mark routes to limit 3 Transportation Events Measures public exposure to hazardous materials Encourage development of regional water detention Preventive 4 Floods ponds and implementation of a fee-in-lieu of on-site Measures detention. Floods, Tornadoes, High Winds, Lightning, Hail, Severe Winter Storms, Extreme Heat, Urban Emergency 5 Fires, Wildfires, Earthquakes, Install street addresses on all buildings and curbs. Services Fixed Site Haz Mat Events, Dam Failures, Transportation Events Floods, Tornadoes, High Winds, Lightning, Hail, Severe Winter Create a Comprehensive All-Hazards Mitigation Storms, Extreme Heat, Drought, Strategy for public employees and citizens, including Emergency 6 Expansive Soils, Urban Fires, the establishment of working partnerships involving Services Wildfires, Earthquakes, Fixed local government, civic, business leaders, and Site Haz Mat Events, Dam volunteer groups to create a safer community. Failures, Transportation Events Prepare a comprehensive city-wide basin Master Preventive 7 Floods Drainage Plan, to include the fence-line area and Measures future conditions. Evaluate the feasibility of a Stormwater Utility Fee to pay for routine maintenance of drainageways, help Preventive 8 Floods fund stormwater and drainage projects, and required Measures NPDES Phase II permit applications and implementation.

City of Claremore xvi Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan Mitigation Action Plan The mitigation action plan includes strategies for implementing the mitigation measures, including information on the responsible agency, time frame, cost estimate, funding sources, and a statement of the measurable results. For further information, contact: Gene Edwards, City Planner Hazard Mitigation Project Manager The City of Claremore 724 Ramm Road Claremore, OK 74017 (918) 341-2066

City of Claremore xvii Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter 1: Introduction

1.1 About the Plan

This document is the Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan for the City of Claremore. It is a strategic planning guide developed in fulfillment of the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) requirements of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), according to the Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act. This act provides federal assistance to state and local governments to alleviate suffering and damage from floods and other natural and man-made disasters. It broadens existing relief programs to encourage disaster preparedness plans and programs, coordination and responsiveness, insurance coverage, and hazard mitigation Claremore is home to the Will Rogers Memorial measures.

This plan is developed in accordance with guidance from, and fulfills requirements for, the following programs: 1. Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP). 2. National Flood Insurance Program’s Community Rating System (CRS). The plan addresses natural hazards and hazardous materials events.

1.1.1 Purpose The purpose of this plan is to: • Provide a description of the City of Claremore planning area and assess ongoing mitigation activities. (Chapter 1). • Describe the process used to identify and select mitigation measures (Chapter 2). • Identify and assess the hazards that pose a threat to citizens and property (Chapter 3). • Evaluate mitigation measures that should be undertaken to protect citizens and property (Chapter 4).

City of Claremore 1 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan • Outline a strategy and identify and recommend an Action Plan for implementation of mitigation projects (Chapter 5). • Develop a strategy for the adoption, maintenance, upkeep, and revision of the City of Claremore’s Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan (Chapter 6).

The objective of this plan is to provide guidance for community mitigation activities for the next five years. It will ensure that Claremore and other partners implement hazard mitigation activities that are most effective and appropriate for the natural and man-made hazards that threaten the community.

1.1.2 Scope The scope of the Claremore Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan is citywide. It addresses all natural hazards and hazardous materials events deemed to be a threat to the citizens of Claremore. Both short-term and long-term hazard mitigation opportunities are addressed, beyond existing federal, state, and local funding programs.

1.1.3 Authority Section 322 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, 42 U.S.C. 5165, enacted under Section 104 the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000, P.L. 106- 390, provides new and revitalized approaches to mitigation planning. Flood Mitigation Assistance planning is authorized under the National Flood Insurance Reform Act of 1994 (NFIRA). A major requirement of the law is the development of a local hazard mitigation plan. Section 322, in concert with other sections of the Act, provides a significant opportunity to reduce the Nation’s disaster losses through mitigation planning.

1.1.4 Funding Funding for the development of the Claremore Multi-Hazard Mitigation Program (HMGP) and the Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) plans was provided by grants from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management (ODEM). A 75% FEMA grant through ODEM, with a 25% local share, has been provided.

Grant Federal Local Total HMGP $20,800 $ 6,665 $27,465 FMA 15,000 5,000 20,000 Total $35,800 $11,665 $47,465

City of Claremore 2 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan Claremore Multi-Hazard and Flood Mitigation Assistance Plan Funding

$11,665

Federal Share Local Share

$35,800

Total Funding: $47,465 Includes $800 for administrative costs

1.1.5 Goals The staff and the Hazard Mitigation Citizens Advisory Committee of the City of Claremore developed the goals for the Claremore Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan, with input from interested citizens. The local goals were developed taking into account the hazard mitigation strategies and goals of the federal and state governments.

National Mitigation Strategy and Goal FEMA has developed ten fundamental principles for the nation’s mitigation strategy: 1. Risk reduction measures ensure long-term economic success for the community as a whole rather than short-term benefits for special interests. 2. Risk reduction measures for one natural hazard must be compatible with risk reduction measures for other natural hazards. 3. Risk reduction measures must be evaluated to achieve the best mix for a given location. 4. Risk reduction measures for natural hazards must be compatible with risk reduction measures for technological hazards and vice versa. 5. All mitigation is local. 6. Emphasizing proactive mitigation before emergency response can reduce disaster costs and the impacts of natural hazards. Both pre-disaster (preventive) and post- disaster (corrective) mitigation is needed. 7. Hazard identification and risk assessment are the cornerstones of mitigation. 8. Building new federal-state-local partnerships and public-private partnerships is the most effective means of implementing measures to reduce the impacts of natural hazards.

City of Claremore 3 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan 9. Those who knowingly choose to assume greater risk must accept responsibility for that choice. 10. Risk reduction measures for natural hazards must be compatible with the protection of natural and cultural resources.

FEMA’s goal is to: 1. Substantially increase public awareness of natural hazard risk so that the public demands safer communities in which to live and work 2. Significantly reduce the risk of loss of life, injuries, economic costs, and destruction of natural and cultural resources that result from natural hazards

State of Oklahoma Mitigation Strategy and Goals The State of Oklahoma has developed a Strategic All-Hazards Mitigation Plan to guide all levels of government, business, and the public to reduce or eliminate the effects of natural, technological, and man-made disasters. The goals and objectives are: 1. Improve government recovery capability. 2. Provide pre- and post-disaster recovery guidance. 3. Protect public health and safety. 4. Reduce losses and damage to property and infrastructure. 5. Preserve natural and cultural resources in vulnerable areas. 6. Preserve the environment. 7. Focus only on those mitigation measures that are cost effective and provide the best benefit to communities. The key measures to implement these goals include: 1. Enhance communication between state and federal agencies and local governments to facilitate post-disaster recovery, and pre- and post-disaster mitigation. 2. Coordinate federal, state, local, and private resources to enhance the preparedness and mitigation process. 3. Ensure consistency between federal and state regulations. 4. Protect critical facilities from hazards. 5. Support legislation that protects hazardous areas from being developed.

Claremore’s Goal To improve the safety and well-being of the citizens residing and working in the City of Claremore by reducing the potential of deaths, injuries, property damage, environmental and other losses from natural and technological hazards in a manner that creates a disaster-resistant community, enhances economic development opportunities, and advances community goals and quality of life, resulting in more livable, viable, and sustainable community.

Goals for mitigation of each of the hazards are presented in Chapter 4.

City of Claremore 4 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan 1.1.6 Definition of Terms A glossary of terms that are commonly used in hazard mitigation are included in Appendix A.

1.1.7 Point of Contact The primary point of contact for information regarding this plan is: Sam Balsiger, P.E., City Engineer Ron Easterling, Floodplain Manager The City of Claremore The City of Claremore 724 South Ramm Road 724 South Ramm Road Claremore, OK 74017 Claremore, OK 74017 (918) 341-2066 (918) 341-2066

City of Claremore 5 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan 1.2 Community Description

The City of Claremore is faced with a variety of hazards, both natural and man-made. In recent history, winter storms, dam releases, lightning, floods, and tornadoes have made the national headlines but, in fact, any part of the city can also be impacted by high winds, drought, hail, fire, hazardous materials events, and other threats. In some cases, such as flooding and dam failure, the areas most at risk have been mapped and delineated. A base map of the City of

Claremore with its major features City of Claremore and highways are shown in Figure 1–1.

The City of Claremore is the county seat of Rogers County, northeast of Tulsa. Claremore has a Census 2000 population of 15,873, comprising 22.5% of Rogers County’s population. It is located along Interstate 44 and historic Route 66 just north of the Verdigris River. Claremore is in the growth trend-line for the Tulsa Metropolitan Area, and experienced a rapid population growth rate of 19.5% since 1990, with an annual average of 1.95%.

1.2.1 Geography Latitude: 36.3134 N FIPS Code: 14700 Longitude: 95.6198 W

The City of Claremore is located northeast of Tulsa just east of the Verdigris River. Several associated drainage basins containing tributaries enter the Verdigris River within Claremore’s vicinity creating a large floodplain and a frequent source for flooding. Large tracts of undeveloped land remain within the fenceline as well as several accessible routes linking the town and metropolitan area together. The City of Claremore’s Land Use is shown in Figure 1-2.

The topography consists of hills, bluffs, and open prairie lands that mark the dividing line between the ridges of the Ozarks in the East and the broad plains of the West. Cattle and horse ranches combined with rich farmland distinguish the rural land uses in this area with the City of Tulsa just to the southwest. Oil and natural gas wells are common throughout the area. As a suburban city, transportation routes including I-44 and State Highway 66 are critical to supporting economic development, but development decisions must regard the Verdigris River and its prominent 100-year floodplain as major land features.

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‚yqi‚ƒ2gy x„‰ we‰iƒ2gy x„‰ In addition to the Verdigris River in the west, there are several creeks of note within the Claremore fenceline: Dog Creek, Cat Creek, Panther Creek, and Chouteau Creek all have 100-year floodplains that affect urban and rural areas of Claremore. The fenceline also contains small portions of two other watersheds: Sweetwater Creek in the extreme north, and Dog Creek, the source of Lake Claremore, flows Otter Creek in the extreme south. along the eastern edge of the city Of these streams, The Verdigris River, Cat Creek and Dog Creek are by far the most important. Cat Creek flows south through the middle of Claremore, while Dog Creek, which flows southwest along the eastern edge of the city limits, is the source of Lake Claremore. The Claremore Floodplain Map is located in Chapter 3 as Figure 3-2

1.2.2 Climate Claremore lies at an elevation of approximately 608 feet above sea level. It is far enough south to miss the extreme cold of winter, with the climate being essentially continental, characterized by rapid changes in temperature. The winter months are usually mild. Temperatures occasionally fall below zero, but only last a very short time. Temperatures of 100°F or higher are often experienced from late July to early September. January’s average temperature is 34° F and July’s average is 81° F.

Claremore receives a wide variety of precipitation throughout any given year, averaging 44.2 inches of rainfall and 10 inches of snow. Most of this precipitation comes in the form of convective thunderstorms that produce heavy amounts of rain in short durations. High winds, flash floods, and hail are all associated with these seasonal storms.

April, May, and June account for 55% of all severe weather during a typical year, with 77% of the severe weather occurring between the months of March and July. June is the most active month of the year for hail, wind, floods, and tornadoes.

1.2.3 History The history of Claremore began in the early 1800s when members of the Osage Indian Tribe located at a 25-acre mound along the Verdigris River to establish trade in the hunting and trapping markets of the time. As federal treaties tightened land boundaries for Native Americans, disputes over the area interrupted the settlement. About three miles east of the Claremore Mound a Delaware Chief, John Bullette, obtained permission to establish “Clermont” as a Delaware Indian city on Cherokee land. This became the second location of the settlement in its history. To reach an extension of the Frisco Railroad, the site of Clermont was moved a third time to its present location, about seven miles southeast of the mound. A post office was established on June 25, 1874. Through a

City of Claremore 9 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan clerical error, the name was listed as Claremore and that spelling stuck. The first settlers were comprised mainly of Cherokees. Their settlement prospered with organized governments along with established towns and plantations. In 1883, the Indian Commission granted a square mile for the present site of Claremore to be platted and sold. This present day location has continued to thrive since the turn of the century.

Claremore has six structures on the National Register of Historic Places: • The Belvidere Building • Claremore Tire Company • Eastern University Preparatory School • Mendenhall’s Bath House • Meyer Hall Barracks • Will Rogers Hotel Belvidere Building

1.2.4 Population and Demographics The City of Claremore has an estimated 2000 population of 15,873. Claremore residents total 22.5% of the population of Rogers County. A map, showing the age 65 and older areas, is shown in Figure 1-3; low-income areas are shown in Figure 1-4. Claremore demographic data is shown in Table 1-1. Mobile Homes and Mobile Home Parks are shown in Figure 1-5.

Table 1–1: City of Claremore Population Data Source: 2000 Census Subject Number Total Population 15,873 65 years and older 2,684 Poverty Status in 1999 (individuals) 1,805 Hispanic 479

According to the 2000 Census, the City of Claremore has a total of 6,812 housing units. Census data, shown in Table 1-2, and Rogers County Assessor’s Office data, shown in Table 1-3, are structured differently and do not necessarily agree, so they are shown in separate tables.

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According to the Rogers County Assessor’s Office, there are 8,133 properties with improvements within the City of Claremore, with a total value, adjusted for fair market value, of $741,681,646. There are 7,079 residential properties totaling $457,604,185. Numbers of properties with improvements (buildings, garages, pools, storage, and so forth), and improvement values, by type, are shown in Table 1-3 below. No land values are included. The locations of mobile homes and mobile home parks are shown on the map in Figure 1–5.

Table 1–3: City of Claremore Properties and Values by Improvement Type Source: Rogers County Assessor’s Office

Improvement Type on Number of Property Properties Total Value

Rural Agriculture 61 $29,630,972 Rural Commercial 208 83,394,334 Rural Residential 815 85,161,540 Urban Agriculture 2 422,837 Urban Commercial 783 170,629,318 Urban Residential 6264 372,442,645 Total 8133 $741,681,646

1.2.5 Economy The City of Claremore is a Rogers County community but its economy is in large part connected to that of the Tulsa Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA). Claremore is known for its convenient proximity to Tulsa while maintaining a quaint small town atmosphere.

Of Claremore’s population over the age of 16 years, 58.7% are in the labor force and only 4.4% are unemployed. Of the people employed, about 76.7% are private wage and salary workers, 16.5% are government workers, and 6.4% are self-employed in unincorporated businesses. The median household income in 1999 was $34,547, and the median family income was $45,810.

City of Claremore 14 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan 1.2.6 Industry Claremore has two industrial areas. The Claremore Industrial Park, north of Blue Starr Drive, between Muskogee Avenue and State Highway 66, is approximately 460 acres in size and about 85% developed. An additional 300 acres to the north of the park are available for expansion. Industries at the park provide 2000 manufacturing jobs.

The Claremore Airport Industrial Park encompasses approximately 525 acres and is about 15% developed. It is adjacent to the Claremore Airport, two miles north of Highway 20 and five miles east of Interstate 44. Another 250 acres are available for expansion.

South of Claremore, the Port North Claremore Industrial Park of Catoosa is the head of navigation for the McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System. This 445-mile waterway links Oklahoma and the surrounding five-state area with ports on the nation's 12,000-mile inland waterway system, and to foreign and domestic ports beyond, by way of New Orleans and the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway. The Port has a 2000-acre industrial park with nearly 50 companies employing 2600 people.

According to the 2000 U.S. Census 20.4% of the population of Claremore was employed in education, health, and social services, 17.7% in manufacturing, and 11.8% in retail.

1.2.7 Local Utilities—Lifelines Lifelines are defined as those infrastructure facilities that are essential to the function of the community and the well being of its residents. They generally include transportation and utility systems. Transportation systems include interstate, US, and state highways, railways, waterways, ports and harbors, and airports. Utility systems include electric power, gas and liquid fuels, telecommunications, water, and wastewater.

Water for the City of Claremore is drawn from Lake Claremore, on Dog Creek and Little Dog Creek, and Lake Oologah on the Verdigris River. The City has rights to 4,580 acre- feet (4.1 mgd) from Lake Claremore water and 3,360 acre-feet (3.0 mgd) from Lake Oologah.

The following table shows a list of companies or entities that supply utilities for Claremore.

City of Claremore 15 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan Table 1–4: Utility Suppliers for Claremore

Utility Supplier Electric City of Claremore, Public Service Company of Oklahoma, Grand River Dam Authority and Verdigris Valley Electric Co-op Water City of Claremore and Rural Water Districts #2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, & 9 Sewage Treatment City of Claremore Natural Gas Oklahoma Natural Gas Company, Froman Oil Propane Company, Chelsea Gas Authority Telephone Southwestern Bell Telephone Company

1.2.8 Future Development The Tulsa Metropolitan Area is growing at 1.3%, the same as the national growth rate. Comparatively, the State of Oklahoma is growing at 1% annually. Claremore has experienced a growth rate of 1.2% annually since 1980 and 1.95% annually since 1990. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, during the period July 2000-2003 Rogers County led Oklahoma in population growth at 9.3%

Regional coordination is a key to future development that was mentioned at the Tulsa Mayor’s Vision Summit 2002 (July 9, 2002). Leaders find it important that Tulsa expand its vision of development to include jurisdictions that surround City and to which Tulsa is inextricably connected. These jurisdictions include the City of Claremore.

Growth Trends According to the 2000 census Claremore’s population is15,873. Projections put the cities’ population at 22,130 by 2030, a nearly 28% increase. Based on 2001 data, it is anticipated 314 new owner-occupied housing units and 191 new rental units will be needed by 2005.

The majority of growth in Claremore is presently occurring in the western and southern sections of town. Commercial development continues to expand along the transportation corridors of State Highways 20, 66 and 88 as well as Interstate 44. Much of these trends is due to the convenience of a major metropolitan area (Tulsa) and industrial facilities (Port of Catoosa) located southwest of town. Residential development has extended to the city limits along the east edge of town. Large tracts of undeveloped land remains west of State Highway 66 within the city limits.

City of Claremore 16 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan 1.3 Regulatory Framework

This section contains a summary of the current ordinances for land use, zoning, subdivision, stormwater management, stream management, and erosion management in the City of Claremore. It also lists the current building codes and fire insurance rating.

1.3.1 Comprehensive Planning and Zoning The Planning Team reviewed relevant community studies, plans, reports, and technical documents in the inventory, evaluation and plan phases of the Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan development. The Comprehensive Plan was used to determine community growth patterns and identify areas of future development. The Capital Improvements Plan was used to determine priorities of public infrastructure improvements, and timing of potential future development. These plans were used to identify areas of future growth and development so that hazardous areas could be identified, evaluated, planned for, and appropriate mitigation measures taken.

Claremore’s Comprehensive Plan defines policies for providing guidance and direction of the city’s physical development. It covers ordinances for land use, zoning and subdivision, and the development of standards for transportation and public facilities.

The existing Comprehensive Plan was prepared in August of 1980 and adopted in September 1980. A significant amount of information has become available since the Comprehensive Plan was adopted and updates to the plan have been proposed. Additional physical factors such as topography, soils, sanitary sewer, and water facilities are included in proposed updates. Also included are economic factors such as population growth bringing in additional tax revenues and commercial businesses vs. the cost of streets, sewer, water, and storm drainage facilities. Coordinating economic and social factors, such as the location and types of future recreation, education, culture, and shopping facilities, while at the same time preserving the history of the city, will be considered.

1.3.2 Floodplain and Stormwater Management Claremore has been a National Flood Insurance Program community since August 27, 1971, number 405375. Claremore does not participate in the Community Rating System.

1.3.3 Building Codes Existing Building Code and ordinances were evaluated to determine their adequacy in meeting the needs of the community in addressing the natural and man-made hazards the community is likely to experience. The Flood Ordinance was evaluated as to its adequacy in addressing current and future floodplain and stormwater management needs.

The following building codes are in use by the City: • The International Building Code 2003 Edition • The International Plumbing Code 2003 Edition

City of Claremore 17 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan • The International Mechanical Code 2003 Edition • The International Residential Code 2003 Edition • The International Fuel Gas Code 2003 Edition • The National Electric Code (N.F.P.A.-70) 2002 Edition • The N.F.P.A. Life Safety Code (N.F.P.A. 101) 2000 Edition • BOCA Fire Prevention Code 1999 Edition • Sign Ordinance No.2003-31

1.3.4 Fire Insurance Claremore has a fire insurance rating of 4. Ratings range from 1 to 10, where lower numbers have better ratings.

1.3.5 Fire Department Resources The Claremore Fire Department provides response efforts in the areas of fire prevention, public fire education, fire suppression, rescue services, hazardous materials incidents, initial medical care, CPR training, and first aid education. The Department is staffed with 43 full-time staff, of which 40 are firefighters. The department’s administrative staff consists of the fire chief, deputy chief, fire marshal, training officer and administrative secretary. The department has three stations located throughout the Claremore’s Homeland Security Regional Response Unit, one of only 6 in Oklahoma community. Station 1, attached to City Hall, houses the Region 2 HAZMAT Response Unit, a rescue truck, a Class A pumper, and a command vehicle. Station 2, located on Claremore’s west side, houses one Class A pumper, two wildland brush pumpers, and one 2000 gallon tanker. Station 3, located near the industrial area, has one Class A pumper and a 75-ft. aerial unit. The department has an average response time of 4 minutes and 25 seconds within the city limits. All fire personnel are cross-trained as State First Responders, 29 are Registered Emergency Medical Technicians, and 3 are National Registered Intermediates. Fire Department resources are listed in Table 1-6 on the following page.

The Fire Department has personnel trained in handling hazardous materials. Nearly all personnel have completed training at the operations level. Claremore’s Fire Department was one of 19 municipalities across the state awarded with computer equipment for emergency first responders. Factors such as population, location, access to interstate highways, and an in-place HAZMAT team determined which communities would receive the HAZMAT units. Disaster Management Information System (DMIS) software and the

City of Claremore 18 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan CAMEO (Computer-Aided Management of Emergency Operations) software suite are loaded on the systems for local use. CAMEO software manages information for chemical emergency preparedness and prevention at local levels. CAMEO’s chemical database contains response recommendations for 6,000 chemicals. It also contains 80,000 chemical synonyms and identification numbers, which can be searched quickly to identify unknown substances detected during an incident. Once a chemical is identified, CAMEO provides fire fighting and spill response recommendations, physical properties, health hazards, and first aid guidance.

Table 1–5: Claremore Fire Department Resources

Resource Number Resource Number Fire Stations 3 Pump Engines 3 Paid staff 43 Ladder Trucks 1 Firefighters 40 Hazmat Response Unit 1 Trained EMTs 29 Brush Pumpers 2 First Responders 40 Tanker Trucks 1 Rescue Truck 1 Sedans 1

City of Claremore 19 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan 1.4 Existing Hazard Mitigation Programs

Communities can do a number of things to prevent or mitigate the impacts of natural disasters. Such actions range from instituting regulatory measures (e.g., building and zoning codes) and establishing Emergency Operations Plans and EOCs, to purchasing fire trucks and ambulances and constructing large and small infrastructure projects like levees and safe rooms. Most communities have already made considerable investments in these critical areas. The sections that follow in the remainder of this Chapter survey the regulations, plans and infrastructure that the community has in place for avoiding or mitigating the impacts of natural hazards. This survey is based on FEMA’s State and Local Mitigation Planning How-to Guide (FEMA 386-1, September 2002), and covers the following topics: Public Information and Education, Prevention, Structural Projects, Property Protection, Emergency Services, and Natural Resource Protection.

There are several national hazard mitigation programs developed by FEMA and other agencies that are designed to help communities organize their mitigation activities to achieve tangible results in specific areas, such as flood protection and fire hazard abatement. This section looks at Claremore’s participation and progress in these national programs.

Claremore’s location as a floodplain community near the Verdigris River and with Dog Creek and Cat Creek flowing through it makes it especially vulnerable to the threat of upstream dam failure, dam releases, and flooding. To counter these hazards, Claremore has a host of programs that range from informing people about protection measures, warning the public of impending threats, requiring protection measures to be incorporated in new buildings, and constructing flood control projects. Claremore has a large portion of the corporate boundaries in a floodplain. All efforts to mitigate the impact of hazards have helped, but they have not eliminated all potential problems.

1.4.1 Community Rating System (CRS) The CRS is a part of the National Flood Insurance Program that helps coordinate all flood-related activities of a community. At the present time, the City of Claremore does not participate in the Community Rating System.

1.4.2 Flood and Stormwater Management Plans The City of Claremore has previously enacted flood mitigation projects for the following sites: • 1999 Claremore Master Drainage Plan • Cat Creek Regional Detention Facility • Claremore Drainage Area Plan. • Madison Road Bridge Design • Ramm Road Bridge Design

City of Claremore 20 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan The Claremore Flood Ordinance requires: 1) all new structures in the 1% floodplain to be built at the base flood elevation including electrical and mechanical 2) No fill in the floodway. Flood hazard reduction regulations for the City of Claremore are found in Chapter 151 of Title XV: Land Usage. These floodplain ordinances restrict development, fill or substantial improvements in the floodway unless it can be demonstrated by a certified engineer or architect that no rise to the base flood elevation will result from the development. The lowest floor on new residential and nonresidential construction must be elevated to or above the base flood elevation. Subdivisions must meet these requirements and have adequate drainage provide to reduce exposure to flood hazards. An Earth Change Ordinance regulating movement of earth material is also in place in Claremore.

Flood Mitigation Assistance Plan (FMA) – In conjunction with this Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) plan, the City of Claremore was awarded an FMA Plan grant by FEMA and the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management. The FMA Plan took a more detailed look at the flooding problems in Claremore, primarily on Dog Creek.

1.4.3 Capital Improvements Plans Infrastructure within the community is expanding to meet the needs of current growth in the city.

The City of Claremore is planning for future development by evaluating alternatives to the wastewater treatment plant. The Spring 2003 Regional Wastewater Master Plan has been developed, identifying alternatives to relocating the plant along with discharge standards and locations.

The City water supply is extracted from area reservoirs and lakes. The current rates of water consumption are not exceeding the capacity of the supply and are expected to remain adequate until 2050.

New pumps and a motor installed at Oologah Lake have increased the supply water capacity for treatment to keep storage in the eight water towers used in Rogers County. New waterlines, water taps, and lift station wet wells installed by the City’s Water/Sewer Department have recently improved the water system. A treatment plant recently went into service and a one million gallon storage tank has brought the City’s current water storage capacity to approximately five million gallons of water.

A $23 million update to the City of Claremore Sewer Treatment Plant is planned.

Street Improvements: The City reviews and schedules maintenance on city streets on a regular basis. Several miles of streets are improved each year.

1.4.4 Emergency Operations Plan The Emergency Operations Plan was evaluated during the planning process to ensure that it adequately addressed the hazards identified in the Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan, and that the Plan took the EOP into account during the planning process. The 2000

City of Claremore 21 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan Mitigation Assistance Plan was reviewed, and its information, findings, and recommendations were incorporated into the Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan.

Rogers County/Claremore Emergency Management has established emergency operations and procedures. The Claremore/Rogers County Emergency Operations Center is located in the Claremore Courthouse basement and has three full time employees and seven volunteers. The Emergency Operations Plan has been most recently updated in 2004.

The Emergency Management Office participates in the National Weather Service accredited program StormReady. Requirements for the program include an established warning point and 24-hour functioning emergency operations center, multiple means of both, receiving severe weather forecasts and providing warnings to alert the public, systems to monitor local weather conditions, promotion of public safety information, and a formal hazardous weather plan, which includes training severe weather spotters and holding emergency exercises. Live NexRad radar and measurements including rainfall, wind speed/direction and temperature are provided in real time in the Emergency Operations office by the Oklahoma’s First-response Information Resource System using Telecommunications (OKFIRST). A broad range of weather information is accessible from the Data Transmission Network (DTN) satellite information feeds used in the EOC.

The EOC has Hamm radios and trained operators, VHF radios and a paging system that receives alerts from the National Weather Service Tulsa Office. A mobile EOC is also available and equipped with a backup generator, two VHF radios and 2-meter 440mhz Hamm radios. Emergency Management personnel also assist in CERT training and have “specialty gas” hazardous materials training.

The City of Claremore has 10 warning sirens strategically placed around the community. These sirens are tested on the 2nd or 3rd Monday of the month, weather permitting. The sirens are computer controlled and radio activated with a battery backup system to ensure uninterrupted service in the event of a power failure. Silent tests are conducted weekly and a full-activated test is performed once a month on a regular scheduled basis. The system is capable of activating only select sirens or groups of sirens if only an isolated warning is needed. The City of Claremore’s Warning Sirens are shown in Figure 1–6.

1.4.5 Critical Facilities Critical facilities are defined differently by different organizations and agencies, but are usually classified as those facilities that, if put out of operation by any cause, would have a broadly adverse impact on the community as a whole.

FEMA includes the following as critical facilities: • Structures or facilities that produce, use or store highly volatile, flammable, explosive, toxic and/or water-reactive materials; • Hospitals, nursing homes, and housing likely to contain occupants who may not be sufficiently mobile to avoid death or injury during a disaster;

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Since 9/11, FEMA has also added banks and financial institutions to their critical facilities list. The City of Claremore’s critical facilities are shown in Figure 1–7 and listed in Table 1-5.

Table 1–6: Claremore Critical Facilities

ID Name Address Phone 1 Claremore City Hall 104 S. Muskogee Ave. (918) 341-2365 2 Claremore Planning Commission 219 S. Missouri Ave. #1-102 (918) 341-0486 3 Claremore Animal Control Office 1501 S. Choctaw Ave. (918) 341-1260 Engineering/Utility/Electrical/Water/Sewer (918) 341-2066 4 Offices 724 W. Ramm Rd. 5 Claremore Expo Center 400 S. Veterans Pkwy (918) 342-5357 6 Claremore Filtration/Water Treatment Plant 1450 E. Blue Starr Dr. (918) 341-1331 7 Claremore Park Maintenance 512 N. Owalla Ave. (918) 342-2522 8 Claremore Personnel Director 121 N. Weenonah (918) 341-7527 9 Claremore Sanitation 512 1/2 N. Oseuma Ave. (918) 341-7408 10 Claremore Waste Water Plant 1500 S. Choctaw Ave. (918) 341-1841 11 Claremore Human Resources Dept. 320 S. Missouri Ave. (918) 342-0234 12 Rogers County NRCS Office 1750 N. Sioux Ave. (918) 341-3222 13 Rogers County Clerk 219 S. Missouri Ave. #104 (918) 341-2518 14 Rogers County Commissioners 219 S. Missouri Ave. #104 (918) 341-0585 15 Rogers County Conservation 120 S. Missouri Ave. #120 (918) 341-4147 16 Rogers County Election Board 219 S. Missouri Ave. (918) 341-2965 17 Rogers County Environmental 2664 N. Highway 88 (918) 341-3166 18 Rogers County Human Services 2120 Holly Rd. (918) 283-8300 19 Rogers County Human Services Dept. 219 S. Missouri Ave. #113 (918) 283-8300 20 Rogers County Planning Commission 219 S. Missouri Ave. #1-102 (918) 341-0486 21 Water Tower 22 Fire Station #1 219 W. Will Rogers Blvd. (918) 341-0200 23 Claremore Fire Dept. Administration 121 N. Weenonah Ave. (918) 341-1477 24 Fire Station #2 1001 W. Will Rogers Blvd. (918) 341-0200 25 Fire Station #3 102 E. Stuart Roosa (918) 341-0200 26 Emergency Operations Center 219 S. Missouri Ave. #B113 27 Claremore Police Dept. 200 W. 1st St. (918) 341-1212 29 Rogers County Sheriff 219 S. Missouri Ave. #1-106 (918) 341-3535 30 Urgent Care of Green Country 985 W. Will Rogers Blvd. (918) 343-6000 31 Claremore Indian Hospital 101 S. Moore Blvd. (918) 342-6200 32 Claremore Regional Hospital 1415 N. Muskogee Pl. (918) 341-5095 33 Claremore Regional Hospital 1202 N. Muskogee Pl. (918) 341-2556 34 Claremore Regional Hospital 1218 N. Florence Ave. (918) 283-2170 35 Youth Care/Same Day Care 525 E. Blue Starr Dr. (918) 341-4311 36 Claremore Health Association 1408 N. Florence Ave. (918) 341-1044 37 Claremore Municipal Airport 19502 E Rogers Post Rd. (918) 343-0931 39 Grand Lake Mental Health Center 2000 W. Blue Star Dr. (918) 342-5437 40 Rehabilitation Service 1701 W. Will Rogers Blvd (918) 341-8122 41 Rogers County Child Guidance 2664 N. Highway 88 (918) 341-8122 42 Rogers County Child Support 320 S. Missouri Ave. (918) 342-0234 43 Rogers County Elder Care 2664 N. Highway 88 (918) 341-3466

City of Claremore 24 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan ID Name Address Phone 44 Rogers County Juvenile Services 2120 Holly Rd. (918) 341-6776 45 Central Elementary School 101 W. 11th St. (918) 341-7744 46 Claremont Elementary School 318 E. 7th St. (918) 341-0273 47 Claremore Christian School 1055 W. Blue Starr Dr. (918) 341-1765 48 First Baptist Christian School 107 E. Will Rogers Blvd. (918) 342-1450 49 Justus Tiwah 14902 E. School Rd. (918) 341-3626 50 Roosa Elementary 2001 N. Sioux Ave. (918) 341-5242 52 Seventh Day Adventist School 20555 S. 4170 Rd. #B (918) 341-9520 53 Westside Elementary School 2600 Holly Rd. (918) 341-3511 54 Sequoyah School 16441 S. 4180 Rd. (918) 341-5472 55 Will Rogers Junior High 1915 N. Florence (918) 341-7411 56 Claremore Alternative Learning 200 N. Davis Ave. (918) 341-8292 57 Claremore High School 1910 N. Florence (918) 341-0724 58 Rogers State University 1701 W. Will Rogers Blvd. (918) 343-7777 59 Claremore Senior Citizens Center 116 N. Missouri Ave. (918) 341-4734 60 Senior Care Program 1202 N. Muskogee Pl. (918) 341-9373 61 Claremore Senior Health Center 1415 N. Muskogee Pl. (918) 341-4532 62 Wa-Ro-Ma Senior Center 1302 N. Willow Dr. (918) 342-0622 63 Claremore Street Warehouse 720 Ramm Rd. (918) 341-0133 65 Claremore Shop 801 Ramm Rd. (918) 341-7550 66 Rogers County Warehouse 2504 S. Highway 66 (918) 341-2380 67 1st Bank of Oklahoma 1698 S. Lynn Riggs. Blvd (918) 341-7100 68 First Bank of Oklahoma 1025 W. Will Rogers Blvd. (918) 341-7100 70 First Bank of Oklahoma 26205 S. Highway 66 (918) 266-7500 71 Grand Lake Bank 1700 S. Lynn Riggs Blvd. (918) 342-1000 72 Local Oklahoma Bank 1050 N. Lynn Riggs Blvd. (918) 341-2862 73 RCB Bank 300 W. Patti Page Blvd. (918) 341-6150 74 RCB Bank 1600 S. Lynn Riggs Blvd. (918) 341-6150 75 RCB Bank 511 W. Will Rogers Blvd. (918) 341-6150 77 Blue Starr Kiddie Ranch 1059 W. Blue Star Dr. (918) 341-3800 78 Cherryland Day Care & Preschool 602 S. Wortman Ave. (918) 342-3838 79 Card Head Start 1701 N. Lynn Riggs (918) 343-2960 80 Future Leaders Child Development 1220 S. Reavis Rd. (918) 283-2233 81 Homespun Day Care 305 S. Chickasaw Ave. (918) 341-5689 82 Kurain Klimbers 1201 W. Country Club Rd. (918) 343-1222 83 Lil Rascals 202 W. 11th St. (918) 343-5100 84 Lil' Dudes 116 W. 9th St. S (918) 341-6658 85 Mustard Seed Learning Center 115 E. 5th St. (918) 342-4585 86 Rogers County Adult Day Care 2680 N. Highway 88 (918) 341-7588 87 Sequoyah Kiddie Korner 16530 S. 4180 Rd. (918) 342-0090 88 1st United Methodist Church Day Care 1615 N. Hwy 88 (918) 798-2468

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The Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan is a citywide effort to coordinate the multi-hazard planning, development, and mitigation activities of the City of Claremore. The City of Claremore was responsible for overall coordination and management of the study.

Simply stated, a mitigation plan is the product of a rational thought process that reviews the hazards, measures their impacts on the community, identifies alternative mitigation measures, and selects and designs those that will work best for the community.

This plan addresses the following hazards: Floods Expansive Soils Tornadoes Urban Fires High Winds Wildfires Lightning Earthquakes Hailstorms Hazardous Materials Events Severe Winter Storms Dam Failures Extreme Heat Transportation Drought

The planning for the City of Claremore followed a ten-step process, based on the guidance and requirements of FEMA. The ten steps are described below.

2.1 Step One: Organize to Prepare the Plan (January 2004-February 2004) Citizens, community leaders, government staff personnel, and professionals active in disasters provided important input into the development of the plan and recommended goals and objectives, mitigation measures, and priorities for actions.

The planning process was formally created by a resolution of the governing body of Claremore. The resolution created the Claremore Hazard Mitigation Citizens Advisory Committee (CHMCAC) to oversee the planning effort.

The Claremore Hazard Mitigation Citizen Advisory Committee consists of members of the Planning Commission. The CHMCAC members are:

City of Claremore 27 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan Claremore Hazard Mitigation Citizen Advisory Committee

Dr. Ray Brown – Currently the Vice President for Economic and Community Development and Director of the Center for Economic and Community Development at Rogers State University in Claremore. Brown has over twenty years of executive experience in higher education. Brown is currently a director and chairman of the Claremore Industrial and Economic Development Authority. Previously Brown served on a similar board of directors on the Southwest Oklahoma/Altus Economic Development Authority. Brown served on the Task Force for the City of Guymon as it planned for the community impact from Seaboard. Brown served on the Board of Directors for the Altus Chamber of Commerce and previously conducted research for the Chamber of Commerce in Orange, Texas, where he developed the community profile for the purpose of recruiting industry and promoting economic development. Brown has a Ph.D. in Sociology from Brown University with a specialization in demography and economic development.

Mr. Bob “Newt” Clements – Currently employed with Bizjet International – Tulsa as the Environmental, Health & Safety Coordinator. Previously with Turbine Airfoils Repair Division of Pratt-Whitney Aircraft Engines in Claremore as a Special Projects Coordinator and Technical Trainer for 11.5 years. Involved with oilfield drilling/exploration technical services for over 20 years. A 5- year member of Gideon’s International, and 6-year member of the Trinity Baptist Church of Claremore. Enjoys hunting, fishing, large group outdoor cooking, photography and coffee shop politics. Certified by the National Safety Council as a Forklift Operator Trainer, by Oklahoma State University as a Hazmat Response Technician and by the American Heart Association in CPR/First Aid.

Mr. Scott Thomas – Employed with Guinn & Thomas Builders LLC, a commercial and residential Contractor in Claremore. Member of the Rogers County Home Builders Association for 10 years, currently President. Board Member of Claremore Industrial & Economic Development Authority. Claremore Regional Airport Committee chairman. Member of Claremore Chamber of Commerce for 6 years.

County Commissioner Randy Baldridge – Currently Rogers County Commissioner for District #3. Randy is Chairman of the following boards: Rogers County Board of Commissioners, Tax Roll Corrections, and the Criminal Justice Authority. Randy is a member of the local Rotary in Claremore and the International Lions organizations in Inola. Randy serves on the Rogers County

City of Claremore 28 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan Hazards Mitigation Planning Team and actively supports the Tulsa, Rogers County Port Authority. He is on the Board of the Claremore Chamber of Commerce and sits on numerous committees within the Claremore and Rogers County area. Randy is on the board for INCOG. Born in Claremore at the Indian Hospital, Mr. Baldridge is a lifelong resident of Rogers County and has tremendous appreciation and love for the City of Claremore and Rogers County.

Mr. Steve Neely – Education: Business Administration, Northeastern State University; Businesses: Neely Insurance Agency, Inc. in Claremore, OK, Ne- Mar Shopping Center, Jiffy Jon’s Convenience Store & Storage, Catoosa, OK. Resident of Claremore since 1951. Member of Claremore Chamber of Commerce, Independent Insurance Agents of Oklahoma. Professional Insurance Mitigation Planning Process Agents of Oklahoma, Claremore Elks Lodge, Ne-Mar Shopping Center Merchants Assn., Past Director of Rogers County Homebuilders Association. Past Director of Claremore Regional Hospital.

Staff Technical Advisory Committee: Supporting the Citizens Committee is the Staff Technical Advisory Committee (STAC), which includes representatives of departments that have roles in hazards planning, response, protection, and mitigation. Most of the detail work was done by a management team of the following staff and consultants: • Samuel P. Balsiger, P.E. City Engineer and Project Manager, and Gene Edwards, City Planner • Mark Rounds, and Troy Powell, City Manager • Charles Andrle, Dir. Public Works • Ron Easterling, CFM, Engineer, Floodplain Manager • Mark Dowler, and Bradd Clark, Fire Chief • Mickey Perry, Police Chief • Bob Anderson, Director Emergency Management

City of Claremore 29 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan The STAC met periodically during the year’s planning process. STAC members also attended all meetings of the Citizens Advisory Committee and meetings with elected officials.

The STAC and CAC met monthly at the Claremore Engineering Offices and the conference room at City Hall during the planning process to review progress, identify issues, receive task assignments, and advise the consultants. A list of HMCAC meetings, STAC meetings, and meetings and dates with governing bodies is shown in Table 2-1, below. Refer to Appendix B for meeting agendas.

Table 2–1: Claremore Hazard Mitigation Citizens and Technical Advisory Committee Meetings and Activities

Date Activity Jan. 20, 2004 Claremore City Council meeting approving the HMGP contract. Feb. 2, 2004 Claremore City Council meeting approving the FMA contract. March 3, 2004 Claremore Staff Technical Advisory Committee (STAC) meeting: Discuss floodplain issues; discuss tentative appointments to Claremore Citizens Advisory Committee (CCAC). March 8, 2004 CCAC and TAC meeting: Initial meeting; planning process, timelines, CCAC responsibilities and duties identified and discussed, hazards and mitigation strategies overviewed. April 12, 2004 CCAC and TAC meeting: Review of floodplain and hazards information, discuss community statistics and vulnerabilities; review Federal and State mitigation goals; discuss Claremore Goals. April 29, 2004 Claremore City Council adopts official Resolution appointing the Hazard Mitigation Citizens Advisory Committee to oversee the Claremore Multi- Hazard and Flood Mitigation Planning process. May 10, 2004 CCAC and TAC meeting: Review updates to hazard data, including Hazard Profiles, Historical Events, identification of Vulnerable Populations, Conclusions, discussion of Sources, and Scenarios. Discuss Mitigation Measures categories: Public Information and Education, Preventive Measures, Structural Projects, Property Protection, Emergency Services, and Natural Resource Protection. June 14, 2004 CCAC and TAC meeting: Continue to review hazards, community vulnerabilities: Begin identifying potential mitigation measures for each hazard. July 12, 2004 CCAC and TAC meeting: Distribute Flood section of Chapter 3 to CCAC, review Cat Creek problem areas, possible mitigation measures. Discuss Claremore/Rogers County Emergency Management. Aug. 9, 2004 CCAC and TAC meeting: Review selected mitigation measures. Provide copies for each member for prioritization and ranking. Sept. 16, 2004 Staff and Consultant meeting to review FMA/Flood vulnerabilities, identify recommended mitigation measures. Sept. 27, 2004 CCAC and TAC meeting, City Hall; Staff and CAC screen Mitigation Measures. Oct. 11, 2004 CCAC and TAC Meeting, City Hall; review and work on prioritization of screened and selected mitigation measures.

City of Claremore 30 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan Date Activity Oct. 25, 2004 CCAC and TAC Meeting, City Hall; review, finalize, and adopt Mitigation Measures, Action Plan; approve Final City of Claremore Multi-Hazard and Flood Mitigation Assistance Plan (CCMHFMA) document. Recommend forwarding to City of Claremore-Rogers County Metropolitan Area Planning Commission (CC-RCMAPC) and City Council for adoption. Nov. 4, 2004 Presentation/Briefing CC-RCMAPC on Hazard Mitigation Plan. Nov. 18, 2004 Public Hearing before the City of Claremore-Rogers County Metropolitan Area Planning Commission of the Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan. The purpose of this Public Hearing was to review the Plan’s recommendations, and to solicit Citizen input. Dec. 6, 2004 Public Hearing before the Claremore City Council, reviewing the City of Claremore Multi-Hazard and Flood Mitigation Assistance Plan, and allowing an opportunity for citizen input prior to Plan adoption. Jan. 6, 2006 Meeting with Consultants, Project Manager, City Manager; review and discuss Crosswalk, FEMA’s comments, and requirements; identify actions to be taken by Claremore to comply and address issues. Dec. 29, 2006 TAC Meeting, City Hall; review FEMA Crosswalk requirements; address prioritization of Mitigation Measures. April 17, 2007 TAC Meeting, Public Works; discuss Crosswalk requirements, revisions, Mitigation Measures prioritization. June 13, 2007 Meeting with City Staff, review and discuss required draft revisions to Plan. June 15, 2007 TAC Meeting; review Final Draft revisions to Plan, and Crosswalk responses. Discuss City Staff meeting with State and FEMA. June 26, 2007 TAC Meeting, Public Works; review updated revisions to HM Plan, final Mitigation Measures, Crosswalk revisions/responses.

2.2 Step Two: Involve the Public (January 2004 – Ongoing) In addition to the CHMCAC, the management team of STAC undertook many projects to inform the public of this effort and to solicit their input. All meetings of the CHMCAC were publicly posted as required by ordinances and rules of the jurisdiction. Public meetings were held at the beginning of the planning process. The Technical and Citizens Advisory Committee meetings were advertised and posted, and were open to the public. The public had opportunities to review the plan and participate in the planning process throughout the development of the plan. Advertised Public Hearings were held before the Planning Commission and the City Council prior to adoption to solicit Citizen comments and endorsement.

2.3 Step Three: Coordinate with Other Agencies and Organizations January 2004 – February 2004) Many public agencies, private organizations, and businesses contend with natural hazards. Management team members contacted them to collect their data on the hazards and determine how their programs can best support the Claremore Multi-Hazard

City of Claremore 31 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan Mitigation planning program. A list of agencies contacted and sample letters are located at the end of this chapter.

The Emergency Operations Plan is administered under the Claremore Emergency Management Agency. The Public Works and Planning Departments play a key role during most emergencies. Federal Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) US Army Corps of Engineers National Weather Service (NWS) Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) US Fish and Wildlife Service US Geological Survey National Non-Profit American Red Cross State Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management Oklahoma Water Resources Board • State National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) Coordinator • State Dam Safety Coordinator Oklahoma Conservation Commission Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation Oklahoma Department of Labor Oklahoma Geological Survey Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality Regional Grand Gateway Economic Development Association (GGEDA) County Rogers County Rogers City/County Health Department Rogers Area Emergency Management Agency Claremore Office of the City Manager Department of Community Development Department of Public Works Police Department Fire Department

City of Claremore 32 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan

724 South Ramm Road Claremore, OK 74017 (918) 341-2066 Fax (918) 341-6162

Lonnie Ward April 13, 2004 FEMA. Region VI 800 N. Loop 288 Denton, TX 76209

Subject: City of Claremore, Oklahoma Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan

Dear Lonnie Ward:

The Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management and the Federal Emergency Management Agency have awarded the City of Claremore a Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) grant to develop a Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan for their communities.

The planning process began January 20, 2004, and is expected to be completed by October 31, 2004. A Claremore Hazard Mitigation Citizens Advisory Committee and a staff Hazard Mitigation Technical Advisory Committee have been appointed by the City of Claremore to oversee the planning process.

You are invited to participate in the planning process, provide input, and receive any data produced during the planning process. A preliminary schedule of the planning process is included as an attachment. We, or our consultants, will contact your agency to solicit information and studies, which may be relevant to the development of our multi-hazard mitigation plan.

If you have any questions, or if we can be of further service to you, please contact our Hazard Mitigation Coordinator, Mr. Sam Balsiger at (918) 341-2066.

Sincerely,

Sam Balsiger, City Engineer City of Claremore

Encl: Mitigation Planning Schedule

City of Claremore 33 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan 2.4 Step Four: Assess the Hazard (March 2004 – April 2004) The management team collected data on the hazards from available sources. Hazard assessment is included in Chapter 3, with the discussion of each hazard.

Table 2–2: How and Why Hazards Were Identified

Hazard How Identified Why Identified Floods • Review of FEMA and City floodplain • 5.4% of the City of Claremore is maps located in the floodplains • Buildings in the floodplains • Over $5.4 million of property at risk • Historical floods and damages (detailed in Chapter 2) Tornadoes • Review of recent disaster • Claremore is located in “Tornado declarations Alley” • Input from Emergency Manager • An average of 52 tornadoes per year • Consensus of Hazard Mitigation strike Oklahoma Citizens Advisory Committee • Recent disaster events and damage • Review of data from the National • Oklahoma City tornado of 1999 killed Climatic Data Center 42 people and destroyed 899 buildings • All citizens and buildings are at risk High Winds • National Weather Service data • 18 high wind-related events in • Loss information provided by Claremore in the last 10 years, and national insurance companies over $28,000 in damage Lightning • National Climatic Data Center • Oklahoma ranks 15th in lightning information and statistics related casualties • 88 deaths and 243 injuries over 36 years due to lightning Hailstorms • National Climatic Data Center and • Four Hail events in Claremore over State Disaster Declarations the last 10 years Severe Winter • Review of past disaster declarations • Severe winter storms are an annual Storms • Input from Rogers County event in the Claremore area Emergency Management Agency • Wide-spread economic disruption and Claremore Emergency • Massive public utility outages Management • Three winter storm-related Federal • Input from area utility companies Disaster Declarations in the past 3 years, requiring over $330 million in Federal assistance Extreme Heat • Review of number of heat-related • High percentage of poor and elderly deaths and injuries during hot populations at risk Oklahoma summers • 44 heat-related deaths in Oklahoma • Review of data from National in the last 5 years Climatic Data Center and National Center for Disease Control Drought • Historical vulnerability to drought, the • Continuing mid-west and western “Dust Bowl” era drought and impacts on Oklahoma • Recent (2002) drought and water communities shortages in Bartlesville, just north of • Acute awareness of Oklahoma’s Tulsa population to the severe results of drought • Need to ensure adequate long-term- water resources for the City of Claremore

City of Claremore 34 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan Hazard How Identified Why Identified Expansive Soils • Input from GGEDA • Expansive soils are prevalent in the • Input from City Building Inspections City of Claremore Department • Damage to buildings from expansive • Review of Natural Resource soils can be mitigated with public Conservation Service data information and building code • Input from Oklahoma Department of provision Transportation Urban Fires • Input from State Fire Marshal • Older, deteriorating frame homes with substandard heating • Severe winter storms • Continuing loss of life and property due to house fires Wildfires • Input from area Rural Fire Depts. • Fires of the urban/rural interface • Input from surrounding county & threaten Claremore properties community fire departments • Several miles of Claremore’s • Input from State Fire Marshal perimeter are exposed and vulnerable to wildfires Earthquakes • Historic records of area earthquakes • Rogers County has a history of mild • Input from Oklahoma Geological earthquakes Survey • Rogers County has experienced • Input from USGS earthquakes on the average of once every eight years Hazardous • Input from Local Emergency • Many hazardous materials sites Materials Events Planning Committee (LEPC) scattered throughout the community • Input from RCEMA • Major trafficways expose Claremore • Input from Oklahoma Dept. of to potential trafficway hazardous Environmental Quality materials incidents • Input from Emergency First Responders (Claremore Fire and Police Departments) Dam Failures • Oologah Dam ____ miles upstream • Population and buildings below dam from Claremore are very vulnerable in event of • Input from US Army Corps of release or dam failure Engineers (USACE) • Dam break/release contingency plan • Input from Oklahoma Water needs updating Resources Board, (OWRB), Dam • Warning systems need to be Safety Division updated and refined • Various dam release rates should be GIS mapped, and properties at risk identified Transportation • Input from Oklahoma Department of • Population and Property in Transportation transportation corridors are • Input from Bureau of Transportation vulnerable to incidents Statistics • Hazardous material incidents are • Input from Federal Motor Carrier common in transportation incidents Safety Administration

2.5 Step Five: Assess the Problem (May 2004 – June 2004) The hazard data was analyzed in light of what it means to public safety, health, buildings, transportation, infrastructure, critical facilities, and the economy. Some of the work for Steps 4 and 5 had been initiated by GGEDA. They prepared several analyses using their geographic information system. The discussion of the problem assessment is addressed for each hazard in Chapter 3.

City of Claremore 35 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan DAMAGE ESTIMATION METHODOLOGY

The following methodologies were used in the development of damage cost estimated for buildings and contents for flooding and tornado/high wind damage, used in the City of Claremore’s Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan:

Structure Value: Value of buildings within the City of Claremore was obtained from the Rogers County Assessor’s office. For critical facilities, non-profit properties with structural improvements, such as churches, which are tax exempt and where no county assessor valuation was available, the buildings’ footprints were measured using aerial photography, GIS, and field investigation to determine size, in square feet. The value of structure was obtained by calculating the square footage times the value per square foot obtained by using FEMA publication, “ State and Local Mitigation Planning: Understanding Your Risks: Identifying Hazards and Estimating Losses”, August 2001, Average Building Replacement Value per square foot, p. 3-10, source: HAZUS

Contents Value: Value of contents for all buildings was estimated using “Contents Value as Percentage of Building Replacement Value” table, page 3-11, Understanding Your Risks.

Depth of Damage: Flooding damage estimates for building and contents were based on actual structures’ estimated flood depth, determined by aerial topographic mapping, and field investigations. Maps of the floodplains are included in Chapter 3. Flood damage curves, for structures (single-family, multi-family, office, commercial, industrial), and contents were estimated using Table A-3, Damage Factors, Economics Branch, Tulsa District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Flood depth of damage curve estimates were used for riverine flooding and dam failures (Chapter 3).

Tornado Damage: Damage estimates for the tornado scenario were based on: 1. Structure value: Rogers County Assessor. 2. Contents: FEMA’s Contents Value, Understanding Your Risks. 3. Damage to structure: based on percent damage experienced during typical events, using the Fujita Scale, damage characteristics, Table 3-1. Damage estimates were based on a “worst case” scenario, assuming about 25% of the buildings in the tornado path would experience substantial damage or total destruction; 35% would suffer 50% damage, and 40% would suffer slight to moderate or average 25% damage.

2.6 Step Six: Set Goals (June 2004 – July 2004) Project and community hazard mitigation goals and objectives for Claremore were

City of Claremore 36 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan developed by the CHMCAC to guide the development of the plan. The hazard mitigation goals for the City are listed in Chapter 4.

2.7 Step Seven: Review Possible Activities (April 2004 – July 2004) Wide varieties of measures that can affect hazards or the damage from hazards were examined. The mitigation activities were organized under the following six categories. A more detailed description of each category is located in “Chapter 4: Mitigation Strategies.”

1. Public Information and Education—Outreach projects and technical assistance 2. Preventive Activities—Zoning, building codes, stormwater ordinances 3. Structural Projects—Levees, reservoirs, channel improvements 4. Property Protection—Acquisition, retrofitting, insurance 5. Emergency Services—Warning, sandbagging, evacuation 6. Natural Resource Protection—Wetlands and floodplain protection, natural and beneficial uses of the floodplain, and best management practices

MITIGATION MEASURE PRIORITIZATION METHODOLOGY The Hazard Mitigation Staff Technical Advisory Committees and the Citizens Advisory Committees, to determine and prioritize the most appropriate risk reduction strategies for the individual jurisdictions, developed mitigation measures for the counties and communities. The Mitigation Measures were adopted in Public Hearings as Amendments to the community’s Comprehensive Plan, and adopted by the City Council or County Commission.

Mitigation Measure Categories During the course of the Planning Process, the community identified and analyzed those hazards likely to impact the community. Based on historical records and probability analysis (Hazards Analysis Matrix, page 3-6), the committees reviewed the previously listed six Mitigation Activity Categories for each hazard.

Possible mitigation activities for each hazard likely to affect the community were identified in each of the Mitigation Activity Categories. Each committee, after reviewing the list, screened and selected the measures they felt were applicable, feasible, cost effective, and politically acceptable to their community. These measures, specifically identified as potentially benefiting the community, were combined into a new, more community specific list for review.

Benefit-Cost Analysis Methodology Scientific methodology for the evaluation of benefit-cost ratios, of one mitigation alternative compared to another, was used when possible and practical. For example, where frequency of disaster events is well established, such as the 10, 50, 100, and 500- year flood events, accepted methodologies were used to evaluate building acquisition vs.

City of Claremore 37 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan other alternatives, such as channelization, flood-proofing, or upstream detention ponds. Acquisition candidates, when the preferred alternative, were subjected to the FEMA Riverine Benefit-Cost Module. For other hazards where no scientific methodology exists- -such as the evaluation of B/C of Public Information and Education—the desires of the community were persuasive.

Establishment of Local Priorities The Citizens Advisory Committee, professional staff, and elected officials fully understood that acquisition of Repetitive Loss Properties is FEMA’s and the State of Oklahoma’s highest natural hazard mitigation priority, and that the State’s second priority was construction of school safe rooms. It is understood that Public Information and Education about natural and man-made hazards is a State priority under the 5% initiative and would be funded when grant monies are available.

To prioritize the list of possible mitigation measures, sometimes consisting of over one hundred identified mitigation measures, the Citizens Advisory Committees’ members were given twenty votes each to select the individual measures they felt would best benefit the community’s efforts to reduce or eliminate the adverse impacts of hazards on lives and property. The votes were tallied, and the Mitigation Measures were ranked in descending order. Mitigation Measures that received no votes were considered being dropped from the list, but a simple request by a Committee member could keep the Measure on the list, albeit at the bottom. The Mitigation Measures selected and prioritized by the voting process, best reflected the values and goals of the community. Mitigation priorities generally reflected the disaster and damage experience of the community.

The true challenge is to identify mitigation strategies and measures that represent the goals and political will of the community. Table 5-1, Multi-Hazard Mitigation Measures, By Priority and Hazard is the comprehensive list of Mitigation Measures receiving at least one vote from the 20-vote selection process described above. After confirming the outcome with each advisory committee, the top ten priority measures became the focus for the next phase of the plan, the “Action Plan”.

2.8 Step Eight: Draft an Action Plan (May – June, 2007) The top 10 high-priority Mitigation Measures constituted the Action Plan, and each Measure was further detailed to identify:

• A brief description of the Mitigation Measure (Action Plan Item) • The lead agency responsible for implementation • Anticipated time schedule for completion • Estimated project cost • Possible sources of funding, and • The Work Product, or Expected outcome

City of Claremore 38 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan The Action Plan items should be developed in enough specificity to respond to a Notice of Intent/Interest (NOI) from the State when HMGP Funds become available, or to provide basic information to begin to put together a Pre-Disaster Mitigation Grant Application.

2.9 Step Nine: Adopt the Plan (June- July, 2007) The CHMCAC, the Claremore Planning Commission, approved the final plan, adopted it as an amendment to the comprehensive plan, and submitted it to the Claremore City Council for adoption.

2.10 Step Ten: Implement, Evaluate, and Revise (August 2007 − Ongoing) Adoption of the Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan is only the beginning of this effort. Community offices, other agencies, and private partners will proceed with implementation. The CHMCAC will monitor progress, evaluate the activities, and periodically recommend revisions to the action items.

City of Claremore 39 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter 3: Natural and Man-Made Hazards

Introduction

Natural weather-related events, such as floods, tornadoes, severe drought, extreme heat, high winds, wildfires, and lightning only become disasters when people and their development are located in nature’s path. When there is human occupation in high-risk areas, many disaster-related losses can be predicted. Our predictions can be used to create proactive measures for natural hazard events, and therefore the impact of some events can be significantly decreased or eliminated. Each natural hazard has its own characteristics, time of year and geographic area of probable occurrence, severity, and risk level. Although natural hazards may be individually identified and categorized, many are interrelated, and a natural hazard event may involve multiple hazards. Severe thunderstorms, for example, may spawn high winds, lightning, hailstorms, tornadoes, and flooding. It is often difficult to identify and attribute damages and costs—to assess the risk of one particular hazard. Attempts to do so will inevitably be incomplete. However, risk assessment will grow in accuracy as new technology is continually refined. This chapter contains a risk identification and assessment of 15 hazards. The natural hazards addressed, for purposes of this study, are those hazards deemed most likely to impact Claremore. They include: 1. Floods 9. Expansive Soils 2. Tornadoes 10. Urban Fires 3. High Winds 11. Wildfires 4. Lightning 12. Earthquakes 5. Hail 13. Hazardous Materials Events 6. Severe Winter Storms 14. Dam Failures 7. Extreme Heat 15. Transportation 8. Drought Each hazard section includes the following information: • Hazard Profile – Causes, effects, normal frequency (how often it is likely to occur at a particular location), and available measurement scales or methods of the severity of the events, if any; the extent of the hazards; and the identification of any topographic or geological conditions that would make a particular area prone to a hazard.

City of Claremore 40 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan • Historical Events – Notable past occurrences of the hazard, including national, state, and local examples, if any. Where available, cost of damage, in terms of lives and property are included. • Vulnerable Population – The people, geographic locations, and types of property subject to the particular hazard are identified. For each hazard with a specific geographic location, such as floodplains, dam break path, levee failure, the number, types, value of building and contents, and vulnerable populations are identified. The planning team used data from the Rogers County Assessor’s Office, GIS modeling, and FEMA methodology recommended in FEMA 386-2, to estimate the potential dollar losses from the hazards most likely to impact the Claremore area. • Conclusion – The information provided on each of the hazards is condensed into a brief summary/conclusion statement. Hazards Summary Floods Flooding is the accumulation of water within a waterbody and the overflow of the excess water onto adjacent lands. The floodplains are the lands adjoining the channel of a river, stream, ocean, lake, or other watercourse or waterbody that is susceptible to flooding. Floods have a high history of occurrence in Claremore. There are 40 structures located in the 100-year floodplain. The estimated damages for a 100-year flood in Claremore are approximately $1.1 million. Tornadoes A tornado is a rapidly rotating vortex or funnel of air extending to the ground from a cumulonimbus cloud. When the lower tip of a vortex touches earth, the tornado becomes a force of destruction. Rogers County has been struck by tornadoes 48 times since 1951, and 9 tornadoes have been reported in Claremore since 1950. It is estimated a tornado striking Claremore would damage or destroy over 10% of properties in the city and cause over $50 million in damage. High Winds Wind is the motion of air relative to the earth’s surface. Extreme windstorm events are associated with cyclones, severe thunderstorms, and accompanying phenomena such as tornadoes and downbursts. High winds are hazards that can be expected nearly every year in Claremore and will likely affect more than 10% of the cities’ property and population. The entire population is vulnerable. The people most vulnerable to high wind-related deaths, injuries, and property damage are those residing in mobile homes (see Figure 1-5 for location of mobile home parks) and deteriorating or poorly constructed homes. A worst-case scenario of high wind would affect up to 25% of the community and there is a high probability another disaster level incident will occur within the next decade.

City of Claremore 41 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan Lightning Lightning is generated by the buildup of charged ions in a thundercloud. When that buildup interacts with the best conducting object or surface on the ground, the result is a discharge of a lightning bolt. The air in the channel of a lightning strike reaches temperatures higher than 50,000˚ Fahrenheit. Oklahoma, Rogers County and Claremore are vulnerable to frequent thunderstorms and convective weather patterns, and therefore its vulnerability to lightning is a constant and widespread threat during the thunderstorm season. The entire community is at risk from lightning-caused fires, damages and casualties, as indicated by Rogers County’s 6 reported lightning events since 1950. which did a total of $70,000 in damage. One lightning storm that struck Claremore in July 1997, killed one person. All future development areas are vulnerable to lightning strikes and their associated damaging effects. Hail A hailstorm is an outgrowth of a severe thunderstorm in which balls or irregularly shaped lumps of ice fall with rain. Extreme temperature differences from the ground upward into the jet stream produce strong updraft winds that cause hail formation. Hailstorms can be expected nearly every year in Claremore, as indicated by the 25 events that have been reported by the City since 1993. The entire population is vulnerable and a heavy hailstorm would likely affect more than 10% of the cities’ property and/or population. A worst-case hailstorm would affect up to 25% of the community. There is a high probability that a disaster level incident will occur within the next decade. Severe Winter A severe winter storm is one that drops four or more inches of snow during a Storms 12-hour period, or six or more inches during a 24-hour period. An ice storm occurs when freezing rain falls from clouds and freezes immediately upon contact. Winter storms are one of the greatest hazards to Claremore, as they occur frequently and affect the entire community. Infrastructure vulnerability, transportation problems and secondary events, such as widespread utility failures, are consequences of winter storms. Claremore has been hit by 20 winter storms since 1994 and Rogers County was part of federally declared winter storm disasters in 2001 and 2007. Extreme Heat Extreme summer weather is characterized by a combination of very high temperatures and exceptionally humid conditions. A heat wave occurs when such conditions persist over time. Extreme heat impacts the entire population and can be expected every summer in Claremore. Claremore has a high percentage of its population at risk from extreme heat (16.9% of Claremore’s population is over 64 and 11.4% is low income), but the risk of property damage due to extreme heat is minimal.

City of Claremore 42 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan Drought A climatic dryness severe enough to reduce soil moisture and water below the minimum necessary for sustaining plant, animal, and human life systems. Duration and severity are usually measured by deviation from norms of annual precipitation and stream flows. Droughts affect a large segment of the population, but are a minimal threat to property. Crop losses and mandatory water rationing are possible affects of severe drought. Two drought events have impacted Rogers County in the last 5 years and Oklahoma is currently at the beginning of what is considered by authorities to be a multi-year drought cycle. Expansive Soils and soft rock that swell and shrink with changes in moisture content are Soils commonly known as expansive soils. Expansive soils develop gradually and are seldom a threat to the population. About 57% of the soils within Claremore City Limits have low shrink/swell properties and approximately 19% have high shrink/swell properties. However, much of the future growth areas of the community are comprised of high and moderate shrink/swell soils, as shown in Figure 3-6. Urban Fires A fire that burns a home or other improved structure. Fire generates a black, impenetrable smoke that blocks vision and stings the eyes, making it often impossible to navigate and evacuate the building on fire. Urban fires affect a very small area or group of the population. The low impact is likely due to the efforts of local fire fighters. Wildfires A fire that burns along the ground, moving slowly and killing or damaging trees; a fire burning on or below the forest floor in the humus layer down to the mineral soil; a fire rapidly spread by wind and moves by jumping along the tops of trees. A wildfire may affect a large area, but only a small group of the population. Wildfires are to be expected multiple times per year. Like the rest of the United States and Oklahoma, the rural and urban/wildland interface areas of the City of Claremore are at “moderate” risk to wildfires, and at “high” to “severe” risk during times of high wind and drought, as demonstrated in the devastating wildfire outbreaks of 2005-2006. One group that may be more heavily affected includes farmers and ranchers, due to the destruction of crops and grazing land. Earthquakes An earthquake is a sudden, rapid shaking of the ground caused by the fracture and movement of rock beneath the Earth's surface. Earthquakes, although seemingly trivial in Oklahoma, do occur. Although relatively safe from locally generated earthquakes, the region’s underlying geology exposes Claremore to some risk from a severe earthquake in the New Madrid Seismic Zone. Based on the most significant earthquake recorded in Oklahoma, 5.5 magnitude centered near El Reno, HAZUS estimates there would be no damage, casualties or loss of critical functions in Claremore.

City of Claremore 43 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan Hazardous Hazardous materials are chemical substances that, if released or misused, can Material pose a threat to the environment or human health. They come in the form of Events explosives, flammable and combustible substances, poisons, and radioactive materials. Twenty-three hazardous material events within the City of Claremore have been reported since 1991. However, no injuries resulted and damage was minimal. Dam Failures The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) defines a dam as “a barrier constructed across a watercourse for the purpose of storage, control, or diversion of water.” A dam failure is the collapse, breach, or other failure resulting in downstream flooding. An Oologah Dam break would impact over 500 residents and some 250 buildings totaling over $24 million in value, including four critical facilities. A failure of Claremore Dam would impact an estimated 43 buildings, including 41 residential structures and the city’s water treatment plant, with a combined value of $6.8 million dollars. Transportation Transportation is the physical movement of an object through components of a system and its subsystems. Transportation includes the use of aviation, highway, railroad, pipeline, and marine systems to convey movement of objects and people. A significant percentage of Claremore’s property and population are vulnerable to a transportation incident, including 47 critical facilities, as shown on the map in Figure 3-11.

Annual Average Damages Although available data is limited, information on total damage to property, injuries and loss of lives for the 10-year period from 1995 through 2004 has been summarized in Table 3-1. Table 3–1: Summary of Damages in Claremore, Oklahoma between 1995 and 2004

Total Property Property Events/ Injuries/ Injuries/ Deaths/ Deaths/ Hazard Events Property Damage/ Damage/ Injuries Deaths Year Event Year Event Year Damage Event Year Floods 12 1.2 $0 $0 $0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Tornadoes 1 0.1 $150,000 $150,000 $15,000 0 0 0 0 0 0 High Winds 15 1.5 $32,000 $2,133 $3,200 0 0 0 0 0 0 Lightning 4 0.4 $60,000 $15,000 $6,000 0 0 0 1 0.25 0.1 Hail 14 1.4 $0 $0 $0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Winter Storms 18 1.8 $0 $0 $0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Extreme Heat Insuff. Data Drought 0 0 $0 $0 $0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Expansive Soils Insuff. Data Urban Fires* 299 29.9 $3,266,085 $10,923 $326,609 24 0.08027 2.4 1 0.00334 0.1 Wildfires* 377 37.7 $54,620 $145 $5,462 0 0 0 0 0 0 Earthquakes 0 0 $0 $0 $0 0 0 0 0 0 0 HazMat Events 1 0.1 $0 $0 $0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Dam Failures 0 0 $0 $0 $0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Transportation 2 0.2 $0 $0 $0 1 0.5 0.1 3 1.5 0.3 * No data available for injuries or deaths for 2002 or 2003

City of Claremore 44 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan Hazards Analysis: Probability and Vulnerability The ODEM guidelines for hazard analysis provides a process for use in assessing and evaluating hazards and promotes a common base for performing the analysis by defining criteria and establishing a rating and scoring system. The Table 3-2 shows the results of the hazard analysis for Claremore, including a Probability and a Vulnerability Analysis for each event. Probability is calculated by taking a length of time (in the past), and then calculating the total number of like historical hazard events against it. By examining the frequency of events in the past, the likelihood of an event occurring in the future can be determined. Vulnerability is a determination based on the number of people and the amount of property affected by a potential hazard event. Table 3-3 provides a summary of the ranking criteria and the scoring method. Table 3–2 Hazard Analysis for City of Claremore, Oklahoma Maximum History Vulnerability Threat Probability Disaster (2)* (5)* (10)* (7)* Score Winter Storm High High High Medium 205 Hailstorm High High Medium High 190 High Wind High High Medium High 190 Flood High Medium Medium High 165 Extreme Heat High Medium High High 165 Tornado High High Medium Medium 155 Lightning High High Low High 150 Transportation Low Medium Medium High 147 Urban Fire High Medium Low High 125 Wildfire High Medium Low High 125 Hazardous Material Events High Medium Low Medium 90 Drought Low Medium Medium Low 84 Dam Failure Low Medium Medium Low 84 Expansive Soil Low Medium Low Low 44 Earthquake Low Low Low Low 24

* Criteria weighted by value in column title. Values: High 10 Medium 5 Low 1

City of Claremore 45 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan Table 3–3: Summary of Hazard Analysis Ranking Criteria Source: ODEM Criteria Description Scoring History If a certain kind of disaster occurred in the past conditions In the past 100 years if an event causing the event can occur again. has occurred: 0-1 Low 2-3 Medium 4+ High Vulnerability The number of people and value of property in jeopardy Population exposed: determine vulnerability. Vital facilities, such as hospitals, < 1% Low office buildings and emergency facilities, and population 1%-10% Medium groups of special concern should be included in vulnerability >10% High determination. Property damaged or destroyed: < 1% Low 1%-10% Medium >10% High Maximum Maximum threat is the worst case scenario of a hazard. Its Area of city impacted: Threat impact is expressed in terms of human casualties and property < 5% Low loss. Secondary events need to factored in where necessary. 5%-25% Medium >25% High Probability Probability is the likelihood an event will occur. History and Chance per year of disaster: probability are similar, however two criteria are used to < .1% Low distinguish between newly developing hazards and hazards .1%-10% Medium with a lack of historical information. >10% High

Secondary Events Many disasters set off other types of events in a cascade of effects that lead to a highly complex situation. It is generally more useful to consider all secondary events as a part of the overall situation created by the primary event.

Table 3–4: Secondary Hazard Events Haz. Water Dam Expansive Material Power Urban Supply Primary Event Failure Drought Soil Flood Event Failure Fire Failure Wildfire Flood ● ● ● ● Tornado ● ● ● High Wind ● ● ● ● ● Lightning ● ● ● ● Hail ● Winter Storm ● ● Extreme Heat ● ● ● Drought ● ● ● Expansive Soil ● Urban Fire ● ● ● Wildfire ● ● ● Earthquake ● ● ● ● ● Haz. Material Event ● ● Dam Failure ● ● ● ● Transportation ● ● ● ●

City of Claremore 46 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan 3.1 Floods

Flooding is defined as the accumulation of water within a waterbody and the overflow of the excess water onto adjacent floodplain lands. The floodplains are the lands adjoining the channel of a river, stream, ocean, lake, or other watercourse or waterbody that is susceptible to flooding.

3.1.1 Hazard Profile

Effects Floods are the most common and widespread of all natural disasters in the United States—except fire. • Flooding has caused the deaths of more than 10,000 people since 1900. • United States property damage from flooding now totals over $1 billion each year. • In 1987 FEMA concluded that over 9 million households and $390 billion in property are at risk from the 1-percent-annual-chance flood. • In most years flooding accounts for or is involved with three quarters of Federal Disaster declarations. • Floods claim about 140 lives each year, making them the most deadly kind of weather in the United States. • Floods are also responsible for more damage to property each year than any other type of weather hazard. Flash floods usually result from intense storms dropping large amounts of rain within a brief period. The two key elements are rainfall intensity and duration, but topography, soil conditions, and ground cover play an important role.

Frequency Flash floods occur with little or no warning and can reach full peak in a few minutes. Walls of water can surge to heights of 10 to 30 feet and generally carry large amounts of debris. Most flood deaths are due to flash floods. The drainage basins affecting the City of Claremore are shown on Figure 3-1. Within Claremore’s 12.0 square miles, two significant tributaries—Dog and Cat Creeks—converge south of the city and flow into the Verdigris River. These Dog Creek just downstream from Claremore creeks and their drainage areas are listed Lake Dam in Table 3-5. The combined floodplains of the Dog and Cat Creeks make up more than 7.9 square miles, 31% of the land within the City limits, and are shown on Figure 3-2.

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L E G E N D Miles 0 0.25 0.5 City of Cat Creek Centerline Existing 100yr Floodplain Claremore Claremore Parcels City Limits Figure 3-2 100-Year Floodplain Meshek & Associates and R.D. Flanagan & Associates Table 3–5: City of Claremore Streams and Drainage Areas Total Drainage Area Stream at Claremore (sq. mi.) Verdigris East 21.2 Verdigris West 5.4 Sweetwater Creek 2.5 Chouteau Creek 19.3 Panther Creek 28.7 Otter Creek 2.4 Dog Creek 37.2 Cat Creek 9.3 Total 126.0

Extent of Impact The probable impact of flooding can be assessed by mapping urban development, soil conditions, the 100-year floodplains, researching the extent of past floods, looking at historical rainfall data and the condition of drainage ways and stormwater facilities, and estimating the likely contribution to flooding from recent and future development. This was accomplished using FEMA’s Hazus model. The City of Claremore has a total of 40 structures located in the 100-year floodplain. The Hazus model determined that a 100-year flood would result in $1,085,720 in damage to community assets. (For a fuller discussion of the assumptions used in Hazus for Claremore, see Sections 3.1.3 Current Stormwater Program, and 3.1.4 Vulnerable Population, below.) A Master Drainage Plan was completed for Cat Creek and some of Dog Creek in 1999. However, Claremore is expanding westward into the Verdigris River watershed and southward into the lower reaches of Cat and Dog Creeks and Panther Creek. Without the detailed modeling and analysis provided by a Master Drainage Plan that includes these growth areas, it is not possible to accurately predict the effects of a 100-year and 500- year flood on future development or to future buildings and development that have been permitted to the minimum standard. The preparation of an updated and expanded Master Drainage Plan has been included as an Action Item in Claremore’s mitigation measures. (See Table 5-1, Multi-Hazard Mitigation Measures, by Priority and Hazard, below).

3.1.2 Historical Events Oklahoma’s most frequent and most costly natural hazard is flooding. There are numerous flooding events on record, often with serious impacts: 1908. The wettest June in Oklahoma history caused widespread flooding on the Arkansas River and $250,000 in damage (1908 dollars). June 11-13, 1923. Floodwaters destroyed Tulsa’s waterworks and forced the evacuation of 4,000. April 6-7, 1927. Heavy rainfall in southeastern Kansas resulted in an 8- to 10-foot wall of water—with registered flows of 750,000 cubic feet per second—roaring down the Arkansas River valley below Muskogee and emptying into the Mississippi River. Nearly every levee from Fort Smith to the Mississippi was destroyed. Losses totaled $4,000,000 (1927 dollars).

City of Claremore 50 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan May 18-22, 1943. A deluge that dumped 24 inches of rain in six days on the area between McAlester to Muskogee resulted in the flood of record for many communities along the Arkansas River. May 16-21, 1957. The wettest May in Oklahoma history caused widespread flooding on Arkansas, Cimarron and Canadian Rivers. May 10, 1970. The Mother’s Day Flood in Tulsa caused $163,000 in damages ($340,000 in 1994 dollars) on rapidly developing Mingo and Joe Creeks. October 11, 1973. 15.68 inches of rain fell in Enid—a State daily and 24-hour rainfall record. Twelve inches of rain fell in 3 hours causing flash floods that killed nine people. April, May and September, 1974. April and May floods left $744,000 in damages ($2.11 million in 1994 dollars) on Bird Creek. Violent storms June 8 caused widespread flooding on Joe, Fry, Haikey and Mingo Creeks in Tulsa County, with more than $18 million in damages ($40.24 million in 1994 dollars). On September 19, Mingo Creek flooded again.

Rogers County reported 33 flooding events between 1995 and 2004

May 31, 1976. On Memorial Day, a 3-hour, 10-inch deluge centered over the headwaters of Mingo, Joe and Haikey Creeks in Tulsa caused a flood that killed three and caused $40 million in damages (1976 dollars) to more than 3,000 buildings. October, 1983. Remnants of Hurricane Tico produced 10-15 inches of rain, causing extensive flooding from Rush Springs to Shawnee, with damages estimated at $84M, including $77M to agriculture (1983 dollars). May 26-27, 1984. More than 12 inches of rain fell in Tulsa, causing extensive flooding, especially on Mingo Creek. Fourteen people were killed, 5,500 homes and over 7,000 vehicles were damaged.

City of Claremore 51 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan October 1986- Keystone Reservoir filled to capacity, forcing the Corps of Engineers to release water at the rate of 310,000 cubic feet per second. Downstream flooding was extensive, with $1.3 million in damages to 64 buildings. September 24, 1993- Heavy rains—as much as 8.5 inches in parts of northeastern Oklahoma—caused widespread flooding in Bartlesville.

Claremore Flooding Since 1993, Rogers County and Claremore have experienced 37 flood events. May 2, 1993- Flooding reported in Claremore. May 9, 1993- Flooding occurred throughout Rogers County, including Claremore. September 26, 1996- Flash flooding reported in and near Claremore. November 16, 1996- Flash flooding was reported at Claremore. October 5, 1998- $11,000 in damages were reported in Rogers County as 5 to 7 inches of rain fell along I-44 causing flash floods. In Claremore, several residences near 7th and Muskogee Streets had to be evacuated. Also, some streets in the city were closed by high water, including Patti Page, near the courthouse. April 25-26, 1999- $30,000 in damages were reported in Rogers County after grounds already saturated from rains the day before caused Cat Creek to overflow its banks and flood South Muskogee Avenue. State Highway 66 north of the City was also flooded and closed for an hour by the high water. State Highway 20 near Claremore has also been closed due to previous flooding events. May4, 1999- One of the largest tornado outbreaks in Oklahoma history brought heavy rain and flooding in the northeast part of the State and Rogers County. OK Hwy 20 near Claremore was closed, with 2 feet of water over the roadway. June 2, 2003- flash flooding from heavy thunderstorms caused low-lying streets in the city to be flooded. The Cat Creek channel has been straightened and cleared in several places, but there has been no major structural improvement. The channel will not carry the 100-year flood. The Cat Creek Regional Stormwater Detention Facility was constructed in 1993, in Rogers County upstream of the City of Claremore. This facility reduces flows on Cat Creek throughout the city. There is no historic flood information available for Dog Creek. The only known record of flooding is on Cat Creek, which was determined by several high-water marks taken during the June 8, 1974 flood. The high-water marks are located just upstream of Will Rogers Boulevard in Claremore, where water reached an elevation of 598 feet. This elevation is close to the current 100-year water surface profile, and caused considerable property damage.

3.1.3 Current Stormwater Program

3.1.3.1 Current Flood Insurance Study (FIS) The Corps of Engineers completed a Flood Insurance Study in August 1971, under an agreement with the Flood Insurance Administration. Streams studied in detail included Cat and Dog Creeks. This study was revised in January 1982 and again in November

City of Claremore 52 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan 1995. This study provides the current limits for the regulatory floodplain boundaries for the City, except where specifically modified by Letters of Map Revision (LOMR’s). The hydrologic analysis for the latest revision was performed using the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service Technical Release No. 55 (TR-55) program. Input parameters for the hydrologic model were based on existing conditions. Rainfall data was obtained from the U.S. Weather Bureau Technical Publication No. 40 (TP40). Stream routing from hydrologic point to point was accomplished using storage-routing in HEC-1. (U. S. Army Corps of Engineers, Hydrologic Engineering Center, HEC-1, Flood Hydrograph Package Users Manual, January 1973. HEC-1 Computer Program 723-X6-12010). The hydraulic analysis was based on cross-section data within the City. This data was obtained from 2-foot contour interval photogrammetric maps developed in 1983. The 1995 revision also includes more detailed topographic information from computer generated maps by RMK Engineering, Inc. The 100-year and 500- years floodplains were delineated. The hydraulic analysis was prepared using Cat Creek in Claremore, OK HEC-2 (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Hydrologic Engineering Center, HEC-2 Water- Surface Profiles, Generalized Computer Program, May 1984). Floodways were also developed in locations that had at least one square mile of drainage area. The floodways were computed on the basis of equal conveyance reduction from each side of the floodplain, resulting in an increase of 1.0 foot or less. The 100-year water surface elevations from the Flood Insurance Study, have been used to estimate flooding depths at structures in the 100-year floodplain.

3.1.3.2 The 1999 Master Drainage Plan A Master Drainage Plan (MDP) was prepared for the City of Claremore by Mansur Daubert Strella, a Division of Crafton, Tull and Associates, Inc. in June 1999, and contains information used in this Hazard Mitigation Plan. The MDP covers most of the drainage areas within the City, including Cat and Dog Creek. The information in the MDP and the FIS has been used where possible to identify sources of flooding and depth of overtopping for bridges and culverts. Existing and Ultimate Land Use Existing land use as used in the MDP, implies a date of 1999 for those basins studied within the MDP. The MDP considered full urbanization to compare flow rates to the 1999 conditions. The level of urbanization was guided by the City of Claremore zoning map. Soils Soil Cover Complex Numbers, or Curve Numbers (CN) were estimated using the tables provided in Technical Release No. 55 (TR-55) prepared by the Soil Conservation

City of Claremore 53 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan Service, January 1975. Weighted CN values were computed based on the various types of land use within each basin. Hydrologic Analysis For basins studied within the MDP, hydrologic and hydraulic models for the drainage basins were developed using HEC-1 and HEC-2, two computer programs developed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, referenced earlier. The City was divided into major watersheds, each of which was subdivided into subbasins to develop flow rates at various points within the basins. Hydrologic coefficients were developed for each subbasin in order to compute peak flows for each subbasin, using the Soil Conservation Service Curve Number method. Hydrographs were routed or lagged from point to point within the basin based on the condition of the flow segment. Rainfall depths used in the MDP were obtained from TP40, referenced earlier, for the 2- through 24-hour storms. Rainfall depths for the 5-, 15- and 60-minute storms were obtained from Hydrometeorological Report No. 35 (HYDRO-35). The synthetic unit hydrograph method used in the analysis for the MDP is the SCS Unit Hydrograph method. The methodology combines the effect of specific soils and soil cover (i.e., vegetation) on the runoff storm into one parameter called the Soil-Cover Complex number (CN). For a specific type of land use, soil type, and cover condition in a watershed, a CN value can be determined. Then, utilizing the total rainfall value and the CN value, the storm runoff volume is calculated from a given total rainfall. Next, the peak flow rate and hydrograph shape are determined based on experimental data. The Cat Creek Regional Stormwater Detention Facility was included in the analyses prepared as part of the MDP. Hydrologic flood routing from node to node within the basins included in the MDP were accomplished by two methods. One of these methods is based on estimating storage using a typical channel cross-section. The other method is the Muskingham coefficient routing method. Hydraulic Analysis The floodplains delineated within the City were modeled using HEC-2. Cross-sections were taken based on available topographic data. The bridges and culvert geometric data were included in the HEC-2 models. Information on specific bridge and culvert overtopping was taken from this data. Recommendations The recommended Master Drainage Plan would implement the following concepts and plans in the order in which they are stated: (1) Preparation and publication of a new Stormwater Design Manual for the city. (2) Design and construction of a detention facility on Cat Creek itself upstream from Will Rogers Boulevard. The recommended first alternative is in the city park area at the west end of 6th Street. This alternative would provide up to 90 acre-feet of storage and could reduce the peak flow in Cat Creek by as much as 15%. The estimated cost of this facility is $1,156,000.

City of Claremore 54 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan (3) Completion of the Cat Creek channel improvements from Muskogee Avenue to U.S. Highway 66 (Lynn Riggs Boulevard). (4) Design and construction of a storm sewer system to serve the downtown Claremore area which would augment the current system. The first alternative system would be an 8’ x 5’ reinforced concrete box beginning north of 6th Street and west of the Missouri-Pacific railroad, running along the railroad to Muskogee Avenue, hence south under Muskogee to a tributary of Cat creek. The storm sewer would be approximately 3,100 feet in length at an estimated cost of $1,515,000. (5) Design and construction of a detention facility north of Dupoint Street and west of State Highway 20 (Brady Street). This should eliminate minor home flooding in the residential section immediately to the southeast (Sunset Acres Addition) and help remedy the flooding in the Archer Court Doma Park Apartments. The estimated cost for engineering and construction is $558,250. (6) Design and construction of a detention facility south of Archer Drive and east of Holiday Lane. This should reduce the frequent occurrence of flooding in the apartments on Archer Street (Doma Park Apartments). This will also considerably reduce the flow in the first west bank tributary of Cat Creek. The estimated cost for engineering and construction is $327,000.

3.1.3.3 Proposed Detailed Master Drainage Plan The 1999 Master Drainage Plan needs to be updated to utilize newer topographic data and more current hydrology and hydraulic models. It is recommended that a new Detailed Master Drainage Plan be prepared. The information developed in the master drainage plan will supersede the information used to develop this Hazard Mitigation Plan. This Plan will be updated to incorporate the new data. The master drainage plan would include a new hydrologic and hydraulic analysis of the drainage Portions of Cat Creek channel have been straightened basins within the City limits, using new topographic and planimetric data. The scope of the new master drainage plans will include the following: • Collect and review existing data. • Prepare baseline hydrology using HEC-HMS • Prepare baseline hydraulics using HEC-RAS • Provide flood damage assessment and problem identification.

City of Claremore 55 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan • Prepare an initial alternative evaluation using approximate screening methods, conceptual HEC-HMS modeling, and cost estimates, for both flood mitigation planning in developed area as well as flood prevention planning in undeveloped areas. • After City approval and citizen input, prepare an evaluation of the selected plan. • Prepare the final Storm Water Management Master Plan Document. It would be desirable for future master planning work to be prepared in a Geographic Information System (GIS) format.

3.1.4 Vulnerable Population All buildings in the Verdigris River and tributary basins, regardless of location, are at some risk of riverine flooding or local drainage damage. FEMA and this study have identified those areas within the watersheds of Claremore that have a 1% chance of flooding in any given year. These areas, commonly referred to as the 100-year floodplain, are designated as the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) on FEMA’s Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM). The SFHA identifies the National Flood Insurance Program’s (NFIP) minimum national standard, and reflects existing development conditions at the time of the study. The City of Claremore has a total of 40 structures located in the 100-year floodplains as shown in Table 3-6 Structural values used in the assessment were from the Rogers County parcel information. It is estimated that the average structure will experience 3 feet of flooding, which will result in 32% damage to the structure and 35% damage to contents. A percentage of the total structural and content values were applied to damages from the 100-year flood to two large commercial structures only partially located in the floodplain.

Table 3–6: Claremore Floodplain Building Vulnerability

Structures in the Floodplain Number or Value FEMA SFHA 40 Value of Floodplain Buildings $3,654,853 Value of Contents $1,799,560 Total Value of Buildings Located in the Floodplain $5,454,413

Damage to Buildings from 100-Year Flood $545,551 Damage to Contents from the 100-Year Flood $540,164 Total Damages from the 100-Year Flood $1,085,720 Flood Insurance as of 9/30/02 (Source FEMA) Policies in Force 66 $ Flood Insurance in Force $5,896,700 Paid Premiums $30,540 Total Number of Losses Paid 49 Loss Payments $410,350

City of Claremore 56 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan 3.1.5 Conclusion With 40 buildings valued at $5.5 million located within the FEMA SFHA that will suffer over $1 million in damages from the 100-year flood, Claremore has a significant exposure to the flood hazard. Over the past twenty years, progress has been made in protecting the lives and property of the citizens of Claremore from flooding. Claremore joined the National Flood Insurance Program in 1971. All residents of Claremore are eligible to purchase flood insurance. Much work remains to be done to make Claremore safe from flooding. To protect citizens at risk from flooding, this study has identified several flood mitigation measures to be implemented, among which is the completion of a comprehensive, city- wide master drainage plan. These recommended projects are discussed in Chapter 4: Mitigation Strategies, and the mitigation measures prioritized in Table 5-1 in Chapter 5.

3.1.6 Sources FEMA Flood Insurance Statistics at web page: http://www.fema.gov/nfip/10110209.shtm - OKT Extreme Weather and Climate Events at Website: National Climatic Data Center, http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/oa/climate/severeweather/extremes.html US Army Corps of Engineers, Flood Insurance Study for Claremore, OK, August 1971. City of Claremore Master Drainage Plan, Mansur Daubert Strella, Division of Crafton, Tull and Associates, Inc., June 1999. Meshek & Assoc., Assessment of Claremore Stormwater Needs, 2004.

City of Claremore 57 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan 3.2 Tornadoes

A tornado is a rapidly rotating vortex or funnel of air extending to the ground from a cumulonimbus cloud. When the lower tip of a vortex touches earth, the tornado becomes a force of destruction. The path width of a tornado is generally less than a half-mile, but the path length can vary from a few hundred yards to dozens of miles. A tornado moves at speeds from 30 to 125 mph, but can generate winds exceeding 300 mph.

3.2.1 Hazard Profile Severe thunderstorms produce about 1,000 tornadoes each year in the United States. FEMA reports that 106 federal disaster declarations over the past 20 years have included tornado damage.

Effects The path width of a tornado averages about 200 yards and therefore can have a substantial impact on human life and property. Damage from the average tornado includes roof surfaces, mobile homes pushed off their foundations, and Each year Oklahoma has more tornado events per square mile than any other state automobiles pushed off the road. More severe tornadoes can lift 300-ton objects and toss homes more than 300 feet.

Normal Frequency Oklahoma, along with Texas, Arkansas, Missouri, and Kansas, is located in “Tornado Alley,” the most tornado-prone area of the nation. Oklahoma experienced an average of 60 tornadoes per year over the past 50 years. Between 1975 and 1995, there were eight federal tornado-related disaster declarations in the state. Oklahoma experiences more tornadoes each year on average than does any other state, except Texas. Texas has twice as many, but is also more than twice the size of Oklahoma. Tornadoes are most likely to occur between March 15 and June 15 and over 80% occur between the hours of 3:00 and 9:00 PM. Claremore has been hit by nine tornadoes in the last 53 years. This equates to a frequency of 0.17 per year. Claremore can expect a tornado on the average of at least one every six years. More recent data shows that Claremore had two reported tornadoes from 1995 to 2003, or 0.22 per year. Figure 3–3 shows historic tornado paths from 1950 to 2003 in Rogers and surrounding areas, which demonstrates the random nature of tornado strikes.

City of Claremore 58 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan Measurements Almost 70% of all tornadoes are measured F0 and F1 on the Fujita Tornado Scale, shown in Table 3-7 below, causing light to moderate damage, with wind speeds between 40 and 112 miles per hour. F4 and F5 tornadoes are considerably less frequent, but are the big killers. Sixty-seven percent of all tornado deaths were caused by F4 and F5 storms, which represent only 1% of all tornadoes.

Table 3–7: Fujita Scale

Category Wind Speed (mph) Damage

F0 Gale tornado (40-72) Light: Damage to chimneys, tree branches, shallow-root trees, sign boards F1 Moderate tornado (73-112) Moderate: Lower limit is beginning of hurricane wind speed--surfaces peeled off roofs, mobile homes pushed off foundations or overturned, cars pushed off roads F2 Significant tornado (113-157) Considerable: Roofs torn off frame houses, mobile homes demolished, boxcars pushed over, large trees snapped or uprooted, light-object missiles generated F3 Severe tornado (158-206) Severe: Roofs and some walls torn off well-constructed houses, trains overturned, most trees in forest uprooted, cars lifted off the ground and thrown F4 Devastating tornado (207-260) Devastating: Well-constructed houses leveled, structures with weak foundations blown off some distance, cars thrown and large missiles generated F5 Incredible tornado (261-318) Incredible: Strong frame houses lifted off foundations and carried considerable distance to disintegrate, automobile-sized missiles fly through the air in excess of 100 yards, trees debarked

Extent of Impact The Fujita Scale is a well-known and widely accepted method of determining the extent of tornado damage by outlining what can be expected from a particular tornado event, using wind speeds as a function of expected damages. Based on the nine historical tornado events that have hit the City of Claremore between 1951 and 2006, Claremore can expect one tornado every 6 years that will injure one person and do $300,000 in damage. Rogers County, which has experienced 48 tornadoes in 100 years, can expect one event every 2 years that does about $650,000 property damage and injures one person. Rogers County tornadoes include two F4 events, six F3s, ten F2s, 14 F1s and nine F0s. Consequently, a destructive F3 or F4 tornado striking Claremore within a 100-year period is very likely. A worst-case tornado event, which is described more fully in Section 3.2.4 “Tornado Scenario,” below, would impact 791 single-family residences, 114 mobile homes, 89 commercial businesses and do $50 million in damage.

3.2.2 Historical Events Oklahoma has a long history of deadly and damaging tornadoes. Some of the deadliest tornado events include: May 8, 1882- Twenty-one people died in a McAlester tornado.

City of Claremore 59 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan April 25, 1893- Thirty-eight people died in the 10 Mile Flats area near Norman in the worst recorded tornado disaster of the 19th century in Oklahoma. May 10, 1905- Ninety-seven people died when an F-5 tornado hit Snyder, causing $250,000 in damage to more than 100 homes. May 2, 1920- Seventy-one people died and 100 injured when an F-4 tornado hit Peggs in Cherokee County. The town’s wooden jail was left standing, while a store made of concrete block next door was leveled. November 19, 1930- Twenty-three people died and 125 were injured when a tornado hit Bethany in Oklahoma County. April 27, 1942- Fifty-two died in a tornado that traveled from Claremore in Rogers County to Pryor in Mayes County. May 2, 1942- Sixteen people were killed in a tornado that traveled from Pottawatomie County to Creek County. June 12, 1942- Thirty-five died in an Oklahoma City Tornado. April 12, 1945- 102 people died in violent series of tornadoes. Sixty-nine died in Antlers, 13 in Muskogee, including many at the Oklahoma School for the Blind. Eight people died at Tinker Air Force Base, five in Roland, four near Hulbert, and three in Latimer County. April 9, 1947- Oklahoma’s deadliest tornadoes killed 184 people. Texas and Kansas lost 68 people, and 116 died in Oklahoma. The tornados traveled 221 miles from White Deer, Texas, through Oklahoma, destroying a large portion of Woodward, to St. Leo, Kansas. May 25, 1955- The deadliest single tornado in U.S. history killed 114 people, including 20 in Blackwell, and 80 in Udall, Kansas, where the town was leveled. May 5, 1960- Three separate tornadoes killed a total of 26 people, including 16 people from the Wilburton to Keota tornado, five from the Shawnee to Tulsa event, and 5 when a tornado hit Roland. An F-5 tornado reported touched down in southern Creek County, traveled 29 miles northeast crossing Sapulpa. No injuries or deaths occurred, but $2.5 million in property damages were accrued throughout the county. May 5, 1961- Sixteen people were killed when a tornado tracked from Reichert to Howe in LeFlore County. May 24, 1973- Six injuries, 22 demolished homes, 18 demolished trailers, and 49 damaged buildings resulted from a tornado crossing Union City. The tornado was a quarter-mile wide and stayed on the ground for 28 minutes. Damage was approximately $2 million. It was the first tornado to leave a “velocity signature” on radar and produced a breakthrough in severe storm forecasting. It was also the first tornado intercepted and photographed by storm chasers. June 8, 1974- Eighteen people were killed – including three in Tulsa, and damage to 1,400 buildings – when some 25 to 30 tornadoes formed in 19 Oklahoma counties. The same storm system spawned an F-4 tornado in southern Kansas that killed six, and injured 220. One of the tornadoes, an F-3, cut through the south side of Claremore. The tornado was on the ground for 22 miles, injured 10, and caused over $2 million in damages.

City of Claremore 60 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan April 24, 1993 – F-4 and F-3 tornadoes killed seven people, injured over 100 and caused over $50 million in damages in northeast Tulsa and Catoosa. The tornadoes were up to 250 yards wide and combined were on the ground for 14 miles. Most of the fatalities occurred at Bruce’s Truck Stop on Interstate 44 where there was complete devastation with many vehicles flung about and overturned. Baseball sized hail was also reported in Catoosa. According to the NCDC, there were 45 tornado-related fatalities from 1995 to the year 2000, and 42 of those occurred in 1999 during the worst tornado incident in recent Oklahoma history. (The Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management states in their All-Hazards Mitigation Plan that there were 46 fatalities from tornadoes in 1999). May 3, 1999- A series of severe thunderstorms swept out of the southwest, and produced many tornadoes that greatly intensified as they moved across the state. The map shows tornado touchdowns, paths, and direction of movement. The visual representation makes it clear that this incident was indeed a huge outbreak. One of the tornadoes in the outbreak was an F5, which occurred southwest of Oklahoma City, was measured at 318 mph, the fastest wind speed ever recorded for a tornado, stayed on the ground about four hours, and left a path approximately thirty-eight miles long (see map above). This storm was

the first F5 tornado to affect The May 3, 1999 tornadoes caused over $1 billion in damage. The metropolitan Oklahoma City. The path May 8, 2003 tornado path (shown in red) caused $100 million. included 6.5 miles of continuous F4 damage as well as several areas of F5 level destruction. Several homes were completely removed from their slabs. The National Weather Service reported that 57 tornadoes were recorded in the state during the outbreak. The Oklahoma Hospital Association reported 742 people were treated at 30 hospitals, and 44 people were killed. Approximately 10,000 homes and businesses were affected by the storms, with total losses exceeding $1 billion. The state Department of Emergency Management reported that in Oklahoma, 3,009 homes, 117 businesses, and 10 public buildings were destroyed, including 645 in Oklahoma City, 6 in Tulsa and 95% of the town of Mulhall. Sixteen Oklahoma counties were declared Federal disaster areas. May 8, 2003- At about 5 pm, the path of the estimated F-4 tornado hit Moore, Midwest City, Del City, and Oklahoma City, many of the same areas damaged by the killer tornado of May 3, 1999 (see map above). The National Weather Service estimated the tornado’s path to be 19 miles long. Local hospitals reported 145 injuries. Initial estimate of damage include 432 homes destroyed and another 2,457 damaged. About 20 businesses were destroyed. The 4 million square-foot Oklahoma City General Motors

City of Claremore 61 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan automobile plant sustained substantial damage and was knocked out of production, and the Xerox plant and five schools were damaged. In addition, the City of Moore reported three churches destroyed, and damage to a fire station and elementary school. The Lincoln National Bank in Oklahoma City was leveled. Oklahoma Gas and Electric reported that 4,000 customers in Oklahoma City, Moore, and Midwest City were without power. The Insurance Commissioner estimated damage at more than $100 million. In Oklahoma since 1950, there have been over 200 fatalities and almost 4,000 injuries from tornadoes. Table 3-8 below, shows the Oklahoma tornado frequency and impact data in two time periods, reported by the National Climatic Data Center.

Table 3–8: Tornadoes in Oklahoma and in Claremore since 1950 and since 1995

Oklahoma Events Deaths Injuries Property Damage

1950-2003 3183 263 4068 $3,145,060,000 1995-2003 723 46 919 $1,638,646,000

Claremore Events Deaths Injuries Property Damage

1950-2003 9 0 11 $2,955,000 1995-2003 2 0 0 $160,000

Rogers County and Claremore Tornadoes Rogers County has reported 63 tornadoes since 1897. From 1951-2006, the County has been hit by 48 tornadoes, causing $31.17 million in damage to property and $50 million damage to crops. Since 1993, when the National Climatic Data Center began keeping localized event reports, the City of Claremore has reported two tornadoes. June 2, 1897- An F3 tornado 400 yards wide and 10 miles long destroyed 13 homes near Chelsea, killing 2 people and injuring 8. April 24, 1904- An F3 twister 400 yards wide and 70 miles long passed through Tulsa, Rogers, Wagoner, Mayes and Delaware Counties killing 3 people and injuring 20. The path ran from 10 miles south of Broken Arrow to 4 miles south of Pyror. June 22, 1907- An F3 tornado killed 1 and injured 7 people 8 miles west of Claremore. May 2, 1920- An F3 tornado 200 yards wide and 5 miles long killed 4 and injured 8. Three farms were destroyed near Chelsea. Damage was $25,000. May 12, 1933- An F3 twister 20 miles long and 100 yards wide killed 5 people and injured 11 others as it moved from Osage County to Rogers County. 20 homes were destroyed in Skiatook. May 4, 1934- An F4 tornado 15 miles long and 800 yards wide killed 3 people and injured 11 more as it moved from Jenks to near Catoosa, destroying 20 homes. Damage was $80,000. August 5, 1940- An F2 tornado 1 mile long and 200 yard wide destroyed barns on two farms west of Inola.

City of Claremore 62 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan April 27, 1942- An F4 tornado 400 yards wide and 20 miles long killed 52 people and injured 350 more as it traveled from 5 miles south of Claremore and through Pryor into Mayes County. One-third of Pryor was destroyed. About 500 buildings were damaged or destroyed. April10, 1944- An F2 tornado touched down for 1 mile and destroyed 2 homes and barns south of Chelsea. May24,1946- An F2 twister moved from south of Collinsville into Rogers County, destroying one home and blowing the roof off a dairy barn. Damage was $12,000. May 1, 1948- An F3 tornado 100 yards wide and 35 miles long killed 4 people and injured 175 as it moved from near Chelsea to Vinita. Damage was $250,000. May 21, 1949- An F2 twister 200 yards wide touched down near Oologah, destroying a barn and injuring 1 person.

Rogers County reported 18 tornado events between 1990 and 2004

June 7, 1950- An F2 tornado 50 yards wide and 5 miles long near Oologah injured one person, took roofs off homes and damaged several farms. Losses were $30,000. July 13, 1952- An F1 twister was spotted west of the Verdigris River between Blue Starr Dr. and Holly Rd. $2,500 damage was reported. April 25, 1957- Another F1 tornado was spotted on the west side of Claremore, between Holly Rd. and Country Club Rd. Damage was $2,500. May 9, 1959- An F3 tornado 15 miles long and 300 yards wide moved from near Collinsville to near Watova in the northern part of Rogers County, destroying one home and 8 barns. A second F3 tornado passed near Talala to Nowata, destroying several homes and farms and killing livestock.

City of Claremore 63 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan May 18, 1960- An F1 tornado struck the west side of Claremore between Blue Starr Dr. and Holly Rd., doing $25,000 in damage. May 11, 1966- An F2 tornado 8 miles long and 200 yards wide injured 1 person, destroyed 1 home, 7 barns and 4 other buildings. January 25, 1967- An F2 tornado 13 miles long and 33 yards wide touched down on the north side of Claremore near Briscoe Rd. and Robson Rd. Damage was $25,000. April 9,1967- An F0 tornado13 miles long and 33 yards wide moved through the western portion of Claremore, but did no reported damage. May 18, 1971- An F2 twister 8 miles long and100 yards wide skipped from Foyil to Bushyhead destroying a barn and several other buildings. June 8, 1974- An F3 tornado 50 miles long and 100 yards wide injured 42 people as it moved from Sapulpa through Broken Arrow, Tulsa, Catoosa, Claremore and Big Cabin. Another F3 tornado 15 minutes later followed a similar path, killing 1 person and injuring 80 others. Major damage was done to Oral Roberts University. The storm also caused flash flooding. Total damage was estimated at $30 million. March18, 1979- An F2 tornado 35 yards wide and 2.5 miles long hit Tulsa and Rogers Counties, destroying a business and 11homes. April 2, 1982- An F2 tornado 1 mile long and 50 yards wide did $100,000 damage to a school and businesses in northeast Claremore. April 29, 1983- An F2 twister 100 yards wide and 1.5 miles long destroyed a farm home, damaged 4 barns and killed some livestock south of Chelsea. Damage was $200,000. June 27, 1983- An F2 tornado 100 yards wide and 5 miles long killed one person and destroyed 1 mobile home northeast of Collinsville. September 29, 1986- An F2 tornado 2 miles long and 100 yards wide injured one person, destroyed a mobile home and damaged two houses near Catoosa. May 18, 1989- An F1 twister 3 miles long and 100 yards wide moved through north central Claremore and across Claremore Lake, injuring one person. May 16, 1991- An F0 tornado 27 yards wide touched down briefly north of I-44, just east of the water plant. April 26, 1991- An F4 tornado 4 miles long and 1300 yards wide injured 22 people and did $25 million in damage. A second F1 tornado 2 miles long and 30 yards wide injured 3 people and caused $250,000 in damage. July 2, 1992- An F3 tornado 3 miles long and 100 yards wide caused $250,000 damage. April 24, 1993- An F3 tornado 8 miles long and 250 yards wide destroyed homes in Tulsa and Rogers Counties. In Rogers County 163 homes were destroyed, 147 homes damaged, 100 mobile homes destroyed, 41 rental units damaged or destroyed, 49 April 24, 1993, Catoosa businesses damaged or destroyed, and 15 public tornado

City of Claremore 64 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan buildings damaged or destroyed, including $10 million damage to Catoosa Public Schools. Seven people were killed and 130 injured. Total damage estimated at $100 million. August 26, 1999- An F1 “rope” tornado 1 mile long and 50 yards wide caused roof damage to a barn, took the roof off a mobile home and caused other damage 5 miles northeast of Owasso. Damage was estimated at $10,000. November 22, 1999- An F1 tornado 3 miles long and 75 yards wide touched down 3 miles southeast of Claremore and traveled about 3 miles northeast to 4 miles east of Claremore. One mobile home was destroyed and another was blown off its foundation. A house under construction was flattened and three horse barns were heavily damaged. Total damage was estimated at $150,000.

Figure 3–3: Historical Tornado Paths in Rogers County

City of Claremore 65 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan 3.2.3 Vulnerable Population The National Weather Service advises that tornadoes strike at random, and therefore all areas within the community are equally at risk. However, tornadoes follow the path of least resistance. People living in valleys, which normally are the most highly developed areas, have the greatest exposure. Damage is a factor of both severity and what is in the path of the tornado. An F4 tornado in a densely populated area will do enormous damage, as in the recent Oklahoma City area storm. The characteristics of a structure can make it more or less vulnerable to tornado damage and its occupants more or less safe from injury if the building is hit. For example, mobile homes can be more easily damaged than permanent structures, buildings with crawl spaces are more susceptible to lift, and foundation and roof type can increase or decrease the structure’s vulnerability. (A mobile home is defined by Florida’s Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles as a dwelling that is Catoosa home damaged in April 24, 1993, built on an integral chassis, in a factory, tornado transportable in one or more sections, and that is eight feet or more in width.)Table 3-9 shows the numbers of tornado-related fatalities in the United States for each year from 1995 to 2003 and where the deaths occurred. It illustrates that those who live in mobile homes are significantly more vulnerable to the effects of a tornado than any other identifiable population. While the number of mobile homes is a small fraction of total residential dwellings, more people who lived in mobile homes died from tornado strikes than did those who lived in permanent or conventional homes. In fact, nearly 49% of all tornado deaths during this time period occurred in mobile homes. Table 3–9: Tornado Fatalities in the United States (source: National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center)

Permanent Mobile In the Total for Year Vehicle Home Home Open Other Year 1995 4 15 8 0 3 30 1996 2 8 14 0 1 25 1997 3 23 30 7 4 67 1998 15 40 65 3 7 130 1999 6 35 39 6 9 95 2000 4 4 29 2 1 40 2001 3 15 17 3 2 40 2002 4 15 32 2 2 55 2003 0 24 25 3 2 54 Totals 41 179 259 26 31 536

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Typical Claremore Tornado Scenario To anticipate the damage that might be expected from a typical “worse case” tornado event, a hypothetical tornado path, based on the typical event discussed above, was randomly placed through center of the community. Shown in Figure 3-5, the scenario touches down in an undeveloped tract of land just west of State Highway 66 and Country Club Road. The path crosses the highway near Reavis Road in an area of the city containing three mobile home parks. These parks sustained direct damages from the event. Many commercial properties also sustained damages along this transportation corridor. The path continues in a northeasterly direction, crossing Cat Creek before entering into high intensity residential neighborhoods near1st Street and Chickasaw Ave. Claremont Elementary School is skirted by the direct path by only 200 feet and sustains damages. The event crosses Dorothy Avenue near 11th Street and eventually subsides in a neighborhood near 13th Street and Kansas Avenue. The typical tornado as presented in this scenario could affect 791 single-family residences, 114 mobile homes, and 89 commercial businesses. Critical facilities receiving major damages included the First Baptist Christian School, a City of Claremore Shop, and Homespun Day Care. Minor damages were received at Fire Station #1, the Police Department, Claremont Elementary School, the Mustard Seed Learning Center and the Claremore Street Warehouse. Just fewer than 1,000 structures were impacted by the 2.5- mile event that only spanned 600 feet in width at times. Total assets in the tornado path, including buildings and contents, are $95.5 million. Of that, a potential $50 million is estimated to be damage to contents and structures. The damage, by building type, contents, and percent damage to each building is summarized in Table 3-10.

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v2i2q2i2x2hH THH IPHH IVHH PRHH 7 ƒtru™tures pii„ pigure2QES x ‰5 griti™—l2p—™ilities „orn—do2€—th gity2of2gl—remore QHH2ft2fuffer ‡ i THH2pt2fuffer ‚o—ds ƒ „orn—do2ƒ™en—rio €—r™els weshek282esso™i—tes2—nd2‚FhF2pl—n—g—n282esso™i—tes Table 3–10: Claremore Tornado Scenario Total Buildings In Tornado Scenario Path Building Contents Type Number Total Value Value Value Single-Family 791 $39,399,497 $19,699,749 $59,100,037 Mobile Home 114 $723,158 $361,579 $1,084,851 Commercial 89 $17,700,841 $17,700,841 $35,401,771 Total 994 $57,823,496 $37,762,169 $95,585,665 Destroyed Building Contents Total Type Number Damage Damage Damage Single-Family 198 $9,849,874 $4,924,937 $14,774,811 Mobile Home 29 $180,790 $90,395 $271,185 Commercial 22 $4,425,210 $4,425,210 $8,850,420 Total 249 $14,455,874 $9,440,542 $23,896,416 50% Damage Single-Family 277 $6,894,912 $3,447,456 $10,342,368 Mobile Home 40 $126,553 $63,276 $189,829 Commercial 31 $3,097,647 $3,097,647 $6,195,294 Total 348 $10,119,112 $6,608,379 $16,727,491 25% Damage Single-Family 316 $3,939,950 $1,969,975 $5,909,925 Mobile Home 45 $72,316 $36,158 $108,474 Commercial 36 $1,770,084 $1,770,084 $3,540,168 Total 397 $5,782,350 $3,776,217 $9,558,567 Total Damages, Tornado Scenario Single-Family 791 $20,684,736 $10,342,368 $31,027,104 Mobile Home 114 $379,659 $189,829 $569,488 Commercial 89 $9,292,941 $9,292,941 $18,585,882 Total 994 $30,357,336 $19,825,138 $50,182,474

3.2.5 Conclusion Depending on the severity of the tornado, damage can range from light damage to trees and roofs (Fujita Category F0) to complete destruction of well-built houses (Fujita Category F4 and F5). Mobile homes and houses with crawl spaces are more susceptible to lift and are therefore at the greatest risk of damage. Oklahoma is located in “Tornado Alley,” the most tornado-prone area of the United States. In the last 50 years, there have been over 200 fatalities and over 2,000 injuries from tornadoes. According to the National Climatic Data Center and other sources, Claremore was impacted by nine tornado events in the last 54 years resulting in 11 injuries, and almost $3 million in property damage. Two recorded tornadoes have occurred in the City of Claremore in the last nine years. On average, the city has experienced one tornado every six years for the last 54 years. If a typical Oklahoma tornado were to go through the

City of Claremore 70 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan center of downtown Claremore (see Section 3.2.4, “Tornado Scenario”), it would affect 994 structures and cause over $50.1 million in damages. 3.2.6 Sources Bohr, Gregory S. Oklahoma Tornado Outbreak, p. 1-2. Southern Regional Climate Center at Louisiana State University, May 1999. Extreme We ather and Clima te Events at Website: http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/oa/climate/severeweather/extremes.htm l National Climatic Data Center. Multi-Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment, p. 38–46. Federal Emergen cy Management Agency, 1997. Situation Report #1, October 11, 2001, at Website: http://www.odcem.state.ok.u s/archives/state/2001/1009weather/10 11sitreport.htm Oklahoma D epartm ent of Emergency Management, 2001. Talking About Disaster: Guide for Standard Messages, p. 109. National Disaster Education Co alition, Washin gton, D.C., 1999. The Central Oklahoma Tornado Outbreak of May 3, 1999, at Website: www.srh.noaa.gov/oun/storms/19990503/intro.html National Oceanic an d Atmospheric Administration. Tornado Project Online, at Website: http://www.tornadoproject.com/front.htm The Tornado Project, PO Box 302, St. Johnsbu ry, Vermont 05819. National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center, at Website: http://www.spc.noaa.gov/climo/index.html Grazulis, Thomas P., Significant Tornadoes 1680-1991: A Chronology and Analysis of Events. Environmental Films, St. Johnsbury, V T, July 1993.

City of Claremore 71 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan 3.3 High Winds

Wind is defined as the motion of air relative to the earth’s surface. Extreme windstorm events are associated with cyclones, severe thunderstorms, and accompanying phenomena such as tornadoes and downbursts. Winds vary from zero at ground level to 200 mph in the upper atmospheric jet stream at 6 to 8 miles above the earth’s surface. The mean annual wind speed in the mainland United States is reported by FEMA to be 8 to 12 mph, with frequent speeds of 50 mph and occasional wind speeds of greater than 70 mph. Tropical cyclone winds along coastal areas from Texas to Maine may exceed 100 mph.

3.3.1 Hazard Profile The entire United States is at risk from damaging winds. Winds are always part of severe storms such as hurricanes, tornadoes, and blizzards but do not have to accompany a storm to be dangerous. Down-slope windstorms, straight-line winds, and microbursts can all cause death, injury, and property and crop damage. Property damage and loss of life from windstorms are increasing due to a variety of factors. Use of manufactured housing is on an upward trend, and this type of High winds generated by Oklahoma’s huge spring and autumn storms can be devastating to older homes and trailers structure provides less resistance to wind than conventional construction. All states do not have uniform building codes for wind- resistant construction. Inferior construction practices result in buildings particularly susceptible to high winds.

Effects The deteriorating condition of older homes and the increased use of aluminum-clad mobile homes will likely cause the impacts of wind hazards to increase. The general design and construction of buildings in many high wind zones do not fully consider wind resistance and its importance to survival. Near-surface winds and associated pressure effects exert pressure on structure walls, doors, windows, and roofs, causing the structural components to fail. Debris carried by extreme winds can directly contribute to loss of life and indirectly to the failure of protective building envelope components. (The building envelope consists of the walls, foundation, doors, windows, and roof—all surfaces that make up the barrier

City of Claremore 72 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan between the indoors and the outdoors.) Upon impact, wind-driven debris can rupture a building.

Measurements Various wind scales and resultant damages include the Beaufort, Saffir-Simpson, and the Fujita measurement scales. The tables below containing the Beaufort and Saffir-Simpson scales show that there is little consensus of opinion as to what wind speeds produce various damages. (The Fujita Scale is shown in the section, “Tornadoes.”) Table 3–11: Beaufort Scale of Wind Strength

Force Wind Speed (mph) Damages

9 47-54 Strong gale: Chimneys blown down, slate and tiles torn from roofs 10 55-63 Whole gale: Trees broken or uprooted 11 64-75 Storm: Trees Uprooted, cars overturned 12 75+ Severe Storm: Devastation is widespread, buildings destroyed

Table 3–12: Saffir-Simpson Scale

Wind Speed Storm Surge Category Damages (mph) (feet)

Minimal: Trees, shrubbery, unanchored mobile 1 74-95 4-5 homes, and some signs damaged, no real damage to structures Moderate: Some trees toppled, some roof 2 96-110 6-8 coverings damaged, major damage to mobile homes Extensive: Large trees are toppled, some structural damage to roofs, mobile homes 3 111-130 9-12 destroyed, structural damage to small homes and utility buildings Extreme: Extensive damage to roofs, windows, 4 131-155 13-18 and doors, roof systems on small buildings completely fail, some curtain walls fall Catastrophic: Roof damage is considerable and 5 155+ 18+ widespread, window and door damage is severe, extensive glass failure, entire buildings could fall

Extent of Impact Since 1958, Rogers County has experienced 213 thunderstorm/high wind events that injured 4 people and did a total of $847,000 in damage—that is an average of 4.4 high wind events per year with an average wind speed of 66.5 mph, doing approximately $3,976 damage per event, and killing about 1 person every 12 years. Since 1993, when the National Climatic Data Center began keeping records for individual communities, the City of Claremore and its immediate surroundings have been hit by 21 thunderstorm/high

City of Claremore 73 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan wind events, which did a total of $41,000 in damage. The highest measured wind speed was about 70 mph, but average speed was 65 mph. Consequently, it can be estimated that the City of Claremore will typically experience 1.6 thunderstorm/high wind events per year with wind speeds averaging 65 mph, that will do about $1,900 damage per event. The highest recorded thunderstorm wind for Rogers County was a 100-mph event on September 8, 1992. If a 100-mph windstorm were to hit the City of Claremore, damage would likely be much greater than a typical 65-mph event, largely due to fallen power lines and trees—as demonstrated in the Tulsa high wind and downburst events of 2002, 2004 and 2006. Particularly vulnerable is the electric power distribution grid, high-rise buildings, and neighborhoods with large trees. The quality of construction and the enforcement of building codes within the jurisdiction can greatly influence the extent of a high wind event.

3.3.2 Historical Events Over the pas t 20 years, 193 Fed eral disaster declarations have involved wind-induced damage. From 1975 to 1994 in the United States, there were a total of 649 deaths and 6,670 injuries from disastrous winds. Wind is the fourth-leading cause of property damage. In that 20-year period, deaths from winds in the United States were highest in 1975 with 103 deaths, 31 of them occurring on November 10 in Michigan. The second highest number was in 1983 with 98 deaths. There was also the highest number of wind-related injuries in 1 983, totali ng 622. From 1981 to 1990, the insurance industry spent nearly $23 billion on wind-related catastro phic events. Out of the primary sources of high winds (hurricanes, tropical storms, severe thunderstorms, and winter storms), severe local windstorms accounted for 51.3 % of the expen ditures. In Oklahoma, wind events are generally associated with the huge convective thunderstorms that mov e through th e region in the spring and fall months generating tornadoes, downbursts and high winds. It is not unu sual for winds p roduced by these storms to reach speeds of 80-100 mph, with winds of 50-70 mph being commonplace. Downb ursts, like the one that struc k Tulsa Major downburst did extensive damage on June 6, 2006 (see following), can topple in Midtown Tulsa in June 2006 trees, damage houses and power lines, and break up sidewalks and streets. The potentially destructive power of high wind is evident from several recent storms that hit neighboring Tulsa County: June 21, 1998- Thunderstorm winds measured as high as 96 mph caused extensive damage in Tulsa County. Strong winds did considerable damage to the floating gas docks on Lake Keystone. Three or four trees were blown over in the Keystone State Park. Spotters estimated winds in Sand Springs at 70 mph, which blew down power lines in and north of Sand Springs, especially in the McKinley Hill area. At Sperry, a shed was blown down near 110th Street N. and 34th West Ave. The storm caused transformers to

City of Claremore 74 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan blow up in north Tulsa. Eventually, 70,000 PSO customers lost electrical service. Numerous power lines, including 27 distribution poles and 10 transmission poles as tall as 75 feet, were blown down. Spotters measured a 96 mph gust near US Hwy 75 and Apache. Around 245 AM CDT, winds tore the roof off of Houston Elementary School on North Cincinnati, and part of the roof of New Hope Baptist Church next door. Two large plate glass windows were blown out of the 400 S. Boston Building in downtown Tulsa. The glass was at least one-half inch thick. At Broken Arrow, thunderstorm winds of 80 mph were measured near 91st Street and 193rd East Ave. Tulsa Regional Medical Center admitted five patients for reasons related to the power outage. June 2, 2004- 80-mph thunderstorm winds blew glass windows out of the Adams Mark Hotel in Tulsa, and the nearby Wiltel building received structural damage to its northeast façade, including several broken glass windows. One person was injured by the breaking glass. Areas south of Tulsa and southeast of downtown suffered major power outages which took days to repair. As many as 70,000 Tulsa area customers were without power. Total damage was estimated at $4 million.

Rogers County experienced 90 high wind events between 1995 and 2004

June 6, 2006- A microburst with 85 mph winds did extensive damage north to south from 11th Street to 21st Street and from east to west from Yale to the Broken Arrow Expressway. A total of 1420 homes were damaged, two of which received major damage as large trees were blown down onto them. 13,000 residents near the damaged area were without power. There was extensive roof damage at the Tulsa County fairgrounds and Bell's Amusement Park. Two churches near the fairgrounds received roof damage. Four people were taken to the hospital with minor injuries. Damage was estimated at $2.5 million.

Rogers County and Claremore Historic High Wind Events Claremore, along with most of Oklahoma, is regularly buffeted by high winds connected with convective thunderstorms. The National Climatic Data Center lists 213 thunderstorm and high wind events for Rogers County between 1958 and 2006.

City of Claremore 75 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan Claremore and its immediate vicinity have reported 21 thunderstorm/high wind events. Recent windstorms include the following: June 8, 1993 - Thunderstorm winds as high as 75 mph blew part of the roof off a retirement home in Claremore. August 19, 1998 – High winds estimated at 70 mph overturned a 50-foot cattle trailer, twisted and uprooted large elm trees and caused structural damage to the aluminum frame and door locks on a building at the A-Bar Ranch east of the Claremore Municipal Airport. Damages were estimated at $9,000 from the event to the Claremore area. November 9, 1998- Several trees were blown down, and an awning was blown off of a business. A newspaper clipping showed a picture of a large oak tree that barely missed falling onto a home on Crestview Drive east of Claremore. April 22, 1999- A door was blown off of a house. Two downtown buildings in Claremore had their frontages damaged. One of these was the Chamber of Commerce which had two concrete veneer blocks from the roofline blown down. May 23, 1999- Several trees were blown down in Claremore. August 25, 2001- Thunderstorm winds of 80 mph severely damaged a few warehouses and blew over four empty train cars 4 miles north of Catoosa. July 10, 2002- Thunderstorm winds estimated at 70 miles an hour blew trees and power lines down in Claremore. August 23, 2002 – Thunderstorm winds of 80 mph caused severe damage to trees, power poles and structures around Claremore. In the Oologah area the storm damaged power lines and the cooling tower on the American Electric Power Plant grounds causing widespread power outages, which in turn affected a local water plant. August 1, 2003- Thunderstorm winds estimated at 70 miles an hour blew down a tree 6 miles northwest of Claremore. June 2, 2004- Thunderstorm winds estimated at 60 miles an hour blew down large tree limbs and power lines. As many as 8,000 Claremore residents were without power at the peak of the outage. October 29, 2004- Thunderstorm winds blew down power lines and trees 6 miles southeast of Claremore. August 21, 2006- Thunderstorm winds estimated at 70 miles an hour blew down a tree. The tree fell on a house 2 miles south of Claremore. Fatalities and property damage caused by high winds, for the period 1995 to 2003, are shown in Table 3-13. Table 3–13: High Wind Fatalities and Property Damage 1995 to 2003

Location Events Deaths Damage

Rogers County 90 0 $657,000 Claremore 16 0 $28,000 Oklahoma 5,768 4 $174,999,000 United States 510 $5,877,500,000

City of Claremore 76 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan 3.3.3 Vulnerable Population The highest wind speeds other than tornadoes occur in coastal regions because of hurricane-related windstorms. However, the Midwest is also at risk from high winds because of the powerful thunderstorms that frequent the region. The people most vulnerable to high wind-related deaths, injuries, and property damage are those residing in mobile homes and deteriorating or poorly constructed homes. Refer to Figure 1–5: Mobile Home Park Locations, in Chapter 1. All future development areas of the City of Claremore are also at risk from damage due to high winds. The entire city and population of Claremore are also at risk from power outages due to wind damage to transmission lines and other electrical grid facilities. Particularly vulnerable are critical facilities, especially first response communications networks and equipment, hospitals and nursing homes. All should have provision for backup power.

3.3.4 Conclusion Almost the entire United States has some risk of high wind events, but the factors that contribute most to wind-related deaths, injuries, and property damage are the structure type, quality of construction, and the state of deterioration of the buildings where people reside. Mobile homes, older homes, and poorly designed and constructed buildings are the most vulnerable. Claremore has high vulnerability to thunderstorm/high wind events, and will experience them on the average of 1.6 times per year, with wind speeds of 65 mph, that do about $1,900 damage per event, or average annual losses of $3,150. Winds of 80-100 mph can be expected to do widespread damage to trees, power lines, homes and businesses. Uniform building codes for wind-resistant construction and demand for quality construction practices would result in buildings being less susceptible to high winds.

3.3.5 Sources Mileti, Dennis S. Disasters By Design, p. 85. J. Henry Press, Washington, D.C., 1999. Multi-Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment, p. 50–55. Federal Emergency Management Agency, 1997. National Climatic Data Center: World’s Largest Archive of Weather Data, at Web address: http://lwf.ncdc.noaa.gov/oa/ncdc.html. National Climatic Data Center. National Weather Service: Office of Climate, Water, and Weather Services, at Web address: http://www.nws.noaa.gov/om/hazstats.shtml. Wind and the Built Environment: U.S. Needs in Wind Engineering and Hazard Mitigation. National Research Council, 1993.

City of Claremore 77 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan 3.4 Lightning

Lightning is generated by the buildup of charged ions in a thundercloud. When that buildup interacts with the best conducting object or surface on the ground, the result is a discharge of a lightning bolt. Thunder is the sound of the shock wave produced by the rapid heating and cooling of the air near the lightning bolt. The air in the channel of a lightning strike reaches temperatures higher than 50,000 degrees Fahrenheit.

3.4.1 Hazard Profile In the United States, an average of 73 people are killed each year by Lightning, which makes it deadlier than tornadoes or hurricanes. Only the combined weather casualty totals from flash floods and river floods exceed fatalities caused by lightning strikes. Lightning is the most constant and widespread threat to people and property during the thunderstorm season. Lightning-caused casualty and damage events are less Lightning is one of the deadliest natural hazards, and can strike 10 miles out in front of an advancing rain column variable from year to year than other weather causes. Lightning can strike ten miles out from the rain column, and lightning deaths often occur under a clear sky ahead of the storm. This is because people wait until the last minute to seek shelter—hoping to finish the game, the painting, the lawn mowing, and so on.

Effects According to the National Weather Service, when lightning strikes a human being, serious burns or death are the obvious outcomes. Of the people struck by lightning 20% die from their injures. For those who survive, their injuries can lead to permanent disabilities. Seventy percent of the survivors suffer serious, long-term effects, including memory loss, attention deficits, sleep disorders, numbness, dizziness, stiffness in joints, irritability, fatigue, weakness, muscle spasms, depression, and an inability to sit for long periods. Lightning strikes can also cause high-voltage power surges that have the ability to seriously damage equipment and valuable data if surge protection devices are not installed. Property damage from power surges and resulting fires can destroy not only the electronics in private homes, but also unprotected PBXs, telecommunications equipment, wireless systems, and radio base stations.

City of Claremore 78 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan Frequency Each year in this country, about 400 children and adults are struck by lightning during outdoor activities and an average of 90 people are killed, and 17, 400 fires are caused. National Geographic claims that lightning strikes the surface of the earth about 100 times every second. The National Lightning Detection Network states researchers have typically defined a flash as consisting of all cloud to ground discharges which occur within 10km of each other within a one second interval. Their research reveals: • One lightning casualty occurred for every 86,000 flashes in the United States • One death occurred for every 345,000 flashes • One injury occurred for every 114,000 flashes Lightning casualties and damages increase gradually through the spring, when the thunderstorm season begins for most of the country, and peak during the summer months. The months most notorious for lightning incidents were June with 21% of the strikes, July with 30%, and August with 22%. Sunday, Wednesday, and Saturday are the days that the most injurious lightning strikes occur, and between the hours of 12:00 noon and 6:00 PM.

Extent of Impact Rogers County has reported 6 lightning events since 1993, which killed one person and did a total of $70,000 damage. During the same time period, Claremore and its nearby surroundings reported 4 strikes resulting in one death and $60,000 damage. Claremore can expect one damaging lightning event every 3.25 years doing about $15,000 damage. Lightning can strike harmlessly in an uninhabited area, or hit a dead tree and start a secondary event such a wildfire or urban fire. The damage of a lightning strike can be from minor to substantial within a jurisdiction. Although the impact of a specific lightning strike cannot be predicted, the probable extent of an urban strike can be roughly estimated from historical trends and the age, condition and density of structures, the community’s fire response capability, and the presence or absence of lightning warning and protection systems.

3.4.2 Historical Events From 1959 to 1995 in the United States, there were 3,239 deaths, 9,818 injuries, and 19,814 reports of property damage attributed to lightning strikes. Among the biggest damage reports were lightning strikes causing forest fires and strikes damaging manufacturing plants and agricultural facilities. According to NOAA, Oklahoma ranked 15th among states in the total number of casualties during the 36-year period of their study, with 88 deaths and 243 injuries reported. It ranked 5th nationally in the number of damage reports with 826.

Claremore and Rogers County Lightning Events May 17, 1993- Lightning struck Oologah, causing $5,000 in damage. August 23, 1993- A lightning strike did $5,000 in damage in Inola. September 8, 1993- Three strikes of lightning hit Claremore doing $60,000 in damage.

City of Claremore 79 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan July 1, 1997- Lightning from a thunderstorm was responsible for the death of a 42-year- old Claremore man, who was struck when he went outdoors to roll up his car windows. Table 3-14, below, presents a summary of lightning events, deaths, and damages from 1995 to 2003.

Table 3–14: History of Lightning Events, Fatalities, and Damages from 1995 to 2003 Location Number of Number of Amount of Events Deaths Damage Rogers 1 1 $0 State of Oklahoma 321 10 $17,020,000 United States 459 $336,400,000

Rogers County experienced 1 damaging lightning event between 1995 and 2004

3.4.3 Vulnerable Population The National Lightning Safety Institute reports that in 35 years of studying lightning fatalities, injuries, and damage reports in the United States, the reported locations of injurious lightning strikes broke down as shown in Table 3-15. Anyone out-of-doors during a thunderstorm is exposed and at risk to lightning. More people are killed by lightning strikes while participating in some form of recreation than any other incident, source, or location. The next largest group of fatalities involves people located under trees, then those in proximity to bodies of water. Other common incidents involve golfers, agricultural activity, telephone users, and people in proximity to radios and antennas.

City of Claremore 80 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan Table 3–15: Locations of Injurious Lightning Strikes

Location Percentage

Not reported 40 Open fields and recreation areas (not golf courses) 27 Under trees (not golf courses) 14 Water related (boating, fishing, swimming) 8 Golfing and on a golf course und er trees 5 Heavy equipment and machinery related 3 Telephone related 2.4 Radio, transmitter and antenna related 0.6

Each year in the United States, an estimated 17,400 fires are attributed to lightning, resulting in approximately 10 civilian deaths, 75 injuries, and $138 million in property damage. The most lightning deaths occur in Florida, Michigan, Texas, New York, and Tennessee. The most lightning injuries occur in Florida, Michigan, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and New York. Oklahoma ranks 5th in the number of damages, and 15th in the number of lightning deaths and injuries. Oklahoma is vulnerable to frequent thunderstorms and convective weather patterns, and therefore its vulnerability to lightning is a constant and widespread threat during the thunderstorm season. Like all communities in Oklahoma, Claremore is subject to powerful thunderstorms, particularly during April-June—all of the city’s buildings, critical structures and future development areas are equally vulnerable.

3.4.4 Conclusion Lightning is deadlier than tornadoes and hurricanes combined, occurring with more consistency every year during the thunderstorm season than any other natural hazard. People outside can have a false sense of security, thinking they are still safe because a storm front has not yet reached their location. In fact, lightning can strike ten miles out from the rain column, putting people that are still in clear weather at risk. Lightning strikes occur most frequently during the summer months between 12:00 noon and 6:00 PM. However, the general rule of safety is that anyone outside during a thunderstorm should take cover. Electronic equipment, from personal computers to enterprise-level communications systems, can also be seriously damaged by power surges from lightning. Surge protection should be included in any electronic system to minimize the risk of damage from lightning. Claremore is vulnerable to powerful convective thunderstorms. All of its buildings, critical structures and future development areas are equally at risk. The community is particularly concerned about the protecting electronic and computer-based systems and equipment, as evidenced by the mitigation measure which calls for providing surge protection and backup generators for all computer-reliant critical facilities.

City of Claremore 81 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan 3.4.5 Sources Lightning Fatalities, Injuries, and Dama ge Reports in The United States From 1959- 1994. NOAA Technical Memorandum NWS SR-19, 1997 and at Web Address: http://www.nssl.noaa.gov/papers/techmemos/NWS-SR-193/techmem o-sr193.html. Mulkins, Phil. “If you can hear thunder—find cover now!” Tulsa World, May 23, 2002. Multi-Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment, p. 30. Federal Emergency Management Agency, 1977. National Climatic Data Center, at Web address: http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi- win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~storms National Weather Service: Office of Climate, Water, and Weather Services, at Web address: http://www.nws.noaa.gov/om/hazstats.shtml.

City of Claremore 82 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan 3.5 Hailstorms

A hailstorm is an outgrowth of a severe thunderstorm in which balls or irregularly shaped lumps of ice fall with rain. Extreme temperature changes from the ground upward into the jet stream produce strong updraft winds that cause hail formation. The size of hailstones is a direct function of the severity and size of the storm. High velocity updraft winds keep hail in suspension in thunderclouds. The greater the intensity of heating at the Earth’s surface, the stronger the updraft will be. Higher temperatures relative to elevation result in increased suspension time, allowing hailstones to grow in size.

3.5.1 Hazard Profile Hail can occur in any strong thunderstorm, which means hail is a threat everywhere. Hail is one of the most destructive hazards to agricultural crops and animals, and the major natural cause of automobile damage.

Effects When hail hits, it can

damage cars, shred roof Hailstones can cause widespread damage to crops and automobiles, coverings, and lead to water and also serious bodily injury damaged ceilings, walls, floors, appliances, and personal possessions. Large hailstones can also cause serious bodily injury.

Normal Frequency The middle area of the Great Plains is most frequently affected by hailstorms. Multiple impacts of concurrent severe thunderstorm effects (extreme winds, tornadoes, and hail) are very likely in this region. Outside of the coastal regions, most of the United States experiences hailstorms at least two or more days each year. A localized area along the border of Colorado and Wyoming experiences hailstorms eight or more days each year. About 2% of United States crop production is damaged by hail each year, and in the Great Plains States it has sometimes reached 20%. The development of hailstorms from thunderstorm events causes nearly $1 billion in property and crop damage each year.

Extent of Impact Rogers County experienced 221 hail events between 1961 and 2007, with the largest hailstones falling on Tiawah in April 2005 (4.25 inches). Hailstones 2.75 inches in diameter are not uncommon in the county. Between 1993 and 2007, Claremore was hit by 23 separate hailstorm events, with stones ranging in size between 0.75 and 2.5 inches, doing a total of $20,000 in damage. Over the 23 events, hailstones averaged 1.0 inch in

City of Claremore 83 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan size. From this data, it can be estimated that Claremore will typically experience 1.8 hail events per year, with hailstones of about 1 inch in diameter, and suffer minimal damage.

The damage expected from a hail event is a function of the diameter of the hailstones and wind speed, or hailstone velocity. There have been 8 instances in Rogers County since 1961 of hailstones reaching 2.5 inches in diameter, or tennis-ball size. The county has reported hailstones 1.75 inches in diameter and larger 46 times between 1961 and 2007— or about once each year. When hailstones reach such dimensions, they can be dangerous to property, crops and vulnerable populations, and will result in damage particularly to cars and building roofs. Claremore and its near surroundings have been hit with 1.75- inch hail 4 times in the past 12 years—or once every 3 years. A 2.5-inch hail event will occur about once every 10 years. A worst-case hail event for Claremore would be a sustained storm with stones 4.25 inches in diameter, as hit Tiawah about 3 miles southeast of the city. Such an event would result in some injuries and severe, but not catastrophic, damage to houses, commercial buildings and automobiles.

3.5.2 Historical Events The Midwest hailstorm and tornado event in April 1994 lasted four days. According to Property Claims Services in Rahway, New Jersey, it produced 300,000 damage claims against insurers, more than Hurricane Andrew or the Northridge earthquake. According to NOAA, the most expensive thunderstorm event in United States history occurred in April-May of 1995 in the Texas-Oklahoma region. Hailstones up to four inches in diameter caused 109 hailstone-related injuries and contributed to over $2 billion in damage in Fort Worth, Texas. Between 1959 and 1992, Oklahoma reported 1,152 hailstorm events. These storms resulted in six injuries, $32 million in property damage, and $250,000 crop damage. If these seem to be conservative figures for a span of 43 years, keep in mind that these amounts only reflect damages that were reported. Most likely many more events were not reported.

As shown in the table below, Oklahoma has experienced 3,439 hailstorm incidents with hail of at least 1” in diameter in the eight-year period from January 1, 1995 to December 31, 2003. This is an average of 382 hailstorms each year, or more than one per day. Damage to buildings and crops was over $40 million. Table 3–16: Fatalities and Reported Damages Caused by ∃1” Hail From 1995 to 2003

Location Number of Events Number of Deaths Amount of Damage

Rogers County 22 0 $0 Claremore 4 0 $0 Oklahoma 3439 0 $41,715,000 United States 4 $5,065,209,000

City of Claremore 84 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan Claremore and Rogers County Hailstorms Between 1961 and 2006, Rogers County experienced 221 reported hailstorms. Of these, there were 8 separate hail events with hailstones larger than 2.5 inches in diameter. On April 21, 2005, 4.25-inch diameter hail fell on Tiawah in Rogers County, 3 miles southeast of Claremore. Claremore and its immediate surroundings reported 23 separate hailstorm events between 1993 (when the National Climatic Data Center began reporting for localities) and 2007. Almost all of these events involved hailstones 0.75 to 0.88 inches in diameter. Among the events were the following storms with hailstones over 2.0 inches in diameter for the County, and over 1.0-inches in size for Claremore:: May 8, 1961- 2.75 inch hail reported 4 miles west of Chelsea. April 11, 1966- 2.0-inch hail fell 5 miles west of Claremore. May 14, 1967- 2.0-inch hail reported northwest of Catoosa. May 9, 1970- 2.5-inch hail near Tiawah, southeast of Claremore. May 26, 1980- Hail 2.75 inches in diameter fell near Catoosa. May 7, 1984- 2.75-inch hail reported northwest of Inola. May 15, 1990- 2.0-inch hail fell near Oologah. September 8, 1992- 2.75-inch hail reported 5 miles east of Oologah. April 24, 1993- 2.75-inch and 2.0-inch hail reported in and around Catoosa, doing around $1,000 in damage. 2-inch hail also reported at Inola. May 1, 1993- Hail 0.88 inches in diameter fell 5 miles east of Claremore. October 20, 1994- 0.88-inch hail reported at Claremore. June 6, 1995- Golf ball-size hail dented cars at the Cherokee Industrial Park three miles northeast of Turley. Dime- to quarter-size hail covered the ground to a depth of four inches 3 miles south of Owasso. Dime- to quarter-size hail also fell at several other locations in northeast Oklahoma. June 29, 1995- 0.75-inch hail reported at Claremore. July 25, 1995- Claremore reported 0.75-inch hail. April 21, 1996- 0.75-inch hail fell at Claremore. October 20, 1996- Claremore reported .75-inch hail. July 15, 1997- Claremore reported 1.75-inch hail. April 21, 1999- 0.88-inch hail fell at Claremore. May 11, 1999- Large thunderstor m with 1.75-inch hail reported 7 miles east of Claremore. S ome areas receive baseball-size hail. July 1, 1999- Severe thunderstorms drop 0.88-inch hail 2 miles west of Claremore. May 5, 2000- 0.88-inch hail fel l 8 miles west of Cla remore. July 27, 2000- 1.0-inch hail reported 1 mile south of Claremore. March 24, 2002- Claremore reported 1-inch hail. June 10, 2003- .75-inch hail fell at Claremore.

City of Claremore 85 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan November 18, 2003- 1.75-inch hail reported 12 miles west Claremore. March 24, 2005- Claremore had 0.75-inch hail. April 21, 2005- 4.25-inch hail fell in Tiawah, 3 miles southeast of Claremore. October 31, 2005- 0.88-inch hair reported 2 miles north of Claremore. March 12, 2006- 1.0-inch, quarter-size hail reported east Owasso, 11 miles west of Claremore. April 24, 2006- 2.5-inch hail, tennis ball size, fell four miles northeast of Owasso or at 161st East Avenue and 96th Street North, about 9 miles west of Claremore. April 30, 2006- 0.88-inch hail fell 5 miles west of Claremore. March 1, 2007- 0.88-inch hail fell at Claremore.

Rogers County reported 91 hailstorms between 1995 and 2004

3.5.3 Vulnerable Population Hailstorms occur in every state on the mainland United States, but most frequently in the middle area of the Great Plains during the late spring and early summer when the jet stream migrates northward. Peak periods for hailstorms, late spring and early summer, coincide with the Midwest’s peak agricultural seasons for wheat, corn, barley, oats and rye, tobacco and fruit trees. Long-stemmed vegetation is especially vulnerable to damage by hail impacts and winds. Severe hailstorms also cause considerable damage to buildings and automobiles but rarely result in loss of life.Reported damage figures are deceptive, since most losses are not reported through weather service or other government agencies, but through insurance companies. The insurance industry considers hail to be one of its most costly consistent annual disasters (Source: Insurance Information Institute, www.iii.org.

City of Claremore 86 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan Oklahoma has significant exposure to hailstorms, and virtually all buildings and crops in the storm are at risk. The entire community is at risk form hailstorms. Automobiles and the roofs of buildings are particularly at risk.Hail damage in Rogers County is a function of hailstone size and wind speed. According to data gathered by the National Climatic Data Center, damage is common once hailstones reach 1.75 inches in diameter— depending, of course, upon wind speed and the nature of the built environment. Events of this magnitude occurred 46 times in the county between 1961 and 2007—or about once each year. All of Claremore’s critical facilities, rural residential homes, businesses and farms are vulnerable to hail, as are all future development areas.

3.5.4 Conclusion Hailstorms can occur anywhere in the mainland United States because hail is spawned from thunderstorms. The states in the middle of the Great Plains are the most likely to have severe thunderstorms and therefore have the most hail events. The peak season for hail events is in the late spring and early summer. In Oklahoma, there is significant exposure to hailstorms. There are an average of 382 hailstorms each year with hailstones at least 1 inch in diameter. Rogers County has experienced 8 hail events with stones over 2.5 inches in size—or about two such storms in any 10-year period. Claremore can expect to be hit with a hailstorm with 2.5-inch stones once every 10 years, and a storm with 1.75-inch hail once every 3 years. All buildings and crops are at risk, as are all facilities of the City of Claremore. Hail resistant roofing on new and existing buildings can reduce damage from hail events. Measures that can reduce vulnerability to hail damage are the installation of hail-resistant roofing, siding and windows on public buildings and critical facilities, and the provision of roofed shelters for public vehicles.

3.5.5 Sources Institute for Business and Home Safety, at Web address: www.ibhs.org. Institute for Business and Home Safety, Tampa Florida, August 1999. Multi-Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment, p. 56–60. Federal Emergency Management Agency, 1997. NCDC Storm Event Database, at Web address: www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi- win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~storms. National Climatic Data Center. National Weather Service: Office of Climate, Water, and Weather Services, at Web address: http://www.nws.noaa.gov/om/hazstats.shtml.

City of Claremore 87 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan 3.6 Winter Storms

A severe winter storm is one that drops four or more inches of snow during a 12-hour period, or six or more inches during a 24-hour period. An ice storm occurs when freezing rain falls from clouds and freezes immediately upon contact. The National Weather Service (NWS) issues winter storm advisories when at least five inches of snow or any amount of ice is projected to occur over a 24-hour period. A winter storm warning means forecasters expect at least seven inches of snow or half an inch of ice.

3.6.1 Hazard Profile A winter storm can range from moderate snow over a few hours to blizzard conditions with blinding wind-driven snow that lasts several days. Many winter depressions give rise to exceptionally heavy rain and widespread flooding. Conditions worsen if the precipitation falls in the form of snow because it occupies seven to ten times more space than the same quantity of rain. The aftermath of a winter storm can impact a community or region for Claremore is vulnerable to ice storms produced by warm, moist Gulf weeks, and even months. air colliding with arctic air from the Canadian Shield

Effects Winter storms bring the following hazards: • Extreme cold, causing wind chill factors dangerous to humans and animals • Snow accumulation, causing blocked transportation routes and possible residual flooding • Reduced visibility and slick surfaces, causing hazardous driving and walking conditions • Power lines and tree limbs coated with heavy ice, causing power and telephone service disruptions Winter storms cause great inconvenience, injuries and deaths. Everyone is affected by the loss of mobility. Streets and highways are slick and hazardous, and even walking from house to car can be dangerous. Public transportation is often blocked. Residents, commuters, travelers and livestock may become isolated or stranded without adequate food, water and fuel supplies. People are often inconvenienced or at risk of physical harm from loss of power to their homes. Above-ground electrical and telephone lines and tree

City of Claremore 88 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan limbs are often coated in a heavy build-up of accumulating ice, which break when under the stress of sufficient weight. Falling trees also often down power lines. When electrical lines are damaged, other utilities such as natural gas, water and sewer systems can become inoperable. Physical damage to homes and facilities can occur from wind damage, accumulation of snow, ice, and hail from accompanying winds. Even small accumulations of snow can wreak havoc on transportation systems due to a lack of snow clearing equipment and experienced drivers. Winter storms are deceptive killers because most deaths are indirectly related to the storm. While approximately 70 percent of deaths from winter storms occur due to traffic accidents, other risks may include: • Cold temperatures that accompany winter storms create the threat of hypothermia, primarily in the elderly; • Slips and falls due to slippery walkways; • Back injuries or heart attacks may occur during snow removal or debris cleanup; • House fires occur more frequently in winter due to lack of proper safety precautions when using alternate heating sources, i.e. unattended fires, improperly placed space heaters, etc. Fires during winter storms present a great danger because frozen water supplies may impede firefighting efforts. • Improper hookup of home generators may cause “back feed” into electrical transmission lines thought to be disconnected, threatening utility workers; • Carbon monoxide from improperly located or vented generators or other heating sources may threaten residents.

Normal Frequency Using Oklahoma winter storm data from 1995 to 2003, the state averages 14 winter storm events each year. Occurrences of daily low temperatures below freezing range from an average of 140 days per year in the western panha n dle to 60 days in the Red River plain i n extreme southeastern Oklah o ma. Occurrences of daily high temperatures below freezing range from an average of 15 days per year in portions of north central and northwest Oklahoma to 3 days per year in the southeast.Extent of Impact January 30, 2002, winter storm caused widespread The extent of a winter storm in damage in Stillwater Oklahoma can vary greatly, influenced by a variety of factors, such as local weather conditions and the way ice and snow accumulate. Even a relatively minor winter storm, with ice buildup on elevated roadways and bridges, can become dangerous, impacting the mobility of the public, power company officials, first responders and emergency management officials due to

City of Claremore 89 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan slick, hazardous and/or impassable roads. There can also be catastrophic winter storms in Oklahoma, when an entire jurisdiction is affected by downed power lines and trees due to ice accumulation on wires and branches. Ice damage to trees and power lines can lead to days, if not weeks, of isolation from the power grid, thus greatly expanding the extent of this natural hazard.

Rogers County experienced 22 winter storms between 1994 and 2007 doing a total of $39.12 million in damage. However, $38.1 million of this damage resulted from just one storm—that of January 2007. Although most winter storms will result in damage of some kind, most often it is minimal. But major ice storms bringing catastrophic damage to the electric power grid, buildings and vehicles can be expected at least each decade.

There is currently no qualitative measure for determining the magnitude or severity of a winter storm. The extent of a winter storm’s impact can be lessened by identification of at risk populations, by weather warnings and notifications, by the establishment of warming rooms a nd utility bill assistance programs, road condition alerts, ensuring there are backu p electric power generation for critical facilities, burying power lines, and so forth.

3.6.2 Historical Events Between 1988 and 1991, a total of 372 deaths, an average of 93 each year, were attributed to severe winter storms. The super storm of March 1993, considered among the worst n on-tropical weather events in United States history, killed at least 79 people, injured more than 600, and caused $2 billion in property damage across portions of 20 states a nd the District of Columbia.

In Oklahoma, 125 winter storm events with snow, ice, sleet, freezing rain and drizzle were reported during the 9-year period from January 1995 to December 2003. There were

City of Claremore 90 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan three deaths, more than $388 million of property damage, and $7 million of crop damage resulting from these winter storms. Recently, Oklahoma has been slammed by major severe winter storms resulting in National Disaster Declarations. On Christmas Day, 2000, Oklahoma was hit by the most costly winter storm in its history. As of December 2001, $122.26 million in disaster aid was sent to Oklahomans to facilitate their recovery from this storm. Rogers County was declared a disaster area by the president of the United States in January 2001. The terrible power of severe winter weather was demonstrated again in Oklahoma on January 30, 2002, when an ice storm hit the state. Ice laden limbs of trees fell on power lines, knocking out electricity to approximately 250,000 people, and claiming the lives of four persons. The Governor declared 44 counties a Disaster Area including Rogers County, which became eligible for Individual Assistance (IA). A severe winter storm hit Oklahoma again during the week of January 15, 2007. Freezing rain and snow The winter storm of blanketed much of the State, with counties in the January 2007 left southeast being particularly hard hit. The city of thousands in southeastern McAlester was without power for over one week. In all, Oklahoma without power 23 people died as a result of the storm between January for over a week 12-18, 2007. Table 3-17 lists the number of extreme cold events, injuries, deaths, and dollar damage from 1995 to 2003. Table 3–17: History of Extreme Cold and Severe Winter Storms, Fatalities, and Damages from 1995 to 2003

Region Number of Number of Number of Amount of Events Injuries Deaths Damage

Rogers County 18 0 0 $21,000 State of Oklahoma 125 0 2 $395,373,000 United States 3077 619 $2,989,116,000

Claremore and Rogers County Winter Storms According to the National Climatic Data Center, Rogers County and Claremore have been hit by severe snow and ice storms 22 timesbetween1994 and 2007, or 1.7 winter storms per year, making this one of Claremore’s most frequent hazards. March 8, 1994- Snowfall across northeast and east-central Oklahoma ranged from 4 to 18 inches, with the heaviest amounts across southern Osage, Pawnee, northern Creek, Tulsa, Wagoner, and eastern Delaware Counties. The 12.9 inches of snow that fell at the Tulsa International Airport was an all-time record snowfall. The previous record of 11.5

City of Claremore 91 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan inches occurred on March 20th, 1924. Numerous accidents and several power outages resulted from the storm. February 1, 1996- Heavy snow fell across parts of northeast Oklahoma with some areas receiving 4 to 6 inches of snow, including Rogers County. November 24-25, 1996- Freezing rain and sleet fell across much of eastern Oklahoma from the early morning of November 24 until around midday on the 25th. Numerous traffic accidents occurred on the icy roads, and the weight of the ice brought some power lines down resulting in power outages in some areas. January 8, 1997- 5 to 7 inches of snow fell in northeast Oklahoma, with 3 to 5 inches of snow accumulating across much of the region and resulting in many traffic accidents. January 8, 1998- A winter storm dropped accumulations of up to 6 inches of snow and sleet in parts of northeast Oklahoma. December 21, 1998- Freezing drizzle developed across eastern Oklahoma causing roads to become slick and hazardous. There were numerous traffic accidents and disruptions to holiday travel, but no power losses or tree damage. January 7-8, 1999- Freezing drizzle made roads and sidewalks hazardous. All schools in the impacted areas closed on January 8. More than 300 people were admitted with slip- and-fall injuries to Tulsa emergency rooms. In some areas the Oklahoma Highway Patrol did not have enough patrolmen to respond to all of the accidents. There were spotty power interruptions in Osage County and a power outage at Claremore that affected several thousand customers. January 22-23, 1999- Sleet and snow blanketed much of northeastern Oklahoma. Rogers County had between 2 and 3 inches of snow. March 13-14, 1999- Heavy snowfall hit northeastern Oklahoma, with a snow "burst" in Creek County that caused numerous traffic accidents along I-44 and the forced the closure of the interstate, stranding over 450 motorists, some in their cars. The wet snow broke numerous trees and tree limbs and caused scattered power outages throughout the area. Eight thousand electrical customers in Tulsa lost their electricity, while 2,300 power customers aroun d Grove suffered p ower outages. Claremore ha d 6-8 inches of snow. January 27, 2000- Heavy snow f ell throughout eastern Oklahoma. Claremore received 7 inches of snow. November 8, 2000- Snowfall in excess of 4 inches fell in a narrow band across southern Washington, northern Tulsa, northwest Rogers, and southwestern Nowata counties. The largest snowfall accumulation reported was 7 inches just north west of Owasso. December 11-13, 2000- An ice storm followed by heavy snow hit much of eastern Oklahoma, producing black ice and causing numerous accidents. Many area schools and some government offices closed due to the slick roads. Snow accumulations in Rogers County were 12 inches at Chelsea, 10 inches at Claremore, and 9 inches at Catoosa. December 25-27, 2000- An ice storm hit all of eastern Oklahoma, with east central and southeast Oklahoma being hardest hit. Ice accumulations of 1-2 inches were common. Over 500 power poles were downed and over 200,000 Oklahomans were without power, and thousands more without telephone and water service. Numerous shelters and feeding sites were established to provide water, food and warmth. A preliminary total for damage

City of Claremore 92 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan in Oklahoma was $168.9 million. This storm resulted in a Presidential Disaster Declaration, that included Rogers County. March 2, 2002- Heavy snow fell at a rate of up to 2 inches an hour. Claremore received 6 inches of snow, Oologah 8 inches, Pryor 9 inches, and Tulsa and Wagoner 6 inches. December 3, 2002- Freezing rain accumulating on power lines and trees caused downed lines and power outages, especially in Tulsa, Creek, Pawnee, Osage, Washington and Nowata counties. At one time 4,000 homes were without power in Sand Springs and 2,000 in Bartlesville. Drumright, Skiatook and Nowata experienced significant power outages. Isolated outages occurred in the rural areas of Rogers, Craig, Mayes, Ottawa and Delaware counties. December 23, 2002- Heavy snowfall across much of northeastern Oklahoma caused one death and several injuries from traffic accidents and numerous power outages. As many as 13,000 customers in Owasso and east Tulsa lost electric service, as did around 450 customers in Ottawa, Craig, Delaware and Mayes counties. Snow accumulation was 10 inches at Miami, 9 at Bartlesville, 6 at Tulsa, and 5 at Wagoner and Pryor. February 23-26, 2003- Heavy snow and near blizzard conditions, with winds between 20 to 30 miles an hour, hit much of northeastern Oklahoma, including Rogers County. Restricted visibility caused a 30-car accident on Interstate 44 near Miami, closing the west-bound lanes for several hours. Other area roads were impassable and some schools closed for two days. Snowfall totals included 10 inches at Catoosa and 8 inches at Claremore, Pryor, and Tulsa. February 18-20, 2006- A combination of freezing rain, sleet, and snow fell on Rogers, Tulsa, Creek, Mayes and Wagoner counties. November 29-30, 2006- A winter storm did $1 million in damage in eastern Oklahoma, with Rogers County being one of the 24 counties impacted. January 12-15, 2007- A winter ice storm hit 25 counties in eastern Oklahoma, including Rogers, and caused $38.1 million in damage. Many cities and communities were without electric power for more than one week. Counties hardest hit by snow and ice were Delaware, McIntosh, Muskogee and Pittsburg. This storm resulted in a Presidential Disaster Declaration.

3.6.3 Vulnerable Population The leading cause of death during winter storms is from automobile or other transportation accidents. Exhaustion and heart attacks caused by overexertion are also likely causes of winter storm-related deaths. Indigent and elderly people account for the largest percentage of hypothermia victims. Almost the entire United States is at some risk from winter storms. The level of risk depends on the severity of local winter weather. Every area that has streets, trees, or power lines is vulnerable to the effects of winter storms. The entire community is at risk from severe winter storms. Overhead electric lines seem to be most vulnerable, and resultant power outages impact the entire community. Oklahoma is particularly vulnerable to severe winter storms due to its proximity the Gulf of Mexico. The Gulf can supply strong, warm, and wet air masses that move northward across Texas and Oklahoma to collide with the cold air of the southward-dipping jet

City of Claremore 93 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan stream carrying high winds and artic temperatures. This mixture can and often does produce a deadly combination of heavy rain turning to freezing rain, ice storms, snowfall, hail, high winds, and frigid temperatures worsened by damp air. Ice storms occur when rain falls out of a warm, moist upper layer of the atmosphere into a dry layer with freezing or sub-freezing air near the ground. Rain freezes on contact with the cold ground and accumulates on exposed surfaces. Most of those who died in Oklahoma were located outdoors. The City of Claremore and its future development areas have a high vulnerability to winter storms.

3.6.4 Conclusion Severe local winter storms are probably the most common widespread hazard. In latitudes and locations subject to northern winter jet streams pulling artic air into their area, winter storms have the potential to cause significant loss of life, property damage, transportation problems, and utility service failure over a large area. Secondary effects of winter storms include house fires from increased and improper use of alternate heating sources. Frozen water supplies can impede firefighting efforts. Oklahoma has its share of severe winter storms accompanied by ice because of its location between the Gulf of Mexico and the arctic jet stream. Warm, wet air from the south interacts with the cold arctic air to create freezing rain.

Based on its recent history, Claremore can expect 1.7 winter storms each year, resulting in minimal damage, and at least one catastrophic ice/snow storm event each decade involving significant financial loss.

3.6.5 Sources FEMA Fact Sheet: Winter Storms, p. 30. Federal Emergency Management Agency, March 1999. Information on Federally Declared Disasters, “Ice Storm Disaster Aid Reaches $122 Million,” at Web address: www.fema.gov./diz01/d1355n23.htm. Federal Emergency Management Agency. Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management Update on Federally Declared Disasters at Web address: http://www.odcem.state.ok.us/ . King County Office of Emergency Management, “Severe Local Storms,” at Web address: www.metrokc.gov/prepare/hiva/storm.htm. Office of Emergency Management, King County, Washington. Marler, J.W. “About 250,000 in State Still Without Electricity,” Tulsa World, February 1, 2002. Multi-Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment, p. 76–81. Federal Emergency Management Agency, 1997. Myers, Jim. “FEMA head adds counties to aid list,” Tulsa World, February 8, 2002. NCDC Storm Event Database, at Web address: www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi- win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~storms. National Climatic Data Center.

City of Claremore 94 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan National Weather Service: Office of Climate, Water, and Weather Services, at Web address: http://www.nws.noaa.gov/om/hazstats.shtml. Oklahoma Strategic All-Hazards Mitigation Plan, “Hazard Identification and Vulnerability Assessment,” p 5. Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management, September 2001. Wack, Kevin. “Prepare for Deep Powder,” Tulsa World, February 3, 2002.

City of Claremore 95 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan 3.7 Extreme Heat

Extreme summer weather is characterized by a combination of very high temperatures and exceptionally humid conditions. A heat wave occurs when such conditions persist over time.

3.7.1 Hazard Profile Approximately 200 people die each year in the United States because of extreme heat. Extreme summer temperatures are also hazardous to livestock and crops, and can cause water shortages, exacerbate fire hazards, and prompt excessive demands for energy. Even roads, bridges, and railroad tracks are susceptible to damage from extreme

heat. Claremore’s average temperature in July is 81 degrees Fahrenheit Effects Human bodies dissipate heat by varying the rate and depth of blood circulation and by losing water through the skin and sweat glands. Perspiration is about 90% of the body's heat dissipating function. Sweating, by itself, does nothing to cool the body unless the water is removed by evaporation. High relative humidity retards evaporation, so under conditions of high temperature (above 90 degrees) and high relative humidity, the body is pressed to maintain 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit inside. When heat gain exceeds the level the body can remove, or when the body cannot compensate for fluids and salt lost through perspiration, the temperature of the body's inner core begins to rise and heat-related illness may develop. Heat also affects local workforce capabilities. Workers exposed to these elements must be monitored for heat exhaustion and heat stroke. During the summer months, consistent high temperatures and stagnant airflow patterns cause a build-up of hydrocarbons to form a dome-like ceiling over large cities. The abundance of factories, automobiles, lawn equipment, and other internal combustion machines emit high particulate matter that builds and worsens with the increase in temperature. The resulting stagnant, dirty, and toxic air does not move away until a weather front arrives to disperse it. When the particulate matter reaches a pre-determined level, cities issue ozone alerts and implement measures to reduce the use of cars and the output of the offending chemicals. Ozone alerts usually include advisories for the elderly and those with breathing difficulties to stay indoors in air-conditioned environments. Damage to property during extreme heat is more a factor of expanding and contracting soil and is covered in the section, “Expansive Soils.”

City of Claremore 96 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan Normal Frequency Over the past ten years, the average high temperature for July and August in the Claremore area was 92 degrees, which puts the area in the “Extreme Caution” category on the National Weather Service (NWS) Heat Index scale, without factoring in the relative humidity. Periods of sustained excessive heat can be expected once every 3 years in Claremore and Rogers County.

Measurements There is a scale to measure the extent of heat related events. The Heat Index and Heat Disorders is a widely known and accepted scale to measure the extent of a high heat event. The chart below details health hazards that a person could encounter at certain temperatures. The table relates index ranges with specific disorders, particularly for people in the higher risk groups. The heat index illustrates how the human body experiences the combined effects of high temperature and humidity. It more accurately reflects what the body experiences than simply measuring the air temperature. For example, when the air temperature is 98° Fahrenheit and the relative humidity is 50%, the human body experiences the discomfort and stress equivalent to 113° Fahrenheit with no humidity.

Extent of Impact The extent of the hazard is largely dependent on the weather conditions occurring across the jurisdiction. High heat events typically will not affect property as adversely as it will vulnerable populations, particularly the aged, the poor, those without air conditioning, the obese, those with heart problems, and people who work out of doors. Claremore and Rogers County have experienced major heat waves four times in the past 8 years: in 1998, 1999 and 2001, and 2006. Consequently, sustained periods of temperatures above 100 degrees Fahrenheit can be expected at least once every two

City of Claremore 97 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan years. The impact of the extreme heat hazard can be mitigated by notifications and warnings to vulnerable populations, the establishment of cooling rooms, utility cost assistance programs, backup electric generation for critical facilities, Medical Reserve Corps training, and similar measures.

3.7.2 Historical Events In the 40-year period from 1936 through 1975, nearly 20,000 people were killed in the United States by the effects of heat and solar radiation. In the summer of 1936, temperatures across two-thirds of the United States rose well above 110 degrees Fahrenheit, and to as high as 121 degrees in some places. The heat wave lasted for 13 days, killing about 5,000 people in the U.S., and nearly 800 in Canada. In the disastrous heat wave of 1980, more than 1,250 people died. A 1988 drought and heat wave affecting the central and eastern United States caused approximately $40 billion in livestock and crop damage. Another in 1993 in the southeastern United States caused approximately $1 billion in livestock and crop damage and an undetermined number of deaths. The Central Plains and Corn Belt States experienced a heat wave July 15 through 19, 1995, when temperatures climbed above 120 degrees Fahrenheit. A significant portion of the Eastern States was in the danger category during the same period, with temperatures ranging from 105 to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. This heat wave caused 670 deaths. In Oklahoma, July is generally the hottest month of the year, closely followed by August. The NWS compiled a 106-year record of monthly and annual average temperatures in Oklahoma, and the dust bowl years of 1921, 1931, and 1936 show the highest average temperatures across a 12-month period for the past 100 years. Table 3-18, below, shows that 61 deaths resulted from 57 extreme heat episodes from 1995 to 2003 in Oklahoma compared with 2,340 deaths in the United States. The table also illustrates the percentage of fatalities that were people over 60 years of age. There has been one extreme heat death in Claremore in the last five years. Table 3–18: Deaths from Extreme Heat

Year Oklahoma United States Over 60 1995 0 1,021 73% 1996 10 36 84% 1997 0 81 65% 1998 24 173 68% 1999 10 502 67% 2000 5 158 68% 2001 9 166 62% 2002 0 167 52% 2003 3 36 61% Totals 61 2,340

City of Claremore 98 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan Extreme heat does not limit itself to local jurisdictions and historical data often only identifies impacted counties. Events where temperatures exceed 100° F for extended periods are common and occur frequently during the summer months in Rogers County. During 2005-2006, Oklahoma experienced the worst drought in its history—a result of months of high temperatures and low precipitation. One result was a record number of wildfire outbreaks. Humidity has worsened over the past 40 years in northeast Oklahoma due in part to the construction of new lakes. If the humidity readings are factored in to the air temperature records, the Heat Index for this area in July and August could easily move into the “Dangerous” or even “Extremely Dangerous” levels in those two months. Therefore, this part of the state is quite vulnerable to the natural hazard of extreme heat during a large part of virtually every summer season.

Claremore and Rogers County Extreme Heat Events Claremore and Rogers County have been hit with three extended extreme heat events in the 10-year period from 1997-2007. Claremore, about 10 miles from Tulsa, and Rogers County, which borders Tulsa County to the east, share the same extreme heat weather patterns as Tulsa. The following data is from the National Weather Service in Tulsa. June-July 1998- In the wake of a storm on June 21 (see 3.3.2 Historical Events, above), about 25,000 PSO customers in the area were without electricity on June 22, leaving many vulnerable to afternoon temperatures of 96 degrees and heat indices in excess of 105 degrees. Local hospitals reported half a dozen cases of heat-related illnesses on June 22. On June 26, a 40-year old Tulsa man collapsed from heat stroke and died on July 13. Similar conditions prevailed across much of eastern Oklahoma from June 22-29 with highs from 96-98, and heat indices peaking each day from 105 to 110. Temperatures reached at least 100 degrees eight times in July, with 106 degrees on the 30th. Five deaths in eastern Oklahoma during July were blamed on the heat. A 40-year old Tulsa man suffered a heat stroke on July 10, when high temperatures reached 99 degrees after a morning low of 80 and afternoon heat indices near 110 degrees. Another 40-year old Tulsa man and a 63-year old Broken Arrow man also died of heat stroke through July 20. On the July 30, temperature at Tu lsa was 106. The high temp erature of 107 degrees September 4 tied the p revious reco rd for the date. The State He alth Department reported that the EMS throughout Oklahoma had responded to 452 heat-related injuries between June 1 and July 31. July 2001- Eight days out of eleven from July 16-26 had high te mperatures above 100, and on six of those day s the therm ometer did not fall below 80. Humidity was also a problem, with dew points generally in the lower to mid 70s, resulting in afternoon heat indexes of around 115. Several people were treated for heat rela ted illnesses. July 2006- Excessive heat conditi ons prevailed over much of ea stern Oklahoma with daytime heat indices a s high as 11 5 degrees and morning low te mperatures in the mid 70s to lower 80s. The high temperatur es resulted in several heat-rela ted fatalities. Heat continued through the e nd of July with temperatur es reaching 105 in early August. The second week of August, afternoon heat indices ranged from 105 to 111. These conditions resulted in one heat-related fatality in Tulsa County, where a 28 year old male collapsed while working and exercising outdoors.

City of Claremore 99 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan 3.7.3 Vulnerable Population The entire community is at risk from prolonged severe heat, including all future growth areas. Every person, to some degree, is subject to health problems during a heat wave. However, the poor, elderly, obese, and those with weakened hearts are more likely to suffer. The elderly and obese have a higher rate of pulmonary disease and therefore are adversely affected by poor air quality. Furthermore, the poor and elderly may be less able to afford high utility bills and air conditioning units. Another segment of the population at risk are those whose jobs consist of strenuous labor outside exposed to high temperatures and humidity. Studies indicate that, other things being equal, the severity of heat disorders tend to increase with age. Heat cramps in a 17-year-old may become heat exhaustion in a person who is 40 and heat stroke in a person over 60. Sweating is the body’s natural mechanism for reducing high body temperature, and the body temperature at which sweating begins increases with age. More deaths from extreme summer weather occur in urban centers than in rural areas. Poorer air quality in big cities exacerbates severe conditions. The masses of stone, brick, concrete, and asphalt that are typical of urban architecture absorb radiant heat energy during the day and radiate that heat during nights that would otherwise be cooler. Tall buildings may effectively decrease wind velocity, thereby decreasing the contribution of moving air to evaporative and convective cooling.

3.7.4 Conclusion Oklahoma can expect to be hit by the hazard of extreme heat every summer. The severity of the hazard is dependent on a combination of temperature, humidity, and access to air conditioning. The most vulnerable groups are: • The poor (See Figure 1–4: Low Income Areas, in Chapter 1) • The elderly (See Figure 1–3: Population 65 Years and Older, in Chapter 1) • Those with heart problems • The obese • Those who work outside The most effective proven way to mitigate casualties from extreme heat is through public information and education, although other community programs, such as cooling stations and air conditioner loan programs, can also produce an impact.

3.7.5 Sources Multi-Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment, p. 84–88. Federal Emergency Management Agency, 1997. National Weather Service, Natural Hazard Statistics at Web address: http://www.nws.noaa.gov/om/hazstats.shtml. National Weather Service, 1971-2000 Average Monthly Data at Web address: http://www.srh.noaa.gov/oun/climate/getnorm.php?id=chko2.

City of Claremore 100 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan 3.8 Drought

Drought has been defined as “climatic dryness severe enough to reduce soil moisture and water below the minimum necessary for sustaining plant, animal, and human life systems.” Drought is caused by a deficiency of precipitation, which can be aggravated by high temperatures, high winds, and low relative humidity. Duration and severity are usually measured by deviation from norms of annual precipitation and stream flows.

3.8.1 Hazard Profile Drought is an insidious hazard of nature, characterized as a “creeping phenomenon.” It is often difficult to recognize the occurrence of drought before being in the middle of one. Drought analysis is more subjective than that for floods, because droughts do not occur spontaneously. They evolve over time as certain conditions are met and are spread over a large geographical area. Drought

severity depends on its The “Dust Bowl” of the 1930s, the greatest natural disaster in duration, intensity, geographic Oklahoma history, drove over 800,000 people off the land extent, and the regional water supply demands made by human activities and vegetation. This multi-dimensional nature makes it difficult to define a drought and to perform comprehensive risk assessments. This leads to the lack of accurate, reliable, and timely estimates of drought severity and effects , and ultimately slows the development of drought contingency plans.

Effects Adverse consequences of drought occur because of deficiencies in the following: • Public and rural water supplies for human and livestock consumption • Natural soil water or irrigation water for agriculture • Water for hydroelectric power, forests, recreation, and navigation • Water quality The most direct impact of drought is economic rather than loss of life or immediate destruction of property. Drought affects water levels for use by industry, agriculture, and individual consumers. Water shortages affect fire-fighting capabilities through reduced water flows and pressures. Drought also affects power production, so when water levels drop, electric companies cannot produce enough power to meet demand and are forced to buy electricity from other sources.

City of Claremore 101 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan Most droughts dramatically increase the danger of wild land fires. When wild lands are destroyed by fire, the resulting erosion can cause heavy silting of streams, rivers, and reservoirs. Serious damage to aquatic life, irrigation, and power production then occurs. (See the section, “Wildfires.”) Drought is often accompanied by extreme heat. Wildlife, pets, livestock, crops, and humans are vulnerable to high heat accompanying drought. When temperatures reach 90 degrees and above, people and animals are vulnerable to sunstroke, heat cramps, and heat exhaustion. (See the section, “Extreme Heat.”)

Normal Frequency Drought is a normal part of virtually all climates. However, an ample water supply is critical to the economic well being of the United States and of Oklahoma. During droughts, crops do not mature, wildlife and livestock are undernourished, land values decrease, and unemployment increases. Given that six major drought events have occurred in Oklahoma over the past 50 years and that nine notable droughts have occurred nation-wide in the twentieth century, one may logically conclude that Oklahoma can expect a drought every decade and that we can expect droughts to occur more frequently than the country as a whole. However, long-term forecasts of droughts are difficult and inexact. There is no commonly accepted way of determining the probability that is analogous to the 100-year or 1-percent-annual flood chance. The U.S. Army Corp of Engineers (USACE) is preparing the National Drought Atlas to provide information on the magnitude and frequency of minimum precipitation and stream flow for the contiguous United States. On average the July-to-January period is the lowest six-month period of stream flow throughout the U.S. and is used to characterize drought. The mean monthly flow from July to January has a once-in-20- years chance of falling below a level that would classify it as a drought. In other words, the average occurrence of drought is once every twenty years. Oklahoma, with one per ten years over the past fifty years, is obviously at a greater than normal risk from drought.

Measurements A variety of measures are used to predict the severity and impact of droughts, but each one measures different aspects or types of drought. Any single index cannot describe everything about the original data, and the indices are only approximations of real-world pheno m ena. The P a lmer Index, the most familiar and widely used, measures the departure from norma l precipitation. This index uses a range from 4 (extremely wet) to –4 (extremely dry). It incorporates temperature, precipitation, evaporation, runoff, and soil moisture when designating the degree of drought. Hydrologic Indices of drought (such as groundwater levels, reservoir volumes, or water levels) may be used to determine surface water supplies.

Extent of Impact Because of the gradual nature of drought’s onset, and its uneven impacts, it is often difficult to determine the beginning, end and extent of a drought event. Claremore and Rogers County have experienced drought two times in the past 7 years, characterized

City of Claremore 102 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan primarily by crop damage and wildfire. Although Claremore’s municipal water supply is adequate for its current needs, drawing as it does from Claremore Lake and Oologah Lake, economic damage due to crop loss and wildfire remains a significant threat to the community. Property and crop damage due to drought in Oklahoma between 2000 and 2007 reached $594 million ($32.5 million to property and $561.6 million to crops). The impacts of drought can be lessened by early warning and notification systems, backup sources of water supply, cooperative agreements with neighboring jurisdictions, local ordinances for rationing water use, clearing brush and Eastern Redcedar from structures in the urban/rural interface, and participating in the national Firewise program.

3.8.2 Historical Events The National Weather Service’s drought monitor map illustrates the pervasive nature and degrees of dryness and prolonged droughts in several areas of the country. Following is the link for the current Drought Monitor map for the U.S., which is updated weekly. http://www.drought.unl.edu/dm/monitor.html.

Nine notable droughts occurred during the twentieth century in the United States. Damage estimates are not available for most, however estimates indicate that the 1976- 1977 drought in the Great Plains, Upper Midwest, and far Western States caused direct losses of $10-$15 billion. The 1987-1989 drought cost $39 billion including agricultural losses, river transportation disruption, economic impacts, water supply problems, and wildfires.

City of Claremore 103 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan Approximately 20% of the contiguous United States is currently suffering from the effects of prolonged severe to extreme drought. Parts of the east coast have been particularly hard hit, and the drought in those areas is so severe that months of above- normal rainfall would be necessary to end it, according to the National Weather Service. In Oklahoma, five major drought events were reported over the past 50 years resulting in damage to crops estimated at $900 million. Major droughts in Oklahoma, as determined from stream flow records collected since the early 1920s, have predominately occurred during four periods: 1929-1941, 1951-1957, 1961-1972, and 1975-1982. One of the greatest natural disasters in U.S. history and the most severe and devastating to Oklahoma was the decade-long drought in the 1930s that has become known as the Dust Bowl. Reaching its peak from 1935 through 1938, high temperatures and low rainfall combined to destroy crops and livestock. High winds literally blew the land away, causing massive soil erosion. Hundreds of small rural communities were ruined and about 800,000 people were displaced. The total expenditure by the American Red Cross for drought relief in Oklahoma in 1930-1931 was the third largest ever in the nation. August 2000. Oklahoma began the new century with drought conditions. In early August 2000, an extended period of unusually dry weather lasted for 2 months. Many parts of the state did not receive rain in August, and portions of southern and south central Oklahoma remained dry for almost 90 days, starting in June. Total agricultural losses were estimated between 600 million and 1 billion dollars statewide. Reservoir levels across southwest and south central Oklahoma averaged 50 percent of normal. Seven counties near the Texas border (not including Grady) were declared federal disaster areas. July 2001 – A month of excessive heat and little rainfall brought drought to central Oklahoma and killed eight people from heat-related illnesses. March 2002- Lack of rainfall and an infestation of insects took a toll on western Oklahoma's wheat crop. State officials said 26 percent of the wheat crop was in very poor shape and conditions were so dry in the Panhandle that soil erosion was beginning to occur. The state's “wheat belt” region, the area around and west of U.S. 81, had received less than 50 percent of its normal rainfall since October of 2001, according to Derek Arndt of the Oklahoma Climatological Survey. March 2005-April 2006 – A sustained period of dry weather and high temperatures spread drought across much of Oklahoma, especially the east central and southeast portions of the state. The winter of 2005-2006 was the second driest since records began being kept in 1895. High winds, combined with dry soil conditions, helped spread the

City of Claremore 104 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan worst series of wildfire outbreaks in Oklahoma history. (See 3.11 Wildfire, below) By April 2006, the severe drought had become “extreme drought” in some areas. Over 40 cities in Oklahoma had to impose some form of water rationing or restrictions on water use. As illustrated in the following graph, Oklahoma has gone through six drought cycles, state-wide, since the early 1900s, with the latest being an almost 20-year period of wet weather lasting from about 1983 to 2003. If these trends continue, and the recent wet phase of the cycle is followed by a more or less equal number of dry years, then the State may well be facing a period of prolonged drought in the coming decades.

Claremore and Rogers County Drought Events Northeastern Oklahoma, an area referred to as “Green Country” for its plush forests and preponderance of lakes, streams and waterways, is not immune to the growing spread of drought. Birch, Skiatook and Grand lakes were at low levels in the winter of 2002. Skiatook Lake was between 5 and 6 feet below normal, about 17% down, according to a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers report. Birch was nearly 3 feet down, and Grand Lake was 8 feet down. However, none were as dramatically depleted as Drought-depleted Hulah Lake in 2002 Hulah Lake, which was virtually empty.

City of Claremore 105 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan May-July 1998- Rogers County endured an extended period of unusually dry weather beginning in May of 1998 and continued for 3 months. The Palmer Drought Index classified the region of eastern Oklahoma as “severe drought”. In Oklahoma, the Oklahoma Agriculture Secretary estimated crop damages from this extended event reached nearly $2 billion, of which $500 million might have taken place in southeast and east central Oklahoma. November 2005-April 2006- The prolonged absence of significant rainfall across eastern Oklahoma resulted in severe and exceptional drought conditions. August through October was the 3rd driest period in southeastern Oklahoma since 1921. Streamflows were well below normal and major reservoirs were at less than 70 percent of their normal pools. A burn ban was issued on November 15th for the entire state and kept in force until April 2006. In December, the drought worsened to “exceptional” in parts of southeastern Oklahoma. Through January and February the northeastern and east-central districts were still in the grip of “exceptional” drought conditions. In March, the drought in northeastern Oklahoma was reduced to “extreme.” Despite some rainfall during March, deficits continued over the long-term. About 50 communities in Oklahoma were forced to restrict water usage during the drought, among them Ada, Holdenville, Newcastle, and Bartlesville. Claremore was not directly impacted because of the relative abundance of its water sources. One result of the drought was the worst outbreak of wildfires in Oklahoma history. Claremore and Rogers County were both hit by wildfire due to drought conditions and high winds. October-December 2006- Drought conditions were reported for eastern Oklahoma during October and November, and in northeastern Oklahoma during December, including Claremore and Rogers County.

3.8.3 Vulnerable Population The entire community is subject to the effects of drought. In all droughts, agriculture feels the impact, especially in non-irrigated areas such as dry land, farms, and rangelands. Other heavy water users such as landscapers are also negatively impacted. Water related activities of residential users might be restricted. Droughts also cause power shortages in Oklahoma because much of the state’s power comes from hydroelectric plants. Therefore, heavy power users are affected. Generally, in times of severe drought, states rely on the Federal Government to provide relief to drought victims when water shortages reach near-disaster proportions. Forty separate drought relief programs administered by 16 Federal agencies provided nearly $8 billion in relief as a result of the series of drought years during the mid-1970s. Federal assistance efforts totaled more than $5 billion in response to the 1987–1989 drought. However, since the mid-1970s, most states have taken a more active role and drought contingency plans are now in place in at least 27 states.As described in 1.2.7 Lifelines, Claremore’s water is supplied by City of Claremore and Rural Water Districts #2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, & 9, which draw their water from Claremore Lake, Oologah Lake and the Verdigris River. Claremore’s vulnerability to water shortages due to drought is, therefore, low. However, due to rapid growth of rural estate housing in the prairie grasslands in the Tulsa-Claremore metropolitan areas, Claremore and western Rogers County have moderate to high vulnerability to wildfire during periods of drought, as demonstrated by the grassfire outbreaks of 2005-2006. This vulnerability particularly applies to Claremore’s future development areas.

City of Claremore 106 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan Electricity in Claremore is provided by Claremore Electric, a municipal utility that receives its wholesale power from the Grand River Dam Authority, which has a mix of hydro and thermal power generation. Additional service is provided by Verdigris Valley Electric Cooperative. Altogether, Claremore has low vulnerability to electric power shortages due to drought.

3.8.4 Conclusion There are signs that drought is becoming an increasing problem in the United States, including Oklahoma. However, it is difficult to predict drought probabilities for the near future because of the nature and complexity of the hazard. The severe droughts of the 1930s led to the construction of Oklahoma’s numerous hydroelectric dams and reservoirs, as well as to the implementation of new farming practices and conservation policies. However, more recent drought response and recovery activities in Oklahoma, both on state and local levels, have not been as ambitious or successful. Planning for the state’s critical and emergency water resources needs should not be carried on only during drought crises. There is a “need to focus more on long-term water management and planning issues; to integrate the activities of numerous agencies with drought-related missions into a coherent national approach; and to achieve better coordination of mitigation, response, and planning efforts between State and Federal officials.”Claremore is at low risk from the impacts of drought. The Town’s water and electric supply is adequate to withstand drought conditions. However, like many jurisdictions that are experiencing growth on their urban fringes, Claremore is increasingly vulnerable to one of the secondary impacts of drought—wildfire.

3.8.5 Sources King County Office of Emergency Management, “Droughts,” at Web address: www.metrokc.gov/prepare/hiva/drought.htm. Office of Emergency Management, King County, Washington. Multi-Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment, p. 174–181. Federal Emergency Management Agency, 1997. Nascenzi, Nicole. “Drought, insects threaten state wheat crop,” Tulsa World. March 14, 2002. Wilhite, D.A. (Ed.). Drought Assessment, Management, and Planning: Theory and Case Studies. Natural Resource Management and Policy, Norwell, MA: Kluwer Academic Publishers, 1993 “NOAA Reports Droughts May Linger in East / West,” at Web address: http://www.noaanews.noaa.gov/. NOAA Magazine, March 14, 2002. Oklahoma Strategic All-Hazards Mitigation Plan, “Hazard Identification and Vulnerability Assessment,” p 7. Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management, September 2001. Oklahoma Water Resources Bulletin, p. 5, at Web address: http://www.state.ok.us/~owrb/features/drought.html. Oklahoma Water Resources Board, March 27, 2002.

City of Claremore 107 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan “Record Warm Winter in Much of Mideast and Northeast: Drought worsens along Eastern Seaboard,” at Web address: http://www.noaanews.noaa.gov/. NOAA Magazine, March 14, 2002. Summers, Laura. “Drought Threatens Hulah Lake,” Tulsa World, April 3, 2002. Tortorelli, R.L. Floods and Droughts: Oklahoma, National Water Summary 1988-89: US Geological Survey, Water Supply Paper 2375.USGS. Water Resources of Oklahoma. “Worst drought seen in parts of U.S.,” at Web address: www.msnbc.com/news/ (article no longer available). Wagner, Kevin. Phase I Clean Lake Project Diagnostic and Feasibility Study of Lake Claremore, Final Report, Oklahoma Conservation Commission, Water Quality Division, April 1996.

City of Claremore 108 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan 3.9 Expansive Soils

Soils and soft rock that tend to swell or shrink due to changes in moisture content are commonly known as expansive soils. Expansive soils are often referred to as swelling clays because clay materials are most susceptible to swelling and shrinking. Dry clays are capable of absorbing water and will increase in volume in an amount proportional to the amount of water absorbed.

3.9.1 Hazard Profile Changes in soil volume present a hazard primarily to structures built on top of expansive soils. Most engineering problems caused by volume changes in swelling clays result from human activities that modify the local environment, and which commonly involve swelling clays beneath areas covered by buildings and slabs or layers of concrete and asphalt. Damage to the built environment results from differential vertical movement that occurs as clay moisture content adjusts to the changed environment. Claremore’s property is underlain by soils with shrink-swell The total annual cost of 1) potentials ranging from low to very high expansive soil-related damage and 2) preventative design of moderate to high-risk structures throughout the United States has been conservatively estimated at just under $2.5 billion. Recent estimates put the annual damage as high as $7 billion. Because the hazard develops gradually and seldom presents a threat to life, expansive soils have received limited attention despite their costly effects. Many problems are not recognized as being related to expansive soils or may be considered only nuisances and therefore never repaired.

Effects The most extensive damage from expansive soils occurs to highways and streets. The increase in soil volume also causes damage to foundations. The most obvious manifestations of damage to buildings are sticking doors, uneven floors, and cracked foundations, floors, walls, ceilings, and windows. If damage is severe, the cost of repair may exceed the value of the building.

City of Claremore 109 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan Normal Frequency Out of the 250,000 homes built each year on expansive soils, 10% sustain significant damage during their useful lives, some beyond repair, and 60% sustain minor damage. For all types of building construction, annual losses of $740 million are estimated.

Measurements The risk associated with expansive soil is related to swelling potential in a qualitative manner: high, moderate to slight, and little to no swelling potential. Probability and frequency analyses have not been prepared because of the nature of occurrence of this hazard, which is consistent with other geologic hazards that occur rarely or slowly over time. The Oklahoma Department of Transportation and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service have an ongoing program to evaluate the expansive tendencies of soils and shale formations in the state. Data on shrink-swell potential for each major soil type is kept for 77 counties.

Extent of Impact The impact of expansive soils on the City of Claremore is potentially significant, since soils with “moderate” shrink/swell properties cover much of the Verdigris River basin and most of the land within Claremore’s fenceline north of Lowery Rd. and west of Muskogee Ave., and highly expansive soils are present in a wide swath east and northeast of Claremore in the Dog Creek drainage and along the south side of OK Hwy 20 east of the city. Altogether, about 405 of the land within Claremore’s fenceline is composed of soils with “high” or “moderate” shrink/swell potential, including some prime development land for future growth. This being said, property damage can vary greatly across a jurisdiction, based on long-term weather conditions, the type and quality of construction, and materials used in construction. The extent of damage from expansive soils can be reduced by mapping the soils in the jurisdiction and notifying property owners and prospective buyers and builders of potential soil hazards and the techniques that can be used to limit their impacts. The area extent of the Expansive Soils is shown on the map in Figure 3-6.

3.9.2 Historical Events In Oklahoma, numerous foundation failures and pipeline breaks have resulted from soil shrinkage during the unusually hot and dry summers of 1998 and 2005-2006. During the drought of 2005-2006, soil shrinkage led to water main and sewer pipe breaks and leaks in many Oklahoma cities, including Holdenville, Okmulgee, Muskogee and Ada. For example, expansive soils are having a serious impact on Ada’s aging water infrastructure, particularly during the drought and high temperature conditions of 2006. In July, 2006, Ada lost about 2.5 MGD from its water distribution system due to breaks, leaks and unmonitored (but authorized) use. Similar problems have plagued Okmulgee’s water distribution system. Both cities have instituted aggressive pipeline maintenance programs to counter the effects of soil shrinkage during periods of prolonged drought.

City of Claremore 110 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan 3.9.3 Vulnerable Population The effects of expansive soils are most prevalent in regions of moderate to high precipitation, where prolonged periods of drought are followed by long periods of rainfall. The most problematic soil type for expansive soils is found in the semiarid West- central United States. Houses and small buildings are impacted more by expansive soils than larger buildings. Large buildings are not as susceptible because their weight counters pressures from soil swelling. The greatest damage occurs when small buildings are constructed when clays are dry (such as during a drought) and then subsequent soaking rains swell the clay. Other cases of damage involve increases of moisture volume from broken or leaking water and sewer lines, over-watering of lawns and landscape, and modifications of the surface that produce ponding. In Oklahoma, the principal geologic areas that have high shrink-swell potential are the Cretaceous shales that crop out in the southern part of the state. Expansive soils for the City of Claremore and annexed fenceline in Rogers County are shown in Figure 3–6, on the following page. Soils classified with “low” shrink/swell properties are the most prominent in Claremore. They cover 72.8 square miles or 57% of the city and fenceline limits. Soils listed as “moderate” cover 28.3 square miles of Claremore followed by 25 square miles of “high” shrink/swell soils, as shown in Table 3- 19. Table 3–19: City of Claremore Expansive Soils

Area Expansion Potential (square miles)

High 25.0

Moderate 28.3

Low 72.8

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3.9.5 Sources Landslides and Expansive Soils in Oklahoma, at Web address: www.ou.edu/special/ogs- pttc/earthsci/landsl.htm. Oklahoma Geological Survey, Earth Sciences, October, 1998. (Source no longer available) Multi-Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment, p. 122–125. Federal Emergency Management Agency, 1997.

City of Claremore 113 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan 3.10 Urban Fires

Home fire is the fifth leading unintentional cause of injury and death in the United States, behind motor vehicle crashes, falls, poisoning by solids or liquids, and drowning. It also ranks as the first cause of death for children under the age of 15 at home. Roughly 80% of all fire deaths occur where people sleep, such as in homes, dormitories, barracks, or hotels. The majority of fatal fires occur when people are less likely to be alert, such as nighttime sleeping hours. Nearly all home and other building fires are preventable, even arsons.

3.10.1 Hazard Profile Fires are an excellent example of how natural hazards interact in ways that spiral out of control. Lightning, high winds, earthquakes, volcanoes, and floods can trigger or exacerbate fires. Lightning can trigger structural fires. For example, in 1994, a historic mansion in Pennsylvania was lost to a lightning-triggered fire to the tune of $1.5 million. Buildings with rooftop storage tanks for Frame houses are particularly vulnerable to urban fire flammable liquids are particularly susceptible. Cooking is the leading cause of home fires in the U.S. It is also the leading cause of home fire injuries. Cooking fires often result from unattended cooking and human error, rather than mechanical failure of ovens and stoves. Eighty-three percent of all civilian fire deaths occur in residences, and careless smoking is the leading cause of those fire deaths. In 2002 alone, lighted tobacco products caused an estimated 14,450 residential fires, 520 civilian deaths, 1,330 injuries, and $371 million in residential property damage. Heating is the second leading cause of residential fires and the second leading cause of fire deaths. However, heating fires are a larger problem in single-family homes than in apartments. Unlike apartments, the heating systems in family homes are often not professionally maintained. Arson is the third leading cause of both residential fires and residential fire deaths. In commercial properties, arson is the major cause of deaths, injuries and dollar loss. Arson resulted in an estimated $664 million in property damage in 2005. (Source: U.S. Fire Administration) In addition, fires are an excellent example of how natural hazards interact in ways that spiral out of control. Lightning, high winds, earthquakes, volcanoes, and floods can all trigger or exacerbate fires. Flammable liquid containers or pipelines may be breached. Downed power lines may provide an ignition source. Leaking gas lines and damaged or

City of Claremore 114 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan leaking propane containers, tanks or vehicles may explode or ignite. In addition, when the power is out, unsafe alternative heating sources, candles, or improperly used generators may trigger fire and asphyxiation dangers. Moreover, the disaster conditions may hinder or prevent firefighters from being able to suppress or even reach a fire event.Effects The leading cause of death in a fire is asphyxiation by a three-to-one ratio over burns. Fire consumes the oxygen and increases the concentration of deadly carbon monoxide and other toxic gases in the air. Inhaling carbon monoxide can cause loss of consciousness or death within minutes. The heat from a hostile fire exceeds anything to which a person is normally exposed. A fully developed room fire has temperatures over 1,100 degrees Fahrenheit. Fire generates a black, impenetrable smoke that blocks vision and stings the eyes, making it often impossible to navigate and evacuate the building on fire.

Normal Frequency According to the U.S. Fire Administration, for the 10-year period from 1991 to 2000, there were an annual average 1,903,450 fires in the United States, and an average of 4,453 Americans lost their lives and another 26,445 were injured as a result of fire.

Extent of Impact From 1997 to 2001, the City of Claremore experienced a total of 139 structural fires, 16 injuries (4 civilians and 12 firefighters) and resulting in $1,909,940 in damage (excluding critical facilities). If this 5-year record is a norm, Claremore can expect about 28 fires per year, with typical damages of $13,740 per fire. During the same period, there were 13 critical facility fires (an average of 2.6 critical facility fires per year) that Fire Fighters responding to a house fire, one of did $21,875 damage, for an average loss thousands that occur every year across the state $1,682 per fire. Various factors can determine the extent of an urban fire. The contents and age of a structure influences the extent of an urban fire, as do the local weather conditions. Damages from urban fire can range from minor to substantial with damages far exceeding the value of the structure. In recent years, the extent of urban fire has been greatly reduced due to the improvements in firefighting technology and training of local fire management officials. Improvements in building codes and technology have also enhanced a jurisdiction’s ability to contain and mitigate the damage caused by urban fire. Although the extent of an urban fire cannot be qualitatively measured until the fire has occurred and damage assessed, the likely extent of an urban fire can be affected by notification techniques and procedures, fire department response speed, structure type and age, density of development, presence of flammable substances, water pressure and availability, and the use of smoke alarms.

City of Claremore 115 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan 3.10.2 Historical Events In the United States during 1991, structural fires caused 4,465 civilian deaths and 21,850 injuries, and resulted in an estimated $8.3 billion in damage. In 1995, 3,640 people died in reported home fires—roughly 10 people per day. In addition, thousands of people were injured in home fires, many hospitalized for severe burns; some disfigured for life. In Oklahoma, during the 12-year period from 1988 through 1999,there were a total of 97,148 residential fires (average of 8095 per year), and fire losses of $858 million (average of $71 million per year). Table 3-20 displays information supplied by the Oklahoma State Fire Marshal concerning fire-related damages and injuries & deaths for the State during the period from 1997 through 2001. Table 3–20: Oklahoma Urban Fire Damages and Injuries & Deaths 1997-2001 Source: Oklahoma State Fire Marshal 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 Total # Fires $ Damage # Fires $ Damage # Fires $ Damage # Fires $ Damage # Fires $ Damage # Fires $ Damage

Single 5,582 $ 63,567,418 4,739 $ 59,810,514 4,702 $ 63,298,169 4,872 $ 73,074,144 4,696 $ 75,029,279 24,591 $ 334,779,524 Family

Apartments 614 5,930,910 588 8,556,574 616 6,346,000 638 11,808,357 618 19,665,196 3,074 $ 52,307,037

Mobile 639 5,597,896 577 5,994,955 607 7,328,767 594 7,330,420 708 9,393,585 3,125 $ 35,645,623 Homes Nursing/ 99 110,285 76 1,096,920 131 247,355 89 101,690 83 297,065 478 $ 1,853,315 Retirement

Commercial 250 8,672,329 270 8,374,856 295 10,162,666 309 7,232,400 238 5,160,925 1,362 $ 39,603,176

Warehouse 367 5,625,529 330 5,426,015 384 7,675,201 387 5,533,638 368 6,320,392 1,836 $ 30,580,775

Industrial 196 8,594,943 193 10,755,305 202 10,267,410 194 49,822,712 137 8,794,832 922 $ 88,235,202

Office 61 1,095,680 74 3,212,255 95 673,620 71 1,187,603 59 1,194,408 360 $ 7,363,566

Total 7,808 $ 99,194,990 6,847 $ 103,227,394 7,032 $ 105,999,188 7,154 $ 156,090,964 6,907 $ 125,855,682 35,748 $ 590,368,218

Fire Related Injuries & Deaths

1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 Total

Civilian 339 218 191 167 175 1,090 Injuries Civilian 85 60 0 70 59 274 Deaths Firefighter 195 378 282 174 128 1,157 Injuries Firefighter 1 1 1 2 1 6 Deaths Total 534 596 473 341 303 2,247 Injuries Total 86 61 1 72 60 280 Deaths

City of Claremore 116 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan The City of Claremore, during the period from 1997 through 2001, experienced a total of 139 structural fires, 16 injuries, and $1,909,940 in fire damage. Table 3-21 shows the type, number, damages, and injuries during the 5-year period.

Table 3–21: Claremore, OK Urban Fire Damages and Injuries & Deaths 1997-2001 Source: Oklahoma State Fire Marshal 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 Total # Fires $ Damage # Fires $ Damage # Fires $ Damage # Fires $ Damage # Fires $ Damage # Fires $ Damage One & Two 28 $ 574,350 12 $ 155,600 27 $ 218,635 14 $ 68,750 13 $ 116,200 94 $ 1,133,535 Family

Apartments 2 750 1 50 7 3,550 5 26,000 4 26,000 19 $ 56,350

Mobile 0 - 0 - 2 10,025 1 10,000 0 - 3 $ 20,025 Homes Nursing/ 1 30 0 - 2 750 0 - 0 - 3 $ 780 Retirement

Commercial 1 - 2 403,000 1 0 12 ,000 1 0 6 $ 405,000

Warehouse 1 10,000 1 7,500 0 - 0 - 0 - 2 $ 17,500

Industrial 1 - 3 20,000 2 - 1 50,000 3 202,750 10 $ 272,750

Office 0 - 0 - 2 4,000 0 - 0 - 2 $ 4,000

Total 34 $ 585,130 19 $ 586,150 43 $ 236,960 22 $ 156,750 21 $ 344,950 139 $ 1,909,940

Fire Related Injuries

1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 Total

Civilian 2 0 1 1 0 4 Injuries Civilian 0 0 0 0 0 0 Deaths Firefighter 7 0 0 4 1 12 Injuries Firefighter 0 0 0 0 0 0 Deaths

Total 9 0 1 5 1 16

Schools are also vulnerable to fire. In Oklahoma, during the period from 1 997 through 2001, there were a total of 471 school fires, causing more than $10 million in damage. Critical Facilities are also vulnerable to fire, and are of special importance because the impac t of a fire may be especially dangerous. Critical fac ilities deserving special attention include nursing and retirement homes, hospitals and clinics, child care centers, correctional institutions, schools and colleges. Oklahoma fires in Critical Facilities, from 1997-2001 are shown in Table 3-22 and those specific to Claremore are shown in Table 3-23.

City of Claremore 117 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan Table 3–22: Oklahoma Critical Facility Fires 1997-2001 Source: Oklahoma State Fire Marshal 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 Total # Fires $ Damage # Fires $ Damage # Fires $ Damage # Fires $ Damage # Fires $ Damage # Fires $ Damage

School 86 $ 2,070,830 89 $ 859,065 98 $ 1,790,836 92 $ 4,695,110 106 $ 1,152,423 471 $ 10,568,264

Public 176 4,131,0 05 174 2,351,4 60 199 8,077,6 04 143 3,415 ,147 162 2,356 ,661 854 $ 20,3 31,877 Assembly

Hospital 27 69,399 27 89,941 35 576,120 16 14,615 20 12,402 125 $ 762,477

Jail 22 309,805 23 1,599,750 57 17,830 14 80,360 16 684,275 132 $ 2,692,020

Child Care 10 10 8,575 7 134,3 60 38 6 1,050 15 39,850 8 50,640 78 $ 394,475

Total 321 $ 6, 689,614 320 $ 5, 034,576 427 $ 10,523,440 280 $ 8,245,082 312 $ 4 ,256,401 1,660 $ 34,749,113

Table 3–23: Claremore, OK Critical Facility Fires, 1997-2001 Source: Oklahoma State Fire M arshal 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 Total # Fires $ Damage # Fires $ Damage # Fires $ Damage # Fires $ Damage # Fires $ Damage # Fires $ Damage

School 0 $ - 1 $ 1,000 0 $ - 0 $ - 1 $ 300 2 $ 1,300

Public 3 10,175 2 6,100 3 4,300 1 - 2 0 11 $ 20,575 Assembly

Hospit al 0 - 0 - 0 - 0 - 0 - 0 $ -

Jail 0 - 0 - 0 - 0 - 0 - 0 $ -

Child Care 0 - 0 - 0 - 0 - 0 - 0 $ -

Total 3 $ 10,175 3 $ 7,100 3$ 4, 300 1 $ - 3 $ 3 00 13 $ 2 1,875

Real progress has been made nationally and locally in reducing the number of urban fires and fire-related fatalities. Nationally, in 1977 there were 3,264,500 fires, and 5,865 fatalities. By 2002, both figures have been reduced by almost half to 1,687,500 fires, and 2,670 fire-related deaths.

3.10.3 Vulnerable Population In residences, the majority of fatal fires occur when people are less alert or sleeping. Victims are disproportionately children or elderly. Of the fires that kill children, two out of every five are started by children playing with fire. States with the largest populations tend to have the greatest number of fire-related fatalities. The western United States is susceptible because of prolonged warm winds that can spread sparks and embers. Areas where seismic events are more likely to occur are also susceptible, particularly in areas where natural gas distribution systems can rupture. Floods can also trigger fires. Some of the vulnerabilities peculiar to Oklahoma are related to flooding and lightning events, both of which can trigger urban fires. In many cases, communities with aging infrastructures may be more susceptible to urban fire due to the flammability of materials

City of Claremore 118 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan used in construction and number of structures built before current fire safety, plumbing and electrical codes were implemented. The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) makes the statement in their Housing Economic s publication: “An overarching cause of residential fire deaths is the age of the dwelling. Both known studies that have looked at this question have found that older structures burn much more frequently than newer ones.” Consequently, while any building is vulnerable to fire, particular attention needs to be paid to lower -income neigh borhoods with o lder residences and aging commercial structures. All areas of Claremore are exposed to perso nal injury and p roperty damag e as a result of urban fire, including future growth areas.

3.10.4 Conclusion All areas of Claremore are exposed to personal injury and property damage as a result of fires. Fires occur year-round, but the rate of residential fires in January is twice that of the summer mo nths. Fatalities tend to be distributed accordin g to population density. Public information and education on smoke alarms have proven suc cessful in reducing residential fires and fire related deaths.

3.10.5 Sou rces 1906 San Francisco Earthquake and Fire, at Web address: zpub.com/sf/history/1906earth.html. San Francisco History. Helmer, B essie Bradwel l. The Great Co nflagration, at Web address: www.chicagohs.org/fire/conflag/. The Great Chicago Fire and the We b of Memory, The Chicago Historical Society, 1996. Multi-Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment, p. 264, 266–267. Federal Emergency Management Agency, 1997. Oklahoma State Fire Marshal, “Fire Statistics 1997-2000,” at web address: http://www.state.ok.us/~firemar/index.htm. Office of the Oklahoma State Fire Marshal Talking About Disaster: Guide for Standard Messages, “Fire,” p. 51. National Disaster Coalition, Washington, D.C., 1999. The Oakland Berkeley Hills Fire: Abstract, at Web address: http://www.firewise.org/pubs/theOaklandBerkeleyHillsFire/abstract.html. Firewise.

City of Claremore 119 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan 3.11 Wildfires

As more people make their homes in woodland settings in or near forests, rural areas, or remote mountain sites, they face the real danger of wildfire. Wildfires often begin unnoticed and spread quickly, igniting brush, trees, and homes. Wildfires can move on three different levels. A surface fire is the most common type and burns along the floor of a forest, moving slowly and killing or damaging trees. A ground fire is usually started by lightning and burns on or below the forest floor in the humus layer down to the mineral soil. A crown fire spreads rapidly by wind and moves by jumping along the tops of trees.

3.11.1 Hazard Profile Wildfire is a serious and growing hazard over much of the United States, posing a great threat to life and property, particularly when it moves from forest or rangeland into developed areas. However, periodic forest, grassland, and tundra fires are a natural process in the environment, as natural and as vital as rain, snow, or wind. Naturally occurring or non-native species of trees, brush, and grasses fuel wildfires. Fire suppression is now recognized to have created a larger fire hazard, because live and dead vegetation accumulates in areas where fire has been excluded. In addition, the absence of fire has altered or disrupted the cycle of natural plant succession and wildlife habitat in many areas. Consequently, United States land management agencies are committed to finding ways of reintroducing fire into natural ecosystems (such as prescribed Wildfire, is mainly a hazard for homes and burning) while recognizing that fire properties on the rural/urban interface zone fighting and some types of fire suppression are still important. The four categories of wildfires experienced throughout the United States are: • Interface or intermix fires are fires that are fueled by both wild land vegetation and the built-environment. • Firestorms are events of such extreme intensity that effective suppression is virtually impossible. They occur during extremely dry weather and generally burn until conditions change or available fuel is exhausted. • Prescribed fires are those that are intentionally set or selected natural fires that are allowed to burn for beneficial purposes. • Wild land fires are fueled by natural vegetation and typically occur in national forests and parks.

City of Claremore 120 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan Causes Topography, fuel, and weather are the three principal factors that impact wildfire hazards and behavior. Other hazard events have the potential to cause wildfires, such as earthquakes, lightning, and high winds. For example, in 1991, winds gusting to 62 mph downed power lines, resulting in 92 separate wildfires in Washington. U.S. Forest Service (USFS) figures for 1990 indicate that 25.7% of wildfires reported were caused by arson, 24% were caused by debris burns, and 13.3% were caused by lightning. Lightning can cause particularly difficult fires when dry thunderstorms move across an area that is suffering from seasonal drought. Multiple fires can be started simultaneously. In dry fuels, these fires can cause massive damage before containment.

Effects Wildfires leave problems behind them, even when the last ember is extinguished. Post- fire effects can trigger additional consequences that cascade into other serious hazard events. The loss of ground-surface cover from a fire and the chemical transformation of burned soils make watersheds more susceptible to erosion from rainstorms. Subsequent unchecked debris flows can then carry mud, rock, chemicals, and other debris into water supplies, reducing water quality. (See the section, “Historical Events” for examples.) It is impossible to fully assess the economic impact of wildfires due to incomplete reporting. However, the U.S. Forest Service compiles statistics for wildfires on federal lands and is the primary federal source of information.

Normal Frequency According to the National Interagency Fire Center statistics for fires on federal lands from 1985 to 1994, an average of nearly 73,000 fires occur each year, resulting in over 3 million acres burned, 900 homes lost, and more than $411.5 million expended in suppression costs. The Claremore area has three wildland fire seasons. The worst is February through April, when grass fuels are dead, the humidity low, temperatures elevated, and winds as high as 50-70 mph. A moderate wildfire season occurs in July or August, when some grasses are dormant or dead from the mid-summer heat. The third wildfire season, also moderate, is in the fall, after frost has killed the annual grasses. It was in this fall wildfire season of 2005 when Oklahoma, Rogers County and Claremore were hit by one of the worst outbreaks of wildfire in recent history.

Exten t of Impact Claremore had 157 reported wildfires from 1997 to 2001, with known property damages totaling $39,745. If this 5-year period is a norm, Claremore can expect about 31 gra ss/wildfires per year that do around $250 damage per fire. Losses of this magnitude would indicate the prevalence of fires that largely damage crops and farm outbuildings. When rural estate housing becomes a victim of wildfire, the costs can increase dramatically. Wildfires have been increasing in number and economic impact nation-wide, largely due to the spread of rural estates on the peripheries of American cities. Lavish

City of Claremore 121 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan “McMansions” and “starter castles” set on 5 acres of grass or woodland have become a suburban norm for affluent professionals. Claremore is no exception. It is highly probable that as Claremore’s rural estate development extends west and south towards Owasso and Collinsville, and Tulsa and Broken Arrow, the extent of impact from wildfire will increase. The extent of wildfire damage can be minor in open rangelands or substantial near areas of population and/or resource extraction (e.g., oil tanks). The extent of a wildfire threat, however, can be estimated by analysis of a number of variables, including plant and soil moisture content, humidity, temperature, the presence of drought conditions, and wind speed. State and local emergency managers routinely study such factors and issue burn bans and other warnings to lessen the risk of wildfire. Wildfire risk and extent can also be reduced by such measures as educational outreach, clearing combustible plants and materials from around homes and other structures in the urban/wildland interface, eliminating Eastern Redcedar, and participating in the national Firewise program.

3.11.2 Historical Events The single worst event in terms of deaths in United States history occurred in Wisconsin in 1871, killing 1,182 people. Between October 25 and November 3, 1993, 21 major wild land fires broke out in California, fanned by hot, dry Santa Ana winds. The fires collectively burned over 189,000 acres and destroyed 1,171 structures. Three people died and hundreds were injured. Combined property damage was estimated at approximately $1 billion. In 1994, one of the worst years since the early 1900s, 79,107 fires burned over four million acres and cost $934 million for suppression. Tragically, 34 firefighters lost their lives. On July 6, 1994, 14 firefighters died in one terrible incident during the South Canyon Fire just west of Glenwood Springs, Colorado. Another wildfire burned 2,000 acres of forest and scrub on the steep slopes of Storm King Mountain, Colorado, leaving it exposed to erosion. The following September, torrential rains created debris flows from the burned area and inundated a 3-mile stretch of Interstate 70 with tons debris. The flows engulfed 30 cars, sweeping two into the Colorado River. Some travelers were seriously injured, but fortunately there were no deaths.

City of Claremore 122 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan Rogers County experienced __ wildfires between 1997 and 2001

In May 1996, an 11,900-acre fire burned most of the Buffalo Creek and Spring Creek watersheds. These small watersheds feed into the Strontia Springs Reservoir, which supplies more than 75 percent of the municipal water for the cities of Denver and Aurora. Two months after the fire, a severe thunderstorm caused flooding from the burned area, killing two people. In addition, the Denver Water Department immediately experienced a deterioration of water quality from floating burned debris and high levels of manganese. Two years after the fire, phosphate levels in the water remained high. From October 25 to November 4, 2003 over a half-dozen wildfires stretched from San Diego County north to the suburbs of Los Angeles. Over 743,000 acres burned destroying approximately 3,570 homes and killing more than 22 people. The entire community of Cuyamaca, California was destroyed. The 281,000- acre Cedar Fire was the largest individual blaze in California history. Between November 2005 and March 2006, wildfires burned over 560,000 acres in In Oklahoma during 1994, there were Oklahoma 16,781 grass, crop, and wild land fires that burned 61,634 acres. Four fire fighters died that year. Table 3-24 shows the grass and crop fires, and Table 3-25 shows wildland fires reported to the State Fire Marshall’s office in 1997-1999.

City of Claremore 123 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan Table 3–24: Oklahoma Grass and Crop Fires, 1997-1999 Source: Oklahoma State Fire Marshal Year Runs Acres Burned $ Loss 1997 13,598 583,647 20,740,345.00 1998 16,268 129,953 11,749,340.00 1999 13,906 283,805 6,859,246.00 Total 43,772 997,405 39,348,931.00 Average 14,590.6 332,468.3 13,116,310.33

Table 3–25: Oklahoma Wildland Fires, 1997-1999 Source: Oklahoma State Fire Marshal Year Runs Acres Burned $ Loss 1997 1,381 34,552 2,936,920.00 1998 1,790 46,718 38,087,200.00 1999 2,170 51,573 25,750,000.00 Total 5,341 132,843 66,774,120.00 Average 1,780.3 44,281 22,258,040.00

Oklahoma Wildfires Fall 2000 Wildfires In 2000, an unseasonably wet late spring was followed by several months of dry weather during which the state averaged about 19% of normal rainfall. By mid-September, the soil across much of the state was dry down to 8 inches. In late July 2000, a wildfire near Oklahoma City burned 80 acres and injured two firefighters. On August 20, a fire near Binger, in Caddo County, burned 3,200 acres, destroying three homes and part of a Girl Scout lodge. Arbuckle Mountains Wildfire - Between September 8-19, 2000, there was a rash of wildfires. One fire, which began near the Carter/Murray County line on September 8, spread north into the Arbuckle Mountains, burning for two weeks and consuming 11,500 acres in Carter, Murray and Garvin Counties. In all, six homes and one business were destroyed, totaling $1 million in damage. Guthrie Wildfire – On September 19, 2000, a large wildfire began 9 miles south of Guthrie and burned for 6 miles, consuming 35 homes and causing $750,000 in damage. In all, the Fall 2000 Wildfire Complex burned almost 1 percent of the State of Oklahoma. Late November 2005-March 2006: Oklahoma’s Worst Outbreak of Wildfires In the late summer and autumn of 2005, drought conditions throughout the state set the stage for the worst outbreak of wildfires in Oklahoma history. The winter of 2005 was the driest on record in Oklahoma. The drought, combined with high winds, unleashed a series of devastating wildfires. Between November 2005 and March 2006, Oklahoma had 120 consecutive days without moisture. The result was 2,800 fires and over 560,000 burned acres. As of April 2006, 869 structures had been damaged by wildfires, and 300 destroyed. A Federal disaster declaration was made on January 10, 2006, and Individual Assistance funds were made available to 26 Oklahoma counties. Public Assistance funds were made available to all 77 Oklahoma counties.

City of Claremore 124 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan The wildfire outbreaks clustered around three time periods: late November to early December 2005, late December 2005 to early January 2006, and March, 2006. Late November to Early Decembe r 2005 Wildfires – Strong surface low pressure in the southern and centr al plains caused sustained wind speeds of 20-35 mph, with gusts up to 45-65 mph. There were two large wildfire outbreaks on November 2 7-30, 2005. In the northeast part of the state, wildfires hit Cherokee, Mayes, McIntosh, Muskogee, Okfuskee, Okmulgee, Osage, Pittsburg, Tulsa and Wagoner Counties, burning 35,000 acres, killing one person, injuring 11, and destroying 35 home s and many outbuildings and automobiles. In south central Oklahoma, sever al large wildfires burned in Cotton, Garvin and Stephens Counties. A 15 -mile area near Velma in Stephens County began One of the many 2005-2006 wildfires burns at night in neighboring Tulsa County burning on November 27 and continued into early December, forcing the evacuation of the town. Twenty fire departments responded to the fire. Altogether, the Stephens County fire destroyed 16 homes, two barns and many outbuildings. Damage totaled $1 million. In Cotton County, a wildfire near Walters destroyed six homes and several barns, causing $650,000 damage. In Garvin County, two wildfires burned 6,000 acres. Fourteen fire departments and 100 firefighters responded. Three homes and several outbuildings were destroyed. Losses were $350,000. Near Pauls Valley, 500 acres burned, resulting in $50,000 in damage. On November 29, a fire near Wilson in Carter County killed one woman. Late December 2005 to Early January 2006 Wildfires – Another rash of wildfires began on December 25, 2005, and continued, more or less without interruption through the first week of 2006. The string of wildfires began on Christmas Day in Choctaw, Creek and Sequoyah Counties, but were soon raging throughout the state. On January 8, 2006, the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management set up an Incident Command Post at Shawnee to coordinate firefighters who were coming in from Alabama, Tennessee, Florida and North Carolina. Among the many fires were the following: • December 27, 2005 – 10,000 acres burned in Hughes County, killing one person and destroying 8 homes, 14 barns and 20 outbuildings. • A wildfire in Choctaw County burns 1,000 acres, destroys 4 homes and injures two people. • Tulsa County wildfire burns 3 homes, 3 structures and $300,000 in damage. • Muskogee County, 2,000 acres west of Muskogee is burned, destroying 1 house, 1 mobile home, 2 barns and an automobile. $225,000 in damage. There are also grassfires in Rogers, Okmulgee and McIntosh Counties. • January 1, 2006 – Oklahoma County, northeast of Oklahoma City, several homes are destroyed by wildfire and two neighborhoods evacuated. In Muskogee County, 16,000 acres burn southwest of Muskogee, destroying 4 homes, several

City of Claremore 125 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan barns and much hay. $500,000 in damage. In Creek County, 10,000 acres are burned near Bristow, doing $200,000 damage. There are also wildfires in Pittsburg, Okfuskee, Haskell and Tulsa Counties. • January 3, 2006 – In Beaver County, two fires burn 14,000 acres, while in Creek County, near Shamrock, a wildfire burns an abandoned school and vacant house and damages two homes. • January 8, 2006 – In McIntosh County, 7,000 acres are burned, doing $50,000 in damage. In Payne County, 7 miles northwest of Perkins, a grassfire ignites red cedar trees. Fires were reported at Davis, Welty, Bristow, Okemah, Slick, Stroud, Guthrie, Sapulpa, Sparks, Bethel, Skiatook, Wainright, Prague, Stigler, Prue, and Mayesville. • February 4, 2006 – In Okmulgee County, a wildfire kills one person. • February 27, 2006 – Muskogee County, 750 acres are burned and dozens of homes threatened. March 2006 Wildfires – On March 1, 2006, high winds, drought conditions, and temperatures in the 90s cause another rash of wildfires across the state. In Stephens County, a wildfire 8 miles long injures several firefighters and kills one,10,000 acres are burned, 65 homes are destroyed and 21 badly damaged, and numerous outbuildings, farm equipment and vehicles are lost. Damage is $15 million. In Lincoln County, three firefighters are injured when a wildfire causes a propane tank to explode. In Creek County, southwest of Mannford, a wildfire burns hundreds of acres, destroying 4 homes, causing $250,000 in damage. Wildfires are reported in Wagoner and Sequoyah Counties. Fires continued to plague the state throughout the month. • March 7, 2006 – Wildfires are reported in Muskogee, Wagoner and Nowata Counties. • March 8, 2006 – Osage County, 1,000 acres burn near Burbank. • March 10, 2006 – In Texas County, 7,000 acres burn east of Guymon, while in Tulsa County, wildfire destroys 2 mobile homes, a tractor trailer, fire trucks and storage buildings, causing $150,000 damage. • March 15, 2006 – Wildfires burn in Osage, Rogers, Creek, Wagoner and Cherokee Counties • March 26, 2006 – Despite recent rains, warm and windy conditions lead to wildfire outbreaks near Bristow, and at Scipio in Pittsburg County, as well as in Muskogee, Okfuskee, Okmulgee and Wagoner Counties. • April 2, 2006 – Texas County wildfire burns 600 acres.

Claremore and Rogers County Wildfires Claremore has had 157 reported wildfires from 1997 to 2001, with known property damag e s totaling $39,745. Table 3-26 shows the number of wildfires and amount of damage during each year for Claremore. An empty cell indicates either zero or there is no data available.

City of Claremore 126 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan Table 3–26: Claremore History of Wildfire Events and Damages from 1997 to 2001 Number of Amount of Year Events Damage 1997 20 $0 1998 29 $20,770 1999 33 $1,710 2000 34 $4,050 2001 35 $13,215 Totals 157 $39,745

Roger s County experienced two wildfires during the disastrous winter of 2005-2006, when wind-lashed fires burned hundreds of thousands of acres in Oklahoma. December 27-28, 2005- Wildfires burned hundreds of acres of grassland across Rogers County. One mobile home was consumed by wildfire. March 15-16, 2006- A wildfire burned hundreds of acres of land near Verdigris.

3.11.3 Vulnerable Population Wildfires occur in virtually all of the United States. The western states, with their more arid climate and prevalent conifer and brush fuel types, are subject to more frequent wildfires. Wildfires are the most destructive in California, but they have become an increasingly frequent phenomenon nationwide. People are becoming more vulnerable to wildfi re s by choosing to live in wild land settings, and the value of exposed property is increasing at a faster rate than population. Becau s e more people are choosing to build expen s ive homes on acreage in rural settings, surrounded by grasslands and forest, the danger of wildland urban interfa c e fire has increased enormously. The w i ldland fire danger in the Claremore urban fringe is made even higher by the spread of Eastern Redcedar, which grows close to the ground, has fine foliage, thin bark and contains volatile oils. When it catche s fire, the Eastern Redcedar explodes into flame, showering sparks to the wind. The rural/urban interface is the most vulnerable area to wildfire As evidenced by the 2005-2006 wildfire outbreaks, the rural and urban/rural interface areas of Claremore are vulnerable to wildfires. Future development areas for Claremore, in particular, will be at high risk to wildfires. Proper mitigation activities, particularly the implementation of the Firewise program, should be undertaken to protect these growth areas. While historical wildfire activity in the Claremore area is sparse, the community is still vulnerable to wildfires, especially the population of the community that resides in the urban/rural interface and those that live in rural Claremore and Rogers County.

City of Claremore 127 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan 3.11.4 Conclusion Wildfires are a serious and growing hazard because people continue to move their homes into woodland areas. The value of the property exposed to w ildfires is increasing more rapidly, especially in the western states. There were fire suppression me asures taken in the past that caused an even greater fire hazard because ground cover that had been burning at natura l intervals was able to build up. Western ecosystems have adapted to and have become de pendent on wildfires, which play an essential role by thinning forests and creating stands of different plant species. Land management agencies are now changing their policies c oncerning the control of naturally occurring wildfires. Like the rest of the United States and Oklahoma, the City of Claremore is vulnerable to wildfires, including future development areas, particularly during periods of high wind and drought. 3.11.5 Sources Multi-Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment, p. 234, 236, 239. Federal Emergency Management Agency, 1997. Oklahoma State Fire Marshal, “Fire Statistics 1997-2000,” at web address: http://www.state.ok.us/~firemar/index.htm. Office of the Oklahoma State Fire Marshal Talking About Disaster: Guide for Standard Messages, “Wildfire,” p. 135. National Disaster Coalition, Washington, D.C., 1999. USGS Wildland Fire Research, at Web address: http://www.usgs.gov/themes/Wildfire/fire.html. U.S. Geological Survey, August 23, 2000.

City of Claremore 128 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan 3.12 Earthquakes

An earthquake is a sudden, rapid shaking of the ground caused by the fracture and movement of rock beneath the Earth's surface. Most severe earthquakes take place where the huge tectonic plates that form the Earth's surface collide and slide slowly over, under, and past each other. They can also occur along any of the multitude of fault and fracture lines within the plates themselves. The faults most likely to affect Oklahoma are the New Madrid Fault, centered in the Missouri Bootheel region, and the Meers Fault, located in southwestern Oklahoma near Lawton.

3.12.1 Hazard Profile As the Earth’s crust moves and bends, stresses are built up, sometimes for hundreds of years, before suddenly breaking or slipping. This abrupt release of accumulated tension can be devastating to human communities on the surface. The destructiveness of an earthquake depends upon a number of factors, including the magnitude Although located in the relatively quiet Central Plains Province, of the tremor, direction of Claremore’s nearness to the New Madrid, Missouri, fault exposes the city to VI intensity tremors the fault, distance from the epicenter, regional geology, local soils, and the design characteristics of buildings and infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, and pipelines. Earthquake intensity can be significantly affected by the stability of underlying soils. For example, during the Northridge, California earthquake, three times as much damage was done to single-family homes and buried utilities in ground failure zones than in nearby areas where the footing was more solid. Also, the intensity of West Coast tremors is dissipated by the relative “warmth” of the region’s geology. By contrast, the thick Pennsylvanian sandstone and limestone strata of the central United States are much more efficient conductors of tremors. Consequently, a 6.8-magnitude earthquake in the New Madrid Fault would have a much wider impact than a comparable event on the California coast. Urbanization is probably the most important factor in translating earthquake magnitude into human impacts. In the continental United States, Alaska has the greatest number of large earthquakes—over a dozen above 7.3 magnitude between 1899 and 1999. However, these severe quakes resulted in relatively little loss of life or damage, since all but one occurred in uninhabited areas.

City of Claremore 129 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan Effects Earthquakes can cause poorly compacted, clay-free soils to temporarily lose strength and behave like viscous fluids rather than solids. This “liquefaction” can result in ground failure and damage to structures and buried utilities.

Normal Frequency In the United States, California experiences the most frequent damaging earthquakes, and Alaska has the greatest number of large earthquakes. Oklahoma has experienced an average of 50 earthquakes each year since records have been kept by the Oklahoma Geological Survey. Most of these earthquakes were so small that they could not be felt by people. Only about two or three per year have been large enough to be felt and most were so small they caused no damage. The Meers Fault has had two major ruptures in the last 3000 years, the last one about 1600 years ago. If the fault Earthquake risks for the continental U.S. has a 1500-year periodicity, it could be due for a major event in the next one or two hundred years. Claremore and its adjacent counties experienced 12 earthquakes between 1977 and 2003. On January 6, 1984 an earthquake centered in Rogers County register a 2.5. The most likely major earthquake event that could impact the area would probably originate in the New Madrid Fault Zone, which has been relatively quiet for 150 years. Seismologists estimate the probability of a 6 to 7 magnitude earthquake in the New Madrid area in the next 50 years to be higher than 90 percent.

Measurements Modern seismological technology has greatly enhanced the capability of scientists to sense earthquakes. Before the development of today’s delicate sensors, only “felt” earthquakes were captured in the historical record. Scientists use two standard measures to classify an earthquake’s severity: magnitude and intensity. These measures are sometimes referred to as the Richter Scale (magnitude) and the Modified Mercalli (intensity). Magnitude is an Arabic number representing the total amount of energy released by the earthquake source. It is based on the amplitude of the earthquake waves recorded on seismographs that have a common calibration. The magnitude of an earthquake is thus represented by a single, instrumentally determined value. Intensity, expressed as a Roman numeral, is based on the earthquake’s observed effects on people, buildings and natural features. It varies depending on the location of the observer with respect to the earthquake’s epicenter. In general, the intensity decreases with distance from the fault, but other factors such as rupture direction and soil type also influence the amount of shaking and damage.

City of Claremore 130 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan The Modified Mercalli and Richter Scales are compared in the Table 3-27. Table 3–27: Comparison of Mercalli and Richter Scales

Mercalli Richter Description

I Vibrations are recorded by instruments. People do not feel any Earth movement. A few people might notice movement if they are at rest and/or on the upper floors of tall II 0-4.3 buildings. Shaking felt indoors; hanging objects swing. People outdoors might not realize that an III earthquake is occurring. Dishes rattle; standing cars rock; trees might shake. Most people indoors feel movement. IV Hanging objects swing. Dishes, windows, and doors rattle. A few people outdoors may feel movement. 4.3-4.8 Doors swing; liquid spills from glasses; sleepers awake. Almost everyone feels movement. V Dishes are broken. Pictures on the wall move. Small objects move or are turned over. Trees shake. People walk unsteadily; windows break; pictures fall off walls. Everyone feels movement. VI Objects fall from shelves. Furniture moves. Plaster in walls might crack. Trees and bushes shake. Damage is slight in poorly built buildings. No structural damage. 4.8-6.2 Difficult to stand; plaster, bricks, and tiles fall; large bells ring. Drivers feel their cars VII shaking. Some furniture breaks. Loose bricks fall from buildings. Damage is slight to moderate in well-built buildings; considerable in poorly built buildings. Chimneys fall; branches break; cracks in wet ground. Drivers have trouble steering. Houses that are not bolted down might shift on their foundations. Tall structures such as towers and VIII chimneys might twist and fall. Well-built buildings suffer slight damage. Poorly built structures suffer severe damage. Water levels in wells might change. General panic; damage to foundations; sand and mud bubble from ground. Well-built 6.2-7.3 buildings suffer considerable damage. Houses that are not bolted down move off their IX foundations. Some underground pipes are broken. The ground cracks. Reservoirs suffer serious damage. Most buildings destroyed; large landslides; water thrown out of rivers and lakes. Some X bridges are destroyed. Dams are seriously damaged. The ground cracks in large areas. Railroad tracks are bent slightly. Roads break up; large cracks appear in ground; rocks fall. Most buildings collapse. Some XI bridges are destroyed. Underground pipelines are destroyed. Railroad tracks are badly bent. 7.3-8.9 Total destruction; "waves" seen on ground surface; river courses altered; vision distorted. XII Almost everything is destroyed. Objects are thrown into the air. Large amounts of rock may move.

Extent of Impact FEMA’s HAZUS software application provides a methodology to estimate earthquake losses at a regional scale. Building and population statistics from the U.S. Census are combined with estimated replacement values for local infrastructure to calculate an estimate on potential damages and losses to be expected from a specified earthquake event. The historic 5.7 magnitude El Reno earthquake event of April 9, 1952, was used as the input event in the HAZUS model run for the City of Claremore. HAZUS analysis showed that no buildings will be damaged. Essential facilities would receive no damage and remain 100% functional. There would be no transportation system damages and economic losses associated with these systems would be zero. (For a fuller discussion, see Section 3.12.3, Vulnerable Population, below.)

City of Claremore 131 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan 3.12.2 Historical Events World history is punctuated with hundreds of earthquake catastrophes. In 1556 the Shansi, China, earthquake killed 800,000 people. An earthquake in Lisbon in 1775 took 70,000 lives. More recently, a moderate 6.7-magnitude earthquake struck Northridge, Califo rnia, on January 17, 1994, killing 57 people, injuring 9,000, and causing over $25 billion in damage . A year later, in Kobe, Japan, a 6.9 magnitude tremor killed 5,100 people, injured 27,000, destroyed 100,000 buildings, and did $120 billion in damage. In the United States, California and Alaska have earthquakes the most frequently, but the largest earthquake felt in the United States in historical times occurred in Missouri, along the New Madrid Fault. There, in 1811 and 1812, three earthquakes larger than a magnitude 8 totally destroyed the town of New Madrid, caused the land to roll in visible waves, raised and sank land as much as 20 feet, and formed and emptied lakes. The tremors rang bells in church steeples as far away as Boston, Massachusetts. These earthquakes were probably the first ones felt by residents in Oklahoma in historical times. Intensit y VII earthquakes hit the New Madrid area again in January 1852 and June 1862. The earliest documented quake in what is now Oklahoma occurred on October 22, 1882, near Ft. Gibson, Indian Territory. The Cherokee Advocate reported that “the trembling and vibrating were so severe as to cause doors and window shutters to open and shut, hogs to squeal, poultry to run and hide, and cattle to low.” Another felt quakes occurred near Cushing, in Payne County, in December 1900. Other Oklahoma earthquakes include the following: June 2 0, 1926- A 4.3 magnitude earthquake just west of Marble City in Sequoyah County. December 28, 1929- A 4.0 magnitude, VI intensity quake struck El Reno in Canadian County. June 1, 1939- A 4.4 magnitude, IV intensity quake occurred at Spaulding in Hughes County. April 9, 1952- The largest earthquake on record in the state—a VII-intensity event that register ed 5.7 on the Richter Scale—happened near El Reno. It was apparently caused by slippage along the Nemaha Fault. The tremor toppled chimneys and smokestacks, cracked bricks on buildings, broke windows and dishes, and was felt as far away as Austin, Texas, and Des Moines, Iowa. June 17, 1959- A 4.2 magnitude, VI intensity quake occurred at Faxon in Comanche County. April 27, 1961- A 4.1 magnitude, V intensity quake hit Wilburton in Latimer County. May 2, 1969- A 4.6 magnitude, V intensity quake occurred at Wewoka, in Seminole County, causing cracks in plaster walls. November 15, 1990- A 4.0 magnitude, VI intensity quake struck Lindsey in Garvin County. January 18, 1995- A 4.2 magnitude, VI intensity quake shook Antioch in Garvin County.

City of Claremore 132 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan September 6, 1997- A 4.4 earthquake shook Ada, in Pontotoc County, and rattled dishes as far away as Holdenville. The epicenter was 10 miles southeast of Ada, near Stonewall, at a depth of 15 km. April 28, 1998- One of the largest earthquakes recorded in Oklahoma, measuring 4.2 on the Richter Scale, occurred near Lawton, at Richard’s Spur, in Comanche County. The quake rattled dishes and caused a 14-foot crack to appear in the second floor of the Comanche County courthouse building. October 30, 1998- A 3.5 earthquake located 25 miles northwest of Ponca City was felt in Grant, Garfield and Kay Counties. April 16, 1999- A 1.9 magnitude earthquake was felt at Bradley, southeast of Chickasha, and in Lindsay, Garvin County. It sounded like “someone hammering on iron.” February 8, 2002- A 3.8 magnitude earthquake was detected 5.6 miles north of Lawton. The quake passed from northeast to southwest with a rolling motion that lasted about 1.5 seconds. The tremor was described as moderate, that shook houses with a kind of rolling sensation rather than hard shaking. Pictures were knocked over on dressers.

Rogers County reported __ earthquakes between 1980 and 2004 Claremore and Rogers County Earthquakes Five earthquakes have been reported in Rogers County. November 8, 1915- A felt earthquake occurred in Rogers County. October 30, 1956- A 4.1-magnitude, VII-intensity earthquake struck Catoosa, causing minor damage in Tulsa and Beggs. January 6, 1984- A “felt” earthquake of V intensity and 2.5-magnitude occurred 6 miles west of Inola. October 2, 1987- A small earthquake was registered 5 miles south of Claremore. January 5, 1989- A small tremor was registered 3 miles north of Talala.

City of Claremore 133 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan 3.12.3 Vulnerable Population Most earthquake injuries and fatalities occur within buildings from collapsing walls and roofs, flying glass, and falling objects. As a result, the extent of a community’s risk depends not just upon its location relative to a known fault, and its underlying geology and soils, but also on the design of its structures. Buildings constructed to earlier seismic standards (or to no standard) can pose major threats to life and the continued functioning of key public services during an earthquake disaster. Un-reinforced masonry structures are the most vulnerable, while wood frame structures typically perform well. Of special concern are the design and construction of critical facilities such as hospitals and transportation facilities, oil and gas pipelines, electrical power and communication facilities, and water supply and sewage treatment facilities. Oklahoma is in the relatively stable Central Plains Province. It does has a sustained level of seismicity due to the complex seismic zone that includes the Meers, Nemaha, Central Oklahoma, Choctaw, Chickasha, and Windingstair Faults. As shown in the map above, the majority of Oklahoma earthquakes occur in south central Oklahoma where the Ouachita, Arbuckle and Wichita mountains converge. They are concentrated in Garvin, Grady, McClain, and Canadian Counties. Note that earthquakes in the northeastern part of the state are relatively rare. HAZUS, a software application developed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the National Institute of Building Sciences provides a methodology to estimate earthquake losses at a regional scale. Building and population statistics from the U.S. Census are combined with estimated replacement values for local infrastructure to conclude an estimate on potential damages and losses to be expected within the region from a specified earthquake event. The historic, 5.5 magnitude, El Reno earthquake event of April 9, 1952 was used as the input event in the HAZUS model run for the City of Claremore. Affecting most of the State and parts of Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, and Texas, this is Oklahoma’s largest earthquake event. For Rogers County, HAZUS estimated there are 23,000 buildings in the region with a total building replacement value of $3.708 billion. Approximately 99% of the buildings (and 87% of the building value) are associated with residential housing. Replacement value of the transportation and utility lifeline systems is estimated to be $1.537 billion and $305 million respectively. Using these estimates, HAZUS assesses that no buildings will be damaged. Essential facilities would receive no damage and remain 100% functional. There would be no transportation system damages and economic losses associated with these systems are

City of Claremore 134 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan estimated at zero. All utility system facilities, pipeline activity, electric power and potable water should be at 100% following the event. No debris was to be expected from the earthquake. The scenario estimates casualties for three peak occupancy loads throughout the day, 2:00 AM (residential occupancy peak), 2:00 PM (non-residential occupancy peak) and 5:00 PM (commute peak). No casualties are expected from the event at any time of the day and there are no shelter requirements for displaced households. Claremore’s exposure to seismic risk is low. Any earthquake risk would most likely come from its proximity to the New Madrid and Meers Faults. Local earthquakes have been relatively infrequent and of small magnitude, causing little damage. According to Dr. James Lawson, chief geophysicist of the Oklahoma Geological Survey’s Seismic Observatory at Leonard, the risk of an earthquake in the New Madrid Fault Zone should not be over emphasized. He believes a major seismic event there would have no greater impact on Claremore than a locally generated earthquake. An 8-magnitude event in New Madrid would likely produce only VI-intensity tremors in northeastern Oklahoma, and would not be as severe as the Ft. Gibson quake of 1882.

3.12.4 Conclusion Oklahoma is classified at moderate risk from earthquakes, due to its proximity to the South Central Oklahoma and New Madrid Seismic Zones. Almost all of the South Central Oklahoma earthquakes are too small to be felt and cause no visible damage. Unfelt earthquakes can, however, adversely affect the integrity of local buildings, infrastructure, and lifelines. In the last 27 years, only three earthquakes have been recorded in Rogers County, one of which was a “felt” event. In 1957 a VII intensity 4.1magnitude quake occurred at Catoosa, doing some damage in Tulsa and Beggs. Although relatively safe from locally generated earthquakes, the region’s underlying geology exposes Claremore to some risk from a severe earthquake in the New Madrid Seismic Zone. When Claremore’s infrastructure and critical facilities are reviewed for integrity against tornadoes and high winds, an analysis of their ability to ride through a VI-intensity earthquake without serious damage should be included.

3.12.5 Sources Oklahoma Geophysical Observatory Examines Earthquakes in Oklahoma, at Web address: http://www.ogs.ou.edu/earthquakes.htm. University of Oklahoma, 1996. Oklahoma Strategic All-Hazards Mitigation Plan, “Hazard Identification and Vulnerability Assessment,” p 7. Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management, September 2001. Program Statement, at Web address: www.cusec.org. Central United States Earthquake Consortium. Talking About Disaster: Guide for Standard Messages, “Earthquake,” p. 41–49. National Disaster Coalition, Washington, D.C., 1999. von Hake, Carl A. Earthquake History of Oklahoma, Abridged from Earthquake Information Bulletin, Vol.8, Number 2. USGS National Earthquake Information Center, March–April 1976.

City of Claremore 135 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan 3.13 Hazardous Materials Events

Hazardous materials are chemical substances that, if released or misused, can pose a threat to the environment or human health. These chemicals are used in industry, agriculture, medicine, research, and consumer goods. Hazardous materials come in the form of explosives, flammable and combustible substances, poisons, and radioactive materials. These substances are most often released as a result of transportation accidents or chemical accidents at plant sites. In recent years, the increased usage of chemically dependent products and the introduction of new chemicals, materials and substances into commerce has resulted in a corresponding increase in the number of accidents and spills involving toxic and hazardous materials. Hazardous materials, for regulatory purposes, are divided into two general categories: fixed sites, and Claremore’s location on Interstate 44 and U.S. Highway 66 makes it vulnerable to hazardous materials events transportation facilities. Fixed sites (Tier 2) include buildings or property where hazardous materials are manufactured or stored, and are regulated nationally under the Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and in Oklahoma by the Department of Environmental Quality. The federal government has established detailed systems for keeping track of Tier 2 hazardous materials sites. The Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know Act of 1986 defines a Tier 2 site as any location that has, for any 24 hour period, either 1) specified threshold amounts of defined Extremely Hazardous Substances, or 2) any other substance requiring a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for amounts greater than 10,000 pounds. Transportation of hazardous materials is regulated by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), under the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act, 49 CFR 119 for natural and other gases transported by pipeline, and 49 CFR 195 for liquids transported by pipeline. For intrastate commerce, the transportation of hazardous materials is regulated by the Oklahoma Corporation Commission. The responsibility for receiving reports on hazardous materials and toxic waste events was given to the National Response Center (NRC), http://www.nrc.uscg.mil/nrcback.html, staffed by the U.S. Coast Guard. The NRC serves as the sole national point of contact for reporting all oil, chemical, radiological, biological, and etiological discharges into the environment anywhere in the United States or its territories. The NRC also acts as a 24-hour contact point to receive earthquake, flood, hurricane, and evacuation reports.

City of Claremore 136 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan 3.13.1 Hazard Profile Many products containing hazardous chemicals are used and stored in homes routinely. These products are also shipped daily on the nation’s highways, railroads, waterways, and pipelines. In most cases, disasters involving hazardous materials are confined to a localized area, whether an accidental release occurs at a fixed facility or in association with a transportation incident. As many as 500,000 products pose physical or health hazards and can be defined as hazardous chemicals. Each year, over 1000 new synthetic chemicals are introduced. In an average city of 100,000 residents, 23.5 tons of toilet bowl cleaner, 13.5 tons of liquid household cleaners, and 3.5 tons of motor oil are discharged into city drains each month. The United States Environmental Protection Agency sorts hazardous materials into six categories: 1. Toxic Agents (irritants, asphyxiates, narcotics) 2. Other Toxic Agents (hepatoxic, nephratoxic) 3. Hazardous Wastes 4. Hazardous Substances 5. Toxic Pollutants 6. Extremely Hazardous Substances

Effects Hazardous materials affect people through inhalation, ingestion, or direct contact with skin. They can cause death, serious injury, long-lasting health problems, and damage to buildings, homes and other property.

Extent of Impact Claremore has 16 fixed hazardous materials sites within its fenceline. Between 1990 and 2003, there were 24 hazardous materials incidents in Claremore, most of them involving releases of anhydrous ammonia to the air by Terra Nitrogen, a manufacturer of nitrogenous fertilizer. Other common incidents were connected to Union Pacific Railroad shipments. There have been no reported injuries from these events. Based on this record, Claremore can expect 1.8 limited-impact fixed hazmat events every year The extent of a fixed site hazardous material event can range from relatively harmless to catastrophic with numerous long-term health and environmental effects. The extent of this hazard is predominately influenced by the amount of the chemical involved, local weather conditions, response team training and equipment, enforcement of community regulations and codes, identification of hazardous material storage sites and pipelines, and advanced warning systems (e.g., warning sirens with voice capability, Reverse 911, etc.).

Normal Frequency The National Response Center reports an average of approximately 32,185 hazardous materials events occur each year in the United States as shown in Table 3-27. Annually, on the average, about 15,000 hazardous materials incidents are transportation related, and 12,000 are from fixed site locations. Most hazardous materials events occur during

City of Claremore 137 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan transport. Transportation of hazardous materials on highways involves tanker trucks or trailers and certain types of specialized bulk cargo vehicles. Because of the distances traveled, it is not surprising that trucks are responsible for the greatest number of hazardous materials events. Most hazardous materials events occur during transport. Transportation of hazardous materials on highways involves tanker trucks or trailers and certain types of specialized bulk cargo vehicles. Because of the distances traveled, it is not surprising that trucks are responsible for the greatest number of hazardous materials events. The United States Fire Administration reports that in 2000, the nation’s 26,354 fire departments responded to 319,000 hazardous materials incidents, up 7.2% from 1999. The National Response Center reports that between 1990 and 2003 there have been 24 hazardous materials incidents in Claremore. The incidents are listed in Table 3-28, Claremore Hazardous Materials Incidents 1990-2003 The Rogers County Hazard Mitigation Plan cites two additional incidents. These incidents are listed in Table 3-29, Claremore Hazardous Materials Incidents.

Table 3–28: U.S. Hazardous Materials Incidents 1991-2002 Source: National Response Center Incident 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 Type Fixed 11,404 12,536 13,556 14,656 15,080 12,067 10,388 10,961 11,230 11,813 12,441 11,917 Unknown 3,794 3,784 4,416 5,087 5,147 4,433 4,228 4,809 4,802 4,016 4,147 3,426 Sheen Vessel 2,914 2,690 2,886 3,598 3,967 4,091 3,778 3,886 3,877 3,945 4,378 3,919 Mobile 1,832 1,850 2,782 3,456 3,133 2,511 2,490 2,718 2,835 3,597 3,216 2,942 Pipeline 1,794 2,030 1,918 1,945 1,530 1,737 1,740 1,657 1,404 1,618 1,841 1,621 Platform 2,331 2,166 1,617 1,671 1,770 2,106 1,943 1,570 1,465 1,428 1,355 1,233 Railroad Non- 248 441 502 493 455 446 586 823 1,049 1,335 1,235 1,124 Release Railroad 966 1,162 1,425 1,530 1,578 1,645 1,883 2,266 2,252 1,332 1,241 1,200 Continuous 333 323 476 215 183 177 170 304 376 938 238 393 Aircraft 138 203 264 265 225 173 207 181 241 248 297 278 Drill/Exercise 0 0 88 188 228 349 349 503 532 669 789 908 Unknown 0 0 6 21 8 46 14 3 52 84 0 0 Storage Tank 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1,379 3,140 3,044 Terrorist 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 18 51 33 42 180 TOTAL 25,754 27,185 29,936 33,125 33,304 29,781 27,776 29,699 30,166 32,435 34,360 32,185 INCIDENTS

3.13.2 Historical Events In 1984 a deadly cloud of methyl isocyanate killed thousands of people in Bhopal, India. Shortly thereafter, there was a serious chemical release at a sister plant in West Virginia. These incidents underscored demands by industrial workers and communities in several states for information on hazardous materials. Public interest and environmental

City of Claremore 138 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan organizations around the country accelerated demands for information on toxic chemicals being released “beyond the fence line”—outside the facility. Oklahoma was ranked 31st by the EPA in controlled toxic releases reported from industrial practices in the year 2000. Over 43 million pounds of toxic substances were released by air emissions, water discharges, underground injections, landfills and disposal facilities by industries in Oklahoma during 2000. In Oklahoma in 2001, there were 28,000 Tier 2 sites reported to the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality. Claremore accounted for 16 of those sites. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, Oklahoma experienced 854 hazardous material releases due to transportation related accidents during the 10 years from 1987 through 1996. The incidents included 1 death and 35 injuries and totaled $2,908,048 in damages. The statistics rank Oklahoma 34th in the nation for hazardous material releases due to transportation accidents for the 10 year period between 1987 and 1996. On March 26, 1997, an explosion at Chief Supply Chemical Company, 5 miles northwest of Haskell on U.S. 64, sent up a column of smoke that could be seen for 50 miles. The fire continued to burn through the night of March 28. One employee was critically burned and later died. Chief Supply closed down. Table 3–29: Claremore H azardo us Materials I nciden ts 1990 – 2003

Suspected NRC Incident Type Of Medium Material Street City State ZIP Responsible Report# Date Incident Affected Name Company

54684 01/12/1991 On Van Buren ClaremoreOK ( null) Unio n Pacific Railroad Unknown Methy l Subdivision Railroad Bromide Milepost 6 03 72534 05/19/1991 M.P. 397.5 Claremore OK (null) (null ) Railroad Rail Report (null) non-release (N/A) 86634 09/02/1991 N. Lone Elm Rd. Claremore OK ( null) (null) FIXED AIR Tires and Blue Star Dr. 106698 02/13/1992 DOT Cros sing Claremore OK (null) (null ) Railroad Rail Report (null) Number 43 4018K non-release (N/A) 136524 09/13/1992 RT 5BOX 471 Claremore OK 74017 Red Bud Bay Marina FIXED WATER Gasoline automotive (4.23G PB/G 160267 03/02/1993 (null) Claremore OK (null) (nu ll) Railroad Rail Report (null) non-release (N/A) 262762 09/27/1994 Private Road Claremore OK (null) (null) Railroad Rail Report (null) non-release (N/A) 413785 12/01/1997 DOT: 668554B Claremore OK (null) (null ) Railroad Rail Report (null) Kings Rd. non-release (N/A) 504761 11/04/1999 (null) Claremore OK (null) (null) Fixed LAND Resin solution (UN#1866) 506027 11/17/1999 6606 E. 540 Rd Claremore OK 74017 Terra Nitrogen Fixed Air Ammonia Anhydrous 534580 07/06/2000 6606 E. 540 Rd Claremore OK 74017 Terra Nitrogen Fixed Air Ammonia Anhydrous 544681 10/10/2000 Intersection of Blue Claremore OK 74017 Union Pacific Railroad Rail report (null) Star Dr. and Railroad non-release (N/A) Industrial Dr.

City of Claremore 139 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan 568693 06/07/2001 6606 E. 540 Rd Claremore OK 74017 Terra Nitrogen Fixed Air Nitric Oxide 568693 06/07/2001 6606 E. 540 Rd Claremore OK 74017 Terra Nitrogen Fixed Air Nitrogen Dioxide 576397 08/13/2001 6606 E. 540 Rd Claremore OK (null) Terra Nitrogen Fixed Air Ammonia Anhydrous 581370 09/30/2001 6606 E. 540 Rd Claremore OK 74017 Terra Nitrogen Fixed Air Ammonia Anhydrous 624645 10/02/2002 6606 E. 540 Rd Claremore OK (null) Terra Nitrogen Fixed Air (null) 628947 11/12/2002 6606 E. 540 Rd Claremore OK 74017 Terra Nitrogen Fixed Air Ammonia Anhydrous 631035 12/06/2002 6606 E. 540 Rd Claremore OK (null) Terra Nitrogen Fixed Air Ammonia Anhydrous 648724 06/23/2003 6606 E. 540 Rd Claremore OK (null) Terra Nitrogen Fixed Air Ammonia Anhydrous 649196 06/27/2003 6606 E. 540 Rd Claremore OK 74017 Terra Nitrogen Fixed Air Ammonia Anhydrous 655100 08/27/2 003 6606 E. 540 Rd Claremore OK 74017 Terra Nitrogen Fixed Air Ammonia Anhydrous 700442 09/22/2003 OK HWY 266 193 Claremore OK (null) (null) Unknown Air Unknown E. Ave, travel north sheen Material and road curves east ¼-mile after 707640 12/10/2003 6606 E. 540 Rd Claremore OK 74017 TERRA NITROGEN Fixed Air Ammonia Anhydrous

Table 3–3 0: Clarem ore Hazar dous Materials Incidents Source: Rogers County Hazard Mitigation Plan

Date Location Description

Gasoline leak from UST on HWY 66; major soil cleanup & replacement of PVC water 1997 Claremore lines Gasoline leak from UST at intersection of HWY 66 & Blue Starr Highway; major soil 1997 Claremore cleanup

3.13.3 Vulnerable Popu lation A hazardous materials accident can occur anywhere. Communities located near chemica l manufacturing plants are particularly at risk. However, hazardous materials are transported on roadways, railways and waterways daily, so any area is considered vulnerable to an accident. A recent study by the Department of Homeland Security (2004) estimated that a worst-case chlorine tank explosion at an industrial site in a m ajor population center could result in thousands of dea ths, severe injuries and hospitalizations, as well as the evacuation of thousands of downwind workers and residents. As discussed above, Oklahoma is at s ome risk from accidental re leases of h azardous materials involving transportation incidences because it is literally the cr ossroads of America. The state has 111,000 miles of highways, 926 miles of which are interstate highways, including Interstates 35, 40 , and 44. There are also app roxima tely 4,000 mile s of railway, thousands of miles of pipeline, and over 150 navigable river miles linking barge traffic to the Mississippi River.

City of Claremore 140 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan Trucks and/or railroads will transport future disposals of the nations high -level nuclear waste at the Yucca Mountain disposa l site if all legislation is appr oved. I nterstates 35 and 40 are among the routes proposed as well as rail lines in northeast Oklahoma. Nuclear facilities near Oklahoma where shipm ents will originate include A rkansa s Nuclear One in Arkansas and Comanche Peak in Texas. The Department of Energy estimates 3,472 shipments of toxic, high-level, nuclea r waste will travel through O klahoma if trucks are used as the main transports. If trains are used as the main transpor t, an es timated 478 shipments will travel through Oklahoma en route to Yucca Moun tain.

Rogers County reported __ earthquake events between 1995 and 2004

Hazardous materials sites for Claremore are shown on the map in Figure 3–7. Claremore Tier II hazardous materials sites are listed in Table 3–31. A detailed list of the hazardous materials found on these sites, along with first response information, can be found in Appendix C. Not all Tier II sites that might impact Claremore are located within its city limits. Torrential rain in southeastern Kansas in June 2007 caused massive flooding on the Verdigris River, inundating much of Coffeyville, including an oil refinery. A burst pipeline at the plant spilled diesel and crude into the river, threatening Oologah Lake, 25 miles downstream, which is the a primary source for Claremore’s water supply. Fortunately, quick action by the plant and DEQ removed the bulk of the oil before it reached the lake, and no harm was For a time it was feared that this oil spill in the rain-swollen Verdigris River would done to the City’s drinking water or facilities. threaten Claremore’s water supply

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ID Name Address 1 Centrilift Cable Facility 2210 E Anderson Blvd. 2 Burgess-Norton Mfg. Plant # 5 2400 E Anderson Blvd 3 Centrilift Pump Plant 200 W Stuart Roosa Dr. 4 Claremore Regional Airport 19502 E Rogers Post Rd 5 Claremore Water Treatment Plant 1450 E Blue Starr Dr 6 SW Bell - Claremore 313 W. Patti Page 7 Ferrellgas - Claremore 1800 S. State Hwy 66 8 Froman Oil & Propane 19502 E Rogers Post Rd 9 Gaffey, Inc. 9655 E 522 Road 10 Hydrohoist International 915 W Blue Starr Dr. 11 Valtimet, Inc. 401 E. Lowery Rd. 12 Nupar Manufacturing Company 13902 E. 530 Rd. 13 Stillwater Milling - Claremore 721 W. 6th Street 14 Pixley Lumber Co. 715 W. Will Rogers Blvd 15 Prater's Propane 17652 S. 424 Rd. 16 Pratt & Whitney - Tulsa Airfoil 2201 E. L. Anderson Blvd

3.13.4 Conclusion Varying quantities of hazardous materials are manufactured, used, or stored at an estimated 4.5 million facilities in the United States, from major industrial plants to local dry cleaning establishments or gardening supply stores. The estimated annual damage from hazardous materials events is $22.4 million. Most victims of chemical accidents are injured at home. These incidents usually result from ignorance or carelessness in using flammable or combustible materials. Based on Claremore’s hazardous materials information, including critical facilities, schools and percentage of the population in close proximity to Tier II sites, Claremore is at moderate risk from hazardous materials incidents. The number of critical facilities and schools at risk should be included in mitigation plans.

3.13.5 Sources Booth, Richard (City of Tulsa, Planning and Research Division). Telephone interview by Michael Flanagan, March 26, 2002. Brasfield, Randy (Hazardous Materials Chief, Tulsa Fire Department). Telephone interview by Michael Flanagan, April 16, 2002. FEMA Backgrounder: Hazardous Materials, at Web address: http://www.fema.gov/library/hazmat.htm. Federal Emergency Management Agency, Virtual Library & Electronic Reading Room, 1998. Guy, Bill (Editor, Haskell News). Telephone interview by Michael Flanagan, March 20, 2002.

City of Claremore 143 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan McElhenney, John (Engineer, INCOG, Tulsa, OK). Telephone interview by Michael Flanagan, March 26, 2002. Multi -Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment, p. 274, 277, 280. Federal Emergency Management Agency, 1997. Okla homa Strategic All-Hazards Mitigation Plan, “Hazard Identification and Vuln erability Assessment,” p 6. Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management, September 2001. The H askell News, March 27 and 29, 1997. The T ulsa World, p. A-1, February 10, 1997. The T ulsa World, p. A-1, July 13, 2002. U.S. Department of Transportation, Nuclear Waste Transportation Risks What is the Toxics Rel ease Inventory Program, at Web address: http:/ /www.epa.gov/tri/whatis.htm. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 2002.

City of Claremore 144 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan 3.14 Dam Failures

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) defines a dam as “a barrier constructed across a watercourse for the purpose of storage, control, or diversion of water.” Dams typically are constructed of earth, rock, concrete, or mine tailings. A dam failure is the collapse, breach, or other failure resulting in downstream flooding. The amount of water impounded in the reservoir behind a dam is measured in acre-feet. An acre-foot is the volume of water that covers an acre of land to a depth of one foot, or approximately 325,000 gallons. As a function of upstream topography, even a very small dam may impound or detain many acre-feet or millions of gallons of water.

3.14.1 Hazard Profile The National Inventory of Dams (NID) listed about 77,000 dams in the United States in their 1997-1998 update. More than 3,300 high and significant hazard dams are located within one mile of a downstream population center, and more than 2,400 are located within two miles. The overtopping or forced release of a dam due to heavy rain or Dam failures are primarily abnormal river flows is a threat to downstream properties caused by hydrologic or structural deficiencies. A hydrologic deficiency is inadequate spillway capacity, caused by excessive runoff from heavy precipitation. Structural deficiencies include seepage, erosion, cracking, sliding, and overturning, mainly caused by the age of a dam and lack of maintenance. The operation of a reservoir can also influence the safety of the structure. There can be varying levels of dam failure. Partial dam failures include 1) inadequate spillway capacity that causes excess flow to overtop the dam and 2) internal erosion through the dam or foundation. Complete failure occurs if internal erosion or overtopping results in a total structural breach, releasing a high-velocity wall of debris-laden water that rushes downstream, damaging or destroying everything in its path.

Effects In the event of a dam failure, the potential energy of the water stored behind even a small dam can cause great property damage and, if there are people downstream, loss of life. The following factors influence the impact of a dam failure: • Level of failure (partial or complete) • Rapidity of failure (sudden or gradual) • Amount of water released • Nature of the development and infrastructure located downstream

City of Claremore 145 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan A break in a dam produces an extremely dangerous flood situation because of the high velocities and large volumes of water. The severity of impact on areas downstream and the height to which waters will rise are largely functions of valley topography and the volume of water released. Besides dam failures, there are hazardous actions that have to be taken to prevent dam failures, such as sudden releases of water when the dam is threatened with overtopping. In this case, a dam may have failed in its purpose to protect downstream people and property, without having literally or physically failed.

Measurements Any artificial water barrier structure that has a height of 25 feet or more from the natural streambed and 50 acre feet or more of storage capacity qualifies as a dam and is under the jurisdiction of the Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB). There are 4,524 dams in Oklahoma (including private structures), with approximately half (2,300) operated by the National Resources Conversation Service (NRCS). Emergency Action Plans have been filed for 160 of the most important dams in the state. The OWRB classifies dams as high-hazard, significant-hazard, and low-hazard, depending on the amount of water stored and downstream populations. The state has 165 high-hazard dams, which must be inspected every year. There are 88 dams having significant hazard potential, which are inspected every three years. The rest are classified as low hazard, and are inspected every five years. High-hazard dams are so designated due to the presence of occupied dwellings immediately downstream. If a high-hazard dam fails, there probably will be loss of life. This determination does not mean that a dam is in need of repair—it could be in excellent condition or in poor condition. “High-hazard” simply reflects a dam’s potential for doing damage downstream if it were to fail (because of population density and property exposure). The areas impacted are delineated using dam breach analyses that consider both “sunny day” failures and failures under flood conditions.

Extent of Impact The extent of a dam failure can be influenced by several factors. The amount of water behind the dam, the height of the dam itself and way in which a dam fails. The extent of a dam failure can be measured before the event itself happens. Using a GIS environment, a water body’s volume can be measured with a high degree of accuracy. The inundation area of a dam and depth of flooding can be determined using readily available DEM or topographic maps. The extent of this inundation can be minimal to uninhabited farmland or can be catastrophic in nature in an urban environment. A failure or emergency release from Oologah Lake Dam, on the Verdigris River would impac t over 500 residents and some 250 buildings with a total value of over $24 million. Four o f the 250 structures have been classified as critical facilities. Water would cover 4% of the incorporated area of the city of Claremore, as well as 17% of the area within the fenceline. A failure of Claremore Lake Dam on Dog Creek would impact some 43 buildings up to 3.5 miles downstream (and probably beyond), including 41 residential structures, an

City of Claremore 146 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan agricultural structure, and the city’s water treatment plant. Total value of these structures and their contents is nearly $6.8 million dollars.

3.14.2 Historical Events The deadliest dam failure in United States history occurred in Johnstown, Pennsylvania in 1889, with 2,209 people killed. Between 1960 and 1997, there have been at least 23 dam failures causing one or more fatalities. Some failures also caused downstream dams to fail. There were 318 deaths as a result of these failures. On March 12, 1928, California’s St. Francis Dam broke, sending a 140-high wall of water crashing down San Francesquito Canyon towards Ventura, killing 470 people. It took the wall of water 5 1/2 hours to reach the ocean. A total of 900 buildings were destroyed. It was the second-worst disaster in California history, after the San Francisco earthquake, in terms of lives lost. In Oklahoma, there have been only three significant, documented dam failures. On October 3, 1923, heavy rain caused a dam failure at Lake Overholser, which displaced 15,000 residents. Cleveland, in Pawnee County, suffered losses in the half-million dollar range when the town was inundated by the Cleveland Dam break on September 4, 1940. Both events resulted from sudden and heavy rainfall. After 14.6 inches of rain fell in the Wewoka area on the night of April 13-14, 1945, heavy flows on Coon Creek overtopped and breached the earth-filled Wewoka Dam, sending a wall of water into Wewoka Creek. Eight people in the path of the deluge were killed and the town of Wewoka was under 4 feet of water near the train depot. Eighty people were forced from their homes. In February 1972, a privately owned tailings dam in Buffalo Creek, West Virginia failed, devastating a 16-mile valley with 6,000 inhabitants. As a result of the failure, 125 people were killed and 3,000 were left homeless. In 1976, Teton Dam in Idaho failed, causing $1 billion in property damage and leaving 11 dead. In May 1977, Laurel Run Dam in Pennsylvania failed, resulting in 43 lives lost. Six months later, Kelly Barnes Dam in Georgia failed, killing 39 people, most of them college students. In response to the Buffalo Creek disaster, Congress enacted the National Dam Inspection Act in 1972, which authorized the United States Army Corps of Engineers to inventory and inspect all non-federal dams. After the Teton Dam failure, President Carter issued a memorandum on April 23, 1977, directing a review of federal dam safety activities by an ad hoc panel of recognized experts. Dams can “fail” in ways other than being breached. Sometimes, in order to prevent overtopping and catastrophic failure, dams are forced to make emergency releases of huge amounts of water. In late September and early October, 1986, the remnants of Hurricane Paine dumped nearly 2 feet of rain northwest of Tulsa, causing the Arkansas, Caney, and Neosho Rivers to flood. To prevent the Arkansas River from overtopping Keystone Dam, the Corps of Engineers had to open the floodgates and release 300,000 cfs of water down through Sand Springs, Tulsa, Jenks and Bixby. No one knew if the World War II era sand levees would hold, and a catastrophic failure of the levee system was widely feared. In fact, the Sand Springs levee was breached, but volunteers plugged it with sandbags. On the west bank, the river swamped Garden City up to the rooftops. More than 1,800 Tulsa-area homes and businesses were invaded with water. Tulsa

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3.14.3 Vulnerable Population The number of fatalities resulting from dam failures is highly influenced by the number of people occupying the predicted dam failure floodplain and the amount of warning they are provided. Most dams in the United States are privately owned, located on private property, and not directly in the visual path of most Americans. This factor contributes to the challenge of raising the issue of dam safety in the public consciousness and getting the information on dam safety to those who need it. Two dams could have an impact on Claremore – Oologah Lake on the Verdigris River and Lake Claremore on Dog Creek. Oologah Lake Dam Location: Verdigris River 7 miles north of Claremore Source: Verdigris River Flows into: Arkansas River Owner/operator: US Army Corps of Engineers Year built: 1974 Length: 4,000 feet Height: 137 feet Construction: Rolled earth-fill Use of Dam: Flood control, water supply, and navigation Capacity: 552,210 acre feet of water Land area: 31,040 surface acres of water Flood history: None to date Results of failure: Verdigris River, western Oologah Dam portions of Claremore Fenceline, Valley Park and portions of Catoosa

Lake Claremore Dam Location: On Dog Creek 1.5 miles northeast downtown Claremore Source: Dog Creek Flows into: Verdigris River Owner/operator: City of Claremore Year built: 1930 Length: 1,350 feet Height: 42 feet Construction: Masonry and earth-fill Use of Dam: Water supply & Recreation Capacity: 7,900 acre feet of water Land area: 470 surface acres of water Claremore Lake Dam Flood history: None to date Results of failure: Inundation of east side of Claremore

City of Claremore 149 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan

3.14.4 Dam Break Scenario A scenario involving a major dam in the Claremore area would most likely involve gradual planned releases by the US ArmyCorps of Engineers from Oologah Lake and the Oologah Dam. The most catastrophic dam break scenario would send a wall of water rushing down the Verdigris River valley alluvial floodplain, destroying or damaging almost everything in its path. The average building would be flooded by an estimated 10 to 20 feet of water. An Oologah Dam break, shown in Figure 3-9, or major release would impact over 500 residents and some 250 buildings with a total value of over $24 million. Four of the 250 structures have been classified as critical facilities. Of the residents in the affected area, approximately 45 of them are over the age of 65. Water would cover 4% of the incorporated area of the city of Claremore, as well as 17% of the area within the fenceline. Table 3-32 summarizes building in the Lake Oologah dam break inundation area, and Table 3-33 lists the Critical Facilities downstream from the Lake Oologah dam.

Table 3–32: Total Buildings in the Oologah Dam Break Scenario Source: Rogers County Assessor’s Data

Type Number Building Contents Total Value

Single-Family 188 $10,184,040 $5,092,020 $15,276,060 Mobile Home 47 $583,506 $291,753 $875,259 Commercial 3 $4,019,864 $4,019,864 $8,039,728 Other 12 $0 $0 $0 Total 250 $14,787,410 $9,403,637 $24,191,047

Table 3–33: Critical Facilities in the Oologah Dam Break Scenario

ID Name Address Phone 3 Claremore Animal Control Office 1501 S. Choctaw Ave. (918) 341-1260 4 Engineering/Utility/Electrical/Water/Sewer Offices 724 W. Ramm Rd. (918) 341-2066 10 Claremore Waste Water Plant 1500 S. Choctaw Ave. (918) 341-1841 63 Claremore Street Warehouse 720 Ramm Rd. (918) 341-0133

The Lake Claremore Dam, located partially within unincorporated Rogers County, but owned by the City of Claremore, is a high hazard dam that would cause significant damage if a failure were to occur. An official dam break inundation area map is not available. For purpose s of this study, the 500-year floodplain was used to estimate the maximum extent for th e dam break inundation area, as shown in Figure 3-10. It is estimated that s ome 43 buildings 3.5 miles downstream of the dam would be affected. This includes 41 residential structures, an agricultural structure, and the city’s water treatment plant. Total value of these structures and their contents is nearly $6.8 million dollars, as shown in T a ble 3-34. Damage would likely continue downstream beyond the 3.5-mile study area, and Table 3-35 lists the Critical Facilities located downstream of the Lake Claremore dam.

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Type Number Building Contents Total Value

Single-Family 41 $4,430,734 $2,215,367 $6,646,101 Agricultural 1 $67,946 $67,946 $135,892 Other 1 $0 $0 $0 Total 43 $4,498,680 $2,283,313 $6,781,993

Table 3–35: Critical Facilities in the Lake Claremore Dam Break Scenario

ID Name Address Phone 6 Claremore Filtration/Water Treatment Plant 1450 E Blue Starr Dr. (918) 341-1331

3.14.5 Conclusion People, property, and infrastructure downstream of dams could be subject to devastating damage in the event of dam failure at either Oologah Dam or Claremore Lake Dam. The areas impacted have been delineated using dam breach analyses that consider both “sunny day” failures and failures under flood conditions. The downstream extent of impact areas and the height to which waters will rise are largely functions of valley topography and the volume of water released during failure. If a dam is classified as high hazard, then the failure of that dam would most likely result in loss of life. This classification does not mean the dam is necessarily at risk of failing. The most important factor for public safety is the timeliness and effectiveness of warning given to vulnerable downstream populations. Dams are often not visible from the neighborhoods of most Americans and therefore dam safety is not in the public consciousness. Claremore is at medium risk of a dam failure, particularly its future development areas west of the city in the Verdigris River drainage basin, and south along Dog and Cat Creeks. Future growth must consider this vulnerability.

3.14.6 Sources Kuhnert, Nathan (Hydrologist Oklahoma Water Resources Board). Telephone interview by Michael Flanagan, January 10, 22, 2002, March 18, 19, 2002. Multi-Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment, p. 254–261. Federal Emergency Management Agency, 1997. Oklahoma Strategic All-Hazards Mitigation Plan, “Hazard Identification and Vulnerability Assessment,” p 4. Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management, September 2001. Partners in Dam Safety, at Web address: http://www.fema.gov/fima/damsafe/. FEMA, National Dam Safety Program, Dam Safety Progress Through Partnerships.

City of Claremore 153 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan Rooftop of River: Tulsa’s Approach to Floodplain and Stormwater Management, “Setting and History: Learning the Hard Way,” p. 1–7 and at Web address: http://www.sustainable.doe.gov/articles/roofto p/index.shtml. City of Tulsa, 1994. National Inventory of Dams, at Web address: http://crunch.te c.army.mil/nid/webpages/nid. cfm. Oologah Lake, Oklahoma, Watershed Study, at Web address: http://www.swt- wc.usace.army.mil/waterqual ity/Oologah%20Lake%20Interim %20Report%202000.pdf . Oologah Lake, at Web address: http://www.owrb.state.ok.us/news/publications/wa/oologah.pdf. Claremore Lake, at Web address: http://www.owrb.state.ok.us/news/publications/wa/claremor e.pdf.

City of Claremore 154 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan 3.15 Transportation Hazards

Transportation is defined as the physical movement of an object through components of a system and its subsystems. Transportation includes the use of aviation, highway, railroad, pipeline, and marine systems to convey movement of objects and people. In 1967, the Department of Transportation (DOT) was created in order to administer and protect the nation’s transportation systems. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) was established within the DOT as an independent agency responsible for investigating transportation incidents and promoting transportation safety.

3.15.1 Hazard Profile Oklahoma alone consists of over 111,000 miles of highways including Interstates 35, 40 and 44, over 180 navigable river miles allowing barge traffic to navigate from the Mississippi River up the Arkansas and Verdigris Rivers, approximately 6,000 miles of rail track and an un-disclaimed quantity of pipelines. Each mode of transportation is used in the transport of hazardous materials. When in transport, hazardous materials are characterized by nine separate classes of hazards. They are as follows: 1) explosives, 2) gases, 3) flammable liquids, 4) flammable solids, 5) oxidizers and organic peroxides, 6) toxics, 7) radioactive materials, 8) corrosive materials, and 9) miscellaneous dangerous goods. By far the greatest percentage of any hazard shipment (72%) falls under the flammable liquids category. Gases and corrosive materials are next with 8.8% and 8.7% respectively. Radioactive materials are shipped the least and account for only 0.6% of all hazardous material shipments. More specifically, 40.9% of hazardous material shipments are comprised of gasoline (UN# 1203). In 1997, a joint commodity flow survey was undertaken with collective participation from the Bureau of the Census, U.S. Department of Commerce, the Bureau of Transportation Statistics and the U.S. Department of Transportation. In the results of the five major modes of hazardous material transport, truck carriers represented 63.9% of all hazardous material transports, pipelines accounted for 18.4%, rails accounted for 7.1%, water accounted for 5.8%, and air accounted for 1.8%. Roads: The national highway system is made up of 46,677 miles of Interstate Highways, 114,511 miles of other National Highways and is used by 505,900 active interstate motor carriers. There were over 3.95 million miles of public roads in the United States in 2000, of which 3.09 million miles were in rural communities (rural communities are defined as those places with fewer than 5,000 residents, and urban communities are defined as those areas with 5,000 or more people). Local governments controlled over 77 percent of total highway miles in 2000; States controlled about 20 percent; and the Federal Government owned about 3 percent. Hence, the Nation’s highway system is overwhelmingly rural and local. Truck shipments represent the greatest mode of transport for hazardous materials

City of Claremore 155 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan accounting for 63.9% of all shipments and totaling nearly 870,000 tons of hazardous materials in 1997. Oklahoma has 930 miles of interstate highways, or 2% of the nations total interstates. The state also contains 22,708 bridges as of August of 2001. Air: There are 8,228 certified air carrier aircrafts in the United States operated by 75 carriers of international, national and regional level. Airports are defined into hub classes based on the number of enplaned passengers using airline services. Hubs are classified by large, medium, small, and non-hub where large hubs see over 6.3 million passengers and non-hubs receive less than 319,451 passengers over a 12-month period. There are 72 airports in the nation considered as large hubs. These 72 airports see almost 75% of all the airline passenger traffic in the nation. Oklahoma airports, in the year 2000, performed 61,512 departures enplaning over 3.4 million passengers. The two largest airports, Will Rogers World Airport in Oklahoma City and Tulsa International saw 1.73 and 1.66 million passengers respectively classifying them both as Medium Air Traffic Hubs for the year 2000. Oklahoma also has several Air Force bases including Tinker AFB in Oklahoma City, Altus AFB in Altus, and Vance AFB in Enid. Rail: North American railroads operate over 173,000 miles of track, and earn $42 billion in annual revenues. U.S. freight railroads alone are the world’s busiest, moving 70% of all automobiles produced in the U.S. by train, 30% of the nation’s grain harvest, 65% of the nations coal and operating on over 143,000 miles of track. In the U.S., railroads account for more than 40% of all freight transportation. Railroad companies are categorized into four classes. Class I railroads are the U.S. line haul freight railroads with operating revenues in excess of $266.7 million. The seven Class I railroads in 2002 are as follows: The Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Railway, CSX Transportation, Grand Trunk Corporation, Kansas City Southern Railway, Norfolk Southern Combined Railroad Subsidiaries, Soo Line Railroad, and Union Pacific Railroad. Combined, these companies have 477,751 freight cars in service and operate on 123,070 miles of tracks when trackage rights are included. Non-Class I railroads include the three sub-classes: Regional, Local Linehaul and Switching & Terminal. In 2001, there were 563 Non-Class I railroad companies operating on 45,000 miles of track. In Oklahoma, Class I rail carriers include Burlington Northern Santa Fe, Union Pacific, and Kansas City Southern for freight. Amtrak connects Oklahoma City to an Amtrak hub in Fort Worth, Texas for passenger travel. Regional rails include the South Kansas & Oklahoma Railroad. Local rails include the Arkansas & Oklahoma Railroad, Inc., AT&L Railroad, De Queen & Eastern Railroad, Grainbelt Corp., Hollis & Eastern Railroad, Kiamichi Railroad Co., Sand Springs Railway Company, Stillwater Central Railroad, Inc., and Tulsa-Sapulpa Union Railway Co.

City of Claremore 156 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan Water: Inland waterways carry an estimated 15% of the nations bulk freight by volume. A fully loaded barge with 1,500 tons is the equivalent to the load of 58 trucks on the highway. Of the bulk freight, 59.1% of bulk weight waterborne transports are comprised of crude petroleum followed by an 11.6% bulk weight of food and farm products. Of the 50 states, Oklahoma is ranked 39th according to total tons of domestic and foreign loads of waterborne traffic. Louisiana, Texas and California respectively were the top three states for domestic and foreign shipments in U.S. waterborne traffic for the year 2001. Oklahoma waterborne commerce in 2001 was responsible for 4.1 tons of domestic products and received no measurable amount of foreign products. The navigation channel along the Arkansas River known as the McClellan-Kerr Navigation System is made up of 15 lock chambers between the Mississippi River to the final lock at Webbers Falls, Oklahoma. The Oklahoma portion channel spans 173 miles and terminates at the Port of Catoosa east of Tulsa, Oklahoma. Pipelines: The pipeline network supporting energy transportation in the United States includes approximately 1.9 million miles of natural gas and hazardous liquid pipelines and has more than 3,000 companies operating in all 50 states. Pipelines represent 18.4% of all hazardous material transportation in the U.S. Natural gas distribution, with over 1.8 million miles of pipelines, represents the greatest commodity transported through pipelines. Over 305,000 miles of pipelines are used in the transport of natural gas transmission and almost 160,000 miles of pipelines are used in the transport of hazardous liquids including petroleum products. Most pipelines are installed in underground right- of-ways (ROW), which are maintained for access and marked with above ground markers and warning signs. Rogers County has eight pipeline operators within the county jurisdiction. They include Conoco Inc. Pipeline, Enogex Inc., Enterprise Products Operating LP, Equilon Pipeline Company, Explorer Pipeline Co, Oklahoma Natural Gas, Oneok Gas Transportation, and Williams Pipeline Company. Specific routes of pipelines and their operators within Rogers County municipalities are not identified.

Effects Human casualties and releases of hazardous materials are the typical results from a transportation incident. Because of the difficulties that hazardous chemicals and their

City of Claremore 157 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan reactions present, responses to accidents of this nature become very sensitive. Additionally, mass casualty incidents are often too large in scale for emergency responders and supporting organizations such as local blood banks and hospitals to handle. In general, mutual aid agreements, like those used by local fire departments, can compensate for the over extended response capabilities in events such as this. Transportation accidents also tend to interact with other forms of transportation. Often railroad bridges and highway overpasses are near each other, if not structurally connected, and navigable rivers often meander under the two. Municipal airports’ flight paths can overlap due to the direction of associated runways if they are not planned accordingly. The interaction of transportation hazards does not end there. Natural disasters, particularly earthquakes, can cause hazardous material releases at fixed sites and complicate spill response activities. Tornadoes, floods, and winter storms have also been known to damage intact transportation systems, whether they are pipelines, railroads, water, airlines or highways. Meteorological impacts compromising vehicle safety on roads include slick bridges and overpasses from ice and rains and heavy fog cover affecting visibility. Earthquakes, floods, severe thunderstorms, expansive soils, wild fires, and hazardous material incidents can also impact the integrity of the highway system. Factors listed, combined with heavy traffic and Wreckage of Flight 1016 over North Carolina high speeds facilitate accidents and even multi- vehicle pileups that result in injuries and fatalities. Roads: The principal north-south arterials traveled in Oklahoma are Interstate 35 crossing the middle of the state from border to border connecting Oklahoma City to major thoroughfares in Kansas and Texas and Interstate 75 crossing the eastern third of the state through Tulsa. Interstate 44 crosses the state from the southwest to the northeast and connects the two main metropolitan areas of Tulsa and Oklahoma City to locations in Missouri and Texas. Interstate 40, running east and west, is the modern day thoroughfare replacing the nation’s first trans-continental highway, Route 66. It crosses through Oklahoma City and is a major national transportation route of interstate travel. Air: Accidents involving aircraft can range from human error to meteorological explanations. Fog, ice, thunderstorms and windshear are conditions that can lead to difficulties in properly controlling aircraft. Weather delays are common in air transportation and are respected to help prevent accidents. Airport runway pavement is also a concern. When deteriorated, runway pavement can cause damage to aircraft turbines, propellers, landing gear and may result in runway closure.

City of Claremore 158 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan Rail: Millions of passengers are transported annually on the nations heavy and light rail public systems and over 1.52 million carloads of hazardous material move by rail each year. Collisions and derailments are the most common accidents for rail travel. Water: In order for ports to function effectively, intermodal rail and truck services must be available. Inadequate control of truck traffic into and out of port terminals combined with the lack of adequate on-dock or near-dock rail access, affects the productivity of ports and waterborne trade. Pipeline: Incidents that involve a loss of product during pipeline transmission have been correlated through several studies with the age of the affected pipeline. Besides corrosion, failures are caused by external impacts, structural failures, mechanical defects, and natural hazards including earthquakes, land subsidence, avalanches, floods, lightning, fires and severe winter storms.

Measurements The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigates significant accidents in all forms of transportation including all civil aviation accidents, selected highway accidents, railroad accidents, major marine accidents, pipeline accidents, hazardous material releases from any form of transportation, and other transportation problems that have a recurring nature. Accident reports, safety studies, numerous databases, and historical archives are all available at the NTSB through the Freedom of Information Act. Miscellaneous dangerous goods, a hazardous materials shipment hazard class has the highest accident and incident rate of all shipments. The gases class, more specifically, the non-flammable gases sub-class, has the lowest accident and incident rates during shipment. The largest possible economic impact associated with hazardous material transport incidents comes from flammable and combustible liquids. In terms of incident cost, release-causing enroute accidents have the highest average cost, followed by enroute accidents in which a release does not occur. Of those enroute accidents resulting in a release, explosions have the highest per incident cost, followed by fires and then releases where neither a fire or explosion ensue. Explosions result in an average cost of over $2.1 million per accident, followed by $1.2 million per accident involving fire, and accidents involving releases with no fire or explosions average slightly over $400,000. The greatest economic impact though, is associated with accidents enroute where a release does not occur, due to the higher frequency of these events. Roads: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration conducted a sample survey of 62% of the nations active interstate motor carriers. Of the total active interstate motor carriers, 62% received a “satisfactory” safety score while 8% received an unsatisfactory score. The same survey was conducted using 55% of all the hazardous materials carriers. Of those carriers surveyed, 78% received a “satisfactory” score for safety and only 2% received an “unsatisfactory” safety score. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, 440,000 large trucks were involved in accidents in 1997. This translates into 232 crashes per every 100,000,000 miles driven by trucks. Of the estimated crashes per 100 million miles, 2.6 of those will involve a fatality. In 1998, the nation’s truck carriers were involved in 4,582 federal compliance reviews, of which 2,539 resulted in enforcement and amounted to $7,055,080

City of Claremore 159 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan in settled claims and penalties. Hazardous materials make up between four and eight percent of all truck shipments. Trucks carrying hazardous materials have an accident rate of 0.32 per million vehicle miles as compared to 0.73 accidents per million vehicle miles of non-hazardous material shipments. Due primarily to the volume of transport activity, non-hazardous material truck accidents rates are more than twice the hazardous material truck accident rates. Hazardous materials placards are required when shipping hazardous materials on United States, Canada and Mexico highways. The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) regulates transportation of materials classified as hazardous, with regulations covering packaging, labeling marking and descriptions on shipping papers. Hazardous materials are classified into the nine numbering system classes in the following table. Table 3–36: Hazardous Material Transport Placards

Class Name Description Symbol

Materials that explode or detonate such as dynamite and 1 Explosives military rockets; burn rapidly and give off sparks, such as Orange gunpowder; and pop, such as blasting caps and fireworks.

2 Compressed Pressurized gas ignitable when exposed to air. Red Gasses

Includes compressed gas, liquefied gas, pressurized 2 cryogenic gas, compressed gas in solution, asphyxiat gas Green and oxidizing gas.

Oxygen is considered non-flammable because it in and of 2 itself does not burn. It is, however, required for combustion

Yellow to take place. High concentrations of oxygen greatly increases the rate and intensity of combustion.

Gas poisonous by inhalation is known or presumed to be 2 so toxic to humans as to pose a hazard to health. White

3 Flammable Cargo is easily ignitable. Explosion is possible and vapors Red Liquids may cause dizziness or suffocation. Vapors could ignite.

4 Materials that may cause a fire through friction, metal Red & Flammable powders that can ignite or thermally unstable materials. White Solids Stripes

4 A liquid or solid material that, even without an external Red & ignition source, can ignite or self-heat after coming in White contact with air.

City of Claremore 160 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan Material when contacted with water is liable to become 4 spontaneously flammable or to give off flammable or toxic Blue gas

Oxidizer means a material that may, generally by yielding 5 Oxidizers oxygen, cause or enhance the combustion of other Yellow materials.

Indicates a severe, or presumed severe health hazard. The 6 substance may be poison gas, insecticide, fungicide, Poisons White hydrochloric acid, chlorine, hydrogen cyanide or other injurious substance.

7 Radioactive Any material or combination of materials which Yellow & Materials spontaneously emits ionizing radiation. White

8 A liquid or solid that causes full thickness destruction of Corrosive Black & human skin at the site of contact or a liquid that has a Liquids White severe corrosion rate on steel or aluminum.

A material which presents a hazard during transportation 9 Miscellaneous but which does not meet the definition of any other hazard class.

Air: According to a 1997 commodity flow study of hazardous materials; airlines represent 1.8% of hazardous material shipments in the United States. Rail: Coal was the dominant freight carried by rail and comprises 43% of all commodity types. N onmetallic minerals, farm products and chemicals round out the top four 2001 commodities shipped by rail. Chemicals and allied products total approximately 7.9% of all freights while petroleum and coke only account for 2.7%. Water: In December of 1999, Webbers Falls lock chamber, located on river mile 366, shipped throu gh 1,113 vessels carrying 4,007 kilotons of cargo for the month. The main commodity originating in Oklahoma and shipped out through water transports are petroleum products. In 2000, a total of 98,797 tons of petroleum products were delivered to other states th rough waterborne commerce. In 2001, the total petroleum waterborne commerce origi nating in Oklahoma and delivered to other states increased to 132,843 tons. Pipeline: In 2002, pipelines carrying hazardous liquids experienced 140 accidents resulting in over $31 million in property damage. This is less than the 17-year annual average of $47.7 million occurring between 1986-2002 on hazardous material accidents involving pipelines.

City of Claremore 161 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan Crude and petroleum products represent over 40% of all hazardous material transports. Pipelines represent the greatest transportation system for petroleum and petroleum by- produc ts. In 2001, pipelines accounted for 66.24% of all U.S. domestic petroleum products transportation. Water carriers accounted for 28.05%, followed by 3.54% by motor carriers and 2.17% by railroads.

Extent of I mpact Claremore is located on the old US Hwy 66 (now OK Hwy 66), OK Hwy 88, OK Hwy 20, Interstate 44 (Will Rogers Turnpike), and primary Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) and Union Pacific rail lines. All except I-44 carry volatile and toxic chemical products throug h the center of the city. Claremore also operates Claremore Regional Airport about 6 miles east of the city. Claremore has 47 critical facilities and 9 Tier II sites within the ¼-mile buffer on each side of these major transportation routes. Of Claremore’s total land area within its city limits, 40% lies within one of its transportation corridors, including 43% of the community’s residential properties. Between 1991 and 1997, Claremore had 6 railroad related toxic materials incidents. In light of this history and the comm unity’s exposure, Claremore can expect a low-impact toxic materials transportation event every year. However, a worst-case truck or railcar chlorine tank explosion could result in hundreds of deaths, severe injuries, and hospitalizations. The extent of a transportation event can be lessened by, among other measures, well-trained and equipped Hazmat Teams, Reverse 9-1-1 notifications of people in the impact area, planned and practiced notification and evacuation procedures, and by relocating hazardous materi al transportation routes away from populated areas and critical facilities.

3.15.2 Historical Events

Neyshabur, Iran / Train Derailment On February 17, 2004, runaway train cars carrying sulfur, fuel oil, industrial chemicals, and cotton blew up outside the city of Neyshabur. Fifty-one freight cars began rolling without an engine, picked up speed, derailed, overturned, and caught fire. Firefighters had extinguished 90% of the fire when the cars exploded. The explosion killed over 300 people and injured more than 450. The explosion leveled homes and shattered windows six miles away. The clay-home village of Dehnow, which was closest to the blast at about 500 yards away, was flattened.

Webbers Falls / I-40 Bridge Collapse On May 27, 2002, three piers connected to an Interstate 40 bridge crossing the Arkansas River near Webbers Falls Oklahoma were struck by a tugboat at 7:43 a.m. collapsing sections of the bridge and killing 14 motorists. The navigation channel and the highway were both subsequently I-40 Bridge collapse at Webbers Falls on the McClellan-Kerr Navigation System of the closed for 35 days. Detours were up to 60 Arkansas River miles long for eastbound traffic. Approximately 20,000 vehicles per day use that portion of I-40, and barges on the

City of Claremore 162 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan navigation system can carry the equivalent load of 15 railcars or 80 semis. On June 4, 2002, the Federal Highway Administration committed an initial $3 million in emergency relief funds to aid in reconstruction. The accident was caused when the barge drifted outside the navigation channel and hit the bridge after the captain blacked out due to an apparent lack of sleep.

Minneapolis-St. Paul I-35W Bridge Collapse On August 1, 2007, during evening rush hour traffic, the I-35W bridge over the Mississippi River between Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota, buckled and collapsed, injuring over 60 people and killing as many as 30. The 2,000-ft. span, which carries up to 140,000 cars a day plunged 65 feet into the river. At least 50 cars were on the bridge when it collapsed. Four lanes of the 8-lane Interstate bridge were closed for road surface repair when the span collapsed. I-35Wbridge collapse in Minneapolis-St. Paul ConocoPhillips Tank Fire, Glenpool, Oklahoma On the evening of April 8, 2003, around 9:00 P.M., a ConocoPhillips holding tank exploded at a tank farm located east of Interstate 75 near 131st Street and Elwood Avenue north of downtown Glenpool. The tank, which contained diesel fuel, ignited after receiving a delivery of 8,400 barrels of diesel from a pipeline branched off Explorer Pipeline Company’s 1,400-mile main pipeline connecting the Gulf Coast to the upper Midwest. The explosion was reportedly felt over 1½-miles away. Responders were concerned with the possibility of the fire spreading to adjacent tanks that contained highly volatile unleaded fuel. Work to contain the fire was effective, and appeared under control overnight Monday. Tuesday morning around 5:30 A.M., live power lines melted by the flames fell onto spilled fuel in the containment basin re- igniting the blaze. Strong northerly winds helped destabilize and advance the blaze into contact with a second tank containing a petroleum product called naphtha, which The ConocoPhillips tank fire caused the subsequently did not explode. Environmental evacuation of over 400 people in the 1.5 contamination of Coal Creek, which drains square miles directly south and east of directly through the tank farm, was minimal the tank farm. due to a pre-existing containment levee around the tank involved. Had the levee been compromised, areas along Polecat Creek and the Arkansas River could have been adversely impacted. The fire forced the evacuation of homes and businesses within a 1½-mile radius of the tank farm and closed down U.S. 75 in both directions early Tuesday as a strong north wind stretched a thick black plume of

City of Claremore 163 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan smoke across the City of Glenpool and into parts of Okmulgee County. Glenpool Schools were also closed Tuesday as a precautionary measure. Local non-profit organizations assisted by setting up shelters for evacuated people at the First Baptist Church in Glenpool and the Faith Freewill Baptist Church. Firefighters from Glenpool, Jenks and Tulsa responded to the event and were supplied with a foam truck from Sun Refinery. Equipment from ConocoPhillips headquarters in Houston, Texas was also shipped to the scene. The National Transportation Safety Board will ultimately conclude what caused the ignition of the fire that burned for 25 hours. Initial reports have mentioned static electricity as a possible trigger.

September 11, 2001 Terrorist Attacks on New York City and Washington D.C. On September 11, 2001 four separate airline flights were taken control of by terrorist groups and re-routed as weapons against specific targets in New York City and Washington D.C. The transportation industry, specifically the aviation category, but not excluding all other means of travel, were permanently changed because of this single event. The nation is now currently alerted to the capacity transportation hazards can generate. The ability of transportation resources to produce such catastrophic hazards under terrorist operation has instituted massive changes in the Nation’s policies regarding all categories of transportation safety. In some cases, security has become more significant than safety. Under terrorist operation, many forms of transportation are now seen with new and distinctive hazard characteristics and are under the scrutiny of security branches and planning organizations from the national to the local level.

Rogers County transportation incidents between 1995 and 2004

City of Claremore 164 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan U.S. 75 Hazmat Spill near Ramona – May 2001 A tanker truck carrying 10 cylinders of hydrogen gas was pushed off the road when a vehicle traveling along side lost control and forced both vehicles into a roadside ditch. The collision broke a seal on one of the cylinders causing an initial explosion and a subsequent fire. The tanker ended upside down in the ditch and the accident claimed the life of the tanker driver. In response to the accident, several area fire departments assisted with the fire, which due to high winds cascaded to a grass fire. Emergency management remained on the scene until all of the ten leaking cylinders were emptied with the necessary precautions taken to keep those leaks from exploding. As a result of the crews continuously extinguishing the hydrogen leaks and grass fires, residents were kept to a limited supply of water for the duration of the response and rural water districts in the area were contacted to help to maintain a consistent and necessary supply of water for the fire fighters.

Claremore Transportation Network Highways. The major highways that run through Claremore are OK Hwy 66, OK Hwy 20 and OK Hwy 88. OK Hwy 66 (Lynn Riggs Boulevard) runs north/south at a diagonal through the center of the city. OK Hwy 88 enters Claremore on the northwest side of town and jogs through the central business district and exits to the southeast, where it parallels the Union Pacific railroad. OK Hwy 20 enters town on the west at the extension of Archer Dr. and jogs through the central business district to the east, where it interchanges with I-44. The majority of north/south traffic in Claremore travels on Lynn Riggs Blvd. (OK Hwy 66). Major east/west movements travel on Patti Page Blvd or Will Rogers Blvd., which are designated as OK Hwy 20 through the center of the city. Daily traffic counts on these highways within Claremore in July 2006 were: Lynn Riggs 22,000; Will Rogers 20,000; Patti Page 14,900; Blue Starr Rd. 14,000; Blue Starr Rd. 13,500. Railroads. Claremore sits at the crossroads of two Class I railroads. The city is located at the intersection of the Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR) and the Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF). The UPRR extends from Wagoner, Oklahoma to Kansas City, Missouri. The BNSF line extends from Tulsa to Springfield, Missouri. Both rail lines provide connection to the nationwide rail network for these Class I railroads. The UPRR is a single track line that run from the southeast to the northwest in Claremore, dividing the city’s east and west sides. Approximately 15-18 trains fun on this line each day with maximum track speeds of 40 mph. The BNSF is a single track line that runs parallel to OK Hwy 66/Lynn Riggs Blvd. in a southwest to northeast direction through the city. Approximately 35 trains run on this line each day with a maximum track speed of 60 mph. An industry track west of the BNSF main line serves Pixley Lumber and Stillwater Milling. Airports. The City of Claremore is served by Claremore Regional Airport. The airport code is GCM. The facility is owned and operated by the City of Claremore. The airport is an uncontrolled field with two runways (17 and 35) and open to the public. The ground elevation for runway 17 is 697 ft., and for runway 35 is 733.2 ft. The asphalt runway is 5,200 x 75 ft. (1585 x 23 m), with a weight bearing capacity of 44,000 lbs for single wheel, 56,000 lbs for double wheel, and 101,000 lbs for dual double wheel aircraft. The runway is in good condition, with medium intensity edge lights. The airport is open and staffed 7days a week from 0800 to 1700 hrs., with 24-hour security patrol. Jetfuel and

City of Claremore 165 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan Avfuel are available, as are hangers and tiedowns, major airframe and powerplant services. Aircraft located at the field are 55 general aviation singles, 5 general aviation multi, and 5 general aviation helicopters. Aircraft operations average 70 per day, 59% of which is local general aviation, 39 percent transient general aviation, and 2 percent military. The nearest large commercial airport is Tulsa International Airport, 17 miles to the southeast, which is served by multiple regional and national airlines and airfreight companies.

Claremore Transportation Incidents Highway Incidents. No data is available from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration at local levels for highway accidents involving large trucks, but statewide, in 2001 they reported 93 fatalities in crashes involving large trucks. This accounted for 13.8% of all highway fatalities involving large trucks for 2001 in the United States. Airport Incidents. On February 22, 2004, at 1600 central standard time, a Cessna 182A single-engine airplane operated by Sky Dive Tulsa of Claremore was substantially damaged when it impacted terrain following a partial loss of engine power during the takeoff initial climb from the Sam Riggs Airpark near Claremore, Oklahoma. The airplane lost most of its power output approximately 500 feet after liftoff and had to make an emergency landing in an open grass field. Examination of the airplane’s fuel system revealed water in the carburetor bowl and both wing fuel tanks. There were no injuries from the accident. Railroad Incidents. Claremore had several railroad incidents in the 1990s. An incident involving a Union Pacific Railroad car near Van Buren Subdivision occurred on January 12, 1991. Methyl Bromide was released at the accident. Other incidents involving trains and hazardous material incidents occurred on May 19, 1991; February 13, 1992; March 2, 1993; September 27, 1994; December 1, 1997; and October 10, 2000 as reported by the National Response Center.

3.15.3 Vulnerable Population Communities close to highway, railroad, pipeline, air and water transportation systems are at risk from transportation accidents and possible subsequent hazardous material events. Trucks and railcars carrying toxic and flammable materials pass through almost every major U.S. town and city, including Claremore, which is crossed by Interstate 44 (Will Rogers Turnpike), OK Hwy 66 (Historical US Hwy 66), OK Hwy 20, OK Hwy 88 and 23 miles of Class I BNSF and UP railroad lines. An accident involving a tanker truck or rail car carrying chlorine liquid gas, for example, could cause hundreds of deaths, injuries and hospitalizations and force the evacuation of populations within one-quarter mile of the incident. Approximately 38% of Claremore’s population, and 40% of its city limits is within one of its many transportation buffer zones. This vulnerability includes future development areas west of town along Country Club, Holly and Blue Starr Roads, and south of the city along I-44, OK Hwy 66, and the BNSF and UP railway lines.

City of Claremore 166 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan Table 3-37 provides a list of Claremore critical facilities that lie within the ¼-mile buffer on each side of these major transportation routes or facilities. Table 3-38 lists the Tier II sites that are within the transportation buffer.

Table 3–37: Claremore Critical Facilities in Transportation Corridor

ID Name Address Phone 1 Claremore City Hall 104 S. Muskogee Ave. (918) 341-2365 2 Claremore Planning Commission 219 S. Missouri Ave. #1-102 (918) 341-0486 3 Claremore Animal Control Office 1501 S. Choctaw Ave. (918) 341-1260 Engineering/Utility/Electrical/Water/Sewer (918) 341-2066 4 Offices 724 W. Ramm Rd. 7 Claremore Park Maintenance 512 N. Owalla Ave. (918) 342-2522 8 Claremore Personnel Director 121 N. Weenonah (918) 341-7527 9 Claremore Sanitation 512 1/2 N. Oseuma Ave. (918) 341-7408 10 Claremore Waste Water Plant 1500 S. Choctaw Ave. (918) 341-1841 11 Claremore Human Resources Dept. 320 S. Missouri Ave. (918) 342-0234 13 Rogers County Clerk 219 S. Missouri Ave. #104 (918) 341-2518 15 Rogers County Conservation 120 S. Missouri Ave. #120 (918) 341-4147 17 Rogers County Environmental 2664 N. Highway 88 (918) 341-3166 18 Rogers County Human Services 2120 Holly Rd. (918) 283-8300 21 Water Tower 22 Fire Station #1 219 W. Will Rogers Blvd. (918) 341-0200 23 Claremore Fire Dept. Administration 121 N. Weenonah Ave. (918) 341-1477 24 Fire Station #2 1001 W. Will Rogers Blvd. (918) 341-0200 27 Claremore Police Dept. 200 W. 1st St. (918) 341-1212 30 Urgent Care of Green Country 985 W. Will Rogers Blvd. (918) 343-6000 31 Claremore Indian Hospital 101 S. Moore Blvd. (918) 342-6200 39 Grand Lake Mental Health Center 2000 W. Blue Star Dr. (918) 342-5437 40 Rehabilitation Service 1701 W. Will Rogers Blvd (918) 341-8122 41 Rogers County Child Guidance 2664 N. Highway 88 (918) 341-8122 43 Rogers County Elder Care 2664 N. Highway 88 (918) 341-3466 44 Rogers County Juvenile Services 2120 Holly Rd. (918) 341-6776 48 First Baptist Christian School 107 E. Will Rogers Blvd. (918) 342-1450 49 Justus Tiwah 14902 E. School Rd. (918) 341-3626 52 Seventh Day Adventist School 20555 S. 4170 Rd. #B (918) 341-9520 53 Westside Elementary School 2600 Holly Rd. (918) 341-3511 54 Sequoyah School 16441 S. 4180 Rd. (918) 341-5472 56 Claremore Alternative Learning 200 N. Davis Ave. (918) 341-8292 58 Rogers State University 1701 W. Will Rogers Blvd. (918) 343-7777 59 Claremore Senior Citizens Center 116 N. Missouri Ave. (918) 341-4734 65 Claremore Shop 801 Ramm Rd. (918) 341-7550 66 Rogers County Warehouse 2504 S. Highway 66 (918) 341-2380 67 1st Bank of Oklahoma 1698 S. Lynn Riggs. Blvd (918) 341-7100 68 First Bank of Oklahoma 1025 W. Will Rogers Blvd. (918) 341-7100 70 First Bank of Oklahoma 26205 S. Highway 66 (918) 266-7500 71 Grand Lake Bank 1700 S. Lynn Riggs Blvd. (918) 342-1000 72 Local Oklahoma Bank 1050 N. Lynn Riggs Blvd. (918) 341-2862 73 RCB Bank 300 W. Patti Page Blvd. (918) 341-6150 79 Card Head Start 1701 N. Lynn Riggs (918) 343-2960 80 Future Leaders Child Development 1220 S. Reavis Rd. (918) 283-2233 81 Homespun Day Care 305 S. Chickasaw Ave. (918) 341-5689 86 Rogers County Adult Day Care 2680 N. Highway 88 (918) 341-7588 87 Sequoyah Kiddie Korner 16530 S. 4180 Rd. (918) 342-0090 88 1st United Methodist Church Day Care 1615 N. Hwy 88 (918) 798-2468

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ID Name Address 1 Centrilift Cable Facility 2210 E Anderson Blvd. 2 Burgess-Norton Mfg. Plant # 5 2400 E Anderson Blvd 3 Centrilift Pump Plant 200 W Stuart Roosa Dr. 6 SW Bell - Claremore 313 W. Patti Page 7 Ferrellgas - Claremore 1800 S. State Hwy 66 10 Hydrohoist International 915 W Blue Starr Dr. 11 Valtimet, Inc. 401 E. Lowery Rd. 13 Stillwater Milling - Claremore 721 W. 6th Street 14 Pixley Lumber Co. 715 W. Will Rogers Blvd 15 Prater's Propane 17652 S. 424 Rd. 16 Pratt & Whitney - Tulsa Airfoil 2201 E. L. Anderson Blvd

In addition, 40% of the total land area within Claremore’s city limits lies within the transportation corridor including 43% of the residential properties with improvements. A count of improved properties within the corridor, sorted by improvement type, is presented in Table 3-39.

Table 3–39: Properties within ¼ Mile of Major Transportation Features

Number of % of Improvement Type Properties Total Properties Residential 2,813 43 Commercial 894 90 Agricultural 15 33 Exempt 379 67 Total 4,101 50

Claremore’s future development areas have been generally demarcated by its fenceline. Excellent development land exists to the west, from the Verdigris River floodplain Clubhouse Rd., and from Lowery Rd. south to King Rd., in the north along OK Hwy 66, and east of the city from Lowery Rd. south to the fenceline. These future growth areas would be at moderate risk to transportation events.

3.15.4 Conclusion The United States has the most productive transportation systems in the world These operating systems include roads, air, rail, water, and pipelines. These systems make possible a high level of personal mobility and freight activity for the nation’s residents and business establishments. Although the source and location of transportation accidents can vary, the effects are typically the same. Accidents often involve human injury or death and/or the release of hazardous materials. Responses to transportation incidents also follow a similar course. Determinations are first made concluding the presence or absence of hazardous material. This is followed by the assistance of injured people involved in the incident.

City of Claremore 169 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan Based on information and analysis presented above, the City of Claremore has a high vulnerability to the transportation hazard.

3.15.5 So urces “Airport Activity Statistics of Certified Air Carriers” at Web address: http:/ /www.bts.gov, Bureau of Transportation Statistics. Comparative Risks of Hazardous Materials and Non-Hazardous Materials Truck Shipment Accidents/Incidents – Final Report, “Hazardous Materials,” pgs. 1.2, 10.2, Feder al Motor Carrier Safety Administration, March 2001. Natio nal Pipeline Mapping System, at Web address: http://199.107.71.24/publicsearch/ The National Transportation Safety Board, Annual Report to Congress 2000-2001 http:/ /www.ntsb.gov/publictn/2002/SPC0201.pdf “Railroad Statistics,” at Web address: http://www.aar.org/PubCommon/Documents/AboutTheIndustry/Statistics.pdf, Association of American Railroads, 2002. “Safety Fact Sheet,” at web address: http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/factsfigs/dashome.htm, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, October1, 1999. “Total Crude Petroleum and Petroleum Products carried in Domestic Transportation and Percent of Total Carried by Each Mode of Transportation,” Association of Oil Pipe Lines, at Web address: http://www.aopl.org/ Transportation Commodity Flow Survey, “Hazardous Material Shipment Characteristics,” pgs 9-10, U.S. Dept. of Transportation, U.S. Dept. of Commerce, Bureau of Transportation Statistics, U.S. Cens us Bureau, 199 7. Transportation Statistics Annual Report 2001, pg. 36. Bureau of Transportation Statistics, U.S. Department of Transportation, 2001. “The U.S. Waterway System Facts,” U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, at Web address: http://www.iwr.usace.army.mil/ndc/factcard/fc02/factcard.htm “Where Pipelines Are Located,” at Web address: http://primis.rspa.dot.gov/pipelineInfo/where.htm National Transportation Safety Board, “Accident Database & Synopses” at web address: http://www.ntsb.gov/NTSB/query.asp TranSystems. Railroad Study for Improvement Projects for Claremore, OK. TransSystems, Kansas City, MO, September, 2006.

City of Claremore 170 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter 4: Mitigation Strategies

This chapter identifies the hazard mitigation goals set by the City of Claremore and discusses the mitigation projects, or measures, to be taken to achieve those goals.

The Research, Review, and Prioritization Process The Claremore Hazard Mitigation Citizens Advisory Committee (CHMCAC) and supporting staff identified and prioritized the measures that will help protect the lives and property of the citizens of Claremore.

National literature and sources were researched to identify best practices mitigation measures for each hazard. These measures were documented, and staff screened several hundred recommended mitigation actions and selected those that were most appropriate for the Claremore area.

The CHMCAC reviewed the measures recommended by staff and revised, added, deleted, and approved measures for each hazard. The CHMCAC and staff prioritized the measures through a prioritization exercise using STAPLEE criteria recommended by FEMA. Table 4-1 lists these criteria. The results were tabulated and the individual measures were ranked by priority. The measures were then grouped into categories. Table 4–1: STAPLEE Prioritization and Review Criteria Evaluation Sources of Information Category Members of Local, County and State Government were members of the Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee and had input throughout the planning process. It Social must be noted that many small town political leaders are also business or professional persons. Existing community plans were used wherever possible. Members of the Media were contacted and invited to attend all HMPC meetings. The following Persons/Agencies were consulted as to the technical feasibility of the various projects: Claremore City Council, Claremore Public Schools District, Soil Technical Conservation Service, County and State Health Departments, and Oklahoma Forestry Service. All of these had their comments and suggestions incorporated. Staffing for proper implementation of the plan currently will rely on existing members of the various agencies involved. It is the opinion of the HMPC that insufficient staff is available currently due to budget constraints as staff has been cut to a minimum and many agencies have staff members who are overloaded now. Technical assistance is available from contractors and various State Agencies. Some local jurisdictions have Administrative incorporated Hazard Mitigation efforts into their Capital Improvement Plans. The Local Emergency Planning Committee, led by the Claremore Emergency Management Director, has agreed to an annual review and assessment of the Plan and its progress. Operations Costs are under discussion by the relevant department heads.

City of Claremore 171 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan Evaluation Sources of Information Category A representative of the Claremore City Council, and the Mayor or his representative Political attended the HMPC meetings and were consulted on all aspects of the Plan. Members of the HMPC discussed legal issues with the City Council, and it was their Legal opinion that no significant legal issues were involved in the projects that were selected by the HMPC. Economic issues were the predominant issues discussed by all concerned. Each entity felt that the projects selected would have a positive effect in that the projects would attract business and recreation to the area as well as help the community be Economic better prepared for a disaster. Funding for the various projects was the major concern as local budgets were not capable of fulfilling the needs due to the economic down turn. Reliance on outside grants will be relied on heavily for completion of projects. Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality, Oklahoma Forestry Service, and the Oklahoma Water Resources Board were all consulted as to the environmental impact Environmental of the various projects and it was felt that there would be no negative impact. Local governments are currently considering zoning of environmentally sensitive areas.

Mitigation Categories The measures that communities and individuals can use to protect themselves from, or mitigate the impacts of, natural and man-made hazards fall into six categories:

• Public Information and Education • Preventive Measures • Structural Projects • Property Protection • Emergency Services, and • Natural Resources Protection

This chapter is organized by Claremore’s natural hazard mitigation planning process involves citizens in every phase mitigation category, with the Claremore mitigation mission statement and goals listed first in section 4.1.

City of Claremore 172 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan 4.1 Claremore Hazard Mitigation Goals

4.1.1 Mission Statement To create a disaster-resistant community and improve Claremore’s safety and well-being by reducing deaths, injuries, property damage, environmental and other losses from natural and technological hazards in a manner that advances community goals, quality of life, and results in a more livable, viable, and sustainable community.

4.1.2 Mitigation Goal To identify community policies, actions and tools for long-term implementation in order to reduce risk and future losses stemming from natural and technological hazards that are likely to impact the community.

4.1.3 General Goals for all Natural Hazards • Minimize loss of life and property from natural hazard events. • Protect public health and safety. • Increase public awareness of risk from natural hazards. • Reduce risk and effects of natural hazards. • Identify hazards and assess risk for local area. • Ascertain historical incidence and frequency of occurrence. • Determine increased risk from specific hazards due to location and other factors. • Improve disaster prevention. • Improve forecasting of natural hazard events. • Limit building in high-risk areas. • Improve building construction to reduce the dangers of natural hazards. • Improve government and public response to natural hazard disasters.

4.1.4 Specific Goals for Particular Natural Hazards Floods • Identify buildings at risk from 100- and 500-year floods. • Buy properties that flood most frequently, clear the land, and put in green space or build detention ponds. • Move structures in the floodplain to less hazardous areas. • Inform residents who refuse to vacate the floodplain of floodproofing alternatives such as elevating the home, wet floodproofing or dry floodproofing. • Obtain accurate floodplain maps. • Install, re-route or increase the capacity of storm drainage systems.

City of Claremore 173 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan • Develop plans for maintenance and debris cleaning from stormwater and sewer systems. • Limit additional building in flood zone areas through comprehensive planning and ordinances.

Tornadoes • Continue to improve tornado forecasting. • Increase building code standards to build stronger houses. • Build safe-rooms in fire stations, police stations and schools. • Build safe-rooms in new homes. • Construct community shelters for mobile home parks. • Establish debris disposal sites and protect by fencing or locating away from populated areas.

High Winds • Institute measures that will improve resistance of new buildings to high winds. • Require better roof construction and materials to withstand high winds. • Require manufactured homes be anchored. • Trim tree branches away from power lines to reduce the potential of trees falling on, and bringing down power lines. • Identify homes and buildings vulnerable to loss from high winds, and suggest ways that their owners can prepare them for storms.

Lightning • Promote public awareness of lightning dangers and what can be done to prevent/reduce personal injury and property damage. • Install lightning protection systems on critical facilities. • Encourage general public to put lightning rods on buildings to minimize destruction/damage.

Hailstorms • Encourage the use of hail-resistant composite materials in automobile manufacture. • Encourage insurance companies to offer premium incentives for purchase of affordable carports by people without garages. • Require better roof construction and materials to withstand hailstorms.

Winter Storms • Place exposed power and telephone lines underground to prevent damage from ice loading.

City of Claremore 174 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan • Promote awareness of the advantages of all-wheel-drive cars with traction control. • Encourage use of all-weather tires on automobiles. • Identify elderly and indigent citizens who are at risk from winter storms. • Encourage churches and community groups to assist persons at risk during power loss. • Trim tree branches away from power lines to reduce the potential of ice laden tree branches from falling on, and bringing down power lines. • Set up snow fences or rows of trees or vegetation to limit blowing and drifting snow over critical roadways. • Develop emergency plans to provide shelter when power fails from winter storms.

Extreme Heat • Publicize signs and dangers of heat stroke, especially among elderly. • Inform those at risk of preventive measures in advance of extreme heat wave. • Invite churches and community groups to provide inexpensive air conditioning for indigent elders to protect them from extreme heat. • Develop emergency plan for conserving electrical use during extreme heat.

Drought • Promote awareness of importance and value of water. • Develop water-supply contingency plans. • Promote water-free landscaping. • Encourage water re-use or gray-water recycling for lawn irrigation. • Involve public in finding new ways to conserve water.

Expansive Soils • Inform the public about the hazard of expansive soils. • Require Realtors to inform buyers of homes at risk from expansive soil. • Encourage scientific/development community to find mitigation measures for expansive soils.

Urban Fires • Identify neighborhoods especially vulnerable to fire. • Educate the public about the most common causes of urban fires. • Establish and enforce building codes that reduce the risk of structure fires. • Promote the use of fire-resistant materials in house construction. • Establish transportation routes, with alternate routes identified, for emergency vehicles to high fire risk areas.

City of Claremore 175 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan • Provide alternatives to burning trees and brush, such as a community area where debris can be delivered. • Notify absent landlords whose property is at high risk of fire and encourage them to remedy the problem.

Wildfires • Encourage fireproof materials in building construction. • Experiment with controlled burns of native vegetation to minimize the accumulation of forest fuels that lead to uncontrollable fires. • Advise public and developers of the danger of building homes in remote areas where fire protection is not available. • Advise public and developers on building techniques, materials, landscaping and defensible space to reduce the vulnerability of structures. • Alert homeowners when fire risk is great in rural and remote areas.

Earthquakes • Inform public of earthquakes in areas where they are frequent but unrecognized. • Use HAZUS to create earthquake scenarios indicating the degree of the disaster, centered at various locations in the area, and various magnitudes. • Publicize and promote general awareness of earthquake emergency action plans.

Hazardous Materials Events • Educate the public about the hazardous materials to which they are most frequently exposed. • Help homeowners identify hazardous materials from which they are at risk. • Set up areas for the community to bring unused hazardous household materials. • Locate “brown-fields”, hazardous material sites, and abandoned mining areas and ensure preventive measures are in place to protect public.

Dam Failures • Determine risk rating of dams affecting the Claremore area. • Identify homes and businesses vulnerable to flooding from dam failure. • Ensure privately owned dams in the local area are complying with relevant inspection and maintenance codes.

Transportation • Improve the design, routing and traffic control at problem roadway areas. • Designate truck routes and enforce weight and truck travel restrictions.

City of Claremore 176 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan 4.2 Public Information and Education

A successful public information and education program involves both the public and private sectors. Public information and education activities advise and educate citizens, property owners, renters, businesses, and local officials about hazards and ways to protect people and property from them. Public information activities are among the least expensive mitigation measures, and at the same time are often the most effective thing a community can do to save lives and property. All mitigation activities—preventive, structural, property protection, emergency services, and natural resource protection— begin with public information and education.

4.2.1 Map Information Many benefits stem from providing map information to inquirers. Residents and businesses that are aware of the potential hazards can take steps to avoid problems and reduce their exposure to flooding, dam failure or releases, expansive soils, hazardous materials events, and other hazards that have a geographical distribution. Real estate agents and house hunters can find out if a property is flood-prone and whether flood insurance may be required.

Maps provide a wealth of information about past and potential hazards. Geographic Information Systems, sometimes called smart maps, provide efficiency and add to capabilities of many government services. County assessors, public works, parks and recreation, and 911 services are all typical departments capable of applying GIS applications to improve their services. GIS allows trained users to complete comprehensive queries, extract statistical information, and completely manage all relevant spatial information and the associated attribute information that pertain to those departments.

Flood Maps Several legal requirements are tied to FEMA’s Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) and Flood Insurance Study Maps. These include building regulations and the mandatory purchase of flood insurance. FEMA provides floodplain and FIRM information as a mitigation service. The City can help residents submit requests for map amendments and revisions when these are needed to show that a building is outside the mapped floodplain.

Although FEMA maps are accurate, users and inquirers must remember that maps are not perfect. They display only the larger flood-prone areas that have been studied. In some areas, watershed developments make even recent maps outdated. Those inquiring about flood maps must be reminded that being outside the mapped floodplain is no guarantee that a property will never flood. In fact, many properties that flood are not located in a designated floodplain.

By taking the initiative locally to accurately map problem areas with information not already on FEMA maps, a community can warn residents about potential risks that may

City of Claremore 177 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan not have been anticipated. Upgrading maps provides a truer measure of risks to a community.

Other Hazard Data Other data that can be shown on maps include those hazards that are distributed geographically. These include:

• Dam breach inundation areas • Earthquake risk zones • Levee failure inundation areas • Hazardous materials sites • Expansive soils • Wetlands • Wildfire risk zones

General location maps for many of these natural and man-made hazards have been developed by U. S. Army Corps of Engineers, Grand Gateway Economic Development Association (GGEDA), Oklahoma Geological Survey, and R. D. Flanagan & Associates, several of which are included in this Claremore Hazard Mitigation Plan study.

Flood zone determinations are available, free of charge, to any citizen through the Floodplain Administrator in the Rogers County Commissioner’s Office. If the determination is for a building permit, Claremore ordinances must be followed.

4.2.2 Library The Will Rogers Library in Claremore is a place for residents to seek information on hazards, hazard protection, and protecting natural resources. Historically, libraries have been the first place people turn to when they want to research a topic. Interested property owners can read or check out handbooks or other publications that cover their situation. The libraries also have their own public information campaigns with displays, lectures, and other projects, which can augment the activities of the local government.

The Claremore Public Library System maintains the flood related documents required under the NFIP and CRS. The documents are available to the public in the library.

4.2.3 Web Sites Today, Web sites are becoming more popular as research tools. They provide quick access Web sites have become one of the most popular to a wealth of public and private sites and research tools sources of information. Through links to other Web sites, there is almost no limit to the amount of up to date information that can be accessed by the user.

City of Claremore 178 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan The City of Claremore Web site can be accessed at: http://www.claremore.org/.

FEMA’s Mapping Web site is at http://www.fema.gov/fhm/. Additional web sites related to specific hazards are listed in the following table. Table 4–2: Multi-Hazard Mitigation Web Sites

Agency Web Address

General Federal Emergency Management Agency www.fema.gov Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management www.odcem.state.ok.us Institute for Business and Home Safety www.ibhs.org/ USGS - Hazards Page www.usgs.gov/themes/hazard.html Floods Oklahoma Water Resources Board www.owrb.state.ok.us/ Oklahoma Floodplain Managers Association www.okflood.org/ U.S. Army Corps of Engineers www.usace.army.mil/ National Flood Insurance Program www.fema.gov/nfip/whonfip.shtm Stormwater Manager's Resource Center www.stormwatercenter.net/ High Winds National Climatic Data Center www.ncdc.noaa.gov/oa/ncdc.html Lightning National Lightning Safety Institute www.lightningsafety.com/nlsi_lls.html Extreme Heat National Weather Service - Heat Index www.hpc.ncep.noaa.gov/heat_index.shtml Drought OWRB - Drought Monitoring Page www.owrb.state.ok.us/supply/drought/drought_index.php Expansive Soils US Department of Agriculture www.usda.gov/ Natural Resource Conservation Service www.nrcs.usda.gov/ Urban Fires Oklahoma State Fire Marshal's Office www.oklaosf.state.ok.us/~firemar/ National Fire protection Association www.nfpa.org Wildfires USGS Wildfires www.usgs.gov/themes/wildfire.html Earthquakes U.S. Geological Survey www.usgs.gov/ Oklahoma Geological Survey www.okgeosurvey1.gov/home.html National Geophysical Data Center www.ngdc.noaa.gov/ Hazardous Materials Events National Response Center www.nrc.uscg.mil National Transportation Safety Board www.ntsb.gov/ Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality www.deq.state.ok.us/ Environmental Protection Agency www.epa.gov Dam Failures Oklahoma Water Resources Board www.owrb.state.ok.us/

City of Claremore 179 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan US Army Corps of Engineers www.usace.army.mil/ Grand River Dam Authority www.grda.com/

4.2.4 Outreach Projects Mapping and library activities are not of much use if no one knows they exist. An outreach project can remedy this. Sending notices to property owners can help introduce the idea of property protection and identify sources of assistance.

Outreach projects are the first step in the process of orienting property owners to property protection and assisting them in designing and implementing a project. They are designed to encourage people to seek out more information in order to take steps to protect themselves and their properties.

The most effective types of outreach projects are mailed or otherwise distributed to flood- prone property owners or to everyone in the community. Other approaches include the following:

• Articles and special sections in newspapers • Radio and TV news releases and interview shows • Hazard protection video for cable TV programs or to loan to organizations • Presentations at meetings of neighborhood, civic or business groups • Displays in public buildings or shopping malls • Floodproofing open houses

Research has proven that outreach projects work. However, awareness of the hazard is not enough. People need to be told what they can do about the hazard, so projects should include information on safety, health, and property protection measures. Research has also shown that a properly run local information program is more effective than national advertising or publicity campaigns.

4.2.5 Technical Assistance While general information helps, most property owners do not feel ready to take major steps, like retrofitting their buildings, without help or guidance. Local building department staff members are experts in construction. They can provide free advice, not necessarily to design a protection measure, but to steer the owner onto the right track.

Building, public works, and engineering staff members visit properties and offer suggestions. Most can recommend or identify qualified or licensed companies, an activity that is especially appreciated by owners who are unsure of the project or the contractor.

Technical assistance can be provided in one-on-one sessions with property owners or can be provided through seminars. For instance, seminars or “open houses” can be provided on retrofitting structures, selecting qualified contractors, and carrying out preparedness activities.

City of Claremore 180 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan 4.2.6 Real Estate Disclosure After a flood or other natural disaster, people often say they would have taken steps to protect themselves if they had known their property was exposed to a hazard.

Flood insurance is required for buildings located within the base floodplain if the mortgage or loan is federally insured. However, because this requirement has to be met only ten days before closing, applicants are often already committed to purchasing a Flooding and other hazards are sometimes not disclosed until property when they first learn it’s too late. Hazard maps can help home buyers avoid of the flood hazard. surprises like this

The "Residential Property Condition Disclosure Act" requires sellers to provide potential buyers with a completed, signed and dated "Residential Property Condition Disclosure Statement". Included in the statement are disclosures regarding flooding and flood insurance. For a copy of the "Residential Property Condition Disclosure Statement" see http://www.orec.state.ok.us/pdf/disclose3.pdf.

4.2.7 Educational Programs A community’s most important natural resource is its children. They will inherit the resources, infrastructure and development built by earlier generations at great cost and effort. They will also face the same natural forces that bring floods, tornadoes, storms and other hazards.

Environmental education programs can teach children about natural hazards, the forces that cause them, and the importance of protecting people, property and nature, such as watersheds and floodplains. Educational programs can be undertaken by schools, park and recreation departments, conservation associations, and youth organizations, such as the Boy Scouts, Campfire Girls and summer camps. An activity can be complex enough as to require course curriculum development, or as simple as an explanatory sign near a river.

Educational programs designed for children often reach adults as well. Parents often learn innovative concepts or new ideas from their children. If a child comes home from school with an assignment in water quality monitoring, the parents will normally become interested in finding out about it as well.

City of Claremore 181 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan There are many programs that provide information and curriculum materials on nature and natural hazards. On FEMA website http://www.fema.gov/kids/ kids can learn about having a family disaster plan, what kids might feel in and following a disaster, what the different disasters are, what to do during a disaster, take quizzes and play games. There is also information on how to get a free video, brochures and other fun stuff.

Another site, for students and educators on water resources, is the USGS “Water A Community’s Most Important Natural Resource is its Children Science for Schools” http://wwwga.usgs.gov/edu/. The American Red Cross has a 24-page Disaster Preparedness Coloring Book for kids age 3-10. The coloring book is available online and can be printed from http://www.redcross.org/pubs/dspubs/genprep.html.

Youth programs and activities often include posters, coloring books, games, and references. Hands-on models that allow students to see the effects of different land use practices are also available through local natural resources conservation districts.

4.2.8 Public Information Program Strategy Getting Your Message Out Professional advertising agencies may be willing to help get the message out regarding disaster preparedness and mitigation at little or no cost. They have a vested interest in their community and want to keep it safe. The same holds true for the media. The local newspaper, radio or television will contribute to keeping a safe and prepared community. Invite them to, and let them participate in special events, meetings, practice exercises, etc.

Education alliance partners, such as a restaurants, convenience stores or the library, can put preparedness tips on tray liners or sacks, distribute brochures or allow you to erect a display with disaster information of local interest.

Many other options are available such as including brochures with utility bills, presentations at local gatherings, billboards, direct mailing and websites.

General Numerous publications on tornadoes, thunderstorms, lightning, winter storms and flooding are available through NOAA. Up to 300 copies of most publications can be ordered from your local National Weather Service, NOAA Outreach Unit or American

City of Claremore 182 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan Red Cross. Many of the brochures can be downloaded from http://www.nws.noaa.gov/om/brochures.shtml.

For a nominal fee the American Red Cross offers videos on general preparedness, winter storms, chemical emergencies, hurricanes and earthquakes.

The National Weather Service issues watches and warnings for tornadoes, severe thunderstorms, floods, winter storms and extreme heat that may include “Call to Action” statements. The messages appear on the NWS telephone line, the local weather Summer camps, and other educational programs service office website and on for children, can teach a new generation about television stations carrying nature, natural hazards, and preservation Emergency Alert System messages.

Communities can encourage residents to prepare themselves by stocking up with necessary items and planning for how family members should respond if any of a number of possible emergency or disaster events strike.

Hazard Brochures

Area agencies or the American Red Cross have available the book Repairing Your Flooded Home and fliers Are You Ready for a Flood? and Avoiding Flood Damage. For a summary of what to do after a flood see http://www.ci.yachats.or.us/whattodo.htm. The brochure Taking Shelter From the Storm: Building a Safe Room Inside Your Home is available from FEMA. A copy of the brochure can be requested from the FEMA website http://www.fema.gov/fima/tsfs02.shtm. Are You Ready for a Tornado? is available from the American Red Cross, FEMA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Area agencies or the American Red Cross have available the fliers Are You Ready For a Heat Wave? Are You Ready For a Winter Storm? and Are You Ready For a Thunderstorm?

After reviewing the possible and locally implemented public information activities covered in the previous sections, the Public Information Outreach Strategy Team prepared a Public Information Program Strategy. Following the Community Rating System format, the strategy consists of the following parts:

a. The local hazards, discussed in Chapters 2 and 3 of this plan b. The safety and property protection measures appropriate for the hazards, discussed in Chapters 2 and 3 and on the next page

City of Claremore 183 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan c. Hazard-related public information activities currently being implemented within the community, including those by non-government agencies (discussed in Sections 4.2.1 to 4.2.7) d. Goals for the community’s public information program (covered in Chapter 4) e. Outreach projects that will reach the goals (see Chapter 5, action items and Table 5-1.) f. A process for monitoring and evaluating the projects (see Chapter 6)

4.2.9 Conclusions 1. There are many ways that public information programs can be used so that people and businesses will be more aware of the hazards they face and how they can protect themselves. 2. Most public information activities can be used to advise people about all hazards, not just floods. 3. Other public information activities require coordination with other organizations, such as schools and real estate agents. 4. There are several area organizations that can provide support for public information and educational programs. 4.2.10 Recommendations Refer to “Chapter 5: Action Plan,” Table 5–1, for a complete listing of all recommended mitigation measures by hazard and priority.

City of Claremore 184 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan Figure 4–1: Public Service Notice for Flooding

Flood Safety

• Do not walk through flowing water. Drowning is the number one cause of flood deaths. Currents can be deceptive; six inches of moving water can knock you off your feet. Use a pole or stick to ensure that the ground is still there before you go through an area where the water is not flowing.

• Do not drive through a flooded area. More people drown in their cars than anywhere else. Don't drive around road barriers; the road or bridge may be washed out.

• Stay away from power lines and electrical wires. The number two flood killer after drowning is electrocution. Electrical current can travel through water. Report downed power lines to the Mayor’s Action Line, 596-2100.

• Look out for animals that have been flooded out of their homes and who may seek shelter in yours. Use a pole or stick to poke and turn things over and scare away small animals.

• Look before you step. After a flood, the ground and floors are covered with debris including broken bottles and nails. Floors and stairs that have been covered with mud can be very slippery.

• Be alert for gas leaks. Use a flashlight to inspect for damage. Don't smoke or use candles, lanterns, or open flames unless you know the gas has been turned off and the area has been ventilated.

• Carbon monoxide exhaust kills. Use a generator or other gasoline-powered machine outdoors. The same goes for camping stoves. Charcoal fumes are especially deadly -- cook with charcoal outdoors.

• Clean everything that got wet. Flood waters have picked up sewage and chemicals from roads, farms, factories, and storage buildings. Spoiled food, flooded cosmetics, and medicine can be health hazards. When in doubt, throw them out.

• Take good care of yourself. Recovering from a flood is a big job. It is tough on both the body and the spirit and the effects a disaster has on you and your family may last a long time.

City of Claremore 185 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan 4.3 Preventive Measures

Preventive activities are designed to keep matters from occurring or getting worse. Their objective is to ensure that future development does not increase damages or loss of life, and that new construction is protected from those hazards. Preventive measures are usually administered by building, zoning, planning, and code enforcement offices. They typically include planning, zoning, open space preservation, building codes, drainage criteria, master drainage plans and floodplain development regulations, and stormwater management. These aspects of preventive measures are discussed in this section as follows:

4.3.1 Planning 4.3.2 Zoning 4.3.3 Open space preservation 4.3.4 Building codes 4.3.5 Floodplain development regulations 4.3.6 Stormwater management

The first three measures (planning, zoning, and open space preservation) work to keep damage- prone development out of hazardous or sensitive areas.

The next two measures (building codes and floodplain development regulations) impose standards on what is allowed to be built in the floodplain. These protect buildings, roads, and other facilities from flood damage and prevent the new development from making any existing flood The mitigation planning process problem worse. Building codes are also critical to involves meetings with civic groups and local citizens, as well as mitigating the impact of non-flood hazards on new decision-making councils and buildings. commissions

Stormwater management addresses the runoff of stormwater from new developments onto other properties and into floodplains.

4.3.1 Planning While plans generally have limited authority, they reflect what the community would like to see happen in the future. Plans guide other local measures such as capital improvements and the development of ordinances. Planning can include, but is not limited to:

City of Claremore 186 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan • Capital Improvement Infrastructure planning decisions can affect flood hazard Plans mitigation. For example, decisions to extend roads or utilities to an area may increase exposure. Communities may consider structural flood protections such as levees or floodwalls.

• Zoning Ordinance Examples of zoning methods that affect flood hazard Adoption or mitigation include: Amendments 1. adopting ordinances that limit development in the floodplain. 2. limiting the density of developments in the floodplain. 3. requiring floodplains be kept as open space.

• Subdivision Subdivision design standards can require elevation data Ordinances or collection during the platting process. Lots may be required to Amendments have buildable space above the base flood elevation.

• Building Code Requirements for building design standards and enforcement Adoption or include: Amendments 1. a residential structure be elevated. 2. a non-residential structure be elevated or floodproofed.

• Conservation Conservation easements may be used to protect Easements environmentally significant portions of parcels from development. They do not restrict all use of the land. Rather, they direct development to areas of land not environmentally significant.

• Transfer of In return for keeping floodplain areas in open space, a Development Rights community may agree to allow a developer to increase densities on another parcel that is not at risk. This allows a developer to recoup losses from non-use of a floodplain site with gains from development of a non-floodplain site.

• Purchase of Compensating an owner for partial rights, such as easement or Easement / development rights, can prevent a property from being Development Rights developed contrary to a community’s plan to maintain open space. This may apply to undeveloped land generally or to farmland in particular.

• Stormwater Stormwater ordinances may regulate development in upland Management areas in order to reduce stormwater run-off. Examples of Ordinances or erosion control techniques that may be employed within a Amendments watershed are include proper bank stabilization with sloping or grading techniques, planting vegetation on slopes, terracing hillsides, or installing riprap boulders or geotextile fabric.

City of Claremore 187 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan • Multi-Jurisdiction Forming a regional watershed council helps bring together Cooperation Within resources for comprehensive analysis, planning, decision- Watershed making, and cooperation.

• Comprehensive A tax can be used as a mitigation action in several ways: Watershed Tax 1. tax funds may be used to finance maintenance of drainage systems or to construct reservoirs. 2. tax assessments may discourage builders from constructing in a given area. 3. taxes may be used to support a regulatory system.

• Post-Disaster A post-disaster recovery ordinance regulates repair activity, Recovery Ordinance generally depending on property location. It prepares a community to respond to a disaster event in an orderly fashion by requiring citizens to: 1. obtain permits for repairs. 2. refrain from making repairs. 3. make repairs using standard methods.

4.3.2 Zoning Claremore’s zoning ordinances regulate development by dividing the community into zones or districts and setting development criteria for each zone or district. Zoning ordinances are considered the primary tool to implement a comprehensive plan’s guidelines for how land should be developed.

4.3.3 Open Space Preservation Keeping the floodplain open and free from development is the best approach to preventing flood damage. Preserving open space is beneficial to the public in several ways. Preserving floodplains, wetlands, and natural water storage areas maintains the existing stormwater storage capacities of an area. These sites can also serve as recreational areas, greenway corridors and provide habitat for local flora and fauna. In addition to being preserved in its natural landscape, open space may also be maintained as a park, golf course, or in agricultural use.

4.3.4 Building Codes Hazard protection standards for all new and improved or repaired buildings can be incorporated into the local building code. These standards should include criteria to ensure that the foundation will withstand flood forces and that all portions of the building subject to damage are above, or otherwise protected from, flooding.

Building codes are also a prime mitigation measure for other natural hazards, especially earthquakes, tornadoes, windstorms and heat and cold. When properly designed and constructed according to code, the average building can withstand the impacts of most of these forces. The code could include provisions such as:

City of Claremore 188 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan • Requiring sprinkler systems for fire protection in larger or public buildings, • Regulating overhanging masonry elements that can fall during an earthquake, • Ensuring that foundations are strong enough for earth movement and that all structural elements are properly connected to the foundation, and • Making sure roofing systems will handle high winds and expected snow loads.

The City of Claremore has adopted building codes that include the 1999 edition of the National Electric Code (NEC), the 2000 International Building, Mechanical, Plumbing, Residential and Fuel Gas Codes; the NFPA Life Safety Code; and the 1999 BOCA Fire Prevention Code.

4.3.5 Floodplain Development Regulations Most communities with a flood problem participate in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). The NFIP sets minimum requirements for subdivision regulations and building codes. These are usually spelled out in a separate ordinance.

Experience showed that the National Flood Insurance Program's minimum standard is insufficient for developing urban communities, such as Claremore. The city's regulations need to exceed the NFIP’s minimum national standards in several significant ways.

The Community Rating System (CRS) is a companion program to the NFIP. It rewards a community for taking actions over and above minimum NFIP requirements with the goal of further reducing flood damages in the community. The more actions a community takes, the lower the premiums for flood insurance within that community.

City of Claremore 189 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan Minimum National Flood Insurance Program Regulatory Requirements

The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) is administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). As a condition of making flood insurance available for their residents, communities that participate in the NFIP agree to regulate new construction in the area subject to inundation by the 100-year (base) flood.

There are four major floodplain regulatory requirements. Additional floodplain regulatory requirements may be set by state and local law. 1. All development in the 100-year floodplain must have a permit from the community. The NFIP regulations define “development” as any manmade change to improved or unimproved real estate, including but not limited to buildings or other structures, mining, dredging, filling, grading, paving, excavation or drilling operations or storage of equipment or materials.

2. Development should not be allowed in the floodway. The NFIP regulations define the floodway as the channel of a river or other watercourse and the adjacent land areas that must be reserved in order to discharge the base flood without cumulatively increasing the water surface elevation more than one foot. The floodway is usually the most hazardous area of a riverine floodplain and the most sensitive to development. At a minimum, no development in the floodway may cause an obstruction to flood flows. Generally an engineering study must be performed to determine whether an obstruction will be created. 3. New buildings may be built in the floodplain, but they must be protected from damage by the base flood. In riverine floodplains, the lowest floor of residential buildings must be elevated to or above the base flood elevation (BFE). Nonresidential buildings must be either elevated or floodproofed. 4. Under the NFIP, a “substantially improved” building is treated as a new building. The NFIP regulations define “substantial improvement” as any reconstruction, rehabilitation, addition, or other improvement of a structure, the cost of which equals or exceeds 50 percent of the market value of the structure before the start of construction of the improvement. This requirement also applies to buildings that are substantially damaged.

Communities are encouraged to adopt local ordinances that are more comprehensive or provide more protection than the state or Federal criteria. This is especially important in areas with older Flood Insurance Rate Maps that may not reflect the current hazard. Such ordinances could include prohibiting certain types of highly damage-prone uses from the floodway or requiring that structures be elevated 1 or more feet above the BFE. The NFIP’s Community Rating System provides insurance premium credits to recognize the additional flood protection benefit of higher regulatory standards.

Subdivision regulations govern how land will be subdivided into individual lots, and set the construction and location standards for the infrastructure the developer builds to serve those lots, including roads, sidewalks, utility lines, storm sewers, and drainageways. They provide an additional vehicle for floodplain development rules. For example, some communities require that every subdivision in a floodplain provide a building site above the flood level for every lot and/or require streets to be at or no more than one foot below the base flood elevation.

City of Claremore 190 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan Floodplains are only part of flood-management considerations. Water gathers and drains throughout entire watersheds, from uplands to lowlands. Each watershed is an interactive element of the whole. A change at one place can cause changes elsewhere, whether planned or inadvertent. Claremore’s current Master Drainage Planning program considers the entire watershed in its hydrologic and hydraulic analysis, mapping, and regulation.

4.3.6 Stormwater Management Development outside a floodplain can contribute significantly to flooding problems. Runoff is increased when natural ground cover is replaced by urban development. To prevent stormwater from flooding roads and buildings, developers construct storm sewers and improve ditches to carry the water away more efficiently.

As watersheds develop, runoff usually becomes deeper and faster and floods become more frequent. Water that once lingered in hollows, meandered around oxbows, and soaked into the ground now speeds downhill, shoots through pipes, and sheets off rooftops and paving.

Insurance purposes require that NFIP floodplain maps must be based on existing watershed development, but unless plans and regulations are based on future watershed urbanization, development permitted today may flood tomorrow as uphill urbanization increases runoff.

This combination of increased runoff and more efficient stormwater channels leads to increases in downstream storm peaks and changes in the timing when storm peaks move downstream. Unconstrained watershed development often will overload a community's drainage system and aggravate downstream flooding. In addition to detention facilities, stormwater management plans can include restoring some channelized streams with meanders and native vegetation to slow runoff and prevent flash flooding A second problem with stormwater is its impact on water quality. Runoff from developed areas picks up pollutants on the ground, such as road oil and lawn chemicals, and carries them to the receiving streams.

Claremore enforces the NFIP minimum regulations and maps, in order to maintain eligibility for federal flood insurance.

City of Claremore 191 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan Retention / Detention Some communities with stormwater management regulations require developers to build retention or detention basins to minimize the increases in the runoff rate caused by impervious surfaces and new drainage systems. Generally, each development must not let stormwater leave at a higher rate than under pre-development conditions. Claremore does not require stormwater detention from new developments, but does require adequate drainage reducing exposure to flood hazards within the development area.

The Community Rating System (CRS) uses three factors to measure the impact of stormwater management regulations on downstream flooding:

1. What developments have to account for their runoff? If only larger subdivisions have to detain the increased runoff, the cumulative effect of many small projects can still produce greater flows to downstream properties. 2. How much water is managed? Historically, local stormwater management programs address smaller storms, such as the 2- or 10-year storms. The CRS reflects the growing realization nationally that the runoff from larger storms must be managed. It provides full credit only for programs that address all storms up to the 100-year storm. 3. Who is responsible to ensure that the facility works over time? Roads and sewers are located on dedicated public rights-of-way and the community assumes the job of maintaining them in the future. Stormwater management detention basins have traditionally stayed on private property and Stormwater Detention Ponds manage the increased runoff from new maintenance has developments, temporarily store flood waters, and can be used for been left up to community parks, recreation, and open-space owner. Often homeowners associations do not know how and do not have the capability to properly maintain these facilities. Half the CRS credit is based on whether the community assumes responsibility to ensure that the facilities are maintained. Watershed Approaches The standard regulatory approach of requiring each development to manage stormwater to the same criteria has several shortcomings:

City of Claremore 192 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan 1. It does not account for differences in stream and watershed conditions (although the standards can be revised to reflect findings from watershed studies). 2. Municipalities within the same watershed may require different levels of control of stormwater. 3. There is no review of the downstream impacts from runoff or any determination of whether the usual standards compound existing flooding problems. 4. It results in many small basins on private property that may or may not be properly maintained. The way to correct these deficiencies is to conduct a master study of the watershed to determine the appropriate standards for different areas and, sometimes, to identify where a larger central basin would be more effective and efficient than many smaller ones. The CRS provides up to double the stormwater management regulations credit if communities adopt such master plans.

4.3.7 Critical Facility Protection Critical facilities require a higher level of protection because they are vital public facilities, reduce pollution of floodwaters by hazardous materials, and ensure that the facilities will be operable during emergencies. The Community Rating System (CRS) provides credit for regulations protecting critical facilities from the 500-year flood.

Critical facilities should be constructed on properly compacted fill and have the lowest floor (including basement) elevated at least one foot above the elevation of the 500-year flood. A critical facility should have at least one access road connected to land outside the 500-year floodplain capable of supporting a 4,000-pound vehicle. The top of the road must be no lower than six inches (6”) below the elevation of the 500-year flood.

4.3.8 Water Conservation 97% of the earth's water is in the oceans and 2% is trapped in icecaps and glaciers. Only about 1% of the earth's water is available for human consumption. The water supply is taxed to supply all the competing interests: residential - including drinking and sanitation, manufacturing, environmental, agricultural, and recreational.

Conserving water conserves energy - gas, electric or both, reduces monthly water and sewer bills and postpones the construction of or eliminates the need to build expensive capital projects such as wastewater or water treatment plants that will need future maintenance.

Plumbing codes implemented in Phoenix Arizona in 1990 required low-flow faucets, showerheads, and toilets. Since then water consumption per capita has decreased 27 percent. Other cities, such as Wilsonville, Oregon, have implemented an inverted block water rate structure charging customers higher rates as water consumption increases.

Public education can have the most significant impact. Household water conservation tips include:

City of Claremore 193 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan • Updating plumbing fixtures with low-flow devices. • Keeping a pitcher of water in the refrigerator instead of running the tap. • Watering the yard and gardens in the morning or evening when temperatures are cooler to minimize evaporation. • Collecting water used for rinsing and reuse it to water plants. • Turning off the water while brushing teeth and shaving. • Landscaping with drought-resistant, low water use plants. • Using a hose nozzle and turn off the water while washing cars.

4.3.9 Power Outages from Winter Storms Power outages from winter storms can lead to an abundance of problems. Homeowners without power will resort to candles or open flames for heat and light. Generators are noisy, produce potentially deadly exhaust and can cause power spikes damaging equipment. Kerosene heaters burn oxygen and increase the potential of asphyxiation and production of carbon monoxide. With fuel burning equipment there is a constant danger of fire or explosion, burns and breathing poisonous exhaust. In addition, the inability to heat a home increases the risk of pipes freezing.

Power lines can be protected and power outages prevented by:

• Replacing existing power lines with heavier T-2 line, shorter spans, and heavier poles and crossbars. It is estimated this will increase the overall strength of power distribution lines by 66%. • Burying utility lines. This removes the risk of power outages due to ice accumulation or tree limbs bringing down power lines. • Pruning trees away from power lines and enforcing policies regarding tree limb clearances. • Designed-failure allowing for lines to fall or fail in small sections rather than as a complete system.

http://www.fema.gov/regions/v/ss/r5_n09.shtm describes a success story on winter storm power outage mitigation.

When power outages occur the first imperative in emergency power planning is to equip essential facilities with permanent backup power, and to make sure existing backup sources are properly sized and maintained. Essential post-disaster services include:

• Medical care • Drinking water supply • Police and fire protection • Refrigeration • Communications • Pollution control (especially wastewater treatment) • Transportation (especially airports and seaports) • Weather forecasting

City of Claremore 194 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan • Temporary relief shelter • Emergency response command and control

Backup systems should be sized to meet the requirements of a facility's necessary public services. Some facilities, such as wastewater treatment plants and hospitals, are so important that backup systems should be sized to carry full loads. All backup power systems should be covered by a complete and consistent planned maintenance program that includes regular inspection and operational testing.

http://www.currentsolutionspc.com/doc/distributed.pdf describes options for alternate power sources.

4.3.10 IBHS Fortified Home Program What is a Fortified Home The Fortified…for Safer Living home program gives builders and homeowners a set of criteria for upgrades that help reduce the risk of damage from natural disasters. The program raises a homes’ overall safety above building code minimum requirements. Once completed a home is inspected and certified as a “Fortified…for Safer Living” home.

The combination of materials and techniques produces residences equipped to better resist hurricanes, tornadoes, fire and floods. The fortified home construction method produces homes that are comfortable while being resistant to natural disasters.

The following are features of a “Fortified…for Safer Living” home: • The home and critical utilities are elevated by reinforced continuous piles a minimum of two feet above ground-level walls, stairs and Base Flood Elevation (BFE). • The home is connected from the peak of the roof to the foot of the reinforced piles to form a continuous load path capable of withstanding 130 mph winds. • Windows, doors and other openings are properly flashed and protected to withstand the impact of windborne debris without penetration of wind and water. • The roof truss system has a 110 mph wind rated covering, a secondary moisture barrier, twice the required underlayment, thicker plywood deck sheathing and a stronger holding nail and nailing pattern. • Other features include non-combustible roof materials, reinforced entry garage doors and landscaping techniques reducing wildfire and flooding vulnerability. • A certified inspector verifies all required Fortified home products and materials are installed correctly in accordance with manufacturer’s specifications for “Fortified…for Safer Living” program specifications. • The home and property are also verified to be a low risk hazard for exposure to wildfire.

For more information about what a fortified home is see http://www.concretehomescouncil.org/p_room/SBGFortified.pdf.

City of Claremore 195 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan Economics of a Fortified Home

Cost (new home) Depending on the quality of the material the buyer chooses the cost to add fortified features could be as low as five percent of the total cost of a new home. See the following table, from the Institute of Business and Home Safety (IBHS) website at http://www.ibhs.org/research_library/view.asp?id=277, for a typical upgrade.

Table 4–3: Cost Differential for a “Fortified” Home As-built base home price: $151,500 (including lot and options, before "Fortified" upgrade). Incremental Cost to Standard Home "Fortified" Home "Fortify" windows and doors 5,450* $15,500** ($7,700) $10,050 ($2,250) garage doors $650 $1,250 $600 roof decking $650 $1,750 $1,100 sealing roof joints $0 $650 $650 roof covering $2,350 $3,350 $1,000 concrete/steel down $0 $500 $500 pours fortified inspection $0 $1,000 $1,000 costs Total increment cost: $14,900 ($7,100) Percentage of 9.8% base cost: (4.7%)***

* Based on selection of PGT® window & door products. ** Fortified with PGT® WinGuard™ impact-resistant windows & doors. *** Cost of panel shutters instead of impact-resistant windows.

Cost (existing home) Many of the fortification techniques used to build new homes are too expensive as retrofits. Fortifying is much more expensive when a home is already built. However, there are creative ways to reduce costs and still fortify an existing home. Improving roof decking on an existing structure would cost about $5,000. For $50 a certain type of glue gun available in most hardware stores can retrofit a roof as effectively as if a new roof had been put on with wood screws.

Savings

In Florida, a fortified home can save homeowners over 20% in insurance premiums. A standard brick, stone, or masonry house in a coastal area, with a deductible of $500 and a 2% hurricane deductible, would generate an annual premium of $2,240. In contrast, the same home with the additional fortified construction features would pay an annual premium of $1,746, a savings of $504, or 22.5%. Also, underwriting guidelines may be relaxed for fortified homes. Insurers may make exceptions for fortified homes in areas where they wouldn’t normally write policies.

City of Claremore 196 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan Lower deductibles may be available. In Florida, policies covering wind damage typically have a deductible of 2% of the covered amount. On a $150,000 home the deductible would be $3,000. Fortified homeowners may be eligible for a flat deductible of $500.

As for intangible savings, personal photographs, important family documents and computer data are just a few of the items a fortified home may protect. Additionally there is the inconvenience and cost of other living arrangements while a home is being rebuilt.

For more information about one insurer’s guidelines on insuring fortified homes see http://www.roughnotes.com/rnmag/august01/08p52.htm.

4.3.11 Hurricane Clips A home’s roof system is its most vulnerable and expensive component. Hurricane clips and straps are metal connectors designed to hold a roof to its walls in high winds. They make a home’s roof- to-wall connection five-to-15 times stronger than traditional construction and can prevent damage in winds at least 75 mph. In many coastal communities, hurricane clips are enforced as a code restriction for new homes. Although designed to protect roofs during the extended and violent winds of hurricanes, these clips have proven effective in preventing roof removal in tornado events.

For more information on hurricane clips and straps and protecting your roof go to http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/HAW2/pdf/hurricane_retrofit.pdf.

4.3.12 Mobile Home Tie-Downs Tie-downs are devices that anchor or otherwise secure a mobile home to the ground in order to protect the mobile home and its surroundings from damage caused by wind and/or other natural forces. All tie-downs must comply with the specifications of the home manufacturer or, in the absence of such specifications, with standards set by the City Building Inspector.

Anchors are available for different types of soil conditions, including concrete slab. Auger anchors have been designed for both hard soil and soft soil. Rock anchors or drive anchors allow attachment to a rock or coral base. This type of anchor is also pinned to the ground with crossing steel stakes.

4.3.13 Extreme Heat Protection Elderly, children, low-income individuals and people with compromised immune systems are more vulnerable to health risks due to intense climate changes, especially extreme heat.

City of Claremore 197 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan Aging is often accompanied by chronic illnesses that may increase susceptibility to extreme environmental conditions. Poverty among elderly increases the risk.

Children are vulnerable due to their size, behavior and fact that they are growing and developing. Children living in poverty or without access to proper medical care are especially vulnerable.

Low-income individuals are less likely to be able to afford air-conditioning and have less access to health care.

Cancer, AIDS and diabetes compromise individual’s immune systems. Afflicted individuals are more susceptible to physical stresses such as those during extreme heat.

Steps to protect individuals from the heat include: • Install window air-conditioners snugly and insulate spaces for a tighter fit. • Hang shades, draperies, awnings or louvers on windows receiving morning or afternoon sun. Awnings or louvers can reduce heat entering the house by as much as 80%. • Stay indoors as much as possible. If air conditioning is not available stay on the lowest floor out of the sunshine. • Drink plenty of water and limit alcoholic beverages. • Dress in light-colored, loose fitting clothes that cover as much skin as possible. • Take a cool bath. • Slow down.

Suggestions for a community heat emergency intervention plan include: • The public must have access to the steps to take to lessen the likelihood of heat problems, such as staying in air-conditioning, if possible, and drinking plenty of fluids. • “Buddy systems” can be established where an individual is assigned to check on people at risk. The “buddy” should be trained to deal with heat related emergencies. • Utility companies should not be allowed to terminate service during a heat emergency, even if individuals have not paid their bill.

For more information on extreme heat, mitigation and protection from the heat see http://www.fema.gov/hazards/extremeheat/heatf.shtm.

4.3.14 Smoke Detectors Smoke detectors save lives. Approximately two-thirds of fatal fires occur in the 10% of homes not protected with smoke detectors. You are twice as likely to die in a fire if you do not have a properly operating smoke detector.

City of Claremore 198 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan There are two basic types of smoke detectors - photoelectric and ionization. Photoelectric smoke alarms generally are more effective at detecting slow-smoldering fires, fires that might smolder for hours before bursting into flames. Ionization smoke alarms are more effective at detecting fast-flaming fires, fires that consume materials rapidly and spread quickly.

Test smoke detectors every month, change the batteries twice per year, clean detectors at least once per year and replace smoke detectors every 10 years. For more facts about smoke detectors see http://www.firemar.state.ok.us/forms/lg-alarm.pdf.

4.3.15 Proper Storage and Disposal of Hazardous Materials Household chemicals and motor oil dumped down drains or directly onto the ground can work their way into the waterways and ground waters. Oil from a single oil change can ruin one million gallons of fresh water. Used crankcase oil has been reported to account for more than 40% of the oil pollution in waterways.

Most public and private vehicle maintenance facilities have well-developed systems to store their waste oil for recycling. However, "do-it-yourselfers" account for a large percentage of the oil changes in any community. Therefore, it is important for community recycling and solid waste management programs to include a system for waste oil collection and provide ways to collect and dispose of household chemicals.

Many counties and communities offer household pollutant collection events. Among the pollutants collected are oil-based paints, paint thinners, pesticides, fertilizers, cleansers, acids, ammunition, batteries, motor oil, and antifreeze. Residents are not charged for items collected. Events are typically funded by participating communities.

Containers of hazardous materials should not be located in a flood hazard area. If such a location is necessary hazardous material containers need to be anchored. Contents can contaminate water and multiply the damaging effects of flooding by causing fires or explosions, or by otherwise making structures unusable. Buoyant materials should be anchored. If they float downstream they may cause additional damage to buildings or bridges or may plug a stream resulting in higher flood heights.

The link http://www.earth911.org/zip.asp provides a list of hazardous waste recycling centers and used oil collection facilities based on zip code.

4.3.16 Lightning Warning Systems Strike Location and Identification Systems sense the electromagnetic pulse or the electrostatic pulse that accompanies a lightning discharge. Sensors and processing equipment work from those pulses or transients. These systems are most useful for tracking storms, locating a lightning strike and producing density plots of lightning activity by geographical area. They do not provide early warning of an impending storm.

City of Claremore 199 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan Pre-storm Warning Systems sense the conditions that precede a storm. All severe storms create a related electrostatic field. This field provides a reliable storm signature that is peculiar to severe storms and can be related to the severity of the storm. That signature is present prior to lightning activity and provides a measurable parameter for pre-storm warning. The electrostatic field strength is directly related to the state of the Lightning prediction sensor storm and/or its proximity to the site. Therefore, an increase in the electrostatic field is an indicator of a storm moving into or building up over the area. The warning time is determined by the rate of buildup or the rate of movement of the storm.

4.3.17 Conclusions 1. Planning and zoning help Claremore develop the community proactively so that the resulting infrastructure is laid out in a coherent and safe manner. 2. Building codes for foundations, sprinkler systems, masonry, and structural elements such as roofs are prime mitigation measures for occurrences of floods, tornadoes, high winds, extreme heat and cold, and earthquakes. 3. Claremore participates in the NFIP and uses subdivision regulations to control the direction of floodplain development. 4. Deficiencies in stormwater management can be corrected by conducting a master study of watersheds to determine appropriate standards for different areas.

4.3.18 Recommendations Refer to “Chapter 5: Action Plan,” Table 5–1, for a complete listing of all recommended mitigation measures by hazard and priority.

City of Claremore 200 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan 4.4 Structural Projects

Structural projects are usually designed by engineers or architects, constructed by the public sector, and maintained and managed by governmental entities. Structural projects traditionally include stormwater detention reservoirs, levees and floodwalls, channel modifications, drainage and storm sewer improvements, and community tornado safe- rooms.

4.4.1 Reservoirs and Detention Reservoirs control flooding by holding high flows behind dams or in storage basins. After a flood peaks, water is released or pumped out slowly at a rate that the river can accommodate downstream. The lake created may provide recreational benefits or water supply (which could help mitigate a drought).

Reservoirs are suitable for protecting existing development downstream from the project site. Unlike levees and channel modifications, they do not have to be built close to or disrupt the area to be protected. Reservoirs are most efficient in deeper valleys where there is more room to store water, or on smaller rivers where there is less water to store. Building a reservoir in flat areas and on large rivers may not be cost-effective, because large areas of land have to be purchased. Reservoirs provide storage of rainwater without the hazards of maintaining a dam In urban areas, some reservoirs are simply manmade holes dug to store floodwaters. When built in the ground, there is no dam for these retention and detention basins and no dam failure hazard. Wet or dry basins can also serve multiple uses by doubling as parks or other open space uses.

4.4.2 Safe Rooms Safe rooms are specially constructed shelters intended to protect occupants from tornados and high winds. Constructed of concrete and steel, properly built safe rooms can provide protection against wind speeds of 250mph and airborne debris traveling as fast as 100mph.

A safe room can be incorporated into the construction of a new home, or can be retrofitted above or below ground into an existing home. The cost of constructing a safe room is between $2500 and $6000, depending on the room size, location and type of foundation on which the home is built. Safe rooms can function year-round as a usable area, such as a bathroom, closet or utility room.

City of Claremore 201 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan The State of Oklahoma, FEMA and communities may offer reimbursement grants for construction of certain categories of Safe Rooms through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMPG). Find out more about the program at http://www.fema.gov/fima/hmgp/.

FEMA 320, Taking Shelter From the Storm: Building a Safe Room Inside Your Home has specific designs for tornado and hurricane safe rooms. To Dr. Ernst Kiesling, Civil Engineering Professor at obtain a copy of FEMA 320 refer to Texas Tech University inspects a safe room in the after math of the May 8, 2003 tornadoes in Moore, http://www.fema.gov/fima/tsfs02.shtm. Oklahoma. 4.4.3 School Safe Rooms In the past, a school’s interior areas, especially hallways, have been designated as the best place to seek refuge from violent storms. However, in 1999 the hallways of two schools in Sedgwick County, Kansas received significant damage which could have resulted in student casualties had school been in session.

FEMA 361 publication, Design and Construction Guidance for Community Shelters, provides guidelines for constructing school safe rooms. A community shelter strong enough to survive a violent storm can also be used as a cafeteria, gymnasium or other common area.

Schools, administration buildings and institutions of higher learning are required to have written plans and procedures in place for protecting students, faculty, administrators and visitors from natural and man-made disasters and emergencies. The requirement, directed by Oklahoma House Bill HB1512, was enacted May 29, 2003.

For more information about Sedgwick County’s new school safe rooms go to http://www.fema.gov/mit/saferoom/casestudies.shtm. To receive a copy of FEMA 361 see http://www.fema.gov/pdf/hazards/nhp_fema361.pdf. For more information on HB1512, see http://www.lsb.state.ok.us/2003-04HB/HB1512_int.rtf.

4.4.4 Levees and Floodwalls Probably the best-known flood control measure is a barrier of earth (levee) or concrete (floodwall) erected between the watercourse and the property to be protected. Levees and floodwalls confine water to the stream channel by raising its banks. They must be well designed to account for large floods, underground seepage, pumping of internal drainage, and erosion and scour.

City of Claremore 202 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan Failure to maintain levees can lead to significant loss of life and property if they are stressed and broken or breached during a flood event. An inspection, maintenance and enforcement program helps ensure structural integrity.

Levees placed along the river or stream edge degrade the aquatic habitat and water quality of the stream. They also are more likely to push floodwater onto other properties upstream or downstream. To reduce environmental impacts and provide multiple use benefits, a setback levee (set back from the floodway) is the best project design. The area inside a setback levee can provide open space for recreational purposes and provide access sites to the river or stream.

4.4.5 Channel Improvements By improving channel conveyance, more water is carried away at a faster rate. Improvements generally include making a channel wider, deeper, smoother or straighter. Some smaller channels in urban areas have been lined with concrete or put in underground pipes.

4.4.6 Crossings and Roadways In some cases buildings may be elevated above floodwaters, but access to the building is lost when floodwaters overtop local roadways, driveways, and culverts or ditches. Depending on the recurrence interval between floods, the availability of alternative access, and the level of need for access, it may be economically justifiable to elevate some roadways and improve crossing points.

For example, if there is sufficient

downstream channel capacity, a small Culverts like this one can constrict flow and cause culvert that constricts flows and causes backwater flooding localized backwater flooding may be replaced with a larger culvert to eliminate flooding at the waterway crossing point. The potential for worsening adjacent or downstream flooding needs to be considered before implementing any crossing or roadway drainage improvements.

4.4.7 Drainage and Storm Sewer Improvements Man-made ditches and storm sewers help drain areas where the surface drainage system is inadequate, or where underground drainageways may be safer or more practical. Storm sewer improvements include installing new sewers, enlarging small pipes, and preventing back flows. Particularly appropriate for depressions and low spots that will not drain naturally, drainage and storm sewer improvements usually are designed to carry the runoff from smaller, more frequent storms.

City of Claremore 203 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan Because drainage ditches and storm sewers convey water faster to other locations, improvements are only recommended for small local problems where the receiving stream or river has sufficient capacity to handle the additional volume and flow of water. To reduce the cumulative downstream flood impacts of numerous small drainage projects, additional detention or run-off reduction practices should be provided in conjunction with the drainage system improvements.

4.4.8 Drainage System Maintenance The drainage system may include detention ponds, stream channels, swales, ditches and culverts. Drainage system maintenance is an ongoing program to clean out blockages caused by an accumulation of sediment or overgrowth of weedy, non-native vegetation or debris, and remediation of stream bank erosion sites.

“Debris” refers to a wide range of blockage materials that may include tree limbs and branches that accumulate naturally, or large items of trash or lawn waste accidentally or intentionally dumped into channels, drainage swales or detention basins. Maintenance of detention ponds may also require revegetation or repairs of the restrictor pipe, berm or overflow structure.

Maintenance activities normally do not alter the shape of the channel or pond, but they do affect how well the drainage system can do its job. Sometimes it is a very fine line that separates Drainageways are inspected regularly debris that should be removed from natural for blockage from debris material that helps form habitat.

4.4.9 Conclusions 1. Reservoirs can hold high flows of water that can later be released slowly or retained for recreational purposes or drought mitigation. 2. Levees and floodwalls are not as effective overall because of possible underground seepage, erosion, degradation of aquatic habitat and water quality, and ineffectiveness in large floods. 3. Channel improvements allow more water to be carried away faster. 4. The effectiveness of elevating buildings depends on the availability of alternative access when flooding occurs. 5. Crossing and roadway drainage improvements must take into account additional detention or run-off reduction. 6. Drainage and storm sewer improvements carry runoff from smaller, more frequent storms.

City of Claremore 204 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan 7. Drainage system maintenance is an ongoing project of removing debris that decreases the effectiveness of detention ponds, channels, ditches, and culverts.

4.4.10 Recommendations Refer to “Chapter 5: Action Plan,” Table 5–1, for a complete listing of all recommended mitigation measures by hazard and priority.

City of Claremore 205 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan 4.5 Property Protection

Property protection measures are used to modify buildings or property subject to damage from various hazardous events. The property owner normally implements property protection measures. However, in many cases technical and financial assistance can be provided by a governmental agency. Property protection measures typically include acquisition and relocation, flood-proofing, building elevation, barriers, retrofitting, safe rooms, hail resistant roofing, insurance, and the like.

4.5.1 Acquisition and Relocation Moving out of harm’s way is the surest and safest way to protect a building from damage. Acquiring buildings and removing them is also a way to convert a problem area into a community asset and obtain environmental benefits.

The major difference between the two approaches is that acquisition is undertaken by a government agency, so the cost is not borne by the property owner, and the land is converted to public use, such as a park. Relocation can be either government or owner- financed. Moving a home out of the floodplain is sometimes the only way to protect it from flooding While almost any building can be moved, the cost goes up for heavier structures, such as those with exterior brick and stone walls, and large or irregularly shaped buildings. However, experienced building movers know how to handle any job.

Cost An acquisition budget should be based on the median price of similar properties in the community, plus $10,000 to $20,000 for appraisals, abstracts, title opinions, relocation benefits, and demolition. Costs may be lower after a flood or other disaster. For example, the community may have to pay only the difference between the full price of a property and the amount of the flood insurance claim received by the owner.

One problem that sometimes results from an acquisition project is a “checkerboard” pattern in which nonadjacent properties are acquired. This can occur when some owners, especially those who have and prefer a waterfront location, prove reluctant to leave. Creating such an acquisition pattern in a community simply adds to the maintenance costs that taxpayers must support.

Relocation can be expensive, with costs ranging from $30,000 for a small wood frame building to over $60,000 for masonry and slab on grade buildings. Two story houses are

City of Claremore 206 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan more expensive to move because of the need to relocate wires and avoid overpasses. Additional costs may be necessary for acquiring a new lot on which to place the relocated building and for restoring the old site. Larger buildings may have to be cut and the parts moved separately. Because of all these complications, there are cases where acquisition is less expensive than relocation.

Where Appropriate Acquisition and relocation are appropriate in areas subject to:

• Flash flooding • Deep waters • Dam break flooding • Landslides • Potential hazardous materials spills • Other high hazard that affects a specific area

Acqui s ition and relocation are not appropriate for hazards like tornadoes or winter storms because there are no areas safe from the hazard. Relocation is also preferred for large lots that include buildable areas outside the hazardous area or where the owner has a new lot in a safer area.

Acquisition (followed by demolition) is preferred over relocation for buildings that are difficult to move, such as larger, slab foundation, or masonry structures, and for dilapidated structures that are not worth protecting.

4.5.2 Building Elevation Raising a building above the flood level is the best on-site property protection method for flooding. Water flows under the building, causing little or no damage to the structure or its contents. Alternatives are to elevate on continuous foundation walls (creating an enclosed space below the building) or elevation on compacted earthen fill.

4.5.3 Barriers Barriers keep surface waters from reaching a building. A barrier can be built of dirt or soil (“berm”) or concrete or steel (“floodwall”). In cases of shallow flooding, regrading a yard can provide the same protection as a separate barrier.

4.5.4 Retrofitting This term covers a variety of techniques for modifying a building to reduce its susceptibility to damage by one or more hazards.

Where Appropriate Some of the more common approaches are:

City of Claremore 207 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan Floods and dam failures:

• Dry floodproofing keeps the water out by strengthening walls, sealing openings, or using waterproof compounds or plastic sheeting on walls. Dry floodproofing is not recommended for residential construction. • Wet floodproofing, using water resistant paints and elevating anything that could be damaged by a flood, allows for easy cleanup after floodwaters recede. Accessory structures or garages below the residential structure are potential candidates for wet floodproofing. • Installing drain plugs, standpipes or backflow valves to stop sewer backup.

Tornado:

• Constructing an underground shelter or in- building “safe room” • Securing roofs, walls and foundations with adequate fasteners or tie downs • Strengthening garage doors and other large openings

High winds:

• Installing storm shutters and storm windows • Burying utility lines • Using special roofing shingles designed to interlock and resist uplift forces • Installing/incorporating backup power supplies

Hailstorms: FEMA guides are available to help homeowners retrofit their flood-prone • Installing hail resistant roofing materials properties

Lightning: • Installing lightning rods and lightning surge interrupters • Burying utility lines • Installing/incorporating backup power supplies

Winte r storms: • Adding insulation • Relocating water lines from outside walls to interior spaces • Sealing windows • Burying utility lines • Installing/incorporating backup power supplies

City of Claremore 208 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan Extreme heat and drought: • Adding insulation • Installing water saver appliances, such as shower heads and toilets

Urban and wild fires: • Replacing wood shingles with fire resistant roofing • Adding spark arrestors on chimneys • Landscaping to keep bushes and trees away from structures • Installing sprinkler systems • Installing smoke alarms

Earth q uake: • Retrofitting structures to better withstand shaking. • Tying down appliances, water heaters, bookcases and fragile furniture so they won’t fall over during a quake.

Comm o n Measures From th e above lists, it can be seen that certain approaches can help protect from more than one hazard. These include:

• Strengthening roofs and walls to protect from wind and earthquake forces. • Bolting or tying walls to the foundation protect from wind and earthquake forces and the effects of buoyancy during a flood. • Adding insulation to protect for extreme heat and cold • Anchoring water heaters and tanks to protect from ground shaking and flotation • Burying utility lines to protect from wind, ice and snow. • Installing backup power systems for power losses during storms • Installing roofing that is hail resistant and fireproof.

4.5.5 Insu r ance Insura n ce has the advantage that, as long as the policy is in force, the property is protec t ed and no human intervention is needed for the measure to work. There are three types of insurance coverage:

1. The standard homeowner’s, dwelling, and commercial insurance policies cover against the perils of wildfire and the effects of severe weather, such as frozen water pipes. 2. Many companies sell earthquake insurance as an additional peril rider on homeowner’s policies. Individual policies can be written for large commercial properties. Rates and deductibles vary depending on the potential risk and the nature of the insured properties.

City of Claremore 209 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan 3. Flood insurance is provided under the National Flood Insurance Program. Flood Insurance Although most homeowner’s insurance policies do not cover a property for flood damage, an owner can insure a building for damage by surface flooding through the Nation a l Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Flood insurance coverage is provided for buildings and their contents damaged by a “general condition of surface flooding” in the area.

Building coverage is for the structure. Contents coverage is for the removable items inside an insurable building. A renter can take out a policy with contents coverage, even if there is no structural coverage.

Some people have purchased flood insurance because the bank required it when they got a mortgage or home improvement loan. Usually these policies just cover the building’s structure and not the contents.

In most cases, a 30-day waiting period follows the purchase of a flood insurance policy before it goes into effect. The objective of this waiting period is to encourage people to keep a policy at all times. People cannot wait for NFIP Coordinator Dianna Herrera presenting a the river to rise before they buy their class on flood insurance requirements coverage.

4.5.6 The City’s Role Property protection measures are usually considered the responsibility of the property owner. However, the City should be involved in all strategies that can reduce losses from natural hazards, especially acquisition. There are various roles the City can play in encouraging and supporting implementation of these measures.

Providing basic information to property owners is the first step in supporting property protection measures. Owners need general information on what can be done. They need to see examples, preferably from nearby.

Financial Assistance Communities can help owners by helping to pay for a retrofitting project, just like they pay for flood control projects. Financial assistance can range from full funding of a project to helping residents find money from other programs. Some communities assume responsibility for sewer backups and other flood problems that arose from an inadequate public sewer or drain system.

Less expensive community programs include low interest loans, forgivable low interest loans and rebates. A forgivable loan is one that does not need to be repaid if the owner

City of Claremore 210 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan does not sell the house for a specified period, such as five years. These approaches do not fully fund the project but they cost the community treasury less and they increase the owner’s commitment to the flood protection project.

Often, small amounts of money act as a catalyst to pique the owner’s interest to get a self- protection project moving. Several Chicago suburbs have active rebate programs that fund only 20% or 25% of the total cost of a retrofitting project. These programs have helped install hundreds of projects that protect buildings from low flood hazards.

Acquisition Agent The City can be a focal point for many acquisition projects. In most cases, when acquisition of a property is feasible, the City is the ultimate owner of the property, but in other cases, the school district or other public agencies can assume ownership and the attendant maintenance responsibilities.

Other Incentives Sometimes only a little funding is needed to motivate a property owner to implement a retrofitting project. A flood insurance premium reduction will result if a building is elevated above the flood level. This reduction is not enough to take much of a bite out of the cost of the project, but it reassures the owner that he or she is doing the right thing. Other forms of floodproofing are not reflected in the flood insurance rates for residential properties, but they may help with the Community Rating System, which provides a premium reduction for all policies in the community.

Other incentives to consider are programs to help owners calculate the benefits and costs of a project and a “seal of approval” for retrofitted buildings. The latter would be given following an inspection that confirms that the building meets certain standards. There are many other personal but non-economic incentives to protect a property from flood damage, such as peace of mind and increased value at property resale.

4.5.7 Lightning Protection Systems The purpose of a lightning protection system is to intercept lightning and safely direct its current to ground. If the system is properly designed, installed and maintained it can provide almost 100% protection to buildings.

The system for an ordinary structure includes at least air terminals (lightning rods), down conductors, and ground terminals. These three elements of the system must form a continuous conductive path for lightning current.

National Fire Protection Association document NFPA 780, Standard for the Installation of Lightning Protection Systems describes lightning

City of Claremore 211 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan protection system installation requirements. NFPA 780 is available through http://www.nfpa.org/Codes/NFPA_Codes_and_Standards/List_of_NFPA_documents/NF PA_780.asp. Additional information on design and construction of lightning protection systems is available on http://www.montana.edu/wwwpb/pubs/mt8529ag.pdf.

4.5.8 Surge Protectors The average home has 2,200 or more power surges annually, 60% of which are generated within the home. Most surges are caused by motors starting in air conditioners, garage doors, refrigerators and other major appliances. Electronic appliances can be damaged or destroyed by over-voltage surges or spikes.

Whole house surge protectors offer the first line of defense against high-energy, high- voltage surges. These devices thwart the energy of the initial surge and reduce it before it reaches electrical appliances. In many cases this level of protection is enough to protect the home.

Surge protection devices connected directly to appliances offer the second line of defense. They are the only defense against surges within the home. The combination of whole house and point-of-use surge protection provides the best possible protection.

For more information on whole house and point-of-use surge protectors, refer to http://www.howstuffworks.com/surge-protector.htm.

4.5.9 Landscaping for Wildfire Prevention The chance of losing property due to wildfire can be reduced using fire prevention landscaping techniques. The amount of cleared space around a home improves its ability to survive a wildfire. A structure is more likely to survive when grasses, trees and other common fuels are removed, reduced or modified to reduce a fire’s intensity and keep it away from the structure.

Zone 1: Moist Zone 2: Low and Zone 3: High and clean. Zone 4: Natural and trim. Turf, sparse. Slow Native trees and shrubs are area. Native perennials, growing, drought- thinned and dry debris on plants are groundcovers tolerant shrubs and the ground is removed. selectively and annuals form groundcovers keep Overgrowth is removed and thinned. Highly a greenbelt that is fire near ground level. trees are pruned every 3-5 flammable regularly watered Native vegetation can years. vegetation is and maintained. be retained if it is low replaced with less Shrubs and trees growing, does not fire-prone species. are located at accumulate dry, least 10 feet from flammable material the house. and is irrigated.

City of Claremore 212 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan For comprehensive lists of steps to protect your home before, during and after a wildfire refer to http://www.fema.gov/pdf/library/98surst_wf.pdf or http://www.cnr.uidaho.edu/extforest/F3.pdf.

4.5.10 Conclusions 1. Acquisition and relocation of property is the most effective for property protection in the case of hazards that are expected to occur repeatedly in the same locations. Acquisition followed by demolition is preferable. 2. Other methods of property protection for flooding include raising building elevations and building berms and floodwalls. 3. Building modifications are also appropriate for some hazards. 4. Property insurance has the advantage of protecting the property without human intervention. 5. The City can help in reducing losses from natural hazards by providing financial assistance, having an acquisition program, and other incentives.

4.5.11 Recommendations Refer to “Chapter 5: Action Plan,” Table 5–1, for a complete listing of all recommended mitigation measures by hazard and priority.

City of Claremore 213 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan 4.6 Emergency Services

Emergency services measures protect people during and after a hazard event. Locally, the Claremore/Rogers County Emergency Management Agency (CRCEMA) coordinates these measures. Measures include preparedness, threat recognition, warning, response, critical facilities protection, and post-disaster recovery and mitigation.

4.6.1 Threat Recognition Threat recognition is the key. The first step in responding to a flood, tornado, storm or other natural hazard is being aware that one is coming. Without a proper and timely threat recognition system, adequate warnings cannot be disseminated.

Emergency Alert System (EAS) Using digital technology to distribute messages to radio, television and cable systems, the EAS provides state and local officials with the ability to send out emergency information targeted to a specific area. The information can be sent electronically through broadcast stations and cable systems even if those facilities are unattended.

Floods A flood threat recognition system provides early warning to emergency managers. A good system will predict the time and height of the flood crest. This can be done by measuring rainfall, soil moisture, and stream flows upstream of the community and calculating the subsequent flood levels.

On larger rivers, including the Verdigris, the National Weather Service does the measuring and calculating, which is in the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Flood threat predictions are disseminated on the NOAA Weather Wire or NOAA Weather Radio. NOAA Weather Radio is considered by the federal government to be the official Areas subject to flooding should be clearly posted source for weather information.

The National Weather Service issues notices to the public, using two levels of notification:

Flood watch: conditions are right for flooding Flood warning: a flood has started or is expected to occur

City of Claremore 214 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan On smaller rivers, local rainfall and river gauges are needed to establish a flood threat recognition system. The National Weather Service may issue a “flash flood watch.” This means the amount of rain expected will cause ponding and other flooding on small streams and depressions. These events are sometimes so localized and rapid that a “flash flood warning” may not be issued, especially if no gages or other remote threat recognition equipment is available.

Meteorological Hazards The National Weather Service is the prime agency for detecting meteorological threats, such as tornadoes, thunderstorms, and winter storms. As with floods, the Federal agency can only look at the large scale, e.g., whether conditions are appropriate for formation of a tornado. For tornadoes and thunderstorms, the county or municipalities can provide more site-specific and timely recognition by sending out spotters to watch the skies when the Weather Service issues a watch or warning.

NOAA Weather Radio NOAA Weather Radio (NWR) is a nationwide network of radio stations broadcasting continuous weather information direct from a nearby National Weather Service office. NWR broadcasts National Weather Service warnings, watches, forecasts and other hazard information 24 hours a day. Post-event information is also broadcast for natural hazards (such as tornados and earthquakes) and environmental hazards (such as chemical releases or oil spills).

NWR requires a special radio receiver or scanner capable of picking up the signal. NOAA Weather Radio receivers can be purchased at many retail stores that sell electronic merchandise. Typical cost of a residential grade NOAA Weather Radio is between $20 and $200.

For more information on NOAA Weather Radios, see http://www.nws.noaa.gov/nwr/.

4.6.2 Warning After the threat recognition system tells the CRCEMA that a flood or other hazard is coming, the next step is to notify the public and staff of other agencies and critical facilities. The earlier and the more specific the warning, the greater the number of people who can implement protection measures. The following are the more common warning media:

• Outdoor warning sirens • Sirens on public safety vehicles • NOAA Weather Radio • Commercial or public radio or TV stations • Cable TV emergency news inserts • Telephone trees

City of Claremore 215 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan • Door-to-door contact • Mobile public address systems

Multiple or redundant systems are the most effective, since people do not hear one warning, they may still get the message from another part of the system. Each has advantages and disadvantages. Outdoor warning sirens can reach the most people quickly (except those around loud noise, such as at a factory or during a thunderstorm), but they do not explain what hazard is coming and cannot be sounded unless a timely means of threat recognition exists. Radio and TV provide a lot of information, but people have to know to turn them on. Telephone trees are also fast, but can be expensive and do not work when phones lines are down.

Just as important as issuing a warning is telling people what to do. A warning program should have a public information aspect. People need to know the difference between a tornado warning (when they should seek shelter in a basement) and a flood warning (when they should stay out of basements).

4.6.3 Response The protection of life and property is the foremost important task of emergency responders. Concurrent with threat recognition and issuing warnings, a community should respond with actions that can prevent or reduce damage and injuries. Typical actions and responding parties include the following:

• Activating the emergency operations room (emergency management) • Closing streets or bridges (police or public works) • Shutting off power to threatened areas (utility company) • Holding children at school/releasing children from school (school district) • Passing out sand and sandbags (public works) In the event of an emergency, responders must make an organized effort to minimize the impacts of the incident. • Ordering an evacuation (mayor) • Opening evacuation shelters (Red Cross) • Monitoring water levels (engineering) • Security and other protection measures (police)

City of Claremore 216 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan An emergency action plan ensures that all bases are covered and that the response activities are appropriate for the expected threat. These plans are developed in coordination with the agencies or offices that are given various responsibilities.

Emergency response plans should be updated annually to keep contact names and telephone numbers current and to make sure that supplies and equipment that will be needed are still available. They should be critiqued and revised after disasters and exercises to take advantage of the lessons learned and changing conditions. The end result is a coordinated effort implemented by people who have experience working together so that available resources will be used in the most efficient manner.

4.6.4 Critical Facilities Protection “Critical facilities” are previously discussed in Section 2.3.5. Generally, they fall into two categories:

• Buildings or locations vital to the response and recovery effort, such as police and fire stations and telephone exchanges and • Buildings or locations that, if damaged, would create secondary disasters, such as hazardous materials facilities and nursing homes.

Protecting critical facilities during a disaster is the responsibility of the facility owner or operator. However, if they are not prepared for an emergency, the rest of the community could be impacted. If a critical facility is damaged, workers and resources may be unnecessarily drawn away from other disaster response efforts. If the owner or operator adequately prepares such a facility, it will be better able to support the community's emergency response efforts.

Most critical facilities have full-time professional managers or staff who are responsible for the facility during a disaster. These people often have their own emergency response plans. Many facilities would benefit from early disaster warning, disaster response planning, and coordination with community disaster response efforts.

Schools are critical facilities not only because of the special population they accommodate, but because they are often identified as shelter sites for a community. Processes and procedures can be developed to determine mitigation priorities The city’s streams, waterways, incorporated into capital improvement plans that will and detention ponds should be ensure these buildings function after an event. continuously monitored

City of Claremore 217 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan 4.6.5 Post-Disaster Recovery and Mitigation After a disaster, communities should undertake activities to protect public health and safety, facilitate recovery, and help people and property for the next disaster. Throughout the recovery phase, everyone wants to get “back to normal.” The problem is, “normal” means the way they were before the disaster. Measures needed include the following:

Recovery Actions • Patrolling evacuated areas to prevent looting • Providing safe drinking water • Monitoring for diseases • Vaccinating residents for tetanus • Clearing streets • Cleaning up debris and garbage • Regulating reconstruction to ensure that it meets all code requirements, including the NFIP’s substantial damage regulations

Mitigation Actions • Conducting a public information effort to advise residents about mitigation measures they can incorporate into their reconstruction work • Evaluating damaged public facilities to identify mitigation measures that can be included during repairs • Acquiring substantially or repeatedly damaged properties from willing sellers • Planning for long term mitigation activities • Applying for post-disaster mitigation funds

Requiring permits, conducting inspections, and enforcing the NFIP substantial improvement/substantial damage regulations can be very difficult for local, understaffed overworked offices after a disaster. If these activities are not carried out properly, not only does the municipality miss a tremendous opportunity to redevelop or clear out a hazardous area, it may be violating its obligations under the NFIP.

4.6.6 Debris Management

The tornados of May 3, 1999 left an estimated A firefighter searches through the remains of a hotel in Midwest City. 500,000 cubic yards of debris. Debris in the aftermath Oklahoman Staff Photo by Paul Hellstern of a disaster poses significant health and safety risks. Debris can include fuel containers, chemicals, appliances and explosives.

City of Claremore 218 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan Two key considerations regarding debris management are the need for rapid removal and protection of the public health and environment. Before a disaster strikes communities should set up staging area(s) where citizens and cleanup crews can take debris prior to final disposal.

Community members can participate in debris control by securing debris, yard items, or stored objects that my otherwise be swept away, damaged, or pose a hazard if floodwaters would pick them up and carry them away. Additionally, a community can pass and enforce an ordinance regulating dumping.

For the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality’s Guidelines for Debris Management see document www.deq.state.ok.us/mainlinks/storms/Options%20for%20Disposal%20Guidelines.doc.

4.6.7 CERT (Community Emergency Response Team)

After a major disaster, local emergency teams quickly become overwhelmed. CERT is designed to have trained groups of citizens in every neighborhood and business ready to assist first responders (police, firefighters and EMSA) during an emergency.

CERT programs train and equip citizens in neighborhoods and businesses enabling them to “self-activate” immediately after a disaster. CERT teams are trained in:

• disaster preparedness. • light fire and suppression. • light search and rescue. • basic medical care.

FEMA grants have been given to states for funding CERT programs or expanding existing teams. For information about the Oklahoma grant see http://www.fema.gov/news/newsrelease.fema?id=3155.

For more information on the CERT program talk to your local emergency management official or visit http://training.fema.gov/emiweb/CERT/.

4.6.8 StormReady Communities StormReady, a program started in Oklahoma in 1999, helps arm America's communities with the communication and safety skills needed to save lives and property before and during an event. StormReady communities are better prepared to save lives from the onslaught of severe weather through better planning, education, and awareness.

City of Claremore 219 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan StormReady has different guidelines for different sized communities. To be StormReady a community must:

• Establish a 24-hour warning point and emergency operations center. • Have more than one way to receive severe weather warnings and forecasts and to alert the public. • Create a system that monitors weather conditions locally. • Promote the importance of public readiness through community seminars. • Develop a formal hazardous weather plan, which includes training severe weather spotters and holding emergency exercises.

The economic investment in StormReady will depend on current assets. There is currently no grant funding for becoming StormReady. However, the Insurance Services Organization (ISO) may provide community rating points to StormReady communities. Those points may be applied toward lowering flood insurance rates.

For details on how to become StormReady and the requirements based on community size see http://www.stormready.noaa.gov/.

4.6.9 Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) An EOP develops a comprehensive (multi-use) emergency management program which seeks to mitigate the effects of a hazard, to prepare for measures to be taken which will preserve life and minimize damage, to respond during emergencies and provide necessary assistance and to establish a recovery system in order to return communities to their normal state of affairs. The plan defines who does what, when, where and how in order to mitigate, prepare for, respond to and recover from the effects of war, natural disasters, technological accidents and other major incidents / hazards.

Continuity of Operations (COOP) planning should be addressed in the EOP. COOP ensures the essential functions of an organization, including government, can continue to operate during and after an emergency incident. An incident may prevent access to normally operating systems, such as physical plant, data or communication networks, or transportation. Government, business, other organizations, and families should be encouraged to prepare by regularly backing up computer drives, copying essential files, and storing these items in a separate location.

The State and Local Guide (SLG) 101: Guide for All-Hazard Emergency Operations Planning is available from FEMA. The guide provides ideas and advice to state and local emergency managers in their efforts to develop and maintain an EOP. The guide can be ordered directly from FEMA or downloaded from http://www.fema.gov/rrr/gaheop.shtm.

City of Claremore 220 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan Funding for creating or updating an EOP is available from FEMA. For information on how to obtain funding contact the Oklahoma Office of Homeland Security or go to http://www.youroklahoma.com/homelandsecurity/.

The State of Oklahoma’s Emergency Operations Plan is published on http://www.odcem.state.ok.us/pte/seopmain.htm.

4.6.10 Incident Command System (ICS) The Incident Command System is the model tool for the command, control and coordination of resources at the scene of an emergency. It is a management tool of procedures for organizing personnel, facilities, equipment and communications. ICS is based upon basic management skills managers and leaders already know: planning, directing, organizing, coordinating, communicating, delegating and evaluating.

ICS is not a means to wrestle control or authority away from agencies or departments, a way to subvert the normal chain of command within a department or agency, nor is it always managed by the fire department, too big for small everyday events or restricted to use by government agencies and departments. ICS is an adaptable methodology suitable for emergency management as well as many other categories. If leadership is essential for the success of an event or a response, ICS is the supporting foundation for successfully managing that event.

The Incident Command System is built around five major management activities. These activities are:

• Command – sets objects and priorities and has overall responsibility at the incident or event. • Operations – conducts tactical operations to carry out the plan and directs resources. • Planning – develops the action plan to accomplish objectives and collects and evaluates information. • Logistics – provides resources and services to support incident needs. • Finance / Administration – monitors costs, provides accounting, reports time and cost analysis.

The system can grow or shrink to meet changing needs. This makes it very cost-effective and efficient. The system can be applied to a wide variety of situations such as fires, multi-jurisdiction and multi-agency disasters, hazardous material spills and recovery incidents, pest eradication programs and state or local natural hazards management.

For a detailed description of ICS, a diagram of ICS organization, or a checklist of duties for each management activity and links to other resources see http://www.911dispatch.com/ics/ics_main.html.

City of Claremore 221 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan 4.6.11 Mutual Aid / Interagency Agreements Local governments should establish mutual aid agreements for utility and communications systems, including 9-1-1. Mutual aid or interagency agreements have value for preventing or responding to other hazard or emergency situations, as fire and police departments often do.

4.6.12 9-1-1 and 3-1-1 Some communities have expanded their basic 9-1-1 location identification telephone service to include features such as “enhanced 9-1-1” registering name, address, and a description of the building/site. It has become more common to use a “reverse 9-1-1” system with which a community can send out a mass telephone announcement to every number in the 9-1-1 system. Additionally, non-emergency 3-1-1 service can be used to have people call to get information, such as locations of cooling shelters during a heat wave.

4.6.13 Site Emergency Plans Communities can encourage development and testing of internal emergency plans and procedures, including continuity planning, by businesses and other organizations.

Communities should develop and test site emergency plans for schools, factories, office buildings, shopping malls, hospitals, correctional facilities, stadiums, recreation areas, and other similar facilities.

4.6.14 Conclusions 1. Using solid, dependable threat recognition systems is first and foremost in emergency services. 2. Following a threat recognition, multiple or redundant warning systems and instructions for action are most effective in protecting citizens. 3. Good emergency response plans that are updated yearly ensure that well-trained and experienced people can quickly take the appropriate measures to protect citizens and property. 4. To ensure effective emergency response, critical facilities protection must be part of the plan. 5. Post-disaster recovery activities include providing neighborhood security, safe drinking water, appropriate vaccinations, and cleanup and regulated reconstruction.

4.6.15 Recommendations Refer to “Chapter 5: Action Plan,” Table 5–1, for a complete listing of all recommended mitigation measures by hazard and priority.

City of Claremore 222 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan 4.7 Natural Resource Protection

Natural resource protection activities are generally aimed at preserving and restoring the natural and beneficial uses of natural areas. In doing so, these activities enable the beneficial functions of floodplains and drainageways to be better realized. These natural functions include:

• Storage of floodwaters • Absorption of flood energy • Reduction of flood scour • Infiltration and aquifer/groundwater recharge • Removal/filtration of excess nutrients, pollutants, and sediments from floodwaters • Habitat for flora and fauna • Recreation and aesthetic opportunities, and

• Opportunities for off-street Wetlands are a valued resource to ecosystems hiking and biking trails and should be protected.

This Section reviews natural resource protection activities that protect natural areas and mitigate damage from other hazards. Integrating these activities into the hazards mitigation program will not only reduce the City’s susceptibility to flood damage, but will also improve the overall environment.

4.7.1 Wetland Protection Wetlands are often found in floodplains and depressional areas of a watershed. Wetlands Many wetlands receive and store • Store large amounts of floodwaters floodwaters, thus slowing and reducing downstream flows. They also serve as a • Reduce flood velocities and erosion natural filter, which helps to improve water • Filter water, making it cleaner for quality, and provide habitat for many those downstream species of fish, wildlife, and plants. • Provide habitat for species that cannot live or breed anywhere else Wetlands are regulated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act. Before a “404” permit is issued, the plans are reviewed by several agencies, including the Corps and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Each of these agencies must sign off on individual permits. There are also nationwide permits that allow small projects that meet certain criteria to proceed without individual permits.

City of Claremore 223 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan 4.7.2 Erosion and Sedimentation Control Farmlands and construction sites typically contain large areas of bare exposed soil. Surface water runoff can erode soil from these sites, sending sediment into downstream waterways. Sediment tends to settle where the river slows down and loses power, such as when it enters a lake or a wetland.

Sedimentation will gradually fill in channels and lakes, reducing their ability to carry or store floodwaters. When channels are constricted and flooding cannot deposit sediment in the bottomlands, even more is left in the channels. The result is either clogged streams or increased dredging costs.

Not only are the drainage channels less able to do their job, but also the sediment Construction projects, which can expose in the water reduces light, oxygen, and large areas to erosion, should be closely water quality and often brings chemicals, monitored heavy metals and other pollutants. Sediment has been identified as the nation’s number one nonpoint source pollutant for aquatic life.

Practices to reduce erosion and sedimentation have two principal components:

1. Minimize erosion with vegetation and 2. Capture sediment before it leaves the site.

Slowing surface water runoff on the way to a drainage channel increases infiltration into the soil and reduces the volume of topsoil eroded from the site. Runoff can be slowed down by measures such as terraces, contour strip farming, no-till farm practices, sediment fences, hay or straw bales (as illustrated), constructed wetlands, and impoundments (e.g., sediment basins and farm ponds).

Erosion and sedimentation control regulations Lack of vegetation along drainage mandate that these types of practices be channels promotes erosion incorporated into construction plans. They are usually oriented toward construction sites rather than farms. The most common approach is to require applicants for permits to submit an erosion and sediment control plan for the construction project. This allows the applicant to determine the best practices for the site.

One tried and true approach is to have the contractor design the detention basins with extra capacity. They are built first, so they detain runoff during construction and act as

City of Claremore 224 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan sediment catch basins. The extra capacity collects the sediment that comes with the runoff until the site is planted and erosion is reduced.

4.7.3 River Restoration There is a growing movement that has several names, such as “stream conservation,” “bioengineering” or “riparian corridor restoration.” The objective of these approaches is to return streams, stream banks and adjacent land to a more natural condition, including the natural meanders. Another term is “ecological restoration” which restores native indigenous plants and animals to an area.

A key component of these efforts is using appropriate native plantings along the banks that resist erosion. This may involve “retrofitting” the shoreline with willow cuttings, wetland plants, and/or rolls of landscape material covered with a natural fabric that decomposes after the banks are stabilized with plant roots.

Studies have shown that after establishing the right vegetation, long-term maintenance costs are lower than if the banks were concrete. The Natural Resources Conservation Service estimates that over a ten-year period, the combined costs of installation and maintenance of a natural landscape may be one-fifth of the cost for Retrofitting streambanks with willow cuttings and conventional landscape geotextiles can be more cost effective than riprap or concrete-lined floodways. maintenance, e.g., mowing turf grass.

4.7.4 Best Management Practices Point source pollutants come from pipes such as the outfall of a municipal wastewater treatment plant. State and federal water quality laws have reduced the pollutants that come from these facilities.

Non-point source pollutants come from non-specific locations and are harder to regulate. Examples are lawn fertilizers, pesticides, and other farm chemicals, animal wastes, oils from street surfaces and industrial areas, and sediment from agriculture, construction, mining and forestry. These pollutants are washed off the ground’s surface by stormwater and flushed into receiving storm sewers, ditches and streams.

Best management practices (BMPs) are measures that reduce nonpoint source pollutants that enter the waterways. BMPs can be implemented during construction and as part of a project’s design to permanently address nonpoint source pollutants.

City of Claremore 225 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan There are three general categories of BMPs:

1. Avoidance—Setting construction projects back from the stream. 2. Reduction—Preventing runoff that conveys sediment and other water-borne pollutants, such as planting proper vegetation and conservation tillage. 3. Cleansing—Stopping pollutants after they are en route to a stream, such as using grass drainageways that filter the water and retention and detention basins that let pollutants settle to the bottom before they are drained.

In addition to improving water quality, BMPs can have flood related benefits. By managing runoff, they can attenuate flows and reduce the peaks after a storm. Combining water quality and water quantity measures can result in more efficient multi-purpose stormwater facilities.

Because of the need to clean up our rivers and lakes, there are several laws mandating the use of best management practices for new developments and various land uses. The farthest reaching one is the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) requirements.

4.7.5 Dumping Regulations NPDES addresses liquid pollutants. Dumping regulations address solid matter, such as shopping carts, appliances and landscape waste that can be accidentally or intentionally thrown into channels or wetlands. Such materials may not pollute the water, but they can obstruct even low flows and reduce the channels’ and wetlands’ ability to convey or clean stormwater.

Many cities have nuisance ordinances that prohibit dumping garbage or other “objectionable waste” on public or private property. Waterway dumping regulations need to also apply to “non-objectionable” materials, such as grass clippings or tree branches which can kill ground cover or cause obstructions in channels.

Many people do not realize the consequences of their actions. They may, for example, fill in the ditch in their front yard not realizing that it is needed to drain street runoff. They may not understand how regrading their yard, filling a wetland, or discarding leaves or branches in a watercourse can cause a problem to themselves and others. Therefore, a dumping enforcement program should include public information materials that explain the reasons for the rules as well as the penalties.

Regular inspections to catch violations also should be scheduled. Finding dumped materials is easy; locating the source of the refuse is hard. Usually the owner of property adjacent to a stream is responsible for keeping the stream clean. This may not be fair for sites near bridges and other public access points.

City of Claremore 226 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan 4.7.6 Conclusions 1. Wetlands play an important role in natural course of flood control, preservation of water quality, and wildlife habitation, making a strong case for their protection. 2. Erosion can be reduced by use of vegetation. Sedimentation should be captured before it leaves its original location with oversized detention basins. 3. Vegetation used along riverbanks works more effectively in river maintenance than using banks made of concrete. 4. Nonpoint source pollutants are best managed by keeping construction projects away from streams, reducing sediment runoff, and using grass drainageways and detention basins for filtration. 5. Dumping regulations need to be communicated to the public and enforced. 6. The establishment and maintenance of wildlife habitat and natural ecosystems should be an important aspect of any drainage system program the City of Claremore may implement in regards to floodplain management. This can be developed in cooperation with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, allowing aquatic plants and wildlife to be established in stormwater detention ponds and floodways. 4.7.7 Recommendations Refer to “Chapter 5: Action Plan,” Table 5–1, for a complete listing of all recommended mitigation measures by hazard and priority.

City of Claremore 227 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter 5: Action Plan

The City of Claremore has reviewed and analyzed the risk assessment studies for the natural hazards and hazardous material events that may impact the community. The Claremore HMCAC prioritized the mitigation measures identified in Chapter 4, and developed an Action Plan for the highest priority measures. This chapter identifies specific high priority actions to achieve the City’s mitigation goals, the lead agency responsible for implementation of each action item, an anticipated time schedule, estimated cost opinion, and identification of possible funding sources.

1. Floods, Tornadoes, High Winds, Lightning, Hail, Severe Winter Storms, Extreme Heat, Urban Fires, Wildfires, Earthquakes, Fixed Site Haz Mat Events, Dam Failures, Transportation Events ● Evaluate and develop/upgrade/build 911 Center and Emergency Operations Center and facilities as required. Lead: Emergency Manager, Fire Department, Police Department Time Schedule: November 2009 Estimated Cost: $5,500,000 Source of Funding: Local, FEMA, Homeland Security Work Product/Expected Outcome: Evaluate and develop/upgrade/build 911 Center and Emergency Operations Center and facilities as required.

2. Tornadoes, High Winds, Earthquakes ● Construct safe rooms at critical governmental facilities such as City Hall, Police, and Fire Stations, community recreational and public school facilities. Lead: Community Development, Fire, Police, Claremore Public Schools Time Schedule: November 2008 Estimated Cost: $5,250,000 Source of Funding: Local/General budget, FEMA, Claremore Public Schools Work Product/Expected Outcome: Construction of safe rooms in Fire and Police facilities with the intent of protecting first responders from tornadoes, and construction of safe rooms in school buildings with the intent and allowable dimensions to protect students from tornadoes.

City of Claremore 228 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan 3. Transportation Events ● Develop a transportation plan and mark routes to limit public exposure to hazardous materials. Lead: City Engineer Time Schedule: Ongoing Estimated Cost: $ 20,000 Source of Funding: Local Work Product/Expected Outcome: Identify hazardous materials and the transportation systems used in their transport within the county; inventory vulnerable populations in those areas; designate Hazardous Materials Transportation routes through the community.

4. Floods ● Encourage development of regional water detention ponds and implementation of a fee-in- lieu of on-site detention. Lead: City Engineer Time Schedule: To be determined after the Master Drainage Plan (MDP) is complete Estimated Cost: To be determined by MDP Source of Funding: Local Work Product/Expected Outcome: Regional detention ponds in lieu of on-site detention ponds.

5. Floods, Tornadoes, High Winds, Lightning, Hail, Severe Winter Storms, Extreme Heat, Urban Fires, Wildfires, Earthquakes, Fixed Site Haz Mat Events, Dam Failures, Transportation Events ● Install Street Addresses on all buildings and curbs. Lead: Department of Public Works Time Schedule: Ongoing Estimated Cost: $65,000.00 ($8.00 x Number of Properties (8,133)) Source of Funding: Local Work Product/Expected Outcome: Ability to identify the address of a structure rapidly to keep response to an emergency call as short as possible and to identify structures affected by a hazard (such as a flood or tornado), which will aid in reducing the loss of lives.

6. Floods, Tornadoes, High Winds, Lightning, Hail, Severe Winter Storms, Extreme Heat, Drought, Expansive Soils, Urban Fires, Wildfires, Earthquakes, Fixed Site Haz Mat Events, Dam Failures, Transportation Events ● Create a Comprehensive All-Hazards Mitigation Strategy for public employees and citizens, including the establishment of working partnerships involving local government, civic, business leaders, and volunteer groups to create a safer community. Lead: Emergency Manager, Fire Department, Police Department

City of Claremore 229 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan Time Schedule: Ongoing Estimated Cost: TBD Source of Funding: TBD Work Product/Expected Outcome: To outline the parameters for creating a better informed public, while establishing partnerships and lines of communication between government agencies, departments and private organizations whom have a combined interest in achieving the goals of protecting property and saving lives set by the community, in regards to Hazard Mitigation. 7. Floods ● Prepare a comprehensive citywide basin Master Drainage Plan, to include the fence-line area and future conditions. Lead: City Engineer Time Schedule: 2006 Estimated Cost: 345,000 Source of Funding: Local, Pre-Disaster Mitigation (PDM) Work Product/Expected Outcome: Recommendations for most cost-effective and politically acceptable solutions for flooding problems in the Dog Creek and Cat Creek, including buildings and infrastructure. Encourage development of regional water detention ponds and implementation of a fee-in-lieu of on-site detention.

8. Floods ● Evaluate the feasibility of a Stormwater Utility Fee to pay for routine maintenance of drainageways, help fund stormwater and drainage projects, and required NPDES Phase II Permit application and implementation. Lead: City Engineer Time Schedule: 2007 - 2009 Estimated Cost: $50,000 Source of Funding: Local Work Product/Expected Outcome: To be evaluated as a result of the Master Drainage Planning Process.

City of Claremore 230 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan Prioritized Mitigation Measure List for Claremore

RankHazard Mitigation Category Mitigation Measure 1 Floods, Tornadoes, High Winds, Preventive Measures Evaluate and develop/upgrade/build 911 Center and Emergency Operations Lightning, Hail, Severe Winter Center and facilities as required Storms, Extreme Heat, Urban Fires, Wildfires, Earthquakes, Fixed Site Haz Mat Events, Dam Failures, Transportation Events 2 Tornadoes, High Winds, Earthquakes Preventive Measures Construct safe rooms at critical governmental facilities such as City Hall, Police, and Fire Stations, community recreational and public school facilities 3 Transportation Events Preventive Measures Develop a transportation plan and mark routes to limit public exposure to hazardous materials 4 Floods Preventive Measures Encourage development of regional water detention ponds and implementation of a fee-in-lieu of on-site detention. 5 Floods, Tornadoes, High Winds, Emergency Services Install street addresses on all buildings and curbs. Lightning, Hail, Severe Winter Storms, Extreme Heat, Urban Fires, Wildfires, Earthquakes, Fixed Site Haz Mat Events, Dam Failures, Transportation Events 6 Floods, Tornadoes, High Winds, Emergency Services Create a Comprehensive All-Hazards Mitigation Strategy for public employees Lightning, Hail, Severe Winter and citizens, including the establishment of working partnerships involving Storms, Extreme Heat, Drought, local government, civic, business leaders, and volunteer groups to create a safer Expansive Soils, Urban Fires, community. Wildfires, Earthquakes, Fixed Site Haz Mat Events, Dam Failures, Transportation Events 7 Floods Preventive Measures Prepare a comprehensive city-wide basin Master Drainage Plan, to include the fence-line area and future conditions. 8 Floods Preventive Measures Evaluate the feasibility of a Stormwater Utility Fee to pay for routine maintenance of drainageways, help fund stormwater and drainage projects, and required NPDES Phase II permit applications and implementation. 9 Floods, Tornadoes, High Winds, Public Information and Education Develop an all-hazard public information and awareness program. Lightning, Hail, Severe Winter Storms, Extreme Heat, Drought, Expansive Soils, Urban Fires, Wildfires, Earthquakes, Fixed Site Haz Mat Events, Dam Failures, Transportation Events R.D. Flanagan & Associates Page 231 Claremore Mitigation Measures RankHazard Mitigation Category Mitigation Measure 10 Floods, Tornadoes, High Winds, Public Information and Education Develop and distribute public information and education plans for responding Lightning, Hail, Severe Winter to natural hazards and hazardous material events to at-risk populations and Storms, Extreme Heat, Drought, contact agencies that distribute information to at-risk communities (e.g., Expansive Soils, Urban Fires, elderly, infirm, impoverished, outside workers) for selected natural and Wildfires, Earthquakes, Fixed Site manmade hazards. Haz Mat Events, Dam Failures, Transportation Events 11 Floods, Tornadoes, High Winds, Public Information and Education Educate the public on the importance of a family disaster plan and supply kit Lightning, Hail, Severe Winter during severe weather season Storms, Urban Fires, Wildfires, Earthquakes, Fixed Site Haz Mat Events 12 Floods, Tornadoes, High Winds, Public Information and Education Develop a "Helping Your Neighbors" program through the school system to Lightning, Hail, Severe Winter encourage children to think of people who require special assistance (e.g., Storms, Extreme Heat, Drought, elders, infants, and persons with disabilities) during severe weather conditions Urban Fires, Wildfires, Earthquakes, (e.g., winter storms and extreme heat) Fixed Site Haz Mat Events, Dam Failures, Transportation Events 13 Floods, Tornadoes, High Winds, Public Information and Education Develop distribution centers in local libraries and City Hall where information Lightning, Hail, Severe Winter and safety guidance on natural and man made hazards can be provided to Storms, Extreme Heat, Drought, citizens Expansive Soils, Urban Fires, Wildfires, Earthquakes, Fixed Site Haz Mat Events, Dam Failures, Transportation Events 14 Floods, Tornadoes, High Winds, Public Information and Education Investigate making educational materials for all hazards standardized, readily Lightning, Hail, Severe Winter available off the shelf, and economical. Storms, Extreme Heat, Drought, Expansive Soils, Urban Fires, Wildfires, Earthquakes, Fixed Site Haz Mat Events, Dam Failures, Transportation Events 15 Severe Winter Storms Public Information and Education Provide public awareness on effective ways to monitor and avoid ice damage, frozen pipes, and snow loads on roof systems 16 Severe Winter Storms Public Information and Education Educate the public on the dangers of carbon monoxide pollution and the use of appropriate heating systems. 17 Tornadoes, High Winds, Earthquakes Public Information and Education Educate local builders on the low cost of adding Roof-to-Wall connectors in new construction which minimizes the impact of Tornadoes, High Winds, and Earthquakes.

R.D. Flanagan & Associates Page 232 Claremore Mitigation Measures RankHazard Mitigation Category Mitigation Measure 18 Tornadoes, High Winds, Earthquakes Public Information and Education Develop public information and education programs and provide materials about construction methods and mitigation measures that protect a buildings' structural integrity to tornadoes, high winds and earthquakes. 19 Tornadoes Public Information and Education Educate the school board on safe rooms and the new state law and funding opportunities 20 Drought Public Information and Education Develop a public information program designed to communicate the potential severity of a drought and the appropriate responses of the local population, including voluntary water conservation measures the public can take. 21 Extreme Heat Emergency Services Educate community employees on the symptoms of heat disorders and how to administer first aid. 22 Earthquakes Public Information and Education Provide public information on earthquake insurance. 23 Floods Public Information and Education Develop and distribute flood and flash flood safety tips to inform citizens of the dangers of flood waters 24 Floods Public Information and Education Inform floodplain residents of the availability of flood insurance to eligible National Flood Insurance Program communities 25 Lightning Public Information and Education Encourage utilities to provide lightning prevention information materials and programs to their customers. 26 Lightning Public Information and Education Educate the community about lightning safety through public service announcements and other media outlets. 27 Lightning Public Information and Education Provide lightning injury and damage prevention materials and programs to vulnerable public. 28 Lightning Public Information and Education Provide lightning warning systems for outdoor sports areas, pools, golf courses, ball fields, and parks. 29 Dam Failures Public Information and Education Prepare and distribute a public information document letting people know that they reside or work in a dam failure inundation area. 30 Fixed Site Haz Mat Events Public Information and Education Institute a countywide public awareness and collection program for household pollutants, illustrating their dangers and identifying disposal information through media, schools, public offices, police, and fire stations. 31 Fixed Site Haz Mat Events Public Information and Education Provide public awareness about household pollutants, their danger, and disposal information through media, schools, public offices, police, and fire stations. 32 Fixed Site Haz Mat Events Public Information and Education Distribute information identifying hazardous materials to at risk citizens, such as the elderly, infirm, poor, and outside laborers. 33 Urban Fires Public Information and Education Develop a public education project addressing the advantages of individual fire suppression in residences, including fire extinguishers.

R.D. Flanagan & Associates Page 233 Claremore Mitigation Measures RankHazard Mitigation Category Mitigation Measure 34 Floods, Tornadoes, High Winds, Public Information and Education Obtain funding to develop/continue information and education program to Severe Winter Storms, Extreme inform the public on proper evacuation plans for city buildings, businesses, Heat, Urban Fires, Wildfires, offices, and residences. Earthquakes, Fixed Site Haz Mat Events, Dam Failures, Transportation Events 35 Expansive Soils Public Information and Education Develop and implement a public information strategy that informs citizens and developers of the dangers and costs related to expansive soils. 36 Floods, Tornadoes, High Winds, Preventive Measures Institute Continuity of Operations (COOP) within City utilities and departments Lightning, Hail, Severe Winter so that operations during and after an emergency incident are still accessible Storms, Extreme Heat, Urban Fires, and operable Wildfires, Earthquakes, Fixed Site Haz Mat Events, Dam Failures, Transportation Events 37 Floods, Tornadoes, High Winds, Preventive Measures Develop / Review / Update the debris management plan. Hail, Severe Winter Storms, Earthquakes 38 Floods, Tornadoes, High Winds, Emergency Services Provide Certified Disaster Training for City employees, and coordinate efforts Lightning, Hail, Severe Winter with local CERT Teams. Storms, Extreme Heat, Drought, Urban Fires, Wildfires, Earthquakes, Fixed Site Haz Mat Events, Dam Failures, Transportation Events 39 Floods, Tornadoes, High Winds, Emergency Services Provide emergency equipment for City Emergency Teams. Severe Winter Storms, Extreme Heat, Urban Fires, Wildfires, Earthquakes, Fixed Site Haz Mat Events, Dam Failures, Transportation Events 40 Floods, Tornadoes, High Winds, Preventive Measures Develop a plan to identify and respond to vulnerable populations within the Lightning, Hail, Severe Winter community in the event of a disaster. Storms, Extreme Heat, Drought, Urban Fires, Wildfires, Earthquakes, Fixed Site Haz Mat Events, Dam Failures, Transportation Events

R.D. Flanagan & Associates Page 234 Claremore Mitigation Measures RankHazard Mitigation Category Mitigation Measure 41 Floods, Tornadoes, High Winds, Emergency Services Establish working partnerships involving local government, civic, business Lightning, Hail, Severe Winter leaders, and volunteer groups to create a safer community. Storms, Extreme Heat, Drought, Expansive Soils, Urban Fires, Wildfires, Earthquakes, Fixed Site Haz Mat Events, Dam Failures, Transportation Events 42 Floods, Tornadoes, High Winds, Emergency Services Teach community employees the symptoms of common, life-threatening Lightning, Hail, Severe Winter emergencies and how to administer CPR and first aid. Storms, Extreme Heat, Urban Fires, Wildfires, Earthquakes, Fixed Site Haz Mat Events, Dam Failures, Transportation Events 43 Floods, Tornadoes, High Winds, Emergency Services Provide survival equipment and supplies for the city emergency response teams Lightning, Hail, Severe Winter to cover employees and others who use jurisdiction buildings. Storms, Extreme Heat, Urban Fires, Wildfires, Earthquakes, Fixed Site Haz Mat Events, Dam Failures, Transportation Events 44 Floods, Tornadoes, High Winds, Preventive Measures Train emergency management staff at National Emergency Management Lightning, Hail, Severe Winter Institute. Storms, Extreme Heat, Drought, Urban Fires, Wildfires, Earthquakes, Fixed Site Haz Mat Events, Dam Failures, Transportation Events 45 Floods, Tornadoes, High Winds, Preventive Measures Acquire and utilize GIS and GPS technologies to record and maintain Hail, Severe Winter Storms information on public infrastructure, private safe rooms and private water wells. 46 Tornadoes, High Winds, Hail, Preventive Measures Consider more stringent building codes that require all-steel construction for Severe Winter Storms, Urban Fires, public buildings and critical facilities. Wildfires, Earthquakes 47 Floods, Tornadoes, High Winds, Structural Projects Provide backup facilities for the 911 Center and the Emergency Operations Lightning, Hail, Severe Winter Center. Storms, Extreme Heat, Urban Fires, Wildfires, Earthquakes, Fixed Site Haz Mat Events, Dam Failures, Transportation Events

R.D. Flanagan & Associates Page 235 Claremore Mitigation Measures RankHazard Mitigation Category Mitigation Measure 48 Floods, Tornadoes, High Winds, Preventive Measures Provide security and surveillance equipment for police and fire stations. Severe Winter Storms, Extreme Heat, Urban Fires, Wildfires, Earthquakes, Fixed Site Haz Mat Events, Dam Failures, Transportation Events 49 Floods, Tornadoes, High Winds, Property Protection Update GIS to include public utility infrastructure. Lightning, Hail, Severe Winter Storms, Extreme Heat, Drought, Expansive Soils, Urban Fires, Wildfires, Earthquakes, Fixed Site Haz Mat Events, Dam Failures, Transportation Events 50 Floods, Tornadoes, High Winds, Emergency Services Investigate the adequacy of the Siren/Warning system Earthquakes 51 Severe Winter Storms Preventive Measures Acquire equipment for responding to a massive power outage due to severe winter storm, ice and snow 52 Severe Winter Storms Property Protection Upgrade communities’ equipment and vehicles for combating ice storm damage/adverse impact to public infrastructure. 53 Hail Property Protection Provide covered shelter for local government vehicles (e.g., Police and Public Works) 54 Hail Structural Projects Provide hail-resistant measures/materials to protect existing public infrastructure improvements. 55 Tornadoes, High Winds, Earthquakes Structural Projects Install safe-rooms in daycare centers. 56 Tornadoes, High Winds Preventive Measures Perform tornado and high wind evaluations of schools to determine the best ways to retrofit or remodel buildings to make them more disaster resistant. 57 Tornadoes, High Winds Structural Projects Provide manufactured home parks with community shelters/safe rooms.

58 Tornadoes, High Winds, Earthquakes Preventive Measures Adopt ordinances requiring Roof-to-Wall connectors be installed on all new residential construction. 59 Tornadoes, High Winds, Expansive Preventive Measures Recommend home building materials and practices on new and existing Soils, Earthquakes structures that will mitigate the impacts of severe weather on buildings, including adopting building codes/incentives leading to construction that is more resistant to tornadoes and high winds. 60 Tornadoes, High Winds, Hail Property Protection Provide damage-resistant glass replacements for City Hall 61 Tornadoes, High Winds, Hail Property Protection Provide damage-resistant glass replacements for public schools

R.D. Flanagan & Associates Page 236 Claremore Mitigation Measures RankHazard Mitigation Category Mitigation Measure 62 Tornadoes, High Winds, Hail Structural Projects When replaced, install break resistant glass in government offices, and critical facilities. 63 Tornadoes, High Winds, Lightning Preventive Measures Designate individuals at city recreation facilities and schools that are educated in storm spotting and safety, who have the authority to take proper action. 64 Drought Preventive Measures Develop contacts with the Oklahoma Water Resources Board and the Corps of Engineers to assist in identifying opportunities for future water conservation. 65 Drought Structural Projects Develop a secondary, tertiary or extended water supply system. 66 Drought, Wildfires Preventive Measures Develop a warning plan based on drought conditions and moisture measurements to alert officials of increased risk of drought and wildfire. 67 Drought Preventive Measures Develop information on "water miser" appliances, shower heads, toilets, etc. 68 Drought Preventive Measures Work with County Extension Offices and others to develop information on drought tolerant grass varieties and xeriscapes. 69 Extreme Heat Preventive Measures Develop a Heat Emergency Action Plan for the community. 70 Extreme Heat Preventive Measures Identify public facilities that can be used as cooling shelters during heat waves and inform the public when they are operable. 71 Extreme Heat Preventive Measures Identify the vulnerable population and individuals at risk from extreme heat 72 Extreme Heat Preventive Measures Install window air conditioners for vulnerable population (for whom extreme heat can be a life-threatening hazard) 73 Earthquakes Preventive Measures Provide public and builder awareness that construction techniques for mitigating tornado damage also mitigates damage from minor earthquakes. 74 Floods Preventive Measures Acquire accurate or verify accuracy of existing flood plain maps. 75 Floods Preventive Measures Perform a preliminary reconnaissance survey (measure first finished floor above ground surface elevation) of all buildings located in the floodplain (SFHA). Reconcile addresses, take pictures, determine depth of flooding, create and enter data into a Data Base 76 Floods Property Protection Implement structural and non-structural flood mitigation measures for flood- prone properties, as recommended in the basin-wide master drainage plan. 77 Floods Structural Projects Construct regional detention ponds to compensate for future urban development 78 Floods Preventive Measures Amend floodplain regulations to require that critical facilities be elevated or flood-proofed to the 500-year flood elevation, be provided access above the 500-year flood elevation, and that proposed hazardous material sites be taken to the Floodplain Board (City Council) for approval on a case-by-case basis. 79 Floods Preventive Measures Update floodplain ordinances to include requirements for full urbanization, freeboard, and compensatory storage.

R.D. Flanagan & Associates Page 237 Claremore Mitigation Measures RankHazard Mitigation Category Mitigation Measure 80 Floods Property Protection Acquire and remove floodplain and repetitive loss properties where the community’s repetitive loss and master drainage plans identify acquisition as the most cost-effective and desirable mitigation measure. 81 Floods Property Protection Compensate for the impacts of new bridges and channel improvements. 82 Floods Natural Resources Protection Implement Blue Thumb program to clean local streams of debris and waste.

83 Floods, Dam Failures Public Information and Education Evaluate appropriate mitigation measures for homes located in the floodplain. 84 Floods Preventive Measures Identify ways of securing and elevating important equipment inside a building located in a floodplain. 85 Floods Preventive Measures Inventory inadequate bridges. 86 Floods Preventive Measures Implement Community Rating System (CRS) program for the community 87 Floods Preventive Measures Obtain elevation certificates for pre-FIRM homes located in the floodplain. 88 Floods Preventive Measures Perform the FEMA Full Riverine Module for Benefit/Cost Analysis for Acquisition for 100-Year floodplain buildings with first finished floor below the Base Flood Elevation (BFE), to confirm potential candidates for acquisition and removal from the floodplain. 89 Floods Preventive Measures Prepare elevation certificates for floodplain candidate properties for acquisition with positive benefit/cost ratios greater than 1.0 90 Floods Preventive Measures Update drainage criteria manual 91 Floods Structural Projects Construct all new bridges to pass 100-year regulatory flood without overtopping 92 Floods Structural Projects Eliminate storm-water infiltration and inflow (I&I) into the sanitary sewer system. 93 Floods Emergency Services Install rainfall & stream gauges. 94 Floods Structural Projects Maintain culverts to adequately allow stormwater drainage

95 Tornadoes, High Winds, Lightning, Property Protection Provide surge protection and backup power generators for computer-reliant Severe Winter Storms, Extreme critical facilities (e.g. 911 Center, EOC, police stations, fire stations, etc.). Heat, Earthquakes 96 Lightning Property Protection Construct lightning rods for protection of critical facilities. 97 Floods, Dam Failures Preventive Measures Develop warning and evacuation plans and systems for areas at risk from dam failure or large release flooding 98 Dam Failures Preventive Measures Update US Army Corps of Engineers hydrology and hydraulics for dams. 99 Dam Failures Preventive Measures Annual inspection of all identified dams: shape of spillway, proper opening and closing of gates, etc.

R.D. Flanagan & Associates Page 238 Claremore Mitigation Measures RankHazard Mitigation Category Mitigation Measure 100 Dam Failures Preventive Measures Annually inspect and update municipal dams and keep Emergency Action Plan up to date and on file at OWRB 101 Dam Failures Preventive Measures Develop GIS modeling program for mapping appropriate cubic feet per second (CFS) dam release rates 102 Dam Failures Preventive Measures Prepare contingency plans for terrorist attacks on local dams. 103 Transportation Events Preventive Measures Update the study for routing of hazardous materials through the community

104 Fixed Site Haz Mat Events Emergency Services Develop a plan for Police and Fire Department personnel to expand their knowledge and capabilities relative to hazardous materials hazards and events. 105 Fixed Site Haz Mat Events Emergency Services Develop and reinforce hazardous materials emergency equipment and response teams. 106 Fixed Site Haz Mat Events, Preventive Measures Examine the Tier 2 list, and inventory local businesses and industry to identify Transportation Events dangerous chemicals that are being manufactured in, stored, or transported through the jurisdiction. 107 Fixed Site Haz Mat Events Emergency Services Develop a "Quick Response Guide to Local Hazardous Material Sites" with evacuation maps and chemical details of local Tier 2 facilities for emergency responders 108 Lightning, Urban Fires Preventive Measures Ensure that fire extinguishers are strategically placed and properly maintained in all community facilities. 109 Urban Fires Preventive Measures Continue/Institute a fire department smoke detector program, Project Life. 110 Urban Fires, Wildfires Property Protection Install fire suppression systems for all city / county facilities. 111 Urban Fires Structural Projects Apply for mitigation funding for fire hydrant meter backflow preventers. 112 Wildfires Emergency Services Train and coordinate community fire, police, and public works departments on how to respond to a wildfire emergency. 113 Wildfires Preventive Measures Develop a contingency plan for evacuating population endangered by a wildfire.

114 Expansive Soils Preventive Measures Establish an administrative procedure to inform builders when they apply for permits to check for expansive soils. 115 Expansive Soils Preventive Measures Investigate codes/incentives for the construction of new foundations to mitigate expansive soil damage. 116 Expansive Soils Structural Projects Identify and repair critical facilities that show evidence of or have expansive soils-related damage.

R.D. Flanagan & Associates Page 239 Claremore Mitigation Measures Chapter 6: Plan Maintenance and Adoption

This chapter includes a discussion of the plan maintenance process and documentation of the adoption of the plan by the Claremore Hazard Mitigation Citizen Advisory Committee and the Claremore City Council. 6.1 Monitoring, Evaluating, and Updating the Plan

The City of Claremore (City Manager) will ensure that a regular review and update of the Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan is performed at a minimum of every five years and will submit updates to the State of Oklahoma and FEMA per FEMA requirements prior to the expiration of the 5-year approval period. The CHMCAC will continue to meet on a quarterly basis, or as conditions warrant, to oversee and review updates and make revisions to the plan. The Planning Department will continue to head the Staff Technical Advisory Committee, which will monitor and oversee the day-to-day implementation of the plan. Monitoring the Plan – Monitoring of the Plan, the Action Plan, and Mitigation Measures is the responsibility of the City Planner and Floodplain Administrator. Departments responsible for implementation of the Action Plan and the Mitigation Measures will update their Progress Reports on an annual basis, and report to the CHMCAC on progress and/or impediments to progress of the mitigation measures.

Evaluating the Plan- The City of Claremore Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan will be continually evaluated by the Project Manager, and a report will be made to the CHMCAC each quarter. The evaluation will assess: • Adequacy of adopted Goals and Objectives in addressing current and future expected conditions; • Whether the nature and magnitude of the risks have changed; • Appropriateness of current resources allocated for implementation of the Plan; • To what extent the outcomes of the Mitigation Measures occurred as expected; • Whether agencies, departments and other partners participated as originally anticipated. Updating the Plan- The City of Claremore Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan will be updated according to the following schedule:

City of Claremore 240 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan 1. Revise and Update- the City will incorporate revisions to the plan document identified during the monitoring and evaluation period, as well as items identified in the previous Crosswalk (April 2010 to September 2010). 2. Submit for Review- the revised plan will be submitted to ODEM and FEMA for review and approval (October 2010 to September 2011). 3. Final Revision and Adoption- if necessary, the plan will be revised per ODEM and FEMA remarks, adopted by the Claremore City Council, and the updated plan sent to FEMA prior to the expiration of the 5-year approval period (November 2011 to January 2012). 6.2 Public Involvement

The City of Claremore is committed to involving the public directly in updating and maintaining the Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan.

Electronic copies of the Plan will be distributed to the public libraries, and the plan will be placed on the City of Claremore’s Website.

A public meeting will be held prior to submission of the update of the Claremore Multi- Hazard Mitigation Plan. The meeting will be advertised to the general citizenry. This meeting will update citizens on the progress that has been made in implementing the plan and related capital projects. The meeting will also be used to distribute literature and inform and educate citizens as to actions they can take to mitigate natural hazards, save lives, and prevent property damage. Input from the citizens will be solicited as to how the mitigation process can be more effective.

Additional Activities to Consider 1. Public meetings should be held prior to the severe weather season in Oklahoma, probably in the spring. The general citizenry should be invited to attend so they can be updated on the progress made during the year in implementing the plan, stormwater plans and capital improvements, and related public infrastructure capital projects. The meetings can also be used to distribute literature and inform and educate citizens as to actions they can take to mitigate natural hazards, save lives, and prevent property damage. Input from the citizens should be solicited as to how the mitigation process can be more effective. 2. City utility bills supplemental literature and maps 3. Claremore Hazard Mitigation Citizens Advisory Committee will continue to meet on a regular basis or as needed. 4. Public Service Announcements 6.3 Incorporating the Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan

The Claremore Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan has been adopted by the Claremore Metropolitan Area Planning Commission as an amendment to the City of Claremore- Rogers County Comprehensive Plan. The Claremore City Council has adopted the plan to

City of Claremore 241 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan guide City mitigation, land-use, and capital improvements activities. Appropriate Action Items and Mitigation Measures from the plan will be incorporated into the following plans and codes: • Capital Improvements Plan and planning process • Flood and Stormwater Management Plans • City of Claremore Building Codes • Emergency Operations Plan • City of Claremore Water and Sewer Plan The process to include the adopted Mitigation Measures into other local planning mechanisms includes the following: 1. Mitigation Measures will be assigned to the appropriate departments for planning and implementation. 2. The responsible departments will report to the CHMCAC on an annual basis as to the progress made on each measure, identifying successes and impediments to their implementation. Included on the following pages of this chapter are Resolutions of Adoption of the Claremore Multi-Hazard and Flood Mitigation Assistance Plan:

1. Claremore Hazard Mitigation Citizen Advisory Committee (CHMCAC) 2. City of Claremore-Rogers County Metropolitan Area Planning Commission 3. Claremore City Council

City of Claremore 242 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan RESOLUTION NO. ______

A RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE CITY OF CLAREMORE MULTI-HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN

WHEREAS, the City of Claremore and its environs are subject to danger and damage from flooding, tornadoes, high winds, lightning, storms, transportation hazards, hazardous materials, and other natural hazards; WHEREAS, several different agencies, organizations and businesses have programs that can address these hazards or their impact, but there is an overriding need for a comprehensive, coordinated plan to assess the problems faced by the City and the measures that are and can be brought to bear on them; WHEREAS, the City of Claremore participates in the National Flood Insurance Program; and WHEREAS, the 2000 Stafford Act mandates that communities must have an adopted, approved hazard mitigation plan before they can apply for funds from the Pre-Disaster or Post-Disaster Hazard Mitigation Grant Program; WHEREAS, the Claremore City Council was awarded a grant for $20,800 to prepare a Multi- Hazard Mitigation Plan for the City of Claremore; WHEREAS, the City of Claremore-Rogers County Metropolitan Area Planning Commission, after due and proper notice, has considered said Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan and has determined that it is in the best interest of the citizens of the City of Claremore to recommend approval of such a plan to the Claremore City Council. WHEREAS, the Claremore City Council, after due and proper notice and hearing, has considered said multi-hazard mitigation plan and has determined that it is in the best interest of the citizens of the City of Claremore to approve such a plan. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CLAREMORE CITY COUNCIL: That the City of Claremore Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan, attached hereto as Exhibit A and made a part of this resolution, together with any and all graphic representations referenced in this Multi- Hazard Mitigation Plan, are hereby approved, and adopted as an Amendment to the Comprehensive Plan, and the Claremore City Council hereby approves and adopts the City of Claremore Multi- Hazard Mitigation Plan. PASSED AND APPROVED BY THE CLAREMORE CITY COUNCIL THIS ___ DAY OF ______, 2007.

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Appendix A: Glossary of Terms

Anchoring: Special connections made to ensure that a building will not float off, blow off or be pushed off its foundation during a flood or storm.

Base Flood: Flood that has a 1 percent probability of being equaled or exceeded in any given year. Also known as the 100-year flood.

Base Flood Elevation (BFE): Elevation of the base flood in relation to a specified datum, such as the National Geodetic Vertical Datum of 1929. The Base Flood Elevation is used as the standard for the National Flood Insurance Program.

Basement: Any floor level below grade.

Bedrock: The solid rock that underlies loose material, such as soil, sand, clay, or gravel.

Building: A structure that is walled and roofed, principally above ground and permanently affixed to a site. The term includes a manufactured home on a permanent foundation on which the wheels and axles carry no weight.

Community Rating System (CRS): A National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) that provides incentives for NFIP communities to complete activities that reduce flood hazard risk. When the community completes specified activities, the insurance premiums of policyholders in these communities are reduced.

Computer-Aided Design And Drafting (CADD): A computerized system enabling quick and accurate electronic 2-D and 3-D drawings, topographic mapping, site plans, and profile/cross-section drawings.

Consequences: The damages, injuries, and loss of life, property, environment, and business that can be quantified by some unit of measure, often in economic or financial terms.

Contour: A line of equal ground elevation on a topographic (contour) map.

Critical Facility: Facilities that are critical to the health and welfare of the population and that are especially important during and following hazard events. Critical facilities include shelters, police and fire stations, schools, childcare centers, senior citizen centers, hospitals, disability centers, vehicle and equipment storage facilities, emergency operations centers, and city hall. The term also includes buildings or locations that, if damaged, would create secondary disasters, such as hazardous materials facilities, vulnerable facilities, day care centers, nursing homes, and housing likely to contain occupants who are not very mobile. Other critical city infrastructure such as telephone exchanges and water treatment plants are referred to as lifelines. See Lifelines.

City of Claremore A-1 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan Dam Breach Inundation Area: The area flooded by a dam failure or programmed release.

Debris: The scattered remains of assets broken or destroyed in a hazard event. Debris caused by a wind or water hazard event can cause additional damage to other assets.

Development: Any man-made change to real estate.

Digitize: To convert electronically points, lines, and area boundaries shown on maps into x, y coordinates (e.g., latitude and longitude, universal transverse mercator (UTM), or table coordinates) for use in computer applications.

Duration: How long a hazard event lasts.

Earthquake: A sudden motion or trembling that is caused by a release of strain accumulated within or along the edge of earth's tectonic plates.

Emergency: Any hurricane, tornado, storm, flood, high water, wind-driven water, tidal wave, tsunami, earthquake, volcanic eruption, landslide, mudslide, snowstorm, drought, fire, explosion, or other catastrophe in any part of the United States which requires federal emergency assistance to supplement State and local efforts to save lives and protect property, public health and safety, or to avert or lessen the threat of a disaster. Defined in Title V of Public Law 93-288, Section 102(1).

Emergency Operations Center (EOC): A facility that houses communications equipment that is used to coordinate the response to a disaster or emergency.

Emergency Operations Plan (EOP): Sets forth actions to be taken by State or local governments for response to emergencies or major disasters.

Emergency Response Plan: A document that contains information on the actions that may be taken by a governmental jurisdiction to protect people and property before, during, and after a disaster.

Extent: The size of an area affected by a hazard or hazard event.

Fault: A fracture in the continuity of a rock formation caused by a shifting or dislodging of the earth's crust, in which adjacent surfaces are differentially displaced parallel to the plane of fracture.

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): The independent agency created in 1978 to provide a single point of accountability for all Federal activities related to disaster mitigation and emergency preparedness, response and recovery.

FIPS: Stands for Federal Information Processing Standards. Under the Information Technology Management Reform Act (Public Law 104-106), the Secretary of Commerce approves standards and guidelines that are developed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)

City of Claremore A-2 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan for Federal computer systems. These standards and guidelines are issued by NIST as Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS) for use government-wide. NIST develops FIPS when there are compelling Federal government requirements such as for security and interoperability and there are no acceptable industry standards or solutions.

Fire Potential Index (FPI): Developed by United States Geological Survey (USGS) and United States Forest Service (USFS) to assess and map fire hazard potential over broad areas. Based on such geographic information, national policy makers and on-the-ground fire managers established priorities for prevention activities in the defined area to reduce the risk of managed and wildfire ignition and spread. Prediction of fire hazard shortens the time between fire ignition and initial attack by enabling fire managers to pre-allocate and stage suppression forces to high fire risk areas.

Flash Flood: A flood event occurring with little or no warning where water levels rise at an extremely fast rate.

Flood: A general and temporary condition of partial or complete inundation of normally dry land areas from (1) the overflow of inland or tidal waters, (2) the unusual and rapid accumulation or runoff of surface waters from any source, or (3) mudflows or the sudden collapse of shoreline land.

Flood Depth: Height of the flood water surface above the ground surface.

Flood Elevation: Elevation of the water surface above an established datum, e.g. National Geodetic Vertical Datum of 1929, North American Vertical Datum of 1988, or Mean Sea Level.

Flood Hazard Area: The area shown to be inundated by a flood of a given magnitude on a map.

Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM): Map of a community, prepared by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which shows both the special flood hazard areas and the risk premium zones applicable to the community.

Flood Insurance Study (FIS): A study that provides an examination, evaluation, and determination of flood hazards and, if appropriate, corresponding water surface elevations in a community or communities.

Flood Mitigation Assistance Program (FMA): A planning and project implementation grant program funded by the National Flood Insurance Program. Provides pre-disaster grants to State and local governments for both planning and implementation of mitigation strategies. Grant funds are made available from NFIP insurance premiums, and therefore are only available to communities participating in the NFIP.

Flood of Record: The highest known flood level for the area, as recorded in historical documents.

City of Claremore A-3 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan Floodplain: Any land area, including watercourse, susceptible to partial or complete inundation by water from any source.

Floodproofing: Protective measures added to or incorporated in a building to prevent or minimize flood damage. “Dry floodproofing” measures are designed to keep water from entering a building. “Wet floodproofing” measures minimize damage to a structure and its contents from water that is allowed into a building.

Floodway: The stream channel and that portion of the adjacent floodplain which must remain open to permit conveyance of the base flood. Floodwaters are generally the swiftest and deepest in the floodway. The floodway should remain clear of buildings and impediments to the flow of water.

Freeboard: A margin of safety added to a protection measure to account for waves, debris, miscalculations, lack of scientific data, floodplain fill, or upstream development.

Frequency: A measure of how often events of a particular magnitude are expected to occur. Frequency describes how often a hazard of a specific magnitude, duration, and/or extent typically occurs, on average. Statistically, a hazard with a 100-year recurrence interval is expected to occur once every 100 years on average, and would have a 1 percent chance – its probability – of happening in any given year. The reliability of this information varies depending on the kind of hazard being considered.

Fujita Scale of Tornado Intensity: Rates tornadoes with numeric values from F0 to F5 based on tornado wind speed and damage sustained. An F0 indicates minimal damage such as broken tree limbs or signs, while an F5 indicates severe damage sustained.

Functional Downtime: The average time (in days) during which a function (business or service) is unable to provide its services due to a hazard event.

Geographic Area Impacted: The physical area in which the effects of the hazard are experienced.

Geographic Information System (GIS): A computer software application that relates physical features on the earth to a database to be used for mapping and analysis.

Ground Motion: The vibration or shaking of the ground during an earthquake. When a fault ruptures, seismic waves radiate, causing the ground to vibrate. The severity of the vibration increases with the amount of energy released and decreases with distance from the causative fault or epicenter, but soft soils can further amplify ground motions.

Hazard: A source of potential danger or adverse condition. An event or physical condition that has the potential to cause fatalities, injuries, property and infrastructure damage, agriculture loss, damage to the environment, interruption of business, or other types of harm or loss. Hazards, as defined in this study, will include naturally occurring events such as floods, dam failures, levee failures, tornadoes, high winds, hailstorms, lightning, winter storms, extreme heat, drought,

City of Claremore A-4 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan expansive soils, urban fires, wildfires that strike populated areas, and earthquakes. A natural event is a hazard when it has the potential to harm people or property. For purposes of this study, hazardous materials events are also included.

Hazard Event: A specific occurrence of a particular type of hazard.

Hazard Identification: The process of defining and describing a hazard, including its physical characteristics, magnitude and severity, probability and frequency, causative factors, and locations or areas affected.

Hazard Mitigation: Sustained actions taken to reduce or eliminate long-term risk to human life and property from natural and technological hazards and their effects. Note that this emphasis on long-term risk distinguishes mitigation from actions geared primarily to emergency preparedness and short-term recovery.

Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP): Authorized under Section 404 of the Stafford Act; a FEMA disaster assistance grant program that funds mitigation projects in conformance with post-disaster mitigation plans required under Section 409 of the Stafford Act. The program is available only after a Presidential disaster declaration.

Hazard Mitigation Plan: The plan resulting from a systematic evaluation of the nature and extent of vulnerability to the effects of natural hazards present in society that includes the actions needed to minimize future vulnerability to hazards. Section 409 of the Stafford Act requires the identification and evaluation of mitigation opportunities, and that all repairs be made to applicable codes and standards, as condition for receiving Federal disaster assistance. Enacted to encourage identification and mitigation of hazards at all levels of government.

Hazard Profile: A description of the physical characteristics of hazards and a determination of various descriptors including magnitude, duration, frequency, probability, and extent. In most cases, a community can most easily use these descriptors when they are recorded and displayed as maps.

HAZUS (Hazards U.S.): A GIS-based nationally standardized earthquake loss estimation tool developed by FEMA.

Hydrology: The science of dealing with the waters of the earth. A flood discharge is developed by a hydrologic study.

Infrastructure: The public services of a community that have a direct impact on the quality of life. Infrastructure includes communication technology such as phone lines or Internet access, vital services such as public water supplies and sewer treatment facilities, and includes an area's transportation system such as airports, heliports; highways, bridges, tunnels, roadbeds, overpasses, railways, bridges, rail yards, depots, and waterways, canals, locks, and regional dams.

City of Claremore A-5 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan Insurance Service Office, Inc. (ISO): An insurance organization that administers several programs that rate a community’s hazard mitigation activities.

Intensity: A measure of the effects of a hazard event at a particular place.

Landslide: Downward movement of a slope and materials under the force of gravity.

Lifelines: Transportation and utility systems that are essential to the function of a region and to the well being of its inhabitants. Transportation systems include highways, air, rail, and waterways, ports, and harbors. Utility systems include electric power, gas and liquid fuels, telecommunications, water, and wastewater.

Liquefaction: The phenomenon that occurs when ground shaking causes loose soils to lose strength and act like viscous fluid. Liquefaction causes two types of ground failure: lateral spread and loss of bearing strength.

Lowest Floor: Under the NFIP, the lowest floor of the lowest enclosed area (including basement) of a structure.

Magnitude: A measure of the strength of a hazard event. The magnitude (also referred to as severity) of a given hazard event is usually determined using technical measures specific to the hazard.

Mitigation: Sustained action taken to reduce or eliminate the long-term risk to human life and property from natural and technological hazards and their effects. Note that this emphasis on long-term risk distinguishes mitigation from actions geared primarily to emergency preparedness and short-term recovery (Burby, 1998).

National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP): A federal program created by Congress in 1968 that provides the availability of flood insurance to communities in exchange for the adoption and enforcement of a minimum floodplain management ordinance specified in 44 CFR §60.3. The ordinance regulates new and substantially damaged or improved development in identified flood hazard areas.

National Geodetic Vertical Datum of 1929 (NGVD): Datum established in 1929 and used in the NFIP as a basis for measuring flood, ground, and structural elevations, previously referred to as Sea Level Datum or Mean Sea Level. The Base Flood Elevations shown on most of the Flood Insurance Rate Maps issued by the Federal Emergency Management Agency are referenced to NGVD.

National Weather Service (NWS): Prepares and issues flood, severe weather, and coastal storm warnings and can provide technical assistance to Federal and state entities in preparing weather and flood warning plans.

City of Claremore A-6 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan Oklahoma Department of Civil Emergency Management (ODCEM): The State department responsible for hazard mitigation, community preparedness, emergency response, and disaster recovery.

Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB): The State agency responsible for administration of the National Flood Insurance Program, and the dam safety program.

Planimetric: Describes maps that indicate only man-made features like buildings.

Planning: The act or process of making or carrying out plans; the establishment of goals, policies and procedures for a social or economic unit.

Planning for Post-Disaster Reconstruction: The process of planning (preferably prior to an actual disaster) those steps the community will take to implement long-term reconstruction with one of the primary goals being to reduce or minimize its vulnerability to future disasters. These measures can include a wide variety of land-use planning tools, such as acquisition, design review, zoning, and subdivision review procedures. It can also involve coordination with other types of plans and agencies but is distinct from planning for emergency operations, such as restoration of utility services and basic infrastructure.

Preparedness: Activities to ensure that people are ready for a disaster and respond to it effectively. Preparedness requires figuring out what will be done if essential services break down, developing a plan for contingencies, and practicing the plan.

Probability: A statistical measure of the likelihood that a hazard event will occur.

Project Impact: A program that encourages business, government agencies and the public to work together to build disaster-resistant communities.

Reconstruction: The long-term process of rebuilding the community’s destroyed or damaged buildings, public facilities, or other structures.

Recovery: The process of restoring normal public or utility services following a disaster, perhaps starting during but extending beyond the emergency period to that point when the vast majority of such services, including electricity, water, communications, and public transportation have resumed normal operations. Recovery activities necessary to rebuild after a disaster include rebuilding homes, businesses and public facilities, clearing debris, repairing roads and bridges, and restoring water, sewer and other essential services. Short-term recovery does not include the reconstruction of the built environment, although reconstruction may commence during this period.

Recurrence Interval: The time between hazard events of similar size in a given location. It is based on the probability that the given event will be equaled or exceeded in any given year.

City of Claremore A-7 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan Repetitive Loss Property: A property that is currently insured for which two or more National Flood Insurance Program losses (occurring more than ten days apart) of at least $1000 each have been paid within any 10-year period since 1978. While Repetitive Loss Properties constitute only 2% of insured properties, they account for 40% of flood damage claims against the NFIP.

Replacement Value: The cost of rebuilding a structure. This is usually expressed in terms of cost per square foot, and reflects the present-day cost of labor and materials to construct a building of a particular size, type and quality.

Retrofitting: Modifications to a building or other structure to reduce its susceptibility to damage by a hazard.

Richter Scale: A numerical scale of earthquake magnitude devised by seismologist C.F. Richter in 1935.

Risk: The estimated impact that a hazard would have on people, services, facilities, and structures in a community; the likelihood of a hazard event resulting in an adverse condition that causes injury or damage. Risk is often expressed in relative terms such as a high, moderate or low likelihood of sustaining damage above a particular threshold due to a specific type of hazard event. It also can be expressed in terms of potential monetary losses associated with the intensity of the hazard.

Risk Assessment: A process or method for evaluating risk associated with a specific hazard and defined in terms of probability and frequency of occurrence, magnitude and severity, exposure and consequences. Also defined as: “The process of measuring the potential loss of life, personal property, housing, public facilities, equipment, and infrastructure; lost jobs, business earnings, and lost revenues, as well as indirect losses caused by interruption of business and production; and the public cost of planning, preparedness, mitigation, response, and recovery. (Burby, 1998).

Riverine: Of or produced by a river.

Scale: A proportion used in determining a dimensional relationship; the ratio of the distance between two points on a map and the actual distance between the two points on the earth's surface.

Scarp: A steep slope.

Scour: Removal of soil or fill material by the flow of flood waters. The term is frequently used to describe storm-induced, localized conical erosion around pilings and other foundation supports where the obstruction of flow increases turbulence.

Seismicity: Describes the likelihood of an area being subject to earthquakes.

City of Claremore A-8 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA): An area within a floodplain having a 1 percent or greater chance of flood occurrence in any given year (100-year floodplain); represented on Flood Insurance Rate Maps by darkly shaded areas with zone designations that include the letter A or V.

Stafford Act: The Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, PL 100- 107 was signed into law November 23, 1988 and amended the Disaster Relief Act of 1974, PL 93-288. The Stafford Act is the statutory authority for most Federal disaster response activities, especially as they pertain to FEMA and its programs.

State Hazard Mitigation Team: Composed of key State agency representatives, the team evaluates hazards, identifies strategies, coordinates resources, and implements measures that will reduce the vulnerability of people and property to damage from hazards. The Oklahoma State Hazard Mitigation Team is convened by the Oklahoma Department of Civil Emergency Management (ODCEM), and includes the State departments of Agriculture, Climatological Survey, Commerce, Environmental Quality, Health, Human Services, Insurance, Transportation, Wildlife Conservation, Conservation Commission, Corporation Commission, Historical Society, Insurance Commission, Water Resources Board, Association of County Commissioners (AACCO), Oklahoma Municipal League (OML), Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE).

State Hazard Mitigation Officer (SHMO): The representative of state government who is the primary point of contact with FEMA, other state and Federal agencies, and local units of government in the planning and implementation of pre- and post-disaster mitigation activities.

Stormwater Management: Efforts to reduce the impact of stormwater or snowmelt runoff on flooding and water quality.

Stormwater Detention: The storing of stormwater runoff for release at a restricted rate after the storm subsides, or the flood crest passes.

Substantial Damage: Damage of any origin sustained by a structure in a Special Flood Hazard Area whereby the cost of restoring the structure to its before-damaged condition would equal or exceed 50 percent of the market value of the structure before the damage.

Surface Faulting: The differential movement of two sides of a fracture – in other words, the location where the ground breaks apart. The length, width, and displacement of the ground characterize surface faults.

Tectonic Plate: Torsionally rigid, thin segments of the earth's lithosphere that may be assumed to move horizontally and adjoin other plates. It is the friction between plate boundaries that cause seismic activity.

Topographic: Characterizes maps that show natural features and indicate the physical shape of the land using contour lines. These maps may also include man-made features.

Tornado: A violently rotating column of air extending from a thunderstorm to the ground.

City of Claremore A-9 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan

Vulnerability: Describes how exposed or susceptible to damage an asset is. Vulnerability depends on an asset's construction, contents, and the economic value of its functions. Like indirect damages, the vulnerability of one element of the community is often related to the vulnerability of another. For example, many businesses depend on uninterrupted electrical power – if an electric substation is flooded, it will affect not only the substation itself, but a number of businesses as well. Often, indirect effects can be much more widespread and damaging than direct ones.

Vulnerability Assessment: The extent of injury and damage that may result from a hazard event of a given intensity in a given area. The vulnerability assessment should address impacts of hazard events on the existing and future built environment.

Wildfire: An uncontrolled fire spreading through vegetative fuels, exposing and possibly consuming structures.

Zone: A geographical area shown on a Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) that reflects the severity or type of flooding in the area.

City of Claremore A-10 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan

Facility Name Address Contact Day Phone 24 Hour Phone 1 Centrilift Cable Facility 2210 E Anderson Blvd. Bill Grace (918) 341-9600 (918) 341-9600 Chemical Category Chemical ID Guide Number Initial Evacuation Large Spill RUBBER COMPOUND Substances (Low to Moderate Hazard) 8027 171 Isolate spill or leak area immediatley for at least 10 to 25 meters (30 to 80 feet) in all directions

2 Burgess-Norton Mfg. Plant # 5 2400 E Anderson Blvd Frank J. Smith (918) 341-8170 (630) 232-3297 Chemical Chemical ID Guide Number Initial Evacuation Large Spill SULFURIC ACID Substances - Water Reactive - Corrosive 1830 137 Isolate spill or leak area immediatley for at least 50 to 100 meters (160 to 330 feet) in all directions

3 Centrilift Pump Plant 200 W Stuart Roosa Dr. Timothy Bellow (918) 341-9600 (918) 342-7701 Chemical Category Chemical ID Guide Number Initial Evacuation Large Spill AUSTENITIC GREY CASTINGS Substances (Low to Moderate Hazard) 2881 135 Isolate spill or leak area immediatley for at least 100 to 150 meters (330 to 490 feet) in all directions

4 Claremore Regional Airport 19502 E Rogers Post Rd David McKenzie (918) 341-4755 (918) 343-0931 Chemical Category Chemical ID Guide Number Initial Evacuation Large Spill PROPANE Gases - Flammable 1978 115 Isolate spill or leak area immediatley for Consider initial downwind evacuation (Including Refrigerated Liquids) at least 50 to 100 meters (160 to 330 for at least 800 meters (1/2 mile) feet) in all directions

KEROSENE Flammable Liquids 1223 128 Isolate spill or leak area immediatley for Consider initial downwind evacuation (Non-Polar/ Water-Immiscible) at least 25 to 50 meters (80 to 160 feet) for at least 300 meters (1000 feet) in all directions

5 Claremore Water Treatment Plant 1450 E Blue Starr Dr Kenneth Hipp (918) 341-1331 (918) 342-9224 Chemical Category Chemical ID Guide Number Initial Evacuation Large Spill CHLORINE Gases - Toxic and/or Corrosive - Oxidizing 1017 124 Isolate spill or leak area immediatley for First evacuate for at least 275 meters at least 100 to 200 meters (330 to 660 (900 feet), then evacuate downwind 2.7 feet) in all directions km (1.7 mi) in the day or 6.8 km (4.2 mi) at night

CALCIUM HYDROXIDE Substances - Water-Reactive 1404 138 Isolate spill or leak area immediatley for Consider initial downwind evacuation (Emitting Flammable Gases) at least 50 to 100 meters (160 to 330 for at least 250 meters (800 feet) feet) in all directions

SODIUM CHLORITE Oxidizers (Unstable) 1496 143 Isolate spill or leak area immediatley for at least 50 to 100 meters (160 to 330 feet) in all directions

FLUOROSILICIC ACID Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive 1778 154 Isolate spill or leak area immediatley for (Non-Combustible) at least 25 to 50 meters (80 to 160 feet) in all directions 6 SW Bell - Claremore 313 W. Patti Page Major Mark Williams (580) 422-4962 (580) 422-2792 Chemical Category Chemical ID Guide Number Initial Evacuation Large Spill SULFURIC ACID Substances - Water-Reactive - Corrosive 1830 137 Isolate spill or leak area immediatley for at least 50 to 100 meters (160 to 330 feet) in all directions

7 Ferrellgas - Claremore 1800 S. State Hwy 66 Bruce Jones (816) 792-1600 (800) 312-5981 Chemical Category Chemical ID Guide Number Initial Evacuation Large Spill No Chemical data available

8 Froman Oil & Propane 19502 E Rogers Post Rd Robert Froman (918) 341-4434 (918) 342-2663 Chemical Category Chemical ID Guide Number Initial Evacuation Large Spill GASOLINE Flammable Liquids 1203 128 Isolate spill or leak area immediatley for Consider initial downwind evacuation (Non-Polar/ Water Immiscible) at least 25 to 50 meters (80 to 160 feet) for at least 300 meters (1000 feet) in all directions

DIESEL FUEL Gases - Flammable 1993 128 Isolate spill or leak area immediatley for Consider initial downwind evacuation (Including Refrigerated Liquids) at least 25 to 50 meters (80 to 160 feet) for at least 300 meters (1000 feet) in all directions

PROPANE Gases - Flammable 1978 115 Isolate spill or leak area immediatley for Consider initial downwind evacuation (Including Refrigerated Liquids) at least 50 to 100 meters (160 to 330 for at least 800 meters (1/2 mile) feet) in all directions

9 Gaffey, Inc. 9655 E 522 Road Jim Kritzmire (716) 689-5400 (918) 341-3643 Chemical Category Chemical ID Guide Number Initial Evacuation Large Spill No Chemical data available

10 Hydrohoist International 915 W Blue Starr Dr. Don Roberts (918) 341-6811 (918) 342-5834 Chemical Category Chemical ID Guide Number Initial Evacuation Large Spill LAMINATING RESIN Flammable Liquids 1866 127 Isolate spill or leak area immediatley for Consider initial downwind evacuation (Polar/ Water Miscible) at least 25 to 50 meters (80 to 160 feet) for at least 300 meters (1000 feet) in all directions

11 Valtimet, Inc. 401 E. Lowery Rd. E.S. Kedzior (918) 341-8711 (918) 341-8711 Chemical Category Chemical ID Guide Number Initial Evacuation Large Spill ARGON, REFRIGERATED LIQUID Gases - Inert 1951 120 Isolate spill or leak area immediatley for Consider initial downwind evacuation (CRYOGENIC LIQUID) (Including Refrigerated Liquids) at least 25 to 50 meters (80 to 160 feet) for at least 100 meters (330 feet) in all directions

NITROGEN, REFRIGERATED LIQUID Gases - Inert 1977 120 Isolate spill or leak area immediatley for Consider initial downwind evacuation (CRYOGENIC LIQUID) (Including Refrigerated Liquids) at least 25 to 50 meters (80 to 160 feet) for at least 100 meters (330 feet) in all directions 12 Nupar Manufacturing Company 13902 E. 530 Rd. Ken Hayes (918) 341-8000 (918) 341-2481 Chemical Category Chemical ID Guide Number Initial Evacuation Large Spill NAPHTHA: STODDARD SOLVENT Gases - Inert 1256 128 Isolate spill or leak area immediatley for Consider initial downwind evacuation (Including Refrigerated Liquids) at least 25 to 50 meters (80 to 160 feet) for at least 300 meters (1000 feet) in all directions

PROPANE Gases - Flammable 1978 115 Isolate spill or leak area immediatley for Consider initial downwind evacuation (Including Refrigerated Liquids) at least 50 to 100 meters (160 to 330 for at least 800 meters (1/2 mile) feet) in all directions

ARGON Gases - Inert 1006 121 Isolate spill or leak area immediatley for Consider initial downwind evacuation at least 10 to 25 meters (30 to 80 feet) in for at least 100 meters (330 feet) all directions

13 Stillwater Milling - Claremore 721 W. 6th Street Alan Schroeder (918) 341-0933 (918) 341-0659 Chemical Category Chemical ID Guide Number Initial Evacuation Large Spill ACETYLENE Gases - Flammable (Unstable) 1001 116 Isolate spill or leak area immediatley for Consider initial downwind evacuation at least 100 meters (330 feet) in all for at least 800 meters (1/2 mile) directions

CARBOFURAN MIXTURE, (LIQUID) Substances - Toxic (Non-Combustible) 2992 151 Isolate spill or leak area immediatley for at least 25 to 50 meters (80 to 160 feet) in all directions

2,4-DICHLOROPHENOXYACETIC ACID Substances - Toxic (Combustible) 2765 152 Isolate spill or leak area immediatley for at least 25 to 50 meters (80 to 160 feet) in all directions

AMMONIUM PHOSPHATE Oxidizers (Unstable) 2070 143 Isolate spill or leak area immediatley for at least 50 to 100 meters (160 to 330 feet) in all directions

UREA Oxidizers 1511 140 Isolate spill or leak area immediatley for Consider initial downwind evacuation at least 10 to 25 meters (30 to 80 feet) in for at least 100 meters (330 feet) all directions

14 Pixley Lumber Co. 715 W. Will Rogers Blvd Paul Pixley (918) 341-4223 (918) 341-6625 Chemical Category Chemical ID Guide Number Initial Evacuation Large Spill No Chemical data available

15 Prater's Propane 17652 S. 424 Rd. Mike Prater (918) 343-2453 (918) 343-2453 Chemical Category Chemical ID Guide Number Initial Evacuation Large Spill PROPANE Gases - Flammable 1978 115 Isolate spill or leak area immediatley for Consider initial downwind evacuation (Including Refrigerated Liquids) at least 50 to 100 meters (160 to 330 for at least 800 meters (1/2 mile) feet) in all directions 16 Pratt & Whitney - Tulsa Airfoil 2201 E. L. Anderson Blvd Jerry Patton (860) 565-6194 (918) 646-1972 Chemical Category Chemical ID Guide Number Initial Evacuation Large Spill PROPANE Gases - Flammable 1978 115 Isolate spill or leak area immediatley for Consider initial downwind evacuation (Including Refrigerated Liquids) at least 50 to 100 meters (160 to 330 for at least 800 meters (1/2 mile) feet) in all directions

David & Sherry (918) 343-0931 (918) 343-0931 17 Claremore Regional Airport 19502 E. Rogers Post Rd McKenzie Chemical Category Chemical ID Guide Number Initial Evacuation Large Spill Jet Fuel Flammable Liquids 1993 128 Isolate spill or leak area immediatley for Consider initial downwind evacuation 100LL Fuel (Non-Polar/ Water Immiscible) 1993 128 at least 25 to 50 meters (80 to 160 feet) for at least 300 meters (1000 feet) in all directions

18 Bushyhead 4200 NE Harmony Star Chemical Category Chemical ID Guide Number Initial Evacuation Large Spill

19 Claremore Compressor Station SEC 24-T21N-R16E Chemical Category Chemical ID Guide Number Initial Evacuation Large Spill

Frontier Terminal and Trading 20 Company 5645 East Channel Road, Catoosa Chemical Category Chemical ID Guide Number Initial Evacuation Large Spill

21 Food Mart Citgo 1400 N Hwy 88 Chemical Category Chemical ID Guide Number Initial Evacuation Large Spill GASOLINE Flammable Liquids 1203 128 Isolate spill or leak area immediatley for Consider initial downwind evacuation (Non-Polar/ Water Immiscible) at least 25 to 50 meters (80 to 160 feet) for at least 300 meters (1000 feet) in all directions

22 Food Mart Citgo 9644 E Hillcrest Drive Chemical Category Chemical ID Guide Number Initial Evacuation Large Spill GASOLINE Flammable Liquids 1203 128 Isolate spill or leak area immediatley for Consider initial downwind evacuation (Non-Polar/ Water Immiscible) at least 25 to 50 meters (80 to 160 feet) for at least 300 meters (1000 feet) in all directions

23 Koch Material Company 5850 North Road, Catoosa Chemical Category Chemical ID Guide Number Initial Evacuation Large Spill 24 Swan Brothers Dairy, Inc 938 E 5th St Chemical Category Chemical ID Guide Number Initial Evacuation Large Spill