Emergency Communications and ESF 2 Warning This page left blank intentionally. Polk County EOP ESF 2 – Emergency Communications and Warning 1 Introduction Emergency Support Function 2 organizes, establishes, and maintains the communications capabilities among appropriate agencies/entities necessary to meet the County’s operational requirements in preparing for, responding to, and recovering from emergencies and disasters. This ESF also outlines the structure and operation of the warning systems used to alert key officials and the general public of a potential or actual emergency. Emphasis is placed on technical considerations of communication functions. Collection, control, and dissemination of emergency public information are covered by ESF 15, Emergency Public Information and External Affairs. 2 Policies and Agreements The National Warning System (NAWAS) is the primary method of communicating alert and warning messages from national to state authorities and between state and local authorities or warning points. The EAS is the primary method of communicating alert and warning messages to the public. Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) is under develop at the State/Federal and may be used as a tool for alerting before the next update. 3 Situation and Assumptions 3.1 Situation Adequate communications are vital for effective and efficient warning, response, and recovery operations. Current communications may be neutralized by some hazard occurrences (e.g., high winds may damage antennas and towers). Additional communications equipment required for emergency operations will be made available from amateur radio operators, citizens, businesses, and/or other governmental agencies. The WVCC in Salem is the primary Public Safety Answering Point () for Polk County. It is staffed on a 24-hour basis by State- certified dispatch personnel who are trained in first aid and CPR and certified by the State as Emergency Medical Dispatchers. Equipment is available to provide communications necessary for emergency operations. Polk County has a service area of 745 square miles, much of which comprises rural and densely forested areas. During severe weather or other types of emergencies, portions of the population could be isolated from cities and their resources. The need to warn the public of impending danger could arise at any time. To reduce loss of life and property, adequate and timely warnings, including appropriate action-oriented information, must be provided. A warning period will exist in most emergency situations, although the duration of such a period will vary from hazard to hazard. Proper and timely implementation of warnings will save lives, reduce injuries, and protect property. 3.2 Capabilities ESF 2-1 Polk County EOP ESF 2 – Emergency Communications and Warning The Willamette Valley 9-1-1 Communications Center in Salem is the primary PSAP for Polk County. Emergency calls for service are received by the 9-1-1 Center and dispatched to the appropriate public safety agencies in Polk County. The Polk County Emergency Communication Center is located in the Sheriff’s Office at 850 Main Street, Dallas. The Emergency Communications Center is equipped with radio equipment capable of receiving and transmitting on all frequencies used by Polk County public safety agencies. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office Mobile Command Center, located at Public Works Yard contains mobile radio equipment capable of receiving and transmitting on all frequencies used by Polk County public safety agencies as well as neighboring jurisdictions. This mobile communication capability provides Polk County Emergency Management the ability to establish an EOC, either in the field or at alternate sites. Polk County Fire District #1 located at 1800 Monmouth Street, Independence, maintains a functional dispatch center capable of communicating with all fire and medical apparatus in Polk County. There are numerous public safety/service radios operated by County and City personnel. In the event of telephone failure, these daily operations radios will be used as the primary means of communications. The EAS may be activated to disseminate emergency information via radio, television, and the County website (see the Greater Capitol Area [Polk, Marion, and Yamhill counties] Emergency Alert System Plan). PCARES, composed of radio operators licensed by the Federal Communications Commission for non-commercial (amateur) communications, have voluntarily registered their services and formed an organized pool of trained communications specialists to assist Polk County Emergency Management in providing emergency and disaster communications. (See Appendix 3). Polk County has no County-wide siren warning system. Some fire departments have outdoor sirens and have procedures for their use as a public warning system. Emergency vehicles equipped with sirens may be a viable means of getting the attention of the public in localized emergencies, but emergency instructions must be provided via public address systems. Polk County Sherriff’s Office has 3 laptop computers and printers as maintained by information services for using in the EOC and MCC. ESF 2-2 Polk County EOP ESF 2 – Emergency Communications and Warning The County has two mobile generators (50kw and 100 kw) that could be used to power remote communications sites or PSAP if needed during prolong outages. The County has direct communications in the EOC to the City of Dallas EOC and West Valley Hospital EOC. 3.3 Assumptions A warning period will be available for many emergency situations, although the amount of lead time may vary from hazard to hazard. Warnings may be initiated by Polk County government in the case of local or in-progress incidents (e.g., earthquake, hazardous materials release) or by a higher authority (State or Federal government) through use of the NAWAS whenever a large area may be threatened by a major emergency (e.g., terrorist attack or severe weather conditions). Telephone (landline and/or wireless) is the primary system for notification of key officials and critical workers. The electronic media (television, radio) will be considered the primary system for providing warning and emergency information to large numbers of the affected population, both through news bulletins and EAS broadcasts. Most press releases are conducted through “Flashnews” which is a paid service that disseminates press release to news outlets statewide. The world wide web will be accessible for standard emergencies and probably will not be accessible during catastrophic emergencies. 4 Roles and Responsibilities Lead Agency Polk County Sheriff’s Office Willamette Valley 9-1-1 Communications Center Supporting Organization(S) Polk County Amateur Radio Emergency Service Polk County Emergency Management Organization Polk County Public Information Officer Polk County Public Works Department Information Services Oregon State Police Law Enforcement Data Systems/National Crime Information Center Other local volunteer organizations Local radio/TV stations ESF 2-3 Polk County EOP ESF 2 – Emergency Communications and Warning 4.1 General The following agencies/organizations are involved in the planning, implementation, and coordination of emergency communications for Polk County, and specific responsibilities are noted for each entity. Polk County Emergency Management Organization: coordinates intra- county radio use and future planning needs for Polk County. Supervises Amateur Radio Emergency Services and provides alert and warning to public including the EAS through the local PSAP. Individual agencies are responsible for maintaining communications capabilities and interoperability with local, regional, State, and Federal agencies. The Sheriff’s Office supports public safety communications. Willamette Valley Communications Center (WVCC 9-1-1): Serves as the County PSAP. Polk County Public Works: Supports public safety communications and recovery operations. Information Services: Supports public safety communications and recovery operations. A communications coordinator (the Sheriff or his/her designee) will be assigned to the EOC command structure and will be responsible for managing PCARES and establishing radio frequencies. The communications coordinator also ensures that county radio sites and systems are operational and available for emergency communications with public agencies. Status of interoperability with local, State, and Federal agencies during an emergency is tracked and managed by the communications coordinator or designee. 4.2 Communications Mitigation and Preparedness Each agency with communications responsibilities is expected to develop and maintain SOPs. Polk County Emergency Management Organization Ensure that PCARES is trained to meet the emergency communications needs of Polk County; Ensure that the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Mobile Command Center is properly maintained; Direct the development and maintenance of adequate EOC communications capability, including training (communications drills/exercises) of personnel for the EOC communications staff; and ESF 2-4 Polk County EOP ESF 2 – Emergency Communications and Warning Develop and maintain a system by which messages in the EOC can be logged and tracked. Willamette Valley 9-1-1 Communications Center Develop and maintain SOPs to address emergency response needs, including loss of 9-1-1 and/or radio communications with Polk County and backup communications facilities; Develop and maintain alert and warning systems for major emergencies/disasters,