HAZARD MITIGATION
PLAN
Please review and send your comments to
ABAC Police Chief, Bryan Golden, bgolden@abac.edu
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER 1 – EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
CHAPTER 2 – CAMPUS NATURAL HAZARD, RISK AND
VULNERABILITY (HRV) SUMMARY
CHAPTER 3 – CAMPUS NATURAL HAZARD MITIGATION
CHAPTER 4 - EXECUTING THE PLAN
CHAPTER 5 – CONCLUSION
REFERENCES
APPENDIX A
HAZARD DESCRIPTION
HAZARD FREQUENCY TABLE
WIND MAP
APPENDIX B
INVENTORY OF ASSETS – WIND
WIND HAZARD SCORE
CHAPTER 1 – EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
1. This Hazard Mitigation Plan represents
This Hazard Mitigation Plan is the result of the Board of Regents initializing the Disaster Resistant University (DRU) planning process. With guidance from OHS-GEMA, this Plan will meet requirements for the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 (DMA2K). The Plan will identify the risks and vulnerabilities to natural hazards for our institution. The Plan will identify mitigation activities that can be undertaken to reduce those risks and vulnerabilities.
II. Representatives of SODEXHO (ABAC’s Contractual Physical Plant Provider),
called upon to develop the ABAC Hazard Mitigation Plan bsed on previous plans
and information. In addition, representatives of Phyical Plant and ABAC Police
attended a GEMA, Mitigation Division, training meeting held at ABAC. Since ABAC partnered with Tifton/Tift County in preparing the Tift County Mitigation Plan, that plan was used as the primary planning document. A copy of this document was placed on the ABAC Police Departments web site to give the campus community the opportunity to view the document and give the college any feed back.
IV. Subcommittees - Subcommittees were created that met independently of the full planning committee. These subcommittees, or working groups, were able to focus on individual aspects of the planning process, resulting in more organized and productive meetings. The full committee and each of the subcommittees met to compose various parts of the plan. The work of each subcommittee was then brought before the full committee for comment and review. The following subcommittees participated in the planning process.
· Critical Faculties Subcommittee – responsible for compiling a detailed inventory of all critical facilities, and the characteristics of those facilities, located within the campus. The committee also photographed, named and labeled the photographs of the critical facilities that were identified within the grounds (Appendix B).
· Identifying and Profiling Hazards Subcommittee – responsible for identifying all of the natural hazards that might affect the campus and surrounding municipalities (Appendix A). This subcommittee researched various historical records, reviewed existing plans and reports, gathered relevant information from a variety of Internet Websites and conducted interviews with local experts within the community.
· Assessing Vulnerability / Estimating Potential Losses Subcommittee – responsible for performing a detailed risk assessment of the campus. Reviewed and analyzed hazard event profiles and related critical facilities to determine expected losses from specific hazard events. Potential losses include people, buildings, infrastructure, and other important college assets.
· Mitigation Goals and Objectives Subcommittee – responsible for identifying and analyzing various mitigation goals, objectives and related action steps. This subcommittee utilized the results of the countywide risk assessment to develop specific hazard mitigation goals, as well as developing a comprehensive strategy to address the mitigation priorities within the campus.
Tift County EMA provided all data
for severe weather occurrences affecting
III. A Hazard, Risk and Vulnerability assessment was accomplished by compiling and
reviewing historical data on the location of specific hazards, the value of existing property in hazard locations, and analyzing the risk to life, property and the environment that could potentially result from future hazard events. The Abraham Baldwin College Pre-Disaster Mitigation Planning Committee accomplished the HRV by conducting the following steps:
Inventorying Critical Facilities: Critical facilities are important in that
these entities provide essential products and services to the public that are
necessary to preserve the welfare and quality of life in the surrounding
area. The critical facilities for
identified in Appendix B.
Hazard Identification: Maps and historical data sources were studied and
reviewed in order to identify the geographic extent, intensity, and
probability of occurrence for
various hazard events. The Planning
Committee identified four major hazards – flood, hurricane, tornado, and severe
thunderstorms that typically could affect
Profiling Hazard Events: The causes and characteristics of each hazard, how it has affected Tift County in the past, and what part of Tift County’s population and infrastructure has historically been vulnerable to each specific hazard has been analyzed. A profile for each hazard discussed in this plan is provided in Chapter 2.
Vulnerability Assessment: This step was accomplished by comparing each previously identified hazard with the inventory of affected critical facilities and population exposed to each hazard.
Estimating Losses: Using the best available date, this step involved estimating damage and financial losses likely to be sustained in a geographic area by the use of mathematical models. Describing vulnerability in terms of dollar losses provides the college with a common framework in which to measure the effects of hazards on critical facilities (Appendix B).
MITIGATION GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
The Abraham Baldwin College Pre-Disaster Mitigation Planning Committee used the results of the Hazard, Risk, and Vulnerability assessment to identify and prioritize goals, objectives and related actions. Mitigation Goals and Objectives were identified by the Planning
Committee and then prioritized based on the number of students it would
affect and the cost to perform each project. Each mitigation goal includes required actions for implementation, as well as potential resources, which may include grant programs or human resources.
IV.
roadways and residential properties
that are in flood plains. They also
must be concerned with multiple churches, schools, correctional facilities, and
water treatment plants.
V. As determined during the planning process the committee shall assume the
responsibility for the upkeep and maintenance of the plan. It shall be the
responsibility of the committee to ensure that this plan is utilized as a
guide for initiating the identified mitigation resources. The Police Chief, or his designee, shall be authorized to convene a committee to review and update this plan periodically (or at least annually) throughout the useful life of the plan, not to exceed five years.
Through this plan update process,
the committee shall identify projects that have been successfully undertaken in
initiating mitigation measures throughout the campus. These projects shall be noted within the
planning document to indicate their completion.
Additionally, the committee shall brainstorm and identify any new or
additional mitigation projects that may arise.
The Abraham Baldwin College DRU Plan will be made available to
VI. The
working with appropriate local officials, will be responsible for initiating implementation of plan action items and undertaking a formal review process.
The Plan Maintenance Section of
this document details the formal process that will ensure that the Abraham
Baldwin College Pre-Disaster Mitigation Plan remains an active and relevant
document. The plan maintenance process
includes monitoring and evaluating the plan annually, and producing a plan
revision every five years. Additionally,
the
Resolution and Proclamation
Whereas new regulations require
that
Whereas
Whereas the Abraham Baldwin College Disaster Resistant University Plan (DRU) has been approved by the Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA).
Whereas the Abraham Baldwin College
Disaster Resistant University Plan has been approved by
______________________ ________________________
David Bridges, President Date
VII. Abraham Baldwin College currently has 3694 students, with 1264 of those students residing on campus and approximately 300employees. The majority of the population is mainly present from 8:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m. A small number of staff is present on campus at all times, i.e. weekends and holidays
CHAPTER 2 –CAMPUS NATURAL HAZARD, RISK AND VULNERABILITY (HRV) SUMMARY
The Abraham Baldwin College Pre-Disaster Mitigation Planning
Committee initially identified all natural hazards that could potentially
affect
The list of potential hazards was then narrowed to only the
hazards most likely to impact the campus.
These threats include flooding, tornados, hurricanes, and severe
thunderstorm incidents. As a result of
the pre-disaster mitigation planning process, the Planning Committee determined
that four natural hazards pose a direct, measurable threat to
I. FLOODING:
A. The
B. The Tift County Plan addresses their floodplains, structures and
the population that would be
involved. No floodplains flow through
There is no reasonable flood hazard.
II. DAMAGING WINDS:
A. Hurricanes, tornados and severe
thunderstorms regularly affect
B. It is impossible to determine
probability or extent of damaging winds so all construction must adhere to the
Georgia State Minimum Standard Codes (Uniform Codes Act) and the International
Building Code (2000 edition). The
minimum standards established by these codes provide reasonable protection to
persons and property within structures that comply with the regulations for
most natural hazards. The wind speeds at
C. ABAC has thirty-three buildings listed on the GIMS report. All of these buildings are vulnerable to wind damage. The total estimated replacement cost for these buildings is $95,120,915.
D. The Tift County Plan discusses farm
equipment, churches, residences and other County businesses that do not concern
residential buildings daylight and
nighttime hours, and is concerned with evacuation. This population numbers 3874 and consists of
faculty, staff, and students. This
population is present on campus at various times, not all at once.
E. Damaging winds are a very real threat
to
CHAPTER 3 – CAMPUS NATURAL HAZARD MITIGATION GOALS, OBJECTIVES AND
ACTION STEPS
OVERALL COMMUNITY MITIGATION GOALS, POLICIES AND VALUES NARRATIVE
I. ALL HAZARDS:
A. The Abraham Baldwin College Disaster Mitigation Planning Committee felt it critical to consider the concept of multi-hazard planning that is applicable to a wide range of hazards, as opposed to looking at only
hazard-specific mitigation
measures. The focus, or goal, of the
Planning Committee was to develop a list of suggested mitigation measures that
potentially offer the greatest benefit to
B. The Abraham Baldwin College Pre-Disaster Mitigation Planning Committee considered both structural and non-structural mitigation measures when developing adequate and appropriate mitigation measures. Mitigation options range from public information initiatives to development of contingency plans. Several of these measures may require alterations to current policies as well as the implementation of local ordinances to ensure the mitigation measures are undertaken. Mitigation goals, objectives and action items are as follows.
1. The structural steps are to install shatter resistant film for
glazed areas in order to reduce the hazard of flying debris.
The non-structural and policy steps keep awareness and
education at the forefront of our planning and updating needs.
2..
current policies with regard to land use in order to keep the
landscape in its natural state. This includes but is not inclusive to minimizing susceptibility to natural hazards and tree removal.
3.
beauty and peacefulness of its
campus. Historically,
C. Damaging
Winds – Mitigation Strategy and Recommendations -
1. Mitigation Goal #1:
“Develop and implement education and awareness programs aimed at mitigating the effects of natural hazards and reducing the risks to students and critical facilities.”
Objective #1:
“Develop natural hazard mitigation awareness program.”
ACTION STEPS:
a. Develop
and distribute education and awareness
materials or brochures related to hazard mitigation and preparedness to include
tornado and storm safety, fire safety, first aid, and various other topics as
needed.
(Category: Education and Awareness)
Responsible
Organization:
Coordinating
Organization:
Timeline: 2010
Approximate Cost: $7,500
Funding Source: General Funds & Staff Time
Education of our population will result in the population’s ability to make the right choices in any hazardous situation.
2. Mitigation Goal #2:
“Keep a hazard mitigation mindset
active and alive at
Objective #1:
“Establish an on-going role for the Abraham Baldwin College Disaster Mitigation Planning Committee.”
ACTION STEPS:
a. Establish
clear roles for committee members, conduct meetings regularly in order to
pursue and evaluate implementation of
mitigation
measures.
(Category:
Education and Awareness)
Responsible
Organization:
Coordinating Organization:
Timeline: 2010 - Continued
Approximate Cost: $3,000
Funding Source: General Funds
Regularly evaluating our DRU will benefit the campus as a whole.
3. Mitigation Goal #3
“Improve the structural soundness of glazed areas.”
Objective
#1
“Lessen the chance of intrusion of flying debris.”
ACTION STEPS:
a. Utilize
protective window film in order to maintain the integrity of windows and to
reduce likelihood of shattering glass.
(Category: Life/Property Protection)
Responsible Organization:
Coordinating
Organization:
Timeline: 2010 - Continued
Approximate Cost: $300,000
Funding Source: GEMA/GEMA Grant Funds
4. Mitigation Goal #4
“Develop Incident command system.”
Objective #1
“Enable communication between decision makers throughout a
natural disaster.”
ACTION STEPS:
a. Obtain
necessary communication equipment and form a
working
knowledge of the incident command system for key
personnel.
(Category:
Communication)
Responsible
Organization:
Coordinating Organization: Committee Members/
Timeline: 2010 - Continued
Approximate Cost: $15,000
Funding Source: FEMA/GEMA Grant Funds
Utilizing the ICS would enable communication with all emergency services and all involved would benefit.
5. Mitigation Goal #5:
“Protect the Integrity of Information Technology Services”
Objective #1:
“Maintain I.T. operations.”
ACTION STEPS:
a. Purchase
a generator and switching unit to useas a
backup
source of power in case of an interruption
in
electrical services
(Category:
Property Protection)
Responsible
Organization:
Coordinating
Organization:
Timeline: 2010
Approximate Cost: $12,000
Funding Source: FEMA/GEMA Grant Funds
This would ensure our operational capabilities with the
benefit to staff, students and the community.
CHAPTER 4 – EXECUTING THE PLAN
1. CAMPUS IMPLEMENTATION ACTION PLAN –
A. The pre-disaster mitigation planning process was overseen by ABAC Police. This plan was submitted to GEMA for approval.
B.
C. This
II. MONITORING AND UUPDATES
A. ABAC’s Hazard Mitigation Plan will be reviewed and updated as follows:
1) Annually, and/or
2) After a hazard or threatening hazard event, and/or
3) Upon completion of a mitigation plan.
B. The ABAC Police Department in conjunction with the Physical Plant Director and Tift County EMA will be responsible for periodic reviews of the plan. Additional personnel will participate as required.
III. MULTI-JURISDICTIONAL STRATEGY AND
CONSIDERATIONS –
A. The difference with respect to the
Tift County Plan is that each entity will be responsible to carry out their own individual Plan within their respective jurisdictions.
IV. Plan
Update and Maintenance
A. Representatives of ABAC’s community have been involved in overall emergency preparedness, response and educational activities. Through the Police Department, Pandemic Preparedness Committee (which is comprised of Nursing faculty, Student Affairs/Housing and Student Government representatives) and the physical plant, the plan will be measured for effectiveness.
CHAPTER 5 – CONCLUSION
1. CONCLUSION SUMMARY –
A. As previously stated, the Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College Chief of Police, or his designee, will be charged with ensuring that this plan is monitored and updated annually, or more often if deemed necessary. The method of evaluation will consist of utilizing a checklist to determine what mitigation actions were undertaken, the completion date of these actions, the cost associated with each completed action, and whether actions were deemed to be successful.
B. The cost benefit of a project was based upon the anticipated cost in
relation to the perceived benefit of the action taken. A proposed action with a high price tag, but minimal benefit to the campus, was considered to have a low cost benefit. Conversely, if minimal expenditures were required and the entire campus would benefit, this received a favorable cost benefit rating. All proposed mitigation actions were evaluated to determine the favorability of the benefit in relation to the cost associated with completing the project. Determining the feasibility of mitigating hazards can provide decision makers with an understanding of the potential benefits and costs of an activity, as well as a basis upon which to compare alternative projects.
II. REFERENCES –
Numerous sources were utilized to ensure the most complete planning document
could be assembled. In an effort to ensure that all date sources considered are cited, references are listed in the following format: A) Publications, B) Websites, C) Other Sources.
A. Publications
FEMA
Pre-Disaster Mitigation How-to Guides #1,
2, 3, 7
GEMA Supplements to FEMA Pre-Disaster Mitigation How-to Guides
ABAC Emergency Plan (2007)
B. Web Sites
GoogleEarth
GEMA, Georgia Information System, http://www.itos.uga.edu/gema/
C. Other
Various Interviews with current and former employees in Physical Plant,
Business Office, Public Safety, Procurement/Inventory, and students were
conducted during this process.
PRE-DISASTER MITIGATION COMMITTEE
SUBCOMMITTEES
IDENTIFY CRITICAL
FACILITIES
(Place names of committee members here)
IDENTIFY HAZARDS
AND ESTIMATE LOSSES
INVENTORY ASSETS
IDENTIFY GOALS AND
FUTURE PROJECTS
APPENDIX A
Hazard Descriptions
Description of Flood Hazard – Within any given geography, many different variables must be considered when determining if an area is susceptible to flooding. Topography, ground saturation, soil permeability, rainfall intensity and duration, drainage, and vegetative cover, to only name a few, contribute to the determination of whether or not an area will flood. Large amounts of rainfall over a short amount of time can result in flash floods, which routinely do minimal damage. Should the soil be saturated or super-saturated, even a small amount of rainfall can cause flooding issues. As more and more land is being developed, the presence of impermeable surfaces, roads, driveways, and parking lots cause an increase in the likelihood of flooding within an area.
According to FEMA
How-to Guide #2: Understanding Your Risks, a flood is a natural event for
rivers and streams. Excess water from
snowmelt, rainfall, or storm surge accumulates and overflows onto the banks and
adjacent floodplains. Floodplains are
lowlands, adjacent to rivers, lakes, and oceans that are subject to recurring
floods. Hundreds of floods occur each
year within the
Description of
Damaging Winds – A tornado is a violently rotating column of air
extending from a thunderstorm cloud to the ground. The most violent tornados are capable of tremendous destruction, in
some cases extreme devastation, with wind speeds that can exceed 250 miles per
hour. Damage paths can be of varying
widths up to and exceeding one mile, with the length of the path up to fifty
miles long. Tornado season in
Damaging winds, to include tornados, hurricanes and thunderstorms, can topple buildings, roll mobile homes, uproot trees, hurl people and animals through the air for hundreds of yards, and fill the air with lethal wind-borne debris.
Tornados are rated and categorized by damage pattern:
Category F0 – Gale Tornado (40-72 mph) – Light Damage
Category F1 – Moderate Tornado (73-112 mph) – Moderate Damage
Category F2 – Significant Tornado (113-157 mph) – Considerable Damage
INVENTORY OF ASSETS - WIND HAZARD
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