Module 1: PREPAREDNESS & INITIAL RESPONSE
Scenario
April 5, 2022: 08:30
Location: Schuylkill County
Greater than average tornado activity has occurred in your area since the beginning of the season. Tornado types have ranged from F1-F4 based on weather conditions present and wind direction. Many homes, cars, small buildings, and power lines have been destroyed over this time period. Your state is currently under a presidential disaster declaration; Federal, as well as State agencies have been supporting the recovery effort by providing financial assistance for those communities that were affected.
Storm Prediction Center and National Weather Service (NWS) experts are monitoring weather conditions daily to provide timely information on the development of tornado-likely weather. These conditions are typically marked by increased thunderstorm activity in warm, moist air in advance of eastward-moving cold fronts. These thunderstorms have the capability to produce large hail and strong winds and, on occasion, tornados.
The active state of recovery efforts across much of the State has limited response resources and capabilities greatly. For example, most of the wireless telecommunication system providers in your community are without cellular services due to downed towers. Your community’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is active and is helping coordinate local recovery efforts.
City, county, and State officials are concerned that, because the responses to previous tornados have drawn upon mutual-aid agreements and memoranda of understanding throughout the State, local resources will not be capable of sustaining another tornado response, especially because so many resources are still being utilized in long-term response and recovery projects.
Inject #1
April 5, 2022: 08:30
The NWS has issued a tornado watch for Schuylkill County and effective through 2000 hrs. The storm front is approaching your location from the southwest at 10 mph and is producing severe thunderstorms and small hail. Weather reports from areas southwest of your location indicate that the barometric pressure is dropping rapidly, with heavy lighting and wind gusts of up to 35 mph. Local media outlets are broadcasting the tornado watch, including shots of Doppler radar images and live reports near the severe weather.
Key Issues
- Previous tornados reduce response capabilities for potential tornados
- NWS monitors weather conditions for a potential tornado
- NWS issues tornado warning for parts of your State
- Heavy rain and lightning in and around your community
- Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) sound on cell phones in neighboring community, sending residents running for shelter
Questions
Based on the information provided, participate in the discussion concerning the issues raised in Module 1. Identify any critical issues, decisions, requirements, or questions that should be addressed at this time.
The following questions are provided as suggested subjects that you may wish to address as the discussion progresses. These questions are not meant to constitute a definitive list of concerns to be addressed, nor is there a requirement to address every question.
Inject #2
Scenario
April 5, 2022: 09:00
A tornado touches down in the southern part of your community. Residents are advised by severe weather alerts on radio and television to stay away from windows, seek shelter, and leave their vehicles, if possible. At this time, the tornado is measured moving northeast at 20-30 mph, with a width covering approximately 100 meters and wind speeds higher than 150 mph. Individuals living in the tornado’s path, including your location may be in danger and are warned to take immediate shelter.
As the tornado continues to move through the area, more than 50 emergency calls have been received by the 9-1-1 center from residents in the tornado’s path. Callers report cars, trees, mobile homes, and other large debris being picked up and thrown through the air.
Key Issues
- Tornado touches down, causing severe damage to areas in its path
- Emergency services requests rise dramatically in the wake of the tornado
- Various injuries reported, including head trauma, puncture wounds, and stroke
- Search and rescue operations are underway for trapped victims
- Electrical fires, gas leaks, and communication failures crop up across the community
Questions
Based on the information provided, participate in the discussion concerning the issues raised. Identify any critical issues, decisions, requirements, or questions that should be addressed at this time.
The following questions are provided as suggested subjects that you may wish to address as the discussion progresses. These questions are not meant to constitute a definitive list of concerns to be addressed, nor is there a requirement to address every question.