Module 2: RESPONSE
Scenario
The tornado vanished at around 09:30, and though pockets of heavy rains continue to move toward the northeast of your location, the sky has lightened a bit and tornado conditions are dissipating over your community.
Your school’s primary building has suffered extensive damage and at least five employees are injured and two are missing. Search and rescue efforts are ongoing. The mayor and fire chief are asking people to leave the affected areas and not return until the area has been declared safe.
The analysis of the tornado by the Storm Prediction Center specifies that the tornado, which was on the ground for just under 15 minutes and traveled more than four miles, has been classified as a type F3, with estimated winds speeds of 170 miles per hour. Weather conditions for the remainder of the week will remain clear and warm with highs in the mid-70s. Public utilities have confirmed that 20% of your residents have lost power, most of which are located in the southwestern part of town.
Preliminary damage assessments of your community count 24 homes that have been destroyed, with an additional 40 homes suffering mild to moderate damage. Incident command has requested two Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) teams to search for citizens thought to be trapped underneath large debris. These search and rescue operations have identified 10 individuals, so far, that were trapped under debris but only suffered minor injuries. These victims have been transported by medical units to local hospitals with symptoms of trauma, shock, and some minor lacerations.
Radio communications are restored, and incident command determines that many of the roads in your community, roadways must be closed due to downed trees, flipped vehicles, and other damage. Railroad tracks running across the southern part of the community were lifted out of the ground at various points along a two-mile stretch of track and incident command has asked that the regional rail company be notified of this event immediately to stop any approaching trains. Debris management teams are contacted to begin providing assistance in logistics support.
Media outlets are speculating that the Governor has declared a state of emergency for Schuylkill County. Shortly after the news report airs, residents flood the community’s customer service lines with requests for disaster relief assistance and questions regarding the application process for reimbursements.
April 5, 2022: 10:00
Due the intensity and length of the tornado, a total of 124 patients were evaluated and treated at area hospitals, with five fatalities occurring at the scene; all deaths are attributed to head trauma suffered during the tornado. Of all the patients evaluated and treated, approximately one-third required admission while the rest were treated and sent home from the emergency department. Almost 50% of victims treated at area hospitals were transported by local EMS services.
April 5, 2022 18:00
Final reports from damage assessment teams are 36 homes have been completely destroyed with an additional 51 homes suffering moderate damage. Of the partially damaged structures, 11 are declared unsafe for current living and must be repaired. Information from law enforcement agencies indicate that three individuals are still missing in the vicinity of a collapsed building. Public utilities have restored electrical services to all areas though approximately 1,000 customers are still without power. Power lines on these properties are being repaired as quickly as possible, but the utility company is requesting assistance with removing debris in order to access the power infrastructure.
While almost 25% of debris has already been cleared around the community, many roadways remain blocked or closed.
Key Issues
- Search and rescue operations look for missing individuals
- Incident command requests additional search and rescue teams
- Train tracks, trees, and homes uprooted in tornado; damage being assessed
- Requests come in for sheltering services from those whose homes were destroyed
Questions
Based on the information provided, participate in the discussion concerning the issues raised in Module 2. Identify any critical issues, decisions, requirements, or questions that should be addressed at this time.
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.