Final Version of EOC Position Specific Task Books Available

EOC Position Specific Task Books

The finalized versions of the Emergency Operations Center Position Specific Task Books are available for emergency management staff.  The task books will be discussed and officially presented at the Colorado Emergency Management Conference next week in Loveland, Colorado.  The task books will also be available permanently on our Colorado Division of Emergency Management website under the Resources and Publications tab after March 9.


If you have any questions about the EOC Postion Specific Task Books contact Lori Hodges, CDEM Field Manager, at lori.hodges@state.co.us.
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Town of San Luis Water Incident Update

The San Luis Valley Regional EOC remains open and activated supporting the Town of San Luis on day eight of the incident.  This morning demolization was initiated.  For additional information read the press release from Linda Smith, Incident PIO or visit their website at www.costillacounty-co.gov.



San Luis Valley Regional  EOC PIO CONTACT: Linda Smith
PHONE: (719) 937-3143
Costilla County Public Health Agency Vivian Gallegos, Director






Water Advisory Ends for Town of San Luis
San Luis – The boil water advisory has been lifted and customers of the San Luis Water and Sanitation District can now use tap water for all purposes. After routine water tests revealed bacterial contamination in the water last week, local officials have consulted with Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment’s Water Quality Control Division to correct the problem.  The water supply has now been determined to be safe for consumption and all restrictions have been removed for water use.It is recommended that residents who have appliances that dispense ice or water replace filters prior to beginning to use them.  

The San Luis Water and Sanitation District has decided to voluntarily give up the waiver that has allowed the water to not be chlorinated in the past.  Water is currently being chlorinated and it will continue to be chlorinated in the future.

Many people and businesses have volunteered time, water, and hand sanitizer since the boil water advisory was issued on February 22.

Current information is available at www.costillacounty-co.gov or by calling (719) 672-3457.

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Community Preparedness Classes Offered in Frederick

The Carbon Valley Emergency Planning Committee and the Frederick-Firestone Fire Protection District will be hosting community preparedness classes on the fourth Tuesday of each month in 2012.  The classes will be taught at the Business & Education Center.  For more information on the courses and how to register view the Community Preparedness Class Series Flyer.

Upcoming Classes:
March 22, 2012 at 6:00 p.m.:     Community Awareness Program
The community Awareness Program (CAP) empowers citizens to help play a role in enhancing our community safety.  Developed by The Counterterrorism Education learning Lab (The CELL) and the Colorado Information Analysis Center (CIAC), the CAP is an interactive curriculum, taught by Colorado public safety professionals, that provides citizens with the basic tools needed to recognize and help prevent terrorist and criminal activity in their hometowns.

April 26, 2012 at 6:00 p.m.:      Disaster Planning with Pets and Large Animals
If you are like millions of animal owners nationwide, your pet is an important member of your household.  Unfortunately, animals are also affected by disasters.

The likelihood that you and your animals will survive an emergency such as a fire or flood, tornado or other event depends largely on emergency planning done today.  This class will provide important information on some of the things you can do to prepare for the unexpected, such as assembling an animal emergency supply kit and developing a pet care buddy system, are the same for any emergency.  Whether you decide to stay put in an emergency or evacuate to a safer location, you will need to make plans in advance for your pets.

Please register in advance for each class by contacting the District's Training Division at 303-833-2742 or jklug@fffd.us if you would like to attend.

 
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2012 Emergency Response Guides


 When will the 2012 Emergency Response Guide (ERC) be available?  

The new 2012 Emergency Response Guides will soon be on the way.  The original printing date of February 2012 has been slipped.  The best estimates now are April 2012, with delivery some time later.

The process for all public safety agencies to receive the new ERGs is as follows:
  • Contact your local/city/county Emergency Manager to give them your requirement.  
  •  The Emergency Manager will forward this to the DEM Field Manager for tabulating.
  •  DEM will make available the ERGs when received from US DOT to the Field Managers to distribute to the local/city/county Emergency Manager.



Remember, the guides are available free of charge to public safety for placement in the vehicles (primary), training (secondary), and public safety personnel (tertiary).

Unfortunately, we don’t always receive our requested amount of ERGs, as it depends on the funds allocated by Congress for the printing cost.  We will distribute our allotment as best we can.

For additional information, contact Jack Cobb at 720.852.6603 or jack.cobb@state.co.us.
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Job Posting: Jefferson County Deputy Director

Carol Small is retiring from the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office at the end of April after 32 years as both an emergency responder and manager.  They are looking for the next Deputy Director.

The application period ends on Wednesday, March 7.  If you are interested in more information about this open position or how to apply go to http://jeffco.us/jeffcojobs.htm  for a full job description and online application.

Tim McSherry, Emergency Management Director for Jefferson County, is happy to talk with anyone having questions about the position.  Please contact him at 303-271-4901.


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Update for Town of San Luis Valley Incident

San Luis Valley Water Incident Day 6

The San Luis Valley Regional Emergency Operations Center remains open and activated supporting Town of San Luis ICP and POD.  DEM Field Manager Patricia Gavelda continues to provide support to the local operations in support of their mission.  

Contact PIO Linda Smith at 719-587-5330 for incident information.  
Basic information regarding the incident for citizens in the area is being posted at sanluisvalleyhealth.org and at Costilla County's website: 

Below are photos that were shared by PIO Smith from this weekend that were taken at the San Luis Fire Station where volunteers assisted with dispensing water and hand sanitizer.  
The top photo is Pam Jones, a member of the Red Cross Disaster Action Team.

The bottom photo includes Red Cross volunteer Phil Tomlinson, Red Cross Disaster Coordinator Bill Werner and Alfred Mondragon of the San Luis Fire Department.
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Denver Nuggets ~ CEMA Night Scheduled

Join us for Colorado Emergency Management Association Night with the Denver Nuggets event on Friday, April 6.  Those who attended last year had a great time.  Information on ordering tickets is available on the CEMA Night with the Nuggets Flyer.

Event Information:

Game:                   Denver Nuggets vs. Phoenix Suns

Date:                     Friday, April 6, 2012

Time:                     7:00 p.m.


Discounted tickets are available on a first-come, first serve basis and are subject to availability.  The Deadline to purchase tickets is Friday, March 30. 

Order tickets online at www.pepsicenter.com/groups/nuggets/0406cema.


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Town of San Luis Water Incident Update

Day #3 Town of San Luis Water Incident

The San Luis Valley (SLV) Regional EOC remains open and active supporting Incident Command Post in Costilla County.  POD open daily from 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. providing resources (water and hand sanitizer) to residents.  Approximatley 17.5 pallets of bottled water on scene including two 1500 gallon portable water containers and one water filtration system.  This all hands effort will continue for the weekend. 

SLV Regional EOC, Costilla County and Town of San Luis appreciates the continued support demonstrated by all our local, state and other ESF 8 partners.

DEM Field Manager Patricia Gavelda is supporting local efforts.

The phone number for the Joint Information Center/PIO is 719-587-5352.
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WebEOC Updates

WebEOC users will notice a different look the next time they access it.  The look may be different, however,  there is no change to function.
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Boulder County EOC Closing at 9 PM

The Boulder County Office of Emergency Management has announced that the Emergency Operations Center will close down at 9:00 p.m.

Get current information by following @BoulderOEM.
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Lyons Evacuation Center Shutting Down


The Red Cross has closed the evacuation center at Lyons High School. No evacuees remained at the center prior to it being closed. Evacuations have NOT been lifted for Eagle Ridge and Stone Canyon pending ongoing investigations on fire activity in the area.  Posted at 8:38 p.m. by Boulder County Office of Emergency Management.
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Alamosa Emergency Operations Center Activated Due to Water Issue

The Regional Emergency Operations Center (EOC) in Alamosa has been activated after a boil water order was issued for the Town of San Luis.  San Luis is located within Costilla County in the San Luis Valley region.  The Town of San Luis has approximately 900 people.

The EOC is working with incident command in San Luis to coordinate resources and message delivery.   A Division of Emergency Management Field Manager is working with the county. There has not been a request for state resource assistance at this time.
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Boulder County: Updated Information

Updated Information from Boulder Office of Emergency Management Emergency Status Page
 as of  7:35 p.m.:

Lyons Fire Contained, but Evacuees Still Awaiting Word on Evacuations

It is anticipated that the the evacuations will remain in effect for several hours as crews assess any potential for additional fire activity in the Lyons Stone Canyon area. Evacuees are advised to remain at the evacuation center until further notice. Information posted at 7:35 p.m.

Stone Canyon Fire Contained

Fire crews are reporting that the Stone Canyon Fire has been contained. Firefighters are still on the scene to monitor and address hot spots. The fire scorched about 20 acres. Evacuation Center officials are reporting that approximately 15 families are on scene, awaiting word about when they can safely return to their homes. Updates will be posted here as soon as they are available. Information posted at 7:20 p.m.

Highway 36 has been re-opened

The Colorado State Patrol has re-opened Highway 36, but motorists are advised to use caution because of high wind conditions. Information posted at 6:40 p.m.

Evacuation Information for Eagle Ridge Subdivision.

Evacuations have been ordered for the Eagle Ridge subdivision, and officials are re-routing traffic to 5th Avenue because of a downed power line at 1125 Stone Canyon Road. Information posted at 6:35 p.m.

Boulder Office of Emergency Mangement is also providing information on their Twitter feed @BoulderOEM.

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Boulder County Fire Information

 Boulder Office of Emergency Management Emergency Status Website

Posted on 2/22/12 at 6 p.m. on the Boulder OEM Emergency Status site

City, county crews contain Diagonal Fire
Emergency officials used the Everbridge notification system to inform 1,300 households of the fire. No evacuations were ordered.

The fire, which spread to about 45 acres, started on City of Boulder Open Space and property owned by IBM, near a transformer just outside of Tom Watson Park.

Several agencies responded to the fire: City of Boulder Fire, Longmont Fire, Lafayette Fire, Louisville Fire, Boulder Rural Fire Protection District, Lefthand Fire Protection District, Rocky Mountain Fire Protection District, Mountainview Fire Protection District, Fourmile Fire Protection District, Sunshine Fire Protection District, Lyons Fire Protection District, Sugarloaf Fire Protection District, Boulder Emergency Squad, American Medical Response ambulance service, Boulder Police, Boulder Sheriff’s Office, Colorado State Patrol, City of Boulder Open Space and Boulder County Open Space.

Officials are anticipating that high winds could pick up ash and dust. Individuals with respiratory concerns are advised to stay indoors and limit their exposure to particulate matter. Firefighters are planning to remain on scene throughout the night to monitor and respond to any potential hot spots.

The city-county Emergency Operations Center has been activated and updates, including road closures information, are being posted at www.boulderoem.com/emergency-status


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Colorado Emergency Management Conference Agenda Updated

View an updated copy of the agenda for the 2012 Colorado Emergency Management Conference scheduled for March 6-8.

Remember to complete your conference registration now on the Colorado Emergency Management Association website.
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Lessons Learned in Recovery: The Las Animas Earthquake


Incident Background
The county of Las Animas Colorado is sharing the lessons they learned after a magnitude 5.3 earthquake hit their community on August 22, 2011 and caused an estimated $300,000 in damages.  The epicenter of the earthquake struck in Valdez and Segundo about nine miles west of Trinidad.  Las Animas County Building Inspector Joe Richards says that in most communities a 5.3 magnitude earthquake isn’t a big deal.  However, in this community 46 homes and buildings were damaged or destroyed due to the fact that the homes were built in the 1850-1860’s. They are old adobe brick structures (unreinforced masonry).  Also, many of these original homes had been added on to in recent years without building permits or following newer building codes.   
In a community with a lot of pride and bravado the biggest struggle was how to locate those families that needed assistance.  Many of the citizens called Las Animas County Sheriff James Casias directly.  The Sheriff’s office sent out deputies to document damage and took more than 125 photos that first day.  Many of those with damage chose to call family and friends for assistance and didn’t want to involve the county officials.      

On Site Evaluations and Taking the Time to Listen
The earthquake struck at a time when  the county manager was on vacation, the county manager was also the emergency manager, and there was a relatively new part-time building inspector.  Where do you start when this situation impacts your community?  “Joe became the point guy,” according to Sheriff Casias.  He brought together resources and started conversations with local and state officials.  Joe traveled constantly around the county following the reports of earthquake damages.  A typical day included up to 200 miles of travel to individual properties.  The key was that he wasn’t responding as the county building inspector, but instead was there as a safety expert to assess the structural damage and pull together resources to help homeowners.  “I was there to listen and to give direction and hope,” said Richards of his involvement. 

Joe says, “The best thing they had was the Sheriff.”  This is because he had long time roots in the community. The Sheriff’s office and Richards conducted  onsite evaluations of the properties and spoke with individual owners in order to complete a damage assessment and develop a plan for assisting the community.  Richards, being new to his position, worked with others to reach out to agencies in the county and the state including: American Red Cross, U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development, South Central Council of Governments, insurance agents and  CDEM to help him in the process of starting the recovery efforts.

The Community Learned to Come Together
A common theme in conversations is that the “community learned to come together.”  Everyone came together to coordinate their efforts instead of working individually.  From this lesson County officials created the  new emergency management group.  Team members include the Assessor, Red Cross, San Isabel Power, City of Trinidad Administrator, Sheriff, new Emergency Manager, Road and Bridge and the Building Inspector.  This team has already made an impact with a quick response to the blizzards that swept through the county in December.  Instead of waiting to be asked for assistance the members proactively began coordinating the response for the community.  “It’s one game we all have to play in.  Now we play together,” stated Sheriff Casias.

Providing a Recovery Center
During the assessment of homes it became evident that financial resources and other assistance was going to be necessary for the community.  Lori Hodges and Marilyn Gally from the Colorado Division of Emergency Management (CDEM) assisted Richards in beginning the recovery phase of this disaster.  One of the key components of this process was to establish a local Recovery Center for citizens to receive information on resources available to them.  Richards felt that the Recovery Center was well worth it.  People could receive the information they needed to share rebuilding from this one-stop-shop.  The Recovery Center was open for two days at a local senior center.

The County also invited the South Central Council of Governments (COG) into the Recovery Center. The COG was able to offer low interest loans to homeowners to rebuild.  He also invited the USDA Rural Development representative to a second recovery center to discuss home repair loan options.  People who attended left with answers to at least some of their concerns.  The center included information from COG, Las Animas County, CDEM, mental health experts, insurance representatives, Red Cross and safety and prevention tips for living through the aftershocks of the earthquakes. The Trinidad Community Foundation was also established to assist with accepting the community donations and distributing them to the victims.  The foundation has received both financial contributions and supply donations.  

The Gumz Family's Recovery Story
Darlene Gumz, a long-time resident of the county, had the front of her home literally crumble off following the earthquake.  She said her home groaned as the earthquake rolled through her property.  She says an important lesson she learned was that the community needs to know what resources are available during a disaster.  She is thankful for the efforts of Joe Richards and Sheriff Casias and felt the Recovery Center was a great opportunity for her to learn about the recovery process.   

Gumz says that the community talks about the damage to each other’s homes every day and that people stop by to see the progress on her home.  She also believes that the community has come together to assist each other.  Neighbors help neighbors rebuild, they use their equipment to tear down crumbling walls and all come together to rebuild the homes.  Once your home is done then you “pay it forward” and help the next family.   

She says the resources offered in the Recovery Center helped her return to a new normal.  COG was able to provide a low interest loan that covered the supplies and contractors and Richards has been there throughout the process. Gumz has created a memory album and has documented her home’s recovery and rebuilding process through photos.  
 








Implementing Lessons Learned
Although the recovery process is still underway in Las Animas County Joe Richards and Sheriff Casias are using lessons learned from last year to serve their communities more efficiently and effectively.  Their proactive approach to community disasters and incidents is working well through the new emergency management group.  As the community rebuilds Richards is able to use this as an opportunity to educate the community on the value of the new building codes.  As the homeowners rebuilt after the earthquake Las Animas County did not charge for building permits and owners were not penalized for previous non-permitted work.  This was a key lesson in establishing his role as safety expert instead of simply building inspector.

They have also continued communications and helped critique the recovery process with the Division of Emergency Management and this is creating positive relationships.  Next week we will share specifics on the role of the Division of Emergency Management and other partners and how other communities can utilize a Recovery Center.



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DEM Weekly Update ~ February 17, 2012

DEM Weekly Update ~ February 10, 2012

Division of Emergency Management Weekly Update ~ February 17, 2012
 
In this week's edition:
  • 2012 Colorado Emergency Management Conference
  • DEM 2011 Customer Survey Results
  • Colorado WebEOC Update
  • Kudos in Emergency Management
  • Resources Focused on Emergency Management and Education Efforts
  • Training Information
If you have any questions or would like to submit information for next week contact Micki Trost, DEM PIO, at micki.trost@state.co.us.
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Course Announcement: Incident Command System - Emergency Operations Center Interface (G191)

Incident Command System (ICS) - Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Interface (G191) Course

This course provides an opportunity for participants to begin developing an effective interface between Incident Command and the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) for their community by applying Incident Command System (ICS) principles.  Participants will begin developing an ICS/EOC interface for their community.  the course reviews ICS and EOC responsibilities and functions and depends heavily on exercises and group discussions to formulate the interface.

Course Information

Date:                     March 20-21, 2012

Time:                     8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Where:                   3401 E. Bromley Lane, Brighton, CO  80601

Register:                 Registration will be through COTRAIN, Course ID# 1022969

Contact:                  Robyn Knappe at robyn.knappe@state.co.us or 720-852-6617

Course Flyer:         For more information download the G191 Course Flyer.    




 
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WebEOC 2012 Introductory/ Refresher Workshops

Course Announcement for 2012 WebEOC Introductory/ Refresher Workshops

This workshop will be offered on four different dates during the year.  The workshop will teach participants how to:
  • Use WebEOC to access state, local and regional boards
  • Post and access information in the file library
  • Request/ process resource orders
  • Explore WebEOC's Mapper tool
  • Additional topics will be based on the needs of the participants
Course Information

Course Dates for 2012
                                       April 12
                                       August 9
                                       October 11
                                       December 6 

Course Time:                 9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Course Location:            State Emergency Operations Center
                                        9195 E. Mineral Avenue, Centennial, CO  80112

Course Registration:       Registration in advance is required through COTRAIN.
                                         This course is first come, first served.  No charge.

Target Audience:             Individuals who use WebEOC in their local jurisdictions
                                        or state agencies.

Course Flyer:                   Download the WebEOC 2012 Course Flyer
                                         for more information.

Course Contact:             Robyn Knappe at robyn.knappe@state.co.us or 720-852-6617
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Course Announcement: Basic Public Information Officer (G290)

Basic Public Information Officer (G290) Course
This course is intended for public information officers (PIOs).  The G290 class emphasizes the basic skills and knowledge needed for emergency management public information activities or as a refresher.  Mock interviews will be videotaped.  Attendance on both days is required.

Course Information:

Date:           June 14-15, 2012

Time:               8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Where:             Colorado Mountain College  -  Vail/Eagle Valley Campus
                        150 Miller Ranch Road, Edwards, CO  81632

 Register:         Registration will be through COTRAIN,  Course ID#  1024974
                         For help with registration contact Robyn Knappe at 
                         robyn.knappe@state.co.us or 720-852-6617 

Course Flyer:    For more information download the G290 Basic PIO Course Flyer.

Course Contact:  Barry Smith at 9770-569-2921

Target Audience:
Individuals who may assume a public information role in expanding emergency incidents.

Recommended Prerequisites:
  •  NIMS IS 700
  • IS 800
  • IS 100
  • ICS 200
 

 
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Course Announcement: ICS 300

ICS-300:  Intermediate Incident Command System Principles

ICS-300 provides training on and resources for personnel who require advanced application of the Incident Command System (ICS).  The course expands upon information covered in the ICS-100 and ICS-200 courses.  Attendance both days is mandatory.

Personnel must have completed the following Incident Command System Courses or an equivalent to these courses:
  • ICS-100:  Introduction to ICS
  • ICS-200:  Basic ICS
  • IS-700 NIMS
  • IS-800 National Response Framework 
Course Information

Dates:                March 14-15, 2012

Time:                 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Location:           Colorado State University - Pueblo

Registration:     Registration will be through COTRAIN, Course ID: 1005860
                           This course is first come, first served.

Cost:                  No Charge.  Lodging will not be provided.

Target Audience:  
Individuals who may assume a supervisory role in expanding emergency incidents. 

Course Flyer:  
Additional information about this course is available on the ICS-300 Course Flyer.

Contact:       
Karen Ashcroft at 719-583-6202 or  Ashcraft@co.pueblo.co.us
Robyn Knappe at robyn.knappe@state.co.us                       



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DEM Weekly Update ~ February 10, 2012

Division of Emergency Management Weekly Update ~ February 10, 2012

In this week's edition:
  • 2012 Colorado Emergency management Conference
  • County Office of Emergency Management Updates and Resources
  • Kudos in Emergency Management
  • NFPA Job Announcement
  • Chemical Stockpile Emergency Preparedness Program
  • Resources Focused on Emergency Management and Education Efforts
  • Training Information
If you have any questions or would like to submit information for next week contact Micki Trost, DEM PIO, at micki.trost@state.co.us.
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Evacuations Lifted in Walsh Colorado

The evacuation order is being lifted in Walsh, Colorado.  The tank has been secured, loaded and moved from the area.

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Precautionary Evacuations in Town of Walsh

Approximately 35 homes have been evacuated as a precaution in the Town of Walsh, Colorado due to a leak that was reported as 500 gallons of Anhydons Ammonia.  There are no reported injuries.

To receive current information please contact the acting incident Public Information Officer Riley Frazee, Colorado Division of Emergency Management Field Manager, by cell at 719-510-2388 or by email at riley.frazee@state.co.us.

Updates will be included on the COEmergency Twitter page with #walshevac, COEmergency Facebook page and on the COEmergency blog site.

Update 11:30 a.m.

The Town of Walsh was evacuated this morning, primarily the Eastern Side of Walsh, due to an Anhydrous Ammonia carrier coming loose from the frame and rupturing some of the valves.  Approximately 35 homes were evacuated.

Currently the Anhydrous Ammonia tank is not leaking.  Two Colorado State Patrol (CSP) Hazmat Units and local Fire Departments are securing the tank.  Once secure and the Anhydrous Ammonia has dispersed the evacuation order will be lifted.

CDEM Field Manager Riley Frazee is assisting with PIO Functions and two CSP Hazmat Units are supporting the incident with local agencies and departments.

No requests for assistance from the State have been made at this point.

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Training Course Announcements

The following training course announcements were added to the Training Page:

  • Mass Casualty Incident Command System - February 10 & 11
  • Incident Command System 300 (ICS 300) - March 6-7
  • Incident Command System 400 (ICS 400) - March 8-9
  • Mass Casualty Incident Command System - March 16 & 17
  • Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP) - May 8-10
  • Radiation Specialist Course - June 18-22
Additional information and links to download the course flyer is available on the our Training Page.
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