Loading...
13 - RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE 2017 LAMAR COUNTY MITIGATION PLANItem No. 13 memorandum TO: City Council John Godwin, City Manager FROM: Randy Tuttle, Assistant Chief of Police SUBJECT: LAMAR COUNTY MITIGATION PLAN DATE: February 15, 2017 BACKGROUND: In 2003 an all- hazard Mitigation Plan was developed for Lamar County. This plan also included the City of Paris and other jurisdictions within Lamar County. The plan is directed at making Lamar County and its citizens safer from disasters by reducing the risks of property and lives from a variety of natural and man -made disasters. This plan has not been updated since 2003. STATUS OF ISSUE: The Mitigation Plan was updated locally and submitted to the Texas Division of Emergency Management and FEMA for approval. Lamar County was recently notified the plan had been approved by both agencies. A resolution is required for the City of Paris to adopt the plan. BUDGET: No impact on current budget RECOMMENDATION: Pass resolution to adopt the 2017 Lamar County Mitigation Plan. RESOLUTION NO. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PARIS, TEXAS ADOPTING THE 2017 LAMAR COUNTY MITIGATION PLAN; MAKING OTHER FINDINGS AND PROVISIONS RELATED TO THE SUBJECT; AND DECLARING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. WHEREAS, Lamar County is seeking FEMA approval of the Lamar County Local Mitigation Plan, recognizing the threat that natural hazards pose to people and property within the county; and WHEREAS, undertaking hazard mitigation actions will reduce the potential for harm to people and property from future hazard occurrences; and WHEREAS, the U.S. Congress passed the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 ( "Disaster Mitigation Act ") emphasizing the need for pre - disaster mitigation of potential hazards; and WHEREAS, the Disaster Mitigation Act made available hazard mitigation grants to state and local governments; and WHEREAS, an adopted Mitigation Plan is required as a condition of future funding for mitigation projects under multiple FEMA pre and post- disaster Mitigation grant programs; and WHEREAS, Lamar County fully participated in the FEMA prescribed mitigation planning process to prepare this Mitigation Plan; and WHEREAS, the Texas Division of Emergency Management and the Federal Emergency Management Agency Region VI officials have reviewed the Mitigation Plan and approved it contingent upon this official adoption of the participating governing body; and WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Paris desires to comply with the requirements of the Disaster Mitigation Act and to augment its emergency planning efforts by formally adopting the Mitigation Plan as set out by Lamar County; and WHEREAS, adoption by the governing body for the City of Paris demonstrates the jurisdiction's commitment to fulfilling the mitigation goals and objectives outlined in this Mitigation Plan; and WHEREAS, adoption of the Mitigation Plan legitimizes it and authorizes responsible agencies to carry out their responsibilities under the Mitigation Plan; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PARIS, TEXAS, THAT: Section 1. The findings set out in the preamble to this resolution are hereby in all things approved. Section 2. The City hereby adopts the Lamar County Mitigation Plan as an official plan. Section 3. This resolution shall become effective from and after the date of passage. PASSED AND APPROVED this 27th day of February, 2017. A.J. Hashmi, M.D., Mayor ATTEST: Janice Ellis, City Clerk APPROVED AS TO FORM: Stephanie H. Harris, City Attorney Lamar County Multi - Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Title Page LAMAR COUNTY TEXAS MULTI - JURISDICTIONAL HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN - Funded by State of Texas Emergency Management Division of Emergency Management Texas Department of Public Safety Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Table of Contents TABLE OF CONTENTS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION 1.1 Plan Purpose Figure 1.1: Map of Lamar County, Location in Texas 1.2 Community Profile Table 1.2: Community Population Figure 1.2: Map of Lamar County, Texas 1.3 Plan Background Table 12: Natural Disasters 1841 -2011 1.4 Plan Adoption Figurel.4a- Figure 1:4 l: Adoption by Local Jurisdictions 1.5 Organizational Structure Chart 1.5: Organizational Model CHAPTER TWO THE PLANNING PROCESS 2.1 Benefits of Mitigation Planning 2.2 The Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Planning Process Chart 2.2: 4 -Phase Development Process Phase 1 - Organize Resources Phase 2 - Risk and Vulnerability Assessment Table 2.2a: Distribution of Assessment Survey Phase 3 - Develop Mitigation Strategies Phase 4 - Adoption, Implementation and Maintenance Table 2.2b: Hazard Mitigation Schedule 2.3 Goals of the Mitigation Planning Process 2.4 Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee 2.5 Public Involvement in the Planning Process Table 2.5: Participation Matrix CHAPTER THREE HAZARD IDENTIFICATION AND ASSESSMENT 3.1 Identifying Hazards Chart 3.1: Natural Hazards Most Likely to Occur in Lamar County Table 3.1a: Summary of Hazards Table 3.1b: Lamar County Risk Assessment 3.2 Hazard Assessments Table 3.2a: Extent or Severity of Hazards Table 3.2b: Probability of Hazards Table 3.2c: Priority Risk Index (PRI) HAZARD PROFILE: Section One - Tornado 1. Description Figure 3.1: Average Number of Tornadoes peryear (1841 -2011) Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Table of Contents 2. Location Figure 3.2: Tornado Activity in the United States 3. Extent Table 3: Fujita Scale and Enhance Fujita Scale 4. Previous Occurrences Table 4: Lamar County, Texas Documented Tornadoes 5. Probability of Future Events Chart 5a: Percentage of Tornado Occurrences by Month Chart 5b: Percentage of Tornado Occurrences by Time 6. Vulnerability Figure 6a: Wind Speed Rating Zones Figure 6b: Most Vulnerable Areas -Lamar County Manufactured Homes Area Figure 6c: Most Vulnerable Areas - Lamar County 65+ Population 7. Secondary Hazards 8. Overall Summary of Vulnerability and Impacts Table 8: Summary HAZARD PROFILE: Section Two - Floods 1. Description Figure 3.1: Average Number of Flood peryear (1841 -2011) 2. Location Figure 3.2: Locations of Floods in Lamar County (1841 -2011) 3. Extent Table 3: Extent of Large Scale Floods in Lamar County 4. Previous Occurrences Table 4a: Repetitive Flood Loss Properties in Lamar County Table 4b: Past Flood Events in Lamar County S. Probability of Future Events Chart 5. Percentage of Flood Occurrences by Month 6. Vulnerability Figure 6a: Structures Located in Lamar County Flood Plain Figure 6b: Flood Zone Designation Figure 6c: Vulnerability of Pat Mayse Dam 7. Secondary Hazards Table 7a: Why You Need Flood Insurance Table 7b: National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) eligible communities in Lamar County 8. Overall Summary of Vulnerability and Impacts Table 8: Summary HAZARD PROFILE: Section Three - Severe Winter Storms 1. Description Figure 3.1: Average Number of Severe Winter Storms peryear (1841 -2011) 2. Location Figure 3.2: North Texas Winter Storm Setup 3. Extent Table 3: Wind Chill Index 4. Previous Occurrences Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Table of Contents Table 4a: Winter Storms Documented in Lamar County (1841 -2011) Table 4b: Past Flood Events in Lamar County 5. Probability of Future Events 6. Vulnerability 7. Secondary Hazards Table 7: Carbon Monoxide Levels Table 7b: National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) eligible communities in Lamar Count 8. Overall Summary of Vulnerability and Impacts Table 8: Summary HAZARD PROFILE: Section Four - Drought 1. Description Chart 1: Diagram of a Drought 2. Location Figure 2: Texas Drought Monitor 3. Extent 4. Previous Occurrences Table 4a: Droughts Documented in Lamar County (1841 -2011) Table 4b: Texas Climatic Regions Table 4c: North Texas Drought Years & Percentage of Normal Rainfall 5. Probability of Future Events 6. Vulnerability 7. Secondary Hazards 8. Overall Summary of Vulnerability and Impacts Table 8a: Economic, Environmental, and Social Impacts of Drought Table 8b: Texas Counties Affected by Drought Table 8c: Summary CHAPTER FOUR MITIGATION STRATEGY 4.1 Hazard Mitigation Goals and Objectives 4.2 Comprehensive Range of Mitigation Actions Table4.2: Mitigation Actions or Projects 4.3 Prioritization Table 4.3 a - Table 4.3m Summa o Lamar County Mitigation Actions byjurisdiction 4.4 Cost- Benefit Review 4.5 Effects of Mitigation Actions on Existing /Future Building and Infrastructure Table 4.5: Effects on Existing /Future Buildings and Infrastructure of Hazard Miti anon Activities CHAPTER FIVE ADOPTION, IMPLEMENTATION, MAINTENANCE & MONITORING 5.1 Plan Adoption 5.2 Plan Implementation 5.3: Plan Maintenance & Monitoring 5.4 Plan Evaluating 5.5 Plan Updating 5.6 Incorporation into Existing and Future Planning Mechanisms 5.7 Continued Public Participation Lamar County Multi-jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Table of Contents Appendix A. Acronyms and Definitions B. Maps C Resources D. Public Involvement 1 0 1 1 1611111 Nil' I "Nil N I I IN �A UY I I Lamar County Multi- jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Acknowledgements ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Hazard Mitigation Plan Steering Committee: M. C. Superville, Lamar County judge Heath Thomas, Lamar County Emergency Management Coordinator Project Manager: Heath Thomas, Lamar County Emergency Management Coordinator Project Participants: City of Blossom: Mayor - Charolotte Burge City of Reno Mayor - Buddy Heuburger EMC /Police Chief - Matt Birch City of Paris EMC /Asst. Police Chief - Randy Tuttle City of Deport Mayor - Mike Francis City of Roxton EMC - David Nibblet Special Thanks: Skipper Steely Rhonda Parker Kay O'Dell Eric Haan Funding: Funding for development of the Lamar County Multi- jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan was provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and managed through the Texas Emergency Management in the Texas Department of Public Safety and its Hazard Mitigation Program. Lamar County Multi- jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Executive Summary EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Tornadoes, floods, severe winter storms and drought top the list of Lamar County, Texas' most disastrous events over the past 100 years or so. Natural disasters are cataclysmic events that can have a direct or indirect impact on the public's health and well- being, according to the United States Department of Health and Human Services. Although these natural events cannot be prevented and the likelihood of each of these events striking our area again are significant, steps can be taken to reduce their impact upon life and property in Lamar County. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) defines hazard mitigation as "an action intended to reduce repetitive losses from future natural disasters ". The objectives of the Lamar County Multi- jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan are: 1) To prevent future losses of lives and damage to property due to natural disasters; 2) To enable mitigation measures to be implemented during immediate recovery from a disaster; and 3) To seek funding for identified areas in Lamar County that will benefit from mitigation measures. The Lamar County Multi - jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan has been prepared in cooperation with incorporated and unincorporated jurisdictions, business and industry, education, health care entities, nonprofits, and the citizens of Lamar County, Texas. The planning process, background information, benefits of Hazard Mitigation planning, hazard and risk assessment, mitigation strategies and their implementation, plan maintenance are included in the Lamar County Multi- jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan. Lamar County Multi - Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter One CHAPTER ONE - INTRODUCTION 1.1 PLAN PURPOSE According to FEMA, Mitigation Plans form the foundation for a community's long -term strategy to reduce disaster losses and break the cycle of disaster damage, reconstruction, and repeated damage. The planning process is as important as the plan itself. It creates a framework for risk - based decision making to reduce damages to lives, property, and the economy in the event of a disaster. Hazard mitigation is sustained action taken to reduce or eliminate long -term risk to people and their property from hazards. (Source: http: / /www.fema.gov /plan /mitplanning /index.shtm) State, Indian Tribal, and local governments are required to develop a hazard mitigation plan as a condition for receiving certain types of non - emergency disaster assistance, including funding for mitigation projects. The Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (Public Law 93 -288), as amended by the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000, provides the legal basis for State, local, and Indian Tribal governments to undertake a risk -based approach to reducing risks from natural hazards through mitigation planning. The Lamar County Multi- jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan will address the following objectives: • What hazards might occur in Lamar County, Texas? • What is the history of natural hazards in Lamar County, Texas? • What were the natural hazards impact on Lamar County and the severity of the impact? • How vulnerable is Lamar County, Texas to future natural hazards occurring? • What natural hazards are the greatest risk in Lamar County, Texas? • What are the prioritized mitigation action plans for Lamar County, Texas? 1.2 COMMUNITY PROFILE Lamar County is located in north Texas on the Oklahoma border. Paris, The county's largest town and the county seat, is about 100 miles northeast of Dallas. In 2010, the population was 48,499 (54% urban, 46% rural) . The county seat and largest city in the County is Paris with a population of 27,755. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 932 square miles (2,413.9 km), of which 917 square miles (2,375.0 km) is land and 15 square miles (38.8 km) (1.68 %) is water. The county's center point is 33 °40' north latitude and 95 °35' west longitude. The terrain is gently rolling; the elevation ranges between 400 and 635 feet above sea level. 8 FIGURE 1.1 LOCATION OF LAMAR COUNTY IN TEXAS Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter One Northern Lamar County, above Paris, drains into the Red River, while the southern half drains southeast into the North Sulphur River. Soil types range from a black land clay, which predominates in the southern half of the county, to loamy soils characteristic of the once - wooded areas of the northern part of the county. Mineral resources include limestone and gravel from the Red River and North Sulphur River regions. The major lakes are Lake Pat Mayes, a 5,000 -acre reservoir formed by the impoundment of Sanders Creek in the northern portion of the county during the late 1960s, and Lake Crook, a small reservoir on Pine Creek just north of Paris. Temperatures range from an average high of 94° F in August to an average low of 31° in January. Rainfall averages slightly more than forty-five inches a year. The growing season extends for 228 days.' Major highways include: • !82, U.S. Highway 82 • n U.S. Highway 271 i9 2a State Highway 19 /State Highway 24 Adjacent counties include: • Choctaw County, Oklahoma (north) • Red River County (east) • Delta County (south) • Fannin County (west) • Bryan County, Oklahoma (northwest) As of the census of 20102, there were 49,793 people, 22,520 households, and 13,468 families residing in the county. The population density was 53 people per square mile (20 /km2). Three highly vulnerable population groups were identified that would be more susceptible to hazards events than the general population. Those groups are: • Elderly, persons 65 years of age or older, make up over 16% of the population (http: / /factfinder2.census.gov/ faces /tableservices /jsf /pages /productview.xhtml ?src =bkm k) • Low- income, persons whose income is below the poverty level, make up nearly 16.7% of the population (Census, 2010) • Children, persons 10 years of age or younger make up over 12.9% of the population (Census, 2010) ' http: / /www.tshaonline.org /handbook /online /articles /hc101 2 http: / /quickfacts. census .gov /qfd /states /48/48277.html 9 Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter One 0 K L AN0A4 PAT 2 STATE TE 71: WOMACK CHIC — PARK LA 7 114�ag� �80b ACITY EAST . nrr- IRECT BELK X3288, DIRECT 1`I ,t5 " j PO DERL , 2648' 165 NOVICE i 2952 .y i.rJ00 1499, +� �r! h f � Q• SUMNER L FAUGHT 2216 ,G4AI��WILDLIF £ Rb0 t 85 PARIS SUN 1 MAXEY 38 2820 Q_ VALLEY i 510 RENO TOCO (tiOSSOM PETTY NeR �STp�j -� fi9a = ..ti�,k Q HIGH 1905 k 82 I � 11371 , � O - PATTON. �+ 1 137 2 3b' t4 t VILLE o- NOBLE 2 BIARDS- �3 TOWN �b DEPORT 824 ROXTON HOW - 34 1�Q9 LAND 905 1_., i 271{ 2675 14- I - " 24 1497 q N E L D SU[ N� IHi A 19) 15031 I � J R£C TI F /ED CHANNEL ` O PAT MAYS£ STA7"E _"_CUI`"NGHAM i WILDLIFE MNOr AREA 0 2 4 6 8 © CAMP MAXEY E- INNI— .1• MILES MILITARY RES. FIGURE 0 -2: MAP OF LAMAR COUNTY JURISDICTIONS AND COMMUNITIES Cities and Communities located in Lamar County, Texas. • Arthur City (unincorporated) • Pattonville (unincorporated) • Blossom . Petty (unincorporated) • Brookston (unincorporated) • Powderly (unincorporated) • Chicota (unincorporated) • Reno • Cunningham (unincorporated) • Roxton • Deport (partly in Red River County) • Sumner (unincorporated) • Midway (unincorporated) • Sun Valley • Paris • Toco 10 Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan TABLE 1 POPULATION BY COMMUNITIES LOCATED IN LAMAR COUNTY3 Sun Valley Roxton Powderly Pattonville Midcity Cunningham Brookston Author City Census Population 0 5000 10000 15000 20000 25000 30000 Chapter One ■ Census Population The following school districts serve Lamar County: • Chisum ISD (small portion in Delta County) • Fannindel ISD (mostly in Delta and Fannin counties; small portion in Hunt County) • Honey Grove ISD (mostly in Fannin County) • North Lamar ISD • Paris ISD • Prairiland ISD (small portion in Red River County) • Roxton ISD Paris Junior College serves the county .4 3 http: / /quickfacts. census .gov /qfd /states /48/48277]k.html 4 Community Profile: http: / /en. wikipedia .org /wiki /Lamar_County,_Texas 11 Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter One 1.3 PLAN BACKGROUND Lamar County has a notable history of natural disasters and subsequent recovery efforts. Tornadoes, fires, storms, droughts and floods have pummeled our area since records have been kept. Local historian, Skipper Steely, scoured local records for documentation of the major disasters that have occurred in Lamar County, Texas from 1841 to 2011. Following is a summation of Steely's research of natural disasters covering the last 170 years. TABLE 2: LAMAR COUNTY NATURAL DISASTERS 1841 -20115 1800 Flood Lamar County along the Red River Created the "Great Log Raft" on the Red River 1817 Severe Drought Lamar County 1825 Flood Lamar County 1836 Flood Lamar County 1838 Flood Lamar County 1843 Flood Lamar County Changed the course of the Red River in this area. Jonesboro citizens decided to move the town due to the high water. 1849 Flood Lamar County Changed the streambed of the Red River in this area to its present course. 1854 Flood Lamar County 1859 -1860 Winter Freeze Lamar County 1860 Spring Severe Drought Lamar County 1867 Flood Lamar County 1871 Flood Lamar County 1873 Rainfall Lamar County 109.38" recorded in Clarksville for the record in Texas 1876 Flood Lamar County 1880 Tornado Lamar County s Lamar County Natural Disasters 1841 -2011 by Skipper Steely, May 2011. 12 Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter One 1886 or 1887 Winter Severe winter storm Lamar County 1890 Flood Lamar County 1892 Flood 1 Lamar County 1892 Flood 2 Lamar County 1894 Flood & Heavy Rains Lamar County 1899 Severe winter storm Lamar County Coldest temperature on record for Paris, Texas 1908 Flood Lamar County Worst Flood since 1843. New channel west of Arthur City cut. Crops and livestock destroyed. 1908 Flood Lamar County 1908 October 21 Fire Paris, Lamar County $45,000 plus damage 1912 March 1 Fire Paris, Lamar County 1916 Fire Paris, Lamar County Worst fire in Paris, Texas history. 1921 October 19 Fire Paris, Lamar County 1927 Tornado Arthur City 1 killed, 12 injured, Considerable property damage. 1929 Ice Storm Lamar County 1930 Severe winter storm Lamar County 1930 Flood Lamar County 1930 -1935 Drought Lamar County 1935 Flood Lamar County 1936 Extreme Heat Lamar County 1937 Ice Storm Paris, Lamar County 1940 Ice Storm Paris, Lamar County Fiercest ice storm in Texas history 1945 Flood Lamar County Due to high amount of rain, Lake Texoma topped and created 13 Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter One 14 widespread Flooding. 1950 Tornado F2 23 miles from Paris 1950 Flood Lamar County 1951 Freeze & Sleet Paris, Lamar County 1951 Ice Storm Paris, Lamar County Worst ice storm in history of Paris to date. 1951 Summer Drought Begins Lamar County 1954 Tornado F2 11 miles from Paris 1956 Ice Storm Lamar County 1956 Drought Lamar County Driest year on record in Lamar County 1957 Drought Broke Paris /Lamar County 1957 Tornado NE Pecan Gap /23 miles from Paris 1957 Tornado 1 mile from Paris 1957 Flood Lamar County 1958 Tornado 27 miles from Paris 1959 Fire Kress Store $250,000 damage 1959 May 20 Fire Ayres Dept. Store 1960 February 24 Ice & Snow Storm Lamar County 1961 Tornado Between Deport and Bogata 1963 Tornado Near current Toco. Hit rodeo arena. 1964 Snow Storm Lamar County 1964 Tornado 20 miles west of Paris, from Toco area across south Paris to Reno 1964 Tornado 25 miles from Paris 1965 Tornado 20 miles from Paris 1966 Severe Storms, Lamar County I'residential Declaration of Disaster 14 Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter One 15 Flooding 1966 Ice Storm Lamar County 1968 Flood Lamar County 1968 Tornado Near Paris 1970 Ice Storm Lamar County 1972 Heavy Rains, Flooding Lamar County Presidential Declaration of Disaster 1973 Ice Storm Over 400 stranded travelers 1974 Tornado Reno 1974 Tornado East of Reno 1974 Tornado South of Reno 1975 Ice Storm Lamar County 1977 Ice Storm Lamar County 1978 Tornado SE Paris near PJC 1978 Tornado Near Deport 1979 Ice Storm Paris, Texas Worst ice storm in Paris history to date. 1979 May 3 Tornado Near Cox Field 1980 Summer Heat Wave Lamar County 1981 Tornado F4 Near Belk, 8 miles NE of Paris 1981 Tornado F1 Forrest Chapel area, or 3 miles from Paris. 1981 Tornado F2 West of Paris 8 miles 1981 May 24 Tornado 8 miles from Paris 1982 Ice Storm /Col d Front Lamar County 1982 Tornado F1 On Paris SW Loop 1982 Tornado Hit out near Toco, then in West Paris on Campbell Street just inside loop, went on 15 Lamar County Multi - Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter One 16 F4 ground to past east loop, and off and on through county to past Detroit. 1 982 Tornado FO Near Petty and Roxton. Presidential Declaration of Disaster 1982 Tornado FO On Paris south loop. 1983 Ice Storm Lamar County 1985 Snow Storm Lamar County 1985 Tornado 1987 Tornado 1988 Ice Storm Lamar County 1989 Ice Storm Lamar County 1989 Ice �tm III Lamar County Presidential Declaration of Disaster 1990 Toncidn Fast Paris Presidential Declaration of Disaster 1990 Flood Lamar County 1990 Flood Lamar County 1991 Tornado Near Detroit 1991 Tornado North Detroit 1991 Flood Lamar County 1994 Tornado Ahout Petty Presidential Declaration of Disaster 1995 Tornado Near Arthur City 1996 Tornado Powderly 1996 Tornado Pattonville; 7 miles from Paris 1997 Tornado 28 miles from Paris; 4 miles from Powderly 1997 Tornado 9 miles from Paris; also on loop area. 1999 Extreme Fire Hazards Lamar County Emergency Declaration - State of Texas 1999 Tornado F1 15 miles from Paris 2000 Tornado 6 miles from Paris 16 Lamar County Multi - Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter One 2000 Tornado 17 miles from Paris F2 2000 Ice Storm Paris to Texarkana $18 million damage Lamar County 2001 Severe Lamar County Presidential Declaration of Disaster Winter Storm 2001 Tornado 20 miles from Paris F1 2003 Tornado 16 miles from Paris F2 2003 Tornado 1 mile from Paris FO 2005 Hurricane Lamar County Emergency Declaration - State of Texas Katrina 2005 Hurricane Lamar County Emergency Declaration - State of Texas Rita 2005 Tornado SE Paris loop area FO 2006 Tornado 20 miles from Paris 2006 Tornado 26 miles from Paris 2007 Spring Flood Lamar County Presidential Declaration of Disaster 2008 Wildfires Lamar County Emergency Declaration - State of Texas 2008 Hurricane Lamar County Presidential Declaration of Disaster Ike 2009 Tornado Blossom and east 2010 Snow 2011 Ice Storm Paris With Snow 2011 Tornado Brookston and skipped over to Blossom. Minor damage to barns, trees and trailers 17 Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter One Presidential Declarations of Natural Disasters in Lamar County TABLE 3 PRESIDENTIAL DECLARATIONS OF NATURAL DISASTERS IN LAMAR COUNTY Category Type Date Declared # Website Major Disaster Severe Storm, Tornado, Flooding 29- Jun -07 DR -1709 http://www.fema.gov/news/event.fema?id=8265 Major Disaster Texas Severe Winter Storm 8- an -01 DR -1356 http://www.fema.gov/news/event.fema?id=91 Major Disaster Severe Storm, Tornado, Flooding 29-Apr-94 DR -1026 http://www.fema.gov/news/event.fema?id=2227 Major Disaster Severe Storm, Tornado, Flooding 2-May-90 DR -863 I http://www.fema.gov/news/event.fema?id=2064 Major Disaster Severe Storm, Tornado, Flooding 19-May-89 DR -828 http://www.fema.gov/news/eventfema?id=2029 Major Disaster Severe Storm, Tornado 8-Apr-82 DR -655 http://www.fema.gov/news/eventcounties.fema?id=1856 Major Disaster Heavy Rains, Flooding 27- an -72 DR -320 http://www.fema.gov/news/eventcounties.fema?id=1521 Major Disaster Severe Storms, Flooding 12-May-66 DR -218 http://www.fema.gov/news/eventcounties.fema?id=1419 Emergency Declarations Hurricane Ike 10-Sep-08 EM -3294 http://www.fema.gov/news/eventcounties.fema?id=10549 E ergency Declarations Wildfires 14- Mar -08 EM -3284 http://www.fema.gov/news/eventcounties.fema?id=9509 Emergency Declarations Hurricane Rita 21-Sep-05 EM -3261 http://www.fema.gov/news/eventcounties.fema?id=5006 Emergency Declarations 1 Hurricane Katrina 2-Sep-05 EM -3216 http://www.fema.gov/news/eventcounties.fema?id=4846 Emergency Declarations I Extreme Fire Hazards 1-Sep-99 EM -3142 http://www.fema.gov/news/eventcounties.fema?id=2663 In summary, Lamar County's historical records indicate the following natural disasters to be the most prevalent: From the above reported natural disasters and events. We are able to summarize that Lamar County historical records indicate that the most probably next event will be a tornado, followed by possibility of flooding, and then potentials for ice storms. The threats of Drought, Winter Storms, and Fires follow with a little less than have the above occurrences'. Extreme Heat, and Extreme Fire Hazard Conditions follow with the least historical occurrence and there for are significantly reduced in occurrence possibility. W. Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan 1.4 PLAN ADOPTION According to FEMA's publication, Getting Started: Building for Mitigation Planning (FEMA386 -1), adoption of the plan solidifies the local governments' commitment to implement the plan and keep it alive with updates. Using this as a basis when the plan was completed it was adopted with a resolution by the local Jurisdictions. It was then submitted to the State Hazard Mitigation Officer and then to FEMA for final approval. During the State of Texas and FEMA approval the plan was available for public review at the County Emergency Coordinator's Office and the County Clerk. districts, and local u isdict(ons to , Chapter One Support 19 Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter One Figure 1.4a: Adoption by Local Jurisdictions- Lamar County Resolution No. A Resolution Adopting the Lamar County Multi- jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan WHEREAS, the County of Lamar, Texas, with the assistance of other 1o..2i jurisdictions has gathered information and prepared the Lamar County Multi - jurisdictional Ha7w d Mitigation Plan, and; WHEREAS, the Lamar County Multi- jurisdictional Hazard Mitigat nc Plan has been prepared in accordance with FEMA requirements at 44 C.F.R. 201.6 and; WHEREAS, Lamar County is a local unit of governs ent that has afford :.. t. ",e citizens an opportunity to comment and provide input in the Lamar C-):» iy Multi - iii, *isdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan; and WHEREAS, Lamar County has reviewed ti.e —imar C,r.Lrty Multi- jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan and affirms the plan will be reviewed a, id revised as app, upriate; NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVE `.:e Lamar County Can; missioner's Court hereby officially adopts the Lamar County Multi- jurisdi�:tional.,.9a�ard Miogalich Plan. READ and ADOPTED on _ day of 11. (; ATTEST: Kathy Marlow, County Clerk 20 M. C. Superville, County judge Heath Thomas, Lamar County Emergency Management Coordinator Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter One PASSED AND APPROVED by Lamar County Commissioner's Court on the _ day of , 2011. County Commissioner, Precinct 1 County Commissioner, Precinct 3 County Commissioner, Precinct 2 County Commissioner, Precinct 4 ATTEST: I, Kathy Marlowe, County Clerk of Lamar County, Texas do hereby certify that the foregoing resolution was duly passed and adopted by the Commissioner's Court of Lamar County, Texas at a regular metting therefore assembled _ of . 2011. Kathy Marlow Lamar County Clerk 21 Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter One Figure 1.4b: Adoption by local Jurisdictions: City of Blossom Resolution No. A Resolution Adopting the Lamar County Multi - Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan WHEREAS, the City of Blossom, Texas, with the assistance of other local jurisdictions has gathered information and prepared the Lamar County Multi - Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan, and; WHEREAS, the Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Pla?i has been prepared in accordance with FEMA requirements at 44 C.F.R. 201.6 and; WHEREAS, the City of Blossom, Texas is a local unit of governmem that has afforded the citizens an opportunity to comment and provide input in the Lamar County y". Ad- Juri,,4 c*.ional Hazard Mitigation Plan; and WHEREAS, the City Council for the City of Blosstrii, Texas L:rsxeviews�d the Lamar County Multi - Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan and affinils..tbt. play wili be reviewed and revised as appropriate; NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by.dic City Ccun;cil that #lie City of Blossom, Texas hereby officially adopts the Lamar County ; Asdicti-_')irai Hazar. ��l 1 itigation Plan. READ and ADOPTED on _ day of 2(L' f K� ATTEST: City Clerk 22 Mayor Heath Thomas, EMC Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter One Figure 1.4c: Adoption by Local Jurictions : City of Deport Texas Resolution No. A Resolution Adopting the Lamar County Multi - Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan WHEREAS, the City of Deport, Texas, with the assistance of other local ju: iSdictions has gathered information and prepared the Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan, and; WHEREAS, the Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigatetjd,an has been prepared in accordance with FEMA requirements at 44 C.F.R. 201.6 and; v WHEREAS, the City of Deport, Texas is a local unit c? evern.ment`that haq ai.6rded the citizens an opportunity to comment and provide input in the a,awiar County .'Multi -k i!c fictional Hazard Mitigation Plan; and WHEREAS, the City Council for the City of DC.. r- ; Texa•: i:as revie ,, eti the Lamar County Multi - Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan and afflrt4s th-�`pian will be reviewed and revised as appropriate; NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVFO::kj Lhe Cit-Y C& —incil tha -T the City of Deport, Texas hereby officially adopts the Lamar County Muid'= Jurisd ct f nal Haza► Mitigation Plan. READ and ADOPTED on _ day of 1�1. �! ATTEST:,�� City Clerk 23 Mayor Lamar County Multi- jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter One Figure 1.4d: Adoption by Local Jursidictions - City of Paris Resolution No. A Resolution Adopting the Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan WHEREAS, the City of Paris, Texas, with the assistance of other local jurisdictions has gathered information and prepared the Lamar County Multi - Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan, and; WHEREAS, the Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation P12*i has been prepared in accordance with FEMA requirements at 44 C.F.R. 201.6 and; WHEREAS, the City of Paris, Texas is a local unit of government than has afforded the citizens an opportunity to comment and provide input in the Lamar County Moid- Jurir.dictional Hazard Mitigation Plan; and WHEREAS, the City Council for the City of Paris,-7 evas has ,•, V,?ewed fric Lamar County Multi - Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan and affirm -, uhs: plah,w4i be re%,:ewed and revised as appropriate; 4• NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by Lb'?City 0- i it that 'Cl e 1-:ity of Paris, Texas hereby officially adopts the Lamar County M�;Ili j u.' isdictibitai- Mazarj__f:iitigation Plan. READ and ADOPTED on _ day of 20`i-1 a Y +r ATTEST: City Clerk c 24 Mayor Lamar County Multi- jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter One Figure 1.4e: Adoption by Local Jurisdictions - City of Reno Resolution No. A Resolution Adopting the Lamar County Multi - jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan WHEREAS, the City of Reno, Texas, with the assistance of other local jurisdictions has gathered information and prepared the Lamar County Multi- jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan, and; WHEREAS, the Lamar County Multi- jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Pjar► f,as been prepared in accordance with FEMA requirements at 44 C.F.R. 201.6 and; WHEREAS, the City of Reno, Texas is a local unit of government tha, has afforded the citizens an opportunity to comment and provide input in the Lamar County'"4Liici- jurit,4ictional Hazard Mitigation Plan; and WHEREAS, the City Council for the City of Reno; Texas has,: e;uiewed tric'.amar County Multi - jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan and affir;,N SJh,(. play wili be re� w ,vied and revised as J appropriate;% NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED bv,f'` "bty Qnol that e ity of Reno, Texas hereby officially adopts the Lamar County Mu1ti urisdic azai':iitigation Plan. READ and ADOPTED on _ day of r 2 ATTEST: City Clerk 25 Mayor Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter One Figure 1.4f Adoption by Local Jurisdictions - City of Roxton, Texas Resolution No. A Resolution Adopting the Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan WHEREAS, the City of Roxton, Texas, with the assistance of other local jurisdictions has gathered information and prepared the Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan, and; WHEREAS, the Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation PJati l,as been prepared in accordance with FEMA requirements at 44 C.F.R. 201.6 and; WHEREAS, the City of Roxton, Texas is a local unit of government that has-afforded the citizens an opportunity to comment and provide input in the Lamar County IM, ic*ional Hazard Mitigation Plan; and WHEREAS, the City Council for the City of Roxtva, Texas has reviewe6 t, Lamar County Multi - Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan and affir,ilis:ithr: plan► wi'►i be reAawed and revised as appropriate; NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED br the City 0.;uj cil that uhc -"ity of Roxton, Texas hereby officially adopts the Lamar County Multi ,lu,- isdictiotrai- -Nazar i Mitigation Plan. .4 READ and ADOPTED on _ day of 20' 6 ATTEST: City Clerk 26 Mayor Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter One 1.5 ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE The Lamar County Commissioner's Court utilized funding from the Pre - Disaster Mitigation grant program to compile, produce and approve a new Lamar County Hazard Mitigation Multi - Jurisdictional Plan to comply with 44 CFR Part 201. The purpose of creating a comprehensive multi - jurisdictional plan was to protect and improve the safety of the citizens living and working in Lamar County, Texas. The jurisdictions participating in and contributing to the planning process included Lamar County Commissioner's Court, the City of Blossom, the City of Deport, the City of Paris, the City of Reno, the City of Roxton, the City of Sun Valley and the City of Toco. Other interested entities included Paris Junior College, Paris Regional Medical Center, Campbell Soup, Kimberly Clark, banks, realtors, insurance agencies, State agencies, school districts, nonprofits, Corp of Engineers, historical preservation, legislators and utilities. Lamar County Judge, M. C. Superville served as the lead from Lamar County. The Commissioner's Court contracted with Ginger Cook to serve as the lead for the development and writing of the plan. The project manager was changed to Heath Thomas Lamar County Emergency Management Coordinator after Mrs. Cook could no longer work on the project. The Direct Representation Model was used as a guide in the planning process. Ms. Cook's responsibilities (Transferred to Mr. Thomas) as lead for the development of the Lamar County Hazard Mitigation Multi- Jurisdictional Plan included: • Provide technical assistance and necessary data to the Lamar County Hazard Mitigation Multi- Jurisdictional Plan; • Schedule, coordinate and facilitate community meetings with the assistance of the planning committee; • Provide any necessary materials, handouts, etc., necessary for the public planning meetings; • Work with the planning committee to collect and analyze data and develop goals and implementation strategies; • Prepare, based on community input and committee direction, the first draft of the plan and provide technical writing assistance for review, editing and formatting; • Coordinate with stakeholders within the cities and the unincorporated areas of Lamar County during plan development; • Submit final plan to the State of Texas and provide follow up technical assistance to the Lamar County Hazard Mitigation Multi - Jurisdictional Plan committee to amend any noted deficiencies subsequent to the review of the plan by the State of Texas; • Upon the approval by the State of Texas, submit the plan to FEMA and provide follow up technical assistance to the Lamar County Hazard Mitigation Multi - Jurisdictional Plan committee to amend any noted deficiencies subsequent to the review of the plan by FEMA; 27 Lamar County Multi- jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter One • Coordinate adoption and final approval process by all City Councils and the Lamar County Commissioner's Court of the approved FEMA plan; • Submit final plan, with adoption documentation and approval signatures for all participating jurisdictions, to the State and FEMA and ensure plan is noted as complete and approved by both agencies; • Prepare for and attend City Council /Commissioner's Court /public meetings during plan consideration and plan adoption process; • Complete and acquire approval of all necessary forms associated with the application for the Lamar County Hazard Mitigation Multi - jurisdictional Grant. A Multi - jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee (HMPC) was formed consisting of representatives appointed by local jurisdiction to work together with Lamar County in the plan development. The committee's primary duties were: • Ensure the Lamar County HMPC includes representatives from the neighborhood stakeholders groups, including all residents, neighborhood associations, community groups, property owners, institutions, businesses, schools, etc. Each participating city was asked to provide at least one representative to the county committee and provide active support, input, attendance at program meetings; • Attend regular meetings of the planning committee; • Assist the committee with identifying hazards and estimating potential losses from future hazard events. Assist the committee in developing and prioritizing mitigation actions to address the identified risks; • Identify the community resources available to support the planning effort; • Assist with recruiting participants for planning meetings, including the development of a community-wide mailing list and distribution of meeting announcements by mail and other social media means; • Gain support of neighborhood stakeholders for the recommendations resulting from the planning process; • Submit the proposed plan to all city/county departments for review and comment and work with the committee to incorporate the resulting comments into the plan. • After adoption, appoint members to a committee to monitor and work toward plan implementation; • After adoption, publicize the plan to neighborhood interests and ensure new community members are aware of the plan and its contents; • Subsequent to State of Texas and FEMA approval of the plan, assume responsibility for bringing the plan to life by ensuring it remains relevant by monitoring progress through regular maintenance and implementation projects. Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan CHART 1: ORGANIZATIONAL MODEL Chapter One NZ Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter Two CHAPTER TWO - THE PLANNING PROCESS 2.1 BENEFITS OF MITIGATION PLANNING Hazard Mitigation plans such as this one help communities reduce their risk from hazards by identifying weaknesses and developing strategies to alleviate (if not eliminate) the effects of the hazard. The benefits of this process are numerous and are supported by reports and case studies. Benefits include but are not limited to: • Saves lives, and money • Speeds recovery following disasters. • Reduces future vulnerability through wise development and post- disaster recovery and reconstruction. • Qualifies the receipt for pre- disaster grant funding • Demonstrates a firm commitment to improving community health and safety. • Improves Inter - Jurisdictional Communication The tornado that hit Joplin, Missouri, in the late afternoon on Sunday, May 22, 2011 really brings home the need for hazard mitigation planning. This disaster is eye- opening for areas such as Lamar County which is at the southern edge of tornado alley. The need to reduce our risk from hazards such as tornadoes by identifying our weaknesses and developing strategies to alleviate the risk of such hazards is fresh in our memory. According to FEMA the benefits of mitigation planning include: 1. Increases public awareness and understanding of vulnerabilities as well as support for specific actions to reduce losses from future natural disasters. 2. Builds partnerships with diverse stakeholders increasing opportunities to leverage data and resources in reducing workloads as well as achieving shared community objectives. 3. Expands understanding of potential risk reduction measures to include structural and regulatory tools, where available, such as ordinances and building codes. 4. Informs development, prioritization, and implementation of mitigation projects. Benefits accrue over the life of the project as losses are avoided from each subsequent hazard event.6 2.2 THE MULTI - JURISDICTIONAL HAZARD MITIGATION PLANNING PROCESS According to the Multi- Jurisdictional Mitigation Planning, State and Local Mitigation Planning How -To Guide Number Eight, FEMA 386 -8 August 2006, jurisdictions can benefit in several ways when they choose to participate in a multi - jurisdictional planning process. Among such benefits, this process: 6 http: / /www.fema.gov /plan /mitplanning /faqs.shtm 30 Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter Two • enables comprehensive approaches to mitigation of hazards that affect multiple jurisdictions; • allows economies of scale by: - leveraging individual capabilities; and - sharing costs and resources; • avoids duplication of efforts; and • imposes an external discipline on the process.? Lamar County's goal for the Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation plan is to also improve coordination and communication among local governments and districts and facilitate each participant in the Multi- Jurisdictional plan to be eligible for FEMA mitigation funding programs. The inclusion of all cross sections of Lamar County into the Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Committee was an integral part of the planning process. The following chart illustrates Lamar County's HMPC's planning process and how a four phase development process was utilized. CHART 2 PLAN DEVELOPMENT PROCESS Phase 1 Organize Hazard Mitigation Phase 2 Plan Assessment Phase 4 Phase 3 Implementation Mitigation The hazard mitigation planning process involves four distinct phases: Phase 1 - Organize Resources - obtain support for planning, form an Advisory Committee, identify community assets. 7 http: / /www.wvdhsem.gov/ herbs% 20training% 20directory /howto8_O92006 %5B1 %5D.pdf 31 Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter Two • Phase 2 - Assess Risks - Identify hazards, profile hazard events, assess vulnerability, and estimate potential losses. • Phase 3 - Develop a Mitigation Plan - Identify potential mitigation actions and funding sources. • Phase 4 - Implement the Plan and Monitor Progress - Adopt the plan, implement action items, monitor the plan's success and update every 5 years. PHASE 1 - ORGANIZE RESOURCES: With the State of Texas Hazard Mitigation Grant Program approval of the Lamar County Commissioner's Court grant application for the development of a Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan the process was put into place. The County invited other eligible entities throughout the County to participate in the organization for the development of this plan. This plan was developed by a primary planning committee composed of the Lamar County Judge, the committee leader, and the Lamar County Emergency Management Coordinator. This initial committee compiled a Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan invitation list. Entities from across Lamar County were invited by email and mail to be a part of the planning process. This committee was called the Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee (MJHMPC). The committee was chaired by the Lamar County Emergency Management Coordinator. An open public involvement process was established to provide opportunities for the public, neighboring communities, regional agencies, businesses, academia, etc., to become involved in the planning process and make their views known. This was accomplished by hosting meetings in multiple locations to provide easy access to community members across the county. Meetings were advertised in social media, the county website, and notices in public places and by media press releases. To ensure the understanding of the roles and responsibilities of each jurisdiction a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed by each respective jurisdiction. The MOU's which is an inter - local agreement outlining the respective roles and responsibilities in the planning process are located in Appendix F. Each jurisdiction was asked to appoint at least one representative to the county wide MJHMPC. This committee was also open to unincorporated jurisdictions or to citizens at- large. A workshop was conducted to educate the individuals on the invitation list on the purpose, procedures and general information regarding the Hazard Mitigation Planning process. The review and incorporation of appropriate existing plans, studies, reports, technical information and other research was included into the plan during the drafting process. Local Plans such as the Lamar County Emergency Operations Plan and the City of Paris Emergency Operations Plan are examples of existing plans. Previous work shops including the local annual Training and Exercise Planning Work shop were used as a technical source of information. 32 Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter Two Support and information was obtained from other government programs and agencies such as the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCZ), US Geological Survey (USGS), etc. Regular meetings were held to keep both the general public and committee members informed of the progress, answer any questions, and notify members of any changes to FEMA's guidelines for the creation of the plan. At these meetings, rough drafts constructed from previous meetings were distributed for review and corrections. Between Meetings Conference calls and email were continuously in progress between members and jurisdiction representatives. Due to constantly seeking out improvement an ICS chain of command was utilized to distribute information from these conference calls and online sessions to other members and participants (Public, Private, and Governmental) The communities and entities that participated in this plan development include: • Lamar County • City of Blossom • City of Deport • City of Reno • City of Roxton EME11 33 Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter Two PHASE 2- Risk and Vulnerability Assessment: The Risk and Vulnerability Assessment Phase included identifying and profiling all hazards affecting Lamar County over the past 100 years or more. An in -depth history of Lamar County to document disasters was carried out by local historian, Skipper Steely. An initial Lamar County Hazard Mitigation Survey was developed to garner Lamar County citizen's concerns toward natural hazards. Public involvement is an important aspect of hazard mitigation planning in order to understand what the citizens of Lamar County perceive as hazards to their wellbeing. An email survey was sent to Lamar County residents asking for their opinion of which hazards they are most concerned. The survey consisted of 18 questions designed to reveal the public perception of which potential hazards most concerned residents, if they had ever been impacted by a natural hazard, which natural hazard had they experienced and how prepared they felt they were to deal with these hazards. The email survey was sent via Constant Contact to 910 randomly selected Lamar County residents. Of the 910 survey's sent to residents in the county, 378 were opened, 213 were clicked through and 138 full responses were recorded. Email survey questions and answers are listed below along with comments. 1. In which precinct of Lamar County do you live? A copy of the Lamar County Hazard Mitigation Survey is located in Annex D. Lamar County is divided into 4 precincts, with approximately equal population distribution in each precinct. The chart shows response to the survey is distributed throughout Lamar County with a greater response from Precinct 4 in the northeastern section of the county. 34 Lamar County Multi - Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter Two 2. If you are employed in Lamar County, in which precinct do you work? The chart indicates response from employed individuals is well distributed throughout Lamar County. 3 -5. How concerned are you about the following hazards occurring in Lamar County? Tornado High Winds Severe Thunderstorms Extended Power Outage Drought /Extreme Heat Fire, Structural Winter Storm Fite, Wildfire Infrastructure Failure Transportation Accident Flooding Hazardous Materials... Pipeline eruption Civil Disturbance Biological Hazards /Influenza Urban flight from disaster Expansive Soils /Subsidence Terrorism, WMD,... Erosion Aircraft Accident Nuclear Materials Release Dam Failure River log Jam Hurricane Earthquake Landslide Volcanic Ash Fall 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% S0% bO% Toy, 60% 40% 100% a Very Concerned • Somewhat Concerned No Opinion • Not Very Concerned • Not Concerned The chart above lists, beginning at the top, the hazards which Lamar County residents are most concerned about as potentially affecting their lives and property. The top five hazards of most concern to Lamar County respondents are tornados, high winds and thunderstorms along with power outage and drought /extreme heat. 6. Other potential hazards not listed above: • Lack of communication between agencies 35 Lamar County Multi- jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter Two • No tornado or hazardous weather warning in county • Water shortage • Food shortage due to other hazards • Hail associated with storms. • Water treatment plant and waste water. • Gas compressor station fire /explosion • Intentional act, e.g. water contamination, anthrax; 7. Have any of the hazards listed above affected you while living in Lamar County? If yes, which one(s)? This response indicated that many of the Lamar County residents have actually experienced first -hand many of the most concerned hazards. There were 82 individual responses with comments describing which hazards affected them in Lamar County in the past. The hazards listed in these responses correlate very well with the hazards of most concern listed in questions 3 -5. The majority of these responses were tornado, high winds, power outage and storms. 8. Do you have flood insurance? JR9 4 This response of only about 16% of the respondents having flood insurance correlates well with flooding concerns in questions 3 -5, where only about 11% indicated that they were very or somewhat concerned about a flooding hazard. 9. If you live in a rural area of Lamar County, how far do you live from the nearest town? The majority of the survey respondents live within 15 miles of the nearest town. Lamar County is approximately a square county of 932 square miles. The distance from the northwest to the southeast corners of the county is 50 miles, and from the southwest to the northeast corner is 42 miles. Any residential location within Lamar County is less than 25 miles from Paris, the county seat. 10. If you live in a rural area, which town /community do you live nearest? 36 Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter Two Mookuon 2 """Va 2 Room" 2 T Vk*W w+2 Ikoadwav 1 Gad%lon 1 GarrettY IWW" I Howland I $0• 'nR% Lamar Pn nt I Marron I Now r 1 This chart shows the incoming response to the survey is well distributed throughout Lamar County. The major population centers in Lamar County are Blossom, Deport, Paris, Powderly, Reno and Roxton. 11. How prepared do you and your family are for the probable impacts of a potential hazardous event? iwY M.�pesA 7. .iti l"✓N.�wM f\ hs►i M i/. fYrY1 f+'��frYN k Y IY. The survey shows almost 90% of the respondents indicate that they are Somewhat to Not Very prepared for a hazardous event. 12. How prepared do you and your place of work is for the probable impacts of a potential hazardous event? 37 Lamar County Multi - Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter Two The survey shows over 60% of the respondents feel they are Vary to Somewhat Prepared for a hazardous event through their place of work. Lamar County contains four major industrial businesses which have other locations in the United States. Along with the governmental entities in Lamar County, this chart indicates these businesses have ongoing safety policies which contain provisions potential hazardous event mitigation. 13. Have you received information on how to make your family, home or business disaster safer? ", 51.2'!4 No 45. S'a 14. Have you developed a family emergency plan? 15. Have you and your family practiced for an emergency? Based on the above three charts, family planning and education about hazardous event planning needs improvement. W. Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter Two 16. Has your place of work / education developed an emergency plan? 17. Has your place of work / education practiced for an emergency? As indicated here and along with question 12 answers, employers have made an effort to educate their employees regarding hazardous events and they have also practiced for emergencies. 18. How long have you lived in Lamar County? n uw.•. r:. According to the Paris Economic Development Corporation, the population data for Paris is 14% age 15-24,23% age 25 -44, 11% age 45 -64 and 15% age 65 -84. Based on this data, the hazard mitigation survey results indicate a good cross section of the Lamar County population was sampled. In addition to the Lamar County Mitigation Survey, a general assessment was also conducted utilizing local resident comments, historical data, the Texas State Mitigation Plan, Local and Regional Reports, Strategic Plans, Flood Studies and other data to ascertain the following: ■ Type, location and extent of hazards of hazards that has and could affect Lamar County in the future. 39 Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter Two • Past occurrences of hazardous events in or near Lamar County, the severity, duration and the resulting influences on the County. • Description of Lamar County's vulnerability to identified hazards including types and numbers of existing and future buildings, infrastructures and critical facilities in targeted hazard areas. • Probability or likelihood of hazard occurrences. • Estimated potential dollar losses of structures considered vulnerable. • General description of land uses and development trends for future land use decisions. All external information and data collected for the Lamar County Mitigation Plan will be available for local jurisdictions to use in mitigation projects as needed. PHASE 3 - DEVELOP MITIGATION STRATEGIES: An important portion of the mitigation planning process is to develop strategies to reduce losses as identified in the Risk Assessment phase. The long -term mitigation strategies include: • A description of mitigation objectives intended to reduce long -term vulnerabilities. • Identification and a comprehensive analysis of a range of mitigation actions and projects. • Action plan describing how the mitigation actions and projects were prioritized, and how the plan will be implemented and administered. To facilitate this process other project meetings were utilized to assist in the development of Strategies. One such project meeting was the Lamar County Annual Training and Exercise Planning Workshop which had a total of 14 represented local agencies, schools, and private groups as well as TDEM, Texas Forest Service, and American Red Cross represented. City Council Meetings were a solution to getting more public involvement. The purpose of utilizing City Council Meetings was to provide updates to our plan development but evolved to a source to include more general public input and awareness of the overall plan its process and purpose. PHASE 4 - ADOPTION, IMPLEMENTATION AND MAINTENANCE: A formal adoption by the county and the local jurisdictions is required after the HMPT reviewed and finalized the rough draft and the draft was approved as adoptable by FEMA. Each jurisdiction gave an informal approval after the HMPT reviewed and finalized the drafts prior to submission to the state for initial review. After the informal adoption by local jurisdictions the plan was submitted to the State of Texas Governor's Division of Emergency Management for review and coordination. Once accepted, it will be forwarded to the FEMA Region VI for review and approval. After the State of Texas and FEMA review the plan will be available for public review and comment at both the County Emergency Coordinator's Office and the County Clerk's Office. 40 Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter Two Mitigation plans need to be a living document and to ensure this the plan must be monitored, evaluated, and updated on a five -year or less cycle. This includes incorporating the mitigation plan into county and local comprehensive or capital improvement plans as they are developed. This section describes the system that Lamar County and the Participating jurisdictions have established to monitor the plan; provides a description of how, when, and by whom the HMPT process and mitigation actions will be evaluated; presents the criteria used to evaluate the plan; and explains how the plan will be maintained and updated. Table 2:2b: Hazard Mitigation Plan Schedule 41 2009 2012 2013 2014 Sep/ Nov/ Jan/ Apr/ Jul/ Oct/ Jan/ Apr/ Jul/ Oct/ Jan/ Apr/ Jul/ Oct/ Oct Dec Mar Jun Sep Dec Mar Jun Sep Dec Mar Jun Sep Dec Survey, X History, Team ID Hazard X X ID Vulnerabilit X X y ID Mitigation X Measures Implementa X tion Strategies Planning X X X X Team Meetings Public X X Meetings Draft X X X X Plan Public X X X X Hearing & Local Approval Adoption X by Jurisdiction s Submit for X State & FEMA approval 41 Lamar County Multi- jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter Two 2.3 GOALS OF THE MITIGATION PLANNING PROCESS Through the hazard mitigation planning process, Lamar County and the 8 jurisdictions plan to achieve the following goals: Goal 1: Minimize potential impacts for existing structures and properties from natural hazards. Goal 2: Minimize potential impacts for future developments from natural hazards. Goal 3: Facilitate a sustainable economy by protecting agriculture, businesses /industries, infrastructure and other economic activities from natural hazards. Goal 4: Support the goals and objectives established in the State of Texas Hazard Mitigation Plan. 2.4 HAZARD MITIGATION PLANNING TEAM The Lamar County Multi- jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Planning Team (HMPT) was formed to provide guidance during the preparation of the Plan. Team members are listed in Table 2:4. The team was comprised of private citizens, local organizations, representatives from Lamar County and local jurisdictions, businesses and emergency response personnel. Representation for the Planning Team was from recommendations from the County judge's office, Emergency Management office, and local jurisdictions. A list of 203 potential Hazard Mitigation Team members including individuals from the media, banking, insurance, volunteer services, nonprofits, agricultural recovery programs, building codes and permits, businesses and industry, churches, Council of Government, Dam Safety and Management, development and planning, drainage and flood control, emergency preparedness and response, fiscal and funding resources, health and human services, historical preservation, parks and recreation, education, realtors, river authority, elected officials, and utilities. No one wishing to serve on the team was excluded from participation. Contacted individuals were encouraged to bring other interested citizens. The meetings were open to the public. Numerous meetings were held during the development of this plan. The first meeting was dedicated to the identification and discussion of the natural hazards most likely to impact Lamar County. The planning process and contacts for the plan development were also established. 42 Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter Two Table 2:4: Hazard Mitigation Planning Team Members Member Jurisdiction Expertise M. C. Superville Lamar County Lamar County Judge Heath Thomas Lamar County Emergency Management Coordinator Lorie Brookins Non - profit American Red Cross Charolotte Burge Blossom Mayor Mike Francis Deport Mayor Dr. Hashmi Paris Mayor Randy Tuttle Paris Emergency Management Coordinator Buddy Hueburger Reno Mayor Matt Birch Reno Emergency Management Coordinator Charles Roxton Mayor Jannet Wheeler Roxton Resident Miachal Cox - Paris Paris Regional Medical Center - Security and Safety Paris Paris Independent School District. Patricia Thomas Blossom Private Citizen Craig Folse Deport Deport Volunteer Fire Department Billy Forbis Blossom Blossom Volunteer Fire Department Billy Thomas Faught Retired Dallas Fire Department and County Resident 43 Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter Two 2.5 PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT IN THE PLANNING PROCESS Citizens were encouraged to attend the planning meetings. Meeting notices were posted per the county's and the five (5) jurisdictions' public meeting policies. Letters, Emails, and faxes were sent to individual businesses, non - profit groups, and other public agencies that may wish to be involved. Many of these entities were unable to attend but many made information contributions and stayed informed through a developed Email tree. Hazard Mitigation was an agenda item in many county commissioner's meetings and city council's meetings. These meetings are publicly held in accordance with the open meeting act. Agendas were properly posted, and minutes taken in accordance with law. These meetings proved to be the most effective way to notify the public of the plans existence and purpose due to more of a range of persons attending the meetings for other reasons they were exposed to and allowed to ask questions and voice their opinions about the plan and its purpose during the meetings. The majority of these residents would otherwise not have been inclined to participate in the process at all. A "round table" proved to be the most affective format for generating public and team input on the project and stimulate "out of the box" problem solving. Because the jurisdictions realized that the scheduled council and court meetings were the most effective means of reaching a broad array of residents they provided no issue and allowed this type of discussion during the time periods of Mitigation agenda items. Most moved the agenda items to a later point in their meetings to allow for an extended time on the topic. Due to the fluid nature of the planning process over the planning period, participants were encouraged to make notations on maps as discussion occurred and use other free - flowing processes for documentation of the meeting topics. Discussion included: past occurrences, personal experiences, economic impacts, currently susceptible areas, future development, future economic impacts, and future hazard occurrence predictions. All meeting participants received the handout, "Hazard Mitigation Planning for Local Governments Fact Sheet, FEMA dated June 2007." All meeting attendees were encouraged to share their experiences, suggestions, and concerns for future mitigation activities. Public input was obtained from visits to local business and attractions. Visits were made to the Chamber of Commerce, parks, Libraries, and other places where the general public could be questioned. Valuable input was gathered by talking to lifelong residents who were more than eager to share their stories on the history of Lamar County. 44 Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Table 2.5: Participation Matrix Chapter Two 45 E t h C U m a Public Meeting 01/13 X X Town Hall Meeting 01/13 X X X X X MOU 02/13 X X X X X X Local Capability Assessment 12/12 X X X X X X Mitigation Workshop 12/12 X X X X X X 12/12 01/13 Planning Team 02/13 Meetings 03/13 X X X X X X Hazard Identification 12/12 X X X X X X Vulnerability Assessment 10/12 X X X X X X Mitigation Measures 01/13 X X X X X X Implementation Strategies 02/13 X X X X X X Draft Review 03/13 X X X X X X Local Adoption 03/13 X I X X X Public Reviews State Approval FEMA Approval 45 Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter Three CHAPTER 3 — HAZARD IDENTIFICATION AND ASSESSMENT 3.1 IDENTIFYING HAZARDS The first step in planning is to identify and describe all the natural hazards capable of occurring within the County and the vulnerabilities to each one. Each community in the county is unique in location, topography, location of critical facilities, commercial and residential development, ect. Some municipalities are more susceptible to certain hazards because of these and other unique circumstances. It is important to identify these hazards so that appropriate action can be taken to mitigate the impact, minimize loss and recover as quickly as possible. It is recognized that all the demands of a disaster situation cannot be anticipated, but by being aware of the areas, major facilities and persons that may be vulnerable to each type of hazard preventive measures, as well as emergency response, can be planned. Percentage ■ Other Dam Failure Wildfire r Severe Winter Storm • Windstorm • Flood • Extreme Heat • Hailstorm Tornado The National Climatic Data Center (NCDC) Maintains records regarding weather events since 1950, for the purpose of this plan we utilized the Skipper Steely History and the NCDC records from 2000 to 2012. This database along with information obtained from Lamar County's and the five jurisdictions hazard mitigation meetings as well as meetings such as the Lamar County Training and Exercise Planning Workshop was used to prepare profiles which assess each of the natural hazards capable of occurring within the County. Thirteen hazards were identified by the HMPT and addressed in this plan. Table IV lists these natural hazards and explains how and why each was identified as a hazard to the County and Jurisdictions. 46 Lamar County Multi- jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter Three - - - -- - rd - -- - - -- • 11Wdentified tifie Disaster • Review past disaster Nk Declaration • Common to State • Tornado databases • Public Concern Tornado (Section 1) Natural • National Weather Service • Past Damages • Review NCDC database • Damages to public and private sector • Public Input • Local Media Hailstorms (Section 2) o • Review past disaster • Hail is a major declarations economic hazard to Natural • Review NCDC database this agricultural • Input from County region • Hail occurs each year Extreme Heat Events o (Section 3) • Review past disaster • Prolonged declarations temperatures over • Heat databases 100 degrees Natural • Review NCDC database Fahrenheit are • Input from County common in summer months • Heat affects people, animals and crops Droughts (Section 4) • Review past disasters • Drought is common • Drought databases in County Natural • Review NCDC database • Drought in common • Public Input in State • Farm Service Agency • Drought was Floods (Section 5) • Review of FIRMS • The County contains • Risk Assessments many rivers and • Public Input streams Natural • Review of past disasters • Experienced frequent • NFIP repetitive loss flooding in past properties • Most common disaster for this area • Review past disaster • declarations • Flat terrain allows • Wind Storm databases high velocity winds to Wind & Thunderstorms Natural • Review NCDC database occur (Section 6) • Public Input • Damages to public • Local Media and private sector • Define —Wind vs. — Tornado in public mind 47 Lamar County Multi- jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter Three Severe Winter Storms Natural • Review past disasters • Occur rarely — which (Section 7) . Review NCDC database has left the area with • Public Input little equipment • Farm Service Agency • Damages to public • NOAA and private sector • National Weather Center caused by heavy snows, etc • Humans and property are not prepared for extended periods of cold in this area Wildfire (Section 8) Natural • Review past disaster • Common to area declarations • Can occur in • Fire databases conjunction with • Review NCDC database drought and /or • Public Input lightning • Texas Forestry • Damages to public • Texas Department of and private sector Insurance • Local Media • Public Input Dam Failure (Section 9) Technologic • Review past disaster • Population and al declarations buildings below dam • Public Input are very vulnerable in • Risk Assessment event of release or • Texas Commission on dam failure Environmental Quality • US Army Corp • National Inventory of Dams (NID) • Local Media Earthquake (Section 10) Natural • USGS Database • Earthquakes with • Earthquake databases epicenters within this • Review NCDC database region are rare and • Public Input small • HAZUS • According to USGS • Local Media several earthquakes with a magnitude of 3 to 4.5 will probably occur each century. Expansive Soils (Section 11) Natural • Review past disaster • Common to area declarations 0 Affect utilities by • Soil databases breaking • Utility data - recollections underground lines • Input from County • Cause foundation Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter Three HAZARD PREVIOUS • Public Input • NRCS • Local Media damage • Cause road /street upheavals OCCURENCES • Homeland Security • Increasing likelihood Tornado 46 Reported Since • Public Input • Potential for mass 1930 Per Skipper • Media casualties Terrorism (Section 12) Man -Made . EPA • Community concern Hailstrom 78 Events since 2000 • Past events • All- hazard approach • Terrorism Research Center • Increase awareness Extreme Heat 4 Since 1930 From Highly Likely • Increasing likelihood Skipper Steely History • Homeland Security Drought 30 Events since 2000 Highly Likely , potential for mass Hazardous Materials 9 events since 1930 • Public Input casualties Man -Made • Media (Section 13) history • Community concern • EPA • All-hazard approach Wind & 65 Events since 2000 • Past Events Random Throughout Thunderstorms per NCDC • Increase awareness HAZARD PREVIOUS PROBABILITY OF OCCURENCES FUTURE EVENTS LOCATIO Tornado 46 Reported Since Highly Likely Random Throughout 1930 Per Skipper county Steely history Hailstrom 78 Events since 2000 Highly Likely Random Throughout County Extreme Heat 4 Since 1930 From Highly Likely Regional Skipper Steely History Drought 30 Events since 2000 Highly Likely Regional Flooding 9 events since 1930 Highly Likely Floodplains Areas, City per skipper steely of Bonham, and history around Pat Mayes and Lake Crook Wind & 65 Events since 2000 Highly Likely Random Throughout Thunderstorms per NCDC County Severe Winter Storms 8 Events since 2000 Highly Likely Random Throughout per NCDC County Wildfire Wildfires are Highly Likely Random throughout numerous each year County but most are small 49 Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter Three 3.2 HAZARD ASSESSMENTS The Hazard Profiles, found in following sections, were prepared for each identified natural hazard and assess the hazard per the following eight categories. 1. Description: Identification and description of hazards likely to affect the multi - jurisdictional area along with the sources used to identify these hazards. 2. Location: The location or geographic area affected by each natural hazard along with a map of the areas affected. 3. Extent: Extent describes the hazard's impact in terms of potential severity of impact that the hazard event is capable of inflicting upon the county and sixteen jurisdictions. Classification methods such as the Fujita Scale and Richter Scales are used to illustrate extent. Due to the limited amount of county and city specific documented data, the analysis for determining potential severity was limited to 50 with little damage Dam or Barrier Failure No record of previous Unlikely Pat Mayes Lake, Lake occurrence Crook and numerous other spill ways and damns Earthquake 3 Since 2010 Unlikely Random Throughout County Expansive Soils Limited Data Likely Random Throughout County Terrorism Limited Data Likely Critical Facilities, VA Hospital, & Correctional Facilities Hazardous Materials Limited Data Likely Along all major thorough fairs, and multiple manufacturing locations located throughout the county Other Hazards No record of previous Unlikely Not probable (Priority (Hurricanes, occurerences or Rating Index <1 )* Mudslides, evidence of future risk Radiological Emergencies ect.) 3.2 HAZARD ASSESSMENTS The Hazard Profiles, found in following sections, were prepared for each identified natural hazard and assess the hazard per the following eight categories. 1. Description: Identification and description of hazards likely to affect the multi - jurisdictional area along with the sources used to identify these hazards. 2. Location: The location or geographic area affected by each natural hazard along with a map of the areas affected. 3. Extent: Extent describes the hazard's impact in terms of potential severity of impact that the hazard event is capable of inflicting upon the county and sixteen jurisdictions. Classification methods such as the Fujita Scale and Richter Scales are used to illustrate extent. Due to the limited amount of county and city specific documented data, the analysis for determining potential severity was limited to 50 Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter Three obtaining opinion and information furnished by local residents, emergency responders, and the county and city Emergency Management Coordinators. TABLE 4 EXTENT OR SEVERITY OF HAZARDS Potential Severity Of Impact: (45% of Priority Risk Index) More than a week • Multiple Deaths Substantial . Complete shutdown of facilities for 30 days or more. Index Value = • More than 24 hours 4 . More than 50 percent of property destroyed or with major damage. • Injuries and /or illnesses result in permanent disability. Major . Complete shutdown of critical facilities for at least 2 weeks Index Value = 3 , More than 25 percent of property destroyed or with major damage. • Injuries and /or illnesses do not result in permanent disability. Minor . Shutdown of critical facilities and services for more than 1 week. Index Value = 2 . More than 10 percent of property destroyed or with major damage. Limited • Injuries and /or illnesses are treatable with first aid. Index Value = • Shutdown of critical facilities and services for 24 hours or less 1 Less than 10 percent of property destroyed or with major damage. Warning Time: (15% of Priority Risk Index) More than a week • Less than 6 hours Index Value = 3 • 6 to 12 hours Index Value = 2 • 12 to 24 hours • Less than 6 hours • More than 24 hours Duration: (10% of Priority Risk Indexl More than a week Index Value = 3 • Less than a week Index Value = 2 • Less than 24 hours Index Value =1 • Less than 6 hours 4. Previous occurrences: Previous Occurrences describes the hazard in terms of what, when, and where past events have occurred and the extent of damages. Maps are used to identify affected areas and illustrate the severity of damages. S. Probability of Future Events: Probability of Future Events describes the probability that the hazard will occur within the County and six jurisdictions. Each hazard is assigned a Probability of Future Events rating based on the criteria and methods described Below: 51 Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter Three *Example: If Lamar County has had 10 tronado years recorded in the last 100 years 10/100 = 0.10 average peryear, which would make tornadoes "Unlikely" to occur within the County 6.Vulnerabilit3L: Vulnerability describes how exposed or susceptible to damage the count is in terms of why and where the hazard can occur within the county and /or the sixteen jurisdictions. The vulnerability is the risk of future occurrences. HAWS, THMP, and other local data were used to establish a base map and conduct a risk assessments. 7. Secondary Hazards: Lists other hazards often triggered by the identified natural hazard event. Some natural disasters set off other types of catastrophes in a cascade of effects that lead to a highly complex situation. Secondary hazards can be events such as transportation and communications disruptions, fire, hazardous materials dispersion, power outages, and other utilities disruptions. These secondary events are identified along with the associated primary hazard due to how they can dictate the amount of impact a natural hazard event can have on the county and /or the sixteen jurisdictions. 8. Overall Summary of Vulnerability and Impacts: This section summarizes the vulnerability of the entire county and the possible impacts of the natural disaster. The following table represents the priority risk index of hazards facing Lamar County and its jurisdictions. 52 Probability of Future Events: (30% of Priority Risk Index) HfglirY Tlk6e Event probable in the next year. dex Value =4 `` • 1/1 = 1.00 Greater than .33 Likely • Event probable in next 3 Years Index Value = 3 • 1/3 = 0.33 Greater than 0.20, but less than orequal to 0.33 Occasional • Event Probable in next 5 years. Index Value = 2 • 1/5 = 0.20 Greater than 0.10, but less than orequal to 0.20 Zi Event probable in next 10 years. Index Valu# I • 1/10 = 0.10 0.10 or less *Example: If Lamar County has had 10 tronado years recorded in the last 100 years 10/100 = 0.10 average peryear, which would make tornadoes "Unlikely" to occur within the County 6.Vulnerabilit3L: Vulnerability describes how exposed or susceptible to damage the count is in terms of why and where the hazard can occur within the county and /or the sixteen jurisdictions. The vulnerability is the risk of future occurrences. HAWS, THMP, and other local data were used to establish a base map and conduct a risk assessments. 7. Secondary Hazards: Lists other hazards often triggered by the identified natural hazard event. Some natural disasters set off other types of catastrophes in a cascade of effects that lead to a highly complex situation. Secondary hazards can be events such as transportation and communications disruptions, fire, hazardous materials dispersion, power outages, and other utilities disruptions. These secondary events are identified along with the associated primary hazard due to how they can dictate the amount of impact a natural hazard event can have on the county and /or the sixteen jurisdictions. 8. Overall Summary of Vulnerability and Impacts: This section summarizes the vulnerability of the entire county and the possible impacts of the natural disaster. The following table represents the priority risk index of hazards facing Lamar County and its jurisdictions. 52 Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter Three Table 3.2c Priority Risk Index (PRI) Hazards* PRI score 3.0 or High Risk Warning Time 10% Duration (10%) greater Medium Risk PRI score 2.0 to 3 3.0 2 PRI score less Low Risk 4 3 than 2.0 Hazards* Probability 45% Impact 30% Warning Time 10% Duration (10%) PRI Score Dam Failure 1 3 4 2 2.15 Drought 4 3 1 4 3.25 Earthquake 1 1 4 1 1.45 Expansive Soils 3 2 3 4 2.8 Extreme Heat 4 3 1 4 3.25 Floods 4 3 3 4 3.55 Hailstorms 4 2 4 1 3.1 Sever Winter Storm 4 3 1 3 3.7 Tornado 4 4 4 1 3.7 Wildfire 4 3 4 4 3.7 Wind & Thunderstorms 4 3 4 2 3.5 *Hazards considered significant enough for further evaluation through Lamar County's Multi - Jurisdictional Hazard Risk Assessment 53 Lamar County Multi- jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan HAZARD PROFILE: SECTION ONE - TORNADO 1. Description Chapter Three Tornadoes are earth's most violent storms. With an average of 139 (1953 -2004) tornadoes touching down each year, Texas ranks first in tornado occurrences. A tornado is a brutal windstorm characterized by a twisting, funnel- shaped cloud. Tornadoes occur in association with strong thunderstorms and commonly are accompanied by lightening, heavy rain, and /or hail. Note that although tornadoes are associated with thunderstorms, tornadoes are profiled in this plan as a separate event. Data on tornado events was gathered from various sources including the Hazard Mitigation Planning Team, local emergency officials, NOAA, and the Hazard Assessment Survey. 2. Location "Tornado Alley" is the term used to describe the region of the U.S. where the strongest tornadoes occur most frequent. "Tornado Alley" does not have an officially defined area but includes eastern SD & CO, NE, KS, OK, and North Texas. This area has a reported concentration of five or maore tornadoes per 10,000 square miles. Lamar County is located in this "Tornado Alley" and the entire county is equally susceptible to tornado damages. Due to the county wide probability of tornado every structure has equal probability to be struck by an eF0 tornado or higher. 3. Extent A tornado has intense wind speed normally from 40 miles per hour to more than 300 miles per hours. Although a tornado is usually on the ground for a short time the damage that it can do is severe. Until February 2007 tornadoes were rated on the Fujita Scale (F- Scale). Using the wind speed and the type of damage they were giving a rating of F -0 to F -S. The Enhanced Fujita Scale was enacted in the U.S. on February 1, 2007. This new version of Dr. Ted Fujita's 1971 classification system accounts for different degrees of damage that occur to different types of structures. It is thought to provide a better estimate for winds speeds and sets no upper wind speed limit. Although the U.S. is officially using the new standard most of the world is still using the former Fujita Scale. 54 Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter Three Tornadoes that occur in areas of low development cause little to no damage, conversely, tornadoes which drop in heavily populated areas can cause extreme loss of property and loss of human life. Winds of such velocity can lift even the most solidly built structure. Mature trees can be uprooted and flung across fields or into homes or businesses. Cars and automobiles can be lifted and projected into other structures. Smaller projectiles made of glass shards, splintered lumber, or metal have been documented to pierce trees, homes, and other property. Death can result from any debris source at this speed. The most severe impact by a tornado would be the result of an EF4 or EF5 tornado moving through the county and hitting several communities. 55 Enhanced Fu'ita Scale Fu'ita Scale Potential Damage Ratin Ratin Wind Wind Description 40 -72 65 -85 Light F0 mph EFO mph Tree branches are broken and shallow- rooted trees are toppled. Moderate F1 73 -112 EF1 86 -110 Roof surfaces are peeled off, windows are broken, some tree trunks mph mph are snapped, and unanchored mobile homes or outbuildings overturned. Considerable 112- 111 - F2 157 EF2 135 Roof structures are damaged, mobile homes are destroyed, debris mph mph becomes airborne (missiles are generated); large trees are snapped or uprooted Severe 158- 136 - F3 206 EF3 165 Roof and walls are torn from structures, some small buildings are mph mph destroyed, non - reinforced masonry buildings are destroyed, and trees are uprooted. Devastating 207- 166 - F4 260 EF4 200 Well- constructed houses are destroyed, some structures arer lifted mph mph from fondations and blown some distance, cars are blown some distance, and large debris becomes airborne. 11 • Tornadoes that occur in areas of low development cause little to no damage, conversely, tornadoes which drop in heavily populated areas can cause extreme loss of property and loss of human life. Winds of such velocity can lift even the most solidly built structure. Mature trees can be uprooted and flung across fields or into homes or businesses. Cars and automobiles can be lifted and projected into other structures. Smaller projectiles made of glass shards, splintered lumber, or metal have been documented to pierce trees, homes, and other property. Death can result from any debris source at this speed. The most severe impact by a tornado would be the result of an EF4 or EF5 tornado moving through the county and hitting several communities. 55 Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter Three 4. Previous Occurrences Lamar County has 45 documented tornado events recorded between the years 1841 -2011, and one of these was an F3 tornado and claimed one death. There have been 10 reported injuries and over $6 million in damages. Location or Lamar LA 1880 Authur City 1927 1 killed, 12 injured, Considerable property damage Lamar County 1950 F2 Lamar County 1954 F2 Lamar County/Pecan Gap 1957 Lamar County/Deport 1961 Toco 1963 Lamar County 1964 Lamar County/25 miles from Paris 1964 Lamar County/20 Miles from Paris 1965 City of Reno 1974 City of Reno /Lamar County 1974 City of Reno /Lamar County 1974 City of Paris 1978 City of Deport 1978 Lamar County 3 May 1979 8 miles NE of 1980 F4 56 Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter Three City of Paris Summer Forest Chaple Community 1981 F1 City of Paris /8miles west 1981 F2 Lamar County 24 May 1981 F2 City of Paris 1982 F1 Lamar County/City of Paris 1982 F4 Hit out near Toco, then in West Paris on Campbell Street just inside loop, went on ground to past east loop, and off and on through county to past Detroit. Near Petty and Roxton. 1982 FO Presidential Declaration of Disaster City of Paris 1982 FO Lamar County 1985 FO Lamar County 1987 FO City of Paris 1990 Presidential Declaration of Disaster Petty Community 1994 FO Presidential Declearation of Disaster Authur City Community 1995 Powderly Community 1996 Pattonville Community 1996 Lamar County 1997 City of Paris 1997 Lamar County 1999 F1 City of Paris (near) 2000 FO Lamar County 2000 F2 Lamar County 2001 F1 Lamar County 2001 F2 Lamar County 2001 F1 57 Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter Three Lamar County/Near City of Paris 2003 F2 City of Paris 2003 FO City of Paris 2005 FO Lamar County 2006 FO City of Blossom 2009 F1 Brookston Community 2011 Lamar County has had some significant tornado events in the past. The most damaging one in the past 100yrs was April 1982. The storm moved into Lamar County from the west where it had just produced golf ball sized hail and tornado's in Lamar County. The storm reportedly generated hailstones as large as six inches in diameter. The tornado left Fannin County and entered into Lamar County where it hit directly onto the county seat of the City of Paris. Most Tornado events in Lamar County have a magnitude of FO to F2. These tornadoes are on the ground for a short time, less than 60 yards in width and damage is mostly confined to trees and power lines. These small tornadoes can do significant damage in a more vulnerable surrounding. S. Probability of Future Events In the last 10 years Lamar County had 8 tornadoes, resulting in an average of 1.25 reported tornadoes per year. Therefore the probability of a tornado occurring within the county each year is highly likely. April to June is the predominate tornado season, though again, they can occur any time of the year. Over 75% of tornadoes occur between noon and midnight, and one third from 3:00 to 6:00 pm. Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chart 5a: Percentages of Tornado Occurrences by Month SOURCE:WWW.NCDC.NOAA.GOV Chart 5b: Percentages of Tornado Occurrences by Time SOURCE:WWW.NCDC.NOAA.GOV Gam: Chapter Three ■ May ■June • August • October ■ November December March i. April • 3pm -6pm • 6pm -9pm • 9pm -12am • 12am -3am • 3am -6am • 6am -9am • 9am -12pm • 12pm -3pm Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter Three 6. Vulnerability Located in the north eastern part of Texas, Lamar County is in an active part of tornado alley and has a designated wind speed rating of a Zone IV. Zone IV is associated with 250 mph wind speeds. Historically the average tornado moves from southwest to northeast, but tornadoes have been known to move in any direction. Consequently, vulnerability of human's and property is difficult to evaluate since tornadoes form at different strengths, in random locations, and create relatively narrow paths of destruction. Although tornadoes strike at random, making all buildings vulnerable, three types of structures are more likely to suffer damage: • Manufactured homes • Homes on crawlspaces (more susceptible to lift) • Buildings with large spans, such as shopping malls, gymnasiums and factories FIGURE 6a: Wind Speed Rating Zones. Wind Zones In the United 5019% 1 dr j -.a. + ft"We .1 WIND MWIES 111 Till UNITIO SIATI S' tMgr w.1i.�■w +w�.•• a +...r* $r a I1 .A, "`10* too -w Mof Lamar County Multi - Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter Three Structures within the direct path of a tornado vortex are often reduced to rubble. However structures near the tornado's path are often severely damaged by high winds flowing into thie tornado vortex, known as inflow winds. It is here, adjacent to the tornado's path where the building type and construction techniques are critical to the structure's survival. Advances in Meteorology and the use of Doppler Radar allow efficient prediction of tornado formation before they occur in most cases. Lamar County has a special situation here that the edge of the view falls in Lamar County causing increased difficulty from two Doppler sights to more accurately provide complete information. A network of storm watchers attempt to identify funnel clouds and report to various networks to alert the population. Even though these advances have significantly improved the available response time, tornadoes can still occur unexpectedly and without warning. The use of better building techniques and the availability of affordable home storm shelters have helped to mitigate losses in Lamar County. The growing popularity of mobile /manufactured homes and structures without basements contraindicate any advances. The rapid urbanization of rural areas also intensifies the probability of being affected by a tornado. 7. Secondary Hazards Secondary hazards can include fire, power outages, communications disruptions, and failure of municipal services. Peripheral damages can occur caused by the accompanying thunder /rain storm activity. Lighting can cause fire. Rain can cause flooding. Tornadoes often affect areas not directly struck by the tornado event. Loss of power and telephone service due to downed lines within the system can lead to a wide range of problems. Debris can cause damage ranging from minor inconvience to major transportation problems. The resulting "building rush" following a mjor event can lead to material shortages and price increases. 8. Overall Summary of Vulnerability and Impacts Located in "Tornado Alley ", Texas is hit by more tornadoes each year, on average, than any other state. Texas, experiences an average of 139 tornadoes per year. They are most likely to occur between March and June within the afternoon hours of 3:00 to 6:OOpm. A tornado can generate winds exceeding 300 mph. The path width of a tornado is generally less than a one half -mile, but path length can vary from a few hundred yards to dozens of miles. Therefore the impact of human life and property can be substantial. In the last 100 years Lamar County has experienced tornadoes of various intensities, with 10 tornadoes F2 or higher. Statewide between 1950 and 1955 nearly $2 billion dollars in tornado damages, over 7,500 injuries, and 478 deaths were caused by tornados. This calculates out to about $4 per person per year in tornado damages, a risk of one in 66,712 of an injury, and one in 1,054,267 of sustaining a fatal injury from a tornado in any given year. 61 Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter Three Since local county data is limited a statewide data analysis was done. Lamar County, Other jurisdictions all proposed mitigation actions to develop a database of local hazard events. This database would include type of event, date, place, and damage amounts. This database showing localized damage and would be utilized as a planning mechanism and benefit cost analysis tool when applying for grants to fund Storm Shelters, warning Systems, etc. Table 8b: Summary OMMUM eveY of Impact Events - Risk High City of Blossom Substantial Highly Likely City of Deport Substantial Highly Likely High City of Paris Substantial Highly Likely High City of Reno Substantial Highly Likely High City of Roxton Substantial Highly Likely High Lamar County Substantial Highly Likely High 62 Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter Three Hazard Profile Work Sheet Hazard : Tornado POTENTIAL SEVERITY OF IMPACT SUBSTANTIAL - Multiple Deaths X Complete shutdown of facilities for 30 days or more More than 50% of property destroyed or with major damage MAJOR Injuries and /or illnesses result in permanent disability Complete shutdown of critical facilities for at least 2 weeks More than 25% of property destroyed or with major damage MINOR - Injuries and /or illnesses do not result in permanent disability - Complete shutdown of critical facilities for at least 1 week - More than 10% of property destroyed or with major damage LIMITIED Injuries and /or illnesses that are treatable with first aid - Minor quality of life lost Shutdown of critical facilities and services for 24 hours or less Less than 10% of property destroyed or with major damage FREQUENCY OF OCCURANCE SEASONAL PATTERN(S) _X_ Highly Likely: Event probable in the next yr. Most Common in Spring but can occur anytime. _ Likely: Event probable in the next 3 yrs. _ Occasional : Event possible in next 5 yrs. Unlikely : Event possible in next 10 yrs. SOURCE DOCUMENTS: NOAA, Texas Hazard Mitigation Plan,Local Media, Local Area News Papers PROBABLE DURATION: Duration is less than 6 hours WARNING TIME (potential speed of onset): X_ Less than 6 hours 6 to 12 hours 12 to 24 hours more than 24 hours CASCADING POTENTIAL: Power and communications failure, destroyed infrastructure, gas leaks from damaged lines, and displaced home owners. Existing Warning System(s): Local weather broadcasts via the media, internet weather sites, and limited warning sirens. 63 Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter Three HAZARD PROFILE: SECTION TWO - HAILSTORM 1. DESCRIPTION Due to Texas' rapidly changing climate, large scale hailstorms are especially prevalent. Hail is formed by actions of wind and rain at freezing temperatures which cause water particles to become frozen and condense into particles ranging from very small to grapefruit size. Hailstones may be spherical, conical or irregular in shape. The size and shape of hailstones is determined by the strength of wind within the storm cell. Each lifting, falling, recoating cycle produces a larger hailstone until finally the weight of the stone causes it to fall to earth. Hail is associated with severe thunderstorms. Powerful updrafts produce cumulonimbus clouds that tower tens of thousands of feet above the ground. Air temperature in the upper levels of these clouds may be 50 degrees F or below. Hailstones grow as ice pellets, are lifted by updrafts, and collect super cooled water droplets. As they grow, hailstones become heavier and begin to fall. Sometimes, they are caught by successively stronger updrafts and are circulated through the cloud again and again; growing larger each time the cycle is repeated. Eventually, the updrafts can no longer support the weight of the hailstones. As hailstones fall to the ground they produce a hail streak that may be more than a mile wide and a few miles long. Hail - a form of A single thunderstorm can produce several hail streaks. ; t t h h a Note that although hail is associated with thunderstorms, this plan profiles hail equal to or larger than 1.5" inches in diameter as a separate natural a hazard event. Based on previous occurrences, when hail gets this large it can be damaging to cars, roofs, windows, and even people. 64 pre't' a ►on w is consists of balls or irregular lumps of ice. - The Glossary of Meterology. Hailstone - is an individual unit of hail. Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter Three FIGURE 2: Locations of Large Hail Events 1.75" or greater SOURCE: NOAA STORM DATA BASE 65 Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter Three 3. Extent The severity of damage caused by hailstorms depends on the hailstone sizes (average and maximum), number of hailstones per unit area, and associated winds. Storms that produce high winds in addition to hail are most damaging and can result in numerous broken windows and damage siding. Hail Storms can cause extensive property damage affecting both urban and rural landscapes. Fortunately, most hailstorms produce marble -size or smaller hailstones. These can cause damage to crops, but they normally do not damage buildings or automobiles. Larger hailstones can destroy crops, livestock, and wildlife and can cause extensive damage to buildings, including roofs, windows, and outside walls. Vehicles can be total losses. When hail breaks windows, water damage from accompanying rains can also be significant. A major hailstorm can easily cause damage running into the millions of dollars. Nationwide hail is responsible for over $1 billion in property and crop damages per year. The Hailstorm Intensity Scale is representative of the damage from hail storms this community has experienced in the past and will likely experience in the future. This scale allows planners to gauge past damage and mitigate for future expected damage. All of Lamar County has the potential of being affected by a hailstorm. Hailstorms can cause thousands of dollars' worth of crop and roof damages within minutes. A square mile hailstorm could do roof damages, in the millions. Because of the high structural density the City of Paris would be the most affected by a hailstorm followed by the Cities of Reno, Blossom, Deport, and Roxton. Farming areas across the county would be affected greatly by a major hailstorm. Size Inten X C Category iameter ica, ama e inches HO Hard Hail Up to 0.33 Pea No Damage Potentially Slight damage to plants and crops H1 0.33 -0.60 Marble Damaging Potentially Significant damage to plants and crops H2 0.60-0.80 Dime Damaging H3 Severe 0.80-1.20 Nickel Severe damage to plants and Crops H4 Severe 1.20-1.60 Quarter Widespread glass and auto damage H5 Destructive 1.60-2.00 Half- Dollar Widespread destruction of glass, roofs, and risk of injuries H6 Destructive 2.00-2.40 Ping Pong Aircraft bodywork dented and brick walls fitted H7 Very 2.4 — 3.0 Golf Ball Severe roof damage and risk of serious Destructive injuries Very Severe Damage to all structures H8 3.0-3.5 Hen Egg Destructive Super Hail Extensive structural damage could cause fatal H9 Storms 3.5-4.0 Tennis Ball injuries Super Extensive structural damage could cause fatal H10 HailStorms 4.0 + Baseball injuries Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter Three 4. Previous Occurrences National Climatic Data Center documented a total of 38 hail events occurring in Lamar County between 2006 -2012. Of those, 17 events had large hail equal to or greater than 1.5" inches in diameter. The largest recorded hailstones were 4.5 inches diameter which fel S. Probability of Future Events Based on the previous occurrences of Hailstorms in Lamar County the probability of future similar events is extremely high. Due to the nature of Hailstorms their frequency, and cause there is no way to predict exactly the time and place that these events will occur but the entire county and each jurisdiction is equally susceptible to the extremely probably event. 6. Vulnerability Although hailstorms can occur in almost every state, they are most common in the plains. Vulnerability is difficult to evaluate since hail events has no geographic boundaries. Hail is capable of causing considerable damage to crops, buildings, and vehicles, and occasionally death to farm animals. While large hail poses a threat to people caught outside in a storm, it seldom causes loss of human life. Damages will vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction and event to event based on several factors the most common being population density, and types of construction in different communities as well as the size and severity of the event itself. 7. Secondary Hazards Deep hail can easily worsen a flash flood situation by clogging drainage paths, culverts and gates. Hail is capable of breaking glass and allowing interior flooding of buildings. 8. Overall Summary of Vulnerability and Impacts Hail can occur in any strong thunderstorm and at any time of the year. However, the size of the hailstones is a direct function of the severity and size of the storm. Hail, larger than 1.5 inches can cause serious damage to cars, roofs, walls, windows, and inflict serious bodily injury as well. All of Texas has a significant threat of Hailstorms and virtually all buildings and automobiles are at risk. Crops are also at risk since the peak periods for hailstorms occur during early April and May, which coincide with critical agricultural seasons. 67 Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter Three Table 8b: Summary ornmurif robat o Risk Justification for Severity of Future Events Differences Impact City of Blossom :Major Highly Likely High City of Deport Major Highly Likely High City of Paris Major Highly Likely High City of Reno Major Highly Likely High City of Roxton Major Highly Likely High Lamar County Minor Highly Likely High Rural and Unincorporated areas will receive less vaulated damage. .: Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter Three Hazard Profile Work Sheet Hazard : Hail POTENTIAL SEVERITY OF IMPACT SUBSTANTIAL --FqMtultiple Deaths Complete shutdown of facilities for 30 days or more - More than 50% of property destroyed or with major damage MAJOR Injuries and /or illnesses result in permanent disability Complete shutdown of critical facilities for at least 2 weeks More than 25% of property destroyed or with major damage MINOR Injuries and /or illnesses do not result in permanent disability - Complete shutdown of critical facilities for at least 1 week X - More than 10% of property destroyed or with major damage LIMITIED - Injuries and /or illnesses that are treatable with first aid - Minor quality of life lost - Shutdown of critical facilities and services for 24 hours or less - Less than 10% of property destroyed or with major damage FREQUENCY OF OCCURANCE SEASONAL PATTERN(S) X_ Highly Likely: Event probable in the next yr. _ Likely: Event probable in the next 3 yrs. Occasional : Event possible in next 5 yrs. Unlikely : Event possible in next 10 yrs. Most Common in Spring but can occur anytime. SOURCE DOCUMENTS: NOAH, Local Media, Texas Hazard Mitigation Plan, and Local News Pz PROBABLE DURATION: Duration is less than 6 hours WARNING TIME (potential speed of c _X Less than 6 hours _ 6 to 12 hours _ 12 to 24 hours more than 24 hours CASCADING POTENTIAL: Power Failure and damage to structures and equipment Existing Warning System(s): Local weather broadcasts via the media, and internet weather sii .• Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter Three HAZARD PROFILE: SECTION THREE - EXTREME HEAT ......... 1. DESCRIPTION Temperatures that extend 10 degree F or more Extreme Heat - extended periods of excessive, above the average high temperature for the region hot weather with a serious impact on human and last for several weeks are defined as extreme and /or animal populations particularly the heat. Humid or muggy conditions, which add to the elderly or those with respiratory ailments. discomfort of high temperature, occur when a Heat Wave - a prolonged period of excessive heat "dome" of high atmospheric pressure traps hazy, most often combined with high humidity. damp air near the ground. Heat Index - Humidity and temperature is used to determine the felt air temperature. 2. LOCATION Extreme Heat events are regional in nature. The entire county is equally affected by extreme heat. 3. EXTENT The severity of the extreme heat is dependent on a combination of temperature and humidity. When combined with high humidity, high temperatures can put an area in the "Extreme Danger" category on the National Weather Service Heat Index scale. Heat Stroke - A life threatening condition where the victim's body can not sufficiently cool itself can result in brain damage and death Heat Exhaustion - A form of mild shock where blood flow is sent to skin and away from the vital organs. It is the result of strenuous activity in the heat where the body has lost fluids by sweating Hyperthermia - Severe heat exposure occurs when the body temperature rises to 106 F When extreme heat is combined with drought, results can include, not only excessively dry hot conditions that contribute to a high risk of life - threatening heat related illnesses, but can also provoke dust storms with low visibility. Heat kills by pushing the human body beyond its limits. Under normal conditions, the body's internal thermostat produces perspiration that evaporates and cools the body. However, in extreme heat and high humidity, evaporation is slowed and the body must work extra hard to maintain a normal temperature. Most heat disorders occur because the victim has been overexposed to heat or has over - exercised for his or her age and physical condition. Other conditions that can induce heat - related illnesses include stagnant atmospheric conditions and poor air quality. A prolonged drought can have a serious economic impact on a community. Increased demand for water and electricity may result in shortages of resources. Moreover, food shortages may occur if agricultural production is damaged or destroyed by a loss of crops or livestock. All of the jurisdictions in Lamar County would feel the effects of an Extreme Heat event. Paris and the other political subdivisions of the county could see a greater effect from an Extreme Heat event in comparison to other jurisdictions. This is due to larger population of residents over the age of 65 located throughout these areas, and due to the fact tht the elderly are more susceptible to heat induced illnesses. 70 Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter Three Chart 3: NOAA's Weather Service Heat Index Category Heat Possible heat disorders for people in high risk groups Index 130 °F or Extreme higher Heat stroke or sunstroke likely Danger (54°C or higher) 105 - 129 °F Sunstroke.. muscle cramps. and /or heat exhaustion likely Heatstroke possible Dan g er (41 - 54 °C) with prolonged exposure and/or physical activity. Extreme 90 - 105 °F Sunstroke, muscle cramps, and /or heat exhaustion possible with prolonged Caution (32 - 41 °C) exposure and /or physical activity Caution 80 - 90CF Fatigue possible with prolonged exposure and/or physical activity. (27 - 32-C) 4. PREVIOUS OCCURRENCES In a normal year, approximately 175 Americans die from extreme heat. Between 1936 and 1975, nearly 20,000 people succumbed to the effects of heat and solar radiation. From 1979 -1999, excessive heat exposure caused 8,015 deaths in the United States. On average approximately 400 people die each year from exposure to heat. In Texas, July is generally the hottest month of the year, followed by August. Lamar County and Texas are no strangers to hot temperatures and what may seem like a heat wave in the northeastern United States is just an average summer for Lamar County. The 2006 North American Heat Wave affected Lamar County but not as drastically as it did other parts of the country. During this event there were reports from Dallas of rupture water lines and buckled roads. 71 Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Figure 4: July 2006 Temperatures Extreme Heat Facts Chapter Three People from communities with average household incomes of $36,999 or less were hospitalized more than twice as often for heat related issues as people who came from wealthier areas where average household incomes topped $61,000. • The rate of hyperthermia hospital admissions for uninsured patients was significantly hier (17 percent) than hospital admissions for uninsured patients as a whole (5 percent). • The hospitalization rate for people over 65 with hyperthermia was 15 times greater than for people age 17 and younger. • The rate of admission for hyperthermia in the South was more than twice that of the Midwest. Source: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) North Texas Has an average of 16 days a year of 100 degree + days but in 1980 it saw 69 of those days. In June of 1980 a high pressure ridge built over the central and souther parts of the US leaving the areas dry and hot. There were 42 consecutive days of 100+ degrees and records were broken. In Wichita Falls an all -time high temperature of 117 degrees was recorded. The heat was blamed for over 1,700 deaths and some reports suggest the heat was the cause for up to 10,000 deaths. It cost an estimated 20 billion dollars in damages. LO ON or Lamar County 28 days at or over and 45 other 07/01/1998 Excessive Heat 32 100 Degrees counties Lamar County 26 days at or over and 45 other 08/1/1999 Excessive Heat 3 100 degrees counties Lamar County Highs over 100 and 45 other 07/1/2000 Excessive Heat 8 from 12th through counties the 21St Lamar County over 2700 and 45 other 08/01/2000 Excessive Heat 5 100 degrees 1 e counties 72 Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter Three 5. PROBABILITY OF FUTURE EVENTS Lamar County has experienced 7 Extreme heat events in the past 12 years and averages 15 to 20 days per year of daytime high temperatures greater than 100 Degrees. Therefore extreme temperatures are highly likely to occur anywhere within the County. 6. VULNERABILITY Heat waves are the most lethal weather phenomenon. During an average year heat - related deaths outnumber the deaths from all other weather events. Young children, elderly people, and those who are sick or overweight are more likely to become vic tims to extreme heat. Other conditions that can limit the ability to regulate temperature include fever, dehydration, heart disease, mental illness, poor circulation, sunburn, prescription drug use, and alcohol use. Another segment of the population at risk is those whose jobs consist of strenuous labor outside. Livestock and crops can also become stressed, decreasing in quality or in production, during times of extreme heat. Since the most culnerable population groups are scattered throughout the county the entire county is equally vulnerable. Chart 6: Average Deaths per Year Flood Lightning Tornado Heat Hurricane Cold Wind Winter Storm Average Deaths per Year 0 50 100 150 200 �Y�11�;;11�i■►[�7 email 73 ■ Average Deaths per Year High Lamar County and 45 other 9/1/2000 Excessive Heat 5 temperatures of 108 to 111 counties degrees Lamar County and 45 other counties 5. PROBABILITY OF FUTURE EVENTS Lamar County has experienced 7 Extreme heat events in the past 12 years and averages 15 to 20 days per year of daytime high temperatures greater than 100 Degrees. Therefore extreme temperatures are highly likely to occur anywhere within the County. 6. VULNERABILITY Heat waves are the most lethal weather phenomenon. During an average year heat - related deaths outnumber the deaths from all other weather events. Young children, elderly people, and those who are sick or overweight are more likely to become vic tims to extreme heat. Other conditions that can limit the ability to regulate temperature include fever, dehydration, heart disease, mental illness, poor circulation, sunburn, prescription drug use, and alcohol use. Another segment of the population at risk is those whose jobs consist of strenuous labor outside. Livestock and crops can also become stressed, decreasing in quality or in production, during times of extreme heat. Since the most culnerable population groups are scattered throughout the county the entire county is equally vulnerable. Chart 6: Average Deaths per Year Flood Lightning Tornado Heat Hurricane Cold Wind Winter Storm Average Deaths per Year 0 50 100 150 200 �Y�11�;;11�i■►[�7 email 73 ■ Average Deaths per Year Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter Three 7. SECONDARY HAZARDS Extreme high temperatures can cause droughts, water shortages, increase fire danger, and prompt excessive demands for energy. The possibility of rolling blackouts is increased with unseasonably high temperatures in what is normally mild month with low power demands. This was the case for the Dallas area in April 2006. Damage to property during extreme heat can be related to expanding and contracting soil (See section "Expansive Soils "). Another secondary hazard is air pollution in summer months resulting from consistent high temperatures and stagnant airflows. There are several impacts on transportation documented in case studies. Aircraft lose lift at high temperatures. Phoenix airport has been closed due to periods of extreme heat that made aircraft operations unsafe. Highways and roads are damaged by excessive heat. Asphalt roads soften. Concrete roads have been known to "explode" lifting three foot wide pieces of concrete. During the 1980 heat wave hundreds of miles of highways buckled (NOAH, 1980). Stress is placed on automobile cooling systems, diesel trucks and railroad locomotives. This leads to an increase in mechanical failures. Train rails develop sun kinks and distort. Refrigerated goods experience a significant greater rate of spoilage due to extreme heat. 8. OVERALL SUMMARY OF VULNERABILITY AND IMPACTS The term Heat wave evokes thoughts of southern climates with the aridity of Phoenix or the subtropical humidity of New Orleans. Yet, extreme heat is a hazard that can affect all of us in any part of the country. Lamar County in the last 10 years there has been 6 documented extreme heat events with a total of XX deaths resulting. These extreme heat events occurred in July and August. The severity of the extreme heat is dependent on temperature and humidity. High temperatures and high humidity can result in dangerous condtions that expose people to an increased risk of heat stroke and other heat related illnesses. The most vulnerable population is the elderly, young children and those who are sick, overweight, or who work outside. Extreme heat can also cause stress on livestock and other agricultural productions. 74 Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter Three - Continental Steppe: - -. ~Subtropical i ?' 'Subhumid:; Subtropical' Humid Mountain Subtropical Arid' � t Subtropical t Steppe -At Explanotion Approximate boundary --- 'Cool' Temperate Zone north of the line; 'warm' south • The eastern third of Texas has a subtropical climate that is most noted for warm summers • The central third of Texas has a subtropical sub -humid climate characterized by hot summers and dry winters • The broad swath of Texas from the mid -Rio Grande Valley to the Pecos Valley has a Subtropical Steppe climate and is typified by semi -arid to and conditions. • The basin and plateau region of the Trans -Pecos features a Subtropical Arid climate that is marked by summertime precipitation anomalies of the mountain relief. 75 Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter Three • A Mountain type climate is common in the higher elevations fo the Guadalupe, Davis and Chisos Mountains. • Table 8b: Summary Community City of Blossom Severity of Major Future Events Highly Likely Risk Justification for Differences High City of Deport Major Highly Likely High City of Paris Major Highly Likely High City of Reno Major Highly Likely High City of Roxton Major Highly Likely High Lamar County Major Highly Likely High 76 Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter Three Hazard Profile Work Sheet Hazard :.Extreme Heat POTENTIAL SEVERITY OF IMPACT SUBSTANTIAL - Multiple Deaths - Complete shutdown of facilities for 30 days or more - More than 50% of property destroyed or with major damage MAJOR - Injuries and /or illnesses result in permanent disability - Complete shutdown of critical facilities for at least 2 weeks X - More than 25% of property destroyed or with major damage MINOR - Injuries and /or illnesses do not result in permanent disability - Complete shutdown of critical facilities for at least 1 week - More than 10% of property destroyed or with major damage LIMITIED Injuries and /or illnesses that are treatable with first aid - Minor quality of life lost Shutdown of critical facilities and services for 24 hours or less Less than 10% of property destroyed or with major damage FREQUENCY OF OCCURANCE SEASONAL PATTERN(S) _ X_ Highly Likely: Event probable in the next 'Extreme Heat events most often occur in July, yr. August, & September. Likely: Event probable in the next 3 yrs. _ Occasional : Event possible in next 5 yrs. Unlikely : Event possible in next 10 yrs. SOURCE DOCUMENTS: NOAA, Local Media, Texas Hazard Mitigation Plan, and Local News Paper Articles PROBABLE DURATION: Duration is less than 6 hours WARNING TIME (potential speed of onset): Less than 6 hours 6 to 12 hours 12 to 24 hours _X_ more than 24 hours CASCADING POTENTIAL: Extreme temperatures can cause droughts, water shortages, increase fire danger, and prompt excessive demands for energy. Transportation can be affected by sun kinks in railways and buckled highways Existing Warning System(s): Local weather forecasts, NOAA Weather Alerts, internet weather sites, and word of mouth. 77 Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter Three HAZARD PROFILE: SECTION FOUR- DROUGHT 1. DESCRIPTION The lack of or shortage in amount of rainfall for an extended period of time is crippling not just to farmers but to the general public. Drought is caused by a deficiency of precipitation over a prolonged period of time. This deficiency results in water shortages and climatic factors such as high temperatures, strong winds, and low relative humidity can augment the severity of the drought. True drought is defined as less than 75% of the average yearly rainfall between 1931 and 1960. According to the publication Rangeland Risk Management for Texas, produced by Agricultural Communications, The Texas A &M University System, in Texas this level of drought occurs from 16% to 45% of the time. These percentages increase when moving from East to Far West Texas. Droughts tend to be more severe in some areas than in others. Catastrophic droughts generally occur at latitudes of about 15 -20 degrees, in areas bordering the permanently arid regions of the world. In North America, archaeological studies of Native Americans and statistics derived from long -term agricultural Drought - "a period of abnormally dry weather sufficiently prolonged for the lack of water to cause serious hydrologic imbalance in the affect area" - Glossary of Meteorology (1959). records show that six or seven centuries ago whole f areas of the Southwest were abandoned by the indigenous agriculturists because of repeated droughts and were never reoccupied. statistics indicate that roughly every 22 years —with a precision The of three to four years —a major drought occurs in the United States, most seriously affecting the Prairie and Mid - Western Droughts caused at States. A drought is a period of abnormally dry weather which least $1 billion in persists long enough to produce a serious hydrologic imbalance. crop damage per There are four ways that drought can be defined: year in the U.S for nine of the 25 years • Meteorological - a measure of departure of precipitation between 1980 and from normal 2nnS • Agricultural - refers to a situation when the amount of moisture in the soil no longer meets the needs of a particular crop. • Hydrological - occurs when surface and subsurface water are below normal. • Socioeconomic - The situation that occurs when physical water shortage begins to affect people. 2. LOCATION Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter Three Throughout history Texas has been prone to droughts. These droughts are caused by a combination of weather patterns and geographic location. All areas of the state and Lamar County are susceptible to drought. The rural areas of the county, that are highly agricultural are the most vbulnerable to the drought and usually feel it first. Just an inch shortage of rian fall can cause crops to fail and the needed supplemental feeding of cattle. In Figure 2 a look at the Texas Drought Monitor shows that Lamar County was in a Moderate Drought on March 3,2009 but according to the April 7, 2009 the county had improved to abnormally dry conditions. FIGURE 2: Texas Drought Monitor (March 3,2000 top & April 7, 2009 bottom) Orolrght Conditions tPerrenr Area) rn1ansnv: fat Annorreally Ury . b3 Gmught E <ernr. 0 aM,ghI - t.lttirr_ r. . W [hotyl:l - ERLnpm -ii U Dougkt - brram NuLo i-nMor tltiaoRH Anwaj hmro 0.0 ID C14 100.0 D1,04 74.6 44.4 217 9.6 current I.as1 Week luau :r�pr19 map, 3.2 96.8 65.5 431 129 8.6 3 Mnelht Age it2Wq.- ,m16rnanl 52.9 471 24.6 15,0 8.1 12 Stan M Calendar vnat 41 7 58.3 245 15.0 9.1 42 10 t TA.- OQ9 map) Slarl W water Venn 67.2 32.8 20.5 11.0 3.6 00 11bL4'"Hk Map) Ona Year Ago doo io3'tr ,7txja mapi 25.9 74 1 45.3 252 20 rn1ansnv: fat Annorreally Ury . b3 Gmught E <ernr. 0 aM,ghI - t.lttirr_ r. . W [hotyl:l - ERLnpm -ii U Dougkt - brram NuLo i-nMor tltiaoRH Anwaj etc w 4Me.w.My a. M s..Wr ltaer l... ago M-0. a.e....w 79 ��.,•.. crow aw4 1 aN Wwr► +owtt.vaw«.. 7 rR# ;S (!() 6 WrsMay ate, lartuttr.+ +.ra.1 N G T 1 Ct 430 :10 t, t �j • 1 �Y.vi+ 01 41 t !A 3 24 h 1', >> 9 i 4 i t ltea� w Wales rear d? 2 V a 209 110 5• 00 � r1ati.P ww .,w1 ties. leer eys 27 0 72 1 N 7 130, 041 G a , etc w 4Me.w.My a. M s..Wr ltaer l... ago M-0. a.e....w 79 Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter Three Category Description Possible Impacts Palmer Drought Index Going into drought short-term dryness showing Abnormally planning, growth of crops or pastures; fire risk DO Dry Dr above average. Coming out of drought; some -1.0 to -1.9 lingering water deficits; pastures or crops not fully recovered Some damage to crops, pastures, fire risk high, D1 Moderate streams resevoirs or wells low, some water -2.0 to -2.9 Drought shortages developing or imminent, voluntary water use restrictions requested Severe Crop or pasture losses likely; fire risk very high; D2 Drought Water shortages common; water restrictions -3.0 to -3.9 imposed D3 Extreme Major Crop /pasture losses; extreme fire danger, -4.0 to -4.9 Drought widespread water shortages or restrictions I Exceptional and widespread crop/pasture loss t P41- ceptiona exceptional of water in -5.0 or less • wells, creating water emergencies 3. Extent Drought impacts in a number of ways, spanning all regions, and is capable of affecting the economy as well as the environment. Specific impacts can include reduced crops and rangeland, increased livestock and wildlife mortality, increased fire hazard, diminished water supplies for municipal /industrial, agricultural and power uses, damage to fish and wildlife habitat, reduced tourism and recreational activities, reduced tax revenues because of reduced expenditures, and foreclosures on bank loans to farmers and businesses. The most direct impact of drought is economic rather than loss of life or immediate destruction of property. While drought impacts in Texas are numerous and often dependent upon the timing and length of individual drought episodes, the greatest impacts of drought are usually experienced in the agricultural community. In addition to the obvious direct losses of both crop and livestock production due to a lack of surface and subsurface water, drought is frequently associated with increases in insect infestations, plant disease, and wind erosion. .1 Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter Three One of the most significant potential impacts of drought relates to public water supply. In metropolitan areas there may be a need to stop washing cars, cease watering lawns and take other water conservation steps. In smaller communities, reduced flow in rivers and streams can have a significant effect on the water amount allowed for municipal use. Hot weather during the summer increases demand as well as evaporation. In turn, increased water demand can stress many smaller and /or antiquated delivery and treatment facilities to the point of collapse. Prolonged drought has a greater impact on rural communities, which usually rely on relatively small watersheds and are especially vulnerable during such periods. Water shortages can also affect firefighting capabilities in both urban and rural settings through reduced water flows and pressures. Most droughts dramatically increase the danger of fires on wild land. When wild lands are destroyed by fire, the resulting erosion can cause heavy silting of streams, rivers, and reservoirs. Serious damage to aquatic life, irrigation, and power production then occurs. Although drought can have serious impact during winter months, it is most often associated with extreme heat. Wildlife, pets, livestock, crops, and humans are vulnerable to the high heat that can accompany drought. When temperatures reach 90 degrees and above, people and animals are more likely to suffer sunstroke, heat cramps, and heat exhaustion. 4. Previous Occurrences The state of Texas is divided into ten climatic divisions by the National Weather Service. Lamar County is one of the 44 counties that make up the North Central Texas Region. This region, according to the Texas Almanac 2008 -2009 Edition, has experienced severe 14 drought years between 1892 and 2006. The drought of 2005 -2006 hit Texas agriculture harder than any previous event. The lack of rain started in May 2005 and lasted until December 2006. The drought had started as a moderate drought in the North Central Texas region but was upgraded to severe drought status in May of 2005. The drought continued into the summer months and was elevated by high temperatures. By the fourth of July holiday 29 counties were under burn bans. The drought continued as more counties were added to the severe drought area and little to no rainfall fell. By December 27, 2005 the U.S. Drought Monitor reported drought conditions for all regions in the state except the Edward Plateau. The arrival of 2006 unseasonably warm weather added to the problems as did the raging wildfires. By the end of the year drought conditions improved but the damage was already done. Water levels in lakes, reservoirs, and ponds remained critical until the flooding of 2007. The statewide drought losses from this event were estimated at $4.1 billion and $1.9 billion in North Texas alone. �'�il Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter Three Figure 4: Texas Climatic Regions Chart 4: North Central Texas Drought Years & Percentage of Normal* Rainfall 1925 1943 1944 1954 1955 1963 1999 2005 * Normal Rainfall amount are based on 1931 -1960 average precipitation for the North Central Texas Region. 5. Probability of Future Events Given that 12 severe drought events have occurred in the North Central Texas Region over the past 100 years one may conclude that Texas can expect a severe drought every decade. However, long- term forecasts of droughts are difficult and inexact. The U.S. Corp of Engineers (USAGE) is preparing the National Drought Atlas to provide information on the magnitude and frequency of minimum precipitation and stream flow for the contiguous United States. NOAA states that at any given time 20% of the nation is a drought. For the purpose of this plan drought events are likely. 6. Vulnerability The cause of all droughts is the shortage of rainfall. During a drought, the earth is so dry that even if a rainfall occurs it evaporates quickly. The cause for this hazard in the Lamar County area often is a ­0 Crew 7­ Chart 4: North Central Texas Drought Years & Percentage of Normal* Rainfall 1925 1943 1944 1954 1955 1963 1999 2005 * Normal Rainfall amount are based on 1931 -1960 average precipitation for the North Central Texas Region. 5. Probability of Future Events Given that 12 severe drought events have occurred in the North Central Texas Region over the past 100 years one may conclude that Texas can expect a severe drought every decade. However, long- term forecasts of droughts are difficult and inexact. The U.S. Corp of Engineers (USAGE) is preparing the National Drought Atlas to provide information on the magnitude and frequency of minimum precipitation and stream flow for the contiguous United States. NOAA states that at any given time 20% of the nation is a drought. For the purpose of this plan drought events are likely. 6. Vulnerability The cause of all droughts is the shortage of rainfall. During a drought, the earth is so dry that even if a rainfall occurs it evaporates quickly. The cause for this hazard in the Lamar County area often is a Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter Three high pressure system. A high pressure system brings warm sunny weather and serves as a moisture dam in the atmosphere. A high pressure system can weaken or even block a low pressure system, which is the needed rainfall. A drought is aggravated by the fact that as the ground gets drier there is less moisture for cloud development or rain and the high pressure system becomes stagnant, therefore a drought can elevate its own severity. The primary air masses that bring moisture to the area originate in the Gulf of Mexico. Air masses that come into the state from the west are usually stripped of moisture by the Rocky Mountains. Lamar County's location makes the entire county vulnerable to drought because of its distance from the Gulf of Mexico. Tropical moisture rich air masses weaken as it goes further inland. Although the entire county is vulnerable to a drought the vulnerability is greater in rural and agricultural areas of the county. 7. Secondary Hazards Drought is considered a secondary hazard brought about by extreme heat and low precipitation. Droughts can have high impact on agricultural businesses, hydro - electric power, and other water dependent industries. The occurrence of drought results in water rationing as well as burn bans. Hazards associated with drought are wild fire and expansive soils. 8. Overall Summary of Vulnerability and Impacts Previous plans have had limited information about exact drought events. This is because of a lack of local data. The drought information is for a multi -county area therefore it is hard to pinpoint the exact locations of droughts. Heat induced thunderstorms can put repeatedly put down much - needed rain on one person's farm and leave the neighbor without a drop. According to NOAA at any time at least on 20% of the U.S. is experiencing a moderate to severe drought. The major drought of the 20th century in terms of length and extent would be the 1930`s Dust Bowl which lasted for up to seven years in some areas of Texas and the Great Plains. This drought, depicted in John Steinbeck`s novel The Grapes of Wrath, was so severe that is caused a mass migration to the western U.S. Droughts are still a common occurrence in Lamar County as well as the rest of the U.S. It is difficult to predict drought probabilities for the near future because of the nature and complexity of the hazard. Droughts evolve over time as certain conditions are met and can spread over a large geographical area. Drought severity depends on its duration, intensity, geographic extent, and the regional water supply demands made by human activities and vegetation. The impact of hazards such as Extreme Heat, Expansive Soils, and Wildfires can be intensified during times of drought. Otherwise, the most direct impact of drought is economic rather than loss of life or immediate destruction of property. RE Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter Three Table 8a: Economic, Environmental, and Social Impacts of Drought M Agricultural Losses Damage to Animal Species I Health Reduction in Recreation & Hydrological Effects Amplified Water Conflicts Tourism Activities Real Estate Values Decrease Increase in Wild Fires Population Movements Increase Energy Consumption Reduced Soil Quality Increased Poverty Decline in Food Production Diminished Air Quality Reduced Quality of Life Increased Food Prices Reduction in Vegetative Jeopardized Public Safety Cover ...Now the wind grew strong and hard, It worked at the rain crust In the corn fields. Little by little the sky Was darkened by the mixing dust, And the wind felt over the earth, Loosened the dust and carried it away. , . from The Grapes of Wrath, Written by John Steinbeck 84 Lamar County Multi - jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter Three Table 8b: Summary Community Potential 'evert'" of Impact Probability of'sk Future Events Highly Likely High City of Blossom Major City of Deport Major Highly Likely High City of Paris Major Highly Likely High City of Reno Major Highly Likely High City of Roxton Major Highly Likely High Lamar County Major Highly Likely High Figure 8: Counties Affected by Drought of 2005 — 2006 7 Droul N1 nn County Texts Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter Three Hazard Profile Work Sheet Hazard : Drought POTENTIAL SEVERITY OF IMPACT SUBSTANTIAL - Multiple Deaths - Complete shutdown of facilities for 30 days or more - More than 50% of property destroyed or with major damage MAJOR - Injuries and /or illnesses result in permanent disability - Complete shutdown of critical facilities for at least 2 weeks X - More than 25% of property destroyed or with major damage MINOR - Injuries and /or illnesses do not result in permanent disability - Complete shutdown of critical facilities for at least 1 week - More than 10% of property destroyed or with major damage LIMITIED - Injuries and /or illnesses that are treatable with first aid - Minor quality of life lost - Shutdown of critical facilities and services for 24 hours or less - Less than 10% of property destroyed or with major damage FREQUENCY OF OCCURANCE SEASONAL PATTERN(S) _X_ Highly Likely: Event probable in the next yr. Likely: Event probable in the next 3 yrs. _ Occasional : Event possible in next 5 yrs. Unlikely : Event possible in next 10 yrs. Most likely in Summer or Winter but can occur at any time. SOURCE DOCUMENTS: NOAA, Texas Hazard Mitigation Plan, Texas Drought Monitor, The Texas Almanac, Atlas, www.thmp.info, and local newspaper articles. PROBABLE DURATION: Duration is from a few weeks to several months. WARNING TIME (potential speed of onset): Less than 6 hours 6 to 12 hours 12 to 24 hours X more than 24 hours CASCADING POTENTIAL: Drought can cause water shortages, increased fire risk, and excessive di Existing Warning System(s): Local weather forecasts. :. The National Drought Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan HAZARD PROFILE: SECTION FIVE - FLOODING 1. DESCRIPTION Flooding is the most prevalent and costly disaster in the United States. Floods have the ability to roll boulders the size of cars, uproot trees, and transport building. Floods occur any time and are typically the result of dam failures, rains, or melting snows exceeding the absorptive capacity of the soil and the flow capacity of rivers, streams or coastal areas. At the point the water concentration hyper extends the capacity fo the flood way, the water enters the floodplain. Floods are most common in seasons of rain and thunderstorms. Floods can be associated with other natural phenomenon such as rainstorms, thunderstorms, hurricanes, earthquakes, tsunamis and rapidly melting snow. Lamar County is prone to two types of floods: Chapter Three Flooding - The accumulation of water within a water body and the overflow of excess water on adjacentfloodplain lands. Flood Plain - Is the land adjoining the watercourse or water body susceptible to flooding. Flash Flood Watch - Flash Flooding is possible. Be prepared to move to higher ground. Flood Warning - Flooding is occurring or will be occurring soon. Flash Flood Warning - A flash flood is occurring seek higherground. • Riverine Flood - occurs in the floodplain of a river or stream when the amount of water and the rate at which the moving increases. This type generally can be forecast in advance, and proper precautions taken to save lives. • Flash Flood - A type of Riverin flood that occurs after a heavy storm, when the ground cannot absorb the high amount of precipitation. This can occur when heavy precipitation falls on already saturated soils. Flash Floods occur rapidly with little warning. 2. Location Flood Hazard areas are determined using statistical analyses of records of river flow, previous occurrence information, topographic surveys, and hydrological analyses. FEMA's Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) Identify areas subject to flood hazard. These include Special Flood Hazard Areas, which is defined as the area that will be inundated by the flood event having a one percent chance of being equaled or exceeded in any given year. The one - percent- annual- chance flood is also referred to as the base flood or 100 -year flood. Moderate flood hazard areas are Texas Flood Facts Centeral Texas has been identified as the most flash flood prone area in the U.S. by the National Weather Service Texas holds 6 of 12 world records for rainfall rates in 24 hours or less - USGS Texas leads the nation in the most flood related deaths. 20 million of 171 million acres are flood prone Texas has approximately 8 million Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter Three also shown on the FIRM, and are the areas between the limits of the base flood and the two - percent- annual- chance (or 500 -year) flood. Lamar County's terrain consists of rolling prairie and is drained by the Red River on the north and the Sulphur River on the South. Lamar County has numerous flood plain area's due to numerous lakes, reservoirs and creeks. Table 5A: Communities acreage and Percentage of 100 -Year Flood Plain - - unity /Jurisdliction_. Comm Totai Acreage RL Flood Plain creage Adot Area percentage of lood pain ti City of Paris 17,408 1154 6.6% City of Reno 8,320 26 0.3% City of Blossom 1,536 117 7.6% City of Deport 704 80 11.5% City of Roxton 576 70.5 12.2% None of these area's have reported recurrent flood damages to property per the NFIP 3. Extent The extent of floods in Lamar County is influenced by several factors including rainfall intensity, duration, and location of the rainfall. Heavy rains causes most of Lamar County's flood problems by causing small creeks and waterways to exceed their banks. Flash floods are the most dangerous since they occur suddenly with little to no notice. A maximum flood threat could result if the soils were saturated and a wide heavy rain event occurred. Over 75% of The Cities of Paris, Blossom, Reno, Roxton, and Deport are the most declared federal vulnerable to floods in comparison to some of the other jurisdictions. These are disasters are not the only jurisdiction that have a greater potential for flooding. Many related to floods. communities near the Red River, Sulphur River, Pat Mayes Lake, and Lake Crook also have potential for serious flooding. 4. Previous Occurrences According to "American Hazardscapes: The regionalization of Hazards & disaster published by the National Academy Press'; Texas because of its size and location consistently outranks .. Lamar County Multi - Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter Three other states in deaths and damages from floods. Table 3 shows reported flooding in Lamar County from 1950 to 2003 (information reported to NFIP). Table 3: National Climatic Data Center Lamar County Floods 1850 to 2003 n d L End D Location 30Be Highways and farm to market roads Dama 12/03/1993 Not Known Unknown $50,000.00 closed by high water. 06/10/1994 Paris Unknown Widespread flooding occurred in the 0 Paris area from heavy rains. 05/08/1995 Paris Unknown County road north of Paris was Flooded 0 06/12/1996 Paris Unknown Numerous roads across the county 0 flooded by excessive rainfall. 06/13/1996 Unknown Unknown Several roads continued to be flooded. 0 09/20/1996 Paris Paris One to two feet of water covered several 0 roads 02/20/1997 Paris Paris Several Roads Closed due to high 0 water. 06/13/1997 Paris Paris Several roads flooded 0 05/18/00 Novice Novice Heavy rains east of Novice. Several 0 roads flooded in county. 11/05/2000 Deport Deport Widespread street flooding reported. 0 02/16/2001 County Countywide Schools closed across county due to 0 Wide high water 09/03/01 Deport Deport Many Streets barricaded due to high $10,000 water. Deport received 11 inches of rain in 7 days. 12/16/2001 Paris Paris Numerous roads closed around paris 0 and other parts of the county. 12/16/2001 Pattonville Pattonville FM 2715 Closed due to flooding. 0 03/19/2002 Paris Paris 10 Roads Closed due to high waters 0 10/19/2002 Paris Paris Creeks flooding FM 905 and Southeast 0 Loop around Paris. Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter Three 06/18/2007 Paris Paris Several Streets in town were flooded by $7,000.00 at least a foot of water. 07/10/2007 Paris Paris Flooding reported on Several Roads 07/31/2007 Paris Countywide Several roads were closed due to 0 flooding. A pasture was flooded by three to four feet or water after a creek overflowed near Highway 79. 03/18/2008 Paris A highwater rescue was in progress on Flying TGR Tigertown Road about one mile west of Airport Loop 286. Flooding was also reported at FM 79 and FM 2820 03/18/2008 Howland Tigertown Numerous Roads were flooded across 0 the county, including FM 38 between tigertown and Maxey, FM 195 and FM 648 at Pine Creek, FM 905, and Highway 1497 between Taylortown and Cunningham. 02/18/2008 Lake Lake Crook Chest- Deep water was reported near 0 Crook Lake Crook. 05/14/2008 Lake Lake Crook Section of NW Loop 286 and North Main 0 Crook Street was closed due to floodwaters. Many businesses and residences were threatened by high water. 09/13/2008 Paris Givens The intersection of Lamar Avenue and 0 Loop 286 and areas southward were flooded by about 6 to 8 inches of Rain. 08/20/2009 Parks Parks Numerous Streets were flooded in the 0 City of Paris. Once person was rescued when a wrecker removed a stranded vehicle from high waters. 10/09/2009 Pattonville Pattonville TxDOT had to close down HWY 271 just west of Pattonville for several hours due to water over the road. 10/26/2009 Lake Lake Crook A portion of FM 79 near Lake Cook was Crook closed due to high water. .1 Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter Three 5. Probability of Future Events Lamar County receives abundant rainfall mainly in the spring and fall. Consequently, rivers and creeks overflow their banks during these seasons. Many of these floods are of small consequence; However, the number of major floods in the last 100 years warrants a highly likely probability rating. 6. Vulnerability Any structure or property that is located in a floodplain is vulnerable to flooding. A property's vulnerability to a flood depends on its location in the floodplain. The properties that lie along the banks of a waterway are the most vulnerable and are often repetitive loss structures. Lamar County has no repetitive loss structures but does have roads and bridges that are located in these flood areas. The property within the floodplain is broken into zones depending on its distance from the waterway. The 10 -year flood zone is an area that has 10% chance of flood every year. Encompassing the 10 -Year flood zone and extending further out from the water way is the 50- year floodplain. This area has a 2% chance of flooding each year. Encompassing both the 10- year and the 50 -year and extending further away is the 100 -year flood zone because of the thought that it would only occur once every 100 years but in reality may happen more often. Flooding vulnerability in Lamar County is primarily in the floodplain. Lamar County does have a secondary risk from dams of flooding. There are several dams in the county they have the potential to cause major flooding damages if they are breeched. The areas that are vulnerable to this type of flooding are identified in Section Nine. Table 6: Flood Zone Designations 91 D Areas with a 1 % annual chance of flooding and a 26% chance of flooding A (High Risk) over the life of a 30 -year mortgage. Because detailed analyses are not performed for such areas; no depths or base flood elevations are shown Areas with a 1 % chance of flooding and a 26% chance of flooding over the AE, A1-A30 (High Risk) life of a 30 -year mortgage. In most instances, base flood elevations derived from detailed analyses are shown at selected intervals. Areas with a 1 % annual chance of shallow flooding, usually in the form of a pond, with an average depth ranging from 1 to 3 feet. These areas have a AH (High Risk 26% chance of flooding over the life of a 30 -year mortgage. Base flood elevations derived from detailed analyses are shown at selected intervals. AO (High Risk) River or stream flood hazard areas and areas with a 1 % or greater chance of shallow flooding each year, usually in the form of sheet flow, with an average depth ranging from 1 to 3 feet. These areas have a 26% chance of flooding over the life of a 30 -year mortgage. Average flood depths derived 91 Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter Three 92 from detailed analyses are shown. Areas with a temporarily increased flood risk due to the building or restoration of a flood control system. Mandatory flood insurance purchase AR (High Risk) requirements will apply, but rates will not exceed the rates for unnumbered A zones if the structure is built or restored in compliance with Zone AR floodplain management regulations Areas with a 1 % annual chance of flooding that will be protected by a A99 (High Risk) Federal flood control system where construction has reached specified legal requirements. No depths or base flood elevations are shown. Areas outside the 1 % annual chance floodplain, areas of 1 % annual chance B, C, and X (Moderate to sheet flow flooding where average depths are less than 1 foot, areas of 1 % Low Risk) annual chance stream flooding where the contributing drainage area is less than 1 square mile, or areas protected from the 1 % annual chance flood by levees. Insurance purchase is not required in these zones. D (Undetermined Risk) Areas with possible but undetermined flood hazards. No flood hazard analysis has been conducted. 92 Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Figure 6a: Lamar County Flood Zones — Countywide Flood Areas Figure 6b: Lamar County Flood Zones — City of Blossom i ' 1 Chapter Three >.1• '.i �' «ter lk,�. +. Chapter Three >.1• '.i �' «ter Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan 6c: Lamar County Floodzones : City of Deport Chapter Three \ � r n �•, �� � tip' 7(� .�. r.r�'Pi � •��<.. � /'- � t .p:. « # „+ntabl�' .,,,.,,,+,..� �� � e c m �'f ' 1 ark on 94 Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan 6d: Lamar County Floodzones : City of Paris ��. 0 a Chapter Three Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan 6e: Lamar County Floodzones : City of Reno M Chapter Three 5 Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter Three 6f: Lamar county Flood zones: City of Roxton The National Flood insurance 7. Secondary Hazards Program (NFIP) is a federal Lamar County drains to the northeast into the Red program that enables property owners to purchase flood River. The impacts of upstream flooding, can have significant impact of the water quality, flood control, insurance as protection against wildlife habitats, recreational opportunities, and other flood losses in exchange forstate functions that are essential for maintaining the quality and community floodplain of life and economic prosperity through a large management regulation to section of Texas. Secondary hazards include k. transportation disruptions, dam failure, dispersion of contaminants, and threatened water supplies not just to the immediate area but through the river basin that reaches to the Bay of Galveston. Hazardous materials, and other possible sources of contaminants, are not identified in the area, but may need to be addressed in updates to theis plan as Lamar County becomes more populated. Lamar County's floodplains and storm drainage areas have been modified over time by agricultural practices, mitigation projects, development, and erosion. The riparian corridor along 97 Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter Three waterways has been severly reduced and floodplain wetlands converted to farmland. The loss of stream bank vegetation has increased the county to a secondary hazard of erosion. The fall of the local economy can be felt as a secondary hazard of floods. Local businesses often do not reopen after being wiped out by a flood. Residents whose homes were flooded may relocate to different communities to make a fresh start. The costs of the damages to property do the most damage to the local economy. Most homeowner insurance policies do not cover floods hence an additional flood policy is needed for coverage. 2 of the 6 Jurisdictions in Lamar County Participate in the NFIP the remain jurisdictions are beginning the process to participate. Table 7a: Why You Need Flood Insurance Floods and flash floods can . Floods happen in all 50 states: on coasts, along rivers, in occur anytime, anywhere. the desert, in communities of every size. Roughly 30% of all flood insurance claims came from areas not considered high risk You can't rely on Federal . Many people don't qualify for grants, making the most Disaster Assistance alone. common form of assistance a disaster home loan. • These lonas must be repaid: principal plus interest. You may be required to have . Homes & buildings in high -risk flood areas with Flood Insurance. mortgages from federally regulated or insured lenders are required to have flood insurance. These areas have a 1 % or greater chance of flooding in any given year, which is equivalent to a 26% chance of flooding during a 30 -year mortgage. • When property owners receive federal financial assistance following a presidentially declared disaster, they may be required to purchase flood insurance coverage Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter Three 8. Overall Summary of Vulnerability and Impacts Spring and fall rains can result in a rise in the County's rivers and creeks resulting in floods that vary in intensity. Severity of flooding is determined by several factors including rainfall intensity, duration, and location. Flash floods are most likely to close roads and cause evacuations in multiple communities. Where rain can fall faster than the drainage system can handle. Repetitive Loss Property - is a property which has had two or more NFIP losses of at least 1 K in a 10 year period. Severe Repetitive Loss Property (SRL) - a property which has had at least four claims exceeding a cumulative total of 20K or had two separate claims that cumulatively exceed the market value of the structure. Table 8: Summary City of Paris otential Severity of Impact Major Future Events Likely High City of Blossom Major Likely High City of Deport Major Likely High City of Reno Major Likely High City of Roxton Major Likely High Lamar County Major Likely High .. Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter Three Hazard Profile Work Sheet Hazard : Flood POTENTIAL SEVERITY OF IMPACT SUBSTANTIAL - Multiple Deaths - Complete shutdown of facilities for 30 days or more - More than 50% of property destroyed or with major damage MAJOR - Injuries and /or illnesses result in permanent disability - Complete shutdown of critical facilities for at least 2 weeks X - More than 25% of property destroyed or with major damage MINOR - Injuries and /or illnesses do not result in permanent disability - Complete shutdown of critical facilities for at least 1 week - More than 10% of property destroyed or with major damage LIMITIED - Injuries and /or illnesses that are treatable with first aid - Minor quality of life lost - Shutdown of critical facilities and services for 24 hours or less - Less than 10% of property destroyed or with major damage FREQUENCY OF OCCURANCE SEASONAL PATTERN(S) _X_ Highly Likely: Event probable in the next yr. Likely: Event probable in the next 3 yrs. _ Occasional : Event possible in next 5 yrs. Unlikely : Event possible in next 10 yrs. Most likely in Summer or Winter but can occur at any time. SOURCE DOCUMENTS: FIRMS, Texas Geographic Society Studies, www.thmp.info, NJDEP, USGS, NRCS, NOAA, The Blue Ribbon Study, CBO: Value of Properties in the NFIP, State of Texas Hazard Mitigation Plan PROBABLE DURATION: Flood can last from a few hours up to several months depending upon weather patterns WARNING TIME (potential speed of onset): Less than 6 hours X 6 to 12 hours 12 to 24 hours more than 24 hours CASCADING POTENTIAL: Runoff can contaminate water supplies throughout the drainage basin, standing water can cause illnesses, water damage to structures can cause mold, and increased need of shelters those down away from their homes. Existing Warning System(s): USGS monitors stream flows, NOAA weather alerts, and Local media weather reports.. 100 Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter Three HAZARD PROFILE: Section Six — Thunderstorms (Including Wind & Lightning) 1. Description Thunderstorms disrupt more lives than any other form of weather. Produced by a cumulonimbus cloud, a thunderstorm is an atmospheric disturbance with lightning and thunder. Lightning is generated by the buildup of charged ions in a thundercloud. When that buildup interacts with the best - conducting object or surface on the ground, the result is a discharge of a lightning bolt. Lightning is a major threat during a thunderstorm. Each year in the U.S. 75 to 100 people are hit and killed by lightning. A bolt of lightning can reach temperatures of over 50,000 degrees F. Thunderstorm Facts * No place in the U.S. is immune to thunderstorms. * 2000 thunderstorms are in progress around the world at any given moment. * Less than 1% of all thunder t h Thunder is the sound of the shock wave produced by the s orms I rapid heating and cooling of the air near the lightning bolt. severe levels. The typical thunderstorm is 15 miles in diameter and lasts an average of Lightning Facts 30 minutes nad may also be * One death occurs for every 345,000 flashes accompanied by high winds, rain, * 100 lightning strikes happen worldwide every and hail. A thunderstorm is second. considered severe if it produces hail * The average lightning flash could light a 100 at least 3/ inch in diameter, or high watt bulb for 3 months damaging winds 58mph or greater. The high winds may be in the form 0 Can reach temperatures five times hotter of straight -line winds or a microburst than the sun. While thunderstorms are capable of producing tornadoes, hail, and floods, this Hazard Mitigation plan profiles these events as separate natural hazards. The National Weather Service distinguishes between straight -line winds and tornadoes when surveying storm damages. Straight -line wind damage will push debris in the same direction the wind is blowing while a tornado will scatter the debris in a variety of different directions. The general public often believes a tornado has occurred when it is really straight -line winds. Straight -line winds can be as powerful as a tornado. 101 Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter Three Figure 1: Life Cycle of a Thunderstorm Cumulus Stage Mature Stage Dissipating Stage The Cumulus Stage is the The Mature Stage is the The cool down drafts and developing stage of the strongest and most dangerous precipitation eventually thunderstorm. At this stage stage of the storm. This stage weaken the storm. These the storm only consists of has updrafts but also has cool downdrafts hit the ground warm updrafts or upward downdrafts that contain spread out and stop the influx moving air currents caused by precipitation. The clouds of warm air feeding the storm. convection. The updrafts can often have a considerable reach heights of around depth of 40,000 to 60,000 20,000 feet and form Cumulus feet. Hail, damaging winds or Clouds. tornadoes, and flooding may occur. Source: The National Weather Service 102 Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter Three Squall Lines — Storms organize into a linear structure. These storms can also produce hail and week tornadoes. Bow Echoes — Often embedded in a squall line can produce tornado -like damage, or occasionally produce a tornado. Micro Bursts — These storms produce downburst that can do tornado equivalent damages to homes, trees, and power lines with winds in excess of 100 mph. Super Cells — These are the strongest and longest type of thunderstorms. These storms are capable of producing winds in excess of 80mph, strong tornadoes, and large hail. 2. Location There is no place in the U.S. immune from thunderstorms or lightning strikes and that is true for the entire Lamar County area which, according to the Oklahoma Climatological Survey, averages 30 -50 thunderstorm days a year. Chart 2: Location of Fatal Lightning Strikes Locations and Percentages SOURCE: NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE 103 ■ In fields or parks ■ Under Trees ■ On or near bodies of water ■ On a golf course ■ Near Heavy Equipment it Other (Includes riding bikes, mowing, mt. climbing,etc.) Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter Three 3. Extent A worst case scenario involving thunderstorms would be a solid or redeveloping line of severe thunderstorms that moves through the entire county. These storms can result in heavy rains causing wide spread flooding and road closures. Large economic loss to agriculture and /or major damage to buildings and other property can result if such storms are accompanied by hail and high winds. High winds and lightning associated with such storms can also down trees and highline poles and result in power outages capable of affecting large areas of the county. Extreme winds can cause several kinds of damage to a building. Figure 3 below shows how extreme winds affect a building and helps explain why these winds cause buildings to fail. Wind speeds, even in these extreme wind events, rapidly increase and decrease. An obstruction such as a house in the path of wind causes the wind to change direction. This change in wind direction increases pressure on parts of the house. The combination of increased pressures and fluctuating wind speeds creates stress on the house that frequently causes connections between building components to fail. Figure 3: Windstorm Effects on Structures ow Top V" wwK► a ON W"Ls WWWOOI POMBUM A00* tO weal VAI"W Buildings that fail under the effects of extreme winds often appear to have exploded, giving rise to the misconception that the damage is caused by unequal wind pressures inside and outside the building. This misconception has led to the myth that during an exteme wind event, the windows and doors in a building should be opened to equalize the pressure. In fact, opening a window or door allows wind to enter a building and increases the risk of building failure. 104 Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter Three Damage can also be caused by flying debris (referred to as windborne missiles). If wind speeds are high enough, missiles can be thrown at a building with enough force to penetrate widows, walls, or the roof. For example, an object such as a 2" X 4" wood stud weighing 15 pounds, when carried by a 250 -mph wind, can have a horizontal speed of 100 mph and enough force to penetrate most common building materials used in houses today. Even a reinforced masonry wall will bew penetrated unless it has been designed and constructed to resist debris impact during extreme winds. Because missiles can severely damage and even penetrate walls and roofs, they threaten not only buildings but the occupants as well. With thunderstorms also comes lightning. Each second there are 50 to 100 cloud to ground lightning strikes across the U.S. These strikes can kill humans and animals, disrupt utilities, and start wildfires. 4. Previous Occurrences Since 2006, the Naitonal Climatic Data Center (NCDC) Recorded 27 thunderstorm and high wind events and 2 reported cases of lightning damage in Lamar County. Due to the rural nature of the County, most reports of thunderstorms and any associated damage are from cities and towns. Table 4a: Thunderstorms 2006 -2011 Location c County Paris 003/29/2007 Thunderstorm Wind Speeds (kts) 50kts Property Damages (per thousand) 15.00K Tigertown 04/24/2007 Thunderstorm 56 kts 5.00K Roxton 04/24/2007 Thunderstorm 50kts 1.00K Paris 06/20/2007 Thunderstorm 56kts 30.00K Novice 04/03/2008 Thunderstorm 56kts 5.00K Paris 04/03/2008 Thunderstorm 50kts 0 Paris 04/10/2008 Thunderstorm 50 0 Tigertown 05/06/2009 Thunderstorm 52 2.00 Paris Flying Tiger Airport 05/06/2009 Thunderstorm 56 125.00 Paris Cox Field 05/9/2009 Thunderstorm 58 15.00 Paris 05/09/2009 Thunderstorm 50 0.25 105 Lamar County Multi - Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter Three Petty 06/10/2009 Thunderstorm 52 1.00 Paris 06/10/2009 Thunderstorm 56 5.00 Reno 06/10/2009 Thunderstorm 52 3.00 Blossom 06/10/2009 Thunderstorm 52 3.00 Reno 06/10/2009 Thunderstorm 52 3.00 Paris 07/08/2009 Thunderstorm 52 5.00 Petty 07/26/2010 Thunderstorm 50 5.00 (PRX) Cox Field Paris 09/14/2010 Thunderstorm 53 0.00 Petty 04/14/2011 Thunderstorm 61 35.00 Paris 4/25/2011 Thunderstorm 50 0.00 Lamar 06/28/2011 Thunderstorm 52 0 Cox Field Paris 10/22/2011 Thunderstorm 51 0 Sylvan 03/08/2012 Thunderstorm 61 7.00 Paris 06/12/2012 Thunderstorm 50 0 Givens 08/06/2012 Thunderstorm 52 25.00 Rockwell 08/06/2012 Thunderstorm 35 2.00 Garretts Bluff 08/08/2012 Thunderstorm 52 5.00 Table 4b: Lightning 2006 -2012 Amherst Rd 07/30/2007 Lightning caused several house fires, with one house considered a total loss. A duplex was also seriously damaged. Estimated 500K in damages Paris 02/16/2008 Lightning Caused a fire at the Paris Independent School District building Saturday afternoon. The fire was limited to a maintenance area. 106 Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter Three 5. Probability of Future Events There is an average of six documented strong thunderstorms and high wind events in the county each year for the past 20 years. Based upon past occurrences the probability of future severe thunderstorm events within the county is highly likely. 6. Vulnerability Vulnerability is difficult to evaluate since thunderstorms can occur at different strength levels, in random locations and can create relatively narrow paths of destruction. Due to the randomness of this event, the entire population of the County remains vulnerable to possible injury and /or property loss from lightning and strong winds associated with thunderstorms. Lamar County's susceptibility to wind disaster is compounded by the fact that there are over 200 manufactured homes in the county, according to the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs. Although manufactured homes are most vulnerable to strong wind, all structures are vulnerable to lightning. Lightning can strike ten miles out from the rain column, enabling injurious lightning strikes to people to occur under a clear sky ahead of the storm. 7. Secondary Hazards Secondary hazards can include fires and power failures. Hail, flooding, and tornadoes, although associated with thunderstorms, are profiled as separate events with their own secondary hazards. 8. Overall Summary of Vulnerability and Impacts Statewide Texas has a significant exposure to thunderstorms. In addition to high damaging winds and lightning, thunderstorms are capable of producing tornadoes, hail, and rain causing floods. This plan profiles high winds and lightning with thunderstorms. Damage similar to that caused by tornadoes can result from high winds such as straight -line and microburst winds associated with thunderstorms. Within the County, inferior construction, mobile homes and crop land are most vulnerable to high winds. Overall, lightning is the most constant and widespread threat to people and property during the thunderstorm season. 107 Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter Three Table 8: Summary City of Paris eve rit Impact Events Highly Likely Major High City of Blossom Major Highly Likely High City of Deport Major Highly Likely High City of Reno Major Highly Likely High City of Roxton Major Highly Likely High Lamar County Major Highly Likely High Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter Three Hazard Profile Work Sheet Hazard : Thunderstorms (Including Wind & Lightning) POTENTIAL SEVERITY OF IMPACT SUBSTANTIAL - Multiple Deaths - Complete shutdown of facilities for 30 days or more - More than 50% of property destroyed or with major damage Injuries and /or illnesses result in permanent disability Complete shutdown of critical facilities for at least 2 weeks More than 25% of property destroyed or with major damage Injuries and /or illnesses do not result in permanent disability Complete shutdown of critical facilities for at least 1 week More than 10% of property destroyed or with major damage Injuries and /or illnesses that are treatable with first aid Minor quality of life lost Shutdown of critical facilities and services for 24 hours or less Less than 10% of property destroyed or with major damage OCCURANCE probable in the next yr. Likely: Event probable in the next 3 yrs. Occasional : Event possible in next 5 yrs. Unlikely : Event possible in next 10 yrs. SEASONAL PATTERN(S) Thunderstorms can occur year- round. SOURCE DOCUMENTS: NOAH, Local News Media, www.thmp.info PROBABLE DURATION: Cold fronts can stall causing severe weather to threaten for a couple of days. WARNING TIME (potential speed of onset): _X Less than 6 hours 6 to 12 hours _ 12 to 24 hours more than 24 hours CASCADING POTENTIAL: Heavy downpours of rain can cause flash flooding. Existing Warning System(s): Local weather forecasts, Internet weather sites, NOAA weather alerts, and word of mouth. 109 Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter Three HAZARD PROFILE: SECTION SEVEN - SEVERE WINTER STORMS 1. Description Winter storms happen in Lamar County when precipitation occurs while the temperature is near or below freezing. This plan defines a winter storm as a single event or combination of the following winter weather types occurring over a wide area of the county. Ice Storm -Ice storms are described by the National Weather Service (NWS) as an occasion when damaging accumulations of ice are expected during freezing rain situations. Significant ice accumulations are usually accumulations of 0.25 inches or greater. These ice accumulations make walking and driving extremely dangerous, and can create extreme hazards to motorists and pedestrians. Heavy Snow - Defined as either a snowfall accumulating to four inches or more in depth in 12 hours or less, or snowfall accumulation to six inches or more in depth in 24 hours or less. • Winter Storm Watch - Significant winter weather is expected. Winter Storm Warning - Significant winter storm or hazardous winter weather is occurring Winter Weather Advisory - When significant winter storms and /or hazardous winter weather is occuring Freezing rain or Freezing drizzle - An occasion "I" when rain or drizzle freezes on surfaces such as trees, power lines, highways, etc. Sleet - Raindrops that freeze into ice pellets before reaching the ground. These pellets usually bounce after hitting surfaces. Extreme Cold - When temperatures drop well below normal for the area it is considered to be Extreme Cold. Exposure to extreme cold temperatures can lead to serious or life- threatening health issues such as hypothermia and frostbite. 2. Location Winter Storms have no distinct geographic boundary. They can occur in every area of the county including the north Texas region. Figure 2 provides a map of reported snow and ice events in Lamar County. 110 • Snow Flurries - Light snow falling for short durations. A light dusting may occur but no accumulations. • Snow Showers - snow falling at varying intensities for brief periods of time. • Blowing Snow - is wind driven snows that reduces visibility and causes drifting. • Blizzard - Winds over 35 mph with blowing snow reducing visibility to or near zero. Lamar County Multi- jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter Three Figure 2: North Texas Winter Storm Setup March 2008. Dip in jet stream brings snow to Dallas After no measurable snow fell most of the winter, Dallas;Fort Worth may receive its second snow in a week today Snow is also expected tonight across parts of Arkansas still digging out from Tuesday's snow. 2 A large dip in the jet stream will spread cold air from Canada all the way to the southern Plains. Low pressure developin wer Warm, South Texas will send moist air L moist into the southern Plains and air lower Mississippi Valley. 3 As moist air overruns cold air, snow will develop today and tonight. The strong wdids of the jet stream will enhance rainfall over southeastern Texas. S•:.uti'cs NatS:na) tL'Cathct scrrk•_ Hy�JP:a1lv9!rr ogkal I Ted Ul�.ai trnlc� H; Rub %%amon and Julie snid..-r L!G1 TOCNI' USA TODAY weather focus: "Dip in jet stream brings snow to Dallas" Rain is expected to change over to snow along and north of 1 -20 in North Texas this afternoon. The National Weather Service is forecasting 1 to 2 inches of snow for the Dallas - Fort Worth metro area, with roads becoming slick for the evening and Friday morning commutes. If the forecast verifies, it would push the snowfall total this year close to the annual average of 2.5 inches at DFW. (Reprinted from USA TODAY Newspaper) 111 Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter Three 3. Extent Winter storms such as blizzards can strike unexpectedly and can create hazardous travel conditions and utility outages. Winter weather, every year, indirectly kills hundreds of people in the U.S. primarily from automobile accidents but from overexertion, and hypothermia as well. Heavy accumulations of ice can bring down trees and power lines, disabling electric power and communications for days. Heavy snow or ice can immobilize communities by shutting down transportation into, out of, and within the county. In Rural areas and smaller communities, homes and farms, may be isolated for days. Livestock and other animals can die from exposure. When the event happens in the early spring crops such as fruit can be destroyed. Fortunately, Lamar County is not affected by Winter Storms as often as other parts of the state. Damages usually occur in loss of water due to frozen water lines, loss in agricultural revenue due to loss of livestock, and the structure loss of collapsed outbuildings. Chart 3: Wind Chill Index Source: NOAA 112 Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter Three 4. Previous Occurrences Over the past 6 the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC) has recorded that Lamar County has experienced 2 significant winter storm events. Some examples of past winter storm events in Lamar County include the following: • 2009 Winter Storm causing approximately $2,000.00 in damages. • 2011 Winter Storm causing approximately $250,000.00 in property damages. Based on past occurrence, Lamar County winter storms have not been shown to have significant impact on agricultural and loss of life, but there has been property and economic damage. The entire population of the County has been affected, with thousands without power for days and some were without power for weeks. Loss of power also can disable rural and municipal water districts for days, leaving rural and town residents without running water. Table 4: Winter Storms 1886 — 2011 Location or County Date Type wages Lamar County 1886 Severe Winter Storm Unknown Lamar County 1899 Severe Winter Storm Coldest Temperature on Record for Paris, Texas Lamar County 1930 Severe Winter Storm Unknown Lamar County 1937 Ice Storm Unknown Lamar County 1940 Ice Storm Fiercest Ice Storm in Texas History Lamar County 1951 Freeze & Sleet Unknown Lamar County 1951 Ice Storm Lamar County 1956 Ice Storm Lamar County 02/24/60 Ice & Snow Storm Lamar County 1964 Snow Storm Lamar County 1973 Ice Storm Over 400 stranded Travelers Lamar County 1975 Ice Storm Lamar County 1977 Ice Storm Lamar County 1979 Ice Storm Worst Ice Storm in Paris history to 113 Lamar County Multi- jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter Three "Death & damage totals were event wide. 5. Probability of Future Events Based on Previous Occurrences, 6 snow and /or ice events have occurred in the last 15 years. This would indicate that the probability of a winter storm occurring within the County is highly likely with an average of 2.5 events a year. 6. Vulnerability Cold waves pose a variety of threats to individuals and communities. These threats are sometimes compounded by accumulations of ice or snow. The delivery of public services and maintenance of infrastructure are often disrupted by cold waves. Frozen and burst water lines are a common problem. Increased consumption of heating fuel can lead to energy shortages and higher prices. People and animals are subject to health risks from extended exposure to cold air. All populations, buildings, critical facilities, and infrastructure in Lamar County are vulnerable to severe winter events. The elderly in Lamar County, however, are at greater risk of death from hypothermia during these events. According to the U.S. Center for Disease Control, every year hypothermia kills about 600 Americans, half of who are 65 years of age or older. Hypothermia occurs when a person's normal body temperature drops from 98.6 degrees to 95 degrees. 7. Secondary Hazards Secondary Hazards can include traffic accidents due to snow and ice covered roads, and death from hypothermia due to prolonged exposure to cold. Wind- driven snow can result in "whiteout" conditions which can also make driving extremely dangerous. House fires and resulting deaths tend to occur more frequently from increased and improper use of alternate heating sources. Fires during winter storms also present a greater danger because water supplies may freeze and impede firefighting efforts. Carbon monoxide Poisoning can be a secondary hazard with any cold weather evetn. With power outages there is need for alternative sources of heat such as generators, woodfires, gas 114 Date Lamar County 1982 Ice Storm /Cold Front Lamar County 1983 Ice Storm Lamar County 1985 Snow Storm Lamar County 1988 Ice Storm Lamar County 1989 Ice Storm Presidential Declaration of Disaster Lamar County 2001 Severe Winter Storm Presidential Declaration of Disaster Lamar County 2011 Ice Storm With Snow "Death & damage totals were event wide. 5. Probability of Future Events Based on Previous Occurrences, 6 snow and /or ice events have occurred in the last 15 years. This would indicate that the probability of a winter storm occurring within the County is highly likely with an average of 2.5 events a year. 6. Vulnerability Cold waves pose a variety of threats to individuals and communities. These threats are sometimes compounded by accumulations of ice or snow. The delivery of public services and maintenance of infrastructure are often disrupted by cold waves. Frozen and burst water lines are a common problem. Increased consumption of heating fuel can lead to energy shortages and higher prices. People and animals are subject to health risks from extended exposure to cold air. All populations, buildings, critical facilities, and infrastructure in Lamar County are vulnerable to severe winter events. The elderly in Lamar County, however, are at greater risk of death from hypothermia during these events. According to the U.S. Center for Disease Control, every year hypothermia kills about 600 Americans, half of who are 65 years of age or older. Hypothermia occurs when a person's normal body temperature drops from 98.6 degrees to 95 degrees. 7. Secondary Hazards Secondary Hazards can include traffic accidents due to snow and ice covered roads, and death from hypothermia due to prolonged exposure to cold. Wind- driven snow can result in "whiteout" conditions which can also make driving extremely dangerous. House fires and resulting deaths tend to occur more frequently from increased and improper use of alternate heating sources. Fires during winter storms also present a greater danger because water supplies may freeze and impede firefighting efforts. Carbon monoxide Poisoning can be a secondary hazard with any cold weather evetn. With power outages there is need for alternative sources of heat such as generators, woodfires, gas 114 Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter Three cook stoves, lanterns, etc., but unfortunately these energy sources emit carbon monoxide which can build to lethal levels in confined areas. More than 400 people die each year from this odorless gas. Table 7: Carbon Monoxide Levels 0.1 ppm Natural background atmosphere level 0.5 to 5 ppm Average background level in homes Levels near properly 5.0 to 15.0 ppm adjusted gas stoves in homes Headache and 35 ppm dizziness within six to eight hours of constant exposure. Mexico City central Slight Headache in 100 ppm to 200 ppm area from 100 ppm two to three hours automobiles Slight headache 200 ppm within two to three hours Frontal headache 400 ppm within one to two hours Dizziness, nausea and convulsions 1600ppm within 45 minutes. Insensible within two hours. Headache, dizziness 3200 ppm and nausea in five to ten minutes. Death within 30 minutes 5000 ppm Chimney of a home Headache and wood fire 6400 ppm dizziness in one to 7000 ppm Undiluted warm Car two minutes. Death in exhaust less than 20 minutes Unconsciousness 30,000 ppm Undiluted 128 —ppm after 2 -3 breaths. cigarette smoke Death in less than three minutes. 115 Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter Three 8. Overall Summary of Vulnerability and Impacts A winter storm can range from accumulating snow and /or ice over a few hours to blizzard conditions with blinding, wind - driven snow lasting several days. In latitudes like Texas' where moist Gulf air collides with arctic temperatures from the Canadian Shield, winter storms — particularly ice storms — have the potential to cause significant property damage, transportation problems, and utility service failure over large areas of the State. The aftermath of a winter storm can continue to impact a region for weeks, and even Months. Table 8: Summary ;iZtyof Po fWal Severity of bility of Futur Events Highly Likely High P:arisA Major City of Blossom Major Highly Likely High City of Deport Major Highly Likely High City of Reno Major Highly Likely High City of Roxton Major Highly Likely High Lamar County Major Highly Likely High T[ 116 Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan SUBSTA MAJOR MINOR LIMITIEC Chapter Three Hazard Profile Work Sheet Hazard : Severe Winter Storms POTENTIAL SEVERITY OF IMPACT Multiple Deaths Complete shutdown of facilities for 30 days or more More than 50% of property destroyed or with major damage Injuries and /or illnesses result in permanent disability Complete shutdown of critical facilities for at least 2 weeks More than 25% of property destroyed or with major damage Injuries and /or illnesses do not result in permanent disability Complete shutdown of critical facilities for at least 1 week More than 10% of property destroyed or with major damage Injuries and /or illnesses that are treatable with first aid Minor quality of life lost Shutdown of critical facilities and services for 24 hours or less Less than 10% of property destroyed or with major damage FREQUENCY OF OCCURANCE SEASONAL PATTERN(S) _X_ Highly Likely: Event probable in the next Winter and Early Spring yr. Likely: Event probable in the next 3 yrs. _ Occasional : Event possible in next 5 yrs. Unlikely : Event possible in next 10 yrs. SOURCE DOCUMENTS: NOAH, Local News Media, DCD, Oklahoma Climatological Survey PROBABLE DURATION: Winter storms can last from a few days to a few weeks WARNING TIME (potential speed of onset): Less than 6 hours 6 to 12 hours 12 to 24 hours X more than 24 hours CASCADING POTENTIAL: If the winter storm follows a very wet spell then the melted runoff can cause flooding. Existing Warning System(s): Local weather forecasts, Internet weather sites, NOAA weather alerts, and word of mouth. 117 Lamar County Multi - Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan HAZARD PROFILE: SECTION EIGHT - WILDFIRE 1. Description Chapter Three The normal Texas Climate is characterized by periods of above and below normal rainfall. The periods of plentiful rains allows for increased vegetation growth. While the periods of below normal rains allow this vegetation to dry and provide ample fuel for wildfires. This was the situation leading up to the record wildfire events felt by Texas in 2005 -2006 and 2010 -2011. Before the drought ended, in April 2006, eleven lives had been claimed and over 400 homes destroyed. During the 2010 -2011 event 3.9 million acres burned and 2,862 homes were destroyed, and claimed the lives of at least two firefighters. A wildfire is an uncontrolled fire spreading through vegetative fuels, exposing and possibly consuming structures. They often begin unnoticed and spread Wildfire - A wildfire is any quickly and are usually signaled by dense smoke that uncontrolled, non - structure fire fills the air for miles around. Wildfires pose a great that occurs in the wilderness, wild threat to life and property, particularly as they move land, or brush. - from forest or rangeland into Wildland Urban Interface www.wikipedia.org or Intermix areas. The Interface and Intermix are the areas where human development meets or intermingles with undeveloped wildland or vegetation. More and more residents want their home in a woodland setting, not realizing that they are putting themselves under a real threat of wildfire. Wildfires can be classified as one of three key types: Surface Fires - Surface fires are the most common they move slowly along the forest floor. Ground Fires - Ground fires are usually caused by lightning strikes and they burn on or below the ground. Crown Fires - Crown fires spread quickly from tree top to tree by wind. 2. Location Wild fires can occur throughout Texas and Lamar County due to the combination of dry burnable ground cover, lightning storms, and human causes. There is a higher risk of fatalities in the Interface or Intermix areas. Areas such as Paris are not as threatened as are areas located in other parts of the county. Communities such as Powderly, Novice, and Chicota, are at greatest risk due to the vegetation content, population location, and the fact the communities do not have a full time fire department to mitigate and protect these and other areas around the clock. 118 Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Figure 2a: Lamar County Interface and Intermix Areas 4 MEMO • 1 � t '1► Y Source: www.silvisforest.wisc.edu 119 .r Chapter Three Inlatfaco Intermix Very low Density Vglaled Zero Densi� Voylk M dium to High Densi� Non-V2gM Zero to Low Density Non-Voyltd Nor Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter Three 3. Extent The extent or intensity of a wildfire is dependent on three key elements: Fuels — Lighter fuels such as grasses, leaves, and twigs, burn rapidly, while heavier fuels such a large stump, logs, and green branches take longer to ignite and burn. Weather — Heat and drought ripen vegetation for wildfires. Warm temperatures, low humidity and high winds allow for the quick spreading of emebers and can produce vigorous fire activity. Thunderstorms can actually encourage wildfire development by providing strong changing winds and fire starting lighting. Topography — Lamar County has a gently rolling terrain that actually helps with fire suppression. Steep slopescan increase the spread of a wildfire. Canyons can funnel air and intensify the fire. Dry conditions, high temperatures, low humidity, and high winds can increase the potential and severity of a wildfire. In such conditions wildfires can spread quickly, affecting large areas in a short amount of time. A worst case scenario would be multiple wildfires started simultaneously by lighting during dry thunderstorms that move across an area experiencing drought conditions. This type of fire could burn for days destroying structures and lives. Rural areas in Lamar County experience wild fire. The majority of these occur in the northern and South Western portions of the County. These areas are not highly populated but the population is growing. The Communities in these areas have a slightly higher risk of being affected by wildfire due to their location to these areas. An out of control wildfire fueled by a strong wind could put all jurisdictions in danger. Table 3: 2010 Fire Statistics Source: FMTxfirs2010 4. Previous Occurrences The Texas Wildfires event of 2005 to 2006 ran from November 2005 to April 2006. There were over 11,000 reported fires with nearly 1.3 million acres charred. At least 19 lives were lost and over 400 homes were destroyed. Governor Rick Perry declared the entire state a disaster areas. The Texas Wildfire Event of 2010 -2011 November 15th 2010 until October 31St 2011. There were over 27,900 fires reported with over 3.9 million acres charred. 2,862 homes were 120 Lamar County Multi- jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter Three destroyed and an additional 2,700 other structures. Governor Rick Perry declared the state a disaster area and after several attempts President Barack Obama declared 252 of 254 Texas Counties as disaster areas due to wild fires and wild fire danger. According to the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC), no significant wildfires have been recorded in Lamar County. This does not mean that there were no wildfires. Wildfires that do not encounter a human population are difficult to calculate damages and often go unreported. Wilfire events documented by the NCDC are large fires involving several counties and burning thousands of acres. 5. Probability of Future Events Although the number of incidences indicate that wildfires are likely to occur, most wildfires are small in size and contained by local resources. Education about the Wildland Urban Interface and the dangers of building within seem to be helping. The probability of future major wildfire events like the 2005 -2006 and 2010 -2011 one; is in direct relationship to future drought events. Major wildfires are usually secondary hazards of extreme heat and drought periods, but do often occur do to human error and irresponsibility. 6. Vulnerability Periods of drought, dry conditions, high temperatures, and low humidity set the stage for wildfires. Areas along railroads and people whose homes are in woodland settings in rural areas have an increased risk of wildfire. The sparsely populated tall grassed rangelands, are capable of experiencing large sweeping fires. Ironically, fire suppression is capable of creating larger fire hazards, because live and dead vegetation is allowed to accumulate in areas where fire has been excluded. In the incorporated areas the greatest vulnerability is unoccupied buildings and empty lots that have not been maintained. Fire vulnerability can be determined using the many methods including the Keetch -Byram Drought Index (KBDI). This is a drought index designed for fire potential assessment. The index is a continuous reference scale for estimating the dryness of the soil and duff layers. The index increases for each day without rain ( the amount of increase depends on the daily high temperature) and decreases when it rains. The scale ranges from 0 (no moisture deficit) to 800. The range of the index is determined by assuming that there is 8 inches of moisture in a saturated soil that is readily available to the vegetation. For different soil types, the depth of soil required to hold 8 inches of moisture varies (loam =30 ", clay =25" and sand =80 "). A prolonged drought (high KBDI) influences fire intensity largely because more fuel is available for combustion (i.e. fuels have a lower moisture content). In addition, the drying of organic material in the soil can lead to increased difficulty in fire 121 Lamar County Multi - Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter Three suppression. High values of the KBDI are an indication that conditions are favorable for the occurrence and spread of wildfires, but drought is not by itself a prerequisite for wildfires. Other weather factors, such as wind, temperature, relative humidity and atmospheric stability, play a major role in determining the actual fire danger. 7. Secondary Hazards Diminished air quality is a secondary hazard of wildfires. The smoke plumes from wildfire fires can contain potentially carcinogenic matter. Figure 7 shows how the plumes can impact neighboring areas. Fine particles of invisible soot and ash that are too small for the respiratory system to filter can cause immediate and possibly long term effects. Source: NOAA 122 Lamar County Multi - Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter Three 8. Overall Summary of Vulnerability and Impacts People start more than four out of every five wildfires, usually as debris burns, arson, or carelessness. Lightning strikes are another leading cause of wildfires. Other sources of ignition include railroads, catalytic converters on automobiles, and spontaneous ignition of hay bales. The recent development and building in the urban interface areas has increased wildfires ability to overtake structures. Lamar county has continuous but slow growth in these rural areas therefore wildfires are a major threat to homes. Fire can increase erosion and result in a deterioration of sil and water quality. Fortunately most wild fires, are small and quickly contained by the local fire and volunteer fire departments within the County. Mitigation measures in the past consisted of education about being "Fire Wise ". With the increasing population of the county more education will be needed. Table 8: Summary 123 ility Severity of of Future NHigher Nother Impact Events City of Paris Limited Occasional Medium population density than areas. Low Vegitation Density. Small areas of intermix. City of Blossom Moderate Highly Likely High City of Deport Moderate Highly Likely High City of Reno Moderate Highly Likely High City of Roxton Moderate Highly Likely High Lamar County Moderate Highly Likely High 123 Lamar County Multi - jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter Three Hazard Profile Work Sheet Hazard : Wildfire POTENTIAL SEVERITY OF IMPACT SUBSTANTIAL - Multiple Deaths - Complete shutdown of facilities for 30 days or more - More than 50% of property destroyed or with major damage MAJOR - Injuries and /or illnesses result in permanent disability - Complete shutdown of critical facilities for at least 2 weeks X - More than 25% of property destroyed or with major damage MINOR - Injuries and /or illnesses do not result in permanent disability - Complete shutdown of critical facilities for at least 1 week - More than 10% of property destroyed or with major damage LIMITIED - Injuries and /or illnesses that are treatable with first aid - Minor quality of life lost - Shutdown of critical facilities and services for 24 hours or less - Less than 10% of property destroyed or with major damage FREQUENCY OF OCCURANCE SEASONAL PATTERN(S) _X_ Highly Likely: Event probable in the next Winter and Early Spring yr. Likely: Event probable in the next 3 yrs. _ Occasional : Event possible in next 5 yrs. Unlikely : Event possible in next 10 yrs. SOURCE DOCUMENTS: NOAH, Local Media, Texas Hazard mitigation Plan, Texas Forestry, and Local Newspaper articles PROBABLE DURATION: Duration can be from a few hours to several days, depending on the available fuels and winds. WARNING TIME (potential speed of onset): _X Less than 6 hours 6 to 12 hours _ 12 to 24 hours more than 24 hours CASCADING POTENTIAL: Public and private structures burned, roads closed, utilities disrupted and lives lost Existing Warning System(s): Local News media nad door to door evacuation if needed. 124 Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter Three HAZARD PROFILE: SECTION NINE - DAM OR BARRIER FAILURES 1. Description Dams, floodgates, levees, dikes, etc. are barrier methods used to control water flow. These barriers provide benefits such as resevoirs, hydroelectric power, recreation, and flood control. Dams are an important part of our public works infrastructure, and at the same time they pose a risk to public safety. Failure of a major dam is an unlikely event that occurs with little or no warning. If a major dam should fail, the impact could be substantial with loss of lives, loss of critical facilities, and affected properties would be severly damaged if not destroyed. A dam or barrier failure is a collapse or breach in the structure characterized by the sudden, rapid and uncontrolled release of impounded water, Dam failures most often occur from prolonged periods of rain and flooding in the drainage basin but they can result from any one or a combination fo the r following causes: • Structural failure either in the design or material used • Failure of other upstream barriers in same drainage basin • Movement, erosion or settling of the support of the dam • Inadequate maintenance and assessment of the dam • Deliberate acts of sabotage 2. Location Dams, Floodgates, Levees, and Dikes - Barrier methods to manage or impede water flow. Over sixty dams in Lamar County are indicated in Hazus. The dams are scattered throughout the county with the Large more high- hazard ones located in what was originally the more rural areas. The dams create a recreational environment that people want to build near. The building near dams is with the assumption that the dam will protect them which is not always the case. Dams can fail with little or no warning causing the loss of property and life. 125 Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter Three Figure 2a: Pat Mayes Lake Dam Figure 2b: Lake Crook Dam Figure 2c: Blossom City Lake Spill Way 126 Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter Three 3. Extent The National Inventory of Dams is a registry of information about water barriers that are equal to or greater than 25 feet or in pounds 50 acre -feet or more of water. The registry also includes structures that are over six feet in height, where failure would potentially cause damage downstream. Dam Failure is a valid IN concern for residents in vicinity of the four high hazard dams in the An Acre -Foot - is county. There are no jurisdictions that would be directly affected by equal to 325,851 the inundations of the dams in the county but with the extended gallons, of water heavy rain period a small dam failure could add to the flooding problems of jurisdictions downstream. Table 3: national Inventory of Dams - Lamar County Lamar County is home to 72 dams recorded with the National Inventory of Dams. There are 41 dams in the county that are at least 25 feet high and /or have storage of 150 acre feet or more. These dams are high- hazard and need an Emergency Action Plan (EAP). High- Hazard classification signifies that the failure of such structure could cause loss of human life. The Low - hazard dams are those at which failure would be limited primarily to the owner's property and may not be noticed at all and are not required to have an EAR These classifications are bestowed by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). 127 Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter Three Levees are used throughout Lamar County and the State of Texas to protect from flood flows. A failure of a levee could also result in damage to property. There is no regulatory program for Levees so therefore, there is a risk of failure due to unregulated maintenance. 4. Previous Occurrences Ther have been over 50 documented dam failures in Texas. At least two of these incidents resulted in loss of life. In 2007 alone there was three dam failures and four dams overtopped but were not breached. Lamar County's dam history has shown no documentation of a significant dam failure. 5. Probability of Future events Minor dam failures occur often. However, most dam failures are minor and go unnoticed without any major effects on the population. Significant dam failures occur less frequently approximately every 30 years or less. They are often secondary effect of another hazard such as heavy rainfall. The classification of dam failuresas a hazard for Lamar County represents the consequence of a potential failure and not the probability of a failure. 6. Vulnerability Texas's Dam Safety Program evaluates and regulates both public and private dams in the state. This program inspects barriers that pose a high or significant hazard and then makes recommendations to the proper corrective measures. The problem is that the State of Texas has over 7,400 dams to inspect, the most in the nation. Most infrastructure facilities, such as roads, bridges, and wastewater systems, are owned privately. These private owners are responsible for the financing of its upkeep, upgrade, and repair. The dam owner, whether private or public is held liable for making sure that the dam operates safely and properly. With the building of additional dams and levees amid the construction of the two proposed lakes a review of this plan will be necessary in the near future as the number of vulnerable infrastructures and critical facilities threatened will change. Dams are considered 7. Secondary Hazards "Installations contain dangerous forces" under International If a dam failure were to occur in Lamar County Floding Humanitarian Law due to the would be the prominent secondary effect. If the dam massive impact of a possible failure is severe a large amount of water would enter the destruction on the civilian downstream waterways forcing them out of their banks. population and the environment. There may be significant environmental affects, as the Dam failures are comparatively resulting flood from the failure is likely to disperse debris rare, but can cause immense and hazardous materials downstream that can damage damage and loss of life when they local ecosystems. Debris carried downstream can block traffic flow, cause power outages, and disrupt local occur. - www.wikipedia.org utilities such as water and wastewater. Most often with failures the barriers similar to those in Lamar County the damage will be minor with little to no secondary effects. 128 Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter Three 8. Overall Summary of Vulnerability and Impacts Many dams in Texas have recently received upgraded hazard levels due to the increase in downstram development. In the future more dams will be constructed while at the same time existing dams will reach their designed life spans. This will expose the public to a greater risk from the dam failure hazard. TCEQ recongnizing these issues has recently updated their Dam Safety Program rules and regulations. There is no record of dam failure occurring within the county and although the county has 4 high hazard dam, no detailed studies exist. Surge waves resulting from dam breaks have the potential to create major losses. Modern predictions of dam breaks rely on numerical predictions created using limited data. Lamar County is looking into the financing of a Dam Study. This study would give valuable insight on the severity, probability and vulnerability of the county to dam Failure event. The study would facilitate the need for updating the entire Dam Failure section of this plan. Table 8: Summary City of Paris Limited ty of Fut Unlikely pill Low City of Blossom Limited Unlikely Low City of Deport Limited Unlikely Low City of Reno Limited Unlikely Low City of Roxton Limited Unlikely Low Lamar County Limited Unlikely Low 129 Lamar County Multi- jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter Three Hazard Profile Work Sheet Hazard : Dam or Barrier Failure POTENTIAL SEVERITY OF IMPACT SUBSTANTIAL - Multiple Deaths - Complete shutdown of facilities for 30 days or more - More than 50% of property destroyed or with major damage MAJOR - Injuries and /or illnesses result in permanent disability - Complete shutdown of critical facilities for at least 2 weeks X - More than 25% of property destroyed or with major damage MINOR - Injuries and /or illnesses do not result in permanent disability - Complete shutdown of critical facilities for at least 1 week - More than 10% of property destroyed or with major damage LIMITIED - Injuries and /or illnesses that are treatable with first aid - Minor quality of life lost - Shutdown of critical facilities and services for 24 hours or less - Less than 10% of property destroyed or with major damage FREQUENCY OF OCCURANCE SEASONAL PATTERN(S) Highly Likely: Event probable in the next yr. Winter and Early Spring Likely: Event probable in the next 3 yrs. Occasional : Event possible in next 5 yrs. _X_ Unlikely : Event possible in next 10 yrs. SOURCE DOCUMENTS: National Inventory of Dams (NID), State Hazard Mitigation Plan, and National Resources and Conservation Service (NRCS), PROBABLE DURATION: Duration can vary from a few hours to days depending on the size and type of breach. _X Less than 6 hours _ 6 to 12 hours _ 12 to 24 hours more than 24 hours WARNING TIME (potential speed of onset): CASCADING POTENTIAL: A dam failure could cause mass flooding, damage to crops and structures destroyed. Existing Warning System(s): Local news media and door to door evacuation if needed. 130 Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter Three According to an Indian legend, a Caddo Indian chief was warned by the "Great Spirit" to move his village from the low lands. The Chief overlooked the warning and one day while he and his men were out hunting the gorund shook. When they returned, their village was gone beneath the water of the newly formed Caddo Lake. In 1811 New Madrid, Missouri had an earthquake that measured 8.9. This could have knocked down enough trees to form the great raft that dammed the Red River and formed Caddo Lake. Source:http://0ps.tamu.edu/X075bb/Caddolcaddo.htm/ HAZARD PROFILE: Section Ten - Earthquake 1. Description Over 100 earthquakes with a magnitude between three and six on the Richter scale have been recorded in Texas' history. Although most of those epicenters were far from Lamar County some of them wre felt by local residents. An earthquake is a sudden, rapid shaking of the earth caused by the breaking and shifting of rock beneath the earth surface. This sudden motion or trembling is caused by a release of strain accumulated within or along the edge or earth's tectonic plates. Earthquakes - The sudden rapid Tectonic plates lie below the Earth's crust. These plates are all moving in different directions at different speeds. These plates sometimes crash together pull apart, or even slide against each other. When this happens, it commonly results in an earthquake. 2. Location shaking of the earth caused by shifting of the rock beneath the earth's surface. — www.wikipedia.org All of Lamar County is equally susceptible to Earthquake. Earthquake is not limited to certain areas of the county or certain communities. It is regional in nature, covering vast expanses of the country. An extremely devastating earthquake centered several states away could affect Lamar County. With this in mind, all buildings and structures are equally susceptible to earthquake and its destruction. 3. Extent Earthquakes have a high potential for causing catastrophic casualties, property damage, and economic disruption. The extent of an earthquakes hazard depends greatly on the magnitude or size of the event. The magnitude is measured using the amplitude of ground motion as recorded on a seismograph. Figure 3 shows and compares the Richter or Local Magnitude Scale and the Modified Mercalli intensity Scale. An earthquake will only have one Magnitude number based on the epicenter. The same quake will have numerous MMI numbers with the largest nearest the epicenter and diminishing as the physical damages lessens. 131 Richter Scale or more recently Local Magnitude (M1) - Assigns a single number of quantify the amount of energy released by an earthquake. - www.wikipedia.org Modified Mercalli Intensity Scale (MMI) — used to measure an earthquake by quantifying the effects of the physical damage. — www.wikipedia.org Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter Three Table 3: Richter - Mercalli Scale 40 1 p . C V M «+ Q .L 7 - rA far LU L W y C W Cr M L G1 M W y 0 � Q L <2.0 Micro Micro earthquakes, not felt. 8,000 per I Anstrumental •. 2.0 -2.9 Minor Generally not Felt 1,000 /da II. Feeble y ,:;.0 -3.9 Min Often Felt, but rarely causes damage. 49,000 /yr III. Slight Noticeable shaking of indoor items, rattling IV. Moderate noises. Significant damage unlikely. (4.0 -4.3) 4.0 -4.9 Light 6,200 /yr V. Rather Strong (4.4.4.8) Felt by all. Many frightened. Damage to VI. Rather masonry mostly minor such as cracks and Strong (4.9 -5.4) 5.0 -5.9 Moderate flaking. Can cause major damage to poorly 800 /yr constructed buildings over small regions. VII. Strong (5.5- 6.1) Damage to masonry greater such as falling VIII. Destructive chimneys and movement of foundations. Can be (6.2 -6.5) 6.0 -6.9 Strong sestructive in areas up to about 160 kilometers 120 /yr (100 mi) across in populated areas. IX. Ruinous (6.6- 6.9) Most masonry and frame structures destroyed X. Disastrous with their fondations. Serous damage to dams (7.0 -7.3) 7.0-7.9 Major and barriers. Underground pipes burst. Can 18 /yr cause serious damage over larger areas. XI. Very Disastrous (7.4- 8.1) Can cause serious damage in areas several 1 XII. Catastrophic 8.0 -8.9 Great hundred miles across. Damage nearly total. occurren ( >8 1) ce /yr 9.0 -9.9 Great Catastrophic. Devastating in areas several 1 /yr XII. Catastrophic thousand miles accros. ( >8.1) 132 Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter Three 4. Previous Occurrences Earthquakes centered within lamar County are Rare but have occurred. The few events that have been recorded are largely unfelt and are seismically rated at or below a level 2. Occasionally earthquakes in this area are felt and documented. These quakes can be from natural origins but many times the tremor is caused from excavation and oil exploration. Some of these events include: Table 4: Earthquake Possibly Felt in Lamar County, Texas M 02/07/1812 1 8 Tectonic New Madrid, Mo Speculation to the formation of Caddo Lake 10/22/1882 5.6 Tectonic Ft. Gibson,Ok Bricks Chimneys were shaken Loose 04/09/1932 4 Oil Exploration Mexia, Texas Bricks, Chimneys near epicenter were shaken loose 04/12/1934 4.2 Tectonic N. of Paris, Tx 04/09/1952 5.5 Tectonic El Reno, Ok 03/19/1957 3 Oil Exploration Gladewater, Tx 05/31/1997 3.4 Tectonic Commerce, Tx 04/22/2005 3.0 Tectonic Oklahoma Source: institute for Geophysics. 133 Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter Three Figure 4a: Earthquakes Felt in Texas 1847 -2001 bx �{ li 1y�c�to t� ?1D C RtJSI 1 G46,4�' {� 1 tIM 0 Qft* '4_-+ 0 ff1liTRi�.*t 1 q 01vol alma ,. O We WSW 10*1 .. ice"' q�,S.lt47t 19d? 1 1ilt,ti ` Q 0 t � 11�1'S 1t� Arwn tllE1 ttlb4 ter 001614 1 1my b Q 1110 4rS: lwt low t� Q G 1 t on 7A3 1�rt�e,•.sj • Source: www.ia.utexas.edu The State of Texas has had one reported death and limited damage resulting from earthquakes. The highest magnitude quake was centered in Valentine, Texas on August 16, 1931. It registered 6.0 on the Richter scale. Masonry structures were damaged by the quake but there were no deaths. The one death came from a 4.7 magnitude quake near El Paso. A man lived about 10 miles from the epicenter in Mexico but died when his adobe house collapsed on him. 134 Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Figure 4b: 1932 Valentine Texas Earthquake's MMI Intensities 32 28 OB 104 too Bs Q® 104 101) 98 Source: www.ig.utexas.edu 5. Probability of Future Events Wr1 32 26 Chapter Three The United State Geological Survey's (USGS) PSHA models shown in Figure 6.5 gives the probability of an earthquake with a magnitude equal to or greater than 4.75 occuring in the next 50 years to be between 10% and 20 %. The probability increases to the north where more seismic activity has been recorded and projected. However, this region is most at risk from a very large, distant earthquake that might occur in Oklahoma or the Missouri - Tennesee areas that would have an MMI in this area of VI or greater. This type of earthquake has a probability of occurring once per 500 years. 135 16 August 1931 _ 1 -.0 t J- L_1-44 I- ,• �-� %y_-4_ -) 111 lift 1 _31V% 1 -4 9 Q® 104 101) 98 Source: www.ig.utexas.edu 5. Probability of Future Events Wr1 32 26 Chapter Three The United State Geological Survey's (USGS) PSHA models shown in Figure 6.5 gives the probability of an earthquake with a magnitude equal to or greater than 4.75 occuring in the next 50 years to be between 10% and 20 %. The probability increases to the north where more seismic activity has been recorded and projected. However, this region is most at risk from a very large, distant earthquake that might occur in Oklahoma or the Missouri - Tennesee areas that would have an MMI in this area of VI or greater. This type of earthquake has a probability of occurring once per 500 years. 135 Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter Three Figure 5a: Probability of an Earthquake with a Magnitude of > or = 4.75 with 50 Years ,. ,_ 36- 40 . WW W 00' I IA~ Kit, _ #0' OCr •N' W 00' WSW WW WW -",Oa 45' 10, Source: USGS PSHA Model FIGURE 5b: Peak Acceleration ( % /g) with 10% Probability of Exceedance in 50 Years w • r� +14 b t0 bD �1t . °G rS a 4 7 • S A 2 w Gp - , W u rx 0 075 0 'Dm coo 000 0 010 0 406 Source: US Geological Survey National Seismic Hazard Mapping Project 136 Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter Three 6. Vulnerability A building's construction is a key factor in withstanding the forces produced by earthquakes. Unreinforced Seismic risk uses the results of a seismic masonry buildings are most at risk in an earthquake hazard analysis, and includes both consequence and probability. - because the walls are prone to collapse outward. Steel www.wikipedia.org and wood buildings have more ability to absorb the I k, 0 energy from an earthquake. Wood buildings with proper foundation ties have rarely collapsed in earthquakes. The majority of homes in Lamar County are wooden structures. Most of Lamar County's seismic events are so small that they aren't felt but, these events could still be causing damage to the integrity of infrastructures. Because of the weak strength of existing earthquakes, and the low probability of significant event, information to quantify damage to infrastructure in the County has never been developed. It is the lack of planning that causes the county the most vulnerability. 7. Secondary Hazards Secondary hazards can include fire, landslides, collapse or structural failure of bridges, dams, overpasses, roads, and disruption of economic activity across the region. Dispersioon of contaminants from chemical spill and busted pipelines could also occur. Hazardous materials and other contaminants were not identified in the area, but will be addressed in updates of this plan. Ground movement during an earthquake is seldom the direct cause of death or injury. Most earthquake - related injuries result from collapsing walls, flying glass, and falling objects as a result of the ground shaking, or people trying to move more than a few feet during the shaking. 8. Overall Summary of Vulnerability and Impacts Earthquake Fads Largest recorded earthquake in the United States was a 9.2 that struck Prince William Sound, Alaska, March 28, 1964. Moonquakes ( "earthquakes" on the moon) happen less frequently and have smaller magnitudes than earthquakes on the Earth. The hypocenter of an earthquake is the location beneath the earth's surface where the rupture of the fault begins. The epicenter of an earthquake is the location directly above the hypocenter on the surface of the earth. From 1975 -1995 there were only four states that did not have any earthquakes reported. They were: Florida, Iowa, Damage from an earthquake centered in Lamar County is "Unlikely" but there is a small risk from earthquakes that may occur outside of Texas. Earthquakes in Lamar County are rare and the few events that have occurred were largely unfelt. There is concern as to the long term effects of the unfelt earthquakes on the integrity of numerous pipelines associated with the oil, gas, water and wastewater systems located within the County. However, these concerns do not appear to present significant problems and no information was found that would document damages to these systems. 137 Lamar County Multi - Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter Three Figure 8: Levels of horizontal shaking that have a 2 -in -100 chance of being exceeded in a 50 year period ►ly`acs� 1vu +. a Source: USGS Table 8: Summary City of Paris ential Severity of Limited obability of Fut Ey Unlikely Low City of Blossom Limited Unlikely Low City of Deport Limited Unlikely Low City of Reno Limited Unlikely Low City of Roxton Limited Unlikely Low Lamar County Limited Unlikely Low 138 Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter Three Hazard Profile Work Sheet Hazard : Earthquake POTENTIAL SEVERITY OF IMPACT SUBSTANTIAL - Multiple Deaths Complete shutdown of facilities for 30 days or more - More than 50% of property destroyed or with major damage MAJOR Injuries and /or illnesses result in permanent disability Complete shutdown of critical facilities for at least 2 weeks - More than 25% of property destroyed or with major damage MINOR Injuries and /or illnesses do not result in permanent disability Complete shutdown of critical facilities for at least 1 week More than 10% of property destroyed or with major damage LIMITIED - Injuries and /or illnesses that are treatable with first aid - Minor quality of life lost - Shutdown of critical facilities and services for 24 hours or less X - Less than 10% of property destroyed or with major damage FREQUENCY OF OCCURANCE SEASONAL PATTERN(S) Highly Likely: Event probable in the next yr. Likely: Event probable in the next 3 yrs. Occasional : Event possible in next 5 yrs. _X_ Unlikely: Event possible in next 10 yrs. SOURCE DOCUMENTS: Texas Hazard Mitigation Plan, www.thmp.info, USGS, and www.ig.utexas.edu PROBABLE DURATION: Duration can range from a few seconds to a couple if minutes. WARNING TIME (potential speed of onset): X Less than 6 hours _ 6 to 12 hours _ 12 to 24 hours more than 24 hours CASCADING POTENTIAL: Utility disruptions, structure damage, and dam or barrier failure. USGS monitors seismic activity. Existing Warning System(s): 139 Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan HAZARD PROFILE: SECTION ELEVEN - EXPANSIVE SOILS 1. Description Chapter Three Expansive soils are soils with a relatively high Expansive Soils - Soils that tend to swell or percentage of clay minerals that are subject to shrink based on moisture. changes in volume as they swell and shrink with changing moisture conditions. As the soils swell pressure is exerted on structures. When the soil dries out the soil shrinks and support for the structure can be displaced. These changes can impact the integrity of structures built on or within the surface of such soils 2. Location The entire county is susceptible to high to extremely high soil swelling. The map in Figure 2 shows the abundance of clay in the region and is based upon "Swelling Clays Map of the Continuous United States" by W. Olive, A. Chleborad, C. Frahme, J. Shlocker, R. Schneider and R. Schuster. Figure 2: Expansive Soils in Texas +r Abundance of clay in soils, extremely high swelling potential Frequent clay in soils, high swelling potential Some clay in soils, moderate swelling potential Little to no clay in soils, little to no swelling potential Source: www.geology.com 140 Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter Three 3. Extent The most extensive damage from expansive soils can occur to bridges, highways and streets. Homes, buildings and other structures can have extensive damage resulting in sticking doors, uneven floors and cracks in the foundation, floors, walls, and ceilings. The greatest damage occurs when structures are constructed when clays are dry (such as during a drought) and then subsequent soaking rains swell the clay. Damage can become so severe that the cost of repair can exceed the value of the building. Both public and private structures can develop extreme foundation problems during times of shrink -swell events. The most common signs of damage are cracks in foundations, brick exteriors, drywall interiors, sidewalks and other concrete structures within the building. Sewer and water lines are also affected by shrink swell soils. The action of the movement of the soils can snap water and sewer lines, producing a minimum of area discomfort, and a maximum of a serious health and welfare risk. 4. Previous Occurrences Since this hazard develops gradually and seldom presents a threat to life, problems may not be recognized as being related to expansive soils or may be considered only nuisances and therefore never repaired or reported. No records of specific incidences of structure loss due to expansive soils in Lamar County were found. 5. Probability of Future Events Since no records of specific incidences of loss associated with expansive soils were found and no specific areas of expansive soils were identified within the county, Probability of Future Events cannot be determined at this time. However, according to public opinion, the probability of future events of loss due to expansive soils within the county is possible. 6. Vulnerability The effects of expansive soils are most prevalent when periods of moderate to high precipitation are followed by drought and then again by periods of rainfall. Other cases of damage result from increases in moisture volume from such sources as broken or leaking water and sewer lines. Dry clays are capable of absorbing water and will increase in volume in an amount proportional to the amount of water absorbed. Areas capable of these changes in soil volume present a hazard to buildings, slabs, concrete, asphalt and other structures built over them and to the pipelines buried in them. Houses and one -story commercial buildings are more apt to be damaged by the expansion of swelling clays than are multi -story buildings, which are usually heavy enough to counter swelling pressures. However, if constructed on wet clay, multi -story buildings may also be damaged by clay shrinkage when moisture levels are substantially reduced. 141 Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter Three 7. Secondary Hazards Depending on the use of the pipeline, contamination of soils and groundwater could occur should buried pipelines become damaged by expansive soils. 8. Overall Summary of Vulnerability and Impacts Changes in soil volume present a hazard primarily to structures built on top of expansive soils. Damages occur as clay moisture content expands or shrinks the soil volume causing different parts of the structure to move at different rates and distances. Houses and one -story commercial buildings are more apt to be damaged since they are usually not heavy enough to counter swelling pressures. However, multi -story buildings may be damaged by clay shrinkage when moisture levels are substantially reduced. The local economy can feel the impacts if the expansive soils cause mass foundation issues within a community or jurisdictions. These issues can lower the values of homes which would reduce tax flow to the local governments and education systems. The issues could also discourage the settling of new resident and even businesses in the area. There are no records of specific incidences of loss within the County due to expansive soils. For large areas of the U.S., little information is reported other than field observations of the physical characteristics of clay. As a result, fixed criteria for determining the swelling potential have not been devised. Table 8: Summary City of Paris Potential Severity of Minor ent Likely Medium City of Blossom Minor Likely Medium City of Deport Minor Likely Medium City of Reno Minor Likely Medium City of Roxton Minor Likely Medium Lamar County Minor Likely Medium 142 Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter Three Hazard Profile Work Sheet Hazard : Epansive Soils POTENTIAL SEVERITY OF IMPACT SUBSTANTIAL - Multiple Deaths - Complete shutdown of facilities for 30 days or more - More than 50% of property destroyed or with major damage MAJOR - Injuries and /or illnesses result in permanent disability - Complete shutdown of critical facilities for at least 2 weeks - More than 25% of property destroyed or with major damage MINOR - Injuries and /or illnesses do not result in permanent disability - Complete shutdown of critical facilities for at least 1 week X - More than 10% of property destroyed or with major damage LIMITIED Injuries and /or illnesses that are treatable with first aid - Minor quality of life lost - Shutdown of critical facilities and services for 24 hours or less - Less than 10% of property destroyed or with major damage FREQUENCY OF OCCURANCE SEASONAL PATTERN(S) Highly Likely: Event probable in the next yr. X_ Likely: Event probable in the next 3 yrs. Occasional : Event possible in next 5 yrs. Unlikely : Event possible in next 10 yrs. SOURCE DOCUMENTS: e logy.com, state mitigation plan, and the Texas department of Insurance, PROBABLE DURATION: Varies from a days to years. WARNING TIME (potential speed of onset): Less than 6 hours 6 to 12 hours 12 to 24 hours _X_ more than 24 hours CASCADING POTENTIAL: Could cause old pipes to suddenly burst, and structural damage. Existing Warning System(s): Structure and facility inspections can alert of possible problems. 143 Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan HAZARD PROFILE: SECTION TWELVE - TERRORISM 1. Description Chapter Three Terrorism can strike anywhere and at anytime and have a substantial severity of impact. They run the risks of multiple deaths, shut down of critical facilities and the obliterating of properties. Although Lamar County has no publicized terrorist events, planning and mitigation can help reduce the risk. Terrorism is defined in the Code of Federal Regulations as "the unlawful use of force and violence against persons or property to intimidate or coerce a government, the civilian population, or any segment thereof, in furtherance of political or social objectives." The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) categorizes terrorism in the U.S. as one of two types: Domestic Terrorism - is terrorist activities that focus on facilities or populations without foreign direction. International Terrorism - is terrorist activities that are foreign -based and /or are sponsored by organizations or groups outside the U.S. This distinction between domestic or international terrorism refers not to where the terrorist act takes place but rather to the origin of the individuals or groups responsible for it. For example, the 1995 bombing of the Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City was an act of domestic terrorism, but the attacks of September 2001 were international in nature. International terrorism poses the greatest threat to our national security. Global trend indicate that the growing number of terrorist groups will become more networked and even harder to identify and track. Texas' critical infrastructures, valuable resources, and geographic location create unique counterterrorism challenges. 2. Location The form and locations of many natural hazards are identifiable and, even in some cases, predictable. Terrorism, however, cannot be forecast with any accuracy. There is, therefore, some potential for most, if not all, types of terrorist acts to occur anywhere and at any time. Figure 2a shows a generalized location of pipelines running through the county. This information due to security reasons is not exact and should only be used to give the reader an idea of the dimension of the potential threat. Pipelines, highways, and other infrastructure as shown in Figure 2b could be probable terrorist targets due to the potential to impair the local population. 144 Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter Three Figure 2a: Potential Targets for Terrorism - Transportation Infrastructure l _ _ _ r r - - w 111 AS `) r a t 145 Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter Three 3. Extent The extent of a terrorist attack can vary from small to catastrophic. An attack can cause multiple deaths, completely shut down facilities for thirty days or more, and cause more than fifty percent of affected properties to be destroyed or suffer major damage. Even a small terrorist incident could have multiple impacts spreading throughout a community, such as disruption of services, interruptions to business, banking, communications systems, and long term trauma to responders, witnesses, caregivers, and others. A terrorist event could devastate the county physically, economically, and psychologically for many years to come. Table 3.1 : terrorist Attack Types erors gei Descrp err 7Bombs,'Gunis, • Traditionalll weapons used by terrorists worldwide Explosives, Fres • Less technically and resource demanding to create • The release of infectious microbes or toxins to produce illness or death in people, animals, or plants Biological Agent . Can be dispersed as aerosols or airborne particles • Potential biological weapons include: anthrax, botulism, smallpox, water safety threats, and food safety threats. • Difficult to cultivate and disseminate • Can kill or incapacitate people, slay livestock, and destroy crops. • Some are odorless and tasteless making them even harder to detect Chemical Agent • Wide array of potential chemical agents that could be used as weapons • Vary in the effects on the body based on required dose, exposure mechanism, and length of exposure, toxicity, origination, and form. • Examples of chemical agents, mustard agent and cyanide. Radiological Agent • Constructing a nuclear bomb would be relatively difficult and require 146 Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter Three 4. Previous Occurrences No community in Lamar County has experienced a terrorist act. The U.S., as shown in Table 4, has experienced severe terrorist activities. Table 4: Recent Terrorist Events 4/19/1995 special resources, training, and materials Tim McVeigh & Terry • The fallout could have secondary impacts greater than the original act 168 deaths & over • Attacks computers and networks, and the information contained within Cyber Terrorism them Domestic • Could potentially disrupt communications, banking systems, power 9/11/2001 systems, and emergency networks 4. Previous Occurrences No community in Lamar County has experienced a terrorist act. The U.S., as shown in Table 4, has experienced severe terrorist activities. Table 4: Recent Terrorist Events 4/19/1995 OKC Murrah Federal Tim McVeigh & Terry 168 deaths & over Building Nichols Domestic 800 injuries 9/11/2001 world Trade Center Al -Qaeda Over 2,800 deaths & Attack International over 6,000 injuries 9/11/2001 Pentagon Attack Al -Qaeda 184 deaths International 9/11/2001 Plane Crash Al -Qaeda 40 deaths Internatonal 9/18/2001 Anthrax Attacks Bruce Ivans 5 deaths International 147 Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter Three 5. Probability of Future Events The Department of Defense (DOD) estimates that as many as 26 nations may possess chemical agents and /or weapons and the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) reports that at least ten countries are believed to possess or to be conducting research on biological agents for weapon use. As more countries possess and acquire these ability the probability of future events increases. Table 5 show The Homeland Security Advisory System. This system issued by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, is a color -coded terrorism warning system that sets out five threat levels Table 5: The Homeland Security Advisory System Color Threat Description Level Level Requires — protective measuresll such as regularly assessing facilities for weaknesses and finding ways to reduce them, and making sure State and Low local government employees are trained to handle terrorism situations. Requires government agencies to review and update emergency response procedures and communications systems, as well as provide Guarded the public with necessary information. Includes increasing surveillance of critical locations, coordinating emergency plans with nearby jurisdictions and implementing contingency Yellow Elevated and emergency response plans. Requires coordinating necessary security efforts with armed forces or law enforcement agencies, taking additional precautions at public events, Orange High preparing to work at an alternative site or with a dispersed workforce and restricting access to essential personnel. Includes assigning emergency response personnel and setting up specially trained teams; monitoring, redirecting, or constraining Severe transportation systems; closing public an 148 Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter Three 6. Vulnerability Terrorists look for visible targets where they can avoid detection before or after an attack such as international airports, large cities, major international events, resorts, and high - profile landmarks. Since no high visible targets are located in Lamar County the greatest risk is from an attack on the transportation system. The areas along the major transportation routes Hwy 82, Hwy 56, and Hwy 121, along with the Hwy 78 Red River Bridge are the most vulnerable. A terrorist attack could disrupt transportation of necessities, distress the local economy, and cause mass injuries and deaths. According to the —Lamar County Soil Surveyll, agriculture is the main business in Lamar County. Therefore an act of agri- terrorism or the use of biological agents on agriculture would be the most damaging to the county. The risk of such attack is low but the use and exposure to these agents can remain unknown for several days, and allowing for the possible spreading of contamination. 7. Secondary Hazards The resulting secondary effects from an act of terrorism are contingent on the type, location, and severity of the initial event. A nuclear detonation is potentially the most destructive of any terrorist attack. The amount of destruction would vary depending on the size of the weapon. The secondary effects or fallout would depend on other factors, such as wind speed and weather conditions. The fallout effects on the surrounding environment and population could be felt for many years and have greater secondary effect than the initial event. 8. Overall Summary of Vulnerability and Impacts While we may not be able to prevent an attack, it is well within our ability to lessen the likelihood and /or the potential effects of an incident. Cities in the county should continue to improve their readiness to respond to a terrorist incident though participation in State and Federal programs that provide training and equipment for agencies that would respond to a local terrorist incident, and in exercises that help to improve agency coordination and test local response plans. Although the likelihood of a terrorist attack in Lamar County is currently low the chances could increase during the five -year life of this plan. Future plans need to address this hazard in more detail. 149 Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter Three Table 8: Summary community City of Paris " "Wtential Severity of Impact Substantial Pro 0 y o uture Events— Occasional Medium City of Blossom Substantial Occasional Medium City of Deport Substantial Occasional Medium City of Reno Substantial Occasional Medium City of Roxton Substantial Occasional Medium Lamar County Substantial Occasional Medium 150 Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter Three Hazard Profile Work Sheet Hazard : Terrorism POTENTIAL SEVERITY OF IMPACT SUBSTANTIAL - Multiple Deaths - Complete shutdown of facilities for 30 days or more X - More than 50% of property destroyed or with major damage MAJOR - Injuries and /or illnesses result in permanent disability - Complete shutdown of critical facilities for at least 2 weeks X - More than 25% of property destroyed or with major damage MINOR - Injuries and /or illnesses do not result in permanent disability Complete shutdown of critical facilities for at least 1 week X More than 10% of property destroyed or with major damage LIMITIED Injuries and /or illnesses that are treatable with first aid - Minor quality of life lost Shutdown of critical facilities and services for 24 hours or less X Less than 10% of property destroyed or with major damage FREQUENCY OF OCCURANCE SEASONAL PATTERN(S) Highly Likely: Event probable in the next yr. Likely: Event probable in the next 3 yrs. X_ Occasional : Event possible in next 5 yrs. Unlikely : Event possible in next 10 yrs. SOURCE DOCUMENTS: CDI- Terrorism Project, Texas Homeland Security Strategic Plan, ATCOG Regional Response Plan. PROBABLE DURATION: Varies from a days to years. WARNING TIME (potential speed of onset): X Less than 6 hours _ 6 to 12 hours _ 12 to 24 hours more than 24 hours CASCADING POTENTIAL: Utility explosions, Contaminated Air, Food, and Water. Local and National Media. Existing Warning System(s): 151 Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter Three HAZARD PROFILE: SECTION THIRTEEN - HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 1. Descriptions Hazardous materials are substances which if released or misused can cause death, serious injury, long- lasting health effects, and damage to structure and other properties as well as to the environment. Many products containing hazardous chemicals are used and stored in homes routinely. These products are also shipped daily on the nation's highways, railroads, waterways, and pipelines. 2. Location BE PREPARED Have disaster supplies on hand. • Flashlight and extra batteries • Portable, battery- operated radio & extra batteries • First aid kit and manual • Emergency food and water • Nonelectric can opener • Essential medicines • Cash and credit cards • Sturdy shoes Varying quantities of hazardous materials from industrial chemicals and toxic waste to household detergent and air fresheners, hazardous materials are part of our everyday lives. Hazardous material incidents can range from a chemical spill on a highway to contamination of groundwater by naturally occurring methane gas. Communities and residences located near industries or other property that use hazardous materials have a higher risk of a hazardous materials incident. However, many hazardous materials are transported regularly over our highways and by rail, and if released during transport these materials can spread quickly to any nearby community. Human error is the probable cause of most transportation incidents involving the release of hazardous materials. Specialized equipment is often required to safely handle or dispose of hazardous materials. Hazardous materials incidents vary in their intensity, size, and duration. Most incidents are small in scope and only require a limited response. Occasionally there will be a large incident or one involving a chemical that requires evacuation of the surrounding area. 3. Extent Title III of the 1986 Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA) and the Clean Air Act of 1990 mandate 'cradle to grave' tracking of specified hazardous materials by requiring users to report what chemicals they are using, releasing into the air, and how they will respond to an emergency. Two Categories of hazardous materials incidents are addressed in this plan: • Incidents at fixed hazardous materials facilities • Incidents involving the transportation of toxic materials. In a hazardous materials incident, solid, liquid, and /or gaseous contaminants may be released from fixed or mobile containers. Weather conditions will directly affect how thee hazard develops. Shielding (sheltering -in- place) can protect people and property from harmful effects. Conversely, non - compliance with fire and building codes and failure to take other fire and containment precautions can substantially increase the damage from hazardous materials release. 152 Lamar County Multi- jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter Three 4. Previous Occurrences Between 1982 and 1991 there was an annual average of 6,774 hazardous materials transportation incidents nationally. In 1991, there were 9,069 transportation incidents that resulted in 10 deaths and 436 injuries. Lamar County emergency officials respond to numerous small hazardous material incidents and continuously prepare for larger once. Chart 4: Incidents Reported to the National Response Center (NRC) from 1991 -2003 Railroad Non -R 3% Pipe 70 Mobile 11% Unki Source: NRC Discharges Reported in U.S. (1991 -2003) Drill /Exercise % Continuous Airrrnft Unknown 153 Fixed 52% Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter Three 5. Probability of Future Events The transport of hazardous material and explosives through Lamar County is regulated by the State Department of Transportation. Hazardous Materials are transported to and through the county by vehicles using Hwy 82 and other main arteries. The risk of hazardous material spills during transport exists and may increase with the continued industrial development of the County. Many businesses through intentional action, lack of awareness, or accidental occurrences have caused contamination on and around their properties. 6. Vulnerability All persons and properties in Lamar County are susceptible to a hazardous material release or spill with little or no warning. The degree to which the population and properties depends on factors multiplied by various conditions. These factors and conditions include the material, toxicity, duration of the release and environmental conditions such as the wind and precipitation. Lamar County transportation system doesn't require the transportation of hazardous material to avoid driving though the city. This means that potentially lethal ,hazardous, and flammable materials pass within two hundred feet of critical infrastructure such as the Lamar County Courthouse. 7. Secondary Hazards A hazardous material accident can have secondary effects on the environment, local economy, and society. IF the materials spilled are flammable, both urban and rural fires can occur. The greatest secondary effect is associated with transportation accidents that occur on major transportation routes. These events can casue traffic accident and have the potential to expose a moving population to toxic chemicals without a way of monitoring any lasting effects. 8. Overall Summary of Vulnerability and Impacts In a hazardous material incident, solid liquid, and /or gaseous contaminants may be released from fixed or mobile containers. Weather conditions will directly affect how the hazard develops. The micro - meterological effects of building and terrain can alter travel and duration of agents. Shielding in the form of sheltering -in -place can protect people and property from harmful effects. Non - compliance with fire and building codes as well as failure to maintain existing fire and containment features can substantially increase the damage from a hazardous materials release. 154 Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter Three Table 8: Summary Community Potential Severity of Impact Proha6 f ty of Future Events Risk Medium Diffierernce ustifications _. City has multiple high traffic transportation routes in and out in addition to a higher population density. City of Paris Minor Likely City of Blossom Limited Unlikely Low City of Deport Limited Unlikely Low City of Reno Limited Unlikely Low City of Roxton Limited Unlikely Low Lamar County Limited Unlikely Low City of Toco Limited Unlikely Low 155 Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter Three Hazard Profile Work Sheet Hazard : Terrorism POTENTIAL SEVERITY OF IMPACT SUBSTANTIAL - Multiple Deaths - Complete shutdown of facilities for 30 days or more X - More than 50% of property destroyed or with major damage MAJOR - Injuries and /or illnesses result in permanent disability - Complete shutdown of critical facilities for at least 2 weeks X - More than 25% of property destroyed or with major damage MINOR - Injuries and /or illnesses do not result in permanent disability - Complete shutdown of critical facilities for at least 1 week X - More than 10% of property destroyed or with major damage LIMITIED - Injuries and /or illnesses that are treatable with first aid - Minor quality of life lost - Shutdown of critical facilities and services for 24 hours or less X - Less than 10% of property destroyed or with major damage FREQUENCY OF OCCURANCE SEASONAL PATTERN(S) Highly Likely: Event probable in the next yr. Likely: Event probable in the next 3 yrs. _X_ Occasional : Event possible in next 5 yrs. Unlikely : Event possible in next 10 yrs. SOURCE DOCUMENTS: Homeland Security Strategic Plan, Emergency Response Review, PROBABLE DURATION: Varies from less than a day to years WARNING TIME (potential speed of onset): X Less than 6 hours _ 6 to 12 hours _ 12 to 24 hours more than 24 hours CASCADING POTENTIAL: Contaminated Air and Water, Fures, Future Public Health Issues Local and National Media. Existing Warning System(s): 156 Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter Three 3.3 STRUCTURE AND PROPERTY ASSESSMENT Identifying what is vulnerable to a disaster not only provides insight into the potential post - disaster losses but calls attention to the need for protecting these structures and properties. Hazard Mitigation Plan Team (HMPT) Members, assisted in the location of these facilities. GIS software, past incident dates, and HMPT input was used to determine which facilities were most vulnerable to hazards. Maps of these properties are available in Appendix B. When assessing structure and properties seven types of structures and properties were identified: Residential Structures — Any structure, movable or immovable, permanent or temporary, adapted for human residence, whether occupied or not. The plan identifies three categories of residential structures when assessing the vulnerability of properties: Single Family Homes - Site built homes designed for one family unit. Manufactured Homes - Single family homes that are factory assembled and moved to site. Multi - Family Homes - Structures designed to house multiple family units. Table 3.3a: Residential Structures in Lamar County Area Single Family Homes *Total Single Family Values Manufactured Homes *Total Manufactured Values *Total Value Blossom 539 30,561,300 53 2,650,000 33,211,300 Deport 823 49,380,000 199 11,940,00 61,320,000 Paris 11,030 882,400,000 319 15,950,000 896,440,000 Reno 1022 91,980,000 22 1,100,000 99,080,000 Roxton 565 39,550,000 83 4,150,000 43,700,000 Unincorporated Areas 4,278 346,518,000 1284 64,200,000 410,718,000 Lamar County Total 18295 1,442,504,300 1,875 100,140,000 1,542,644,300 Source : US Census * - values based on Median dollar value of owner - occupied units by number of total units 1S7 Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter Three 2. Transportation System — is the network of roads, streets, or any other structure which allows for vehicular movement. Lamar County's transporation system is made up of over 2,000 miles of paved, concrete, and dirt or all- weather roads. The major thoroughfares are U.S. Highway 82, US Highway 271, and Highway 19/24. Table 3.3b: Critical Lamar County Transportation Assets rop7eRW Descriptio " Hwy 271 North Red River Bridge Major access point to Oklahoma from Lamar County Hwy 19/24 County Line Bridge Major Access point from Lamar County across Sulpur River Bridge into Delta County Cox Field Airport . Only public airport in county Landing lights and fuel available US. Highway 82 Approx. 32 miles running east ans west located in Lamar County US Highway 271 Approx. 38 Miles running from North Lamar County to Paris and then South East into Red River County US Highway 19/24 Running From the City of Paris South to Delta County. Loop 286 Loop that provides access to multiple portions of the City of Paris with multiple overpasses 3. Critical Infrastructures — the array of assets and systems that, if disrupted, could threaten security, economy, public health, and the safety of the residents they serve. Since September 11, 2001 critical infrastructures have been a top priority in homeland security planning. Critical infrastructures include: utility systems, public safety, communications systems, etc. 158 Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter Three Table 3.3c: Critical Facilities and Properties in Lamar County Critical Facility Location Facility Type Structure Type Valu' Name � Blossom City Blossom Administration Metal Structure $100,000.00 Hall Blossom Water Blossom Utilities $1,000,000.00 Department (1500 Customers) Blossom Vol. 201 Pine Public Safety Metal Structure $100,000.00 Fire Department Street, Blossom Deport City Hall Deport Administration Masonry $75,000.00 Deport Water Deport $100,000.00 Department (800 Deport VFD Deport Public Safety Metal Structure $75,000.00 Paris City Hall Paris Administration Masonry $1,465,100.00 Paris City Hall Paris Public Safety Masonry $248,000.00 Annex Paris Police Paris Public Safety Masonry $6,000,000.00 Department Paris Fire Paris Public Safety Masonry $2,123,000.00 Department — 3 locations Paris EMS — 3 Paris Public Safety Masonry /Metal $600,000.00 Stations Paris Water Paris Utilities Masnry/Metal $25,000,000.00 Treatment Plant Deport City Barn Deport Maintenance /Utilities Metal Structure $150,000.00 City of Roxton Roxton Adminstration Metal Structure $100,000.00 City Hall 159 Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter Three City of Roxton Roxton Utilities $1,500,000.00 Water Treatment Facility City of Roxton Utilities Metal Structure $75,000.00 City Barn City of Roxton Roxton Public Safety Metal Structure $100,000.00 Volunteer Fire Department Paris Paris Utilities Masonry/Metal $25,000,000.00 Wastewater Treatment Plant Paris Paris Utilities Masonry/Metal $25,000,000.00 Wastewater Treatment Plant Pat Mayse Water Paris Utilities Masonry/Metal $45,000.00 Intake (3)Overhead Paris Utilities Concrete /Metal $6,000,000.00 Water Towers (19) Wastewater Paris Utilities Masonry /Metal $3,000,000.00 Lift Stations Master Lift Paris Utilities Masonry $603,100.00 Station Grand Water Paris Utilities Masonry $2,000,000.00 Storage Paris Regional Paris Medical Masonry Medical Center North Campus Paris Regional Paris Medical Masonry Medical Center South Campus Cross Country Paris Utilities Masonry Communications Suddenlink Paris Utilities Masonry 160 Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter Three Communications Natural Resource Oncor Electrical Paris Utilities Masonry Pine Street, Substations Blossom Periodicals, Etc. Blossom Museum Cox Field Paris Transportation Masonry $2,000,000.00 Municipal City of Roxton Drug Airport/Hangers Store Muesem Paris Paris Utilities Masonry /Metal $25,000,000.00 Wastewater Artifacts Rails for Trail Roxton Treatment Plant $100,000.00 Pat Mayse Water Paris Utilities Masonry /Metal $45,000.00 Intake (3)Overhead Paris Utilities Concrete /Metal $6,000,000.00 Water Towers (19) Wastewater Paris Utilities Masonry /Metal $3,000,000.00 Lift Stations Source: Chamber of Commerce, HMPC, & Local Businesses 4. Historic, Cultural, & Natural Resource Areas — this includes structures, sites, cultural and historic places, wildlife preserves and parks. Table 3.3d: Historic, Cultural, & Natural Resource Facilities and Properties in Lamar County Historic, Cultural $ Natural Resource Location Descri Books, $75,000.00 Blossom Public Pine Street, Library Blossom Periodicals, Etc. Blossom Museum Pine Street, Books, Periodicals, $80,000.00 Blossom Articfacts City of Roxton Drug $100,000.00 Store Muesem City of Roxton Dr. Roxton Books, Periodicals, $100,000.00 Gregory Library Artifacts Rails for Trail Roxton Artificats, Historical $100,000.00 161 Lamar County Multi - Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter Three 162 Items Lamar County 1125 Bonham . Books, $247,520.00 Genealogical Periodicals, Etc. Museum /Union Paris, Texas Station Sam Bell Maxey 800 S. Church . Historic $217,520.00 House Structure, including artifacts, original furnishing, etc. Lamar County Paris . Historical items $165,560.00 Historical Museum pertaining to Lamar County Paris Public Library Paris • Books, $1,016,900.00 Periodicals, etc. Red River Valley Paris . Historic $1,009,090.00 Fairgrounds coliseum, rodeo arena Trail de Paris Paris . Nature trail $800,000.00 Culbertson Paris • Fountain Fountain donated to Paris Market Square Paris . Farmers Market $318,720.00 Bywaters Park Paris . Performance $169,880.00 Peristyle site of Municipal Band Historic Downtown Paris . Nationally $1,000,000.00 Paris registered district Old Central Fire Paris . Renovated for $806,250.00 Station and City City Council Hall Chambers 162 Lamar County Multi- jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter Three Heritage Hall Paris . Restored $240,800.00 Historic Warehouse Paris Jr. College Paris . Periodicals, Archives Micro Fish, Historical, etc. Evergreen Paris . Texas $704,460.00 Cemetery Landmark Cemetery Lamar County Paris • Historically $5,097,470.00 Courthouse Restored Scott Mansion Paris . Nationally $424,820.00 Registered Landmark First United Paris . Nationally $1,355,200.00 Methodist Church Registered Landmark Old Magnolia House Paris . Texas $132,810.00 Landmark St. Paul Baptist Paris . Texas $545,580.00 Church Landmark First Baptist Church Paris . Texas $1,491,270.00 Landmark Episcopal Church Paris • Texas $406,150.00 Landmark First Presbyterian Paris • Texas $370,340.00 Church Landmark 5. Economic Elements - consists of major employers and retail districts could cause significant impact to the local economy. Table 3.3e: Economic Elements in Lamar County Economic Location Employees Business Type Structure AnIW Element Type Payroll Name 1 c,.; Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter Three Lamar Paris 300 Government Masonry $6,302,889.00 County Population Area Kimberly- Paris 600 Consumer Metal /Steel Clark Good Manufactureing Turner- Paris 590 Metal /Pipe Metal /Steel Industries manufacturing Campbell Paris 768 Food Masonry Soup Manufacturing Blossom Blossom 40 Manufacturing Mix : $1,000,000.00 Machine Masonry /Metal Shop Korney Roxton 15 Manufacturing Masonry $450,000.00 Huhtamaki Paris 150 Consumer Metal Goods w /Masonry Manufacturing Paris Paris 700 Medical Masonry Regional Services Medical Center City of Paris 325 Government Masonry Paris Source: Chamber o)' Commerce, HMPC, & Local Businesses 6. High Density and Special Consideration Areas — local areas with high population density, or with a population that may be more vulnerable to losses. This section includes schools, mobile home communities, and senior care living facilities. Table 3.3f: High Density & Special Consideration Areas in Lamar County High Density & Special Consideration Location Facility Type Population Area Chisum ISD Lamar County Education 870 Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter Three North Lamar ISD Paris Education 2500 Paris ISD Paris Education 3500 Prairiland ISD Pattonville, Deport, Blossom Education Nursing Home Roxton ISD Roxton Education 170 Roxton Arms Roxton Housing Authority 100 Love Civic Center Paris Civic Center Varied Alterra Sterling House Paris Residential /Assisted Living 50 Colonial Lodge Paris Residential /Assisted Living 45 Paris Oaks Paris Residential /Assisted Living 60 Legends Healthcare Paris Residential /Assisted Living 120 Paris Health Care Paris Residential /Assisted Living 130 Paris Nursing Home Paris Residential /Assisted Living 150 Springlake Assisted Living Paris Residential /Assisted Living 60 Heritage House Paris Residential /Assisted Living 90 Paris Regional Medical Center North Paris Medical Facility 200 Paris Regional Medical Center South Paris Medical Facility 100 7. Hazardous Material Facilities — facilities that store or use potentially hazardous materials, such as corrosives, explosives, and toxins. 165 Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter Three Table 3.3g: Hazardous Material Facilities in Lamar County Nazar 'ous ' a er ,a aciF y aca on Ype Wal -Mart Supercenter Paris Paris Paints, Chemicals, Clearers, etc Home Depot Valley Feed Mill Load Trail Chemicals Wal -Mart Super Center Paris Paints, Cleaners, Propane, Solvents Campbell Soup Paris Liquified Ammonia in excess of 10,000 pounds AirGas Paris Oxygen, Acetylene, Nitorus Oxide Paris Waste Water Paris Ammonia 7,OOO;bs, Chlorine 10,000 Ibs Paris Water Treatment Paris Chlorine 26,000 Ibs, Sulphur dioxide 26,000 Ibs City of Paris Pool Paris Cholrine A&J Propane Paris 24,000 gallons propane Amerigas Propane Paris 24,000 gallsons propane Cooper Propane Co. Paris 24,000 gallons propane McQueen Propane Paris 24,000 Gallons Propane Blankenship Oil Paris 70,000 gals of Diesel and Gasoline Kerosene McGraw Oil Co. Paris 70,000 gals of diesel and Gasoline, Kerosene Paris Oxygen Co. Paris Various High Pressure Gases Aqua Clean Services Paris 19 Chemicals listed on Tier 2 Estes Chemical Paris Large Quantities of 166 Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter Three Source: Chamber of Commerce, HMPC, & Local Businesses 3.4 LAND USE Lamar County, Texas is rural county located in north Texas near the Texas - Oklahoma border. The county is a lightly populated agricultural area with Paris being the seat and the main source of employment. The County's land use is used predominantly agricultural with vast hay and pasture land. Other land uses include residential, light industrial, and commercial. The county is not expected to undergo development pressure and does not anticipate any changes in land use within the next 5 years. The potential relocation of a major employer to the county would alter the land use patterns surrounding that area. This development cannot be forecasted at this time but would necessitate an update to this plan. 3.5 DEVELOPMENT TRENDS Lamar County grew steadily from the Civil War to the turn of the 20th Century. Agriculture was the main source of income with cotton and corn being the leading crops. In 1900 the county had a population of approximately 50,000. After the turn of the century the population slowly decreased. The depression brought a loss of farm values over 40% and pushed a decline in the number of farms. Cotton and corn production dropped sharply during the 1950's and took with it a large part of the population. The population and number of farms continually decline until the 1970's. During this period the corn and cotton farms were changing to cattle ranches. The population slowly started to rebound in the 1970's with an increase in manufacturing, banking, retail, and cattle farms. The population is expected to continue to increase to over 50,000 by 2015. 167 Pesticides and herbacides Crop Production Services Paris Ammonium Nitrate and other Fertilizer compounds American Plant Food Paris Ammonium Nitrate and other fertilizers Unruh Fertilizer Paris Ammonium Nitrate and other fertilizers. Home Depot Paris Paints, Chemicals, Propane, Solvents Paris Lumbewr Paris Paints, Chemicals, Propane, Solvents McCoy's Building Supply Paris Paints, Chemicals, Propane, Solvents Source: Chamber of Commerce, HMPC, & Local Businesses 3.4 LAND USE Lamar County, Texas is rural county located in north Texas near the Texas - Oklahoma border. The county is a lightly populated agricultural area with Paris being the seat and the main source of employment. The County's land use is used predominantly agricultural with vast hay and pasture land. Other land uses include residential, light industrial, and commercial. The county is not expected to undergo development pressure and does not anticipate any changes in land use within the next 5 years. The potential relocation of a major employer to the county would alter the land use patterns surrounding that area. This development cannot be forecasted at this time but would necessitate an update to this plan. 3.5 DEVELOPMENT TRENDS Lamar County grew steadily from the Civil War to the turn of the 20th Century. Agriculture was the main source of income with cotton and corn being the leading crops. In 1900 the county had a population of approximately 50,000. After the turn of the century the population slowly decreased. The depression brought a loss of farm values over 40% and pushed a decline in the number of farms. Cotton and corn production dropped sharply during the 1950's and took with it a large part of the population. The population and number of farms continually decline until the 1970's. During this period the corn and cotton farms were changing to cattle ranches. The population slowly started to rebound in the 1970's with an increase in manufacturing, banking, retail, and cattle farms. The population is expected to continue to increase to over 50,000 by 2015. 167 Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter Three Future Growth areas are seen along Hwy 82 and Hwy 271 and Hwy 19/24. The growth in the county is being encouraged industry, business, retail and tourism in the county. The Paris Chamber of Commerce and the PEDC welcomes visitors with open arms and provides them with everything from county and local street maps to historic points of interest. 3.6 POTENTIAL DOLLAR LOSS & IMPACT Potential dollar loss was estimated for each hazard based on losses recorded from previous natural hazard evetns. The total recorded loss was divided by the number of events to obtain an average potential dollar loss per event. An attempt was made to estimate losses for all hazards profiled in this plan, however due to limited resources, detailed data for estimating specific potential dollar loss for many of the natural hazards were not available. All 20 jurisdictions realize the importance of having good local data and have proposed Mitigation Actions to develop a database of hazard information. This information will be useful as a planning mechanism and benefit cost analysis tool when applying for grants. TORNADOES Texas Ranks number one in frequency, deaths, and costs of damages from tornadoes. Between 1950 and 1955 there were 478 fatalities, and 7,554 injuries reported as the result of tornado events. The costs of tornadoes throughout the state during this period were $1,986,918,400 producing a yearly cost of $3.94 per person in damages. The risk of death from a tornado in Texas is 1 in 1,054,267 and the risk of an injury in any given year is 1 in 66,712. Lamar County had reported approximately $50 million dollars in damages from the 1982 F4 tornado. This event alone translates to a $1 million in damages per year when evaluated over the past 50 years. Other potential losses that are hard to estimate include economic impact from damaged businesses that fail to reopen and infrastructure disruption. The largest expenses are for repairs to public facilities and clean up and disposal of debris. A worst case scenario would be an EF3 or greater tornado traveling from the South western corner of the county traveling through the cities of Roxton , Paris, and Reno in one system. This type of event would have a potential dollar loss in the millions with multiple fatalities and injuries. There are numerous highly populated facilities and critical infrastructures located within this path. HAILSTORM According to the NCDC, Lamar County experienced 78 large -hail events since 2000. Over $304,000.00 in damages were recorded. Therefore, based on this total damages recorded, the average potential dollar loss per hail event is estimated at $3,897.00. However, this total is suspect, since much hail damage is believed to go unreported. It must also be noted that dollar W. Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter Three loss specific to hail damages recorded for areas outside municipalities within the county is not always available, therefor crop damage due to hail may not be accurately recorded in the NCDC, and thus, not accurately reflected in the estimated potential dollar loss per event. Mitigation actions are proposed by all jurisdictions to develop a weather event database to collect better data. This data will allow for the future plans to have better past occurrence information allowing for an average cost estimate for hailstorm and other weather events. EXTREME HEAT County- Specific data pertaining to dollar loss resulting from Extreme Heat was not found. Therefore, estimates for potential loss could not be derived. Such loss is likely to include livestock and crop damage, but itt is most likely to be associated with drought, rather than extreme heat. Local jurisdictions plan to keep a weather database as a mitigation action. This database will contain temperatures, along with any emergency calls for heat induced illnesses or fatalities. This data can then be used as a planning tool within the communities. DROUGHT The primary impact of drought in Lamar County is reduced crop yields and damage to rangeland. According to the USDA there were over 100,000 head of cattle in the county in 2008. The cost supplemental feeding due to a drought can be enormous and the effects to the local and regional economy of having to reduce herds can be devastating. In a severe drought year the production of crops would be severely diminished and the local economy could suffer with the omitted income. Since drought events are regional in nature and can vary in magnitude greatly over small distances the potential dollar loss is difficult to estimate and have not been calculated in this plan. As a mitigation action local producers are encouraged to do yearly acreage reports at the Lamar County Farm Service Agency. FLOOD County assets such as roads and bridges are often damaged by floods. The structures located may require cleanup and repairs after flood events. Total costs associated with the cleanup and repairs were not available. However, the county intends to include specific road and bridge projects as mitigation actions in updates to the Hazard Mitigation Plan. At that time the projects will be prioritized and cost associated with the repairs /cleanup versus the cost of the mitigation. According to the national Climatic Data Center (NCDC), Lamar County has experienced 0 flood events that resulted in no amount of flood damages since 2006. Therefore the average potential dollar loss is estimated at $0 per event. However, the Skipper Steely history of events shows a significantly higher number of flood incident but did not yield a value in damages. Since improvements in Lamar County have been directed away from flood plains, an estimated population of less than 5% was found to live in flood zones within the county. When compared to the county's total population, this resulted in less than 3% of the population living within a flood zone. GIS was used to help associate population and housing with flood zones to obtain this estimate. FEMA's Map Service Center was used to identify flood zones for most of the county. The flood areas for Some political sub - divisions of Lamar county was determined using terrain maps and local imput because these communities did not have updated data available in the Map Service Center. 169 Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter Three The county has had no reported deaths to be caused by flash flooding. Lamar County Emergency Management concludes that county citizens who live in affected areas are aware of the dangers, thus resulting in the low human casualty rate. With early warning from the National Weather service, Lamar County is able to activate response personnel in a timely manner to prevent loss of life with a minimal loss to property. These citizens to need to reminded that even one inch of flood water in a home can cause considerable damage as shown in Table 3.6a Table 3.6a. M 1 inch M Drywall, Carpet & Flooring, Baseboards & Moldings, $7,800+ Furniture, etc. Drywall, Carpet & Flooring, Baseboards & Moldings, 5 inches Furniture, Electronics, etc. $11,500+ Drywall, Carpet & Flooring, Baseboards & Moldings, 9 Inches Furniture, Electronics, Appliances, Cabinetry, etc. $19,000+ Drywall, Carpet & Flooring, Baseboards & Moldings, Furniture, Electronics, Appliances, Cabinetry, Electrical 13 inches System, AC /Furnace etc. $22,000+ Drywall, Carpet & Flooring, Baseboards & Moldings, Furniture, Electronics, Appliances, Cabinetry, Electrical 16 Inches System, AC /Furnace, Doors, Long Term Mold Concern, etc $26,300+ Source: www.floodsmart.gov THUNDERSTORMS Lamar County has had 62 strong thunderstorm /high wind events recorded with damages totaling $432,250.00 and 3 major lightning events totaling $590,000.00 in damages. Therefore, based on these values, it is concluded that the County can experience an estimated potential dollar loss of $8,496.00 for each strong thunderstorm event that includes high wind and /or lightning. WINTER STORMS The county has experienced 8 significant witner storms of varied intensities that consisted of snow and /or ice between 2000 and 2012. Snow - blocked and ice - covered roads not only make 170 Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter Three travel dangerous, but the removal and cleaning of snow and ice can be costly. Downed electrical lines, and the resulting loss of power to homes, businesses, and water systems not only increase hardships and hinder recovery, but can also increase potential dollar losses during and after winter storm events. Sufficient data for calculating potential loss is not available since winter storm events are regional and therefore damages are for event wide totals. Mitigation strategies to collect better data will assist in future disaster declarations. WILD FIRE There is an increased risk to life and property to homes constructed in or near the wildland interface or intermix areas. Homes in these areas are most often single family homes. Due to the nature of wildfires and the limits of firefighting capabilities during a wildfire, a home or structure that catches fire is considered destroyed. Data on wildfires events and damages in Lamar County is in combination structure and automobile fires therefore no estimate is available at this time on potential dollar damages. Future plans will have access to better data and local departments are being encouraged to better document runs. DAM FAILURES There is no record of dam failure occurring within Lamar County and although the county has five high hazard dams, no detailed studies exist. Surge waves resulting from dam breaks have the potential to create major losses. Modern predictions of dam breaks rely on numerical predictions created using limited data. This data is rare and very limited therefore potential dollar loss for Dam Failure was not estimated. EARTHQUAKE There is only a 10% chance in 50 years that an earthquake at the severity level of two will occur within the County. There are no significant past damages recorded, therefore potential dollar loss was not estimated. EXPANSIVE SOILS The majority of issues with Expansive soils in Lamar County are to residential foundations. Foundation work is not cheap and can often be required more than once. The cost of such work can run from $1,000 to over $10,000 to correct the problem. No records of specific incidences of structure losses or injuries due to expansive soils with the county were found. TERRORISM No records of specific incidences of terrorism within the County were found. Therefore potential dollar loss could not be estimated. All previously identified Transportation Assets (Table 3.3b), Critical Facilities (Table 3.3c), Economic Elements (TABLE 3.3e), and High Density Areas (Table 3.3F) are potential terrorist targets. A wide - spread terror campaign could have a potential cost in the millions, results in mass deaths and injuries, and could cripple the local economy for years. HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 171 Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter Three Hazardous materials accidents in Lamar County are usually associated with the transportation of a hazardous product through the county. Information on past occurrences and costs of these events were not found. Therefore dollar loss could not be estimated. 172 Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter Four CHAPTER FOUR - MITIGATION STRATEGY 4.1 HAZARD MITIGATION GOALS AND OBJECTIVES The goals and objectives for Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan are many, the obvious benefits to individuals bot financially and emotionally following a disaster, the benefits to government both financially and politically, and the benefits to private business. The overall goals and objectives of the plan established by the Hazard Mitigation Planning Team (HMPT) after Hazard Identification are: Goal 1 - Minimize potential impacts for existing development from natural hazards. • Objective 1.1 - Promote the use of early warning systems to alert people of severe weather, such as thunderstorms, floods, and tornadoes. • Objective 1.2 - Improve the safety of high- hazard dams to minimize the threat to people and structures that would be impacted by their failure. • Objective 1.3 - Educate and equip emergency responders with the knowledge and tools to respond to all hazards. • Objective 1.4 - Promote the installation of tornado safe rooms in homes and public facilities. • Objective 1.5 - Develop and promote outreach strategies to educate residents businesses, and local school groups about local hazards, mitigation strategies, and emergency preparedness. • Objective 1.6 - Develop back up plans for critical infrastructures and properties. Goal 2 - Minimize potential impacts for future development from natural hazards. • Objective 2.1 - Ensure building codes addressing the construction of structures are properly enforced. • Objective 2.2 - develop and regulate mechanism to insure new developments will not increase risk to life or property. • Objective 2.3 - Empower citizens to make better informed choices. Goal 3 - Facilitate a sustainable economy by protecting agriculture, businesses, infrastructure, and other economic activities from natural hazards. • Objective 3.1 - Promote importance of having crop, homeowners, flood, and other insurance. • Objective 3.2 - Form local partnership to share resources. Goal 4 - Support the goals and objecives established in the State Hazard Mitigation Plan. • Objective 4.1 - Incorporate the State Plan in the development of the Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan. • Objective 4.2 - Continue to conduct studies and assessment of risks and incorporate results into future updated plans. • Objective 4.3 - Increase public and private understanding of the goals and objectives of the state and local plans. 4.2 COMPREHENSIVE RANGE OF MITIGATION ACTIONS The objectives listed in 4.2 and the mitigation actions were developed during a HMPT workship and public meetings held by the Hazard Mitigation Planning Team. During these workshops and meetings a review of identified hazards and information about previous occurrences and extents of damage was presented allowing for the objectives and mitigation actions to be history based. 173 Lamar County Multi- jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter Four Table 4.2: Mitigation Actions or Projects Projects Hazards Mitigated Description 'fy (Object' • Provide NOAA Radios as • Tornadoes funding allows. • Hailstorms • Encourage local merchants to • Extreme Heat stock and offer discounts on • Public • Floods purchase of radios. Education NOAA Radios • Set up with distributor a special & (objectives 1.1) • Wind & event at local retailer. Awarenes Thunderstor • Educate the public on s ms • Severe winter importance of NOAA radios and • Emergent how to use them properly. y Services storms • PSA's in local media in early • Dam Failures spring emphasizing importance of radios for advance warning. • Tornadoes • Floods • Public Community • Wind & Education & Emer enc g Y Response Teams Thunderstorms • Continuation of previously started Awareness (CERT) • Severe Winter CERT training program. • Emergency (Objective 1.2, Storms Services 1.6) • Recruit new trainees. • Earthquakes • Encourage local employers and housing • Terrorism • Hazardous Materials Develop and review existing mobile home guidelines and ordinances to implement Code Plus Tornadoes measures to reduce risk of damage — tie - downs, (Objective 2.1, anchors, etc. Prevention 2.2, & 2.3) Floods Enforce all building regulations & codes. Property Protection Wind & Thunderstorms Ensure local building codes /ordinances are consistent with FEMA guidelines. Conduct assessments of structures previously damaged from hazard events and encourage 174 Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter Four 175 codes to reduce future risk. Apply for FEMA Safe Room grant for communities. Safe Room Tornadoes Encourage local individuals to install Safe Public Education & (Objective 1.4) Rooms in new constructions. Awareness Wind & Sever Educate the public on how to properly Thunderstorms maintain a safe room. Emergency Services Encourage public and private identification of safe rooms Tornadoes Hailstorms Educate and empower residents through the Floods Homeland Security Ready Campaign. Emergency Preparedness Wind & Thunderstorms Inform public on how to Shelter in Place. Kits (Objective Encourage participation of local business in the Public Education & 1.5, 1.6, & 2.3 Severe Winter Storms regional Public and Private Preparedness Awareness Wildfires Committee. Earthquakes Local PSA's about what to have in your Emergency Supply Kit Terrorism Hazardous Material Tornadoes Storm Ready (Objective 1.1, Hailstorms Meet National Weather Service (NWS) criteria 1. 6, 2.3, & 3.1) and apply to be designated as Storm Ready Public Education & Floods County and Storm Ready Communities Awareness Severe Winter Storms Wind & Sever 175 Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter Four 176 Thunderstorms Assist in the updating of the floodplain maps When new maps are completed update the Floodplain Hazard Mitigation Plan. Management (Objective 1.5, Floods Continue the attempt to gain ability for Lamar Prevention 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 3.1, County to zone areas around lake projects from 3.2, 4.2, & 4.3) Dam Failures the State of Texas. Property Protection Apply for assistance in the establishing of an independent County Floodplain Manager Position. Develop and maintain a database of information on all repetitive loss properties including maps. Water Provide the public with Public Education & Conservation (Objective 1.6, Drought information on Xeriscaping. Awareness 2.3, & 3.2) Extreme Heat Local water districts need to have emergency Natural Resource backup water sources. Protection Tornadoes Hailstorms Critical Facility Contingency Extreme Heat Install auxiliary power sources for critical Plan (Objective facilities, governmental centers, and 1.6 & 3.2) Floods emergency operation centers (EOC). Emergency Services Investigate alternate water supplies Wind & Thunderstorms Severe Winter Storms Wildfires Dam Failures 176 Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter Four 177 Earthquakes Terrorism Hazardous Materials Apply for grant funding to increase warning systems in rural communities. Tornadoes Additional Educate the public on what do listen for and Warning what to do when warnings are sounded. Systems Floods (Objective 1.1) Create a chain of command and responsibility Emergency Services Wind & Thunderstorms following NIMS guidelines on who shoe sound the alarm systems. Terrorism Plan for future central and remote warning sounding system Hazardous Material Hazardous Educate the public about the Hazardous Public Education & Education Material Materials to which they are most frequently Awareness (Objective 1.5, exposed. 2.3) Turn Around Don't Drown Floods Public and school education over the dangers of Public Education & (Objective 1.5) high water. Awareness Road Elevation (Objective 2.2) Floods Work with county commissioners to ensure prevention Dam Failures that roads built on the fringe of the floodplain Property Protection or in dam swash zones are elevated to prevent damage. Emergency Backups Tornadoes Equip EOC with alternate power Emer en Emergency Services (Objective 1.6) Hailstorms supply. Floods Critical facilities and shelter equipped with Wind & Thunderstorms backup generators. Severe Winter Storms Wildfires Earthquakes Terrorism Hazardous Materials 177 Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter Four Planning for Tomorrow Tornadoes Conduct annual tabletop disaster exercises with Public Education & (Objective 1.6, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 3. 1, Hailstorms local law enforcement, EMCs, and other Awareness disaster response agencies. Prevention 4.1, 4.2, & 4.3) Drought Review existing Emergency Operation Plans Property Protection Extreme Heat (EOP) and update where necessary based to Floods compliment and support the Hazard Mitigation Plan. Wind & Thunderstorms Incorporate hazard mitigation into long range Severe Winter Storms planning and development activities. Wildfires Database with hazard event information Dam Failures including type, date, place, and damage Expansive Soils amount. Earthquakes Terrorism Hazardous Materials Fire Wise Program Wildfires Educate and train property owners in the Public Education & (Objective 1.1, Wildland /Urban interface area on how to Awareness 2.1, 2.2, & 2.3) protect their property from wildfires. Property Protection Educate local school children on the Prevention importance of have a fire wise home. Natural Resource Encourage local homeowners to have a family Protection evacuation plan and practice it. PSA`s and better public information on burn bans. Response Training & Equipment Tornadoes Hold disaster exercises in various Public Education & (Objective 1.3) Hailstorms area of the county. Awareness Prevention Extreme Heat Develop method to notify emergency personnel Emergency Services Floods of all training opportunities. Update point of contact data and distribute. Wind &Thunderstorms Severe Winter Storms Wildfires Dam Failures Expansive Soils Earthquakes Terrorism Hazardous Materials Local Dam Evaluations Dam Failures Apply for dam stud funding for pp y y g Prevention (Objective 1.2, 1.5) Floods public held dams. Property Protection Educate private dam owners of the importance of annual inspection and regular maintenance Neighborhood & Community Terrorism Educate public on the Seven Signs p Public Education & Watch (Objective 1.1, of Terrorism Awareness Prevention 2.3, 3.2) Increase security as critical Property Protection infrastructure 178 Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter Four 4.3 PRIORITIZATION Once mitigation actions and projects were recommended by the Mitigation Team, they were organized by hazard in Table 4.3. Tach action was discussed publicly and with the HMPT. After considering the public's input and other opinions, the HMPT members selected and prioritized the actions in the order ( #! Being the highest priority ranking) they should be implemented should they receive funding. These actions are summarized in Table 4.3 which includes their priority and a schedule of when the action(s) may begin. The categories of cost, citizens served, Probability of Future Evetns, and # of hazards mitigated by the Action were considered when prioritizing rank of the actions. Note that these priorities are subject to change. It is also important to note that additional mitigation actions will be included as more of the public become involved, as the plan is updated, and as funding becomes available to the Lamar County and the jurisdictions within. In Table 4.3 the following scales were used for eachc category: • Cost Rank (Cost of Project Compared other projects) 1. Most expensive Action 2. Next expensive Action 3. Next.....etc. • Citizens Potentially Served 1. A few individuals (less than 24 %) 2. A fourth of the County (25 % -49 %) 3. Half the County (50 % -99 %) 4. Entire County (100 %) • Probability of Future Events of Natural Hazard That Requires the Action 1. Unlikely 2. Occasional 3. Likely 4. High likely • # of Nautural Hazrads Mitigated by the Action The value assigned for this category simply represented the number of natural hazards mitigated with the Action. Table 4.3a: Summary of Lamar County Mitigation Actions. (The higher the TOTAL the higher the PRIORITY) 179 Illegal Dumping Crackdown Hazardous Events Keep Texas Beautiful Campaign Public Education & (Objective 1.1, 2.3) Zero Tolerance by local law Awareness Prevention enforcement Identify and publish Hazardous Material disposal procedures. 4.3 PRIORITIZATION Once mitigation actions and projects were recommended by the Mitigation Team, they were organized by hazard in Table 4.3. Tach action was discussed publicly and with the HMPT. After considering the public's input and other opinions, the HMPT members selected and prioritized the actions in the order ( #! Being the highest priority ranking) they should be implemented should they receive funding. These actions are summarized in Table 4.3 which includes their priority and a schedule of when the action(s) may begin. The categories of cost, citizens served, Probability of Future Evetns, and # of hazards mitigated by the Action were considered when prioritizing rank of the actions. Note that these priorities are subject to change. It is also important to note that additional mitigation actions will be included as more of the public become involved, as the plan is updated, and as funding becomes available to the Lamar County and the jurisdictions within. In Table 4.3 the following scales were used for eachc category: • Cost Rank (Cost of Project Compared other projects) 1. Most expensive Action 2. Next expensive Action 3. Next.....etc. • Citizens Potentially Served 1. A few individuals (less than 24 %) 2. A fourth of the County (25 % -49 %) 3. Half the County (50 % -99 %) 4. Entire County (100 %) • Probability of Future Events of Natural Hazard That Requires the Action 1. Unlikely 2. Occasional 3. Likely 4. High likely • # of Nautural Hazrads Mitigated by the Action The value assigned for this category simply represented the number of natural hazards mitigated with the Action. Table 4.3a: Summary of Lamar County Mitigation Actions. (The higher the TOTAL the higher the PRIORITY) 179 Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter Four •m Probability IF I Cost Cost Ci of Future Hazards TC)TAL PRIG 1TY iects Rank Served LAEvents Mitigated -- - NOAA Weather Radios (Radio $100,000 2 4 7 16 6 distribution) Community Emergency Response $30,000 5 3 4 12 14 3 Teams (CERT) Code Plus This action has been tabled until a comprehensive review of all codes and ordinacnes pertaining to construction and zoning can be completed Safe Room (community/EOC) $750,000 1 1 4 2 8 10 Safe Room (Residential Rebate Program) $500,000 2 1 4 2 9 9 Storm Ready <$10,000 7 3 4 5 29 5 Floodplain This action has been Removed until completion of review of FIRMS and updated Management information can be obtained from each jurisdiction. Some jurisdictions have just begun this process. Critical Facility Contingency <$10,000 7 1 4 13 25 2 Plan Public Education & Awareness 1 (water <$25,000 6 4 4 13 27 Conservation, Storm Education, Turn Around Don't Drown, Fire Safety, Fire Wise, Neighborhood & •m Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter Four Community Road Elevation >$500,000 3 1 4 2 10 8 Additional Warning Systems <25,000 3 2 4 12 21 4 Emergency Backups >25,000 4 1 4 9 18 6 Fire Wise Program <25,000 6 3 4 1 14 7 Response Training & Equipment (volunteer Fire >$100,000 3 2 4 12 21 4 Depts.) Local Dam Evaluations & EOP's for 3 High Hazard >$45,000 4 1 1 2 8 10 Dam's Illegal Dumping Crackdown <$10,000 7 1 1 1 10 8 181 Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter Four ACTION 1: PUBLIC AWARENESS & EDUCATION Project: Develop and conduct a multi- hazard seasonal public awareness program providing citizens and business with accurate information describing risk and vulnerability to natural hazards, implemented on an annual basis. This project would include other programs such as: Water Conservation, Storm Safety, Fire Safety, Neighborhood Watch, etc. All 13 hazards could be mitigated with this action. Description: Some hazards have a combination of attributes, including a high likelihood of occurrence, a specific location that would likely be impacted, and proven approaches that can reduce the impact, such that the HMPT has recommended specific actions be taken. For other hazards, where either the likelihood of occurrence is very low, or the area of likely impact is not specifically known, or there is very little that can be done to reduce the impacts, the HMPT has determined that the best approach would simply be public awareness. People should know what the HMPT knows: information describing historical events and losses, the likelihood of future occurrences, the range of possible impacts, appropriate actions to save lives and minimize property damage and where additional information can be found. This outreach effort will include media brochures at public building, and safety programs in the local schools, websites, and public service announcements. FUNDING & COST: The cost of the program will run between $5000 - $25,000 annually depending upon printing and mailing costs, level of volunteer participation, and scope and frequency of events. Source of funding include local budget, private and commercial donation, HMPG, PDM Grants, AFG, etc. BENEFITS: Life Safety, reduction in property losses, relatively low cost RESPONSIBLE PARTY: Lamar County OEM, Rural Fire Departments, American Red Cross, Forestry Service, Chamber of Commerce. Action 2: Planning for Tomorrow /Critical Facility Backup Plan Project: Protect property and prevent future hazards by incorporating hazard mitigation in long range county planning and development activities. Description: Conduct annual tabletop disaster exercises with county law enforcement, EMC's, and other emergency response agencies. Review annually existing Emergency Operation Plans (EOP). Work together with neighboring counties and local council of government to encourage multi - jurisdictional emergency plans and to develop a hazard event database. Obtain Storm Ready Certification from the National Weather Service which denotes a certain level of warning, severe weather - spotting and communications capability. Funding & Cost: Less than $25,000 and existing staff time and budget Benefits: Interoperability 182 Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter Four Responsible Party: County Emergency Coordinator and local emergency agencies. Action 3: Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Project: Establish CERT through the county. Description: The goal is to have CERT members located in all communities throughout the county. Local employers and housing developments are encouraged to have a CERT certified individuals to respond quickly to local events. Funding & Cost: Cost for 50 additional participants would be $30,000. This cost would include training and equipment. Homeland security funds will be sought for this project. Benefits: Local trained responders available immediately Responsible Party: Lamar County EMC The listed prioritization is for Lamar County and all incorporated areas. Local Jurisdiction Mitigation Strategies were prioritized by each jurisdiction using FEMA's STAPLEE method. The hazard mitigation team used the STAPLEE method as an identifying and evaluating technique but used the above mention process for prioritization. S- Social: Mitigation actions will only be viable is socially accepted by the community. T- Technical: Mitigation actions are technically most effective if they provide long -term reduction of losses and have minimal secondary adverse impacts. A- Administrative: Mitigation actions are easier to implement if the jurisdiction has the necessary staffing and funding P- Political: Mitigation actions can truly be successful if all stakeholders have been offered an opportunity to participate in the planning process and if there is public support of the action. L- Legal: It is critical that the jurisdiction or implementing agency have the legal authority to implement and enforce a mitigation action. E- Economical: Budget constraints can significantly deter the implementation of mitigations actions. Hence, it is important to evaluate whether an action is cost - effective, as determined by a cost - benefit review, and possible to fund. E- Environmental: Sustainable mitigation actions that do not have an adverse effect on the environment, that comply with Federal, state, and local environmental regulations and that are consistent with the community's environmental goals, have mitigation benefits while being environmentally sound. Local jurisdictions identified mitigation actions for each local jurisdiction. These actions included projects that were currently being implemented and those being planned in the near future. These actions were prioritized as to the planned time frame and cost of action. High Priority — These actions are currently being planned or budgeted for implementation within the next year. They are projects that will meet multiple goals and objectives, and benefits exceed the cost of implementation. If the action is needed to maintain NFIP compliance it will be listed as a high priority. 183 Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter Four Medium Priority — These actions meet at least one goal nad objective and benefits exceed costs, but resources may be a limiting factor. Plans are to implement these actions within the next three years as funding allows. Low Priority — These actions meet at least one coal and objective and benefits exceed costs, but the resources for the actions may not be currently available or they may be dependent on the completion of a high priority action. Plans are to implement these projects within the next ten years. High Cost — Existing funding levels are not adequate to cover the costs of the project and would require an increase in revenue through an alternative source, such as grant, to implement. Medium Cost — The project could possibly be implemented with existing funding but would require a reapportionment of the budget or would have to be spread out over multiple years. Low Cost — Project can be implemented at a low cost using existing budget, local staff and /or volunteers. Local jurisdictions are operating on inadequate budgets, limited staff, and with many positions being filled by volunteers. These restrictions are incorporated into the construction of mitigation actions for each jurisdiction. This resulted in actions that were primarily public education and awareness which are cost beneficial and can be done on a continual basis after initial implementation. The mitigation actions will be implemented by the City Council and monitored by the local mayors or managers. With limited resources the responsibilities will be shared between City Council, local staff, and community volunteers. County implementation will be organized by the County Commissioner Court and the Emergency Management Coordinator. Table 4.3b: Summary of Local Jurisdictions Mitigation Actions — Lamar County, City of Blossom, City of Deport, City of Paris, City of Reno, and City of Roxton 184 (Pot e3party ble Hazard Priority NNNA Lamar County Mitigation Actions Work with local media to publish and air public Funding Low Timeline Tornado High safety information prior to storm peak season on (Budget) <1 year EMC how to be prepared. Work with local jurisdictions to apply ofr a Multi- HIGH (PDM, EMC & Tornado Medium Jurisdictional FEMA safe Room Rebate program Grant) 1 to 3 years Elected Officials Work with high risk communities to apply for a High (PDM, EMC & Tornado Low Community Safe Room Project. Grant) 1 to 3 years Elected Officials 184 Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter Four 185 Modernize local torm sirens to ensure adequate Medium EMC & Tornado Medium coverage is all areas of the community and (HMGP) 1 to 3 years County Fire educate residents on the importance of NOAA Departments weather radios in homes and businesses. Develop a program to provide NOAA weather Medium Tornado Medium radios to limited- income residents that live in high (HMGP) 1 to 3 years EMC risk areas such as mobile home parks. Tornado Medium Explore the requirement & benefits of being Low 1 to 3 years EMC certified as a NWS Storm Ready Community. (Budgetf) Hailstorms High Develop & Maintain a weather database containing Low 1 to 3 years EMC & Local daily weather variables (Budget) Staff Modernize local storm sirens to ensure adequate HIGH EMC & Hailstorms High coverage iin all areas of the community and (HMGP, 1 to 2 years County Fire educate residents on the importance of NOAA PDM, Grant) Departments weather radios in homes and businesses. Development and Continuation of the Lamar Medium County CERT program. Work with local (Startup) Hailstorms High businesses to encourage employee participation. 1 to 3 years EMC & Explore possible donation sources for CERT Low Volunteers Supplies. (maintainenc e) Extreme Heat Medium Work with County Extension agent on providing Low 1 to 3 years EMC & Local education on Xeriscaping. (Budget) Staff Work with the Lamar County Water Board to Low County Staff Extreme Heat High facilitate mutual agreements between jurisdictions (Budget) 1 to 2 years and for emergency backup water sources. Voulunteers Work with Lamar County service organization to Low Extreme Heat Medium host a local fan drive as their community service (Donations) < 1 year County Staff & project. These fans would be kept on the local Volunteers level for quicker distribution. Droughts High Work with NWS to better develop weather Medium 1 to 3 years EMC & Local database containing daily weather variables. Staff Work with Lamar County Water Board in the Low County Staff & Droughts High formation of the groundwater Conservation (budget) 1 to 2 years Volunteers Program Work with County Extension Agent and local Low Droughts Medium nurseries on the utilizing of drought resistance (budget) 1 to 3 years EMC & Local vegetation in landscaping Staff Turn Around Don't Drown Campaign. This is a Low Floods Medium campaign that would be aired through the media to (Budget) 1 to 4 years EMC & Local educate people on the dangers of driving through Media flood waters. Apply for assistance in establishing a Certified High (EMPG Floods High Countywide Floodplain Manager position. Funding & budget, 1 to 4 years EMC & on the continuation of the position would be from grant) County Staff permit fees and local budgets. The focus of this rol 185 Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter Four i. would be to mitigate flooding and protect the floodplain countywide. (NFIP) Continue maintenance efforts to keep creeks free Medium EMC & Floods High of obstructions while retaining vegetation to (Grants) 1 to 4 years County Staff prevent erosion in waterways. When updated floodplain maps are complete Low Floods High reevaluate Hazard Mitigation Plan to incorporate (budget) 1 to 3 years EMC & HMPT any changes to the flood plain. Then create new flood mitigation strategies. (NFIP) Better inform residents of mitigation activities that Low (Budget they can implement in their homes such as Floods Medium elevation of appliances above expected flood 1 to 3 years EMC levels. The information would be provided by, publications, & booths at community events. Wind & Modernize local storm sirens to ensure adequate Medium EMC & Thunderstorms High coverage in all areas of the community (HMGP) 1 to 3 years County Fire Deparmtents Wind & Medium Explore the requirements and benefits of partaking Low 1 to 3 years EMC Thunderstorms in the NWS Storm Ready Program (Budget) Educate residents on the importance of NOAA Low EMC, County weather radios in school, homes, and businesses (budget) Law Wind & High and how to operate them properly. 1 to 3 years Enforcement Thunderstorms and County Fire Departments Creation and Continuation of the Lamar County Medium CERT program. Work with local businesses to (Start up) Winter Storms High encourage employee participation. Explore 1 to 3 years EMC & possible donation sources for CERT supplies. Low Volunteers (Maintenanc e) Implement countywide vegetation management. Medium Winter Storm High Educate public on ability to reduce the loss of (budget, 1 to 3 years County Staff property and facilitate emergency response by grants) trimming trees near roadways and power lines. Apply for funding to purchase auxiliary power Medium Winter Storm Medium sources for critical facilities. This would include the (PDM Grant) 3 to 5 years EMC & Local purchase of mobile generators to be where needed Staff though out the county. Establish a critical Facility Contingency Paln and Medium apply for funding to purchase auxiliary power (PDM Grant) EMC & Local Wildfire Medium sources for critical facilities. This would include the 3 to 5 years Staff purchase of mobile generators to be where needed through out the county Wildfire High Educate & empower residents about the Low < 1 year EMC & Local importance of having an Emergency Preparedness Staff Kit. Education will inform the public on what is i. Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter Four 187 needed in the kit and on how to shelter in place. Creation and Continuation of the Lamar County Medium Wildfire High CERT program. Work with local businesses to 1 to 3 years EMC & encourage employee participation. Explore Volunteers possible donation sources for CERT supplies. Develop a coordinated approach between fire Low Local Fire Wildfire Low Jurisdictions and water supply agencies to identify (Budget) > 5 years Department & needed improvements to the water distribution Utility Districts system focusing on the WUI. Wildfire High Work with local volunteer and paid fire departments Low < 1 year EMC to ensure that NIMS compliancy is met (Budget) Educate community on the Fire Wise Program & Low Local Fire Wildfire Medium how to protect your home by establishing a (Forestry) 1 to 3 years Departments defensible space and fuel reduction management. Assist local volunteer fire departments in the Medium Wildfire High recruitment & training (SAFER & <1 year EMC AFG Ensure all dead -end segments of county roads in High Local Fire Wildfire Medium high fire hazard areas have a turn - around sufficient (Budget) 1 to 5 years Department & for wildland fire equipment County /City Government Educate property owners near high hazard dams of Low the potential of a dam failure. Inform them of signs (Budget) Dam Failure Medium to watch for that might signal a weakening of the 3 to 5 years EMC dam and who to contact if suspicious activity is spotted. Dam Failure Medium Apply for assistance in funding local dam High (NDSP) 1 to 3 years EMC evaluations for high hazard dams in the county. Work with local resident and County Medium Dam Failure Medium Commissioners to ensure that if roadways are loss (Budget) 3 to 5 years EMC & due to a dam failure that properties owners are not County Staff isolated. Educate & empower residents about the Low Earthquake High importance of having an Emergency Preparedness < 1 year EMC kit. Creation and Continuation of the Lamar County Medium Earthquake High CERT program. Work with local businesses to 1 to 3 years EMC & encourage employee participation. Explore Volunteers possible donation sources for CERT supplies Implement countywide vegetation management. Medium Earthquake Medium Educate the public on ability to reduce the loss of (budget) 1 to 3 years EMC and property and facilitate emergency response by County Staff trimming trees near roadways and power lines. Expansive Medium Review county roads standards and ensure that Medium 1 to 3 years County Staff Soils methods to reduce soil expansion are used in (budget) 187 Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter Four SS areas with extremely expansive soils. These methods such as kneeding the soil, extreme compacting, and treating of soils with non -swell additives will extend the life of road ways. Educate public on the dangers to a home Low Expansive foundation of malfunctioning private wastewater (budget) County Health Soils Medium systems. Encourage new homeowners and local 1 to 3 years Inspector realtors to have septic systems inspected before purchasing a home. Work with Lamar County Extension Agent to Low Expansive LOW educate the public on the importance for proper (budget) >5 years County Staff Soils drainage and how that the non - uniform runoff from roof may result in localized heave. Develp printed materials, utilize existing materials, Low conduct workshops, and encourage residents to (budget) Terrorism High have family disaster plans that include emergency 1 to 3 years EMC evacuation procedures & shelter -in -place emergency Guidelines Creation and Continuation of the Lamar County Low Terrorism High CERT Program. Work with local businesses to 1 to 3 years EMC & encourage employee participation. Explore Volunteers possible donation sources for CERT supplies. Use disaster anniversaries, such as 9/11 & Lamar Low EMC & Terrorism Medium County Tornado Event in 1982 to remind the public (Budget) 1 to 3 years County Staff on safety & Security measures. Terrorism Medium Educate resident on the Seven Signs of Terrorism. Low 1 to 3 years EMC (Budget) Develop printed materials, utilize existing materials, Low Hazardos conduct workshops, and encourage residents to (budget) materials High have family disaster plans that include emergency 1 to 3 years EMC evacuation procedures & shelter -in -place emergency guidelines. Creation and Continuation of the Lamar County Low Hazardous High CERT program. Work with local businesses to <1 year EMC & Materials encourage employee participation. Explore Volunteers possible donation sources for CERT supplies. SS Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter Four Table 4.3e: Summary of Local Jurisdiction Mitigation Actions — Paris Hazard Priority Paris Mitigation Actions Funding Source) Timeline Responsible Party Table 4.3f: Summary of Local Jurisdiction Mitigation Actions — Reno Hazard Priority Reno Mitigation Actions Cost (Potential Funding Source) Timeline Responsible Party Im Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter Four 4.4: COST - BENEFIT REVIEW Cost - benefit review for natural disaster projects is extremely difficult. Since the exact damages or even path of destruction cannot be planned in advance, there is little to no way of calculated an expenditure of $x.xx would lead to potential savings of $X.XX. Less tangible mitigation strategies such as public education or improvements in county codes cost relatively little to implement. There is no way to quantify the number of more informed decisions, and hence number of dollars in reduced losses that could occur following these types of programs. For example, a mother driving home with her children reaches a flooded road way. She contemplates just going through, the water doesn't look that deep, or turning around and going the long way home. She recalls seeing an ad in the local paper that said, "Turn around, don't drown." Her ten year old son has just had flood awareness at school, and asks her to take the other way home. The mother turns around and goes the long way home. Was the money spent worth the investment? Maybe the family would have driven right through and made it home safe and sound with net economic loss of $0.00. Maybe the water was moving a little faster than she thought, and the family vehicle washed down river, resulting in at least damage to the vehicle, and more likely a rescue scenario involving several agencies and expense at a cost of approximately $50,000.00. The extreme end to our scenario would have the family drown. Quantifying the loss of human life, especially children, has been and will continue to be a fiercely heated legal debate. For this discussion the loss of life is 5 million each, the emergency responders attempted rescue and retrieval at a cost of $50,000.00. FEMA's Benefit -Cost Analysis (BCA) will be used to evaluate the proposed mitigation strategies that are not obviously have a cost benefit ratio of one or greater. This tool will also be used when applying for grant funds to show that actions are cost effective. 4.5: Effects of Mitigation Actions on Existing /Future Building and Infrastructure The majority of the actions to be implemented within a year are public education and awareness. Education will allow residents to make better choices such as not building a home in W UI or flood hazard areas. This education would also educate them on how to make existing structures more resilient to hazards both man -made and natural. This would include individual activities such as how to maintain defensible space to protect from wildfire to the importance of having flood insurance even when not located in a flood hazard area. The increased and regularly maintained building codes proposed by several jurisdictions would provide property protection to new residential, commercial and public structures from hazards. Encouraging local resident to build code plus is great but when the jurisdictions make themselves the example the message seems to be much clearer. Using the goals of the Hazard Mitigation Plan the local jurisdictions plans to lead by example and go a step farther than is necessary to mitigate against threats. Existing structures will be affected as well with the proposed mitigation strategies. As older structures are demolished the updated building codes will go into effect with the new structure being subject to current codes. Local jurisdictions plan to develop ha hazard database that will be a justification tool for repetitive loss properties, unidentified flood hazard areas, and other vulnerabilities that may be questioned. 190 Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter Four Table 4.5: Effects on Existing /Future Buildings and Infrastructure of Hazard Mitigation Actions. Action or Effects on Existing /Future Buildings and Infrastructure Project Jurisdiction(s) Minimize potential impacts for existing development from hazards. Lamar County • Existing infrastructure will be expected to implement new codes City of Blossom as remodeling and updates are planed. City of Deport Code Plus or Minimize potential impacts for future development from Hazards. City of Roxton Building Codes . Results in new constructions that are more resilient to weather City of Reno hazards. City of Paris • Critical infrastructure built code plus will have a longer life expectancy. Minimize potential impacts for existing development from hazards Lamar County • Retrofitting existing structures to contain a safe room can also City of Blossom provide extra support for existing structure. City of Deport Safe Room Minimize potential impacts for future development from Hazards. City of Roxton Projects • New structures with built in safe rooms are the ideal choice. City of Reno With education and possible grant funding more new City of Paris construction will include a safe room in the plans. Future public facilities will be encouraged to incorporate a safe room or a reinforced concrete area into construction plans. Minimize potential impacts for existing development from hazards. Lamar County • Existing structures that may experience multiple flooding events City Of Blossom should be bought out, elevated, etc. to reduce future occurrences. City Of Deport City of Roxton Minimize potential impacts for future development from hazards City of Reno • New road and bridges will be constructed at an elevation to prevent City Of Paris reoccurring flood damage when possible. This will extend their useful life but will add cost to the project. • Working with local health inspector to not allow wastewater permits for locations near floodplains will allow for added regulation of the Floodplain floodplains and structures in flood areas. Management • Strict enforcement of floodplain ordinances will reduce flood damages. Minimize potential impacts or existing development from hazards. Lamar County Owners of existing structures will be educated on City Of Blossom how to maintain a defensible space and protect their City Of Deport Public Awareness home from wildfire whether built in the WUI or not. City Of Roxton & Education Minimize potential impacts for future development from hazards. City of Reno Awareness and Education can have a structural impact City Of Paris on old and new structures. If you are aware of hazards prior to construction you can incorporate 191 Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter Four 192 mitigation in the planning process. The mitigation then would include better site development and construction methods. Reduction in public and private cost of response and recovery from hazards. Awarness and education can have a fisical impact on the communities and jurisdictions from a response standpoint. The more pre- action that is conducted by residents and citizens from their obtainment of education and awareness reduces the amount of effort, extent and potentially operational periods that would otherwise be increased. Minimize potential impacts for existing development from hazards. Lamar County City of Blossom Existing dams will be studied and evaluated with the purpose identifying and City Of Deport correcting safety issues City of ROxton Local Dam City of Reno Evaluations City of Paris Minimize potential impacts for future development from hazards. Future high hazard dams need to have an Emergency Operation Plan informing the public of the risks of the dam. 192 Lamar County Multi - Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter Five CHAPTER FIVE - ADOPTION, IMPLEMENTATION, & MAINTENANCE & MONITORING 5.1 PLAN ADOPTION Formal Plan adoption is a required part of the planning process and demonstrates Lamar County and the local jurisdictions commitments to fulfilling the mitigation goals and objectives outlined in the plan. Upon completion of the plan and the review and approval of the HMPT the county and the local jurisdictions will adopt the plan with a resolution that will be located in Chapter 1. This adoption will then enable the plan to be submitted for the State of Texas and FEMA approvals. 5.2 Plan Implementation Mitigation is only successful when it is incorporated within the day -to -day functions and priorities of government and development. This integration is accomplished by constant, pervasive and energetic efforts to network, identify and highlight the multi- objective, "win -win" benefits to each project. With adoption of this plan the HMPT, led by the Lamar County Emergency Management Coordinator, will have the following duties: • Act as a forum for hazard mitigation issues • Pursue the implementation of high priority, low /no -cost recommended actions • Keep the concept of mitigation in the forefront of community • Maintain a vigilant monitoring of multi- objective cost -share opportunities to assist the community in implementing the Plan's recommended actions for which no current funding exists • Monitor and assist in implementation and update of this Plan • Inform and solicit input from the public The committee will not have any powers over County staff; it will be purely and advisory body. Its primary duty is to see that the plan is successfully carried out and that it is kept alive by monitoring and updates. 5.3 Plan Maintenance & Monitoring The Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan should be a living document. Continuous maintenance, monitoring, and plan participation is needed to insure that it remains an active and relevant document. The plan maintenance and monitoring process includes annual evaluations, revisions, or updates as needed by the county. The plan will be updated 193 Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter Five and resubmitted for State and Federal review every five years. Lamar County's Department of Emergency Management, along with the HMPT will be responsible for evaluating and updating the plan. Plan updates or revisions will be submitted to the Lamar County Board of Commissioners and the local jurisdictions for adoption. 5.4 Plan Evaluating The County Emergency Management Director and the County's HMPT will evaluate the Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan every year to determine the effectiveness and /or progress of mitigation actions and the implementation of other actions. Plan evaluation should address the following questions: • Do objectives address current and expected hazardous condtions? • Has the nature or magnitude of the risks changed? • Are the current resources appropriate for implementing mitigation actions? • Are there any implementation problems, such as technical, political, legal, or coordination issues with other agencies? • Did outcome of mitigation actions occur as expected? The HMPT and Emergency Management Director will have three months from the date of the evaluation meeting, to update the plan with any changes needed and acquire mulit- jurisdictional approval. The county will resubmit the plan for State and Federal review as needed but at least once every five years. 5.5 Plan Updating The multi- hazard plan will be kept on record at the Lamar County Emergency Management (EMC) Office in Paris. Digital copies will be located at each jurisdiction. Lamar County EMC will ensure that rgular review and update of the plan by the county planning team. It is highly encouraged that the HMPT has an annual scheduled meeting that occurs at the same period of time each year. The county EMC will be responsible for contacting the HMPT, scheduling the review, and the posting of notices and agendas. Scheduling the annual reviews is important because the plan is to be reviewed and revised on a minimum five -year cycle to ensure it is a living document. During the annual review meeting, the team will review the goals and action items to determine their relevance to changing situations in the county, as well as changes in State or Federal policy and to ensure that they are addressing current and expected conditions. The team will also review the risk assessment portion of the plan to determine if this information should be updated or modified. The parties responsible for the various implementation actions will report on the status of their projects and will include which implementation processes worked well, if any difficulties encountered, how coordination efforts were proceeding, and which strategies 194 Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter Five should be revised. With the occurrence of future natural disasters, additional mitigation projects may be developed and added to the plan. The HMPT will then have 90 days to update and make changes to the plan and acquire county local jurisdiction approval. The updated plan, as approved by the county and jurisdictions, will be submitted to the State Hazard Mitigation Officer. After State approval, the plan will be sent to FEMA for approval. 5.6 Incorporation into Existing and Future Planning Mechanisms When county commissioners and local officials are considering capital improvements, they will use this plan in conjunction with the existing EOP to improve future development and safety within the county. Budgeting for future capital improvements will also contribute to realization of the goals in the Hazard Mitigation Plan. Emergency managers will be encouraged to work with the county commissioners and local jurisdictions to secure high- hazard areas for low risk uses. County government and local jurisdictions will incorporate goals and objectives of the Hazard Mitigation Plan into community plans, plan revisions and updates. Local jurisdictions will incorporate actions that meet Hazard Mitigation Plan Goals into Capital Improvement Plans, Economic Development Activities, and Grant Submittals. The data provided in the risk assessment will be used as supporting data and justification for grant applications. Table 5.6: Incorporation into Existing & Future Planning Mechanisms 195 Lamar County . Emergency Operation Plan (EOP) — Will become Appendix P of the Lamar County Inter - Jurisdictional EOP • Grant Applications — Data and maps will be used as supporting documentation in grant applications Budget — Will constructing upcoming budgets Hazard Mitigation Actions will be funded as budget allows. Construction projects will be evaluated to see if they meet the Hazard Mitigation goals and objectives. • Human Resource Mannual — Employee job descriptions may contain Hazard Mitigation Actions. Blossom • Emergency Operation Plan (EOP) — Will become Appendix P of the Lamar County Inter - Jurisdictional EOP • Grant Applications — Data and maps will be used as supporting documentation in grant applications • Budget — Will constructing upcoming budgets Hazard Mitigation Actions will be funded as budget allows. Construction projects will be evaluated to see if they meet the Hazard Mitigation goals and objectives. • Human Resource Mannual — Employee job descriptions may contain Hazard Mitigation Actions. Deport . Emergency Operation Plan (EOP) — Will become Appendix P of the Lamar County Inter - Jurisdictional EOP 0 Grant Applications — Data and maps will be used as supporting documentation in grant applications • Budget — Will constructing upcoming budgets Hazard Mitigation Actions will be funded as budget allows. Construction projects will be evaluated to see if they meet the Hazard Mitigation goals and objectives. 195 Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter Five 5.7 Continued Public Participation While the HMPT represents the public to some extent, the public will be able to directly comment on and provide feedback about the paln. Lamar County is dedicated to generating public interest in the updates of the Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Paln. Efforts to do so may include: Distributing information about the existence and purpose of the Hazard Mitigation Plan to community groups, units of County government, and other public gatherings Questionnaires may periodically being made available to the public to collect information on what mitigation activities the citizens would like to see implemented Posting information about the Hazard Mitigation Plan on the County's Web Page, along with an email address for questions and input. Listed below is the address and phone number of the County Emergency Management Director, who is responsible for keeping track of public comments on the plan. Copies of the plan will bew kept at the County Department of Emergency Management and at the County Clerk's office, where the public can review the plan. The public will also be invited to and included in , the HMPT's annual evaluation fo the Plan. This meeting will provide the public with a forum for which they can express their concerns, opinions, or ideas about the plan. Lamar County EMC 119 North Main Street Paris, Texas, 75460 903 - 737 -2011 196 • Human Resource Manual — Employee job descriptions may contain Hazard Mitigation Actions. Paris Reno • Emergency Operation Plan (EOP) — Will become Appendix P of the Lamar County Inter - Jurisdictional EOP • Grant Applications — Data and maps will be used as supporting documentation in grant applications • Budget — Will constructing upcoming budgets Hazard Mitigation Actions will be funded as budget allows. Construction projects will be evaluated to see if they meet the Hazard Mitigation goals and objectives. • Human Resource Manual — Employee job descriptions may contain Hazard Mitigation Actions. Roxton . Emergency Operation Plan (EOP) — Will become Appendix P of the Lamar County Inter - Jurisdictional EOP • Grant Applications — Data and maps will be used as supporting documentation in grant applications • Budget — Will constructing upcoming budgets Hazard Mitigation Actions will be funded as budget allows. Construction projects will be evaluated to see if they meet the Hazard Mitigation goals and objectives. • Human Resource Manual — Employee job descriptions may contain Hazard Mitigation Actions. 5.7 Continued Public Participation While the HMPT represents the public to some extent, the public will be able to directly comment on and provide feedback about the paln. Lamar County is dedicated to generating public interest in the updates of the Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Paln. Efforts to do so may include: Distributing information about the existence and purpose of the Hazard Mitigation Plan to community groups, units of County government, and other public gatherings Questionnaires may periodically being made available to the public to collect information on what mitigation activities the citizens would like to see implemented Posting information about the Hazard Mitigation Plan on the County's Web Page, along with an email address for questions and input. Listed below is the address and phone number of the County Emergency Management Director, who is responsible for keeping track of public comments on the plan. Copies of the plan will bew kept at the County Department of Emergency Management and at the County Clerk's office, where the public can review the plan. The public will also be invited to and included in , the HMPT's annual evaluation fo the Plan. This meeting will provide the public with a forum for which they can express their concerns, opinions, or ideas about the plan. Lamar County EMC 119 North Main Street Paris, Texas, 75460 903 - 737 -2011 196 Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan heatht(a_co.lamar.tx.us 197 Chapter Five Lamar County Multi - Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan ACRONYMS & DEFINITIONS Acronyms: APPENDIX A AFG Assistance to Firefighters Grant AHRQ Agency for Healthcare Research & Quality ASDSO Association of State Dam Safety Officials BCA Benefit -cost Analysis BCR Benefit -cost Ratio BFE Base Flood Elevation CCC Civilian Conservation Corps CCP Citizen Corps Program CDBG Community Development Block Grant (HUD) CERT Community Emergency Response Team CIA Central Intelligence Agency COG Council of Governments DFIRM Digital Flood Insurance Rate Map DOD Department of Defense DMA 2000 Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 DSHS Department of State Health Services DUNS Data Universal Numbering System EGrants Electronic Grants System (FEMA) EMC Emergency Management Coordinator EMGP Emergency Management Performance Grant EOC Emergency Operations Center EPA Environmental Protection Agency SA Endangered Species Act FBI Federal Bureau of Investigation FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency .. Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan APPENDIX A FIRM Flood Insurance Rate Map FIS Flood Insurance Study FMA Flood Mitigation Assistance Program FSA Farm Service Agency DEM Governors' Division of Emergency Management IS Geographic Information System HMGP Hazard Mitigation Grant Program HMPT Hazard Mitigation Planning Team HSAC Homeland Security Advisory Committee LEPC Local Emergency Planning Committee KDBI Keetch -Byram Drought Index MAA Mutual Aid Agreement MOU Memorandum of Understanding NDSP National Dam Safety Program NCDC National Climatic Data Center NFIP National Flood Insurance Program NIMS National Incident Management System NOAA National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration NPDP National Performance of Dams Program NRCS National Resource and Conservation Service PDM Pre - Disaster Mitigation Program (FEMA) RFC Repetitive Flood Claims Program SAFER Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response FHA Special Flood Hazard Area OW Scope of Work SRL Severe Repetitive Loss CEQ Texas Commission on Environmental Quality COG Texoma Council of Government HMP Texas Hazard Mitigation Package SACE United States Army Corps of Engineers SBL United States Bureau of Labor Statics SGS United States Geological Survey FD Volunteer Fire Department 199 Lamar County Multi - Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan APPENDIX A MD Weapons of Mass Destruction ESA Endangered Species Act FBI Federal Bureau of Investigation FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency FIRM Flood Insurance Rate Map FIS Flood Insurance Study FMA Flood Mitigation Assistance Program FSA Farm Service Agency GDEM Governors' Division of Emergency Management GIS Geographic Information System HMGP Hazard Mitigation Grant Program HMPT Hazard Mitigation Planning Team HSAC Homeland Security Advisory Committee LEPC Local Emergency Planning Committee KDBI Keetch -Byram Drought Index MAA Mutual Aid Agreement MOU Memorandum of Understanding NDSP National Dam Safety Program NCDC National Climatic Data Center NFIP National Flood Insurance Program NIMS National Incident Management System NOAA National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration NPDP National Performance of Dams Program NRCS National Resource and Conservation Service PDM Pre - Disaster Mitigation Program (FEMA) RFC Repetitive Flood Claims Program SAFER Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response SFHA Special Flood Hazard Area OW Scope of Work RL Severe Repetitive Loss CEQ exas Commission on Environmental Quality COG exoma Council of Government HMP exas Hazard Mitigation Package N Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan APPENDIX A SACE United States Army Corps of Engineers SBL United States Bureau of Labor Statics SGS United States Geological Survey FD Volunteer Fire Department MD Weapons of Mass Destruction 201 Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan APPENDIX B DEFINITIONS 100 -year flood — is a flood that has a 1- percent chance of being equaled or exceeded in any given year. This flood event is also referred to as the base flood. The term "100 -year flood" can be misleading; it is not the flood that will occur once every 100 years. Rather, it is the flood elevation that has a 1- percent chance of being equaled or exceeded each year. Therefore, the 100 -year flood could occur more than once in a relatively short period of time. The 100 -year flood, which is the standard used by most federal and state agencies, is used by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) as the standard for floodplain management to determine the need for flood insurance. 500 -year flood — is a flood that has a 0.2- percent chance of being equaled or exceeded in any one year. Acquisition — is the acquiring of properties in high hazard areas. At -Risk — Exposure values that include the entire building inventory value in census blocks that lie within or border the inundation areas or any area potentially exposed to a hazard based on location. Base Flood — Flood that has a 1- percent probability of being equaled or exceeded in any given year. It is also known as the 100 -year flood. Base Flood Elevation (BFE) — Elevation of the base flood in relation to a specified datum, such as the National Geodetic Vertical Datum of 1929. The BFE is used as the standard for the National Flood Insurance Program. Benefit -cost analysis (BCA) — Benefit -cost analysis is a systematic, quantitative method of comparing the projected benefits to projected costs of a project or policy. It is used as a measure of cost effectiveness. Building Codes — Regulations that set forth standards and requirements for construction, maintenance, operation, occupancy, use, or appearance of buildings, premises, and dwelling units. Capability Assessment — An assessment that provides a description and analysis of a community or state's current capacity to address the threats associated with hazards. The capability assessment attempts to identify and evaluate existing policies, regulations, programs, and practices that positively or negatively affect the community or state's vulnerability to hazards or specific threats. Climate — is the meteorological elements, including temperature, precipitation, and wind, that characterize the general condition of the atmosphere over a period of time (typically 30- years) for a particular region. Community Rating System (CRS) — CRS is a program that provides incentives for National Flood Insurance Program communities to complete activities that reduce flood hazard risk. When the community completes specific activities, the insurance premiums of these policyholders in communities are reduced. Critical Facility — Facilities that are critical to the health and welfare of the population and that are especially important following a hazard. Critical facilities include essential facilities, transportation systems, lifeline utility systems, high - potential loss facilities, and hazardous material facilities. Digital Flood Insurance Rate Maps (DFIRMs) — These maps are used to calculate the cost insurance premiums, establish flood risk zones and base flood elevations to mitigate against potential future flood damages to properties. Displacement Time — After a hazard occurs, the average time (in days) that a building's occupants must operate from a temporary location while repairs are made to the original building due to damages resulting from the hazard. Fault — is a fracture in a rock formation caused by the shifting of the earth's crust. 100 -year flood — is a flood that has a 1- percent chance of being equaled or exceeded in any given year. This flood event is also referred to as the base flood. The term "100 -year flood" can be misleading; it is not the flood that will occur once every 100 years. Rather, it is the flood elevation that has a 1- percent chance of being equaled or exceeded each year. Therefore, the 100 -year flood could occur more than once in a relatively short period of time. The 100 -year flood, which is the standard used by most federal and state agencies, is used by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) as the standard for floodplain management to determine the need for flood insurance. 500 -year flood — is a flood that has a 0.2- percent chance of being equaled or exceeded in any one year. Acquisition — is the acquiring of properties in high hazard areas. At -Risk — Exposure values that include the entire building inventory value in census blocks that he within or border the inundation areas or any area potentially exposed to a hazard based on location. Base Flood — Flood that has a 1- percent probability of being equaled or exceeded in any given year. It is also known as the 100 -year flood. Base Flood Elevation (BFE) — Elevation of the base flood in relation to a specified datum, such as the National Geodetic Vertical Datum of 1929. The BFE is used as the standard for the National Flood Insurance Program. Benefit -cost analysis (BCA) — Benefit -cost analysis is a systematic, quantitative method of comparing the projected benefits to projected costs of a project or policy. It is used as a measure of cost effectiveness. Building Codes — Regulations that set forth standards and requirements for construction, maintenance, operation, occupancy, use, or appearance of buildings, premises, and dwelling units. Capability Assessment — An assessment that provides a description and analysis of a community or state's current capacity to address the threats associated with hazards. The capability assessment attempts to identify and evaluate 202 Lamar County Multi - Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan APPENDIX B existing policies, regulations, programs, and practices that positively or negatively affect the community or state's vulnerability to hazards or specific threats. Climate – is the meteorological elements, including temperature, precipitation, and wind, that characterize the general condition of the atmosphere over a period of time (typically 30- years) for a particular region. Community Rating System (CRS) – CRS is a program that provides incentives for National Flood Insurance Program communities to complete activities that reduce flood hazard risk. When the community completes specific activities, the insurance premiums of these policyholders in communities are reduced. Critical Facility – Facilities that are critical to the health and welfare of the population and that are especially important following a hazard. Critical facilities include essential facilities, transportation systems, lifeline utility systems, high - potential loss facilities, and hazardous material facilities. Digital Flood Insurance Rate Maps (DFIRMs) – These maps are used to calculate the cost insurance premiums, establish flood risk zones and base flood elevations to mitigate against potential future flood damages to properties. Displacement Time – After a hazard occurs, the average time (in days) that a building's occupants must operate from a temporary location while repairs are made to the original building due to damages resulting from the hazard. Fault – is a fracture in a rock formation caused by the shifting of the earth's crust. Fannin County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Page 219 Lifelines – Critical facilities that include utility systems (potable water, wastewater, oil, natural gas, electric power facilities and communication systems) and transportation systems (airways, bridges, roads, tunnels and waterways). Lightning – A visible electrical discharge produced by a thunderstorm. The discharge may occur within or between clouds or between a rain cloud and the ground. Loss Estimation – The process of assigning hazard - related damage and loss estimates to inventory, infrastructure, lifelines, and population data. Magnitude – A measure of the strength of a hazard occurrence. The magnitude (also referred to as severity) of a given hazard occurrence is usually determined using technical measures specific to the hazard. Mitigation Goals – General guidelines that explain what you want to achieve. They are usually broad policy -type statements, long term, and represent global visions. Mitigation Objectives – Strategies or implementation steps to attain the identified goals. Unlike goals, objectives are specific and measurable. National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) – Federal program created by Congress in 1968 that makes flood insurance available in communities that enact minimum floodplain management regulations in 44 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) §60.3. Ordinance – A term for a law or regulation adopted by local government. Post - disaster mitigation – Mitigation actions taken after a disaster has occurred, usually during recovery and reconstruction. Presidential Disaster Declaration – A post - disaster status that puts into motion long -term federal recovery programs, some of which are matched by state programs, and designed to help disaster victims, businesses, and public entities in the areas of human services, public assistance (infrastructure support), and hazard mitigation. If declared, funding comes from the President's Disaster Relief Fund and disaster aid programs of other participating federal agencies. Priority Hazards – Hazards considered most likely to impact a community based on frequency, severity, or other factors such as public perception. These are identified using available data and local knowledge. Probability – A statistical measure of the likelihood that a hazard event will occur. Public education and outreach programs – is any campaign to make the public more aware of hazard mitigation and mitigation programs, including hazard information centers, mailings, public meetings, etc. Repetitive Loss Property – A property that is currently insured for which two or more National Flood Insurance Program losses (occurring more than ten days apart) of at least $1,000 each have been paid within any 10 -year period since 1978. Replacement Value – is the cost of rebuilding a structure and reflects the present -day cost of labor and materials to construct a building of a particular size, type and quality. Resolutions – Expressions of a governing body's opinion, will, or intention that can be executive or administrative in nature. Most planning documents must undergo a council resolution, which must be supported in an official vote by a majority of representatives to be adopted. Resources – Resources include the people, materials, technologies, money, etc., required to implement strategies or processes. Risk – The estimated impact that a hazard would have on people, services, facilities, and structures in a community; the likelihood of a hazard occurring and resulting in an adverse condition that causes injury or damage. Riverine – Of or produced by a river (for example, a riverine flood is one that is caused by a river overflowing its banks). Scour – Removal of soil or fill material by the flow of floodwaters. Special Facility – is a facility of special importance to a particular community. Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) – An area within a floodplain having a 1- percent or greater chance of flood occurrence in any given year (that is, the 100 -year or base flood zone); represented on FIRMS as darkly shaded areas with zone designations that include the letter —Al or —V.I 203 Lamar County Multi - Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan APPENDIX B Stafford Act – The Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, Public Law (PL) 100 -107 was signed into law on November 23, 1988. This law amended the Disaster Relief Act of 1974, PL 93 -288. The Stafford Act is the statutory authority for most Federal disaster response activities, especially as they pertain to FEMA and its programs. Thunderstorm - A local storm produced by a cumulonimbus cloud and accompanied by lightning and thunder. It forms from a combination of moisture, rapidly raising warm air and a force capable of lifting air such as a warm and cold front, a sea breeze, or a mountain. Topographic – Map that shows natural features and indicates the physical shape of the land using contour lines based on land elevation. Tornado – A violent windstorm characterized by a twisting, funnel- shaped cloud. It is spawned by a thunderstorm (or sometimes as a result of a hurricane) and produced when cool air overrides a layer of warm air, forcing the warm air to rise rapidly. Transportation Systems –This category includes: airways, bridges, tunnels, roadbeds, overpasses, transfer centers; railways, and waterways. Utility Systems – One of the lifeline systems categories. This category includes potable water, wastewater, oil, natural gas, electric power facilities and communication systems. Vulnerability – Description of how exposed or susceptible an asset is to damage. This value depends on an asset's construction, contents, and the economic value of its functions. Watershed – Area of land that drains down gradient (from areas of higher land to areas of lower land) to the lowest point; a common drainage basin. The water moves through a network of drainage pathways, both underground and on the surface. Wildfire – Any instance of uncontrolled burning in grasslands, forests, and brush land. Wildland /Urban Interface (VaM - The area where houses and wildland vegetation coincide. Wildland Fire Assessment System (WFAS) - An internet -based information system that provides a national view of weather and fire potential, including national fires danger, weather maps and satellite derived — Greenness[ maps. Wind Chill Index (WCI) - The temperature your body feels when the au temperature is combined with the wind speed. Zoning Ordinance – Designation of allowable land use and intensities for a local jurisdiction. 204 Lamar County Multi-jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Jurisdiction: Blossom 1. Yi bA OEM, TwL 205 APPENDIX C fi W"k 1A Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Jurisdiction : City of Deport a► M a ,� 1 ` , 1 r+ f •� 1 1 t♦ 1 200 ► t� t " ..f f. APPENDIX C Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan of Paris 207 APPENDIX C �1 S t. 2 j7 Lamar County Multi-jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Jurisdiction: City of'Reno 20H 0. APPENDIX C d' I It 0 c!re *w►� ' p�G�oveSt- �., .. - -- - - - - - -- - �_C• i Y b rtrto�/zkeNtda3;.� Stn Styr i r ^ ,t�3g �6tn St a f c va Goode earth - -Eofi4•?530E _ 02Q13Ei'oOT_ h `a9ery?aG VI C412 S,19% 3 3 -Vgarw 9! eky -529 it Eyeal 'Chit Q Lamar County Multi - Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan APPENDIX C 210 Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan APPENDIX C City of Deport Population Density 211 Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan APPENDIX C City of Paris Population Densities: North West .:._. mvatG ees Op irxeepd ;.. C� ErcP 212 Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan APPENDIX C City of Paris Population Density South West 4eM- 333 .IM2CF) W1 �If�. P± 1?IItrt+pt+Jil'f0.. ^4'4dDj>JU�! fit �E2tS1tE?4iR� "� ?: " ^ ^": ". 4.�- B'f -c,,t 213 Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan APPENDIX C City of Paris NE Population Density 214 Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan APPENDIX C City of Paris South East Population Density 215 Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan APPENDIX C CHISUM ISD FACILITIES 216 Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan APPENDIX C North Lamar ISD Facilities Map 217 Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan APPENDIX C Paris ISD Facilities Map 2 1 f3 Lamar County Multi - Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Prairiland ISD Facilities Map APPENDIX C *71 14 ,a v t � K s e w �_f 1, ;` a \ • r $�' � � �' t Rif w J. zi Lamar County Multi - Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan APPENDIX D APPENDIX D FORMS AND SURVEYS 220 Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan APPENDIX D PUBLIC SURVEY Lamar County Hazard Mitigation Survey Questionnaire May 2011 Lamar County is seeking public input regarding our Hazard Mitigation Plan. The Hazard Mitigation Plan details the risks facing our county and ways to reduce or prevent exposure and damage should a hazardous event occur. This plan will allow us to be eligible for federal hazard mitigation funding. The term mitigation means any action taken to eliminate or significantly reduce the impacts (costs) of future disasters. Mitigation activities are those types of activities that can be taken to protect your home and property, your business and your community from hazardous events. Lamar County is beginning the process to develop and document mitigation strategies that will aid the communities in our county to protect life and property from the impact of future potential disasters. To identify and plan for future disasters, we need your input on the following survey questionnaire. Your responses will help us identify and evaluate hazards and vulnerabilities facing the area and assist in coordination of activities to reduce the risk of injury or property damage. Your quick response to filling out and returning this survey questionnaire will be most appreciated. 221 Lamar County Multi - Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan APPENDIX D 1. In which precinct of Lamar County do you live? ❑ Precinct 1 ❑ Precinct 2 ❑ Precinct 3 ❑ Precinct 4 2. If you are employed in Lamar County, in which precinct do you work? ❑ Precinct 1 ❑ Precinct 2 ❑ Precinct 3 ❑ Precinct 4 3. How concerned are you about the following hazards occurring in Lamar County? 222 o z 0 z 0 z 0 CD CCD 0 on 0 o n n m 0 0 n Potential Hazard in Lamar County a m o a Earthquake Flood Landslide Tornado High Winds Severe Thunderstorms Volcanic Ash Fall Wildfire Winter Storm Dam Failure Extended Power Outage Fire, Structural Fire, Wildland 222 Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan APPENDIX D Hazardous Materials Accident Infrastructure Failure Transportation Accident Civil Disturbance Terrorism, WMD, Biological, Chemical, Nuclear Drought /Extreme Heat Flooding Aircraft Accident Biological Hazards /Influenza Expansive Soils /Subsidence Hurricane Landslides Erosion Nuclear Materials Release Pipeline eruption Urban flight from disaster River log jam 4. Other potential hazards not listed above: S. Have any of the hazards listed about directly affected you while living in Lamar Count? ❑ Yes ❑ No If yes, which one(s)? 6. Do you have flood insurance? ❑ Yes ❑ No ❑ Not Applicable 7. If you live in a rural area of Lamar County, how far do you live from the nearest town? 8. If you live in a rural area, which town /community do you live nearest? 9. How prepared do you feel you and your family are for the probable impacts of a potential hazardous event? 223 Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan APPENDIX D Very Prepared Somewhat Prepared No Opinion Not Very Prepared Not Prepared At All ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ 10. How prepared do you feel you and your place of work is for the probable impacts of a potential hazardous event? Very Prepared Somewhat Prepared No Opinion Not Very Prepared Not Prepared At All ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ 11. Have you ever received information on how to make your family, home or business disaster safer? ❑ Yes ❑ No 12. Have you developed a family emergency plan? ❑ Yes ❑ No ❑ Not Applicable Have you and your family practiced for an emergency? ❑ Yes ❑ No ❑ Not Applicable 13. Have your place of work /education developed an emergency plan? ❑ Yes ❑ No ❑ Not Applicable Has your place of work /education practiced for an emergency? ❑ Yes ❑ No ❑ Not Applicable 14. How long have you lived in Lamar County? For information on this survey contact: David Cook 10 First Street NE Paris, Texas 75460 903.783.1132 lonehikerl @yahoo.com 224 Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan APPENDIX D LOCAL JURISDICTION CAPABILITY SURVEY LOCAL CAPABILITY ASSESSMENT FOR HAZARD MITIGATION The intent of this survey questionnaire is to initiate an assessment of Lamar County's Capabilities to implement hazard mitigation activities. The information provided in response to this survey will help provide a broad overview of how local programs are currently being used to lessen the impacts of potential hazards in Lamar County. IN order to accurately assess your jurisdiction's capability, it is critical that representatives who are familiar with existing local government programs help complete this survey. A capability assessment has two components; 1) an inventory of a jurisdictions' existing planning and regulatory tools, and 2) an analysis of its capacity to carry them out. The assessment process will help identify existing gaps, conflicts or weaknesses that may need to be addressed through future mitigation planning goals, objectives and actions, It will also highlight the positive measures in place for already being performed that should continue to be supported and enhanced through future mitigation efforts. Most importantly, the capability assessment will help to ensure that proposed mitigation actions are deemed practical considering the local ability to implement them. In so doing, the results of the capability assessment will help build the general foundation for determining the type of mitigation strategy your jurisdiction develops and ultimately adopts as part of the Lamar County Multi - Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan. Response to this questionnaire can be provided using the attached form. Once completed either follow the instructions for electronic submission, or mail or email to Heath Thomas at Lamar County Office of Emergency Management. Attention: Heath Thomas Lamar County OEM 903.739.0824 heaththomas0suddenlink.net Fax: 903.782.9396 RELEVANT PLANS, ORDINANCES AND PROGRAMS 225 Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan APPENDIX D Jurisdiction: Please Indicate your Answer by entering Yes or No in the Blanks. Hazard Mitigation Plan Subdivision Ordinance Comprehensive Land Use Plan Post Disaster Redevelopment /Recovery Ordinance Flood Plain Management Plan Unified Development Ordinance Open Space Management Building Code Storm Water Management Plan Fire Code Emergency Operations Plan National Flood Insurance Program SARA Title III Plan NFIP Community Rating System Radiological Emergency Plan Continuity of Operations Plan Evacuation Plan Disaster Recovery Plan Disaster Recovery Plan Capital Improvement Plan Economic Development Plan Historic Preservation Plan Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance Zoning Ordinance Relevant Staff /Personnel Resources Planner(s) w/knowledge of Engineer(s) or professionals trained in land development practices construction practices related to buildings and /or infrastructure 226 Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan APPENDIX D Emergency Manager Flood Plain Manager Land Surveys Scientist(s) familiar with the hazards of the Water /Sewer Fees community Staff with education of Personnel skilled in geographic infonnation expertise to assess the systems (GIS) and /or HAZUS community's vulnerability to hazards Resource development staff or grant writers(s) RELEVANT FISCAL RESOURCES Capital Improvements Programing Community Development Block Grants Special Purpose Taxes Gas /Electric Utility Fees Water /Sewer Fees Storm water Utility Fee Development Impact Fee General Obligation Bonds Revenue Bonds Special Tax Bonds Self- Assessment Capability Planning and Regulatory Capability Administrative and Technical Capability Fiscal Capability Political Capability Overall Capability 227 Lamar County Multi-jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan APPENDIX D 228 Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan APPENDIX E APPENDIX E - RESOURCES Lamar County HMTP would like to acknowledge and thank the information resources and the involved entities for attending planning team meetings, contributing information and /or involving the public to support the development of the Lamar County Mutli- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan. Community Resources Reviewed: Policy, Plan, Lamar Blossom Deport Paris Reno Roxton Document, County Ect. Flood Plain X X X X X X Maps Building X X X X X X Codes & Zoning Regulations EMERGENCY X X X X X X OPERATION PLAN Capital X Improvements Plans or strategic Plan X =HAS THIS RESOURCE AND IT WAS REVIEWED Printed Resources: Climatic Atlas of Texas, Texas Department of AWater Resources (1982) byThomas J Larkin & George W. Bomar Developing the Mitigation Paln: Identifying Mitigation Actions and Implementation Strategies, FEMA Flood - Resistant Local Road Systems: A Report Based on Case Studies, January 2005, FEMA Getting Started: Building Support for Mitigation Planning, September 2002, FEMA 386 -1 Interviews and data from the Dam Safety Program, 2008, TCEQ Local Emergency Management Planning Guide, GDEM -10, Local Multi- Hazard Mitigation Palnning Guidance, FEMA Multi - Jurisdictional Mitigation Palnning: Mitigation Palnning, FEMA National Drought Atlas, U.S. Corp of Engineers (USACE) National Inventory of Dams, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers State of Texas: Mitigation Handbook, 229 Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan APPENDIX E Texas Drought History Reconstructed and Analyzed from 1698 -to 1980, Journal of Climate, Vol.1, Issue 1, Stahle, David. Cleveland, Malcolm K. pp 59 -74 Using Benefit -Cost Review in Mitigation Planning: State & Local Mitigation Planning How -To Guide LOCAL AND COUNTY RESOURCES Lamar County Office of Emergency Management Heath Thomas EMC Lamar County Auditors Office Kevin Parsons - Auditor JeniferJackson Diana McHam Lamar County Judges Office County Judge M.C. Superville Jr Nita Holje - Executive Assistant Lamar County Commissioners Lawrence Malone Lonnie Layton Rodney Pollard Keith Mitchell Lamar County Sheriffs Office Lamar County Volunteer Fire Departments Lamar Coutny Volunteer Fire Fighters Association Lamar County Health Department Prairiland ISD Chisum ISD North Lamar ISD Paris ISD Roxton ISD Paris Regional Medical Center Paris Chanber of Commerce 230 Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Lamar County Farm Service Agency City of Blossom Charolette Burger Mayor City of Deport Mike Francies - Mayor Jackie - City Secretary City of Paris APPENDIX E Randy Tuttle - Paris EMC /Asst. Police Chief City of Reno - Matt Birch - EMC /Police Chief Buddy Hueburger - Mayor City of Roxton Janet Wheeler - City Secretary OTHER American Red Cross American Society of Civil Engineers, www.asce.org Association of State Floodplain Managers, www.floods.org Emergency Management Association of Texas, www.emat- tx.org Environmental Protection Agency, www.epa.gov Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Federal Emergency Management Agency, www.fema.gov National Climatic Data Center (NCDC) National Oceanic and Atmospheric Agency (NOAA) National Weather Service (NWS) National Weather Service (NWS) NOAA Climate Prediction Center, www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov NOAA Drought Information Center, www.drought.noaa.gov NOAA Hydrologic Information Center Drought, www.nws.noaa.gov Tammy Rich, County Clerk, and the Fannin County Clerk's Office Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, www.tceq.state.tx.us Texas Commission on Fire Protection, www.tcfp.state.tx.us Texas Conservation Commission Texas Department of Civil Emergency Management Texas Department of Commerce Texas Department of Public Safety, www.txdps.state.tx.us Texas Department of State Health Sources, www.dshs.state.tx.us 231 Lamar County Multi- jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Texas Department of Wildlife Conservation Texas Drought Indices, www.texaswaterinfo.net Texas Geological Survey Texas Hazard Mitigation Package, www.thmp.info Texas Historical Society Texas Interagency Coordination Texas Park & Wildlife, www.tpwd.state.tx.us Texas Science and Rivers Commission Texas Water Resources Board Texas Water Resources Institute U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) US Department of Agriculture US Drought Monitor, www.drount.unl.edu US Fish and Wildlife Service US Geological Survey USDA — Farm Service Agency (FSA) USDA - Natural Resources Conservation Services (NRCS), www.tx.nres.usda.gov UTIG Institute for Geophysics, UT, www.ig.utexas.edu/ research /projects /eq /compendium /figl2_big.htm www.brs.gov.au www.damsafety.org www.esri.com www.silvis.forestwisc.edu www.tamu.edu www.texasonline.com www.texasprepares.org www.topozone.com 232 APPENDIX E Lamar County Multi - Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan APPEDIX F PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT Public Involvement APPENDIX F Public participation is key component to any planning process and in the effective implementation of such pains. Agency participation offers an opportunity for impacted departments and organizations to provde expertise and insight into the planning process. Citizen participation offers citizens the chance to voice their ideas, interests, and concerns. The Lamar County Multi - Jurisdictional Hazard mitigation Plan incorporated an array of public input throughout the planning process. 1. Gain local support before the starting the planning Process: Memorandums of Understanding were approved and signed by Lamar County and all 5 Jurisdictions during the first stages of the plan. 2. Develop a planning team that was comprised of knowledgeable individuals from a variety of organizations and agencies: See table 2.4: Hazard Mitigation Planning Team 3. Condict a Hazard Assessment Survey to identify concerns of Local Residents: This local hazard survery was completed and entered into the plan on pages 4. Solicit the assistance of the local media to announce plan progression and public input opportunities: Newspapers, and radio were encouraged to report about and on the public meetings. 5. Create an opportunity for public review of the plan in all stages of development. A "round table" proved to be the most effective format for generating public and team input on the project and stimulate "out of the Box" problem solving therefore no formal meeting minutes were recorded. During meetings participants were encouraged to make notations on maps as discussion occurred and use other free - flowing processes for documentation of the meeting topics. Discussion included: past, occurrences, personal experiences, economic impacts, currently susceptible areas, future development, future economic impacts, and future hazard occurrence predictions. Visits to local business and are attractions were used to generate unput from those residents who were unable to attend meetings. 6. Conduct public input sessions where local citizens can express their opinions and get answers to any concerns: Public workshops were held to give residents a forum to express their opinions and get answers to any concerns. All meeting participants received the handouts concerning the current plan. All meeting attendees were encouraged to share their experiences and 233 Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan APPENDIX F suggestions for future mitigation activities. A powerpoint presentation was used to inform the participants on the progress of the plan and to inform them of the planning progress. 234 Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan JURISDICTION MEMORANDOMS OF AGREEMENT MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING Lamar County, Texas Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan APPENDIX F September, 2011 Will also need MOU with Deport, Paris, Reno, Roxton, Sun Valley and Toco Between the City of Blossom and the Lamar County Commissioner's Court I. Purpose As part of the Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) will be executed between the City of Blossom and the Lamar County Commissioner's Court. The Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan created as a result of this MOU will be presented to the Blossom City Council and the Lamar County Commissioner's Court for adoption. The Lamar County Multi - Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan to be adopted will serve as a guide and do not include a specific financial commitment by the City of Blossom. The Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan should address mitigation strategies for reducing the risk of natural, man -made, and wildfire hazards on life and property within the City of Blossom and the County as a whole. The intent of this MOU is to ensure that the hazard mitigation plans are developed in an open manner involving community stakeholders, federal and state organizations and local officials whose mission it is to prepare and respond to hazardous situations in Lamar County. It is also the intent of this MOU that it is consistent with City of Blossom policies and is an accurate reflection of the community's values and is integrated within other community planning initiatives. Its purpose is to form a working relationship between citizens of the City of Blossom and the City of Blossom's planning committee for the Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Committee. This MOU sets out the responsibilities of all parties. It identifies the work to be performed by the planning committee and the community. Specific tasks, schedules and finished products are identified within the Plan. II. Responsibilities BLOSSOM'S MULTI - JURISDICTIONAL HAZARD MITIGATION PLANNING COMMITTEE RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO THE FOLLOWING: • Ensure that the planning committee includes representatives such as community stakeholders, the local Emergency Management Director, the local Fire and Police Chief(s), representatives from the federal and state organizations whose mission is to prepare and respond to all natural hazardous situations, local officials, property owners, and relevant businesses or organizations. 235 Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan APPENDIX F • Determine a planning coordinator from City of Blossom that will be the lead contact to the Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Committee and who will regularly attend the meetings. • Offer assistance to the Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Committee in developing the work program which will produce the Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan. • Host one regular committee meetings for the planning committee in coordination with Lamar County in the City of Blossom. • Assist Lamar County with organizing public meetings to develop the plan. • Identify the community resources available to support the planning effort, including people who will have access to and can provide pertinent data. Examples include, but are not limited to, City committee members, such as the Fire or Police Chief, who is able to identify past hazardous situations, research the assessed values of buildings within the Wildland Urban Interface and research existing City planning documents to identify existing mitigation strategies in hazard and wildfire areas. • Assist with recruiting participants for planning meetings, including the development of mailing lists when and if necessary, distribution of flyers, and placement of meeting announcements in the City of Blossom community. • Gain the support of stakeholders for the recommendations found within the plan. • Keep the Blossom City Council informed and offer opportunity for their review at various stages of the planning process. • Forward local information to the Committee Chair such as anecdotal information from the community to be incorporated into the proposed plan. • Submit the proposed plan to the City Council of Blossom for consideration and adoption. After adoption of the Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan, the City will: • Assist the Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan committee to monitor and work toward plan implementation. • Publicize the Plan to the City of Blossom and ensure community members are aware of the Plan and its contents. • Urge the Blossom City Council to incorporate those priority projects found most important into the community's Capital Improvement Plan. • Integrate mitigation strategies and priorities for all these plans into other City plans. LAMAR COUNTY'S RESPONSIBILITIES: • Collect data necessary to complete the Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan in a comprehensive manner. • Coordinate and facilitate community meetings with the assistance of the local planning committee. • Provide any materials, handouts, displays, and tools necessary for the public to fully understand the planning process. • Work with the City of Blossom's representative to collect and analyze data. Take public input from community members and ensure that this input becomes part of the Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan. 236 Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan APPENDIX F • Facilitate the development of goals and objectives and implementation strategies for the Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan. • Coordinate with other federal, state and local agencies throughout the process. Ensure that a collaborative environment is created with all interested parties. • Assist the Planning Committee with presentation of the Plan to each City Council or Planning Board and /or Select Board. • Assist the Planning Committee with understanding the process of monitoring implementation, educating the public and incorporating the plan with the City's Capital Improvement Plan. • Delineate the community's Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) zone for the Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan. • Create a Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Threat Analysis that outlines the severity of hazard risk throughout the community. • Write, edit and prepare the Plan for review and final publication. • Ensure that the Plan receive approval from FEMA and Texas Homeland Security & Emergency Management (HSEM). City of Blossom Signature Print Name Date 237 Lamar County Signature Print Name Date