situation manual – flood · pdf filesituation manual – flood exercise ......

Situation Manual – Tabletop Exercise 1 Disaster Resistant Communities Group – www.drc-group.com

Situation Manual – Flood Exercise

Time Allotted 320 Minutes


Resilient Response – Exercise Play No Image

During the exercise it will be important to remember and comply with the following statements: This exercise is designed to assist neighborhood and community residents to assess the various capabilities

associated with individual, neighborhood and community preparedness and response in the event of a flood. It is important NOT to jump ahead in the exercise scenario. In other words don’t focus on what might happen, focus on

the Common Operating Picture that is presented during the exercise to make informed decisions. In any exercise a number of assumptions and artificialities may be necessary to complete play in the time allotted.

During this exercise, the following apply: 1. The scenario is plausible, and events occur as they are presented. 2. There is no “hidden agenda”, nor any trick questions.

Exercise Basics: 1. This exercise contains a total of 18 scenario and inject pages. 2. There is a scheduled 15 minute break approximately half way through the exercise. 3. The exercise is self-paced and it should take you approximately two hours to complete. However, based on the

time you spend on each scenario and inject you may complete the exercise in less than two hours or it may take much longer than two hours for you to complete the exercise.

4. All videos embedded within this exercise can be enlarged to FULL SCREEN by simply clicking on the full screen icon in the lower right hand corner of the video.

5. Thoroughly review all scenarios and injects as they are presented during the exercise. At the end of the exercise you will need to complete an evaluation (Hotwash) on how you and / or your team

performed during the exercise. The Hotwash will allow you to provide comments on three areas in which you and / or your team performed well (Strength) and three areas for your consideration to improve or modify existing plans and procedures (Area for Improvement) to enhance your and / or your team’s preparedness, response and recovery capabilities. Found below are Hotwash examples:

Strengths – During the exercise my / our disaster plans and procedures were consulted and were found to be complete. Areas for Improvement – During the exercise my / our disaster plans and procedures were consulted and portions of the plans and procedures that need to be revised were identified.

After the exercise each registered participant who took part in the exercise will receive an e-mail to log into the ONX

System to complete their Individual Hotwash to access their Certificate of Participation. If you need assistance anytime during the exercise please call the Help Desk at:


Phone Number - 605-475-4700 Account Number - 1076890 #



Resilient Response – Organization Profile Image of Neighborhood Sign

Before beginning your participation in today's exercise please take a few moments to provide us with basic information regarding you and your organization.

Name - The name of the Neighborhood, Church, Community Organization, Government Agency, etc. you and your team represent.

Participants - Number of individuals participating in the exercise at your location. Constituents - The total number of individuals your organization represents. (If you are representing a church or

civic organization how many members are in your church or civic organization; if you are representing a neighborhood how many residents are in the neighborhood; if you are representing a service organization or government agency how many people does it serve.)

This information along with your responses to the exercise will be used to enhance the experience of future Resilient Response Exercises. (Example: Name: Highpoint Neighborhood Associations / Participants: 6 / Constituents: 1,371)



Resilient Response – Scenario – # 001 Image of Flood Watch

Day 1 Thursday Soil conditions are nearly saturated across the region due to recent rains. A late season frontal boundary has stalled across the state and a low pressure system has developed just south of the front. The low is forecast to strengthen and move through the area over the next 72 hours bringing a serious threat for excessive rainfall across the region. A Flood Watch has been issued by the local forecast office of the National Weather Service through 5:00PM Saturday.

Flood Watch Issued Thursday 1:37PM Expires Saturday 5:00PM

NOAA Weather Radios throughout the area sound their alarm due to the Flood Watch. CLICK ON POD CAST TO PLAY NOAA Weather Radio Alert Persistent bands of heavy rainfall are forecast within the Flood Watch area off and on today through Saturday, with a wide east-to-west swath with rainfall totals expected to reach 10 to 15 inches. CLICK ON VIDEO TO PLAY Video Library – General # 2 – Video # 22 – Heavy Rain A High Threat for significant flooding exists, with many drainage basins likely to be overtopped later today or Friday. High water may accumulate in residential and agricultural areas, as well as cover roadways. Areas near small streams, drainage canals and poor drainage systems will be the first to flood and will experience the most significant impacts.


(Note: For future reference you may want to access the Just In Time Disaster Training Library for additional information on NOAA Weather Radio. This video is too long to view during today’s exercise. NOAA Weather Radio) – OPTIONAL



Resilient Response – Inject – # 002 Image of Preparedness Activities

Residing in a neighborhood that is Disaster Ready is the first step in being adequately prepared to respond to and recover from any disaster or emergency. Are you and your neighbors involved in assisting one another in preparing your neighborhood for a flood or other disasters that may threaten the area?

Yes No

(Note: Access information on how to Protect Home and Property from Flood Damage.) If the above answer is yes. – List the various disaster preparedness activities you and your neighbors have undertaken to assist with neighborhood disaster readiness. (Example: Activity: On the first Saturday in April the neighborhood conducts an annual disaster preparedness campaign. During the campaign residents go door to door distributing disaster preparedness materials to every household.)

If the above answer is no. – Identify the name, phone number and web site of at least two agencies or organizations serving your community that will be able to assist with preparing neighborhood residents for a flood or other disaster. (Example: Agency: Shoemaker County Office of Emergency Management – 555-555-5555 – www.scoem.gov) (Note: Access www.google.com to search for your community’s agencies or organizations.)

(Note: For future reference you may want to access the Just In Time Disaster Training Library for additional information on Neighborhood Preparedness and Response. These videos are too long to view during today’s exercise. Building a Neighborhood Disaster Plan / Map Your Neighborhood) – OPTIONAL



Resilient Response – Scenario – # 003 Image of Flood Warning

Day 2 Friday Rain totals due to the storm have already reached 10 to 15 inches across portions of the region with isolated totals as high as 19 inches in several areas. Abundant moisture will remain across the region through Saturday with a nearly stationary area of low pressure causing bands of torrential rain to persist and further aggravate flooding which has already become serious in some areas.

Flash Flood Warning Issued Friday 10:14AM

Once again NOAA Weather Radios throughout the area sound their alarm. CLICK ON VIDEO TO PLAY Video Library – General # 2 – Video # 5 – Flooded Home The Flash Flood Warning which was issued by the local forecast office of the National Weather Service remains in effect and may need to be extended into Sunday. An additional 5 to 10 inches of rain is likely producing a total of between 15 to 25 inches of rain over a wide swatch of the region. These rainfall accumulations will produce areas of serious to catastrophic flooding within the Flash Flood Warning area with at least several feet of standing water in many areas. An Extreme Threat for significant flooding exists, resulting in a very serious threat to life and property. (Note: For future reference you may want to access the Just In Time Disaster Training Library for additional information on Flood Watches, Advisories and Warnings. This video is too long to view during today’s exercise. Flood Watches, Advisories and Warnings) – OPTIONAL



Resilient Response – Scenario – # 004 No Image

Day 3 Saturday By mid-afternoon on Saturday the rains have stopped and the low pressure system that had stalled over the region has moved off to the southeast. As the rain stops, area residents that did not evacuate begin to emerge from their homes to inspect the damage and destruction caused to their neighborhood due to the flooding. CLICK ON VIDEO TO PLAY Video Library – General # 2 – Video # 7 – Flooded Neighborhood Once areas affected by the flood waters become accessible, local and regional emergency response personnel initiate life safety operations. From conducting needs assessment to, carrying out search and rescue operations, law enforcement agencies, fire departments, EMS, emergency management officials and various volunteer agencies are working together to meet the immediate flood-caused needs of the area’s residents. In the hours following the flood, local television is filled with images of damaged homes and commercial buildings along with roads and bridges. Initial estimates indicate that as many as 500 homes throughout the region have sustained some level of damage with possibly 50 so badly damaged that they will need to be demolished. Flood waters have begun to rapidly recede throughout the region.



Resilient Response – Inject – # 005 Image of Mobilization

During or in the immediate aftermath of the heavy rain will the residents of your neighborhood mobilize in an effort to assist one another?

Yes No

If the above answer is yes. – Briefly describe how neighborhood residents will be contacted and told that they need to mobilize. (Note: Access information and a template on how to establish a Neighborhood Emergency Phone Tree.)

Identify the individuals by name that will be responsible for mobilizing residents within your neighborhood.

Briefly describe how your neighborhood will mobilize its residents.

If the above answer is no. – Briefly explain why you and your neighbors will not work together to assist one another during a disaster.



Resilient Response – Inject – # 006 Image of Neighborhood Watch

Now that neighborhood residents have mobilized it will be important to effectively coordinate the various response activities that will need to be undertaken. Neighborhood Watch – Disaster Response Structure If you and your neighbors maintain a Neighborhood Watch program briefly describe how this structure could be used to coordinate disaster response activities within your neighborhood. Homeowners Association – Disaster Response Structure If neighborhood residents have an established Homeowners Association, briefly explain how this structure could be used for coordinating disaster response activities within your neighborhood. (Note: Access the Neighborhood Association Disaster Plan Guidebook.) Community Emergency Response Team – Disaster Response Structure If you and your neighbors have a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) within your neighborhood briefly describe how the Incident Command System (ICS) will be used to coordinate response activities within your neighborhood.



Resilient Response – Inject – # 007 Image of Priority

Prepare a prioritized action plan (Incident Action Plan) outlining in detail at least four activities neighborhood residents will need to undertake following the flood. In preparing the Incident Action Plan (IAP) list the resources that will be needed to undertake the action as well as develop a timeline for completing the identified action. (Example: Action: Canvas the neighborhood to determine if any residents were injured during the flooding. If medical assistance is needed for minor injuries team should provide First Aid. / Required Resources: First Aid Kit. / Timeline: 1 Hour.)



Resilient Response – Inject – # 008 Image of Radio

It will be important for neighborhood residents to remain in constant communication with one another as well as various response agencies and organizations. Briefly describe how communications will be maintained: (Note: Access a copy of the Neighborhood Emergency Radio Communications Planning document.) (Note: For future reference you may want to access the Just In Time Disaster Training Library for additional information on Neighborhood Emergency Communications. These videos are too long to view during today’s exercise. Neighborhood Emergency Communications) – OPTIONAL Among neighborhood residents. With emergency management officials. With law enforcement officials. With fire department officials.



Resilient Response – Inject – # 009 Image of Light Search and Rescue

Will neighborhood residents undertake Light Search and Rescue operations following the flood?

Yes No

If the above answer is yes. – Describe in detail how this activity will be undertaken and list the basic supplies that will be needed to safely conduct Light Search and Rescue. (Note: Access a list of basic supplies needed to safely undertake Light Search and Rescue operations.)

If the above answer is no. – Explain why neighborhood residents will not undertake activities such as light Search and Rescue and identify the local agency or organization that has this responsibility.



Resilient Response – Scenario – # 010 Image of Flooded Homes

Day 4 Sunday

Preliminary Damage Assessment – Essential Services

The local electrical utility provider has shut off power to residences in most of the flooded area. Landline phones are not operating in some areas as floodwaters have inundated several phone junction boxes. Mobile phone service is still available throughout the area.

Preliminary Damage Assessment – Residences

Almost 40% of the homes within your neighborhood have been damaged or destroyed due to flooding.

Level of Damage Percentage of Homes Damaged

Minor 27%

Major 8%

Destroyed 3%



Resilient Response – Scenario – # 011 Image of Clean-Up

Preliminary Neighborhood Evaluation

Prior to the flood many of the neighborhood’s residents had not taken the time to develop a Disaster Plan nor prepare a Disaster Supplies Kit and are now in need of assistance.

There are some residents within the neighborhood who had taken the opportunity to prepare themselves and their families and may be willing to assist other neighborhood residents with needed resources.

With the flood waters having receded most of neighborhood residents have returned to assess the damage to their homes.

A number of neighborhood residents will not be able to return immediately to their residences due to the level of damage to their homes.



Resilient Response – Inject – # 012 Image of Needs

Flood Caused Needs Assessment

Based on the Preliminary Damage Assessment and evaluation of your neighborhood prepare a list of resources (services, materials, supplies, etc.) that will be needed to support neighborhood residents in the days and weeks to come.

Need # 1: Need # 2: Need # 3: Need # 4: Need # 5:



Resilient Response – Inject – # 013 Image of Disability

Day 5 Monday Your neighborhood is comprised of diverse residents, some are senior citizens, some are disabled, some are transportation disadvantaged, some speak limited or no English, and some are pet owners. (Note: For future reference you may want to access the Just In Time Disaster Training Library for additional information on Individuals with Disabilities. These videos are too long to view during today’s exercise. Individuals with Disabilities) – OPTIONAL

Will neighborhood residents have a role in assisting senior citizens in the aftermath of the flood?

Yes No

If the above answer is yes. – Describe the type of assistance that will be made available to senior citizens.

Will neighborhood residents have a role in assisting individuals with disabilities in the aftermath of the flood?

Yes No

If the above answer is yes. – Describe the type of assistance that will be made available to individuals with disabilities.

Will neighborhood residents have a role in assisting pet owners or caring for pets in the aftermath of the flood?

Yes No

If the above answer is yes. – Describe the type of assistance that will be made available to pet owners / pets.


If the above answer to any of the questions is no. – Identify the name and phone number of the agencies and / or organizations within your community that will be able to help senior citizens, the disabled and / or pet owners / pets following the flood and identify the type of assistance each provides. (Example: Agency: Low County Alzheimer Association / Phone Number: 555-555-5555 / Assistance: Can transport seniors to a local evacuation shelter.) (Note: You can access the national 2-1-1 Information and Referral database or www.google.com to search for agencies and / or organizations within your area that could assist senior citizens, the disabled and / or pet owners with their flood recovery needs.)



Resilient Response – Inject – # 014 Image of Supplies

Do neighborhood residents possess any consumable supplies and / or equipment that will be utilized to assist with flood or other disaster response and recovery efforts?

Yes No

If the above answer is yes. – Prepare an itemized list, (Item, Quantity and Storage Location) of the equipment and / or consumable supplies. (Note: Access a listing of potential items to incorporate into a Neighborhood Disaster Supply Kit.) (Example: Item: Medical Supply Kit / Quantity: 2 / Storage Location: Community Center)

If the above answer is no. – If participating in the exercise with other neighborhood residents conduct a brief group discussion to identify ways in which your neighborhood will obtain equipment and / or consumable supplies necessary to prepare a Neighborhood Disaster Supply Kit.

Potential Funding Sources

Target Foundation Access

Wal-Mart Foundation Access

Walgreens Foundation Access



Resilient Response – Inject – # 015 Image of Flood Damage Home

Day 6 Tuesday Mr Williamson has lived in the neighborhood all of his life, and at 91 he has never asked for assistance from anyone. However, during the flood an estimated 18 inches of water caused damage to his home and to his personal belongings. He is now in need of help to:

Remove damaged furniture from his home. Tear out water soaked carpet.

Because of his age and the fact that he has no insurance or relatives that live in the area he is asking you and your fellow neighborhood residents for assistance. (Note: For future reference you may want to access the Just In Time Disaster Training Library for additional information on Returning to Your Flooded Home and Flood Damaged Home Clean-Up. These videos are too long to view during today’s exercise. Returning to Your Flooded Home / Flood Damaged Home Clean-Up) – OPTIONAL

Will neighborhood residents work together to assist Mr Williamson? Yes No

If the above answer is yes. – Briefly describe how you will accomplish this activity along with where you will dispose of the damaged furniture and carpet.

If the above answer is no. – Explain why you and your neighbors will not be able to assist Mr Williamson.

Identify a local government agency or a community / faith based organization along with their point of contact information to whom you will refer Mr Williamson for assistance. (Note: You can access the national 2-1-1 Information and Referral database or www.google.com to search for and agency and / or organization within your area to refer Mr Williamson for assistance.)


Resilient Response – Inject – # 016 Image of Medical Reserve Corps

Assisting neighborhood residents with their response and recovery efforts will be a large undertaking and involve many government agencies along with community and faith based organizations. Identify at least three local agencies and / or community / faith based organizations (Community Partners) with which neighborhood residents will work to recover from the flood. In addition to listing the agency and / or organization list the services each can provide to disaster survivors. (Note: The National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (NVOAD) web site contains information regarding many of the national disaster response agencies and organizations.) (Example: Agency / Organization: Southern Baptist Disaster Relief – Local churches can assist with: Home Muck Out (Clean-Up), Childcare, Feeding, Sheltering, Transportation and Communications.)

(Note: For future reference you may want to access the Just In Time Disaster Training Library for additional information on Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD). These videos are too long to view during today’s exercise. Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) Operations) – OPTIONAL



Resilient Response – Inject – # 017 Image of Curfew

Due to the fact that electrical service remains off throughout the area damaged during the flood, local officials have issued a dusk to dawn curfew for the affected area. If neighborhood residents are assisting one another following the flood are they exempt from the curfew?

Yes No Unsure

If the above answer is yes. – Briefly explain why.

If the above answer is no. – Briefly explain why.

If the above answer is unsure. – Identify the agency that will be able to tell you if neighborhood residents, under the stated circumstance, will be exempt from the curfew. (Example: Agency: Renton Police Department / Phone Number: 555-555-5555)



Resilient Response – Inject – # 018 Image of Demobilization

Day 15 Thursday It has been two weeks since the storm that produced record setting flooding struck the region and conditions have been improving on a daily basis. Throughout the response activities associated with the flood, neighborhood residents have worked together to meet the disaster caused needs of individuals and families.

As flood response activities have slowed down will neighborhood residents need to come together one last time to debrief on the lessons learned during the flood response and begin the process of up-dating their neighborhood disaster plan?

Yes No Unsure

If the above answer is yes. – Briefly describe how this debriefing will be accomplished.


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