City Emergency Response Levels In an emergency, there are various response levels used to determine when the EOC may be activated: LEVEL ONE: A routine emergency handled exclusively by the public safety providers such as the sheriff's office or fire district. This level follows the normal procedures of the responding public safety entity. LEVEL TWO: An event of serious consequence such as loss of life, great property damage, or serious disruption of public services beyond the routine response of the public safety providers. The mayor is notified by the incident commander of the emergency, and the mayor may decide to activate the local EOC and implement the necessary emergency plans, depending upon the situation. LEVEL THREE: A city-wide or county-wide disaster, or an unexpected occurrence of such a magnitude that state and federal agencies may be mobilized to handle the situation. Public safety providers may be overwhelmed in response to such a disaster, and the community may be without certain public safety and other services for a period of time. Mayor activates the local EOC and implements the emergency plans. HOMELAND SECURITY ADVISORY SYSTEM September 11, 2001, brought our country to the realization that terrorism is a threat to our nation, and can cause tremendous loss of life and property. As a result of this threat, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security was formed. The Department established a nation-wide alert system intended to keep the public advised on the level of terrorism threat at a given time. The system is comprised of five color-coded alert conditions. These color-coded conditions describe the seriousness of the threat, and place federal, state, and local officials at various levels of alertness: Advisory Conditions: 1. Low Condition (Green). This condition is declared when there is a low risk of terrorist attacks. Citizens are advised to: > Continue to participate freely in travel, work, ana recreational activities. > Be prepared for disasters and family emergencies. >• Know the natural hazards in the area. > Know how to turn off gas, electricity, and water in your home. > Develop a family emergency plan. > Report criminal activities, and support efforts of local emergency responders. 2. Guarded Condition (Blue). This condition is declared when there is a general risk of terrorist attacks. In addition to the previously mentioned precautions, citizens are advised to: > Continue normally but be watchful for suspicious activities. > Review and update your family emergency plans. > Maintain and update your family emergency supplies, food storage, and water storage. > Increase your emergency preparation through training from agencies such as the Red Cross. > Be aware of public information that strengthens your ability to act appropriately and monitor news reports. > Become an emergency management volunteer in your community. ■?_ k:^,.,,,,*,.,^ rvw««^,« fw,.as,,.,w^ An Elevated Condition is declared when there is a significant risk of terrorist attacks. In i ffte ptbfviuusfv f'fmfifiOii&cJ precautions, citizens are advisee > Report suspicious activities to law enforcement as you continue your normal routine. > Learn what critical facilities are located in your community such as major transportation corridors and water treatment facilities. > Expect increasing surveillance of critical locations, law enforcement presence, and coordinating between jurisdictions. > Become active in a Neighborhood Watch Program or Citizen Emergency Response Team (CERT). > Monitor local and national news for terrorist alerts. 4. High Condition (Orange). A High Condition is declared when there is a high risk of terrorist attacks. In addition to the previously mentioned precautions, citizens are advised to: > Continue normal activities, but expect some delay with additional baggage searches and limitation at public buildings. > Expect coordinating among federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, and possibly the national guard or other armed forces. >- Continue to monitor new reports and local threat advisories. > Be aware of unattended packages and bags in public places. >• Inventory emergency supplies and discuss your family emergency plan. >• Consider taking personal security precautions in public places. > Keep in contact with family members and loved ones. 5. Severe Condition (Red). A Severe Condition reflects a severe risk of terrorist attacks. In addition to the previously mentioned precautions, citizens are advised to: > Report suspicious activities immediately. > Expect additional security and delay at certain public places as a result of baggage searches and other restrictions. > Expect transportation delays and restrictions. > Expect the closure of many public and most government facilities. >- Take additional precautions at public events and possibly consider alternative venues or even cancellation. > Keep emergency supplies accessible. > Be prepared to evacuate or shelter-in-place upon order of local authorities. >• Assist neighbor who may need help. >• Closely monitor new reports and be prepared for an Emergency Alert System broadcast. > Avoid passing unsubstantiated information or rumors. 5