Developing an Annex for an Emergency

The Train Derailment Chemical Spill Response Annex Introduction The three main priorities that the National Incident Management System (NIMS) provides for any emergency response operation are: to save lives, stabilize the incident, protect property and the environment. These three priorities are supported by the guiding principles of flexibility, standardization and unity of effort (NIMS, 2018). These priorities and principles, therefore, will serve as the foundation of this Train Derailment Chemical Spill Response Annex.

This Annex will describe the role and expectations of all relevant partners in the response, the interagency collaboration process and procedures that all responding partners will be required to participate in to help prevent, respond to, mitigate and manage a train derailment chemical spill in our community. Operational Guidelines First responders must give dispatch a sense of the level of seriousness of the situation in order to prepare the appropriate response. A 3 level classification system is recommended to ensure the right units are dispatched (Henle Hazmat Training & Consulting, 2016).

Level 1 incident will categorize minor derailments, no spills or fires, and all chemicals apparently still contained in their cars. Threat to life, property and environment is likely to be unknown. A local response will be required. Level 2 incident will categorize clear train derailment with chemical leak apparent but no fire. Potential threat to life, property and environment is evident. A multi-unit response will be required, including Hazmat Team. Level 3 incident will categorize train derailment with chemical spill and fire.

The scene will constitute a major risk to life, property and environment. Local, state and federal response will be required, including specialist/technical teams—i.e., a multi-agency emergency operation. FEMA (2002) also recommends a two-step process for identifying whether a terror event has occurred: “1) Identifying the event as a known, suspected, or threatened terrorist or cyber terrorist attack; and, 2) Assuring notifications to agencies are made” (p. 3-1). The Incident Commander will be responsible, moreover, for following these steps: 1. Size-up the situation. 2. Conduct hazard analysis. 3. Assess the Risk. 4.

Identify Strategic Goals (Objectives) 5. Implement Tactics and Strategies 6. Debriefing (Henle Hazmat Training & Consulting, 2016). Relevant Partners Jurisdictional Lead Agencies For Level 1 Incident: Local Fire Department—the FD will take jurisdiction lead as Incident Commander and establish chain of command with local police. Public Works—will report up the chain of command through local FD for prevention and response clean-up facilitation to a limited degree, giving place and jurisdiction to County Emergency Management.

County Emergency Management—will coordinate with County Sheriff to monitor the response and oversee management of the inter-agency collaboration. County Sheriff and Police—will coordinate with County EM. Emergency Medical Services—will coordinate with FD. Public Health—will coordinate with Public Works, FD and County EM to evaluate risk level to local population and environment; should be minimal for Level 1 response. Railroad Operations—will be contacted by FD or local police dispatch.

For Level 2 Incident—add the following: Fire District and State Fire Marshal—will assume command until State Office arrives. State Office of Emergency Management—will coordinate with Hazmat and assume jurisdictional lead. Hazmat—will oversee clean-up of chemical spill. For Level 3 Incident—add the following: State Department of Environmental Quality—will coordinate with State OEM and FEMA to ensure environmental safety. FEMA—will assume command and coordinate with State Fire Marshal and OEM to assume jurisdictional lead.

Supporting Agencies County Council—will be tasked with overseeing administrative duties. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency—EPA will be tasked with handling the removal of hazardous materials (EPA, 2018) and coordinating with Hazmat. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers—will coordinate with EPA and FEMA to monitor safety, evacuate local residents if needed, and ensure protection of property. Chemical Transportation Emergency Center—will be tasked with responding to the chemical spill and providing assistance to local, state and federal agencies as needed.

Area Hospitals—will be put on standby for possible arrival of critically injured persons. American Red Cross—will be alerted for potential assistance serving evacuated persons and facilitating emergency shelters. Basic Plan Administration An action checklist will be conducted by Public Works, Local Fire in coordination with Railroad Operations to ensure safety and prevention of chemical spill due to train derailment.

In the event of a train derailment, Level 1: Local Fire Department will assume Incident Command and respond with fire suppression if needed, rescue operations and coordination with EMS. Local Law Enforcement will be responsible for securing the area, providing security at the scene, controlling traffic, and evacuating personnel. In the event of a train derailment, Level 2: State Office of Emergency Management will assume Incident Command. Local Fire will coordinate with Hazmat, which will remove hazardous materials and.