COMPREHENSIVE HAZARD ANALYSIS FOR STARKE COUNTY INDIANA

Starke County Comprehensive Hazard Analysis COMPREHENSIVE HAZARD ANALYSIS FOR STARKE COUNTY INDIANA November 2010 Starke County Emergency Management Agency Starke County Comprehensive Hazard Analysis Starke County Emergency Management Agency Starke County Comprehensive Hazard Analysis THIS PAGE IS INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK Starke County Emergency Management Agency Starke County Comprehensive Hazard Analysis INTRODUCTION Starke County is vulnerable to a wide range of natural, manmade, and technological hazards Periodic disasters resulting from floods, tornadoes, winter storms, and other catastrophic events cause injuries and loss of life, disruption of services, and the possibility of significant property damage in any community within the County Such events may also have negative impacts on the areas in which they occur long after the event has taken place Major disasters such as droughts, fires, and hazardous materials events have heightened Indiana’s awareness to the idea that all Hoosiers are vulnerable to such events Advancements in technology and the increased development and use of hazardous materials have resulted in new technological threats virtually nonexistent 25 to 30 years ago These threats can also cause or contribute to significant injury, loss of life, and property destruction Events such as these may range from unintentional spills or releases to intentional acts of terrorism using weapons of mass destruction Managing these various threats and protecting life and property are challenges faced by emergency management personnel at all levels of government To attain an effective program of managing emergencies and disasters in Starke County, a comprehensive evaluation and understanding of the hazards must be completed This can be done through the development of a Comprehensive Hazard Analysis, which will allow Starke County to mitigate, prepare for, respond to, and recover from any significant threats that may arise By conducting a detailed Comprehensive Hazard Analysis, emergency management personnel and community leaders will become better aware of the nature, extent, and magnitude of the potential hazards that threaten our County By pinpointing the locations where these hazards have occurred in the past, and by examining our knowledge of new or emerging risks, it is possible to determine the probability of such events occurring in a given area, as well as the vulnerability of people, property, and services When added to the relevant land use and demographic information, a hazard analysis becomes a powerful planning tool that allows Indiana communities to set priorities and goals for resource allocation, mitigation, and preparedness activities The Starke County Emergency Management Agency and various response and support agencies within the County have come together to build this Comprehensive Hazard Analysis This Comprehensive Hazard Analysis includes an identification of hazards, a community profile, an assessment of risk, and an analysis of potential impact Information provided has come from various public records, Internet information sites, government agencies, and other invaluable sources It is our hope that this document will provide a clear and focused approach in managing the various hazards and emergencies we might face in the future Dan Bridegroom President Starke County Board of Commissioners NOVEMBER 2010 Ted Bombagetti Director Starke County Emergency Management Agency i Starke County Comprehensive Hazard Analysis THIS PAGE IS INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK ii NOVEMBER 2010 Starke County Comprehensive Hazard Analysis TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction i Table of Contents iii Comprehensive Hazard Analysis .1 I II III IV Purpose Scope Mission Jurisdictional Profile and Hazards Summary A B C V Starke County – Facts and Figures .1 Starke County’s Hazard Base – A Summary Starke County Emergency Management Agency – Focus for the Future Hazards A Flooding Hazard Description .3 Significant County Events .4 Programs and Initiatives .5 Analysis and Impact B Drought Hazard Description .6 Significant County Events .7 Programs and Initiatives .7 Analysis and Impact C Extreme Temperatures Hazard Description .9 Significant County Events 10 Programs and Initiatives .10 Analysis and Impact 10 D Fire Hazards 11 Hazard Description 11 Significant County Events 12 Programs and Initiatives .13 Analysis and Impact 15 E Hazardous Materials Events 17 Hazard Description .17 Significant County Events 19 Programs and Initiatives .19 Analysis and Impact 21 NOVEMBER2010 iii Starke County Comprehensive Hazard Analysis iv F Earthquakes 22 Hazard Description .22 Significant County Events 23 Programs and Initiatives .23 Analysis and Impact 23 G Thunderstorm Hazards 23 Hazard Description .24 Significant County Events 24 Programs and Initiatives .25 Analysis and Impact 25 H Severe Winter Weather Hazards 26 Hazard Description .26 Significant County Events 26 Programs and Initiatives .26 Analysis and Impact 27 I Transportation Accidents .27 Hazard Description .27 Significant County Events 27 Programs and Initiatives .27 Analysis and Impact 29 J Civil Disturbances 29 Hazard Description .29 Significant County Events 30 Programs and Initiatives .30 Analysis and Impact 31 K Infrastructure Failures 31 Hazard Description .31 Significant County Events 32 Programs and Initiatives .32 Analysis and Impact 32 L Petroleum and Natural Gas Pipeline Accidents 32 Hazard Description .32 Significant County Events 33 Programs and Initiatives .33 Analysis and Impact 33 M Public Health and Animal Health Emergencies 33 Hazard Description .33 Significant County Events 34 Programs and Initiatives .34 Analysis and Impact 36 NOVEMBER 2010 Starke County Comprehensive Hazard Analysis VI N Radiological Incidents 37 Hazard Description .37 Significant County Events 39 Programs and Initiatives .39 Analysis and Impact 39 O Terrorist Incidents 39 Hazard Description .40 Significant County Events 41 Programs and Initiatives .41 Analysis and Impact 41 P School and Workplace Violence 41 Hazard Description .41 Significant County Events 43 Programs and Initiatives .43 Analysis and Impact 43 Informational Resource Listing .45 Appendices A B C D E Hazard Identification Worksheet A-1 Community Profile Worksheet B-1 Risk Assessment Worksheet C-1 Vulnerability Determination Worksheet D-1 Figures E-1 Figure Major Indiana Rivers and Streams E-3 Figure Drought Severity Index By Division E-4 Figure Indiana Fault Map E-5 Figure Earthquake Epicenters in Indiana and Surrounding States E-6 Figure Nuclear Power Plants Located within 50 Miles of Indiana E-7 Figure Incidents of School Violence 1992 - 2001 E-8 NOVEMBER2010 v Starke County Comprehensive Hazard Analysis COMPREHENSIVE HAZARD ANALYSIS I Purpose This Comprehensive Hazard Analysis establishes a deeper level of awareness and understanding of the various hazards that could threaten the residents of Starke County and to ensure the Starke County Emergency Management Agency, elected and appointed officials, and various response and support agencies are better prepared to plan for, respond to, and recover from, the hazards identified as potential risks to life, property, or services within our County II Scope This document replaces the most recent community hazard analysis, dated 2002, that was prepared by the Starke County Emergency Management Agency, and will be reviewed yearly III Mission The mission of the Starke County Emergency Management Agency is to provide a comprehensive approach to managing emergencies and disasters within our County by providing clear direction in activities that will enable us to mitigate, prepare for, respond to, and recover from situations that threaten the lives of Starke County residents, their homes, and their communities IV Jurisdictional Profile and Hazards Summary A Starke County – Facts and Figures Starke County contains a total land area of 309 square miles, with a population of roughly 22,832 people The County has nine townships including California, Center, Davis, Jackson, North Bend, Oregon, Railroad, Washington, and Wayne Starke County has only one large city, which is Knox, with approximately 3,721 residents The rest of the population lives in mostly rural areas and in the towns of North Judson and Hamlet Starke County has several levels of government ranging from the County Board of Commissioners and the Mayor of Knox, North Judson, and Hamlet Additionally, the nine townships have Trustees, which also contribute to the overall leadership of Starke County Starke County is divided geographically to the east by Marshall County; the west and north by Laporte County; and to the south by Pulaski County The City of Knox is located in the central portion of the County Most of the County consists of flat land The northern boundary of the County is the Kankakee River Starke County has two lakes (Koontz Lake in the northeastern corner of the County and Bass Lake in the southern portion of the County) The Yellow River is the only major river that runs through the entire County NOVEMBER 2010 Starke County Comprehensive Hazard Analysis B Statewide, Starke County ranks 66th in total population out of the 92 Counties in Indiana Starke County has an economy based on manufacturing, government, service, and professional trades The manufacturing activities of the County contribute about $36 million annually, while government activities contribute another $33 million annually Starke County has a transportation system that supports the diversified economic activities The main roadways that pass through the County are United States routes 30 and 35, and State routes and 10 All of these provide a means to connect the various County communities with other areas of the State Starke County has one airport located just north of the City of Knox Two rail lines also service the area, providing freight transport to Knox and Hamlet Starke County’s Hazard Base – A Summary Starke County’s hazard base is dynamic—it is constantly changing because of shifts in population, business/industrial activity, land use changes, technological advances, and new emerging threats such as terrorist incidents and the use of weapons of mass destruction For this reason, Starke County’s ability to prepare for and respond to these hazards must be equally dynamic and flexible In keeping with the “all-hazards, all-risks” approach adopted by the Indiana State Emergency Management Agency and the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Starke County has built an effective emergency management system that is able to address the multitude of hazards prevalent in our County Those hazards—natural, technological, and manmade—present a variety of challenges to Starke County government agencies, communities, businesses, and residents Although some hazards may not impact our lives on a daily basis, the threat is always there It must be addressed through comprehensive emergency planning and preparedness efforts, not just at the County level, but at all levels of government Failure to provide proactive programs or detailed assessments of the hazards that threaten us can result in needless and tragic loss of life and property, as well as emotional and economic impacts that will be felt long after the hazards have gone Approximately 85 – 90% of the homeowners have property insurance policies Because of its geography and location, the principle natural hazards to Starke County (in order of likelihood) include: (1) droughts; (2) wildfires; and (3) animal health emergencies Starke County’s principle technological hazards (in order of likelihood) include: (1) hazardous materials events (fixed-sites and transportation-related); (2) tire fires; and (3) structural fires NOTE: Many of these threats are a direct or indirect result of the County’s position as a significant manufacturing area The technological threats present in Starke County are not unlike those present in other parts of the State or country NOVEMBER 2010 Starke County Comprehensive Hazard Analysis Vulnerability Determination Worksheet Hazard (scored or higher) Dam Failure River Flooding Flash Flooding Urban Flooding Drought Extreme Temperatures Key Issues and Actions Taken 6.4 What are the key public health issues? N/A N/A N/A N/A Water shortage may result in loss of livestock N/A Respiratory disorders resulting from smoke inhalation Mosquitoes Tire Fires Respiratory disorders resulting from smoke inhalation Structural Fires Wildfires Respiratory disorders to the impacted population resulting from smoke inhalation None Identified Arson D-6 6.5 What are the economic issues? N/A N/A N/A N/A Loss of income associated with tourism, business, and retail N/A Enormous financial burden associated with emergency response Smoke damage to structures would decrease values Volunteer fire fighters loss of income from paying jobs and loss of productivity to their employers Business interruption and closure Loss in tourism Volunteer fire fighters loss of income from paying jobs and loss of productivity to their employers Damage and loss of housing Environmental losses Volunteer fire fighters loss of income from paying jobs and loss of productivity to their employers Loss of housing, possible drop in housing prices in the impacted area 6.6 What are the key recovery issues? N/A N/A N/A N/A The droughts tend to occur in 10-year cycles N/A Immediate need for temporary shelter Injuries to fire response personnel could significantly impact response capabilities If not already addressed, must mitigate shortfall in emergency water supply Costs and time associated with reconstruction Immediate need for temporary shelter Injuries to fire response personnel could significantly impact response capabilities If not already addressed, must mitigate shortfall in emergency water supply Take years for habitat to return to normal Reconstruction of homes should address need to mitigate against future wildland events If not already addressed, must mitigate shortfall in emergency water supply Focus on preventing future events If not already addressed, must mitigate shortfall in emergency water supply NOVEMBER 2010 Starke County Comprehensive Hazard Analysis Vulnerability Determination Worksheet Hazard (scored or higher) Hazardous Materials Fixed Sites Key Issues and Actions Taken 6.4 What are the key public health issues? Countywide contamination of air, water, and/or land could be possible depending on the hazardous materials event 6.5 What are the economic issues? Damage to soil, crops, and livestock Displaced residents and businesses – loss of income Earthquakes Hail Lightning Severe Winds – Windstorms and StraightLine Winds Tornadoes Ice and Sleet Storms NOVEMBER 2010 What are the key recovery issues? Lengthy containment and clean up Need for temporary housing and temporary business facilities Conducting a rural evacuation takes time and resources – consideration should be given to providing some sort of warning An agricultural area will be non-farmable for up to years if impacted by certain hazardous materials Hazardous Materials Fixed Sites (cont.) Hazardous Materials Transportation 6.6 Countywide contamination of air, water, and/or land could be possible depending on the hazardous materials event N/A If power is out, residents could be exposed to dangerously cold temperatures None Identified Danger of flying debris Sub-standard construction would be subject to significant structural damage N/A Potential loss of utilities (electrical, heating oil, phones, water) Damage to soil, crops, and livestock Displaced residents and businesses – loss of income Costs associated with establishing temporary land routes and alternative delivery methods for impacted rails N/A Costs associated with lost crops and repair to structures/vehicles Costs associated with structural repairs and fire damage Costs associated with structural repairs N/A Cost of road maintenance, loss of revenue from closed businesses Lengthy containment and clean up Need for temporary housing and temporary business facilities Closure of land or rail access routes could have a long-term impact on the region An agricultural area will be non-farmable for up to years if impacted by certain hazardous materials Small sections of farmland are adjacent to rails running through the County N/A Public facilities, equipment, and vehicles may have been damaged, impacting ability to conduct functions and services Public facilities, equipment, and vehicles may have been damaged, impacting ability to conduct functions and services Public facilities, equipment, and vehicles may have been damaged, impacting ability to conduct functions and services N/A Clear public roads and streets D-7 Starke County Comprehensive Hazard Analysis Vulnerability Determination Worksheet Hazard (scored or higher) Key Issues and Actions Taken 6.4 What are the key public health issues? 6.5 What are the economic issues? N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A Damage and destruction to public and private structures Costs associated with emergency response N/A N/A Public facilities and services could be impacted as a result of an incident N/A N/A Loss of animal inventory could be devastating Veterinary resources would be preoccupied and not available to provide regular functions and services N/A None Identified Civil Disturbances Infrastructure Failure Petroleum/Natural Gas Pipeline Accidents Public Health Emergencies Animal Health Emergencies N/A N/A N/A Significant issues relating to contagion, containment, and disposal Possible need for quarantined areas Nuclear Attack N/A Critical Incident Stress Management Program does not exist in the County Terrorist Incidents School/Workplace Violence D-8 What are the key recovery issues? Public facilities, equipment, and vehicles may have been damaged, impacting ability to conduct functions and services N/A Structural repairs Snowstorms Transportation Accidents - Air Transportation Accidents – Land Transportation Accidents – Water 6.6 Costs to County and Extension Office services would be overwhelming N/A Costs associated with increased surveillance, security, investigation, and reconstruction N/A N/A N/A Public facilities and services could be impacted as a result of an incident Entire region would likely be impacted – including nearby major metropolitan areas Mutual Aid response from those areas could be significantly reduced N/A N/A N/A NOVEMBER 2010 Starke County Comprehensive Hazard Analysis THIS PAGE IS INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK NOVEMBER 2010 Starke County Comprehensive Hazard Analysis Appendix E: Figures Figure Major Indiana Rivers and Streams E-2 Figure Drought Severity Index By Division .E-3 Figure Indiana Fault Map E-4 Figure Earthquake Epicenters in Indiana and Surrounding States E-5 Figure Nuclear Power Plants Located within 50 Miles of Indiana E-6 Figure Incidents of School Violence 1992 - 2001 E-7 NOVEMBER 2010 E-1 - Starke County Comprehensive Hazard Analysis Figure MAJOR INDIANA RIVERS AND STREAMS Indiana Department of Natural Resources 2001 E- 2010 NOVEMBER Starke County Comprehensive Hazard Analysis Figure NOVEMBER 2010 E-3 - Starke County Comprehensive Hazard Analysis Figure INDIANA FAULT MAP Figure EARTHQUAKE EPICENTERS IN INDIANA AND SURROUNDING STATES 1800-1995 E- 2010 NOVEMBER Starke County Comprehensive Hazard Analysis Relative strength of the earthquakes is indicated by the size of the circles NOVEMBER 2010 E-5 - Starke County Comprehensive Hazard Analysis Figure NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS LOCATED WITHIN 50 MILES OF INDIANA E- 2010 NOVEMBER Starke County Comprehensive Hazard Analysis Figure INCIDENTS OF SCHOOL VIOLENCE 1992-2001 NOVEMBER 2010 E-7 - Starke County Comprehensive Hazard Analysis THIS PAGE IS INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK E- 2010 NOVEMBER .. .Starke County Comprehensive Hazard Analysis Starke County Emergency Management Agency Starke County Comprehensive Hazard Analysis THIS PAGE IS INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK Starke County Emergency... Hazards Summary A B C V Starke County – Facts and Figures .1 Starke County? ??s Hazard Base – A Summary Starke County Emergency Management Agency – Focus for the Future Hazards... Miles of Indiana E-7 Figure Incidents of School Violence 1992 - 2001 E-8 NOVEMBER2010 v Starke County Comprehensive Hazard Analysis COMPREHENSIVE HAZARD ANALYSIS I Purpose This Comprehensive