Team Norfolk - Impending Weather - 4-22-17 @ 4pm

Ladies and Gents,

This is just a quick note about the wet weather and high tides heading our way.

According to the attached hourly graph, rain is anticipated throughout the rest of today (Saturday), tomorrow, Monday and into Tuesday.  The precipitation by itself shouldn’t be too much of a problem; however, combined with higher tides the result will be flooding in the usual spots.  The attached tide chart shows the stacking tides reaching alert levels during the Monday 8:26pm high tide. More to come on this.

I encourage you to visit the NHS Wakefield’s Thunderstorm Briefing page at http://www.weather.gov/akq/Thunder#rain.  Along with the radar, move the cursor over the 24- 36- and 48- hour Precip Forecasts as well as the Day 1 + 2 Precip Forecasts.  Again, the aforementioned Hourly Graph should articulate the amounts of rainfall during which periods.   

The EOC will continue to monitor and keep you posted.  Feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns you have.

Thanks!

Jim
Director, Norfolk EOC
james.redick@norfolk.gov

Thoughts from PBS Independent Lens Film: 'Newtown'

December 14, 2012.  This is a date which changed the lives of an entire community, and especially those who lost something so precious: their child.  Just another day turned into terror when children went to school, but not all came home.  PBS Independent Lens program ‘Newtown’ by filmmaker Kim Snyder told the story of what had occurred and how the community responded.  As with other films focusing on disastrous events, it’s an opportunity for us to not just learn what happened, but steps we can take to improve our plans should a similar incident occur here.  The film is available here until 4/18/17.

The first call to 911 occurred that Friday morning at 9:35am. 

The students and teachers did all they could to survive.  The concept of “Run. Hide. Fight.” was implemented as best as possible in the horrific chaos for those who had an option.  Furthermore, law enforcement and medical response was immediate.

Observations and Lessons - Immediate Response:

With incidents such as this, text messages and social media will be glowing with activity.  At the same time, depending on the venue, 911 centers may be inundated with calls for assistance.  Please note the following

·         Many 911 centers, including Norfolk, do not yet have the ability to receive text messages; this capability should be operational later this year.

·         If you are calling 911 and receive a recorded message, don’t hang up! 

·         If you are vulnerable to the threat, silence your phone!

When law enforcement arrives, do what they say!  Do not expect them to stop to assist you; rather, their sole focus is eliminating the threat – or multiple threats - in order to stop the killing.

If you are a survivor of the incident but are injured, or someone around you is injured, you can make a difference in saving a life.  CPR may be one way.  Also, Norfolk Fire-Rescue offers ‘Stop The Bleed’ training, designed to share simple techniques to stop bleeding from gunshots and other types of wounds learned in the battlefield.  Both CPR and Stop the Bleed training can be scheduled by calling the Norfolk Cares Call Center at 757-664-6510. 

Information.  There was fear and confusion – not just within the school, but outside as well as it appeared parents did not know where to go for information.  Certainly time is needed to truly assess the situation before information can be provided, efforts can be made to support this effort.  Norfolk Police will work with Norfolk Public Schools to account for all the children: those still at the scene and those who may have been able to run away to safety.  Additionally, agencies such as Norfolk Police and Norfolk Fire-Rescue will have Public Information Officers (PIO’s) on scene.  If this incident were a public school, Norfolk Public Schools would have a PIO dispatched as well.  Team Norfolk has additional PIO’s who make up the Joint Information Center (JIC) who can also be assigned to assist with information dissemination.  Every effort will be made to provide those affected, and the entire community, with timely, accurate, actionable and accessible information.  One way to do this for the families is to establish a family reunification center.

As the scene may still be active, or now a crime scene, the Incident Commander will identify an appropriate location for family members to go to receive information on their loved ones.  This is where the NPD and NF-R Public Information Officers will to provide you information, to include whether your child is safe, where your loved one may have been transported for treatment, or worse.  In any case, the plan if for those affected to have someone available at any time who will provide information and answer questions, as well as offer comfort and compassion, the entire time.

Recovery

As was apparent throughout the entire film, grief counseling is crucial.  It was painful to watch one father explain his need to know what his child experienced, what they thought, saw and heard, during the last seconds of their life, “while being murdered, by a gunman, in his first grade classroom.”  Another parent expressed his inability to tell his surviving son “don’t worry, it’s going to be ok,” because his son’s response was “that’s what you said to Ben.”  Grief counseling cannot just be for parents, however.  Nor should it be limited to students and teachers.  It should include everyone involved.  This includes the siblings of the deceased, the school staff and administration – all who knew and otherwise came into contact with the victims on a regular basis, the traditional first responders ( 911, police, fire and medical), as well as those receiving the victims at the hospital(s), those offering emotional and spiritual support, and more.  Response fatigue, survivor’s guilt and critical incident stress are very real threats requiring inclusion in response plans. 

How do you talk with children about what they witnessed or heard?  The gun shots… the screams… the blood… and that people with whom they were close will never come back?  Some of us from a particular generation might turn to the comforting words of Mr. Fred Rogers as he emphasizes the fact our children can talk with us about anything, and that “We will do all we can to keep them safe in any scary time.”  More so, however, professional will be brought on scene to provide the necessary care and otherwise ensure these needs are met.  That said, I don’t suspect one can ever fully get over the loss of a child, sibling or parent.

Next Steps

There is much that goes into keeping the children in our community safe.  This includes taking steps to ensure controlled access to school facilities, documentation of potential warning signs, and the planning, training and exercises which occur on a regular basis between Norfolk Public Schools (and many other institutions), public safety agencies and many more Team Norfolk partner organizations.  Every parent has a role as well: get to know your school’s plan.  Furthermore, since an active threat can occur anywhere, know how you would respond.  Complete Free FEMA Training: IS-907: Active Shooter: What You Can Do at https://training.fema.gov/is/courseoverview.aspx?code=IS-907 , get familiar with the Run. Hide. Fight. video developed by ReadyHouston and practice it at work, school and your place of worship.  Lastly, remember taking steps to increase awareness and preparedness now will help minimize chaos, confusion and fear during an actual incident.

I want to thank Ms. Snyder for making this important film and the parents to whom my heart goes out; I’m committed to learning the lessons from their grief.  They have unknowingly made an impactful difference in our community’s plans.

Sincerely,

Jim
Director, Norfolk EOC
james.redick@norfolk.gov

Team Norfolk Post-Storm Update 4-6-17 @ 1:40pm

All,

Please note the Tornado WARNING expired as of 1pm and the Tornado WATCH extended to 4pm.

The WARNING was based on radar not observations; there is no evidence or reports of actual tornado touchdowns.  The only storm-related calls into the 911 center involves flooding at the 7900 block of Shore Dr, Oklahoma Ave and Shirley Ave.  Power outages are minimal with only 13 out of 97,053 Dominion customers impacted as of 1:20pm.

If anyone in the community experienced damages, they are encouraged to document the impacts and contact their insurance company.  The Norfolk Cares Call Center is available to receive any reports and otherwise answer questions at 664-6510.  For emergencies, call 911!

For city staff, please report any damage to Lori Crouch.

Team Norfolk partner agencies, please report any damages to the Norfolk EOC so we may provide a comprehensive report to the Virginia EOC.

Again, while the Tornado Warning has been cleared, the Tornado Watch is still active which means conditions exist for tornado activity: vigilance is key.

The latest hourly graph is provided below for your review.  Wind gusts in the upper 30mph range can be expected into the evening, and then gusts in the lower to mid 30's throughout the night and into tomorrow (Friday).  Chance of rain drops significantly at 2pm and temperatures cool overnight with a low of 48 by 6am in the morning.  Certainly more pleasant conditions than received around 1pm!

Please contact us with any questions or concerns you may have.

Thank you!

Jim
Director, Norfolk EOC
james.redick@norfolk.gov

Team Norfolk Severe Weather Update 4-6-17 @ 11:15am

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Please see below from Bill Sammler, Warning Coordination Meteorologist with the NWS in Wakefield:   

All,

Overall, the severe weather threat has diminished across the area from yesterday. The thunderstorm activity which developed across the southeastern states yesterday afternoon and evening has limited the amount of instability available further north and northwest into our region. As a result, thunderstorms were delayed in forming this morning, and those that have formed have struggled to reach severe levels. Considerable cloud cover also prevails over the area late this morning, which is inhibiting the atmosphere from destabilizing. A threat for severe thunderstorms continues into early afternoon, but the tornado threat has diminished, and is now restricted to areas east of I-95 in VA/MD/NC. Below are important points to keep in mind.

1). Tornado Watch remains in effect until 1 pm for all of our area west of the Chesapeake Bay.

2). Strong to severe thunderstorms, with the primary threats being large hail and damaging wind gusts, will remain possible through early afternoon.

3). The threat for an isolated tornado continues east of I-95, but the threat for significant tornado activity has significantly diminished.

4). Remain alert for the potential of severe thunderstorm, and possibly a tornado warning to be issued, especially as long as the tornado watch remains in effect.

5). The severe weather threat will end early this afternoon, with most precipitation lifting east and northeast of our area.

6). Improving weather conditions expected, although breezy to windy and much cooler than the last few days, from mid afternoon through Friday.

Nothing else to add from the Norfolk EOC.

Thanks,

Jim
Director, Norfolk EOC
james.redick@norfolk.gov 

Team Norfolk Severe Weather Update 4-6-17 @ 8am

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Our area is now under a Tornado WATCH until 1pm.  A Tornado Watch means conditions are favorable for tornadoes and severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch area. Persons in these areas should be on the lookout for threatening weather conditions and listen for later statements and possible warnings.  For the latest outlook information go to http://www.weather.gov/akq/SevereThunderstorms and look at the Day 1 Probabilities located on the menu at left of the screen.  The latest hourly graph is also provided for your review; however, be advised it does not reflect the high winds upward of 65-75mph associated with the anticipated thunderstorm activity!

For city staff, an incident has been created in the STORM program.  Should there be damage associated with today’s weather, please begin documenting any downed trees, lines, blocked roads, etc. when safe to do so.  Also, with the Joint Information Center (JIC) in an active virtual state, please provide Lori Crouch all storm-related information.

The Norfolk Cares Center (664-6510) opened at 7:00 am today to receive calls from our community. As of now, the only calls received have been from residents concerned with trash collection.

The Emergency Operations Center has been staffed since 3am and reports no unresolved issues or resource requests. 

Messaging throughout the community remains garbage collection is cancelled and rescheduled for Saturday, that folks should secure all loose yard items (including garbage cans), bring pets indoors during hazardous conditions, know where to go during a tornado warning and stay informed by registering for Norfolk Alert and monitoring the City’s website, social media and TV48.

Please feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns.

Thanks!

Jim Director,
Norfolk EOC
james.redick@norfolk.gov

Team Norfolk Severe Weather Update 4-5-17 @ 8:30pm - IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Team Norfolk,

We conducted a Team Norfolk Command and Control conference call inclusive of the National Weather Service at 4:30pm, and then checked in with the NWS again shortly before 8pm.  The forecast remains unchanged, consistently pointing to severe hazardous conditions overnight and during the morning hours (approximately 7-11am).

In addition to possible tornado activity, the primary threats associated with this storm system include large hail, high/damaging winds (potentially upward of 60-75mph during thunderstorms), possible downed trees/limbs, power outages and property damage.  These forecasts have been communicated by the NWS with a high degree of confidence.  As such, protective actions are being taken now and communicated so folks have some time to plan accordingly. 

Please note: during tornado outbreaks, time is of the essence and we’re lucky if we have minutes to react.  In this situation we have received a pattern of consistent forecast information allowing us to take action now, ahead of what could possibly be a life-threatening situation. 

Interim City Manager Doug Smith declared a 10am opening for city offices.

Thursday garbage collection has been cancelled and rescheduled for Saturday.

Superintendent Dr. Melinda Boone declared a 2-hour delay for Norfolk Public Schools.

Norfolk's Emergency Operations Center will be at an elevated level of readiness with personnel on site overnight.

Again, messaging throughout the community should include the importance of registering for Norfolk Alert, to secure loose items in their yard and charge their devices ahead of any potential power outages.  Also, all official storm-related information will be posted at Norfolk.gov, the city’s social media and TV48.

Thanks and be safe!

Jim
Director, Norfolk EOC
james.redick@norfolk.gov

Team Norfolk Severe Weather Update 4-5-17 @ 3pm

Team,

Hazardous Weather Outlook For Our Area:

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for northeast North Carolina, south central Virginia and southeast Virginia.

.DAY ONE...Today and Tonight.

Showers and thunderstorms are expected late tonight. After 3 am, some storms may contain damaging winds and large hail, with isolated tornadoes also possible.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Thursday through Tuesday.

Thunderstorms are expected to continue through Thursday morning, with some storms potentially becoming strong to severe. The main threats will be from damaging winds and large hail, with isolated tornadoes also possible.

 Update from Jeff Orrock, Meteorologist in Charge with the NWS in Wakefield:

“Attached is the last briefing for the developing storm system. There have not been many changes today. Atmospheric conditions till look to support a combination of supercell thunderstorms ahead of a squall line. Some areas will experience a couple waves of showers and storms, some this evening and early tonight, but the real severe potential will be associated with the development of storms from 4 am through 11 am. [In our Norfolk area specifically, timing currently looks to be sometime between 7am and 9am]

Some areas could experience more than one round of severe storms during the morning hours on Thursday with some storms developing ahead of a larger line of storms. The primary threats look to be damaging wind and tornadoes. If a line of storms develop some larger areas of widespread wind damage are possible.

While there is still some uncertainty regarding the exact evolution of the storm system, where exactly severe weather will strike, and exactly how widespread severe weather will be, the potential impacts in some areas could be significant. 

Please keep up with forecast updates, potential Tornado Watches and all Warnings via our website, NOAA Weather Radio, local media and trusted apps. Note that cell phones in areas where Tornado Warnings are issued should alert via the Wireless Emergency Alert System.”

Team Norfolk

Again, the hourly graph is provided for your review.  As you’ll see, winds pick up tomorrow morning reaching gusts into the mid to upper 30’s in the afternoon.  Folks should be encouraged to secure loose outside items.

We have a Command and Control conference call discussion scheduled for 4:30pm; update will be shared soon after.

Emergency Operations Center will be at an elevated level of readiness with personnel on site overnight.

Community Messaging:

• Register for Norfolk Alert.  Know how Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) are sent/received (info at https://www.ready.gov/alerts)
• Secure loose items outside this evening.
• Take cover when a Tornado Warning is received! A Warning means a tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar.  Appropriate shelter is the center of a small interior room on the lowest level (closet, interior hallway) away from corners, windows, doors, and outside walls. Put as many walls as possible between you and the outside. Get under a sturdy table if available and use your arms to protect your head and neck.  Have sturdy shoes with you in your shelter space.

Thanks!

Jim
Director, Norfolk EOC
james.redick@norfolk.gov

 

 

Team Norfolk - Severe Weather Update - 4-5-17 @ 10am

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Hazardous Weather Outlook from the National Weather Service:

“Showers and thunderstorms are expected late tonight. After 3 am, some storms may contain damaging winds and large hail, with isolated tornadoes also possible.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Thursday through Tuesday.

Thunderstorms are expected to continue through Thursday morning, with some storms potentially becoming strong to severe. The main threats will be from damaging winds and large hail, with isolated tornadoes also possible.”

The following is provided by Mike Montefusco, Senior Meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Wakefield:

“Attached, please find the latest briefing information regarding severe weather potential tonight into Thursday morning. Overall, we're expecting an initial batch of showers and thunderstorms moving across the Coastal Carolinas this evening, potentially pushing across SE VA/NE NC this evening before midnight. This initial area of showers should be predominately sub-severe. After a brief lull in the early overnight hours, a second round of showers and thunderstorms are expected after 2am EDT tonight, with a significant severe weather threat for our area between 3 am and 10 am EDT. Please note that the tornado threat has been expanded to include Central VA and the Metro Richmond area for Thursday morning. The next briefing will be sent by 3 pm this afternoon.  Please be sure to monitor weather.gov/Wakefield for the latest information.”

I am attaching the hourly graph for your review and will provide more following the NWS 3pm update.

Thanks!

Jim
Director, Norfolk EOC
james.redick@norfolk.gov