BERTIE COUNTY EMERGENCY OPERATIONS PLAN - BASIC
Reviewed / Updated: August 25, 2015 

The Bertie County Emergency Operations Plan has been developed to address multiple hazards which threaten our County. Through the use of a functional format, this plan encourages an Integrated Emergency Management (IEM) approach to disaster and fosters prompt, efficient and coordinated response operations by elements of the emergency organization. IEM requires a system-wide integration of skills, people and resources as well as the utilization of a County Emergency Operations Center.

This plan also recognizes Incident Command as an appropriate management system to be applied to all Bertie County emergency/disaster situations and shall be implemented when emergency/disaster response is required. Bertie County has also formally adopted, by resolution of the Board of County Commissioners, the principles of the National Incident Management System (NIMS) when coordinating with State and Federal agencies.

This document presents a basic plan which serves as a summary document to the functional annexes. These annexes define who will do what, when and where, as emergencies/disasters threaten the County. Supporting Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are necessary to address how each agency will perform its assigned duties during an emergency/disaster situation. Defining the roles of response agencies reduces the confusion, chaos and conflict during an emergency/disaster; and significantly decreases vulnerability of the public and their property to hazardous threats. Individual agency or department emergency procedures are not part of this plan but may be outlined in the various annexes or attachments.

This plan defines which agencies are responsible for fulfilling the legal responsibilities identified in North Carolina General Statutes Chapter 166-A and other state laws, as well as Federal regulations and Federal law. It provides all the necessary elements to insure that local government can fulfill its legal responsibilities for emergency preparedness. All agencies tasked under this plan contributed to its development.
 

It is intended that this plan, when implemented, be used by Bertie County response organizations to obtain maximum use of existing resources, organizations, and systems in their response to emergencies and disasters that could and/or have occurred in the county. The format utilized is:

Basic Plan:
To be used by Bertie County Emergency Response Organizations.

Annexes:
Address the specific functions for use by the operational managers. Each annex of this plan contains a purpose statement for that area of response. All individuals with assigned responsibilities should be familiar with the entire plan, however, added emphasis must be given to those areas for which they are responsible. While all circumstances cannot be addressed, the content of this plan should be used as a guide for those events that do occur but are not specifically addressed herein.

Attachments:
Give support and additional definition to operational annexes.

SOPs:
Most Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are not contained in this plan, but must be developed by each operational manager and are essential to the implementation of this document. Copies of all SOPs will be submitted and kept for reference at the Emergency Operations Center to insure integration of services when two or more agencies work together. 

Hazard Specific Checklists:
Hazard specific checklists have been added to highlight areas, functions or duties that should be carried out by the Agency, Incident Commander and/or the Emergency Management Director or their respective designees. Checklists are designed to be functional, but broad based. Each checklist is divided into at least three areas: Planning, Response and Recovery. The NIMS requires local EOPs to be "hazard specific".

Database:
Accompanying this plan is a functional database with the capability for recording damage assessment, resources, resource requests, personnel/contact information, vital facilities, shelter listings and facility details, as well as listings for persons with special needs. The database is integrated throughout the plan and provides Emergency Management easy access to critical, but ever changing information.
 

This plan predetermines and describes actions to be taken by the government agencies and private organizations of Bertie County to reduce the vulnerabilities of people and property to disaster and to establish capabilities to respond effectively to the actual occurrence of a disaster.
 

Bertie County is a county located in the north eastern region of North Carolina. It is bound on the East by the Chowan River, Albemarle Sound, and Chowan County; on the South by Martin and Washington Counties; on the North by Hertford and on the West by Northampton and Halifax Counties. Windsor is Bertie County's largest town and Windsor is the county seat. The current full-time population is estimated at 21,282 people (U.S. Census Bureau 2010 & State and County QuickFacts 2012) with a population density of approximately 28* persons per square mile. The County occupies an area of 699.27 Sq Miles and has a population density of 30.4 persons per square mile. The county is susceptible to a variety of natural and manmade hazards.

• Animal Control
• Building Inspections
• Education
• Emergency Management
• Emergency Medical Services
• Fire Departments
• Fire Marshal
• Health Department
• Law Enforcement
• Mental Health
• Social Services
• Solid Waste Operations
• Volunteer Rescue Squads

US 17, US 13, NC 308, NC 305, NC 45 and NC 11. No Interstate highways pass through Bertie County; however, I-95 in neighboring Northampton County is approximately thirty miles North.

Several bridges provide key access to the County; these are NC 11 and US 13 -17 Roanoke River bridges, NC 45 "Three-rivers" bridge, US 17 Chowan River bridge and US 17 Cashie River bridge at Windsor. 
 

North Carolina - Virginia Railroad, a short-line freight railroad that operates on tracks previously owned by CSX. Roxobel, Kelford and Aulander are located on the NC-VA rail line.
 

There are no airports within the County, and the nearest commercial airline service is through Pitt-Greenville Airport, a distance of approximately 40 miles. The County is served by several small airports with hard surfaced runways in neighboring counties; these include Tri-County Airport in Hertford County, Martin County Airport and Northeastern Airport, near Edenton. Todd's Airstrip near Windsor is a privately-owned grass strip that is serviceable for light aircraft in an emergency.
 

Not shown among the free ferries listed on the official NC DOT road maps. Where Secondary Road 1500 runs into the Cashie River, the Sans Souci Ferry, a diesel-powered raft-of-sorts carries one or two cars at a time across the river. The ferry follows the path of a twisted metal cable that drops below the surface once the ferry has docked. This 10 minute trip saves about 20 miles and many more minutes of travel through the countryside.
 

• Aircraft Accidents
• Civil Disorder/Rioting
• Drought
• Earthquake
• Floods
• Forest Fires
• Hazardous Materials
• Hurricanes
• Landfill Fires
• Large Structural Fires
• Mass Casualty
• Power Failure
• Severe Thunderstorms
• Terrorist activity
• Tornados
• Winter Storms

• Loss of electric power
• Failure of the water distribution system
• Severance of road/highway network
• Evacuation of people from the county
• Necessity for mass care (shelter) and feeding operations
• Need for debris clearance and removal
• Multiple injuries and fatalities
• Drastic increase in media attention
• Damage to the communications and telephone networks
• Negative economic impact
• Increased number of vector & vermin
• Need for official public information and rumor control
• Need for State and/or Federal assistance
• Re-entry of essential personnel and equipment
• Re-entry of the public
• Damage to vital records
• Need for damage assessment
• Need for auxiliary power
• Need for coordination of donated goods
• Contamination of private wells
• Need for law enforcement support
• Need for emergency medical and rescue support
• Need for fire protection support
• Need for additional hospital / medical support
• Over taxing local resources
• Depth of staffing problems
• Loss of facilities vital to maintaining essential services
• Environmental impact to wildlife, natural resources and agriculture
• Management of reconstruction
• Coordination of staged resources
• Isolation of populations
• Damage to historical sites

• Gubernatorial Declaration of Disaster

• Presidential Disaster Declaration

1. Mitigation - Through the planning and building inspection programs, the county and municipal governments use codes and standards to prevent industry from impacting on residential areas and prevent sub-standard building construction. Education of the public about potential disaster effects also prevents injury and death from disasters. Public participation in preparedness exercises can also prevent injury and death from disasters. Fire inspections will be conducted and fire codes will be enforced. Participation in the National Flood Insurance Program will assist in identification of flood prone areas and minimize life and property loss to flood. Vital records will be protected to reduce or eliminate loss.
    
2. Preparedness - Through disaster planning and recognition of hazards likely to affect the area, the county and municipal agencies prepare for potential disasters. County agencies are offered training in preparation for a disaster and each department is responsible for seeing that their responders have adequate training to carry out assigned functions. Many other programs are offered to the residents of Bertie County to help them also be prepared, such as printed materials and public education programs. Members of the public are kept informed and urged to prepare for disaster by local media and Emergency Management.
    
3. Response - When a disaster occurs, the county and municipal agencies respond either as direct assistance to the disaster area or as a support agency to the first responders on-scene. The response agencies will act within their scope of training and will call upon outside resources as needed to mitigate further damages. Additional resources are coordinated by the Bertie County Emergency Operations Center. 
    
4. Recovery - After the immediate short term emergency needs of an area are controlled, the county and municipal governments begin a recovery process that may take several days to many months or years. Response agencies will determine what impacts have been made on the community and what will need to be done to put the community back to pre-disaster conditions. Many times this effort will overwhelm the jurisdiction and assistance from State and Federal Governments will be needed.

• On scene response by the Area Coordinator, designee or SERT 
• Assistance with dissemination of emergency public information
• Relay of information from state and federal agencies
• Coordination of state agencies during events
• Transmittal and tracking of resource requests via internet
• Assistance with planning, training and recovery operations
• Assistance with damage assessment if requested.
• Assistance with resource requests and tracking via the State's EOC management software (WebEOC).
   

As a prerequisite for continued funding for local emergency management programs, Bertie County has adopted the National Incident Management System (NIMS) approach and guidance. The County incorporates the elements of NIMS essential to efficient management of emergencies and disasters that will involve local, state and federal response agencies.

The federal government places criteria for all emergency plans to comply with Homeland Security Presidential Directive #5 (HSPD-5). "To prevent, prepare for, respond to, and recover from terrorist attacks, major disasters, and other emergencies, the United States Government shall establish a single, comprehensive approach to domestic incident management. The objective of the United States Government is to ensure that all levels of government across the Nation have the capability to work efficiently and effectively together, using a national approach to domestic incident management. In these efforts, with regard to domestic incidents, the United States Government treats crisis management and consequence management as a single, integrated function, rather than as two separate functions"..

Under the NIMS criteria and compliance objectives published by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Bertie County has:

• adopted the Incident Command System (ICS 200). 
• updated recommendations for completion of IS-700.A and IS-800.B for managers and response supervisors.
• approved, by resolution of the Board of commissioners, the local adoption of the National Incident Management System.
• examined, reviewed and updated this plan to insure the objective criteria for emergency plans is met.
• involved elected and appointed officials from local, State and Federal organizations as well as public organizations and volunteer groups in the design, development and implementation of this emergency plan.
• improved and updated it's resource listings (database).
• provided training for the NIMS Awareness Course.
• determined which requirements have been met for the Emergency Operations Plan.
• designated the Emergency Management Coordinator as the single point of contact to serve as the principal coordinator for NIMS implementation.
• developed a strategy and timeframe for full NIMS implementation.
• eliminated, where possible the use of "ten-codes" and other communications codes in joint local, state and federal responses.
• completed transition of all local response services to ICS and continues to train personnel (ICS 200, 300, 400).
• implemented improved local resource listings along with resource typing and accountability methodology.
• assigned jurisdictional Incident Commanders whenever possible or practical based on ICS principles.
• followed the required compliance documents and implementation outlined by DHS/FEMA.
   

For countywide emergencies, the Bertie County/Municipalities Emergency Executive Group consists of the following:

• Bertie County Commission Chairman

• County Manager

• County Emergency Management Coordinator

• Municipal Representatives

• Other Designees as necessary

The Municipalities Emergency Executive Group for events specific to the municipality may consist of the following:

• Mayor

• Board Members

• Manager/Clerk

• County Emergency Management Coordinator (if requested)

• Other Designees as necessary

(see the ICS flow chart in the Emergency Operations Center annex to this plan)
 

(see the ICS flow chart in the Emergency Operations Center annex to this plan)
 

• Establish policy and incident guidance procedures in coordination with other officials.
   
• Carry out appropriate provisions of state general statutes, in addition to local ordinances, relating to emergencies.
   
• Issue and distribute, as appropriate, a local proclamation declaring a State of Emergency or terminating the State of Emergency.
   
• Assume or delegate direction and control of emergency operations after declaring an emergency at County level.
   
• Request assistance from State government through the Emergency Management Coordinator, as needed, to control an emergency.
   
• Perform coordination and policy-making functions as necessary to provide for optimum protection of public health and safety within the jurisdiction.
   
• Assure the protection of public documents and public facilities during the emergency.
   

• Serve as Chairman of the Bertie Executive Group and Chairman of the Bertie County/Municipalities Emergency Executive Group, representing the Board of County Commissioners.
   

• Nominate members for the Local Emergency Planning Committee to the Chairman of the State Emergency Response Commission.

• Establish policy and incident guidance procedures in coordination with other officials.
   
• Carry out appropriate provisions of state general statutes, in addition to local ordinances relating to emergencies.
   
• Issue and distribute, as appropriate, a local proclamation or resolution declaring a State of Emergency or terminating the State of Emergency, in coordination with the County.
   
• Request assistance through the Emergency Management Coordinator, as needed, to control an emergency.
   
• Perform coordination and policy-making functions as necessary to provide for optimum protection of public health and safety within the jurisdiction.
   
• Assure the protection of public documents and public facilities during the emergency.
   
• Assume or delegate direction and control of emergency operations after declaring an emergency at the Municipal level.
   

• Utilize and commit municipal personnel, facilities and equipment resources in support of Bertie County emergency/disaster response operations, not to conflict with town needs.
   

• Establish and maintain communication with the County EOC or Communication Center.
   

• Serve as a member of the Executive Group or designate a representative.

• Establish incident guidance procedures in coordination with other officials.
   
• Ensure County agencies continually update their annexes to the Emergency Operations Plan and develop internal Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) as needed to respond to emergencies through Emergency Management.
   
• Ensure that exercises and tests of the emergency systems are conducted on a periodic basis to test the functions of the Emergency Operations Plan through the Office of Emergency Management.
   
• Ensure that representatives for Emergency Operations Center staff are designated (e.g., Health Director, Public Information Officer, etc.) to report to the Emergency Operations Center upon activation to provide direction and control.
   
• On behalf of the Bertie County Commissioners, implement or delegate direction, control, coordination, and policy-making functions as necessary to provide for optimum protection of public health and safety within the jurisdiction, including management of the Emergency Operations Center utilizing the Emergency Management Coordinator to carry out this function.
   
• Implement emergency policies/ordinances, as appropriate, on behalf of the governing body.
   
• Ensure that financial records of expenditures are kept during emergencies.
   

• Function as the official spokesman and Public Information Officer or assure that a qualified trained PIO is in place.
   

• Authorize the release of emergency public information statements.
   

• Appoint a designee for Air Operations conducted during emergency/disaster situations.
   

• Designate the representatives of the EOC support group.
   

• Be familiar with debris forecasting and debris management practices, essential in recovery.

• On behalf of the city/town council, implement direction, control, coordination, and policy-making functions as necessary to provide for optimum protection of public health and safety within the jurisdiction. Establish incident guidance procedures in coordination with other officials.
   
• Implement emergency policies/ordinances as appropriate for the governing body.
   
• Ensure that financial records of expenditures are kept during emergencies.
   
• Develop plans for the security of municipal public documents and facilities.
   
• Develop a roster of key workers who must remain during an emergency or return, subsequent to an evacuation, to relieve other key workers.
   
• Provide, as requested, municipal personnel and equipment resources to the County or other jurisdictions to support emergency operations and evacuations.

• Perform assigned duties according to state statutes and local ordinances to include serving as the Chief of Staff and where necessary or delegated, the incident commander for all disaster operations.
   
• Set priorities on available resources and implement resources controls to restore essential services.
   
• Responsible for developing, coordinating, and updating the County plan in accordance with Federal and State guidelines, coordinating  emergency operations within the County and coordination of emergency activities with adjoining jurisdictions.
   
• Establish and equip the County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to include primary and backup radio communications (fixed and mobile), and provide for operations on a continuous basis as required.
   
• Ensure that a system is developed and implemented to manage information (including internal messages) pertaining to the emergency situation and disseminate it to other levels of government and the private sector.
   
• Acquire maps, status boards and other display devices for the Emergency Operations Center which identify high hazard areas and pre-selected control/monitoring points.
   
• Ensure that an events log (casualty and health concern, property damage, fire status, size of risk area, scope of hazard, number of evacuees, etc.) is compiled and displayed in the Emergency Operations Center throughout the duration of the emergency.
   
• Provide for acquisition/stocking of food, water supplies and other equipment necessary for the effective operation of the Emergency Operations Center/Staff.
   
• Develop a schedule for testing, maintaining and repairing Emergency Operations Center and other emergency equipment, as well as, coordinate exercises and tests of the emergency systems and plans within the jurisdiction.
   
• Alert staff and activate Emergency Operations Center (for 24-hour coverage if necessary) when notified of potential/emergency situations.
   
• Ensure that Emergency Operations Center staff acknowledge and authenticate reports.
   
• Ensure staff and officials briefings are conducted periodically during the emergency.
   
• Establish and maintain coordination with other jurisdictional Emergency Operations Centers as appropriate.
   
• Provide for adequate coordination of recovery activities among private, state and federal agencies/organizations.
   
• Plan for/identify and maintain current inventories of available resources for emergency purposes including vital facilities.
   
• Maintain administrative records as required.
   
• Receive requests for assistance from municipalities within the County and direct aid to areas where needed.
   
• Prepare authentication charts and devices for use during an emergency.
   
• Develop procedures to warn areas not covered by existing warning systems.
   
• Coordinate warning resources with neighboring counties.
   
• Develop and maintain a public information and education program for disaster preparedness.
   
• Direct and assist the Public Information Officer in disseminating public information during emergencies.
   
• Identify potential evacuation areas in accordance with the County's hazard analysis.
   
• Develop evacuation procedures.
   
• Identify population groups requiring special assistance during evacuation (e.g., senior citizens, the very ill and disabled, nursing homes, prison populations, etc.)
   
• Ensure that institutions within the County have evacuation procedures.
   
• Monitor the progress of the evacuation and modify evacuation procedures when needed.
   
• Establish and equip Disaster Assistance Centers along with the State when appropriate.
   
• Identify shelter facilities for short-term use, which have lodging and mass feeding capabilities.
   
• Develop procedures to activate and deactivate shelters and ensure that American Red Cross and Department of Social Services develop shelter SOPs.
   
• Designate shelter facilities with the shortest commuting distance to the hazard area for essential workers and their families.
   
• Initiate the return of the population as soon as conditions are safe at the direction of the Chairman, Board of County Commissioners.
   
• Assign a Damage Assessment Officer to coordinate overall damage assessment operations.
   
• Provide damage assessment training.
   
• Maintain sufficient quantities of needed forms and supplies for damage assessment teams and other departments/agencies assisting with assessment/recovery operations.
   
• Secure resources to support and assist with damage assessment activities (maps, tax data, cameras, identification, etc.).
   
• Establish a Utilities Liaison to coordinate information flow between the Emergency Operations Center and affected utilities.
   
• Assist with identification and notification of applicants that may be eligible for PA programs (local government entities, private nonprofit organizations, Native American tribes, etc.).
   
• Develop mutual aid agreements for use of resources.
   
• Develop procedures to alert key officials.
   
• Analyze personnel and equipment requirements to meet potential hazards and maintain a resource manual.
   
• Develop procedures to activate the EAS system.
   
• Coordinate resource use under emergency conditions and provide a system to protect these resources (i.e., essential personnel and equipment).
   
• Provide for the storage, maintenance and replenishment/replacement of essential equipment and materials (medical supplies, food and water, etc.)
   
• Request additional resources in those cases where County resources cannot meet response or recovery requirements.
   
• Provide backup communications for Emergency Operations Center through the mobile command post.
   
• Develop a flood warning system for areas in the County subject to frequent flooding.
   
• Serve as member of Executive Group, the USDA County Emergency Board and as principal liaison and advisor to County and Municipal officials for emergency operations during emergency/disaster situations.
   

• Coordinate with the Windsor Fire Department to maintain operational readiness of the Alternate County Emergency Operations Center and to provide an EOC Manager during periods of activation.
   

• Assist the County Search Coordinator in acquiring the necessary resources.
   

• Serve as the single point of contact for the National Incident Management System implementation.
   

• In the National Response Framework, emergency management is considered an emergency support function (ESF 5).
   

• Become familiar with debris forecasting and consult with Solid Waste regarding debris disposal.

• Report to the Emergency Operations Center and ensure continuous representation throughout activation.
   
• Provide support personnel and services to the Emergency Operations Center as appropriate/necessary.
   
• Ensure all information related to the emergency/disaster situation is coordinated with other response agencies/organizations.
   
• Ensure agency staff is secured to provide for 24-hour operation.

• Prepare procedures for the conduction of public information services during disasters.
   
• Maintain current inventories of public information resources.
   
• Coordinate all media releases pertaining to emergency planning and operations.
   
• Provide for rumor control and emergency instructions. Publicize the telephone number of a rumor control line where official disaster information can be obtained by the public.
   
• Develop media advisories for the public.
   
• Maintain working relationships with the media and a current list of radio stations, television stations and newspapers to be used for public information release.
   
• Prepare written statements of agreements with the media to provide for dissemination of essential emergency information and warning to the public, including the appropriate protective actions to be taken.
   
• Arrange points of contact for releases of public information in an emergency and for briefings to media representatives, when appropriate.
   
• Assist in the preparation and review of Emergency Public Information Materials for all hazards affecting the County.
   
• Report to the Emergency Operations Center upon activation and coordinate the release of disaster related information with local agencies, State and Federal governments.
   
• Clear information with the chief executive before release to the media.
   
• Prepare and distribute pre-scripted Emergency Public Information Center materials to the media (newspaper, radio and television, etc.).
   
• Ensure that all sources of information being received are authenticated and verified for accuracy.
   
• Assist in handling inquiries and informing families about places of contact for missing relatives, continued emergency services, restricted areas, etc.
   
• Review and update the Emergency Public Information Annex and SOPs regularly.
   

• Function as the official spokesperson to the media for the County and if requested for the Municipalities during emergencies.
   

• Serve in the County EOC during time of emergency activation.

• Plan for conducting traffic control and other law enforcement operations throughout the County during disasters.
   
• Develop mutual aid agreements with other law enforcement agencies.
   
• Provide backup communications for Emergency Operations Center through mobile units.
   
• Provide transportation for Emergency Operations Center personnel under emergency conditions, as requested by Emergency Management.
   
• Maintain current internal notification/recall rosters and communications systems.
   
• Assist in warning and notifying the affected population of an existing or impending emergency.
   
• Assist in evacuation of the disaster area and movement to shelter.
   
• Provide security and protection for the damaged area and vital facilities and control access to the affected area.
   
• Provide security in the Emergency Operations Center, reception centers, shelters, lodging and feeding facilities during emergency operations.
   
• Relocate and house prisoners when necessary during periods of evacuation.
   
• Coordinate additional law enforcement support with State Highway Patrol and other counties and/or municipalities during response activities.
   
• Deliver necessary kits or other supplies if requested.
   
• Establish staging areas in conjunction with fire departments, rescue squads and the Transportation Coordinator.
   
• Review and Update the Law Enforcement Annex and SOPs regularly.
   
• Function as the official Public Information Officer for law enforcement operations.
   

• Assist with initial impact assessment (i.e., property damage verification, casualty and injury counts).
   

• Coordinate with FEMA contractors to provide law enforcement for Disaster Recovery Centers and other post disaster facilities.
   

• Inform families on the status of individuals missing due to an emergency/disaster event.
   
• Assume lead role for fugitive searches.
   
• Enforce curfews, the price gouging ordinance and other directives during a declared State of Emergency.

• Maintain law and order within local jurisdictions.
   
• Provide mobile units for warning operations.
   
• Provide security for essential facilities.
   
• Request assistance through the Emergency Operations Center, as needed.
   

• Coordinate with State Highway Patrol and Sheriffs Department to determine local traffic control points for regional evacuations affecting the municipality and assist with traffic control.
   

• Identify local emergency evacuation routes away from high hazard areas within the municipality.
   

• Anticipate resources needed to support local law enforcement activity during emergencies and plan for timely resource requests.
   

• Assist in notification and warning to the general public, primarily in their Department�s respective jurisdiction.
   

• Assist with initial impact assessment (property damage, casualty and injuries).
   

• Inform families on the status of individuals missing due to an emergency/disaster event.
   

• Assist with reentry of evacuees into damaged areas.
   

• Discourage any price gouging.

• Plan for coordination of fire fighting operations throughout the County in time of disaster.
   
• Develop mutual aid agreements.
   
• Analyze fire potential and identify fire service requirements.
   
• Develop and update Fire SOPs for coordination of fire fighting during emergencies.
   
• Prepare inventories of all fire equipment and personnel resources.
   
• Report to Emergency Operations Center upon activation and direct and control fire-fighting operations.
   
• Provide for protective equipment, instruments, antidotes and clothing, within the resources of Bertie County, to perform assigned tasks in a hazardous chemical environment to include decontamination.
   
• Direct and dispatch fire-fighting aid from other counties to the disaster site.
   
• Advise decision makers and emergency support services on the hazards associated with technological hazards and the areas most likely to be affected by a release of a hazardous material.
   
• Support rescue operations.
   
• Provide support personnel to assist in traffic control and damage assessment operations.
   
• Conduct fire inspections at vital facilities and in the disaster area during recovery.
   
• Coordinate fire control between city/town government, county, and forest service.
   
• Advise about fire security during operations.
   
• Review and update the Fire Protection Annex and SOPs regularly.

• Assist in warning and notifying the affected population of an existing or impending emergency.
   
• Deploy fire personnel and equipment during emergencies.
   
• Designate staging areas for mutual aid and volunteer forces responding from other areas.
   
• Support rescue operations.
   
• Provide hazardous material decontamination and monitoring support.
   
• Provide direction and control during hazardous materials incidents.
   
• Maintain fire security in evacuated areas.
   
• Assist in decontamination operations.
   
• Assist in debris clearance for emergency access in the disaster area.
   

• Assist the Emergency Management Coordinator with a Time Phased Forced Deployment List (TPFDL) based on the consequences of disaster from most probable hazards.
   

• Provide support personnel to assist in traffic control.
   

• Serve on local LEPC.
   

• Support Forestry Service in the control and suppression of wild-land and forest fires.
   
• Provide fire and safety inspections for emergency shelter operations.
   
• Advise the public in safe use of emergency equipment in affected areas.
   
• Assist in Search and Rescue operations during emergency/disaster situations.
   
• Identify equipment and manpower limitations, and develop mutual aid agreements for the procurement of needed resources during emergency and disaster events.
   

• Assist with initial impact assessment.
   

• Plan for coordination of fire activities throughout the County during disasters using the Incident Command System.

• Plan for coordination of ambulance/rescue activities throughout the County during disasters using the incident command system.
   

• Rescue of injured people during emergency operations.
   
• Provide a support role for emergency operations as needed for public warning and traffic control.
   
• Deploy rescue personnel and equipment in an emergency.
   
• Provide hazardous material decontamination and monitoring support.
   
• Support the evacuation of special institutions and handicapped/disabled individuals.
   
• Provide search and rescue services for lost individuals and for individuals unable to evacuate due to injury.
   
• The delegated officer of the rescue squad association reports to the Emergency Operations Center to assist in coordination of rescue operations.
   
• Assist in debris clearance for emergency access in the disaster area.
   
• Provide emergency back-up services to the County emergency medical services.
   

• Identify equipment and manpower limitations and develop mutual aid agreements for the procurement of needed resources during emergency and disaster events.
   

• Coordinate with area hospitals concerning receipt of mass casualties during emergency and disaster events.
   
• Coordinate with the County Health Director and Social Services Director to determine emergency transportation needs for special needs populations.
   
• Assist with initial impact assessment.

• Plan for coordination of emergency medical activities throughout the County during disasters.
   
• Develop Emergency Medical Services procedures and mutual aid agreements.
   
• Coordinate with hospital disaster coordinator on use of medical facilities within the County for mass casualty incidents.
   
• Establish liaison with medical facilities and maintain field communications with other response groups.
   
• Maintain liaison with American Red Cross (ARC) and other volunteer service agencies to support first aid and supplement medical resources in shelters and other disaster situations.
   
• Provide for the dispatch of ambulances and the transport of victims to medical facilities.
   
• Coordinate response capabilities utilizing the emergency rescue and ambulance units.
   
• Maintain a casualty tracking system.
   
• Provide for nursing care at shelters to the extent that local medical standing orders allow.
   
• Implement the Incident Command System as needed.
   
• Review and Update the Emergency Medical Services Annex and SOPs regularly.
   
• Provide medical surveillance and medical decontamination for emergency workers at incidents involving hazardous materials.

• Plan for coordination of social services operations during disaster.
   
• Coordinate with medical/health care facilities (e.g., nursing homes, rest homes, etc.) to ensure development of emergency procedures in conjunction with appropriate agencies.
   
• Develop mutual aid agreements.
   
• Coordinate emergency activities during response and recovery with American Red Cross, Salvation Army, Council on Aging and other volunteer organizations to include shelter, feeding and clothing.
   
• Assist American Red Cross in recruiting shelter staff from Social Services.
   
• Maintain current internal notification/recall rosters.
   
• Report to Emergency Operations Center upon activation to assist in shelter operations.
   
• Coordinate with health, mental health and other volunteer/non-volunteer agencies, both public and private, to provide support personnel during sheltering.
   
• Train and prepare for the operation of special needs shelters for county residents. (e.g., nursing homes, rest homes, etc.)
   
• Open shelters at the direction of the Executive Group or Emergency Management Coordinator.
   
• Coordinate emergency shelter openings with Superintendent of Bertie County Schools.
   
• Coordinate with the Health Director concerning emergency needs for special needs populations.
   
• Coordinate transition of emergency shelter operations with Red Cross Management.
   

• Provide personnel to staff local Disaster Recovery Centers.

• Plan and direct communications and warning systems, including two‑way radio systems throughout the County, describing methods of communications between Emergency Operations Center, field forces, shelter facilities, adjacent jurisdictions and area/State Emergency Operations Center.
   
• Ensure off-duty communications staff can be recalled on short notice to supplement on duty personnel.
   
• Maintain current internal notification/recall rosters.
   
• Ensure information pertinent to the emergency/disaster situation is provided to the Emergency Operations Center.
   
• Develop and maintain equipment, methods and procedures for communications between the Emergency Operations Center and on-scene emergency resources.
   
• Coordinate communications net with surrounding counties, the State and the County during disasters.
   
• Establish procedures to control two-way radio communications between the Emergency Operations Center and other forces, such as hospitals, air ambulance dispatch points and amateur communications networks.
   
• Disseminate warning information.
   
• Review and update the Communications Annex and SOPs regularly.
   
• Ensure that communications procedures are established for the use of logs, message forms and message control.
   
• Develop procedures for obtaining and restoring telephone services during emergencies.
   
• Develop mutual aid agreements.
   
• Identify potential sources of additional equipment and supplies.
   
• Provide radio repair capabilities and maintenance operations under emergency conditions.
   
• Ensure program training for all county communications personnel.
   
• Provide for radio system compatibility and networking.
   
• Provide for the delivery of primary and backup radio communications (fixed and mobile).
   
• Report to the Emergency Operations Center upon activation and provide direction and control for communications operations.
   
• Staff, equip, and operate emergency communications facilities and systems.
   
• Coordinate radio, telephone and computer resources in the County.
   
• Develop procedures which define agency responsibilities, describe activation procedures and detail the warning systems for notifying the general public.
   
• Develop listing of warning equipment locations and areas of coverage.
   
• Provide for testing and exercising of the communications, warning, and alerting systems on a regular basis.
   
• Arrange with public services agencies to augment warning capabilities.
   
• Coordinate with the Public Information Officer to distribute necessary information to the media and public.
   
• Receive warning information from the National Warning System or the Division of Criminal Information (DCI) and other official sources.

• Prepare procedures to provide county maintenance functions during emergencies.
   
• Develop and maintain resource lists with source, location and availability of equipment, fuel and operational personnel to support response/recovery operations with assistance from the Emergency Management Coordinator.
   
• Develop mutual aid agreements.
   
• Provide for backup electrical power to the Emergency Operations Center.
   
• Provide emergency potable water, as required.
   
• Store and provide fuel for emergency vehicles.
   
• Provide sanitation services during emergencies.
   
• Prepare required reports and forward to the Emergency Operations Center.
   
• Maintain emergency power, water and sanitation resources at vital facilities in the County during emergencies.
   
• Assist in damage assessment operations and relay damage assessment information to the Emergency Operations Center and be familiar with FEMA Schedule of Equipment rates.
   
• Plan for emergency repair and restoration of vital facilities and utilities during disasters.
   
• Assist in shelter marking and shelter upgrading.
   
• Conduct and assist with debris removal on county owned property.
   
• Review and update the Public Works Annex and SOPs regularly.

• Maintain water supplies and sanitary facilities at shelter sites within the city/town during emergencies.
   
• Jointly with County Emergency Management direct and dispatch public works mutual aid from other jurisdictions and the State.
   
• Conduct debris clearance and removal operations within the municipal jurisdiction in conjunction with the North Carolina Department of Transportation.
   
• Provide support to state agencies, as needed, for water sampling and intake control.

• Direct operations for all special needs shelters and/or facilities in coordination with the Department of Social Services and/or the American Red Cross.
   
• Develop procedures for emergency public health operations.
   
• Develop and implement health awareness and public information programs regarding personal health.
   
• Report to the Emergency Operations Center upon activation and provide direction and control for emergency health operations.
   
• Plan for inspection of food and water in shelters and issuance of instructions for decontamination, distribution and usage.
   
• Conduct sanitation inspections of shelters.
   
• Develop mutual aid agreements.
   
• Provide for health care support at emergency facilities and shelters.
   
• Provide for medical needs of special needs population.
   
• Provide continuous health inspections and immunizations when appropriate to evaluate, detect, prevent and control communicable diseases.
   
• Coordinate environmental health activities for waste disposal, refuse, food, water control and vector/vermin control and sanitation.
   
• Provide for the monitoring and evaluation of environmental health hazards and arrange for corrective measures.
   
• Arrange for the re-supply of health response agencies.
   
• Coordinate the distribution of exposure-inhibiting or mitigating drugs, vaccines or other preventatives.
   
• Coordinate public information with the Public Information Officer.
   

• Coordinate with State water supply authorities to expedite deployment of emergency public water supply (tankers, Water Buffaloes, etc.).
   

• Coordinate the identification of special needs populations with the Social Services Director and maintain a current list of those identified for reference during an emergency.
   

• Coordinate with the proper authorities to establish a temporary morgue if necessary following an emergency/disaster.
   

• Provide a public health nurse at local Disaster Recovery Centers.

• Develop procedures to provide mental health services during emergencies.
   
• Develop a Disaster Training Guide for counseling personnel.
   
• Provide crisis intervention training for personnel assigned to Critical Incident Stress Debriefing Teams.
   
• Implement disaster plans for mental health facilities.
   
• Provide mental health professionals for treatment of disaster victims.
   
• Assist American Red Cross with inquiries and inform families on status of individuals injured or missing.
   
• Maintain a 24-hour Crisis Line during periods of evacuation.
   
• Identify evacuees in reception centers, shelters and Disaster Application Centers who have experienced mental stress and provide them with mental health services.
   
• Ensure continuity of mental health treatment and medication for persons in shelter, as necessary or requested.
   
• Provide crisis counseling to professionals and support staff working with the relocated population.
   
• Arrange for debriefings of psychological support for emergency workers and disaster victims.
   
• Coordinate with the Mental Health Coordinator and provide crisis counselors to shelters.
   

• Maintain information pertaining to mental health resources that may be utilized during emergency/disaster situations, such as a roster of qualified counselors.

• Respond to notifications of fatalities from local authorities and establish an adequate morgue.
   
• Supervise the location and transportation of the remains of the deceased.
   
• Certify the causes of death of the deceased victims and issue death certificates.
   
• Notify families and release the remains and personal effects to proper representatives.
   
• Issue press releases in conjunction with the Public Information Officer.
   
• Identify resource equipment and needed supplies.
   
• Coordinate with search and rescue teams during body recovery.
   
• Coordinate with funeral directors, ambulance services, pathologists, ARC, dentists, X-ray technicians and law enforcement in a mass fatality incident.
   
• Assist in handling inquiries and informing families about places of contact for missing relatives.

• Develop financial accounting record procedures for all agencies to report their emergency expenses.
   
• Maintain a separate account of disaster related expenditures and expenses and be familiar with the FEMA Schedule of Equipment rates.
   
• Maintain and provide a current internal notification/recall roster.
   
• Develop procedures for the procurement and delivery of essential resources and supplies on a timely basis.
   
• Report to the Emergency Operations Center upon activation and assist the Emergency Management Coordinator in the direction and control of resource management operations and staffing.
   
• Ensure that response agencies initiate documentation of all costs incurred subsequent to the emergency/disaster.
   

• Assist the Tax Officer with documentation of disaster damage to County/Municipal-owned facilities.
   

• Provide budget information in support of the Governor's request for a Presidential Declaration of Disaster.
   

• Establish and maintain an account for any post-disaster donated funds received for victim relief. This account will be made available to the unmet needs committee for the intended purpose.

• Develop, review and annually update procedures for damage reporting and accounting.
   
• Train personnel in damage assessment organization, techniques and reporting procedures and be familiar with the FEMA Schedule of Equipment rates.
   
• Maintain a current damage assessment team notification/recall roster.
   
• Report to Emergency Operations Center upon activation and coordinate damage assessment operations in conjunction with the Emergency Management Coordinator.
   
• Assign damage assessment teams and deploy as appropriate. Assure each team has communications with the Emergency Operations Center.
   
• Inform emergency operations officials of hazardous facilities, bridges, roads, etc.
   
• Assist the Emergency Management Coordinator and other county or municipal agency representatives who are conducting recovery operations in prioritizing repairs and restoration of affected government facilities.
   
• Collect and compile incoming damage reports from teams in the field to include county and private agencies such as American Red Cross, School systems, private nonprofit/government utilities and forward reports to the Emergency Management Coordinator
   
• Collate and compile damage assessment information for transmittal to the State Emergency Management Office.
   
• Prepare initial impact assessment reports for Executive Group.
   
• Provide property tax information assistance for applicants at local Disaster Recovery Centers.

• Develop emergency plans for all school facilities as well as support transportation operations by providing buses and drivers, on request, for evacuations of the general public along with medical and health care facilities.
   
• Provide support personnel (schools, cafeteria staff, counselors) as available.
   
• Provide school facilities for temporary medical treatment facilities or shelters.
   
• Provide for fuel support when refueling buses being used in transportation activities.
   
• Direct the evacuation of school populations.
   
• Coordinate letters of agreement for use of schools as shelters.
   
• Plan for transportation of County residents in a disaster, including special population groups (handicapped, elderly, etc.).
   
• Coordinate transportation operations and keep Emergency Operations Center advised of status.

• Coordinate with the Department of Social Services and/or county designated agency for shelter/mass care operations for the County and identify those functions required for shelter operations.
   
• Provide support personnel as requested.
   
• Provide a shelter-stocking plan for ARC shelters.
   
• Provide shelter managers to operate ARC shelters. Ensure managers follow ARC guidance procedure.
   
• Train shelter managers and the staff to handle the day-to-day needs of evacuees while the shelter is in operation.
   
• Arrange for staffing of ARC shelters and feeding of evacuees.
   
• Identify evacuees within ARC shelters with special needs.
   
• Provide shelter management supplies.
   
• Assure that personnel are trained to operate and care for the day-to-day needs of the evacuees staying in shelters.
   
• Develop letters of agreement and procedures for shelter activities and secure cooperation of building owners for use of shelter space.
   
• Assist in handling inquiries and informing families on the status of individuals injured or missing.
   
• Inspect shelter sites for serviceability.
   
• Coordinate/cooperate with Animal control officials for possible co-location of emergency animal shelters in proximity to ARC mass care facilities.

• Provide appropriately trained personnel, as available, to response teams.
   
• Assist American Red Cross in handling inquiries and informing families on the status of individuals injured or missing.
   
• Provide support personnel for counseling services for disaster victims.
   
• Assist and support American Red Cross in the feeding operation for workers and victims at the disaster site.

• Coordinate and provide communications for outlying areas and local shelters with the Communications Center (Emergency Operations Center).
   
• Develop and maintain a list of amateur radio resources that may be used during emergency/disaster.
   
• Provide a liaison as needed to the Bertie County Emergency Operations Center during emergency/disaster activation.
   
• Transmit and receive emergency traffic as necessary during emergency/disaster events and coordinate with Tarheel Emergency Network operators.
   
• Disassemble and relocate radio equipment to an alternate Emergency Operations Center if necessary.
   

• Maintain a message log for all emergency traffic.
   

• Coordinate with the Tarheel Emergency Network and the Bertie County Communications Center to establish and support post-disaster emergency communications.
   
• Report communications transmissions as needed to the Operations Officer.

• Operate out of the County Emergency Operations Center as needed for technical advice and liaison with the agricultural community.
   
• Maintain contact with the agricultural representative, at the State Emergency Operations Center, for coordination of agricultural activities.
   
• Assist sampling teams operating in the County during hazardous materials incidents.
   
• Work with the county agencies to provide personnel for agricultural damage assessment teams.
   
• Coordinate releases of public information with the Public Information Officer and the Health Department.
   
• Within the National Response Framework, agriculture and natural resources are considered an emergency support function (ESF 11).

• Serve as technical advisor to the Emergency Operations Center on issues dealing with animal control.
   
• Develop an emergency plan dealing with animal control issues and care custody and control of domestic animals in a disaster.
   
• Assist in developing a policy regarding fees, pickups and releases of domestic animals during a disaster and in the recovery phase of disaster operations.

• Serve as debris management coordinator to the Emergency Operations Center on issues dealing with debris materials generated by the disaster.
   
• Develop an emergency plan dealing with solid waste issues and debris disposal in a disaster.
   
• Develop policies regarding tipping fees, truck weighing and disposal of wooded debris, construction and demolition materials in the landfill during a disaster and in the recovery phase of disaster operations.
   
• Develop or cause to be developed, as appropriate, contracts and/or contract management for all contractors regarding debris removal. 
   
• Organize crews and equipment.
   
• Assess needs and set priorities for assistance.
   
• Become familiar with debris forecasting.

• Develop and maintain standard operating guidelines for local air operations during emergency situations.
   
• Coordinate local aircraft operations during and following disaster events and provide related information to the Operations Officer.
   
• Provide for the priority clearance of the runway at Todd's Airstrip.
   
• Determine the capabilities and limitations of the airstrips, aircraft and facilities to support aviation operations during emergencies.
   
• Coordinate with the FAA regarding the need to restrict air space over the disaster area.
   
• Provide liaison with the National Transportation Safety Board and the FAA in the event of a mass casualty aircraft accident.
   
• Coordinate with military officials in support of disaster-related military flight operations at the Tri-County Airport.
   
• Coordinate with the Civil Air Patrol regarding missions and availability of CAP aircraft.

• Develop and maintain standard operating guidelines for the management of county data processing during emergency/disaster situations.
   

• Provide support personnel for technical assistance with computer equipment, telephone and Information Systems during emergency/disaster activation.

• Develop and maintain a list of available volunteers and procedures for managing volunteer resources.
   
• Coordinate the activation and deployment of volunteers as requested by the Emergency Management Coordinator.
   
• Serve in the EOC as needed.

• Secure volunteers for receipt, tracking and distribution of donated goods.
   

• Identify space and equipment needed and pre-arrange for use of such resources during the time of need.
   
• Coordinate with Public Information Officer regarding needs, distribution, sites and similar information.
   

• Manage the receipt, sorting and distribution of goods to the affected population.
   

• Coordinate with relief agencies, the Division of Emergency Management Donated Goods Officer and local organizations to minimize duplication of effort.
   
• Maintain contact with Disaster Recovery Centers.

• Have committee meetings as required.
   

• Work with groups, organizations and individuals to determine local unmet needs resulting from disaster events.  Identify resources to help meet unmet needs, coordinating with the Donated Goods Manager.
   

• Serve in the Disaster Recovery Center as needed.
   

• Maintain contact with Disaster Recovery Centers.

• Report all releases of hazardous materials to the 911 Center as specified by law.
   

• Provide required information to the LEPC and local Fire Department serving the facility.

• Prepare Flash Situation Reports as needed.
   

• Provide leadership to the agriculture community during recovery from a disaster.
   

• Conduct damage assessment for agriculture lands and crops in coordination with Cooperative Extension.

• Manage and control forest fires.
   
• Assist Emergency Management Coordinator with coordination of local fire and debris operators.
   
• Conduct damage assessment for forestlands.
   
• Assist municipalities with debris removal and other resources.
   
• Assist with specialized missions and resources upon the request of Emergency Management.

The possibility that emergency and disaster occurrences could result in disruption of government functions necessitates that all levels of local government and their departments develop and maintain procedures to ensure continuity of government. These procedures will name who will be the decision‑makers if an elected official or department head is not available.
 

1. The line of succession of the County Board of Commissioners/Town/City Council/Alderman proceeds from the Chairman to the Members of the Board in accordance with jurisdictional policy or law.
    
2. Lines of succession for the Emergency Management Coordinator and department/agency heads with emergency responsibilities are shown in the appropriate procedure.

1. It is the responsibility of the elected officials to ensure that all legal documents of both a public and private nature recorded by designated officials be protected and preserved in accordance with existing laws, statutes, and ordinances.
    
2. Each department/agency is responsible for the preservation of essential records to ensure continued operational capabilities.

1. The County provides for the relocation of the governing body to the Emergency Operations Center during times of emergency if necessary.
    
2. If the primary Emergency Operations Center is determined inoperable, the governing body will relocate to an alternate Emergency Operations Center facility as needed.
    
3. City/Town government will relocate to facilities within their jurisdictions capable of providing emergency operations. If needed the County EOC will help support this.
    
4. Relocation of local government functions is allowed under NCGS 162B, even to areas outside the jurisdiction.

ADMINISTRATION AND LOGISTICS.

1. The Emergency Services Communications Center operates continuously 24 hours per day and is administered by the Bertie County Office of Emergency Management. Day to day operations are under the Director of Emergency Management.
    
2. The operational readiness and operations of the Emergency Operations Center is the responsibility of the Director of Emergency Management.

1. Records of expenditures and obligations during emergency operations must be maintained by County government.
    
2. Narratives and operational journals of response actions will be kept.

1. Consumer complaints pertaining to alleged unfair or illegal business practices during emergencies will be referred to the State Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division.

1. There will be no discrimination on grounds of race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age or economic status in the execution of disaster preparedness or disaster relief and assistance functions.
    
2. This policy applies equally to all levels of government, contractors and labor unions.

1. Agreements and understandings must be entered into by duly authorized officials and are formalized in writing whenever possible prior to emergency situations.
    
2. Should local government resources prove to be inadequate during emergency operations, requests for assistance will be made to other jurisdictions, higher levels of government and other agencies in accordance with existing or emergency negotiated mutual‑aid agreements and understandings. County/Municipal requests for State and Federal resources must be made through the Bertie County Emergency Management Coordinator to the Branch Office. From there, such requests, if approved, are forwarded to the State Emergency Operations Center. (see Resource Management)
    
3. Organizations tasked with responsibilities in the implementation of this plan are responsible for providing their own administrative and logistical needs and for the preparation and maintenance of a resource list for use in carrying out their emergency responsibilities.

Upon the date of approval or promulgation of this plan and it's applicable policies, procedures, annexes or attachments, and upon declaring a state of emergency to exist in Bertie County, this Emergency Operations Plan and all applicable policies, procedures, annexes and attachments thereto shall have the effect of law* (*Bertie County Emergency Management Ordinance Section 6.1 as amended).

The following authorities and references are listed for reference and referral purposes only. The referenced documents may be distributed upon request or otherwise made available for research purposes and guidance.
 

• Bertie County Emergency Management Ordinance
   
• Bertie County State of Emergency Ordinance
   
• Bertie County Resolution of Adoption of the National Incident Management System
   
• Bertie County Agreement with Red Cross
   
• Bertie County Agreement with County School System

• N.C. General Statutes 166‑A.
   
• N.C. General Statutes 115C-242 (6) (Use of School Buses)
   
• N.C. General Statutes Article 36A of Chapter 14
   
• N.C. General Statutes 95-173 et al. (The Hazardous Chemical Right to Know Act)
   
• N.C. General Statutes 143.215.86(a) (NC Oil Spill Act)
   
• N.C. General Statutes 143.215.94U
   
• N.C. General Statutes 104E (NC Radiation Protection Act)
   
• N.C. General Statute 132-1.7 (Public Records)
   
• N.C. Executive Order 43 (Citizens Corps)

• Public Law 93-288 as amended by Public Law 100-707 (Stafford Act)
   
• National Security Decision Directive #259
   
• National Incident Management System (NIMS) compliance documents
   
• Guide for All-Hazard Emergency Operations
   
• Code of Federal Regulations 29 CFR 1910.120 (OSHA)
   
• Code of Federal Regulations 44 CFR 201.6 (Hazard Mitigation)
   
• Title III of Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986 (SARA)
   
• Homeland Security Presidential Directive 5
   
• Homeland Security Presidential Directive 8
   
• State and Local Planning Guidance 101