Lessons Learned in Recovery: The Las Animas Earthquake

Incident Background

The county of Las Animas Colorado is sharing the lessons they learned after a magnitude 5.3 earthquake hit their community on August 22, 2011 and caused an estimated $300,000 in damages.  The epicenter of the earthquake struck in Valdez and Segundo about nine miles west of Trinidad.  Las Animas County Building Inspector Joe Richards says that in most communities a 5.3 magnitude earthquake isn’t a big deal.  However, in this community 46 homes and buildings were damaged or destroyed due to the fact that the homes were built in the 1850-1860’s. They are old adobe brick structures (unreinforced masonry).  Also, many of these original homes had been added on to in recent years without building permits or following newer building codes.   

In a community with a lot of pride and bravado the biggest struggle was how to locate those families that needed assistance.  Many of the citizens called Las Animas County Sheriff James Casias directly.  The Sheriff’s office sent out deputies to document damage and took more than 125 photos that first day.  Many of those with damage chose to call family and friends for assistance and didn’t want to involve the county officials.      

On Site Evaluations and Taking the Time to Listen

The earthquake struck at a time when  the county manager was on vacation, the county manager was also the emergency manager, and there was a relatively new part-time building inspector.  Where do you start when this situation impacts your community?  “Joe became the point guy,” according to Sheriff Casias.  He brought together resources and started conversations with local and state officials.  Joe traveled constantly around the county following the reports of earthquake damages.  A typical day included up to 200 miles of travel to individual properties.  The key was that he wasn’t responding as the county building inspector, but instead was there as a safety expert to assess the structural damage and pull together resources to help homeowners.  “I was there to listen and to give direction and hope,” said Richards of his involvement. 

Joe says, “The best thing they had was the Sheriff.”  This is because he had long time roots in the community. The Sheriff’s office and Richards conducted  onsite evaluations of the properties and spoke with individual owners in order to complete a damage assessment and develop a plan for assisting the community.  Richards, being new to his position, worked with others to reach out to agencies in the county and the state including: American Red Cross, U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development, South Central Council of Governments, insurance agents and  CDEM to help him in the process of starting the recovery efforts.

The Community Learned to Come Together

A common theme in conversations is that the “community learned to come together.”  Everyone came together to coordinate their efforts instead of working individually.  From this lesson County officials created the  new emergency management group.  Team members include the Assessor, Red Cross, San Isabel Power, City of Trinidad Administrator, Sheriff, new Emergency Manager, Road and Bridge and the Building Inspector.  This team has already made an impact with a quick response to the blizzards that swept through the county in December.  Instead of waiting to be asked for assistance the members proactively began coordinating the response for the community.  “It’s one game we all have to play in.  Now we play together,” stated Sheriff Casias.

Providing a Recovery Center

During the assessment of homes it became evident that financial resources and other assistance was going to be necessary for the community.  Lori Hodges and Marilyn Gally from the Colorado Division of Emergency Management (CDEM) assisted Richards in beginning the recovery phase of this disaster.  One of the key components of this process was to establish a local Recovery Center for citizens to receive information on resources available to them.  Richards felt that the Recovery Center was well worth it.  People could receive the information they needed to share rebuilding from this one-stop-shop.  The Recovery Center was open for two days at a local senior center.

The County also invited the South Central Council of Governments (COG) into the Recovery Center. The COG was able to offer low interest loans to homeowners to rebuild.  He also invited the USDA Rural Development representative to a second recovery center to discuss home repair loan options.  People who attended left with answers to at least some of their concerns.  The center included information from COG, Las Animas County, CDEM, mental health experts, insurance representatives, Red Cross and safety and prevention tips for living through the aftershocks of the earthquakes. The Trinidad Community Foundation was also established to assist with accepting the community donations and distributing them to the victims.  The foundation has received both financial contributions and supply donations.  

The Gumz Family's Recovery Story

Darlene Gumz, a long-time resident of the county, had the front of her home literally crumble off following the earthquake.  She said her home groaned as the earthquake rolled through her property.  She says an important lesson she learned was that the community needs to know what resources are available during a disaster.  She is thankful for the efforts of Joe Richards and Sheriff Casias and felt the Recovery Center was a great opportunity for her to learn about the recovery process.   

Gumz says that the community talks about the damage to each other’s homes every day and that people stop by to see the progress on her home.  She also believes that the community has come together to assist each other.  Neighbors help neighbors rebuild, they use their equipment to tear down crumbling walls and all come together to rebuild the homes.  Once your home is done then you “pay it forward” and help the next family.   

She says the resources offered in the Recovery Center helped her return to a new normal.  COG was able to provide a low interest loan that covered the supplies and contractors and Richards has been there throughout the process. Gumz has created a memory album and has documented her home’s recovery and rebuilding process through photos.  

 

Implementing Lessons Learned

Although the recovery process is still underway in Las Animas County Joe Richards and Sheriff Casias are using lessons learned from last year to serve their communities more efficiently and effectively.  Their proactive approach to community disasters and incidents is working well through the new emergency management group.  As the community rebuilds Richards is able to use this as an opportunity to educate the community on the value of the new building codes.  As the homeowners rebuilt after the earthquake Las Animas County did not charge for building permits and owners were not penalized for previous non-permitted work.  This was a key lesson in establishing his role as safety expert instead of simply building inspector.

They have also continued communications and helped critique the recovery process with the Division of Emergency Management and this is creating positive relationships.  Next week we will share specifics on the role of the Division of Emergency Management and other partners and how other communities can utilize a Recovery Center.

Training Course: HAZUS Multi-Hazard for Earthquake (L174)

This course is designed to provide in-depth instruction on the use of HAZUS-MH for advanced applications related to earthquake loss modeling.  The Earthquake Model provides loss estimates of damage and loss to buildings, essential facilities, transportation lifelines, utility lifelines and population based on scenerio or probabilistic earthquakes.

When:                   January 10-12, 2012

Time:                     8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Where:                  University of Colorado Denver Downtown Campus
                               Denver, CO

Cost:                     Free

Target Audience:  
State and local GIS technicians and specialists supporting risk assessments and/or hazard mitigation plans, federal agencies with risk assessment responsibilities, or state and local emergency managers with GIS skills.

Download the Course Flyer for additional information regarding the class objectives, prerequisites and course information.  Twenty-five students will be selected to attend the course.

Registration:

Email Scott Baldwin the following information:

• Subject:  L174 Course
• Name
• Job Title
• Employer
• Direct Phone Number
• Email
• Type of Employment: State, Local, Special District, Federal, Non-Profit, Private or Student
• Are you pursuing HazusTrained Professional or Practitioner Certification?

Questions about the course can be directed to Victoria Smith.

Earthquake Recovery Assistance Center

Las Animas County is partnering with the Colorado Department of Local Affairs in establishing an Earthquake Recovery Assistance Center to provide informational resources and support to residents affected by recent local earthquakes. 

The recovery assistance center will be open on the following dates/times, and located at the Kennedy/Segundo Senior Center at 24295 County Road 18.3 in Segundo:

   2:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.      August 31, 2011  

   8:00 a.m. -  6:00 p.m.     September 1, 2011

Services that may be provided will include:  Q&A regarding homeowner's insurance and earthquake coverage, earthquake preparedness and response information, mental health resources and the coordination of structural stability inspection.  Specialists from area emergency services organizations and the American Red Cross will be on hand to meet with affected and concerned citizens and to offer information regarding local, state and non-governmental assistance programs.


Questions regarding the Earthquake Recovery Assistance Center and its offerings can be directed to the Las Animas County Commissioners Office at 719-845-2568.

Listed below are relevant earthquake resources:

FEMA Earthquake Homepage

What To Do During an Earthquake

Earthquake Safety for Homeowners

Earthquake Preparedness

Be Prepared for an Earthquake and share the Earthquake Information Fact Sheet

For additional information on the recent quakes visit our partners:

• The US Geological Survey http://earthquake.usgs.gov/ 
• The Colorado Geological Survey    http://geosurvey.state.co.us/hazards/Earthquakes/Pages/Earthquakes.aspx

Drop, Cover and Hold
When you feel and earthquake, DROP and COVER under a desk or sturdy table.  Stay away from windows and objects like bookcases that could fail.  HOLD on to the desk or table.  If it moves, move with it.  Do not run - stay where you are.  "Drop, Cover and Hold."


Be Prepared for an Earthquake

•  Anchor appliances and tall, heavy furniture that might fall.  Put latches on cabinets doors to keep contents from spilling out.
•  Find out how you can improve your home to protect it against earthquake damage.
• Establish an "out-of-area" contact and keep the phone numbers handy.  This is the person family members will call if you are separated.
• Have a place at home where emergency supplies are kept and tell others where it is.

During an Earthquake

If you are Indoors

•  Stay inside.  Move under a desk or sturdy table and hold on to it.  If it moves, move with it.  Stay way from windows, bookcases, refrigerators, heavy mirrors, hanging plants, and other objects that could fall.  Do not go outside until the shaking stops.
•  If you are in a crowded store or public place, do not rush for an exit.  Move away from display shelves holding objects that could fall on you, and "Drop, Cover and Hold."
•  If you are in a theater or stadium, stay in your seat, protect your head with your arms or get under the seat.  Do not leave until the shaking stops.

If you are Outdoors

•  If you are outdoors, move to a clear area away from trees, signs, buildings or downed electrical wires and poles.

If you are in a Downtown Area

• If you are on a sidewalk near a tall building, get into a building's doorway or lobby to protect yourself from falling bricks, glass and other debris

If you are Driving

• If you are driving, slowly pull over to the side of the road and stop.  Avoid overpasses, power lines and other hazards.  Stay inside the vehicle until the shaking stops.

If you are in a wheelchair

•  If you are in a wheelchair, stay in it.  Move to safe cover if possible, lock your wheels and protect your head with your arms.

After the Earthquake

•  If you were evacuated, wait until you are told it is safe before returning home
•  Be careful entering buildings.  Stay away from downed power lines.
•  Check yourself and those around your for injuries.
•  Be prepared for aftershocks.
•  Use the phone only to report a life-threatening emergency.
•  Do not drive unnecessarily.
•  If you smell gas or a hissing sound - open a window and leave the building.  Shut off the main gas valve outside.
•  Check on neighbors, particularly elderly or disabled persons.
•  Try to contact your out-of-area phone contact.
•  Listen to your radio.

U.S. Geological Society Earthquake Hazard Program - Application Period Open

Marilyn Gally, DEM's Mitigation Officer Director and State Hazard Mitigation Officer, notes that the U.S. Geological Society's Earthquake Hazards Program (EHP) has opened the application period for the FY2012 Earthquake Hazards Research Grants Competition.  Interested researchers can view the full announcement at the Grants.Gov website under the Funding Opportunity Number G11AS20009. Applications are due May 18, 2011. The EHP seeks research proposals focused on the geographical areas in the United States that are most at risk from earthquakes, earthquake physics, earthquake effects, and nationally applicable earthquake hazards issues.

Colorado Earthquake Information

Geologic studies indicate there are about 100 potentially active faults Colorado and more than 400 earthquake tremors of magnitude 2.5 or higher have occurred in Colorado since 1870.

Movement on active faults is responsible for large earthquakes. Colorado experienced a magnitude 6.5 earthquake on November 7, 1882. The location of this earthquake appears to be in the northern Front Range west of Fort Collins.  Damages included the power plant in Denver and cracked buildings in Boulder.

For comparison, the magnitude 6.9 1989 San Francisco, California earthquake resulted in the deaths of 62 people, 3000 injured and $7 billion in property damage.

The US Geological Survey has undertaking more intensive study of earthquake activity in the Trinidad area. Within an approximate two-week period of time, eleven quakes measuring greater than 3.0 on the Richter Scale, the largest being measured at 4.5, occurred in an area about ten miles southwest of Trinidad in the fall of 2001. Additionally, dozens of smaller magnitude quakes have also been detected.

Because the occurrence of earthquakes is relatively infrequent in Colorado and the historical earthquake record is short (only about 130 years), it is not possible to accurately estimate the timing or location of future dangerous earthquakes in Colorado.

Seismologists predict that Colorado will again experience a magnitude 6.5 earthquake at some unknown point in the future.

Sudden movement on faults is responsible for large earthquakes. By studying the geologic characteristics of faults, geoscientists can often determine when the fault last moved and estimate the magnitude of the earthquake that produced the last movement.

The Sangre de Cristo Fault, which lies at the base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains along the eastern edge of the San Luis Valley, and the Sawatch Fault, which runs along the eastern margin of the Sawatch Range, are two of the most prominent potentially active faults in Colorado.

Not all of Colorado’s potentially active faults are in the mountains and some can not be seen at the earth’s surface. For example, the Cheraw Fault, which is in the Great Plains in southeast Colorado, appears to have had movement during the recent geologic past.

Relative to other western states, Colorado’s earthquake hazard is higher than Kansas or Oklahoma, but lower than Utah, and certainly much lower than Nevada and California.

Colorado earthquake information from the USGS

Fault maps from the USGS

COLORADO’S LARGEST HISTORIC EARTHQUAKES (Records date back to 1867)

DATE LOCATION MAGNITUDE INTENSITY

1870, Dec. 4 Pueblo-Ft. Reynolds -- VI

1871, Oct Lily Park, Moffat Co. -- VI

1880, Sep. 17 Aspen -- VI

1882, Nov. 7 North-Central CO 6.5* VII

1891, Dec. Maybell -- VI

1901, Nov. 15 Buena Vista -- VI

1913, Nov. 11 Ridgway area -- VI

1944, Sep. 9 Montrose/Basalt -- VI

1955, Aug. 3 Lake City -- VI

1960, Oct. 11 Montrose/Ridgway 5.5 V

1966, Jan. 4 N.E. of Denver 5.0 V

1966, Jan. 23 CO-NM border near Dulce, NM 5.5 VII

1967, Aug. 9 N.E. of Denver 5.3 VII

1967, Nov. 27 N.E. of Denver 5.2 VI

Prepared by the Earthquake Subcommittee - Colorado Natural Hazards Mitigation Council

* = magnitude estimated for older earthquake; based on historical felt reports

Although many of Colorado’s earthquakes occurred in mountainous regions of the state, some have been located in the western valley and plateau region or east of the mountains. The most economically damaging earthquake in Colorado’s history occurred on August 9, 1967 in the northeast Denver metropolitan area. This magnitude 5.3 earthquake, which was centered near Commerce City, caused more than a million dollars damage in Denver and the northern suburbs.

This earthquake is believed to have been induced by the deep injection of liquid waste into a borehole at Rocky Mountain Arsenal. It was followed by an earthquake of magnitude 5.2 three months later in November 1967. Although these events cannot be classified as major earthquakes, they should not be discounted as insignificant. They occurred within Colorado’s Front Range Urban Corridor, an area where nearly 75% of Colorado residents and many critical facilities are located. Since March 1971, well after the initial flurry of seismic activity, 15 earthquakes of approximate magnitude 2½ or larger have occurred in the vicinity of the northern Denver suburbs.

Summary & Conclusions: Earthquake Subcommittee -

Colorado Natural Hazards Mitigation Council

Based on the historical earthquake record and geologic studies in Colorado, an event of magnitude 6½ to 7¼ could occur somewhere in the state. Scientists are unable to accurately predict when the next major earthquake will occur in Colorado, only that one will occur. The major factor preventing the precise identification of the time or location of the next damaging earthquake is the limited knowledge of potentially active faults. Given Colorado’s continuing active economic growth and the accompanying expansion of population and infrastructure, it is prudent to continue the study and analysis of earthquake hazards. Existing knowledge should be used to incorporate appropriate levels of seismic safety in building codes and practices. The continued and expanded use of seismic safety provisions in critical and vulnerable structures and in emergency planning statewide is also recommended. Concurrently, we should expand earthquake monitoring, geological and geophysical research, and mitigation planning.

The Colorado Geological Survey has several publications on Colorado earthquakes and potentially active faults, and maintains a reference collection on Colorado seismicity that includes reports by consultants or agencies. A listing of the reports can be viewed at the CGS web site, http://geosurvey.state.co.us/Default.aspx?tabid=29

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Be Prepared....

Earthquakes strike suddenly, violently and without warning. Identifying potential hazards ahead of time and advance planning can reduce the dangers of serious injury or loss of life from an earthquake.

BEFORE Check for hazards in the home.

Fasten shelves securely to walls.

Place large or heavy objects on lower shelves.

Store breakable items such as bottled foods, glass, and china in low, closed cabinets with latches.

Hang heavy items such as pictures and mirrors away from beds, couches, and anywhere people sit.

Brace overhead light fixtures.

Repair defective electrical wiring and leaky gas connections. These are potential fire risks.

Secure a water heater by strapping it to the wall studs and bolting it to the floor.

Repair any deep cracks in ceilings or foundations. Get expert advice if there are signs of structural defects.

Store weed killers, pesticides, and flammable products securely in closed cabinets with latches and on bottom shelves.

Identify safe places in each room.

Under sturdy furniture such as a heavy desk or table.

Against an inside wall.

Away from where glass could shatter around windows, mirrors, pictures, or where heavy bookcases or other heavy furniture could fall over.

Locate safe places outdoors.

In the open, away from buildings, trees, telephone and electrical lines, overpasses, or elevated expressways.

Make sure all family members know how to respond after an earthquake. Teach all family members how and when to turn off gas, electricity, and water.

Teach children how and when to call 9-1-1, police, or fire department and which radio station to tune to for emergency information.

Contact your local emergency management office or American Red Cross chapter for more information on earthquakes.

Have disaster supplies on hand.

Flashlight and extra batteries

Portable battery-operated radio and extra batteries.

First aid kit and manual

Emergency food and water

Non-electric can opener

Essential medicines

Cash and credit cards

Sturdy shoes

Develop an emergency communication plan in case family members are separated from one another during an earthquake (a real possibility during the day when adults are at work and children are at school), develop a plan for reuniting after the disaster.

Ask an out-of-state relative or friend to serve as the "family contact." After a disaster, it's often easier to call long distance. Make sure everyone in the family knows the name, address, and phone number of the contact person.

DURING If indoors:

Take cover under a piece of heavy furniture or against an inside wall and hold on.

Stay inside.

The most dangerous thing to do during the shaking of an earthquake is to try to leave the building because objects can fall on you.

If outdoors:

Move into the open, away from buildings, street lights, and utility wires.

Once in the open, stay there until the shaking stops.

If in a moving vehicle:

Stop quickly and stay in the vehicle.

Move to a clear area away from buildings, trees, overpasses, or utility wires.

Once the shaking has stopped, proceed with caution. Avoid bridges or ramps that might have been damaged by the quake.

Pets after an Earthquake

The behavior of pets may change dramatically after an earthquake. Normally quiet and friendly cats and dogs may become aggressive or defensive. Watch animals closely. Leash dogs and place them in a fenced yard.

Pets may not be allowed into shelters for health and space reasons.

Prepare an emergency pen for pets in the home that includes a 3-day supply of dry food and a large container of water.

AFTER Be prepared for aftershocks.

Although smaller than the main shock, aftershocks cause additional damage and may bring weakened structures down. Aftershocks can occur in the first hours, days, weeks, or even months after the quake.

Help injured or trapped persons. Give first aid where appropriate. Do not move seriously injured persons unless they are in immediate danger of further injury. Call for help.

Listen to a battery-operated radio or television for the latest emergency information.

Remember to help your neighbors who may require special assistance--infants, the elderly, and people with disabilities.

Stay out of damaged buildings. Return home only when authorities say it is safe.

Use the telephone only for emergency calls.

Clean up spilled medicines, bleaches or gasoline or other flammable liquids immediately. Leave the area if you smell gas or fumes from other chemicals.

Open closet and cupboard doors cautiously.

Inspect the entire length of chimneys carefully for damage. Unnoticed damage could lead to a fire.

INSPECTING UTILITIES IN A DAMAGED HOME Check for gas leaks--If you smell gas or hear blowing or hissing noise, open a window and quickly leave the building. Turn off the gas at the outside main valve if you can and call the gas company from a neighbor's home. If you turn off the gas for any reason, it must be turned back on by a professional.

Look for electrical system damage--If you see sparks or broken or frayed wires, or if you smell hot insulation, turn off the electricity at the main fuse box or circuit breaker. If you have to step in water to get to the fuse box or circuit breaker, call an electrician first for advice.

Check for sewage and water lines damage--If you suspect sewage lines are damaged, avoid using the toilets and call a plumber. If water pipes are damaged, contact the water company and avoid using water from the tap.

You can obtain safe water by melting ice cubes.

Earthquake preparedness information provided by FEMA.

Course Announcement - FEMA Webinar: Earthquake Safety and Mitigation for Schools - 2/17 and 3/17

The Department of Homeland Security and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) are hosting a one-hour webinar for school officials, teachers, facility managers, and other local stakeholders interested in learning how to reduce earthquake risks and take actions to ensure school safety and continued operations.

Given the infrequency of earthquakes in Colorado when compared with other parts of the world, it is easy to forget that Colorado has a history of earthquakes and they can and will happen again.  The Rockies may look peaceful and serene, but they are the jutting, real by-products of ground movement and plate tectonics!

The webinar information is based on Incremental Seismic Rehabilitation of School Buildings (K-12): Providing Protection to People and Buildings, FEMA 395.

General Information
Numerous school buildings located in multiple States and U.S. territories are vulnerable to earthquake losses and damage. This includes potential:

• Death and injury of students, teachers, and staff 
• Damage to or collapse of buildings 
• Damage and loss of furnishings, equipment, and building contents 
• Disruption of educational programs and school operations 
• Inability of the community to use schools as temporary shelters 

At this webinar, you will learn the following:

• How to assess and analyze your earthquake risks 
• How to develop an actionable plan to reduce and manage earthquake risks 
• How to initiate an earthquake risk reduction plan for existing school buildings that were not designed and constructed to meet modern building codes 
• How to secure “non-structural” elements of the school facility 
• How to apply “incremental seismic rehabilitation” to protect buildings and ensure occupant safety 
• Why “incremental seismic rehabilitation” is an affordable alternative for school safety 
• When 

Thursday, February 17, 2011 at 3:00 pm EST
Thursday, March 17, 2011 at 3:00 pm EST

Where
Online webinar via FEMA Adobe Connect and Conference Line. Information will be shared upon successful registration. Registration is free! For more info and to register, please send your preferred date to participate, name, organization, address, phone number, and email address by fax to 650-593-2320, by email to atc@atcouncil.org, or by visiting http://www.atcouncil.org/events.html.

DEM Plans Section Update - Utility Disruption Planning

Just a some notes on  from Kerry Kimble, State DEM Planner, on DEM's planning team activities.  The DEM planning team is currently working on two projects: (1) our Governor's Energy Office with their 2011 Energy Assurance Plan; and (2) FEMA Region VIII is developing a regional response plan for a large earthquake.  

For each of these projects utility disruption is a basic premise.   

When the power grid goes down, quite a bit of the infrastructure also goes down.  For long-term outages, we are trying to develop a prioritized list of infrastructure to be restored.  The definition of "long-term" is four hours plus.  After that, selected pieces of the infrastructure will need to be addressed as far as becoming operational.  (We are ignoring the fact some facilities will have back-up generators, because sometimes those do not kick in when they are suppose to.) 

Landslide/Rockslide Safety Tips and Resources

Landslides are masses of rock, earth, or debris moving down a slope.  They are activated by rainstorms, earthquakes, fires and by human-caused projects, such as road/building construction.  Landslides can vary widely in size and can move at slow or very high speed depending on slope angle, water content, and type of earth and debris flow.  Flows are generally initiated by heavy, usually sustained, periods of rainfall, but can sometimes happen as a result of shorts bursts of concentrated rainfall.  Burned areas, such as from wildland fires, are also susceptible to debris flows.

Landslide/Rockslide Warning Signs

- Springs, seeps, or saturated ground in areas that not typically been wet before

- New cracks or unusual bulges in ground, street pavements or sidewalks

- Soil moving away from foundations or tree root systems

- Titling or cracking of concrete floors and foundations

- Structures such as decks and patios tilting and/or moving relative to the main house

- Broken water lines and other underground utilities

- Leaning telephone poles, trees, retaining walls or fences

- Offset fence lines

- Sunken or down-dropped road beds

- Rapid increase in creek water levels, possibly accompanied by increased water soil content

- Sudden decrease in creek water levels through rain is still falling or just recently stopped

- Sticking doors and windows, and suddenly appearing open spaces in frames or construction

- Faint rumbling sound that increases in volume as the landslide nears

- Unusual sounds, such as trees cracking or boulders knocking together

Areas generally prone to landslide hazards

- Existing old landslide paths

- On or at the base of slopes

- In or at the base of minor drainage hollows

- At the base or top of an old fill slope

- At the base or top of a steep cut slope

- Developed hillsides where leach field septic systems are used

Before a Landslide/Rockslide - House

- Do not build near steep slopes, close to mountain edges, near drainage ways or erosion valleys

- Get a ground assessment of your property

- Contact local officials, the Colorado Geological Survey (http://geosurvey.state.co.us/) or the Colorado Department of Natural Resources (http://dnr.state.co.us/)

- Watch the patterns of storm-water drainage near your home and note the convergence locations

- Learn about the emergency response and evacuation plans for your area.  Check with your local emergency manager (http://dola.colorado.gov/dem/localem.htm) for emergency information specific to your area, including local preparedness information, warning systems and sources of information in the event of a disaster.

- Minimize hazards around your home by installing flexible pipe fittings, planting ground cover on slopes, building retaining walls, or channels to direct flow around buildings.

During a Landslide/Rockslide

- Stay alert when driving or around your house during storms.  Debris-flow fatalities occer in the home when people are sleeping during storms and on the roadways when fast moving material impacts the road.  When driving, remember to look around and up when in mountain areas.

- Be aware of weather conditions and remember that short burst of rain, particularly after longer periods of heavy rainfall and damp weather, can be especially dangerous conditions conducive to landslides/rockslides

- Stay out of the path of a landslide or rockslide, no matter how slow the ground appears to be moving

- Listen for any unusual sounds that might indicate moving debris, such as trees cracking or boulders knocking together.  A trickle flow may precede the much larger event and many slides can onset rapidly.

- If you are near a stream or channel, be alert for sudden changes in water levels or if the water changes from clear to muddy.  Such changes indicate activity upstream and you should be prepared to move quickly.

- Be especially alert when driving.  Bridges may be washed out, culverts overtopped and boulders may be dislodged.  Embankments upon roadsides and the base of high-angle, steep terrain are particularly susceptible to landslides and rockslides. 

- Contact your local fire, police or public works department immediately if you suspect or have witnessed a landslide.

- Inform affected neighbors.  You neighbors, and particularly visitors to Colorado unfamiliar with mountain terrain, my not be aware of potential hazards.  Advising them of the threat may help save their lives.

- Evacuate any area you suspect of being involved in or imminently threatened by a landslide/rockslide

- If in landslide/rockslide with no option to evacuate, curl in to a tight ball and protect your head.

After a landslide/rockslide

- Stay away from the slide area.  There may be danger of additional slides.

- Contact local officials to provide information on the slide location and any injuries/conditions

- Listen to local radio or television stations or emergency management warning systems for info

- Watch for flooding, which may occur after a landslide or debris flow.  Floods are often tandem with landslides/rockslides since they may share a root cause

- Check for injured and trapped persons near the slide, without entering the slide area.  Stay on-site to direct rescuers to their locations.

- Help anyone who may require special assistance.  Elderly, families with young children and people with disabilities my benefit from the additional help.

- Look for and report any broken utility lines and damaged roadways and railways to appropriate authorities.  Reporting potential hazards will help direct efforts to mitigate any additional hazards and injury.

- Check building foundations, chimneys, and surrounding land for damage. 

- Replant damaged ground as soon as possible since erosion caused by loss of ground cover can lead to additional flooding, landslides/rockslides. 

- Seek advice from experts to evaluate remaining or existing hazards or to design corrective techniques to reduce risk.  Contact local emergency management officials, the the Colorado Geological Survey (http://geosurvey.state.co.us/) or the Colorado Department of Natural Resources (http://dnr.state.co.us/) for more.

And for much, much more on landslide/rockslide issues, history and safety, be sure to check out the source for most of the above safety tips, the United States Geological Survey's outstanding landslide information website at http://landslides.usgs.gov/learning/ls101.php

Chile Earthquake/Hawaii Tsunami - February 27, 2010

For information regarding US citizens and others affected by the earthquake in Chile - from the U.S. State Dept - go to the http://chilepersonfinder.appspot.com/

Also, while Colorado is not at risk for tsunamis, like Hawaii, we face a similar challenge in exchanging emergency information for disparate groups - residents/citizens, second homeowner populations, and a significant tourist industry.  Our partners at the State of Hawaii Civil Defense Agency are posting information on their site at http://www.scd.state.hi.us/.  Like all emergency response entities,, we are always in search of new ways to share info, communicate emergency warnings and safety messages and help us pull together to prepare for and get through disasters.  In that spirit, we encourage you to check out and participate in a Facebook effort that has been created to help circulate information around the Hawaii Tsunami - February 27, 2010 - http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/group.php?gid=326149844022&ref=nf

Many Coloradoans spend time in Hawaii and we hope this page provides relevant contacts and connection information.

State Hazard Mitigation Plan - Update and Kickoff Meeting

This morning, the Division's Mitigation Office hosted a multi-agency meeting to kick-off the massive coordination project involved in updating the State's Hazard Mitigation Plan.  The current version of the State's plan is the 2008 Colorado Hazard Mitigation Plan.  These plans are updated every couple of years.  In short, they cover the breadth of known hazards present in Colorado for which the State prepares for - including from a mitigation, preparedness and response and recovery perspective.  Droughts, floods, earthquakes, landslides, wildfires and winter storms each comprise a special, targeted component of the overall Colorado plan.

Representatives from various State, Federal and non-governmental agencies sit on the Hazard Mitigation committee (see slide 3 in the kickoff meeting presentation below).  In Colorado, each local jurisdiction maintains its own Local Pre-Disaster Hazard Mitigation Plans, which are individually authorized by the Federal Emergency Management Agency but for which the State serves as the coordinator for submission and approval.

In any event, this was my first Hazard Mitigation Plan meeting and, after speaking with our mitigation office, got the OK to post the kick-off meeting slides to share.  The effort is remarkable in its scope, from hazard identification, to risk assessment and estimation of potential loss, to the coordination with local mitigation planning efforts to ensure the State plan is consistent and complimentary to local efforts.

This year, the push is to break new ground in integrating the disparate and varied preparedness and recovery planning efforts being maintained individually by State agencies and entities into a common risk assessment.  In short, these agencies are collaborating to make sure the math used in efforts like disaster assessment and organization are using common a common language and calculation.  Furthermore, the plan will shift from a periodically updated plan to more of a "living document" with an online committee collaboration effort here and on the Division website to support exchange of documents and forms used in preparedness and recovery actions by committee members and agencies.  It should be a busy and interesting year.

Haiti Earthquake Information and Assistance Info from FEMA

Locating Family Members

The United States State Department Operations Center has set up the following number for Americans seeking information about family members in Haiti:  1-888-407-4747

With so many people in Colorado and around the United States wanting to help Haiti respond and recover from the recent earthquake, the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency, Region 8 (Colorado's region) put together the information below to help you make informed decisions with legitimate, recognized sources of information about how to locate family members and make donations.

Donations

Cash donations allow for voluntary organizations to quickly pay for response and recovery efforts, and quickly provide direct financial assistance to disaster survivors to meet their own needs.  Those interested in making contributions to help the victims in Haiti can do the following:

Go to http://www.whitehouse.gov/

For those looking for additional opportunities to donate to organization involved in recovery efforts in Haiti following the devastating eqrthquake that struck near Port au Prince on Jan 12, 2010, you may may contact the Center for International Disaster Information.  The Center, operated under a grant from the United States Agency for International Devleopment's Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance and initial support from IBM, has become a valuable resource to the public, as well as U.S. government agencies, foreign embassies and internatioanl corporations.  CIDI has established a dedicated page to coordinate Haiti support at: http://www.cidi.org/incident/haiti-10a/

For those interested in learning more about how best to donate to provide assistance in Haiti visit http://www.fema.gov/rebuild/recover/howtohelp.shtm or visit http://www.fema.gov/

Additionally, interested donors can visit http://www.interaction.org/ to obtain a list of credible responding agencies for international emergencies and http://www.give.org/ to get valuable information on making informed decisions when supporting charities.  In addition, donors can visit http://www.globalgiving.org/