Point Fortin Earthquake Response Plan March 2011 by John Camacho

2010

POINT FORTIN BOROUGH CORPORATION National Earthquake Response Plan

1 Point Fortin Borough Corporation Earthquake Response Plan

2 Point Fortin Borough Corporation Earthquake Response Plan

3 Point Fortin Borough Corporation Earthquake Response Plan

Record of Change No. of Change

Date of Change

Subject of Change

4 Point Fortin Borough Corporation Earthquake Response Plan

Name of person

PREFACE The primary mission of Point Fortin Borough Corporation Earthquake Response Plan is to protect the lives and property of its citizens. The plan provides the basis for the coordinated operation of other emergency agencies. Regardless of how well all systems are organized to provide assistance, the unpredictable nature of hurricanes and the time and space factors involved dictate that the local jurisdiction must be prepared to cope with the initial impact of a hurricane on its own. Recognizing that routine emergency services will, by their nature, be inadequate to cope with the effects of a major earthquake, it is the duty of Point Fortin Borough Corporation to provide for the emergency expansion of its survival capabilities within the limits of available resources. In the event the disaster effect is above the capacity of the Corporation then the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management (ODPM) will activate the National Earthquake Emergency Response Plan. It is an Incident or Hazard Specific Annex to the National Emergency Operations Plan (ODPMEOP). In preparing this plan, emergency duties and responsibilities have been assigned, to the extent possible, to agencies having the same or similar responsibilities in the Point Fortin Borough Community Emergency Response’ Basic Plan. Where necessary, agencies should develop specific standing operating procedures (SOPs) explaining what tasks need to be performed and how they will be accomplished in an emergency situation. This incident annex has been developed in consonance with cited authorities that currently exist. Specific details and background from these sources are usually referenced rather than included. Agencies using this annex should, therefore, become familiar with the provisions of the Emergency Services and Disaster Law. It is well understood that being prepared to recover from the effects of an earthquake requires the constant development and revision of emergency procedures, training of staff and auxiliary personnel, and exercises to test this aspect of the Point Fortin Borough Corporation Emergency Response Plan. This process and the results of actual emergency response operations will allow refining and distillation of this incident annex to the PFBC emergency response plan and its associated SOPs and supporting plans so that we are as well prepared as possible to cope with earthquake effects.

5 Point Fortin Borough Corporation Earthquake Response Plan

C0NTENTS LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS

CHAPTER1 EARTHQUAKE EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLAN

PURPOSE

AUTHORITY

RATIONALE

POLICIES

a. ASSUMPTIONS

b. MANAGEMENT OF EMERGENCIES

c. ACTIVATION OF THE EOC

d. SUSPENSION OF ROUTINE ACTIVITIES

e. NON-DISCRIMINATION

f. INDIVIDUAL PREPAREDNESS

g. REVIEW AND UPDATE

h. RELATED DOCUMENTATION

CHAPTER 2-ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL CONDITIONS 2.1 GENERAL

2.2 CHARACTER OF AN EARTHQUAKE

2.3 THE TRINADAD AND TOBAGO EARTHQUAKE EXPERIENCE

2.4 SOCIAL CONSIDERATION

CHAPTER 3-CONCEPT OF OPERATIONS

3.1 GENERAL

3.2 PHASES OF RESPONSE

PHASE 1 –INITIAL STAGE

PHASE2-RESPONSE STAGE

PHASE 3- RETURN TO NORMALCY

6 Point Fortin Borough Corporation Earthquake Response Plan

CHAPTER 4- PREPAREDNESS

4.1 INTRODUCTION

4.2 EMERGENCY RESPONSE SYSTEMS

4.3 CORE EMERGENCY RESPONSE FUNCTIONS

4.4 MUTUAL AID AGREEMENTS

4.5 INFORMATION MANAGEMENT

4.6 COMMUNICATIONS

4.7 PUBLIC INFORMATION

4.8 PROTECTION OF DATA

4.9 SEARCH AND RESCUE & EMERGENCY MEDICAL TREATMENT

4.10 COMMUNITY PREPAREDNESS

CHAPTER 5 – RESPONSE

5.1 GENERAL

5.2 INDIVIDUAL IMMEDIATE ACTION

5.3 ACTION BY THE STATE

5.3.1 PHASE 1-ACTIVATION OF THE NEOC

5.3.2 PHASE 2 –RESPONSE STAGE

5.3.3 PHASE 3- RETURN TO NORMALCY

5.3.4 EMERGENCY RESPONSE FUNCTION

7 Point Fortin Borough Corporation Earthquake Response Plan

LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS

ADRA

Adventist Development and Relief Agency

CEO

Chief Executive Officer

ESF

Emergency Support Function

EOC

Emergency Operations Centre

LGA

Local Government Authority

MOFA

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

MOLG

Ministry of Local Government

MOPU

Ministry of Public Utilities

MOSD

Ministry of Social Development

MOT

Ministry of Tourism

MOWT

Ministry of Works and Transport

ODPM

Office for Disaster Preparedness and Management

PFBC

Point Fortin Borough Corporation

RHA

Regional Health Authority

SJAB

St. John’s Ambulance Brigade

TTARS

Trinidad and Tobago Amateur Radio Society

TTDF

Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force

TTFS

Trinidad and Tobago Fire Service

TTPS

Trinidad and Tobago Police Service

TTRCS

Trinidad and Tobago Red Cross Society

8 Point Fortin Borough Corporation Earthquake Response Plan

EARTHQUAKE EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLAN PURPOSE The purpose of this plan is to minimize the loss of life and damage to property and the environment in Trinidad and Tobago by detailing actions to be taken to prepare for, respond effectively to and recover quickly from, the impacts of major earthquakes and tsunamis. AUTHORITY This Plan is promulgated under the general direction of the Minister of Local Government. There are, however, several pieces of legislation that have dealt with matters related to disaster management (see Annex). Chief among these are: a) The Disaster Measures Act No. 1978 b) The Municipal Corporations Act No. 21 of 1990 c) The Fire Service Act Rationale As difficult as the promotion of hurricane and other hazard countermeasures has proven to be in the Caribbean and elsewhere in the world, the promotion of earthquake countermeasures has proven to be even more so. This is because, in the Caribbean, the occurrence of serious earthquakes (magnitude 6.0 or greater) tends to be rare. It therefore appears to be unreasonable to expend scarce resources on countermeasures against such a rarely‐occurring event. Thus, earthquake risk management activities tend to be low‐priority items on governmental agendas. Another reason for this difficulty is the fact that, unlike most other more commonly‐ occurring hazards, earthquakes tends to occur without warning. This not only makes it impossible to take preemptive action, it also tends to promote a feeling of powerlessness. Policies The following policy statements govern the operation of this plan:‐ a. Assumptions In preparing this plan the following assumptions were made: (i) There is a National Emergency Management Plan. (ii) All stakeholders are both aware and capable of performing their assigned roles (iii)All Memoranda of Understanding with key stakeholders required for the execution of the Plan would have been put in place. 9 Point Fortin Borough Corporation Earthquake Response Plan

(iv)Efforts have been made, and continue to be made to organize and train communities (however geographically defined) across Point Fortin to respond appropriately to emergencies. b. Management of Emergencies:‐ Regardless of their particular level, all emergencies occurring within and requiring a multi—agency response will be managed using the Incident Command System (ICS). c. Activation of the EOC:‐ When a serious earthquake occurs the EOC will be activated as soon as possible to coordinate the activities of all emergency response agencies. The Command Centre in conjunction with the EOC will indicate the strategies to be adopted to respond to the emergency, establish the priority of activities to be undertaken and coordinate the various actions being undertaken by emergency response organizations. The merits of this approach are that: (i) It facilitates efficient coordination through the collection of all information on emergency related activities. (ii) It enables the taking of effective action by providing direction and advice to emergency response organizations in a consistent and coordinated manner. (iii) It clarifies responsibilities for the various countermeasures. d. Suspension of Routine Activities: Day‐to‐day functions of state agencies that do not contribute directly to disaster relief operations may be suspended for the duration of any emergency. Similarly, Point Fortin Borough Corporation resources normally required for routine activities may be redirected to accomplish emergency‐related tasks. e. Non‐Discrimination: No aspect of emergency relief will be denied to anyone on the basis of political affiliation, race, physical or other disability, religion, sex, marital status, age, sexual orientation or nationality. f. Individual Preparedness: The existence of this Plan does not absolve citizens of their individual responsibility to be aware of, and prepare for, hazards to which Point Fortin is subject.  All citizens are expected to be aware of developing events and take appropriate steps to ensure personal safety and protect property.  The Point Fortin Borough Corporation will make every reasonable effort to provide information, via various media, to assist citizens in dealing with an earthquake emergency. 10 Point Fortin Borough Corporation Earthquake Response Plan

g. Review and Update:‐ This Plan will be reviewed annually by agencies in the National Disaster Management System. Additional revisions or enhancements deemed necessary, either following an actual earthquake event or as a result of findings of an exercise, may also be made. h. Related Documents It is anticipated that the following documents will be relevant to the smooth implementation of this plan: National Disaster Management Plan National Mass Casualty Plan National Shelter Plan National Debris Management Plan Chapter 2 – ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL CONDITIONS 2.1 General The Caribbean is an area of considerable tectonic complexity and almost every sort of tectonic activity can be observed within relatively short distances. Western Caribbean islands such as Hispaniola, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands sit on top of small crustal blocks that characterize the ever‐shifting boundary between the massive North American and Caribbean tectonic plates. Each year, the Eastern Caribbean experiences about 1200 earthquakes greater than magnitude 2.0. It is also estimated that the region will experience at least one magnitude 6 earthquake every 3 – 5 years. Thus, although there is considerable variation in their respective levels of risk and vulnerability, no island in the region is completely free from the threat posed by earthquakes. In Point Fortin, as in other parts of the world, social conditions are also changing. The ‘aged’ population (persons 65 years and older) is increasing. So, too, is the number of persons who own vehicles. The major industries are oil and gas. In recent times, Point Fortin has attracted migrant workers who do not have a command of the English language. Increases in population density, poor land use practices and the absence of effective building codes for dwelling houses and other small buildings have exponentially increased the potential this rapid‐onset hazard has to impart destruction. These environmental and social factors underscore the need to give greater priority to the enhancement of earthquake preparedness and response. Especially as Point Fortin is situated along the Los Bajos fault. 2.2 Characteristics of an Earthquake The potential consequences of an earthquake differ from those of other hazards because of its unique characteristics. These include: 11 Point Fortin Borough Corporation Earthquake Response Plan

Ground Shaking ‐ The potential severity of ground shaking and its consequential impact on buildings and life‐lines depend on several factors. The magnitude of the earthquake at epicentre (point of origin) determines the amount of energy released. Both the distance and the type of materials through which an earthquake travels attenuate its seismic waves. Therefore, the intensity of the same earthquake could differ at two locations that are equidistant from the epicentre. The nature of the ground on which affected structures are located as well as the duration of the shaking are other contributing factors to the destructiveness of an earthquake event. Induced Ground Failures ‐ Ground shaking could trigger landslides or rock falls, and could also cause liquefaction which, in turn, could result in casualties or damage to structures. Secondary Hazards ‐ Secondary hazards, such as dam failure or fires due to ruptured gas lines, may be caused by collapsed or damaged structures. 2.3 The Trinidad and Tobago Earthquake Experience In Trinidad and Tobago an earthquake may be felt as often as once per month. These felt earthquakes represent about 2‐6% of all earthquakes in the region, recorded by seismometers. The largest earthquake on record directly impacting Trinidad and Tobago took place in 1766. There have been eight (8) events of magnitude 6.0 or greater between 1899 and 1952 occurring within 250 km of Trinidad and Tobago. One of these –occurring on 10 January 1910 – was of magnitude 7.2. The earthquakes of 1925 caused significant damage to all the buildings in Port of Spain, most of which were just two storeys tall and constructed of un‐ reinforced masonry. Prior to 1982, most of the earthquakes in Trinidad were concentrated in two significant zones west of the island. One zone lies north of the Paria peninsula with events trending northeast‐southwest. The other lies in the Gulf of Paria, with events having a northwest‐ southeast trend. However, in 1982, a swarm of earthquakes (numbering several hundred tremors) occurred of the southwest coast of Tobago. The strongest of these measured 5.26 magnitudes on the Richter scale. Similarly, in 1988, the area east of Trinidad, which up till then had seen only a few low intensity events, experienced a magnitude 6.2 event. This was followed by hundreds of aftershocks spanning a number of years. There is an inverse relation between the hypo‐central distance from populated centres and the damage caused by an earthquake. This was recently demonstrated by the millions of dollars in damages wrought by the two strongest events of 1997 in Tobago; the focal points and epicenters of which were shallow (approx. 28 km and < 5 km respectively) and relatively 12 Point Fortin Borough Corporation Earthquake Response Plan

close (30 km and 15 km respectively) to Scarborough. Table 1 lists some of the large earthquake affecting Trinidad and Tobago since 1766. Table1. Date

Magnitude

Intensity

Notes

21 October 1766

‐

7.9

29 September 1825

VIII

‐

24 February 1918 VIII

‐

04 December 1954

VIII

>6.5

One death; several injured

September 1968

V – VII

5.1

Damages to churches

March 1982

‐

5.4

Tobago swarm

March 1983

‐

5.8

Several injured at the coast

March1988

‐

6.2

01 January 1996

5.0

02 April 1997

‐

5.6

22 April 1997

‐

5.9

09 July 1997

‐

5.7

04 October 2000

‐

5.8

San Jose (Capital) destroyed

One home destroyed; several damaged

Over TT$18m in estimated damage in Tobago

Source: http://www.nema.gov.tt/resources/downloads/earthquakeriskin trinidadandtobago.pdf. 2.4 Social Considerations In planning to respond to the impacts of serious earthquakes, particular attention will be paid to ‘special’ populations such as the aged, children, the physically challenged, and 13 Point Fortin Borough Corporation Earthquake Response Plan

tourists. The Point Fortin has been compiling a Special Needs Log Persons comprising data on the Special Population. Persons falling into these categories may have trouble hearing or understanding warnings, instructions or other information. Some will have difficulty in moving quickly, when quick movement is required. Persons falling into these A high ‘vehicles‐to‐persons’ ratio means that there is every likelihood that roads will become congested should people be required to evacuate an area. In addition to the means (radio, television, cable network, siren, public address systems, etc) by which information is passed, consideration will therefore be given to the use of symbols or pictures in communicating earthquake‐related information. Consideration will also be given to restricting the use of vehicles completely or, alternatively, on designated routes, to facilitate emergency response. Chapter 3 – CONCEPT OF OPERATIONS. 3.1 General. It is recognized that the occurrence of certain hazards often takes place with little or no warning. In such circumstances, or when the duration of the emergency is estimated to be relatively short, initial management of the emergency will be undertaken by First Responder Agencies on site or as close to the site as possible. For Level 1 emergency, the management of response operations will take place at the EOC with consultation with the Command Centre headed by the Mayor and the CEO, located at the Town Hall George Road, Point Fortin. The CEO will initiate the Point Fortin Borough Corporation Earthquake Response Plan as necessary. In the absence of the CEO, the Disaster Coordinator will initiate the plan. In the absence of both of these officials the responsibility for the initiating this plan falls to the Deputy CEO in consultation with the Municipal Police Inspector. For Level II and Level III earthquake emergencies, the management of response operations will take place at the NEOC, located at # 3 Orange Grove Road, Trincity, TACARIGUA. The CEO ODPM will initiate the National Earthquake Response Plan as necessary. In the absence of the CEO ODPM, the deputy CEO will initiate the plan. If both of these officials are unavailable the responsibility for initiating this plan falls to the (state the office of the person so designated). 3.2 Phases of Response In the immediate aftermath of a serious earthquake event there are often many activities that need to be undertaken in a relatively short space of time. To ensure scarce resources are used in the most effective and efficient manner the Government must indicate the importance placed on, and the priority level of, each of these activities. To ensure that a management structure is put in place to determine the priority and importance of these necessary activities, the following phases are recommended. Phase 1 – Initial Stage. Activities in this phase will concentrate on establishing an organized response. This phase begins immediately following the occurrence of the earthquake and 14 Point Fortin Borough Corporation Earthquake Response Plan

continues until the EOC is fully activated, and the Command Centre at the Town Hall is convened and is capable of controlling all emergency response activities. The duration of this period should be as short as possible within the first 24 hours. The main activities of this period include:  Mobilising personnel and resources to fully establish the EOC.  Response agencies activating their respective EOCs and instituting systems to carry out response activities in a comprehensive and efficient manner.  Establishing channels of support through collaboration with other organizations within and outside of the Borough. Phase 2 – Response Stage. Activities in this phase will focus on the saving of lives and the protection of property and the environment against secondary hazards. The length of this period typically extends from 24 hours after the event to about seven days maximum (depending on the scale of the earthquake event). 3.2.1 Phase 2 – Response Stage 3.2.2 This phase typically begins about 24 hours after the event and should last for about seven days maximum (depending on the scale of the earthquake event). The main activities in this stage are geared towards the saving of lives and the prevention of damage to property and the environment. Consequently, key actions include:  The activation of the EOC  Prompt gathering and transmission of information on the details of the earthquake, the securing of a reliable means of communication and the initiation of the initial damage assessment (IDA).  Determining the need to declare a “Disaster Area”, as appropriate, by the Mayor or a State of Emergency by the President.  Preventing confusion resulting from rumours or false reports, encouraging appropriate decision‐making and action‐taking by transmitting correct information to both victims and the rest of the population,  Provide support service to the Search and Rescue teams and disaster victims.  Disaster prevention activities such as providing information on preparedness measures in order to prevent secondary or chain reaction emergencies,  Guiding victims to safe shelters,  Securing means of emergency transportation by controlling vehicular and pedestrian traffic to support smooth rescue, medical assistance and fire‐fighting activities and to issue emergency supplies to victims, and 15 Point Fortin Borough Corporation Earthquake Response Plan



Ascertaining the risk of secondary hazards such as flooding, landslides etc., and, where necessary, evacuating residents and implementing countermeasures against these potential hazards. Identify emergency/evacuation routes that were not compromised after the earthquake.

Phase 3 ‐ Return to Normal Stage. Activities in this phase will focus on stabilizing peoples’ daily lives and economic activities. This phase typically starts approximately three days after the earthquake event and can last from a few weeks to a few months (depending on the scale of the earthquake event). CHAPTER 4 – PREPAREDNESS 4.1 Introduction To ensure the implementation of a prompt and smooth response to an earthquake emergency, the following preparedness actions shall be taken: 

Establishing emergency response and management information systems in advance so that response and recovery activities can be carried out quickly and smoothly.



Preparing a manual that provides details of the evacuation plan of the major municipal jurisdictions.



Stockpiling of food, water, medical supplies, tents, body bags, etc.



Educating both emergency response staff and the general public about the earthquake hazard.



Organising and training communities to respond appropriately to all types of hazard emergencies.



Hardening earthquake monitoring systems and promoting research on these systems

4.2 Emergency Response Systems Mobilisation & Communication The Point Fortin Borough Corporation Emergency Team will be mobilized. All emergency response organizations (both state and non‐state) shall institute systems for the rapid assembly of their personnel. The ICS system will be initiated among emergency response organizations. Communication will be channeled through the Disaster Management 16 Point Fortin Borough Corporation Earthquake Response Plan

Coordinator. In doing so, particular attention will be paid to issues such as the means by which personnel will assemble and the securing of means of communications. 4.3 Core Emergency Response Functions:‐ Point Fortin Borough Corporation, Central and local government bodies, other public institutions and emergency related organizations shall take steps to ensure the survivability of their respective facilities and equipment so that they will be in a position to discharge their responsibilities in the aftermath of a serious earthquake. They shall also consider instituting an appropriate system for stockpiling food, water and other supplies and equipment for their own use in the event that they have to mobilize. 4.4 Mutual Aid Agreements 4.4.1 In earthquake emergencies, mechanisms for mutual support and cooperation among emergency response organizations are vital to the achievement of an efficient response. The Point Fortin Borough Corporation, MOLG, ODPM, other central and local government bodies, other public institutions and emergency response agencies shall therefore take steps to strengthen cooperation and mutual support through Memoranda of Understanding and other similar instruments. 4.5 Information Management 4.5.1 Information Gathering. To ensure prompt and reliable communications among national and local government bodies, other public institutions and emergency response agencies, the Point Fortin Borough Corporation shall institute systems for the gathering and exchange of information among such bodies. 4.5.2 In doing so, the MOLG shall, through the Point Fortin Borough Corporation, also ensure that such systems can operate, if the situation warrants it, on a 24‐hour basis over an extended period. 4.5.3 The PFBC, MOLG, ODPM, local government bodies, other public institutions and emergency response agencies will strive to use the people‐ in‐ place system for collecting disaster‐related information from diverse sources, including the media, citizens, and private sector organizations and companies, among others. 4.6 Communications 4.6.1 In anticipation of a situation where damage from a serious earthquake has severely impacted their core functions, the PFBC will contact MOLG, ODPM, other national and local government bodies and other emergency related organisations to acquire multiple channels of communications, including land lines, cellular phones, satellite telephones, wireless radio networks, and the Internet, among others.

17 Point Fortin Borough Corporation Earthquake Response Plan

4.6.2 All staff shall be trained in the operation of all aspects of the emergency communications system. 4.6.3 All staff of national and local government bodies and other emergency related organisations shall be exercised regularly to ensure they achieve the expected level of competency. 4.7 Public Information 4.7.1 When an earthquake event has happened, the Point Fortin Borough Corporation and local government bodies shall inform affected communities of possible secondary hazards (e.g. tsunamis, landslides, etc). They should also provide information on the level of damage, any recommendation of an evacuation, traffic restrictions, and so on. 4.7.2 To ensure that disaster‐related information gets to the community quickly, national and local government bodies shall install radios or cabled loud speakers in each community. In addition, the Point Fortin Borough Corporation shall provide such information to the general public via the national media (newspapers, radio stations, and television and cable networks). 4.7.3 All shelters shall be outfitted with radio or cable communication systems to ensure that shelterees receive necessary information. 4.8 Protection of Data 4.8.1 It is vitally important that basic information such as emergency facilities lists, citizens registers, structural diagrams of important facilities, hazard maps, etc, are stored in earthquake‐resistant structures. 4.8.2 It is also critical that a copy of all this data is stored in another place that is similarly earthquake‐resistant. 4.9 Search And Rescue & Emergency Medical Treatment 4.9.1 Search & Rescue (SAR) 4.9.1.1 Studies of large‐scale earthquakes have shown that the survival ratio of persons trapped under debris falls off rapidly to 10‐20% after the event. It is therefore very important that the Fire Service, Ministry of Works and Transport, Regional Health Authority, Water and Sewerage Authority, ODPM and local government bodies ensure that SAR activities begin immediately following the earthquake. 4.9.1.2 Because the first 72 hours are the most important all available resources should be pooled and directed to the SAR effort. 4.9.1.3 Periods of silence should be observed frequently during SAR operations to listen for sounds of survivors. 4.10 Community Preparedness. 18 Point Fortin Borough Corporation Earthquake Response Plan

4.10.1 There will always a time lag between the occurrence of a major hazard event and the response from a state or non‐state agency. It will therefore always be left to individuals and groups in affected communities to initiate an immediate response. It is therefore essential that communities are educated about the hazards they face and organized and trained to respond to them. 4.10.2 The responsibility of education, organization and training of communities to respond to hazard emergencies does not rest solely with the Point Fortin Borough Corporation. Both non‐state agencies and individuals can play an invaluable role in ensuring that communities are prepared to respond to emergencies. Chapter 5 – RESPONSE 5.1 General The earthquake response phase commences immediately after the impact of an earthquake. The Seismic Research Centre (SRC) of the University of the West Indies (UWI), located in St Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago, is responsible for the notification of earthquake occurrences. The SRC has a series of remote sensing stations throughout the eastern Caribbean that enables its staff to advise on the severity and epicentre of an earthquake. Reports of all earth tremors are routinely forwarded from the SRC to all client states on a regular basis. In the event of an earth tremor that results in damage, First Response agencies will be responsible for notifying the NDO. Once it has been determined that a Level II or Level III emergency, exists, the NDO will initiate the National Earthquake Response Plan. Factors which will influence initiation are:  an earthquake has seriously impacted a community;  a severe earthquake affects more than one municipality and requires a multi‐agency response; or as determined by the NDO. 5.2 Individual Immediate Action When the earthquake shaking starts, your first action should be to DROP, COVER, and HOLD; preferably under a table, desk, or something sturdy. If this is not an option, move away from windows toward the interior of the room. However, be aware that when the shaking starts you probably won’t be the only thing moving. Objects in and outside the building or home will be moving such as light fixtures, lamps, computers, bookshelves, signs, chimneys, plus many others. They could be falling, toppling, sliding, rolling or even flying. Not only is there the potential for these objects to be damaged, but their movement can cause damage, injury or even loss of life. Often the most damage, injury and loss of life during an earthquake are the result of the movement of these “non structural” components. Therefore, it is important to move quickly to protect yourself. When the shaking stops and you begin to move about, do: 

Check your surroundings for other dangers (e.g. fires, escaping gas, live electricity wires, etc) 19

Point Fortin Borough Corporation Earthquake Response Plan



Check for other persons who might have been injured. Assist them if you know what to do (and can do so safely and without injury to yourself or the injured person)



Contact any one of the following agencies and inform them of who you are, who else are with you, what injuries have been sustained, what immediate additional dangers you face, what kind of damage the structure suffered, etc.) a) Fire Service – 648‐2245/0100 b) Police Service – 648‐3337 c) Municipal Police‐ 648‐4634 d) Point Fortin Borough Corporation office – 648‐2124/2868/2869/0555 d) Emergency Operations Centre‐ 648‐1486/6656 e) ODPM – 640‐1285 f) Point Fortin Area Hospital Director‐ 648‐2191



Move to a safer location.

5.3 Action by the State In keeping with the concept of operations, the State’s response will be executed in three phases. 5.3.1 Phase 1 – Initial Stage 5.3.1.1 Activation of NEOC. The ODPM and all other public agencies having emergency response‐related responsibilities shall nominate personnel responsible for emergency response in advance. 5.3.1.2 Such nominated persons shall immediately answer the call to mobilize whenever such a call is issued or when they deem it necessary. 5.3.1.3 Once activated, the NEOC and other EOCs shall operate in accordance with established SOPs. 5.3.2 Phase 2 – Response Stage 5.3.2.1 This phase typically begins about 24 hours after the event and should last for about seven days maximum (depending on the scale of the earthquake event). The main activities in this stage are geared towards the saving of lives and the prevention of damage to property and the environment. Consequently, key actions include: 20 Point Fortin Borough Corporation Earthquake Response Plan



 



Prompt gathering and transmission of information on the details of the earthquake, the securing of a reliable means of communication and the initial assessment of the damage caused. Determining the need to declare a State of Emergency or a “Disaster Area”, as appropriate, Preventing confusion resulting from rumours or false reports, encouraging appropriate decision‐making and action‐taking by transmitting correct information to both victims and the rest of the population, Searching for and rescuing disaster victims and providing prompt medical attention to casualties, Disaster prevention activities such as fire‐fighting and tsunami countermeasures in order to prevent secondary or chain reaction emergencies, Guiding victims to safe shelters, Securing means of emergency transportation by controlling vehicular and pedestrian traffic to support smooth rescue, medical assistance and fire‐fighting activities and to issue emergency supplies to victims, and Ascertaining the risk of secondary hazards such as flooding, landslides etc., and, where necessary, evacuating residents and implementing countermeasures against these potential hazards.

5.3.3 Phase 3 – Return to Normalcy Stage 5.3.3.1 This phase typically starts approximately 72 hours after the earthquake event and can last from a few weeks to a few months (depending on the scale of the earthquake event). Activities in this phase are aimed at stabilising peoples’ daily lives and economic activities. Key activities undertaken during this stage include: 



 

procuring and distributing food, water, medicines and other daily supplies necessary for maintaining an acceptable level of comfort for disaster victims, establishing law and order through crime prevention and suppression activities, and implementing measures to ensure the reliability of supply and the stability of commodity prices,restoration of lifelines and utilities, acceptance of material and monetary donations from abroad, preventing confusion caused by rumours and false reports, 21

Point Fortin Borough Corporation Earthquake Response Plan



transmitting correct information to disaster victims and other members of the public; thereby encouraging appropriate judgment and decision‐making based on accurate information, assessing the state of health of disaster victims, health and hygiene activities such as waste disposal, quarantine activities, and the recovery and handling of dead bodies, Clearance of debris from roads, airports and ports. These activities should include debris management considerations.

  

Reopening of roads, ports and airports. Temporary repair of damaged buildings. Consider possible isolation of some areas, and the resupply options available to assist them.  Re‐establishment of communications systems.  Establishment of procedures to deal with media enquires. N.B. Aftershocks may continue to affect the community. National and local plans should take into account the effects these might have on response operations. 5.3.4 Emergency Response Functions 5.3.4.1 In the aftermath of any emergency, there is usually the need for one or more of several Emergency Response Functions (ERFs) to be performed. The following matrix lists these ERFs and indicates the phases when they are likely to be required. RESPONSIBILITY MATRIX –EARTHQUAKE RESPONSE SER Emergency Response Function Primary Agency 1 Search and Rescue TTFS 2 Emergency Medical Treatment MOH/GHRSTT 22 Point Fortin Borough Corporation Earthquake Response Plan

Alternate Agency TTDF TTRCS/StJAB

Response Phase Phase 2 Phase 2

3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22

Requesting External Assistance Shelter Operations Firefighting Communications Damage Assessment and Needs Analysis Hazardous Materials response Inspection/Clearing of Roads and Bridges Airport and Seaport Operations Inspection of Dams, Reservoirs, etc Inspection of Silos, Tank Farms, Public Information Restoration of Public Utilities Environmental Protection/Pollution Control Law Enforcement and Security Handling of Dead Bodies Overseas Relief Coordination Relief Supplies Distribution Continuation of Government Inspection and Demolition of Unsafe Buildings Welfare of Visitors/Tourists

MOFA MOLG TTFS TSTT MOLG

ODPM MOSD/TTRCS/ADRA TTEMAS TTARS/REACT TTRCS/ADRA

Phase Phase Phase 2 Phase 2 Phase 2

TTFS MOWT

TTEMAS TTDF

Phase 2 Phase 2

MOWT MOWT

TTDF TTDF

Phase 2 Phase 2

MOWT MOI MPU EMA

TTDF/TTEMAS ODPM TTDF TTFS/TTEMAS

Phase 2 Phase 2 Phase 2 Phase 2

TTPS MOH/RHA ODPM TTDF MOLG TTFS

TTDF TTDF MOFA MOLG MPA TTDF

Phase 3 Phase 3 Phase 3 Phase 3 Phase 3 Phase 3

MOT

MOH/MOSD

Phase 3

23 Point Fortin Borough Corporation Earthquake Response Plan