III-P-04 Hurricane Procedures (Including Attachment I) 05/08/2024

Questions and Answers

What is the focus of demobilization during emergency incidents?

Increasing the number of responders on the scene

Maximizing the resources used for the incident

Releasing and returning resources no longer needed (correct)

Conducting detailed investigations into the incident

What defines a hurricane advisory?

A statement of all resources available for deployment

A detailed plan for hurricane operations in affected areas

Official information regarding tropical cyclone watches and warnings (correct)

A notice that hurricane conditions are imminent

During which part of the year does hurricane season occur in the Atlantic, Caribbean, and Gulf of Mexico?

March 1 to August 31

September 1 to December 31

June 1 to November 30 (correct)

January 1 to April 30

What occurs in the hurricane eye?

Winds are calm and the sky is partly clouded Signup and view all the answers

What triggers the initiation of hurricane watch preparations by the Fire Chief?

The expectation of an imminent hurricane watch Signup and view all the answers

What is primarily emphasized during hurricane operations?

Well-being of affected people and life-saving measures Signup and view all the answers

What does a hurricane warning signify?

Sustained winds of 74 mph or greater are expected Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a functional annex in emergency planning?

To support the Basic Plan by defining specific activities and responsibilities Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a hurricane warning?

To announce the imminent arrival of hurricane winds. Signup and view all the answers

How soon is a hurricane watch issued before the expected impact?

48 hours Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the operations under a hurricane warning?

Secure facilities and assist in evacuation. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a stage in hurricane preparation and operation?

Emergency Recovery Operations Signup and view all the answers

What is the wind speed that defines tropical storm conditions?

39 to 73 mph Signup and view all the answers

During which period are preparations for a hurricane most intense?

Increased Readiness Signup and view all the answers

What does Standby Status require from all employees?

Prepare themselves and monitor the hurricane's status. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus during Post-Hurricane Operations?

Assisting injured and displaced persons. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the Incident Action Plan (IAP)?

To outline operational strategies for various scenarios. Signup and view all the answers

How long is the tropical storm warning issued before the expected arrival of storm conditions?

36 hours Signup and view all the answers

What must all employees review annually before hurricane season?

The Basic Plan and Functional Annexes Signup and view all the answers

What action is taken during Hurricane Watch Operations?

Conduct preliminary planning and preparedness. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following reflects the need for increased readiness?

Preparation steps at the start of hurricane season. Signup and view all the answers

What is involved in pre-season preparedness activities?

Reviewing the Hurricane Plan and updating contacts. Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step employees must take if they are unable to reach their assigned workplace after the storm?

Report to the nearest operational facility Signup and view all the answers

Which personnel are tasked with determining when to resume response operations after a hurricane?

Area Branch Directors Signup and view all the answers

What should be included in the Snapshot Damage Assessment conducted by emergency personnel?

Observations of structural damage Signup and view all the answers

Who is responsible for forwarding the Snapshot Damage Assessment report if communications with FAO and Command fail?

Station OIC/Administrator Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus during hurricane operations?

Ensuring the safety of personnel and affected individuals Signup and view all the answers

What must personnel keep in mind during the NO RESPONSE period?

All calls must be mitigated Signup and view all the answers

What should be done prior to receiving an evacuation order?

Review the Evacuation Checklist and prepare accordingly Signup and view all the answers

At what sustained wind speed should suppression and rescue unit operations be terminated?

50 mph Signup and view all the answers

What is the correct procedure if dispatch through FAO is not possible?

Self-dispatching may occur based on OIC's assessment Signup and view all the answers

What must personnel do if they feel conditions are too dangerous during hurricane operations?

Return to quarters but must advise FAO and appropriate Branch Signup and view all the answers

What is expected of all employees scheduled to work after the storm?

They must report at their regular scheduled time Signup and view all the answers

How will communication be managed during emergency conditions?

Only essential information will be communicated Signup and view all the answers

What communications method is primarily used during normal operations in a storm?

Landline phones Signup and view all the answers

What should the Station Administrator create in terms of personnel during a Mandatory Radio Watch?

A rotating schedule of personnel Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about the call-in procedure is false?

It varies for different departments across jurisdictions Signup and view all the answers

What happens to fireboat operations once a Hurricane Warning has been declared?

Operation may be halted up to 24 hours after the warning is lifted Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of safety is emphasized for personnel conducting emergency operations?

Personal well-being is the first priority Signup and view all the answers

When conducting a Snapshot Damage Assessment, what should primarily be evaluated?

Impact on departmental resources Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following actions is NOT recommended during the passing of the hurricane’s eye?

Releasing citizens who seek refuge Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the FAO after a storm in the context of operation resumption?

To announce a RESUME RESPONSE Order Signup and view all the answers

Under what conditions will helicopter operations cease?

When wind conditions exceed 45 knots and visibility drops Signup and view all the answers

What is the first priority during post-hurricane operations?

Helping injured and displaced persons Signup and view all the answers

What type of report must be submitted after completing the Snapshot Damage Assessment?

Neighborhood Damage Assessment form Signup and view all the answers

What must personnel do upon activation of the Employee Accountability line?

Respond by text via MDFR’s notification system Signup and view all the answers

What is expected of personnel during the first 72 hours after a hurricane?

To prioritize their safety while conducting emergency operations Signup and view all the answers

Which of these should NOT be included in the Station Evacuation Checklist?

Evacuating unlisted personnel immediately Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the Battalion Chief/Bureau OIC during evacuation planning?

To recommend evacuations of stations and facilities not listed in the plan Signup and view all the answers

What should personnel remember about other responding entities during a storm?

They may discontinue response before MDFR does Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary responsibility of Assistant Chiefs/Directors and Division Chiefs/Managers regarding the annual review of the hurricane plan?

To ensure all employees review the Basic Plan and Functional Annexes. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following actions should be taken by MDFR employees regarding their contact information?

Maintain updated contact information in both MDFRnet and the 'Bluebook'. Signup and view all the answers

What should be done if extreme conditions warrant additional staff retention?

Determine the need for additional staff and request as necessary. Signup and view all the answers

What is the deadline for the completion of the Hurricane Pre-Season Facility Checklist?

April 15th. Signup and view all the answers

What kind of facilities should Operations units focus on during target occupancy surveys?

Buildings with a high probability of trapped victims after a hurricane. Signup and view all the answers

By what date must the final report regarding facility checklist suitability be submitted?

June 1st. Signup and view all the answers

What should personnel do regarding family arrangements prior to hurricane season?

Make arrangements and periodically revisit them. Signup and view all the answers

What is a crucial aspect of personnel accountability before and following a disaster?

Accurate accounting of all employees. Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum period personnel may be expected to remain on duty due to hurricane impacts?

72 hours. Signup and view all the answers

What should be done prior to April 1st regarding the hurricane preparedness plan?

Review and modify the Basic Plan and Functional Annexes, as necessary. Signup and view all the answers

How should personnel request to be excused from duty during a hurricane emergency?

Submit the request in writing via chain of command before the warning. Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the primary responsibilities of the Assistant Fire Chief of Emergency Response annually by April 1st?

Request completion of the Hurricane Pre-Season Facility Checklist. Signup and view all the answers

What should be collected for coordination after hurricane emergencies?

All hurricane after action documentation. Signup and view all the answers

What is emphasized in the review of facility checklists by the Facilities and Construction Division?

Life safety. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary location for Fire Command and Control?

R. David Paulison Fire Rescue Headquarters Signup and view all the answers

Which Branch is responsible for operations at Station 2?

North Branch Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following ESFs is not listed as part of the EOC staffing?

ESF 7 – Logistics Signup and view all the answers

What is the responsibility of the Division Chiefs/Managers during hurricane preparations?

Ensure all assigned County vehicles are fueled and serviced Signup and view all the answers

What is the first action taken once a Hurricane Watch is announced?

A hurricane planning meeting is called Signup and view all the answers

Who is responsible for hurricane preparedness at non-station facilities?

Facility Manager Signup and view all the answers

What must each Station OIC complete upon the announcement of a Hurricane Watch?

Complete and submit the Hurricane Threat/Watch Facility Checklist Signup and view all the answers

Which action is not required during mandatory planning meetings once a Hurricane Warning is issued?

Reviewing personnel leave requests Signup and view all the answers

How should requests for additional supplies be submitted?

Using the online Station Ordering application Signup and view all the answers

What determines the staffing of the Command Post during a hurricane?

The discretion of the Incident Commander Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the Emergency Daily Activity Reports (EDARs)?

To maintain a personal time log Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the Logistics Division during a hurricane?

To provide additional fuel and supplies Signup and view all the answers

Who is responsible for designating a Station Administrator during hurricane operations?

Battalion Chiefs Signup and view all the answers

What indicates that personnel must be on standby once a Hurricane Watch is declared?

Notification from the National Hurricane Center Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of primary search and rescue during emergency response?

To rescue lightly trapped victims Signup and view all the answers

What should personnel do if they do not receive the text notification during a hurricane warning?

Call the MDFR Emergency Activation line Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of shelters or pre-established Casualty Collection Points during a hurricane?

To provide a safe location for displaced civilians Signup and view all the answers

What should personnel do if they are unable to report to work during a hurricane?

Call the Employee Accountability line Signup and view all the answers

What is the responsibility of the Station/Facility Administrator or designee during post-hurricane operations?

To report the status of all personnel on duty to the Employee Accountability line Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the Employee Accountability System?

To track the status of personnel during emergency incidents Signup and view all the answers

What happens to employees who are not accounted for within eight hours following a hurricane?

They are presumed to be in need of assistance Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the Employee Assistance Coordinator during post-hurricane operations?

To assist the Employee Accountability System in locating unaccounted personnel Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the text notification system during a hurricane warning?

To notify personnel of important information and instructions Signup and view all the answers

What should personnel do if they are on duty during a hurricane and need to report their status?

Check in with the Station/Facility Administrator or designee Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the after-action report during post-hurricane operations?

To review the effectiveness of the hurricane plan and annexes Signup and view all the answers

What is the responsibility of the Planning Section Chief during post-hurricane operations?

To schedule after-action meetings to review the effectiveness of the hurricane plan and annexes Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the hurricane procedures outlined in the content?

To ensure the safety and welfare of Miami-Dade Fire Rescue employees and their families Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the EMS Branch during hurricane operations?

To coordinate the disposition of displaced civilians to shelters Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the Accountability Annex/Call-In Procedures?

To account for the safety and welfare of Miami-Dade Fire Rescue employees and their families Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary responsibility of Station Administrators during a hurricane?

To begin working from the Hurricane Facility Plan Administrator Handbook Signup and view all the answers

What is the expectation for personnel on duty or reporting to duty upon announcement of a Hurricane Warning?

They will remain on duty until formally relieved Signup and view all the answers

What type of leave is not subject to cancellation by the Fire Chief or designee?

Military leave Signup and view all the answers

What is the responsibility of staff personnel during a hurricane?

To perform special duties as directed by their supervisor Signup and view all the answers

What items should personnel bring to their assigned location to be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

How often will personnel receive updates via MDFR's text notification system during a hurricane?

Every four hours Signup and view all the answers

What should personnel do if they do not receive the text notification or fail to respond in a timely manner?

Call the MDFR Emergency Activation line Signup and view all the answers

Who is responsible for submitting a list of all personnel working during a hurricane to the Staffing Office?

Non-Operations Division Chiefs/Managers Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the Hurricane Warning Facility Checklist?

To identify facility needs and address them Signup and view all the answers

Who is responsible for assigning a Facility Administrator for each MDFR facility?

The appropriate Division Chief/Manager or designee Signup and view all the answers

What is the responsibility of Facility Administrators during a hurricane?

To begin working from the Hurricane Facility Plan Administrator Handbook Signup and view all the answers

How should Facility Requests be made during a hurricane?

Via the Disaster Action Request Transmittal (DART) application on MDFRnet Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the log kept by the Station/Facility Administrator or designee?

To track personnel assignments and contact information Signup and view all the answers

Who is responsible for ensuring that rosters are current and accurately reflect all personnel on duty?

Battalion Chiefs Signup and view all the answers

What should personnel do if they are unable to achieve directives given via the MDFR Emergency Activation line and/or received via MDFR's text notification system?

Contact their PAR Supervisor Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Emergency Services Overview

MDFR provides fire suppression, medical rescue, and emergency services particularly during hurricane incidents.
Demobilization involves returning unneeded resources and restoring operational readiness.

Hurricane Terminology

Hurricane Advisory: Official updates from the National Hurricane Center on tropical cyclones, alerts, their location, intensity, and suggested precautions; also includes advisories for subtropical cyclones.
Hurricane Eye: Calm center of a hurricane with light winds and minimal cloud cover.
Hurricane Season: Runs from June 1 to November 30 in affected regions like the Atlantic, Caribbean, and Gulf of Mexico.
Hurricane Watch: Issued when conditions for a hurricane are possible; initiated 48 hours before expected storm force winds.
Hurricane Warning: Issued when sustained winds of 74 mph or higher are expected; issued 36 hours prior to anticipated winds.

Operational Procedures

Hurricane Operations: Focus on public safety during a storm, including damage assessments and life-saving actions.
Post-Hurricane Operations: Emphasis on caring for those affected, operating mass care facilities, and conducting detailed damage assessments.
Pre-Season Preparedness: Actions before June 1 that include plan reviews and facility evaluations to ensure readiness.

Staff Roles and Responsibilities

Fire Chief: Approves hurricane policies, manages EOC liaison, oversees functional annex assignments, and may cancel staff leave during emergencies.
Assistant Chiefs/Managers: Ensure annual plan reviews, coordinate staff training, and support the Fire Chief during emergencies.
All MDFR Employees: Considered essential; must monitor family situations and stay informed of storm updates.

Readiness Phases and Actions

Increased Readiness: Preparations start in June, including Command and Control reviews and activating operational branches.
Emergency Daily Activity Reports (EDARs): Personnel log daily activities during hurricane operations.
Disaster Action Request Transmittal (DART): System for equipment and manpower requests during emergencies.

Phase-Specific Operations

Hurricane Watch Operations: Initiates standby status for all personnel, preparations for an initial Incident Action Plan (IAP).
Hurricane Warning Operations: Mandatory planning and updates to the IAP reflect real-time operational needs.

Facility and Personnel Preparedness

Hurricane Facility Checklists: Facilities must complete checklists assessing readiness and necessary supplies before the hurricane season begins.
Staff Accountability: Comprehensive tracking procedures are established to account for all personnel before and after any disaster event.### Hurricane Procedures Overview
Hurricane Facility Plan Administrator Handbook outlines necessary forms, signage, and procedures for incident management.
Personnel on duty must prepare for extended hours when a Hurricane Warning is issued; they cannot leave until formally relieved.
Employees on approved leave are not required to report unless specifically canceled by the Fire Chief.

Personnel Responsibilities

Staff must bring supplies sufficient for 72 hours, including clothing, toiletries, food, drinking water, and safety gear.
Check-in is mandatory for personnel at facilities, with logs maintained for accountability and assignments.

Recall to Duty Protocol

Personnel must monitor for updates via MDFR's text notification and call if texts are not received.
Return to duty and follow instructions from the MDFR Emergency Activation line.
Unauthorized absences after denied leave may lead to administrative action.

Facility Preparedness and Evacuation

Facilities must complete a Hurricane Warning Facility Checklist within four hours of a warning.
Facilities in designated evacuation zones should prepare for potential evacuation using an Evacuation Checklist.
The determination for evacuations is made by Command based on safety assessments.

Hurricane Operations

Primary focus during a hurricane includes saving lives and protecting property while maintaining safety for personnel.
Firefighters must wear helmets when outside due to debris hazards.
Mandatory Radio Watch will be initiated at each station to ensure communication.

Discontinuation of Responses

Response operations will cease when winds reach 50 mph or conditions become too dangerous.
Requests for assistance during a NO RESPONSE period will be prioritized after the order is lifted.

Post-Hurricane Operations

Emphasis on aiding injured individuals, securing dangerous areas, and establishing mass care facilities begins immediately after a storm.
Employee Accountability lines will activate for tracking personnel status and needs.
Snapshot Damage Assessments will be conducted to evaluate structural damage, flooding, and general conditions.

Safety and Health Considerations

Personnel must prioritize their safety against hazards such as downed wires, gas leaks, flooding, and heat stress.
Hazards encountered during operations must be managed safely; personnel should remain hydrated and use safety equipment.

Shelters and Civilian Support

Designated shelters or Casualty Collection Points will be utilized for displaced civilians, coordinated through the EMS Branch.
MDFR stations are not food or donation sites unless authorized by the Fire Chief.

Demobilization and Recovery

Operations will be assessed for resource release and recovery efforts.
After-action reports will be compiled and reviewed to improve future hurricane response plans.### Pre-Season Preparedness
MDFR personnel participate annually in May in a test of the Employee Accountability System as directed in an All Stations & Offices Memorandum (ASOM).

Hurricane Warning Operations

Upon announcement of a Hurricane Warning, personnel are notified via MDFR's text notification system and must respond to acknowledge receipt.
Employees not receiving the text, having texting disabled, or failing to respond should call the MDFR Emergency Activation line at 786-331-5030 for instructions.
The emergency line provides a recorded message detailing the date, time, and when to call back for updates.

Post-Hurricane Operations

All personnel receive a text message post-hurricane to confirm their well-being and status; acknowledgment is required.
Employees unable to receive the text or respond must report via the Employee Accountability line at 786-331-5024 or through the Employee Accountability System on MDFRnet as soon as conditions permit.
Personnel arriving at fire-rescue stations must check in with the Station/Facility Administrator, who relays duty status to the Employee Accountability line.
The Administrator also reports personnel status during the post-hurricane roll call as per the Basic Plan.
Employees unable to report for duty must communicate their status through the designated accountability line.
An unaccounted personnel report is generated in the Employee Accountability System and shared with Command and Control.
Personnel not accounted for within eight hours post-disaster will be presumed in need of assistance; efforts will be made to locate them at their last known location.
The Employee Accountability team will support the Employee Assistance Coordinator as necessary and provide updates on the status of previously unaccounted employees.

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Description

This quiz covers hurricane-related emergency services, including fire suppression, medical rescue, and demobilization procedures. It also touches on the role of Functional Annexes and Hurricane Advisories.