city of lubbock blizzard report, january 14, 2016

Report Finalized January 8, 2016

LUBBOCK BLIZZARD

DECEMBER 2015 CITY OF LUBBOCK


Contents EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ....................................................................................................................... 3

TIMELINE ................................................................................................................................................... 6

EOC PERSONNEL ..................................................................................................................................... 11

LUBBOCK FIRE RESCUE ............................................................................................................................... 16

LUBBOCK POLICE DEPARTMENT ................................................................................................................ 19

REGIONAL MEDICAL OPERATIONS CENTER ............................................................................................... 24

LUBBOCK POWER & LIGHT ......................................................................................................................... 25

PUBLIC WORKS ........................................................................................................................................... 28

PUBLIC INFORMATION ............................................................................................................................... 31

CITY MANAGEMENT ................................................................................................................................... 34


EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

As with all emergency responses the Emergency Management Plan, which was approved by the State

and adopted by the City Council in 2012, served as the basic guidance for our response during this

disaster. The Emergency Management Plan is based on an all-hazards approach to emergency planning,

response, and recovery. It includes winter storms as a “highly likely” hazard to which the City will

continue to be exposed.

Our operational guidance, command and control, was based on the principles of the Incident Command

System consistent with the resolution passed by the City Council in 2004.

Each year the National Weather Service (NWS) hosts a winter weather briefing with area chiefs and

emergency management officials. During our October 2015 meeting Jody James with the NWS briefed

us on the strong El Niño and the historical impact it has had on our winter weather.

The first predicted major winter weather event of 2015 occurred during Thanksgiving weekend in the

form of a major ice storm. Fortunately, the brunt of the storm slid off to the south and east of Lubbock.

The next major system, as Justin Weaver (NWS) indicated, was predicted to, and did, impact the

Lubbock area over the Christmas weekend.

The senior members of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) staff participated in the decision

support briefings that Justin mentioned in his presentation. We conducted a pre-activation briefing on

Saturday, December 26, 2015.

The City of Lubbock EOC activities were coordinated from the Lubbock Fire Administration Complex

located at 1515 E Ursuline Street. The EOC was activated at 6 AM Sunday, December 26, 2015 and

remained activated through 6 PM Thursday, December 31, 2015.

EOC activation began at Level I – Emergency Conditions.

Level IV – Normal Conditions

Level III – Increased Readiness

Level II – Enhanced Response Conditions

Level I – Emergency Conditions

The 108-hour activation was spread over nine (9) 12-hour operational periods. The staffing for each

operational period included representatives from:

City Management

Emergency Management

Public Works

Lubbock Police

South Plains Incident Management Team

Regional Medical Operations Center (RMOC)

Lubbock Power & Light (LP&L)

Lubbock Fire Rescue


National Weather Service (NWS)

City Public Information Office

The individual representatives for each operational period are listed in this document.

The operational periods ran from 6 AM to 6 PM and from 6 PM to 6 AM each of the 4.5 days and

included a shift briefing at each shift change. Each EOC staff member participated in briefings every two

hours throughout the event.

The EOC activated with the following expectations and impacts:

Bitter Cold (Starting Saturday night sub-freezing temps and wind chills at or below 0° F)

Windy/Blizzard type conditions (30 - 40 MPH with some significantly higher gusts possible especially Sunday afternoon till approximately Midnight Sunday)

Sleet/Ice (Beginning around Midnight Saturday – 3 AM Sunday – quickly changing into snow)

Snow (Latest estimate for Lubbock area 14” – 16” —possibly more—significant amounts by 10 AM Sunday)

Road Conditions – extremely hazardous and difficult

Snow Drifts (some could be significant 5 – 10 foot or more)

Lack of significant heating to melt any snow/ice accumulations for several days is a strong possibility

Utility infrastructure issues (extended power outages – broken water mains)

Emergency response/rescue times extended due to increased demand and difficult travel conditions

Essential businesses closed

The Incident Commanders adopted the following incident objectives throughout this winter weather

event.

Provide for the safety of all responders through the application of safe and acceptable work

practices and the safety messages contained in the Incident Action Plans

Provide essential public safety services (Police, Fire, Rescue, EMS) throughout the City of

Lubbock

Provide timely and accurate updates to the public

Support utility companies and crews in the restoration of power with priority focus on hospitals,

detention facilities, long term care facilities, and the infirmed who are dependent on

commercial power to survive

Support public works operations with planning and logistical support

Provide planning and logistical support to American Red Cross and the Salvation Army sheltering

operations

Provide situational awareness among all the response agencies and to the executive policy

group

Utilize all available resources to ensure a timely and effective response

Document all extraordinary expenses and measures

Prepare Incident Action Plan for each of the operational periods


Disaster District Committee (DDC) operations were coordinated from Department of Public Safety (DPS)

headquarters located at 1404 Lubbock Business Park Blvd. Our District Coordinator for this event was

Colleen O’Neal. The DDC Chair was Captain Bill Schneider. The DDC Deputy Chair was Lt. Joe Medrano.

On December 27, 2015 Mayor Glen C. Robertson issued a disaster declaration for the City of Lubbock.

The disaster declaration and a letter to Governor Abbott were submitted to the State.

The EOC staff produced a time line of the significant events worked during this event. The timeline is

attached.

The EOC staff developed and submitted to the State the initial Disaster Summary Outline (DSO). The DSO

reflected the following extraordinary expenses and losses (estimated not actual):

Loss of business income $4,700,434.73

$500,326.59 in overtime man-hours and other extraordinary expenses

The Federal/State threshold for 2015 is $992,638 (based on a total County population of 278,831

residents).

The Office of Emergency Management consists of two employees: Jill Lonvick, Management Assistant

and Jay Parchman, Director.


TIMELINE

CHRISTMAS EVE & CHRISTMAS DAY

NWS WEBINAR WEATHER BRIEFING

TELECONFERENCE WITH AMERICAN RED CROSS

TELECONFERENCE WITH DISTRICT COORDINATOR COLLEEN O’NEAL

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2015

COLD FRONT ROLLS THROUGH; WINDS 20-30 MPH

FINAL PRE-ACTIVATION MEETING WITH EOC STAFF

FINAL NWS WEBINAR WEATHER BRIEFING

FINAL MESSAGE SENT TO FUNCTIONAL NEEDS POPULATION

AROUND 9:30 PM SLEET STARTS IN THE CITY OF LUBBOCK AND BY 10 PM .25” ICE AND SOME MINOR POWER OUTAGES ARE OCCURING

THE CITY OF LUBBOCK EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER (EOC) WAS ACTIVATED FOR A TOTAL OF 108 HOURS (4 ½ DAYS) SPREAD OUT OVER NINE (9) 12-HOUR OPERATIONAL PERIODS. THE FOLLOWING IS A SUMMARY OF THE SIGNIFICANT EVENTS WORKED BY THE EOC STAFF DURING THIS ACTIVATION.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2015

AT 6:00 AM THE CITY OF LUBBOCK EOC IS ACTIVATED; STATE DDC IS ACTIVATED

7:04 AM EOC/DDC--JP IN CONFERENCE WITH COLLEEN O’NEAL AT DDC

BY 8:27 AM THERE IS 2.7" AT NWS OFFICE AND 4" AT AIRPORT

11:05 AM IT IS SNOWING AND GUSTS OF 58 MPH CREATING WHITE-OUT CONDITIONS AND POWER OUTAGES

3:00 PM SNOW TOTALS AT SCIENCE SPECTRUM FOR THIS EVENT TOTAL 4.2"

3:47 PM EOC/DDC--JP IN CONFERENCE WITH COLLEEN O’NEAL AT DDC

3:59 PM EXPERIENCING INTERMITTANT PROBLEMS WITH TELEPHONE SYSTEM FIRE DISPATCH ADMIN AND EOC

4:00 PM SNOW TOTALS AT SCIENCE SPECTRUM FOR THIS EVENT TOTAL 5"

AT 6:00 PM CANOPY/CARPORTS HAVE COLLAPSED AT OAKWOOD APT COMPLEX AT 2117 (ET AL) 51ST; A/C'S ON TOP OF COLLAPSED CARPORTS HAVE RESULTED IN LIVE WIRES

7:00 PM A ROOF COLLAPSE AT 505 E 50TH ST

7:00 PM LUBBOCK WRECKER CANNOT HELP LPD AND LFR--THEY ARE OVERLOADED WITH REQUESTS THAT CAN TAKE 2+ DAYS TO FILL


SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2015 CONTINUED

AT 8:00 PM LUBBOCK PRESTON SMITH AIRPORT TOTAL OF 9.0"

8:00 PM EOC GIVEN NOTICE THAT UP TO 150 DISPLACED APARTMENT RESIDENTS MAY NEED TO BE SHELTERED OVERNIGHT DUE TO LACK OF HEAT AND ELECTRICITY

AT 9:00 PM LUBBOCK PRESTON SMITH AIRPORT TOTAL OF 10.3"

9:00 PM EOC NOTIFIED APARTMENT RESIDENTS POWER AND HEAT RESTORED; NO SHELTERING OPERATION REQUIRED

AT 9:00 PM LUBBOCK STATE-SUPPORTED LIVING CENTER IS WITHOUT POWER; LP&L TRUCKS ARE STUCK AND PUBLIC WORKS RE-ASSIGNS RESOURCES TO HELP

9:00 PM LPD ACTIVATED THE BEARCAT VEHICLE FOR ASSISTANCE WITH STUCK VEHICLES

9:00 PM TELEPHONE SYSTEM DOWN AT FIRE ADMIN DISPATCH AND EOC; SWITCHED TO BACK-UP SYSTEM-ANALOG PHONES

9:30 PM AIRPORT IS CLOSED DUE TO WEATHER; ARFF TRUCK IS REQUESTED TO ASSIST WITH PULLING OUT STUCK EMERGENCY VEHICLES TO FREE UP PUBLIC WORKS

AT 10:00 PM MAYOR GLEN ROBERTSON SIGNED THE DISASTER DECLARATION

10:32 PM EOC/DDC--JP IN CONFERENCE WITH DDC CHAIR CAPTAIN BILL SCHNEIDER

10:49 PM ROOF COLLAPSES AT SOUTH PLAINS MALL

10:51 PM EOC/DDC--JP IN CONFERENCE WITH DDC CHAIR CAPTAIN BILL SCHNEIDER

11:30 PM DDC'S HUMVEES (2) ARRIVE AT EOC

11:40 PM APPROX 20 HEAD OF CATTLE ARE LOOSE AND ROAMING NORTH LOOP AND SLIDE AREA

11:45 PM ROOF COLLAPSE AT HAVERTYS


BY MIDNIGHT LP&L REPORTED SERVICE REQUESTS DOWN FROM 1900 TO 90

MONDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2015

THROUGHOUT THE DAY LP&L, FIRE, POLICE, AND EMS VEHICLES STUCK AND HAD TO BE PULLED OUT BY PUBLIC WORKS CREWS; ALL EMERGENCY CALLS WERE COMPLETED

12:30 AM ROOF COLLAPSE ON WEST BUILDING OF HESSELVEIN TIRE CO, 3003 NE LOOP 289

12:30 AM 2111 51ST MULTI-STORY APARTMENT COMPLEX STRUCTURE FIRE

1:00 AM HAVERTY'S WALLS ARE BUCKLING; LFR ON SCENE AND LP&L HAS TURNED POWER OFF

1:26 AM DDC REQUESTS HUMVEES TO BE RETURNED FOR EMERGENCY MISSION

1:50 AM LP&L REPORTING APPROXIMATELY 2300 CUSTOMERS WITHOUT POWER AT 4TH AND MILWAUKEE AREA

6:20 AM 1 HUMVEE ARRIVES AT EOC FROM DDC

7:34 AM EOC/SOC--JP IN CONFERENCE WITH STATE OPERATIONS CENTER STAFF


MONDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2015 CONTINUED

8:29 AM EOC/DDC--JP IN CONFERENCE WITH DAVID CORDER AT DDC

8:36 AM EOC/DDC--JP IN CONFERENCE WITH DDC CHAIR CAPTAIN BILL SCHNEIDER

BY 10:00 AM LP&L IS REPORTING 4 OUTAGES; THEY HAVE 5 CREWS WORKING

10:00 AM NWS REPORTS THIS EVENT IS THE THIRD HIGHEST SNOW EVENT IN LUBBOCK HISTORY WITH 11.2" AT THE AIRPORT AND 11.5" AT NWS OFFICE

10:00 AM ALL PUBLIC WORKS AND PARKS AND RECREATION EQUIPMENT CONTINUES TO BE STAFFED AND OPERATIONAL

10:16 AM LPD INVESTIGATING UNATTENDED DEATH NEAR 50TH AND AVENUE A

10:34 AM ROOF COLLAPSE AT GENE MESSER FORD

11:05 AM PUBLIC WORKS HAS DIVIDED CITY INTO QUADRANTS AND IS WORKING ON ENSURING MAJOR THOROUGHFARES ARE PASSABLE WITH AT LEAST ONE LANE IN EACH DIRECTION. THEY WILL CONTINUE THIS EFFORT WITH THE NITE CREWS.

12:00 PM LUBBOCK STATE-SUPPORTED LIVING CENTER IS WITHOUT POWER AGAIN; LP&L HAS RESPONDED; ACCESS IS THE BIG ISSUE BECAUSE OF SNOW DRIFTS

12:39 PM LATERAL LINE OUTAGE NEAR 95TH AND FLINT; LP&L NEEDS ASSISTANCE FROM PUBLIC WORKS TO CLEAR THE ALLEY BEFORE THEIR TRUCK CAN ENTER; THERE ARE 30 OUTAGES IN THE AREA

1:00 PM MARSHA SHARP FREEWAY WESTBOUND ON THE EAST SIDE OF MILWAUKEE CLOSED DUE TO (3) JACK-KNIFED 18-WHEELERS


2:23 PM TOTAL OF 5 PARTIAL STRUCTURE COLLAPSES SO FAR

2:47 PM LUBBOCK STATE-SUPPORTED LIVING CENTER HAS POWER RESTORED IN ALL BUT 2 BUILDINGS

3:00 PM ALL POLICE VEHICLES ARE MOBILE AND HUMVEES ARE STAGED AT EOC IF NEEDED

3:27 PM LP&L TRUCK INVOLVED IN A HIT & RUN AT UNIVERSITY AND 34TH; NO INJURIES

3:34 PM EMERGENCY MISSION FOR DIALYSIS PATIENTS COMPLETED; PATIENTS AT UMC

BETWEEN 3:00 PM AND MIDNIGHT NUMEROUS REPORTS OF AMBULANCES STUCK WITH PATIENTS ON BOARD AND FIRE ENGINES STUCK; PUBLIC WORKS ASSISTING

4:30 PM EOC/SOC--JP IN CONFERENCE WITH STATE OPERATIONS CENTER STAFF

7:09 PM EOC/DDC JP IN CONFERENCE WITH COLLEEN O’NEAL AT DDC



8:30 PM CAR SPUN OUT AT I-27 INTERSECTION WITH MARSHA SHARP FREEWAY BLOCKING ACCESS ROAD

9:38 PM CROSBYTON EMS STUCK WITH PATIENT ON BOARD AT 19TH AND JOLIET


TUESDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2015

THROUGHOUT THE DAY LP&L, FIRE, POLICE, AND EMS VEHICLES WERE STUCK AND HAD TO BE PULLED OUT BY PUBLIC WORKS CREWS; ALL EMERGENCY CALLS WERE COMPLETED

12:29 AM GREYHOUND BUS GETS STUCK IN LUBBOCK WITH 4 PASSENGERS

1:41 AM EMS AMBULANCE STUCK AT INDIANA AND TEXAS TECH PARKWAY WITH PATIENT

2:27 AM ENGINE 16 IS STUCK AT 105TH AND JOLIET

2:45 AM EMS AMBULANCE STUCK AT 4320 19TH

4:09 AM EMS AMBULANCE STUCK AT 34TH AND BOSTON

4:09 AM STRUCTURE FIRE AT 9116 AKRON

4:42 AM ENGINE 10 STUCK AT 1500 E 24TH

2:12 AM AMBULANCE STUCK AT 1102 N. MEMPHIS

6:06 AM AMBULANCE STUCK AT 18TH AND ORLANDO

10:00 AM LP&L REPORTS 6,138 CUSTOMERS HAVE BEEN WITHOUT POWER DURING THE EVENT

10:05 AM PARTIAL ROOF COLLAPSE AT 4515 AVE A, RUSH TRUCK CENTER

11:13 AM PARTIAL ROOF COLLAPSE AT 4807 WEST LOOP--ROJO DIST; NO INJURIES REPORTED

12:00 PM CITIBUS IS UNABLE TO RUN ROUTES TODAY DUE TO ROAD CONDITIONS

12:00 PM AIRPORT WILL ATTEMPT TO RESUME A LIMITED FLIGHT SCHEDULE TODAY

12:50 PM EOC/DDC JP IN CONFERENCE WITH COLLEEN O’NEAL AND CAPTAIN BILL SCHNEIDER AT DDC


1:56 PM THE ROOF AT HAVERTY'S CONTINUED ITS COLLAPSE

2:30 PM THE CATTLE HAVE BEEN PICKED UP BY OWNER FROM MCALLISTER PARK

3:00 PM THE MAYOR LEAD A PRESS CONFERENCE IN FIRE ADMIN AUDITORIUM WITH THE POLICE CHIEF, FIRE CHIEF, EMC, RMOC, THE PIO'S, MARK YEARWOOD AND OTHERS

5:30 PM AMBULANCE STUCK AT 2627 OAK

5:35 PM AMBULANCE STUCK AT 82ND AND PONTIAC

7:00 PM STRUCTURE COLLAPSE REPORTED AT CRICKET COURT APARTMENTS; UPON INVESTIGATION, IT WAS NOT STRUCTURE COLLAPSE BUT SHEETROCK FALLING FROM CEILING

8:48 PM TRAILER OVERTURNED IN MEDIAN ON EASTBOUND MARSHA SHARP FREEWAY

TBD ROOF COLLAPSE AT TRINITY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL ON UNIVERSITY

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2015

THROUGHOUT THE DAY LP&L, FIRE, POLICE, AND EMS VEHICLES STUCK AND HAD TO BE PULLED OUT BY PUBLIC WORKS; ALL EMERGENCY CALLS WERE COMPLETED

3:12 AM ENGINE 13 STUCK AT AMHERST AND ELKHART


WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2015 CONTINUED

3:49 AM AMBULANCE STUCK AT BROADWAY AND TEXAS

6:40 AM AMBULANCE STUCK AT BROADWAY AND TEXAS NO PATIENT

7:30 AM THE FLYOVER FROM SOUTH LOOP TO NORTHBOUND I-27 IS CLOSED DUE TO ACCIDENT

7:30 AM INTERSECTION OF REGIS AND NORTH I-27 IS CLOSED DUE TO JACK-KNIFED SEMI

7:45 AM MARSHA SHARP FREEWAY FLYOVER TO WEST LOOP IS CLOSED DUE TO ICE

7:47 AM JACK KNIFED RIG AT WEST LOOP & MARSHA SHARP FREEWAY

7:48 AM WEST LOOP 289 AND MARSHA SHARP FREEWAY BLACK SUV BLOCKING LANE OF TRAFFIC

8:03 AM FIRE ENGINE STUCK 106TH/RICHMOND

8:30 AM EAST AND WEST BOUND FRANKFORD AT 327 IS CLOSED TRYING TO GET ENGINE UNSTUCK

10:00 AM MEETING WITH TXDOT AT EOC

10:00 AM PARTIAL ROOF COLLAPSE AT DIAMOND PLASTICS, 2323 N. MARSHALL. THIS HAPPENED A FEW DAYS AGO AND WENT UNREPORTED; THIS IS NOT CONSIDERED A STRUCTURAL COLLAPSE

12:00 PM BEGAN UTILIZING TWO (2) FRONT LOADERS AND OPERATORS FROM LUBBOCK COUNTY TO ASSIST CITY OF LUBBOCK EFFORTS

4:00 PM THE EOC IS DOWNGRADING THEIR OPERATIONS FROM LEVEL I--EMERGENCY CONDITIONS TO LEVEL II--ESCALATED RESPONSE

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2015

6:00 AM PARTIAL ROOF COLLAPSE AT INDUSTRIAL MOLDING

3:00 PM THE EOC IS DOWNGRADING THEIR OPERATIONS FROM LEVEL II--ESCALATED RESPONSE TO LEVEL III--INCREASED READINESS


5:00 PM INITIAL DISASTER SUMMARY OUTLINE IS SUBMITTED TO THE STATE

6:00 PM EOC IS DE-ACTIVATED; OEM STAFF WILL CONTINUE TO OPERATE AT LEVEL III

6:15 PM TEXAS TECH UNIVERSITY POLICE REPORTS ROOF COLLAPSE OF THE ATHLETIC TRAINING CENTER ("THE BUBBLE")

SATURDAY, JANUARY 2, 2016

8:00 AM TXDOT REPORTED THEIR SHOP AWNING HAD COLLAPSED OVERNIGHT

MONDAY, JANUARY 4, 2016

2:45 PM ROOF COLLAPSE AT BYRON MARTIN ADVANCED TECHNOLOGICAL CENTER, 3200 BLOCK OF AVENUE Q

THURSDAY, JANUARY 7, 2016

2:00 PM PRELIMINARY AFTER ACTION REVIEW


EOC PERSONNEL START AT 6 AM SUNDAY DECEMBER 27, 2015 (1ST OPERATIONAL PERIOD)

BERRY TIM RMOC EMS LIASION REGIONAL PLANNING COORDINATOR

CASPELL JONATHON LPD ASSISTANT POLICE CHIEF

COX ROGER LPD CAPTAIN, LPD

DOLAN RACHEL RMOC EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS COORDINATOR

FOGERSON SHAUN LFR DEPUTY CHIEF

FRANKLIN WOOD PW DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS

HOWERTON BILL ACM ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER/ACTING CITY MANAGER

KEINAST ROB LFR DEPUTY CHIEF

LONVICK JILL OEM MANAGEMENT ASSISTANT

MCCALLA DAVID LP&L DIRECTOR OF ELECTRIC UTILITIES

MCKITO JEFF COL PIO DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC RELATIONS

MCLAURIN CORY LFR PIO CAPTAIN, LFR

MENDOZA RAY LPD PIO LIEUTENANT

PARCHMAN JAY OEM DIRECTOR OFFICE OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

PASCHALL KRISS SPIMT CAPTAIN, LFR

PHELPS LANCE LFR FIRE CHIEF

ROBERTSON GLEN MAYOR EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT DIRECTOR

STEVENS GREG LPD POLICE CHIEF

WALKER STUART SPIMT DIRECTOR OF CODE ENFORCEMENT

WEAVER JUSTIN NWS METEOROLOGIST-IN-CHARGE

WILSON NICK LFR PIO BATTALION CHIEF

START AT 6 PM SUNDAY DECEMBER 27, 2015 (2ND OPERATIONAL PERIOD)

BARRON NEAL LPD ASSISTANT POLICE CHIEF


BROWN DUSTIN SPIMT EQUIPMENT OPERATOR, LFR

COOPER TINA LP&L DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF COMPLIANCE

CROUCH JOSH LPD CAPTAIN, LPD




GILLILAND MIKE PW PUBLIC WORKS SUPERINTENDENT




MUSGRAVES JUSTIN SPIMT FIREFIGHTER


PHELPS LANDON SPIMT FIREFIGHTER



WEAVER JUSTIN NWS METEOROLOGIST-IN-CHARGE

YEARWOOD MARK ACM ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER/ACTING CITY MANAGER

START AT 6 AM MONDAY DECEMBER 28, 2015 (3RD OPERATIONAL PERIOD)

BEARDEN BRIAN PW UTILITIES SUPERVISOR


BROWN DUSTIN SPIMT EQUIPMENT OPERATOR, LFR






LONVICK JILL COL OEM MANAGEMENT ASSISTANT





MUSGRAVES JUSTIN SPIMT FIREFIGHTER






WILSON NICK LFR BATTALION CHIEF


PHELPS LANDON LFR FIREFIGHTER

START AT 6 PM MONDAY DECEMBER 28, 2015 (4TH OPERATIONAL PERIOD)

ADDINGTON CHRIS LFR BATTALION CHIEF

BARRON NEAL LPD ASSISTANT POLICE CHIEF


BROWN DUSTIN SPIMT FIREFIGHTER

COOPER TINA LP&L DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF COMPLIANCE

CROUCH JOSH LPD CAPTAIN, LPD



HOWERTON BILL ACM ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER/ACTING CITY MANAGER





TORRES GEORGE SPIMT DIRECTOR OF ANIMAL SERVICES

WHITE JOHN LFR PIO CAPTAIN, LFR


START AT 6 AM TUESDAY DECEMBER 29, 2015 (5TH OPERATIONAL PERIOD)

BEARDEN BRIAN PW UTILITIES SUPERVISOR


BROWN DUSTIN SPIMT FIREFIGHTER





















START AT 6 PM TUESDAY DECEMBER 29, 2015 (6TH OPERATIONAL PERIOD)


BARRON NEAL LPD 6P-MIDNIGHT

CROUCH JOSH LPD MIDNIGHT-6A

GILLILAND MIKE PW PUBLIC WORKS SUPERINTENDENT

IVY KEVIN LFR CAPTAIN, LFR

LEWIS MICHAEL LFR DEPUTY CHIEF



TORRES GEORGE SPIMT DIRECTOR OF ANIMAL SERVICES


WILSON NICK LFR PIO MIDNIGHT-6A

START AT 6 AM WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 30, 2015 (7TH OPERATIONAL PERIOD)


















START AT 6 PM WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 30, 2015 (8TH OPERATIONAL PERIOD)


LEWIS MICHAEL LFR DIVISION CHIEF

START AT 6 AM THURSDAY DECEMBER 31, 2015 (9TH OPERATIONAL PERIOD)





LUBBOCK FIRE RESCUE

Monday 12/21

Email with National Weather Service (NWS) storm prediction sent out.

Notified fire stations to check and order supplies and snow melt.

Tuesday 12/22

Notified fire stations to check their tire chains for apparatus.

Notified fire stations to check generators.

Determined staff availability for the event and positions required to staff EOC for multiple operational periods.

Wednesday 12/23

Supplies delivered to all fire stations.

Discussion with the Director of Airport Kelly Campbell concerning transportation and snow plowing for air traffic controllers at the airport tower.

Discussions with EMC Parchman and Deputy Chiefs Keinast and Fogerson.

Thursday 12/24

NWS weather briefing and discussion with EMC Parchman.

Discussions with Deputy Chiefs Keinast and Fogerson.

Friday 12/25

NWS weather briefing and discussion with EMC Parchman.

Discussions with Deputy Chiefs Keinast and Fogerson.

Pre-activation meeting scheduled by EMC Parchman.

Snow chain installation video sent to personnel.

South Plains Incident Management Team (SPIMT) and Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System (TIFMAS) Team Leaders contacted.

Saturday 12/26

8:00 AM increased initial response to 4 engines on structure fires and 2 engines on outdoor fires due to wind conditions.

2:30 PM Pre-activation meeting in Situation Room.

All EOC staff personnel advised of 12-hour operational periods beginning at 6:00 AM on Sunday and to come prepared for 24 – 30 hours for the first operational period.

SPIMT and TIFMAS team leaders contacted and response ordered. Two (2) personnel from SPIMT and 2 personnel from TIFMAS to report to EOC on Sunday at 6:00 AM


Saturday 12/26 continued

Engine 2 personnel sent to grocery store to buy food to prepare the lunch and dinner meals on Sunday for 30 personnel manning the EOC.

E-mail sent informing all fire personnel of possible mandatory overtime beginning at 6:00 PM on Sunday.

Sunday 12/27

6:00 AM EOC activated.

8:00 am Pre-positioned reserve engines at stations 6, 8, and 13.

6:00 PM Manned Reserve engines at stations 6, 8, 13. Manned the Rehab vehicles at Stations 2 and 18.

9:00 PM Airport closed. Sent Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) truck R3 from the airport to assist with emergency vehicles stuck in the city.

RESPONSE:

We never missed a response. There was not one emergency call that was not answered.

Every available engine was put in service.

Total runs from 12/27/15 0000 hours to 12/31/15 0000 hours:

1301 Runs

791 Medical runs

18 Fire runs

492 Other runs including structural collapse, alarms down, smell of gas, assist public.

The number of runs were 57% greater than normal.

Average response time 6.48 minutes—two (2) minutes longer than normal.

On Sunday night and Monday average response time was 8.34 minutes or four (4) minutes greater than normal.

PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED:

Emergency vehicles (LFR, LPD, EMS, LP&L) stuck in the snow drifts. 30 instances of fire engines that we had to dispatch the ARFF truck (R3) or Public Works heavy equipment to assist. This does not include those that were able to get themselves out.

Response times extended. Extended on scene times.

First responder, engine companies waiting on EMS ambulance for transport of patients.


Public Works committed all of their resources to assisting Fire, LPD, EMS, and LP&L respond to emergency calls.

Structural Collapse calls caused by excessive snow loading on buildings.

Smell of natural gas calls caused by oilfield gas and weather conditions.

Civilian employees (dispatchers) had to be driven to and from work.

SUSTAIN:

Early preparation for weather events.

Equipment readiness programs. Training of personnel and equipment checks prior to event.

Prepositioning of equipment for weather events.

Increased manning of reserves and support equipment during weather events.

Use of SPIMT and TIFMAS personnel and equipment to support the EOC operations.

Use of Fire Department Staff Officers to support the EOC operations.

Use of ARFF truck if airport is closed.

Maintain good communication with frequent situation reports to the EOC through dispatch and communicating the plan for the next 12 and 24 hour periods to front line personnel.

IMPROVEMENTS:

All-wheel drive capability for staff light duty vehicles. FMO, Training, and Chief Officers.

Increase the number of tire chains that are stocked in reserve for apparatus. We did not run out of tire chains but purchased some on Wednesday to ensure adequate stock was on hand.

Purchase tow straps and tow chains for high profile and all-wheel drive vehicles; add them to vehicle equipment list and stock some in reserve for replacement.

All maintenance personnel placed on 12-hour operational shifts.

Investigate the feasibility of a multi-purpose, high profile all-wheel drive truck for use as fuel / repair / tow vehicle and a water tanker.

Investigate the feasibility of leasing equipment prior to the event that can be used to tow stuck emergency vehicles and clear the roadway for emergency vehicles and equipment.

Communicate to the public, prior to the incident, the capabilities of our resources to help define their expectations. Define the priorities of essential city services, public safety and public works to the citizens.


LUBBOCK POLICE DEPARTMENT

Monday, December 21, 2015 – Emails from Jay Parchman regarding possible heavy snow storm, Chiefs

began watching weather and checking schedules, contemplating plans around holiday considerations.

Wednesday, December 23, 2015 – Contacted Fleet Manager Billy Taylor in reference to the forecasted

snow storm. Billy and I agreed to a contingency plan and purchased snow chains for patrol vehicles

using O’Reilly Auto Parts, NAPA and AutoZone. A plan was put in to place to use fleet service facilities

and personnel should the weather be as bad as forecast. The contingency plan for installation of snow

chains was disseminated to all police personnel via email.

Phone conversations between Assistant Chief Caspell and Captain Cox as well as Sergeants Larry Manale

and Tal English on Support Services readiness to respond. Both Sergeants Manale and English

voluntarily cut vacations short to come back in town early to respond as needed.

Email and phone conversation exchanges between Assistant Chief Caspell and Chief Stevens, discussing

PD preparations with mobile operations and patrol with snow chains. Discussions about being activated

with EOC and the preparations, provisions needed for that. Agreement that pre-planning is key and well

under way for the PD’s response. Mobile Operations ensured all vehicles available had sufficient fuel

and operational needs met.

Initial plans discussed and made for transporting essential dispatcher and 911 operators to and from

work if the storm was as predicted.

Thursday, December 24, 2015 – Billy Taylor advised via text that AutoZone had delivered 90 sets of snow

chains. Over 133 sets of snow chains were available for the police department’s patrol fleet.

Friday, December 25, 2015 – Chief Stevens Christmas day email updating PD personnel on the

forecasted snow storm and officer preparations for it.

Saturday, December 26, 2015 –Text from Assistant Chief Caspell reference to EOC activation and PD

fleet capabilities (e.g. four-wheel drive vehicle list). Mandatory command staff meeting scheduled for

1600 hours at PD headquarters. PD personnel availability list for call-back due to blizzard was

completed for ALL personnel. Police personnel with City of Lubbock four-wheel drive fleet vehicles were

placed on standby.

Sunday, December 27, 2015 – Email from Shift Commander Lieutenant Jon Tutino at 0338 hours advising

that snow chains were being installed for all on-duty officers due to road conditions. He further advised

that Billy Taylor was already at the garage with his personnel. Installation of snow chains took

approximately five minutes per vehicle. A list of all PD vehicles with snow chains was made. Schedule of

essential personnel to and from PD with four-by-four fleet was formulated and readied for execution

(Captain Wes Jobe and Lieutenant Chris Powe coordinated this).

PD Mobile Operations staff activated to bring provisions to the EOC to help sustain staff in the event of

being snowed in.

Text from Assistant Chief Caspell to report to EOC with overnight bag and communication gear in case

we get snowed in.

First reports of equipment damage due to blizzard.


Sunday, December 27, 2015 continued

PIO Lt. Ray Mendoza email sent out encouraging information-sharing about public information for

posting on social media.

Logistics log started for list of personnel, equipment and other costs.

Plan for transporting essential dispatchers and 9-1-1 operators to and from work executed.

200 shift PD info advised that roads had become impassable and numerous police vehicles had gotten

stuck requiring assistance to get free. We were only able to respond to emergency calls. Several PD

units were out of service due to being stuck at the time of 200 shift summary.

The “BEAR” tactical vehicle was activated and used to pick up snow chains from fleet to take to officers

in the field and also at the LPD; additionally, it was used to assist with transporting essential personnel

and towing stuck emergency vehicles.

Monday, December 28, 2015 –

The BEAR became stuck at 0430 hours; it was freed at 0500 hours.

Log of Chief Stevens getting stuck at 0531 hours at 103rd and Vicksburg. Unstuck a few minutes later.

One of PD’s four by four vehicles out of service due to mechanical failure.

Two National Guard Humvees made available to assist EOC.

0548 hours – decision made to hold over night shift until day shift is ready

0557 hours – Gas pumps at 84th and P are reported to be inaccessible; purchasing cards are authorized

for officers needing gas.

0600 hours – Several EOC personnel are transported home with four-by-fours due to their vehicles being

snowed in. Communications Center Manager Orosco attempted to drive home and got stuck at 64th and

Fulton Avenue: four-by-four sent to assist her.

0712 hours – Humvee #1 reported stuck at MLK and Regis: LFD sent truck to assist in freeing them.

0730 hours – List of patrol vehicles stuck given to Public Works for assistance. Public works assists

throughout the day with freeing stuck PD units, including four-by-fours.

Numerous reports of citizen’s vehicles being stuck in snow.

0740 hours – Midnight shift change authorized and completed

0820 hours – LPD four-by-four fleet dispatched to transport two National Weather Service personnel to

the Science Spectrum.

0925 hours – Humvee #1 arrived at EOC and shortly thereafter entered service to assist with freeing

stuck emergency vehicles. They assisted with several stuck vehicles throughout the day.

1150 hours – Lubbock Wrecker advised they are operational but only for first responders

1208 hours – Advised that FAA air traffic controllers needed transportation to airport. This was

arranged with the LPD four-by-four fleet. Request for future transport would be forthcoming via email.


Monday, December 28, 2015 continued

1230 hours – Jeff McKito requested transport.

1305 hours – Jeff McKito picked up by LPD four by four.

1340 hours – National Guard personnel from Humvee #1 advised that they will break for mandatory rest

period at 1500 until 1900 hours.

1545 hours – Email request for transport for airport dispatcher forwarded to Captain Jobe.

1608 hours – Email request for two air traffic controllers to be picked up at 2300 hours and transported

home from airport. Forwarded to Captain Jobe for pickup.

1812 hours – Report of the following calls up to now:

554 Assist motorists

15 accidents

3 accidents with injuries

52 domestic disturbances

144 alarms

16 check area

1 weather-related death

2 non-weather-related deaths

Lubbock State-Supported Living Center power outage

1830 hours– No reports of any PD units still stuck.

1843 hours – Lubbock Wrecker becomes fully operational.

1914-1939 hours – Two ambulances and one fire truck become stuck. All are unstuck by 2017 hours.

2100 hours – Two National Guard Humvees arrive at EOC to assist.

2212 hours – EMS became stuck with stroke victim. Unstuck at 2020 hours.

2214 hours– Decision made to not hold over 200 shift.

2221 hours – Cows checked by LPD on Western Little League field #2. Owner of cows is out of Seminole.

2236 hours – Crosbyton EMS stuck at 19th and Joliet. Unstuck at 2300 hours.

2312 hours – Fire engine stuck at North Detroit and Amherst. Unstuck at 2316 hours.

2313 hours – EMS stuck at 34th and I-27. Unstuck at 2335.

Tuesday, December 29, 2015 – Patrol units assisting with transport of airport personnel and other

essential personnel.

0029 hours – Report of Greyhound bus stuck at their station with passengers on board. LPD sent

someone to check their status. All okay – they were staying in the Greyhound terminal. Greyhound Bus

service terminated due to road conditions.


Tuesday, December 29, 2015 continued

0141 – 0242 hours – Three ambulances, one fox unit and one fire truck stuck; all were able to be free

within short time

0630 hours – LPD four-by-four transport arranged for 3-1-1 operators

0725 hours – Heavy equipment from Public Works sent to 110th and Dover to assist with getting Lt. Mike

Steen unstuck in his four-by-four

0830 hours – Airport personnel transport completed. Heavy equipment sent to Captain Nathan White

who is stuck at 102nd and Hope Avenue.

0855 hours – Removal of snow chains discussed with Billy Taylor. Fleet will stay open until 1700 hours to

accommodate officers for snow chain removal.

1240 hours – Three emails received requesting transports for airport personnel. LPD was unable to

accommodate the large number so list was forwarded to Brian Bearden with Public Works who offered

their assistance with transport.

1330 hours—Parks and Recreation took over transport duties for airport personnel

1345 hours – Billy Taylor agreed to extend fleet service hours from 0800 to 2300 hours over the next

two days for snow chain removal

1620 hours – Patrol used to transport 3-1-1 operators back home

1808 hours – No LPD units stuck

1955 hours – Snow chain removal started. Four patrol units became stuck through midnight.

Wednesday, December 30, 2015 – Through noon this day 5 patrol units got stuck. They were freed

shortly after getting stuck.

1800 hours – LPD entered virtual phase of EOC activation

Thursday, December 31, 2015 – LPD command staff participated in meetings at the EOC, discussing the

wind-down of the operations and after-action planning

AFTER ACTION REPORT:

Although winter storm Goliath made the Lubbock Police Department’s ability to operate more difficult,

the department was able to meet the challenge by planning, communicating and organizing within our

own department and with the other city departments.

Keeping the police department’s patrol fleet mobile to answer calls for service was important to the

department’s success. This was accomplished by having snow chains available for the patrol fleet and

Fleet Services providing their personnel and resources for installation of the snow chains. Public Works,

with their heavy equipment deployed throughout the city during the storm, assisted with keeping the

patrol fleet mobile when units got stuck. Activation of the LPD four-by-four fleet for transporting

essential personnel and supplies kept support services operating. When transport of essential

personnel for the airport overwhelmed the LPD’s transport capabilities, Parks and Recreation stepped in

and got the job done. Finally, individual officers took it upon themselves to operate their own four-by-


four vehicles to assist with checking on stuck motorists, helping free stuck patrol units and motorists,

and assisting with passenger transport. In summary, the LPD was able to respond to every emergency

call for service, and within a few days returned to normal operations.

No injuries to personnel, 4 vehicles wrecked due to weather (2 at fault, both with fixed objects), some

damage to vehicles caused by getting stuck and being towed, damage estimates still pending.

From December 26 at 6 PM through December 30 at 5 PM we received 1027 assist motorist calls, 293

alarm calls, 108 domestic disturbance calls, 84 check subject calls, and 97 motor vehicle wreck calls of

which 18 involved injuries. We also responded to 11 dead body calls, one of which was determined to

be weather related.

Our overall call load for the time period of December 26 at 6 PM through December 31 at 11:59 PM, we

responded to 564 more calls than last year during the same time period with an increased average

response time of 2.5 minutes. In 2015, LPD responded to 2825 calls. In 2014, LPD responded to 2261

calls. In 2015, the average response time for priority 2 calls was 12 minutes. In 2014, the average

response time for priority 2 calls was 9.5 minutes.


REGIONAL MEDICAL OPERATIONS CENTER

In preparation for the storm, Public Health Emergency Preparedness sent an automated message to all

individuals in our Functional Needs Registry. The message encouraged them to ensure that their

essential medical equipment was charged and that they had back-up power available for this

equipment.

During the event, the Regional Medical Operations Center (RMOC), the medical branch of the EOC, was

activated and staffed by Rachel Dolan (Public Health Emergency Preparedness) and Tim Berry (Trauma

Service Area B, Regional Preparedness Coordinator).

The RMOC successfully coordinated the communication between the EOC and medical facilities

throughout town, including hospitals, long term care facilities, and dialysis centers. These contacts are

in place due to quarterly preparedness meetings and quarterly call-down drills.

The RMOC also successfully coordinated with EMS to ensure that their vehicles were able to respond to

all calls. From 6 PM on December 26 to 6 AM on December 29, UMC EMS responded with 747 runs (235

patients required transport to the hospital). This number was an increase of 37% from the normal

volume. There were at least 45 instances where EMS vehicles, many with patients on board, were

reported stuck in snow drifts and the City of Lubbock Public Works teams responded to clear the

vehicles.

The RMOC coordinated with the DDC to assist with the transport of two individuals in dire need of

dialysis. After contacting their dialysis centers, it was found that both needed to be taken to the

hospital on Monday, December 28, 2015. The DDC arranged the transport from Levelland and Morton,

while contacting the RMOC for assistance in providing an EMT for medical support during

transport. Tim Berry was able to leave his position in the RMOC to assist with the transport of the

patients. He utilized medical equipment borrowed from Lubbock Fire Rescue. Both patients were

successfully taken to UMC for treatment.


LUBBOCK POWER & LIGHT

December 21 – December 26 – reviewed NWS weather forecasts

Wednesday, December 23 – LP&L vehicles and equipment fueled and made ready; worker availability

determined; Asplundh contract crews placed on standby

Thursday, December 24 – Saturday, December 26 – participated in NWS briefings

Friday, December 25 – finalized schedule for LP&L EOC representatives

Saturday, December 26 – attended final briefing at Lubbock Fire Rescue

Saturday, December 26 –called distribution staff in at 5 PM and set rotating shift schedules

Saturday, December 26 – high wind-related outages began and some crews worked through the night.

Outage information was placed in the outage management system by dispatchers and customer service

employees. Tailored messages were recorded on the front-end of the interactive voice response system

(IVR) throughout the storm to alert citizens of known outages and how to submit outage information.

Causes of outages: trees and limbs were falling into lines; lines were slapping together; broken poles,

cross arms, and fallen trees were pulling the electrical service from houses requiring electricians.

Sunday, December 27 – high wind related outages continued. Snow issues began occurring late in the

day. Crew rotation initiated. EOC activated with two (2) LP&L representatives each on a 12-hour shift

working to staff the EOC 24 hours each day. Called in extra dispatchers and call takers. Vehicles were

getting stuck frequently as snow drifts formed and called on City vehicles to pull out LP&L equipment.

Also used hole digger with winch to free stuck vehicles.

Causes of outages: wind-related issues (trees in lines, lines slapping together, lines down, broken and

burned up jumpers, meters pulled off houses). Snow issues late in the day. Had to shut off power to

several buildings due to roof and structure collapses. Lubbock State-Supported Living Center on North

University experienced a significant power outage. Service trucks trying to correct the outage became

stuck at main entrance and it took several hours to get into the facility and correct the issue. During this

outage City equipment was called upon to assist LP&L in getting in and accessing the problem area.

Monday, December 28 – wind speeds diminished and began seeing more snow- and moisture-related

outages. Experienced delays in getting equipment to premises because of the snow drifts. Call takers,

EOC reps, CSRs, and other employees were transported to and from work by Field Service workers in 4-

wheel drive vehicles. The Lubbock State-Supported Living Center outage issues continued. Multiple

transformers and switchgear had moisture ingress that caused insulation failure; service restored to all

but a few vacant buildings at 14:10. One house fire overnight, LP&L dispatched to disconnect electricity.

Tuesday, December 29 – fewer problems, moisture-related electrical issues, sparking transformer

connections, lines down, burned up secondary conductors, transformer problems, and burned up

service jumpers. Additional roof collapses requiring LP&L to disconnect power. Continued to use Field

Service workers in 4-wheel drive vehicles to transport call takers, EOC reps, CSRs, and other employees

to and from work. Evening shift at EOC by LP&L was not warranted, but subject to call back.

Wednesday, December 30 – no problems overnight and very minor outages during the day. LP&L

initiated virtual EOC presence subject to call back if problems started occurring.


LP&L Outage Report

From To # Outages # Customers Out

Time of

Outage

(Minutes)

Average

Emergency

Orders *

Sat 12/26/2015 0700 12/27/2015 0700 31 759 58.8 19

Sun 12/27/2015 0700 12/28/2015 0700 65 5358 35.1 22

Mon 12/28/2015 0700 12/29/2015 0700 30 19 112.7 16

Tue 12/29/2015 0700 12/30/2015 0700 17 42 136.8 6

Wed 12/30/2015 0700 12/31/2015 0700 12 6 62.7 1

TOTALS 155 6184 64

* For example, disconnect power for roof col lapse or fire

OBSERVATIONS:

LP&L crews were well prepared. LP&L linemen performed well in extreme conditions (zero-degree wind

chill with 60-mph wind gusts). LP&L employees in all departments (distribution, production, customer

service, admin) reported for work and served in various roles as needed to support the outage response

even though it was a holiday weekend. Public Works and other departments were very responsive to

our requests for assistance in getting LP&L vehicles unstuck. This response was essential in getting LP&L

vehicles and equipment into and out of areas that were impassable due to snow drifts. It was very useful

to receive street and highway closure information at the EOC to pass on to LP&L distribution. The

professionalism, team work, and calm demeanor exhibited in the EOC was impressive. Traditional press

releases were sent to all media outlets and posted on Facebook. Used paid promotion to push those

releases out to upwards of 20,000 Facebook pages.

LESSONS LEARNED:

1) Need major capital improvements upgrade at Lubbock State-Supported Living Center.

Transformers and switchgear are old, obsolete, and not water tight. A complete rebuild will be

engineered and a CIP project will be submitted in the fiscal year 2016/17 budget.

2) Two-wheel drive Substation trucks limited access to substations and resulted in increased

outage time during a couple of feeder outages. Will look at replacing with 4-wheel drive

vehicles in a future budget cycle.

3) Identified some older substation breakers and relays that are in need of maintenance or

replacement in the near future.

4) Massengale generating unit experienced a missed start. Implementation of the control system

upgrade in the CIP should remedy this problem along with scheduled winter calibration of gas

control valves.


5) Cross training of Field Service workers to perform preliminary assessment of “lines down” calls

would allow better utilization of this group of workers that are equipped with 4-wheel drive

vehicles and would permit line crews to remain focused on confirmed outage restoration work.

6) Expand and diversify our social media reach above and beyond the avenues currently utilized for

storm and restoration updates by posting more specific and timely information to inform

customers of known outages and likely restoration times. Utilization of the IVR can be improved

by training more people to record front end messages. More people will be trained on the

ability to manually load outage information from “[email protected]” email messages in the

outage management system.

mailto:[email protected]


PUBLIC WORKS PREPARATIONS:

Streets Department: Acquired and stockpiled sand, salt, and MeltDown® during the summer months

Water Department: Ensured all generators were full of diesel at the essential locations (Sewer

Treatment Plant, North and South Water Treatment Plants, Water Pump

Stations) throughout town

Filled all ground and elevated potable water storage tanks to ensure a potable

water supply if power outage occurred at treatment plants

Saturday / Sunday: Notified Street section staff to be on standby for possible 12-hour shifts

Scheduled personnel on 12-hour shifts in preparation of Winter Storm Goliath

Sunday: 6 AM staffed Public Works position at EOC

Mobilized salt trucks

During the evening set priorities for clearing snow at hospitals, fire and EMS

stations

Crews from Water Section began to mobilize late Sunday evening to help with

overwhelmed emergency response teams

Monday: In the early morning hours called on to assist LP&L, Fire, EMS, and Police

vehicles having difficulty responding to emergencies

Continued to clear hospitals, fire and EMS stations

Hospitals cleared by 3 PM

Fire stations cleared by 8 PM

Continued work on clearing EMS stations

Worked to clear major intersections identified by Police and Fire

Worked to clear roads into Airport

Tuesday: Continued to assist emergency equipment responding to emergencies

Worked on thoroughfares to make passable (one lane each direction)

Responded to calls to turn off water at locations where residents were out of

town and had turned their heat off

Wednesday/Thursday: Most thoroughfares are passable and calls to assist emergency equipment are

reduced

Met with TxDOT representatives at the EOC


Began clearing priority thoroughfares (clear two lanes in each direction)

19th Street 82nd Street

University Avenue Martin Luther King Boulevard

Quaker Avenue 50th Street

34th Street Texas Tech Parkway

Milwaukee Avenue 98th Street

Indiana Avenue Frankford Avenue

Slide Road Avenue Q

Avenue A

On Thursday, Pipeline Maintenance responded to six (6) water main breaks

TxDOT & Lubbock County equipment became available to assist

Friday/Saturday: Began clearing specific collector streets to and around schools ahead of Monday

and Tuesday when classes resumed

Following Week: Work on snow bank relocation now that traffic is at full speed

Began to prepare for possible next event and restock materials

Departments directed by Public Works from EOC during event included:

Street Maintenance

Pipeline Maintenance (Water and Sewer)

Land Application

Parks and Recreation

Water and Streets Dispatch

Equipment directed by Public Works from the EOC during the event included:

2 Snow plows with salt and sand spreaders

11 Salt and sand spreader trucks

8 Front end loaders

2 Motor graders / Blades

22 Backhoes from various departments

2 Bobcats

14 Pickups

1 Tractor (Land Application) ________

62


CONSIDERATIONS FOR AREAS OF IMPROVEMENT:

1. Investigate the feasibility of purchasing a new fuel and maintenance vehicle. This would save

time and make more efficient use of our resources.

2. Review and revise the current emergency snow plow route plan to insure that it reflects our

current priorities (4-5 major thoroughfares adjacent to emergency facilities). This will provide

clear instruction to staff on which streets have priority. Coordinate with the Public Information

Office to communicate open routes to the public.

3. We had numerous ware edges on blade equipment that were damaged from the ice. The

warehouse does not normally stock these items. Have warehouse increase the number available.

4. All of engineering inspection staff currently operate with 2-wheel drive pickups. Having some or

all of these 4-wheel drive pickups would all us to shuttle staff from home to work during these

events and could help reduce the number of staff that were dependent upon shuttle service. In

the past all these vehicles were 4-wheel drive but were replaced with 2-wheel drive vehicles to

save on cost and fuel efficiency.

5. Investigate the use of brine water as a pre-treatment prior to the storm event. TxDOT placed

brine water ahead of the storm and the City has begun to investigate the effectiveness of this

application. This would require the purchase of specialized vehicles and equipment to apply the

brine to the roadway.

6. Continue to investigate the feasibility of having an agreement with local construction contractors

to assist in snow removal during these emergency events. Preliminary research indicates that this

could be costly ($600/hour for each piece of equipment and crew which can respond). If we opt

to go with this option, we would require the contractors to give the City of Lubbock first right of

refusal for the contractor’s equipment and staff during these emergency events.

7. All Public Works Foremen should have 4-wheel drive vehicles assigned to them prior to known

emergencies so that we can respond from several areas in town rather than trying to get all staff

to municipal hill in personal vehicles and respond from there.


PUBLIC INFORMATION

There were five (5) Public Information Officers during this event. Our first action upon reporting to the

EOC was to establish the Joint Information Center (JIC) which serves as the public information branch of

the EOC. The PIO’s were:

Jeff McKito, Public Information & Marketing Manager

Ray Mendoza, Police Lieutenant and PIO

Nick Wilson, Fire Battalion Chief and PIO

Cory McLaurin, Fire Captain and PIO

John White, Fire Captain and PIO

Information was e-mailed, posted on social media, and on the City’s website

This was the first full EOC activation with major social media usage

City Facebook/Twitter

Police Facebook/Twitter

Fire Facebook

MESSAGES:

Sunday, December 27

EOC was activated with various city departments represented

Stay home. Stay safe. Do not drive.

Only call 9-1-1 for emergencies

City facilities closed today

Provide answers to basic questions:

Will city plow my street?

What if my vehicle gets stuck?

News release issued for Disaster Declaration

City services schedule for Monday

Monday, December 28

Road conditions bad. Do not drive.

Stuck vehicles are blocking emergency responders

City has every resource available working

Roof collapses/buildings weakened by snow

City services schedule for Tuesday


Tuesday, December 29

Roads are icy. Be careful driving.

News conference highlighted:

Historic storm

City preparations before storm

Timeline of events

Priority of first responders

City communicating with the Disaster District; requested assistance Sunday night and Monday morning

Equipment city is using

Answered why we weren’t plowing neighborhood streets

Answered why we don’t have more snow plows

Thanked residents for helpfulness and city employees for their work.

City services schedule for Wednesday

Wednesday, December 30

Drive cautiously

Possible driving delays caused by closed icy bridges/overpasses

Video with Wood Franklin answering questions:

What resources are being used to clear streets?

What are priorities when clearing streets?

What have been the difficulties in dealing with the snow?

Limited alley trash pickup. Roll-offs and their locations for residential trash.

Check for snow in attics

City services schedule for Thursday

Thursday, December 31

News conference highlighted:

EOC transitions from Level I to Level II

Do not anticipate renewing the emergency declaration

Requests for state assistance are made through the DDC

City has received two Humvees to assist with efforts

Reiterated that assistance was requested Sunday night and again Monday


City worked with Lubbock County to coordinate efforts

PIOs have been available 24 hours a day

Road priorities for Thursday

City increases water supply to make up for CRMWA aqueduct break

OBSERVATIONS:

Police, Fire, and City PIOs worked well together given that this was the first time this group had worked as a unified team

PIOs shared information well, working to notify each other of department specific posts made to each department’s social media pages

Other departments in the EOC did a good job of responding quickly to information requests by PIOs

News conferences provided a great way to bring all pertinent personnel together at once to answer questions

Video of the public works director did a great job explaining answers to common questions we were getting

Saw great results with social media posts from all three department’s accounts

LESSONS LEARNED:

Hold a pre-event news conference to discuss preparations, stress incident objectives, and hold regular, possibly daily news conferences

Incident objectives were mentioned but need to be emphasized more in next event

Make sure every piece of information released is signed off by the incident commander

Create more videos with city personnel discussing what work their area is doing or other pertinent info

Make use of the city channel; allow external internet access to the channel so messaging can be added or changed

Would benefit from having more pictures/video of conditions around the city that could show what work departments were doing

Identify funding for paid promotions that would help increase the reach of social media posts.

Consider feasibility of purchasing an emergency communication service to provide info to citizens during emergencies. This should also make PIOs more efficient by disseminating information to multiple outlets (social media, internet, email, phone, etc.) at once.


CITY MANAGEMENT

City Operations

o Monday December 28 – Business offices closed

o Tuesday December 29 – 10 AM start – essential personnel only

Building Inspection

Code Enforcement

City Secretary

Support Service (IT, Radio Shop, etc.)

o Wednesday December 30 – 10 AM start – business operations open; libraries, museums, recreational facilities remain closed

o Thursday December 31 – 10 AM start – all operations open; Silent Wings Museum remains closed

Electronic Communication

o Sunday December 27 – a power supply went bad on the phone system at Fire Admin

Clifford Crow and Craig Patterson resolved this issue at 2 AM

o During the remainder of the event, we never lost landline communications, radio communications, cellular communications, internet communications or data communications

Council Communication

o I spoke with each Council member at least once during the event

Need feedback if this was insufficient or too much

EOC Communication

o City Management’s role in emergency activations is to remove obstacles to attaining the goals of the Incident Action Plan

o During the entire event, I never had to resolve a dispute to accomplish these goals


--END OF REPORT--

city of lubbock blizzard report, january 14, 2016

Government & Nonprofit