Source document: https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/1698926743330.pdf (Saint Vincent and the Grenadines)
St. Vincent and the Grenadines National Emergency Management Plan ANNEX 4 Draft St. Vincent and the Grenadines National Volcano Emergency Plan October, 2014 THIS PAGE IS LEFT INTENTIONALLY BLANK i ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ii SIGNATURE PAGE The National Volcano Emergency Plan for St Vincent and the Grenadines is approved by: Name:……………………………………………………………………………………………… Title:………………………………………………………………………………………………... ………………………………………………………………………………….. Signature Date…………………………………………… iii REVISION/UPDATE SCHEDULE Date: …………………………………………… Date: …………………………………………… Date: ………………………………………….. iv ACRONYMS API Agency for Public Information CARICOM Caribbean Community CDEMA CWSA NEC NEEC NEC NEOC NVEP Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency Central Water and Sewerage Authority National Emergency Council National Emergency Executive Committee National Emergency Council National Emergency Operations Centre National Volcano Emergency Plan OPM Office of the Prime Minister PAHO RSS Pan-American Health Organisation Regional Security Service RSVGPF Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force SAR SMU SRC SVGCC SVGRC Search and Rescue Soufriere Monitoring Unit Seismic Research Centre St. Vincent and the Grenadines Christian Council St. Vincent and the Grenadines Red Cross v TABLE OF CONTENTS A.
B. C. D. E. INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................... 1 HAZARDS AND THREATS .................................................................................................. 3 AIM .......................................................................................................................................... 6 SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES .......................................................................................................... ASSUMPTIONS ...................................................................................................................... 6 Operational Situation ................................................................................................... 6 Social Context .............................................................................................................. 7 Enforcement Policy ...................................................................................................... 7 F. MONITORING AND EVENT NOTIFICATION .................................................................. 8 G. ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF RESPONSE AGENCIES ...................................... 9 i.
Introduction .......................................................................................................................... 9 Government Agencies .................................................................................................. 9 Non-Government Organisations (NGOs) and Privates Sector ................................. 10 Scientific Organisations ............................................................................................. 10 ii.
Functions and Responsibilities ......................................................................................... 10 1.

Pre-Eruption Planning .................................................................................................. 10 2.

Alert Stages ................................................................................................................... 11 3.
Recovery and Rehabilitation ........................................................................................ 11 Police Department ...................................................................................................... 11 Fire Department .......................................................................................................... 12 Ministry of Transport and Works .............................................................................. 12 Ministry of Health and the Environment ................................................................... 12 Ministry of Agriculture .............................................................................................. 13 Agency for Public Information .................................................................................. 13 Coast Guard ................................................................................................................ 13 Non-Government Organisations (NGOs) and Private Sector ................................... 14 H. COMMAND, CONTROL AND COORDINATION ........................................................... 14 1.
Introduction ....................................................................................................................... 14 vi I.

Objectives ...................................................................................................................... 15 II.

Operations ..................................................................................................................... 17 a.
Context .................................................................................................................... 17 b.
Logistics ................................................................................................................. 17 c. Emergency Communications ................................................................................. 18 d. Public Education and Information ......................................................................... 18 e. Evacuation .............................................................................................................. 19 f. Search and Rescue .................................................................................................. 20 g. Mass Casualty ........................................................................................................ 20 h. Emergency Transportation ..................................................................................... 20 i.
Emergency Shelter .................................................................................................. 21 j.

Welfare .................................................................................................................... 21 A.

Following a Notice of Volcanic Unrest (Yellow) ............................................................ 23 B.
Following a Volcano Advisory (Orange) ......................................................................... 24 C. Following a Volcano Alert (Red) ..................................................................................... 25 I.
CONCLUSION....................................................................................................................... 26 APPENDICES: Appendix A: POPULATION IN HAZARD ZONES ........................................................ 27 Appendix B: VOLCANO HAZARD ALERT SCHEDULE ............................................. 30 Appendix C: SURVEILLANCE AND ALERTING PROTOCOL ................................... 31 Appendix D: EVACUATION DECISION TREE ............................................................. 32 Appendix E: EVACUATION PROCEDURE .................................................................... 33 Appendix F: ALERT EMERGENCY PROCEDURE ....................................................... 36 Appendix G: EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS PROCEDURE ............................. 42 Appendix H: MEDIA PROCEDURE GUIDE ................................................................... 46 Appendix I: SURVIVABILITY GUIDE .......................................................................... 48 Appendix J: SAR PROCEDURE GUIDE ......................................................................... 51 Appendix K: EMERGENCY TRANSPORTATION PROCEDURE ............................... 57 Appendix L: NATIONAL EMERGENCY OPERATIONS PROCEDURE……………62 Appendix M: DEFINITION OF VOLCANO HAZARDS ……………………………76 vii DRAFT SAINT VINCENT AND GRENADINES NATIONAL VOLCANO EMERGENCY PLAN A.
INTRODUCTION 1.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines is located in the southern section of a chain of volcanic islands which comprise the Lesser Antilles.

The island is 30 km long and is made up of Pliocene to Recent basalts and andesitic basalts which originate from largely unknown and strongly dissected centres (Aspinal et.

al., 1973).

2.

The strongest volcanic centre is the La Soufriere Volcano.

This volcano constitutes the north most third of the island and has a diameter of 11 km at the sea level.
The Soufriere is a strata-volcano, 1220 meters high, with an open summit crater 1.6 km in diameter.

(Aspinal et al 1973).

3.

The Soufriere volcano has, in the past, demonstrated its ability to produce violent and destructive eruptions causing serious damage to life and property.

It is one of the most active and dangerous volcanoes in the West Indies.

4.

The hazards posed by the Soufriere volcano are all associated with its violent type of eruptions.
In a typical explosive eruption, ash falls, mudflows and glowing avalanches are produced.

In addition, a number of secondary threats can result from eruptions (such as floods, fires and tsunamis).

5.

The Soufriere volcano is considered by scientists to be a relatively young volcano.

It is still in the ‘prime of life’ and has a very high probability for eruptions in the future.

6.
6.

The Seismic Research Centre (SRC), in collaboration with the Soufriere Monitoring Unit (SMU) operate and maintain a twenty-four hour computer-assisted monitoring system, designed to give government sufficient warning so as to prepare for action in the event of an eruption.

7.

Assessments of the state of the volcano and the hazards and risks associated with it are routinely carried out by the SRC with intensified monitoring when there are signals of elevated activity.

8.
8.

The major volcano hazard prone areas are those villages and communities north of the Rabacca and Wallibou Rivers, along the east and west coasts (North Windward and North Leeward) part of St. Vincent (Figure 1, Volcano Hazard Zones).

The Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines wants to ensure that future eruptions result in no loss 1 of life, orderly evacuation (if required), adequate emergency shelter and victim care for the displaced.

FIGURE 1: SVG VOLCANO HAZARD ZONES MAP 2 9.


This Volcano Emergency Plan is being developed to deal with evacuation of those communities in the North Leeward and Windward where lead time may be given before an evacuation decision.

10.

This document provides an organizational framework as well as technical and scientific information, upon which actions to be taken during a volcanic emergency can be based.

B.

HAZARDS AND THREATS I.


The primary volcanic hazards are: a) Pyroclastic flows and surges from dome collapses b) Pyroclastic flows and surges from the collapse of the crater walls c) Pyroclastic flows and surges from explosive column collapse d) Lateral Blasts Explosions with ash and rock fallout e) Mudflows or Lahars See Table 1 below.
3 Table 1: LA SOUFRIERE VOLCANO IMPACT MATRIX Immediate Risk Ongoing Risk Anticipated Loss Mitigation Hazard Area Affected (Radial distance from vent, km) Earthquake* 5-8km Low Low Small 1-3km High Low High 5-7km High High Extreme None 5.10km High High High None 1-5km Moderate Moderate Moderate Minor 1 to >10km Moderate Moderate Low to Moderate Moderate Not applicable Moderate Minor to Moderate None Volcanic gases 1-3km Moderate Moderate Low <4km Moderate Low Low 5-8km Moderate High Moderate 5-8km Low Low High Lava flows and domes* Pyroclastic flows and surges* Mudflows* Ballistic projectiles* Airfall Tephra* Phreatic explosions Landslides* Laterally directed blasts and structural collapse Lightning* Tsunami Recovery Period following Cessation of Activity Not applicable Several months to years Several weeks to several months Several weeks to several months 1 week to several months 1 week to several months Not applicable Several weeks to several months Several weeks to several months Several weeks to several months <7km 5 to >10km Low Low Low Low Low Low None Moderate Days to weeks Up to 1 – 2 days *Events which are likely to be repeated over a period of time (days, weeks to months) following the initial event b.
Death and injury can result from: i.

Heat exposure from surges ii.

Missile impact from airborne pyroclasts iii.

Electrocution from lightning strike iv.

Ash inhalation and ingestion v. Inhalation of noxious gases 4 vi.

Collapse of buildings from ash loads vii.

Fires generated by airborne pyroclasts or lava flows c. The threats to infrastructure, lifelines and property are: i) Total destruction ii) Partial damage iii) Route obstruction iv) Structural collapse v) Electrical malfunction vi) Pollution II.
Demography There are thirty (30) villages in the Red and Orange Volcano Hazard Zones, eight (8) in the Red and twenty-four (24) in the Orange Zone.

Approximately five thousand and sixty-two (5,062) persons live in the Red Zone and ten thousand, five hundred and seventy-seven (10,577) in Orange.

The male-female ratio is approximately 51:49 (Appendix A: Population in Hazard Zones).
The topography is very rugged, punctuated with valleys, generally narrow and winding coastal roads with limited options for motorized transportation.

The area is an intensive farming region for both crops and livestock.
C. AIM The Volcano Emergency Plan seeks to provide for the safe evacuation of the population (and specified property) from the designated areas at risk in a phased or spontaneous operation in the event that La Soufriere volcano should threaten communities in these areas, and to provide for their accommodation in safe areas.

D. SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES 1.


To evacuate the population of all communities located in areas north of the Rabacca and Wallibou Rivers in northern Saint Vincent, before an eruption takes place.

5 2.

To evacuate all populations at risk from eruptions of the La Soufriere Volcano, in a phased manner, such that areas most vulnerable are evacuated first (RED AREA) followed by evacuation of areas of reduced risk (ORANGE AREA AND YELLOW AREAS) as this becomes necessary (Figure 1).
This plan is intended to guide relevant agencies in actions designed to: i.

Protect lives ii.

Prevent injury iii.

Remove the population from danger iv.

Provide emergency accommodation v. Provide emergency welfare support vi.

Guide the emergency response agencies vii.

Educate and inform the public E. ASSUMPTIONS a.

Operational Situation: 1.

The probability of a no-notice evacuation is highly unlikely.

2.
2.

The Functional Annexes of Search and Rescue, Healthcare, Public Information, Traffic Management and Shelter Management of the National Disaster Management Plan (NDMP) are available and up to date and Evacuation Routes and Assembly Areas are identified in the communities in the hazard zones.

3.

The key response Agencies are familiar with their roles and responsibilities 4.

The plans and procedures will be exercised b.

Social Context: 5.
Social Context: 5.

A database of the persons residing in the volcano Zones has been compiled by geographic location and persons with special needs have been identified.

c. Enforcement Policy: 6 6.

If an evacuation of North Windward and North Leeward becomes necessary, the Prime Minister will declare the evacuated areas as Restricted Zones and it would therefore be an offence for unauthorized persons to remain there.

7.
7.

The members of the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF), in particular, Fire Department will assist minors, the mentally challenged, the infirm and the aged to leave the area.

8.

Those who remain in any area declared a “Restricted Zone” will be notified and made aware that they do so entirely at their own risk.

9.
9.

Should there be a sudden and rapid escalation in volcanic activity, which affects any area declared a “Restricted Zone”, the Emergency Response Teams will NOT be required to take any action which would endanger their own lives to assist those who remain in the area.

F. MONITORING AND EVENT NOTIFICATION It is conceivable that residents may spontaneously evacuate if they determine that they are in danger.
Emergency managers will then be faced with the challenge of bringing the situation under control after such a spontaneous evacuation.

However, the formal alert and warning system is based on the scenarios of an Event with Notice.

This scenario speaks to a situation where the activities at the La Soufriere Volcano present the authorities with the opportunity to provide a lead time for evacuation if such a decision is going to be taken.
An alert and warning schedule has been established (Appendix B: Volcano Alert Schedule) and calls for the scientific input in defining the alert status resulting from the increased volcanic activity, enhanced seismicity and the imminence of an eruption (Appendix C: Surveillance and Alerting Protocol).

The established Alert Level scheduled also serves to inform public awareness, education and operations planning.
It is based on a four (4) color scheme where GREEN is the normal state: Yellow indicates observed restlessness of the volcano; ORANGE indicates high levels of seismicity or fumurolic activity or both; RED indicates eruption in progress or likely without warning (Appendix B).

The protocol informs a decision making process as the actions to be taken including activation of the NEOC and evacuation (Appendix D: Evacuation Decision Tree).
Once the SRC/SMU has notified of increased seismic activity at La Soufriere Volcano: 7 i) ii) iii) iv) The Prime Minister will convene the National Emergency Council (NEC), if necessary, to discuss the situation and decide further action, which might be to maintain or increase the state of readiness, activate the Evacuation Plan or stand down.

followed If the decision is taken to evacuate then the procedure relating to a phased evacuation will be (Appendix E: Evacuation Procedure).
Additionally, established warning procedures will be activated and appropriate messages broadcast on the National Broadcasting Corporation.

The NEOC Information Coordinator will pass relevant information appropriate to the situation to Hitz FM, WE FM, Star FM, Nice Radio, Cross Country Radio, Hot FM, Praise FM and other media houses to broadcast to the public.

If the decision is to maintain the existing state of readiness (i.e.
key personnel only alerted), the Prime Minister, through the Director of NEMO, will instruct key personnel to remain easily contactable until the situation is clarified.

If the decision is to increase the state of readiness, the Chairperson of the National Emergency Executive Committee (NEEC) will bring the emergency response agencies to standby.

The response agencies and District Committees will undertake preparations required as per their respective agency plans (e.g.

pre- positioning of assets).


v) If the decision is taken to deactivate, key emergency response personnel will return to their normal duties.

vi) An Alert Procedure to guide this process is provided at Appendix F. A decision to evacuate will be prompted by one or a combination of the following: 1) Scientific advice that a major volcanic event is imminent or likely 2) An initial event which suggests further sustained high levels of activity 3) A major destructive event.
4) Deteriorating conditions making life in the affected areas untenable 8 G. ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF RESPONSE AGENCIES I.

INTRODUCTION Managing a volcano emergency will require a whole of government and stakeholder effort.

The agencies and entities assigned responsibility for the implementation of volcanic evacuation plans are:- a.
Government Entities  The Office of the Director (Director)  The National Emergency Council (NEC)  National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC)  Police Department  Fire Department  Ministry of Transport and Works  Ministry of Education, etc.

 Ministry of Health and the Environment  Ministry of Housing, etc.

 Ministry of Agriculture, etc.


 Agency for Public Information (API) b. Non-government Organisations(NGO’s) and Privates Sector  LIME  Digicel  Brigades  Youth Council  4 H Clubs  Jaycees  Flow SVG Ltd.  SVG Hotel and Tourism Association  Chamber of Commerce  Lions  District Committees  Red Cross Society  Rotarians  Christian Council  Boy Scouts  Amateur Radio Club  Girl Guides  C.B.
Radio Club  Cadets c. Scientific Organizations  Seismic Research Centre  Soufriere Monitoring Unit 9  Meteorology Service II.

FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES The functions and responsibilities of the key agencies and entities involved in volcanic emergencies, (The NEC, NEEC, Director of NEMO, NEOC, District Committees and Sub-Committees) are: 1.
PRE-ERUPTION PLANNING a) Monitor of government departments, agencies and other entities to ensure that emergency plans are developed within a specific time frame; b) Develop and disseminate operating procedures; c) Prepare inventory lists of essential resources, identify shortfall and develop contingency plans; d) Identify voluntary services personnel and establish procedures for their mobilization; e) Establish clear lines of communication for the transmission of scientific data from the Seismic Research Unit (Trinidad) and the Soufriere Monitoring Unit (St. Vincent); f) Identify suitable buildings, in SAFE AREAS, for use as Volcanic Emergency Shelters.
Assign staff to shelters; g) Ensure the development of an inventories of vehicles, boats, motors, heavy equipment and operators, both governmental and private, for use in an evacuation; h) Review and update, with the input of the Legal Department, of legislation governing the acquisition of privately owned vehicles and equipment, for emergency purposes; i) Train all persons involved in volcanic evacuation in their areas of specialization.

2.
2.

ALERT STAGES a) Activation of evacuation plans; b) Monitoring, checking readiness of personnel and equipment, mobilization, issuing warnings, deployment.

11 3.

RECOVERY AND REHABILITATION a) Deploy persons to undertake damage assessment b) Continue issue of instructions for relief, repairs, etc.

c) Evacuation of shelters d) Phase out emergency.

a.

Police Department In addition to its general functions, as outlined in the National Disaster Management Plan (NDMP): i.
Manage evacuation operations in cooperation with the Ministry of Transport and Works.

ii.

Monitor people evacuating the Hazard Areas under their own arrangements in collaboration with the District Emergency Committee Chairmen.

b.

Fire Department Functions in the various areas as outlined in the National Disaster Management Plan.

c. Ministry of Transport and Works In addition to its general functions, as outlined in the National Disaster management Plan: i.
Develop sectorial plan for mobilization of public and private transport (boats, ships, trucks, buses, cars), as well as of heavy equipment for use in an evacuation.

ii.

Survey evacuation routes and bridges from the hazard areas to safe areas; iii.

Assess need for additional emergency generators for government buildings, hospitals, emergency shelters and other vital areas of operation; iv.

Survey of additional buildings for use as emergency shelters in safe areas.
12 d. Ministry of Health and the Environment In addition to its general functions as outlined in the National Disaster Management Plan: i.

Develop alerting procedures to warn clinics and visiting stations in the Hazard Areas; ii.

Develop evacuation plans and field operations for use in the event hospitals in the hazard areas are to be evacuated; iii.

Mobilize additional health personnel, with call-up procedures, to assist in the emergency.

iv.
iv.

Undertake off island medical evacuation, if required, with the most appropriate means available.

If the airport is open, this will be done by air.

Should the airport be closed, a two-stage evacuation method will be employed.

Patients will first be taken to Canouan by sea and to their final destination by air.

Should options, one and two, not be possible, due to intense ash fall resulting in the closure of both airports, the evacuation will be done by sea.
NEMO and the Ministry of Health will therefore develop Memoranda of Understanding with local transport operators and overseas hospitals to ensure that patients are properly cared for.

e. Ministry of Agriculture In addition to its general functions as outlined in the National Disaster Management Plan: i.

Develop a sectoral plan for Northern St. Vincent which would provides for relocation and care of livestock in the Hazard Areas.

ii.
ii.

Provide personnel to undertake survey and damage assessment of crops and livestock in the Hazard Areas.

iii.

Provide personnel and transport to assist the NEOC in evacuations.

f. Agency for Public Information In addition to its general functions as outlined in the National Disaster Management Plan: i.

Develop an information centre in collaboration with the NEOC Coordinator ii.

Inform the public on matters pertaining to the volcanic emergency.

13 g. Coastguard i.
13 g. Coastguard i.

Develop search and rescue plans for the Hazard Areas.

ii.

Develop contingency plans to assist in radio relay during evacuation operations.

iii.

Provide marine warning to shipping likely to be affected.

h. Non-Government Organisations and Private Sector In addition to general functions as outlined in the National Disaster Management Plan: i.

Develop mobilization procedures for additional assistance in the Volcanic Emergency.

ii.
ii.

Develop alert procedures to assist in warning inhabitants.

H. COMMAND, CONTROL AND COORDINATION 1.

Introduction The management of a volcano emergency, including evacuation, will be guided by the policies, procedures and assigned responsibilities in this plan and within the framework of the National Disaster Management Plan.

This is to ensure the effective direction and control of emergency operations associated with preparing for and responding to a volcanic eruption at La Soufriere Volcano.
It places emphasis on a unified system involving select government agencies, threatened communities, civil society and elements of the private sector and the use of special facilities essential to enhancing operational response.

This plan is based on the premise that each agency with responsibility for preparedness and response activities has, or will develop, an operations plan or Standard Operating Procedure that covers its organization and emergency operations.
This plan establishes a mechanism for coordination of each agency’s efforts.

The overall direction and control will be provided by the National Executive Council (NEC).

Operational coordination will under the supervision of the National Emergency Executive Committee (NEEC) chaired by the Director NEMO within the framework of the NEOC.

The direct management of the NEOC will be led by the NEOC Coordinator, the Deputy Director of NEMO.
The coordination structure for a volcano emergency and evacuation is shown at Figure 2 below.

14 I.

Objectives The objectives of direction and control operations are to ensure the effective direction and control of emergency agencies involved in preparing for and responding to a volcanic eruption.

Specifically this will include: i.

Exercising overall operational control and/or coordination of emergency operations in support of the emergency management system.

ii.
ii.

Coordination and/or maintaining liaison with appropriate agencies and applicable segments of the private sector.

iii.

Requesting and allocating resources and other support.

iv.

Establishing priorities and adjudicating any conflicting demands for support.

v. Coordinating mutual aid arrangements.

vi.

Activating communications systems.

vii.

Preparing and disseminating emergency public information.

viii.

Disseminating warning of an impending volcanic eruption.

ix.
ix.

Coordinating the movement and hosting of persons in the event evacuation is ordered.

x.

Collecting, evaluating and disseminating damage and other essential data.
15 Figure 2: COORDINATION STRUCTURE National Executive Council (NEC) Emergency Executive Committee (EEC) Chair: Director NEMO Sub-Committees NEOC Coordinator: Response Agencies Agency for Public Information (API) Transport and Road Search and Rescue Public Education and Information Public Shelter Management Health Services Damage and Needs Assessment Volunteer Services Emergency Telecommunications Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Red Cross Economic Development and Trade Ministry of Health Ministry of Housing Ministry of Social Protection Ministry of Education Ministry of Education The direction and control element will be the responsibility of the NEOC which consists of Sub-Committee Chairpersons and other supporting officials.
The NEOC will include special staff consisting of communications and warning, situation analysis, emergency public 16 information specialists and scientists with specific knowledge regarding the event.

The NEOC Procedure for a Volcano Emergency is provided at Appendix L. II.

Operations First priority will be given to life safety a.
Context Response Agencies will use the established National Disaster Management System and District Disaster Committee mechanisms in conjunction with established mutual aid agreements to direct and control emergency operations.

The NEOC Team will meet as needed and as often as events dictate.

Once there is a Notice of Volcanic Unrest (Yellow Alert) the NEOC shall be established and become operational once levels of activity warrant a multiagency response.
Mutual aid agreements will be activated and plans should provide for automatic implementation at the later stages of Volcano Advisory (ORANGE) or Volcano Alert (RED).

In order to compress response time, consideration will be given where possible to advance commitment of resources and early procurement and stockpiling of supplies such as: i. ii.

iii.

iv.

Special air filters and plastic covers for vehicles and equipment.

Face masks and eye goggles for personnel.


Pre-staging of rescue personnel and equipment.

Pre-identification and supply of shelter and shelter supplies.

In addition, consideration should be made for accelerated installation of communications and warning devices, and movement of supplies, equipment, critical facilities and people out of the area of greatest danger.

All responding agencies, both national and local, shall provide adequate support and equipment in accordance with agency policy.
They will also provide protective devices for personnel and air filtration devices for mobile and other motorized equipment.

b.

Logistics Field operations will be directed by the NEOC and may consist of police, fire, medical, public works and emergency management personnel from all of the Affected or Threatened Communities.

The potential threat of an eruption or unexpected landslide generated lahar from La Soufriere raises serious policy issues.
These include the commitment of resources to achieve a higher state 17 of readiness, the implementation of precautionary measures such as restricting movement into or within the area, and the dissemination of warning and other public information.

In addition, response to an eruption could involve lifesaving operations by state agencies, private organizations and the Regional Response Mechanism.
Consequently, the NEOC, established at Old Montrose, will be utilized for receipt and dissemination of information, alerting and mobilizing, and for control and coordination of emergency operations (Appendix E: Evacuation Procedure).

All logistical requirements will be processed through the NEOC Structure once warning time is allowed.
Areas of closure will be designated and access control will be applied as dictated by developing conditions of volcanic unrest, or upon the onset of an emergency in a no warning situation.

Closure zones will be subject to change as the hazard perception changes, following an eruption and based on current geologic conditions.

Roadblocks, barricades and roving patrols will be used to enforce the closure.

The RSVGPF is responsible for developing A Traffic Management Plan.
Flight restrictions will be applied if an eruption or lahar is imminent or upon the onset of an emergency in a no warning situation.

c. Emergency Communications In the event of a major volcanic event at La Soufriere, an interruption of normal communications channels is assumed.

In addition, those communications resources that do remain in operation will be taxed beyond their capability.
To direct and control response to a disaster of this magnitude, normal communications systems will be augmented in order to obtain resiliency, ensure interface and provide a means of contacting facilities and agencies inside and outside the affected area (Appendix G; Emergency Communications Procedure).
Alerting and notification procedures developed are to be maintained to ensure that organizations and individuals designated to respond to a potential or actual event can be alerted and notified of the situation.

d. Public Education and Information It is anticipated that the public will actively seek information about the event and safety procedures.

Most will comply with instructions from official sources.
Demand for information during an emergency will be reduced if good education programs for residents and visitors have been instituted and kept current well prior to the actual event.

Prompt release of accurate and 18 current information to the public will assist the emergency response by reducing confusion, panic and spread of rumors.
The NEOC will coordinate all public information release with affected communities in an attempt to maintain consistent and timely release of information and to educate the population and visitors regarding emergency procedures.

This will be done through the Agency for Public Information before the NEOC is activated and the Media Information Centre (MIC) once the NEOC is activated.
A guide for the MIC is provided at Appendix H. Media related issues will be led by the NEOC Information Coordinator in accordance with the Media Plan to be developed at using the Guide at Attachment H. Approved press releases will be issued only from the EOC.

Telephone queries will be handled by volunteers based in the Media Facility.

Only accredited journalists will have access to the Media Centre.

The success of this Plan depends on the involvement and cooperation of the public.
Ongoing education and information programmes are essential to ensure appropriate public responses.
The Director of API and Training Officer, NEMO are responsible for the Public Education and Training Programme which will: a) Explain volcanic hazards and threats b) Emphasize the need to leave the affected areas when so advised c) Explain the emergency evacuation system d) Provide information on survival techniques e) Assist the Director of NEMO in coordinating any training and Exercise requirements e. Evacuation The decision to evacuate will be made by the NEC based on information provided by the NEOC using the declaration guide at (Appendix D: Evacuation Decision Tree).
Evacuation with warning will be carried out along pre-established Evacuation Routes to Designated Assembly Points and then to Designated Safe Areas.

On Arrival in the Safe Area, drivers will be directed to the established Holding Area(s).

The NEMO Director is responsible for the layout and organization of the Holding Area as detailed in the Transport Plan to be developed.

Special arrangements have to put in place for the Schools in the relocation Zones.
19 An Evacuation Procedure is provided at Appendix E. Police and fire personnel will evacuate themselves and notify as many persons as possible by use of radio and loudspeaker announcements to evacuate.

Police will establish traffic corridors for the evacuees and keep all outbound routes and moving those leading to the holding areas and safety facilities.
If conditions are deemed to be unsuitable for immediate evacuation, the public will be advised to remain in their homes and put into effect the survivability measures detailed in (Appendix I; Survivability Guide) in brochures to be issued to them.

A Policy for Re-entry into the affected areas will be decided by the NEC and the public will be informed accordingly.

f. Search and Rescue Search, Rescue and Recovery Operations may be established as determined by the NEOC Operations.
Police/Fire will be the lead agency for conducting SAR operations.

Resources may include police, fire, trained volunteer search and rescue teams, local personnel, SSU, RSS and other regional response teams all of whom will report to the NEOC.

A guide for Search and Rescue is provided at Appendix J: Search and Rescue Guide.

All air operations will be coordinated from the area agreed with the Airport Department.
The Chairperson of the Transport and Road Clearance Sub-committee is responsible for ensuring assets are available for SAR.

g. Mass Casualty Casualty Handling will be in accordance with the Ministry of Health Mass Casualty Plan.
h. Emergency Transportation Emergency Transportation is the responsibility of Transport and Road Clearance Sub- Committee in keeping with the Emergency Transportation Procedure at Appendix K. This does not preclude encouraging the use of private vehicles for evacuation through a public education campaign urging drivers to pick up people without their own means of transport.

20 i.
20 i.

Emergency Shelter Emergency Shelter accommodation will be provided for persons who need it in accordance with the Emergency Shelter Plan (Not provided).

It must be noted that emergency accommodation is deemed to be concluded after one month of occupancy.

Persons who require accommodation after that point will be assisted under [the terms of the Emergency Resettlement Strategy to be developed].

Evacuees are encouraged to bring basic food supplies with them.
It is expected that food stores in the safe area will continue to operate.

Cooking arrangements at shelters are to be addressed in the Emergency Shelter Plan.

In the event of a failure of Water Supply mains in the safe area, the Central Water and Sewage Authority (CWSA) will provide supplies in accordance with its Emergency Plan for Water Distribution [to be developed].

Registration and Tracing will be led by the SVGRC.


Evacuees from affected areas who are accommodated at shelters will be subject to the Shelter Rules and operational procedures which require registration and the maintenance of accurate occupancy records.

j.

Welfare The Social Development Department will be responsible for providing and coordinating emergency welfare response.
Welfare activities include tracing, counseling, and provision of financial and other assistance will be supported by the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Red Cross Society.

The Community Development Office will prepare the necessary documentation and make referrals to other related services.

This also includes care for vulnerable groups and individuals with special needs where appropriate and possible.

Welfare support will be provided as follows: i.


Special Needs: Ministry of Health, Community Services and District Nursing system will provide assistance for special needs cases.

ii.

Counseling: The Community Services Department will coordinate the activities of all available community welfare organizations including SVG Red Cross (SVGRC), the SVG Christian Council (SVGCC) etc.

iii.

Tracing/Casualty Bureau: SVGRC will be responsible for establishing and manning a tracing unit.
Information on evacuees and casualties will be provided by NEMO.

21 iv.

External Assistance: External support e.g.

CDEMA, RSS and other regional organizations will be requested through EEC if necessary.

v. Families of Key Personnel: For this plan to function, it is essential that the families of key personnel are taken care of while those officials are performing their duties.

The Head of each organization is responsible for working with each member of staff to minimize inconvenience to families.
k. Training for Emergency Response Personnel It is essential that the staff of the emergency response agencies and volunteer support staff are fully trained and resourced to execute this plan.

Both intra and inter-agency planning and training are necessary.

Heads of agencies are responsible for internal planning and training.

The NEMO Director is responsible for joint training and simulation exercises.

Records of exercises, lessons identified and plan amendments will be maintained by the NEMO Director.
l. External Agencies Assistance may be sought from external agencies if necessary.

Likely providers of support include: a) Civilian shipping and aviation b) Caribbean Disaster Management Agency (CDEMA) c) Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO) d) Member States of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) 111.
ORGANIZATION AND RESPONSIBILITIES ACCORDING TO LEVELS OF ALERT The following elements will provide direction and coordination of emergency response in support of threatened communities at the various volcano alert levels.

22 A.

FOLLOWING A NOTICE OF VOLCANIC UNREST [YELLOW]: 1.

Response agencies/District Commitees: a) Convene internal Operations Team b) Review plans and procedures for response to the volcanic hazard threat.
c) Designate staff that will be responsible for filling positions in the national, ministry and sector EOCs.

d) Provide orientation sessions on current plans and organizational structure.

e) Update call- up procedures and listings for response staff/personnel.

f) Conduct briefings as needed.

2.

NEMO Secretariat a) Convene the NEEC b) Review internal plans and procedures c) Implement notifications.

d) Provide technical assistance to District Chairpersons.
e) Coordinate with Emergency Support Function agencies that may be called upon to provide assistance.

f) Coordinate mutual aid agreements g) Evaluate the need for assistance from additional agencies.

h) Evaluate resource requirements.

i) Issue advisories and policies in consultation with the NEC.

j) Conduct hazard specific training.

k) Conduct briefings as necessary.

3.


SRC/Soufriere Monitoring Unit a) Monitor the status of the volcano and determine the need for additional instrumentation and/or other resources.

b) Issue alert- level notifications and updates.

c) Consider establishing a temporary field observatory.

d) Conduct briefings as necessary e) Provide public education f) Evaluate need for access control and advise as needed.

23 g) Evaluate the need for air space controls and advise as needed.
h) Authorize placement of additional instrumentation as needed.

4.

NEOC a) Discuss and evaluate developing events and information.

b) Review NVEP plan.

c) Disseminate public information.

d) Consider recommending the activation of NEOC depending on situation.

B.

FOLLOWING A VOLCANO ADVISORY [ORANGE] (hazardous volcanic activity is likely but not necessarily imminent): 1.

Response agencies/District Committees: a) Establish local EOC and consider allocate staff and resources for NEOC.
b) Conduct surveys on resource availability and reaffirm prior commitments.

c) Test communications systems and assess communications needs.

d) Begin procurement of needed resources.

e) Assign PIO’s to the MIC as needed.

f) Provide briefings and direction to all response personnel.

g) Request all assigned personnel to stand by for orders to be activated.

h) Take readiness and precautionary actions to compress response time and to safeguard lives, equipment and supplies.

2.
2.

NEMO a) Implement plans for communications support for the affected area(s).

b) Coordinate joint public education programs.

c) Increase, as needed, the staffing at the NEOC.

d) Establish a Media Information Center (MIC) and support local government with PIO information.

e) Ensure state agencies are alerted to potential problems and review their operational responsibilities.

f) Establish field observatory if not already established.
C. FOLLOWING A VOLCANO ALERT [RED] (hazardous volcanic event appears imminent or is underway): 24 1.

Response agencies/District Committes: a) Fully mobilize all assigned personnel and activate all or part of the Agency Volcanic Emergency Plan.

b) Continually disseminate emergency public information.

c) Direct and control emergency response activities in accordance with NEOC Plan.

d) Ensure that the organization/District EOC is adequately staffed and equipped.

2.
2.

NEMO a) Activate the National Volcano Emergency Management Plan and NEOC Procedures.

b) Coordinate local response agencies and District Disaster Committees.

c) Coordinate external response.

Implement plans for coordinating the following response operations within the affected areas: i.

Fire ii.

Evacuation iii.

Security iv.

Access Control v. vi.

Alert and Notification vii.

Search and Rescue Support operations, logistics and planning functions with personnel and resources.

3.
3.

SRC/Volcano Monitoring Unit a) Monitor status of volcanic activity in the hazard area.

b) Issue alert- level notifications and updates.

c) Provide Liaison to the NEOC for information and advice.

4.

OECS Aviation Authority (OEA) a) Issue airspace alert warning of restricted or prohibited space.

b) Coordinate use 25 I.

CONCLUSION This plan is designed to facilitate the evacuation of North Windward and Leeward.
The effectiveness of the plan will ultimately depend on the level of compliance received from residents of the area and the degree to which all pre-event preparations are exercised and internalized by the response agencies.
26 APPENDICES APPENDIX A: POPULATION IN HAZARD ZONES Planning Data for North Windward and Leeward Communities in La Soufriere Hazard, St. Vincent and the Grenadines (RED) AREA 1 POPULATION MALE FEMALE TOTAL Fancy Old Sandy Bay And Owia (1) Old Sandy Bay And Owia (2) Old Sandy Bay And Point Sandy Bay (1) Sandy Bay (2) Sandy Bay (3) Sandy Bay (4) Overland And Big Level Waterloo, Orange Hill And Troumaca Chapman’s Village And Langley Park Chapman’s Village And Basin Hole Richmond, Wallibou, Morneronde Windsor Forest, Baleine, Quashie TOTAL 2613 2449 5062 27 (ORANGE) AREA 2 POPULATION MALE FEMALE TOTAL Mount Bentick Caratal Caratal And Spring Village Dickson And O’Brien Byera Grand Sable And Chester Georgetown Chilli And Ruseneat Cumberland, Mangaroo, Gordon Yard And Cocoa Village Chateaubelair Barracks Town Extension And Corner Bay Petit Bordel And Sharpes Sharpes And Swatts Rose Bank Rose Hall Troumaca Westwood And Coull’s Hill Spring Village TOTAL 5389 5188 10577 28 (YELLOW) POPULATION MALE FEMALE TOTAL Friendly Village And Colonarie Park Hill And Belle Vue Park Hill And Coolie Hill South Rivers And Three Rivers Gorse, Mangrove And Mt William Mt.
Greenan Diamond Chapman New Grounds Bottle And Glass, Gabriel, Keartons And Walliabou 535 291 256 608 353 361 394 287 231 854 539 279 214 519 384 342 404 273 233 812 TOTAL 4170 3999 1074 570 470 1127 737 703 798 560 464 1666 8169 29 APPENDIX B: VOLCANO HAZARD ALERT SCHEDULE Alert Level Green Yellow Orange Symptoms Volcano is quiescent (quiet): seismic and fumorolic (steam vent) activities are at or below the historical level at this volcano.

No other unusual activity has been observed.


Volcano is restless: seismic or fumorolic activity or both are above the historical level at this volcano or other unusual activity has been observed (this activity will be specified at the same time that the alert level is raised.

level of Highly elevated seismicity fumurolic or activity or both or other highly unusual symptoms.

Eruptions may occur with less than 24 hours’ notice.
Red Eruption is in progress or may occur without further warning Action Scientist Normal monitoring Action: Civil ant Undertake ongoing public awareness and work on volcanic emergency plans.

campaign Monitoring system will be brought up to full capability.

Civil authorities alerted.

system Monitoring continuously manned.

visual Regular of inspection potential vent areas.

ground Continuous deformation and hydrothermal monitoring.

Daily assessment reports to civil authorities.


Measurements as permitted by safety Civil condition.

authorities advised continuously.

Undertake ongoing public awareness campaigns and work on volcanic emergency plans.

Advise vulnerable communities of evacuation procedures in the event of an emergency.

evacuation (if Coordinate necessary) based on hazard zones.

Entry to the restricted access zone by scientist will be permitted after evacuation on a case by case basis.
Organize regular radio and television announcements.

continued Coordinate necessary.

as evaluation Organize regular radio and television announcements.
30 APPENDIX C: SURVEILLANCE AND ALERTING PROTOCOL Volcano Surveillance and Assessment OPM SRC NEMO Director NEEC Director Departments, Organizations and Utility Providers Emergency Mobilization – Protocol for National Information Distribution (additional to above) Lead Agency NEMO Secretariat Response Coordinator Key Organizations (Utilities, welfare, volunteers) Emergency Services NEOC Public Information Public 31 APPENDIX D: EVACUATION DECISION TREE Is eruption imminent and loss of life or damage high?
Yes Yes Are the evacuation routes and assembly areas in danger or otherwise unsafe?

Is the evacuation likely to last for a long time?

Re-evaluate regularly until the conclusion of the event.

No No No Yes Begin Shelter In Place (SHIP) Procedur es.

Yes Evaluate: is re-entry safe?

Begin short- term Evacuation Procedures Begin long- term Evacuation Procedures No Begin re- entry procedures No Hold residents in position temporarily .
Re- evaluate regularly [Time} If conditions change, or re-entry is still delayed, move on: Yes Evaluate: Are current conditions safe to continue staying at the current location?

32 APPENDIX E: EVACUATION PROCEDURE 1.

Version Version 1: September, 2014 2.

Objectives To ensure that in the case of volcanic activity, the hazard zone (s) at risk are evacuated.

3.
3.

Responsible for the Procedure: Routine: Commissioner of Police, Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force Secondary: Chief Fire Officer District Disaster Committees Steps of the Procedure: A.

The Commissioner of Police shall: Routine: 1.

Establish co-ordination with NEMO and, at the local level, with the District Disaster Committees to establish and continuously improve evacuation mechanisms.

2.
2.

Collaborate and consult with National Disaster Committees, especially the Transport and Road Clearance Sub-committee in the case of evacuation.

3.

Annually receive and review from NEMO and the Shelter Management Sub-Committee Chairperson the updated list of shelters.

4.

Participate with the NEMO in the design of specific evacuation plans per hazard zone (attachments 3, 4 and 5 to these procedures).

33 5.
33 5.

Meet with the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Hotel and Tourism Association to agree on the mechanisms for the evacuation of visitors as considered in the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Hotel and Tourism Association Plan.

In the Case of the Change of an Alert Level: 1.

Attend the meeting called by NEMO and provide advice about evacuation issues.

2.

If the NEOC is activated, go to the NEOC.

3.

Report to the NEOC Coordinator.

4.

Initiate evacuation of specified hazard zones as advised by NEMO.
5.

Deploy police personnel and, in co-ordination with the Transport and Road Clearance Sub-Committee, vehicles (or boats) to co-ordinate evacuation activities.

6.

Request assistance from District Disaster Committees as needed in the case of evacuation.

7.

Request assistance from the Chairperson of the Transport and Road Clearance Sub- committee for transportation resources as needed, and as planned, to conduct the evacuation process.

8.
8.

Request information and assistance from the NEOC regarding roads cleared and status of airports and seaports.

9.

Request information from the Shelter Management Sub-Committee regarding opened shelters and occupancy levels.

10.

Assist in the evacuation of specific buildings as needed: hospitals, governmental buildings and any other that are in danger due to the volcanic activity.

11.
11.

In the case of evacuation of tourists/foreigners from the island, advise and assist the Ministry of Tourism and the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Hotel and Tourism Association and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of National Security in this process.

12.

After 12 hours be substituted by the Deputy Commissioner of Police.

13.

Resume Chairmanship after 12 hours or at the time agreed.

14.
14.

After the NEOC is deactivated, prepare a final report of the evacuation activities and send it to NEMO Director.

15.

Participate in evacuation activities until return to normalcy.

34 16.

If the conditions allow it and if it is decided by the NEMO (with information from SRU), conduct the process of returning evacuees to their homes in the hazard zones.

B.

The Chief Fire Officer shall: Routine: 1.

Lead the Police on the tasks regarding evacuation procedure.

2.
2.

Know the Volcano Emergency Plan, its procedures and his/her role in it and during an emergency or disaster, particularly his/activites activities regarding evacuation.

3.

Participate in simulation exercises that test this procedure within the National Volcano Emergency Plan.

In the Case of the Change of an Alert Level: 1.

Attend the meeting called by NEMO and inform about their resources’ preparedness in the case of evacuation.

2.
2.

If the NEOC is activated, go to the NEOC and maintain communication with the Police and work together in any evacuation issues as needed.

4.

Attachments (Not shown) 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.6 4.7 4.8 Attachment 1: - Directory of Police and Fire Stations and resources.
Attachment 2.- Inventory of Police and Fire Service means of communications Attachment 3.- Evacuation Plan - Hazard Zone 1 Attachment 4.- Evacuation Plan - Hazard Zone 2 SOP for Police Out Stations List of Volunteers by District Inventory of National and District Transportation Assets Inventory of Communications assets END OF PROCEDURE 35 APPENDIX F: ALERT EMERGENCY PROCEDURE Notification 1.

Version: Version 1 September, 2014.

2.


Objectives To notify to all the members of the National Emergency Management Organisation (NEMO) involved in the National Volcano Plan about the threat and/or presence of a volcanic eruption and about the response measures needed to be taken.

3.

Responsible for the Procedure: Routine: The Director, National Emergency Management Organisation (NEMO).
Secondary:  The Seismic Research Unit, UWI  Soufriere Monitoring Unit  The Office of the Prime Minister  The Deputy Director, NEMO  NEMO’s secretary  The Chairpersons of the National Emergency Sub-Committees 3.1 Steps of the Procedure A.

The Director of NEMO shall: Routine: 1.

Ensure that the directories of the persons involved in the plan and in this procedure that have to be notified are updated regularly and that a copy is kept at NEMO.

36 2.
36 2.

Ensure that the members of the NEOC update the directories of the personnel and organisations they have to notify are updated at least once a year.

3.

Keep one copy of this procedure and its directories at the office and one at home.

4.

Maintain contact with the Seismic Research Centre (SRC) regarding volcanic activity and possible hazards.

5.
5.

Consult, collaborate and Coordinate with the Seismic Research Centre (SRC) and the Soufriere Monitoring Unit to establish mechanisms and means of communication of information immediately in the case of the change of an alert level.

In the case of the change of an alert level: 1.

Request/receive information from the Seismic Research Unit about the volcanic activity: Telephone: 868 662 4659; Fax 868 663 9293; e-mail uwiseismic@uwiseismic.com 2.
Notify all persons/organisations listed in Directory A, attached to this procedure.

3.

Notify the members of the NEEC, NEC and NEMO Staff of the change in the alert levels and convene an immediate meeting.

4.

Request and receive initial reports about the situation from SRC, District Committees and filed Officers.

5.

Evaluate the need to activate the NEOC and consult with the Prime Minister.

6.
6.

If the NEOC is to be activated, the Director will notify Teams # 1 and # 2 (Directory D) and request the attendance of the members of Team #1 to the EOC immediately.

7.

Evaluate the need for evacuation and, if necessary, start evacuating the hazard zone (s) at risk immediately.

8.

Co-ordinate the situation until change of alert level or until back to normal.

B.

The Seismic Research Unit of the University of the West Indies shall: Routine: 1.
Maintain contact with NEMO to provide information about volcanic activity and hazards.

2.

Conduct the monitoring of volcanic activity in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

37 3.

Ensure that the means and mechanisms for communication with the NEMO are adequate and working correctly.

In the Case of the Change of an Alert Level: 1.

Inform the Director of NEMO C. The Prime Minister (OPM)shall: Routine: 1.
Keep an updated directory of the Permanent Secretaries of the Government Ministries (Directory B) at the office and keep one copy at home.

In the Case of the Change of an Alert Level: 1.

Notify the Cabinet Secretary and the Permanent Secretaries about the volcanic activity, damage and/or response measures needed.

2.

Based on information received by the Director of the NEEC about the situation determine, along with the Coordinator of NEOC, the need to activate the NEOC.
D. The Deputy Director of NEMO shall: Routine: 1.

Assist the Director to ensure that the directories of the persons involved in the plan that have to be notified are updated regularly and that a copy is kept at NEMO.

2.

To keep one copy of the updated directories at the office and one at home.

3.

Assist the Director to ensure that the members of the NEOC update the directories of the personnel and organisations they have to notify is updated at least once a year.

4.
4.

Assist the Director to revise and update this procedure at least once a year, after a simulation exercise and after a real event.

In the Case of the Change of an Alert Level: 1.

Assist the Director with the notification of information about the volcanic activity and response measures needed.

38 2.

If the NEOC is activated, notify Teams #1 and #2.

3.

Assist the NEMO Director to update this procedure after a real event has happened.

4.

If the NEOC is activated, go to the NEOC.


E. NEMO’s Secretary shall: Routine: 1.

Keep the directories of this procedure updated.

2.

Keep a copy of the directories at the office and one at home.

3.

Write to ALL organisations annually (Month) requesting confirmation or edits to contact persons and information.

In the Case of the Change of an Alert Level: 1.


Assist the Director and the Deputy Director to notify all the agencies and organisations mentioned in this procedure about the volcanic activity, damage and/or response measures needed.

2.

If the NEOC is activated, assist the Deputy Director to notify Team # 1 and Team # 2.

3.

Make suggestions to the Director and Deputy Director of NEMO for the improvement of Directories and this procedure.
F. The Chairpersons of all Disaster Committees shall: Routine: 1.

Keep an updated directory of their members at the office and one copy home.

2.

Establish roles and responsibilities for each of the Committee members.

In the Case of the Change of an Alert Level: 1.

After contacting NEMO or if notified by NEMO, notify the members of the Committee (Directory C) about the situation.

39 2.
39 2.

After receiving NEMO’s notification that the NEOC has to be activated due to the volcanic activity, inform the members of the Committee and go to the respective EOC.

4.

Attachment 1: Directories  Directory A: Persons/agencies to be notified by NEMO Director (to be developed)  Directory B: Persons to be notified by Prime Minister (OPM) (to be developed)  Directory C: Persons/organisations to be notified by Chairpersons of the National Disaster Committees.
(to be developed)  Directory D: Team # 1 and Team # 2.

To be notified by NEMO’s Deputy Director when the NEOC is activated.

4.1 Attachment 2: Alert levels (See Appendix 2) 4.2 Attachment 3: Format for Notification (to be developed) 4.3 Attachment 4: Call out Cascade 40 Hon.
Prime Minister Chairman, NEC Deputy Prime Minister Cabinet Secretary Commissioner of Police Fire chief, SSU, Prison Supt, Operations Seismic Research Unit (SRC) Director NEMO Cabinet Secretary Ministers of Gov’t Permanent Secretary OPM PS in ministries Deputy Director NEMO EEC Members EOC Information Coordinator CDEMA District Committee Chairpersons in Hazard Zones EOC Information Coordinator EOC Information Coordinator END OF PROCEDURE 41 APPENDIX G: EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS PROCEDURE 1.
Version Version 1, September, 2014 2.

Objectives To ensure that telecommunications are provided to NEMO and the NEOC and its members in the case of a volcanic emergency in order to conduct and co-ordinate the national response as needed.

3.
Responsible for the Procedure: Main: The Chairperson of the Emergency Telecommunications Sub-Committee Secondary:  Committee Members: Telecommunications Officer The Director of Airports The Commissioner of Police A representative from the SVG Port Authority A representative from the Amateur Radio Club A representative from the Citizens Band Club A representative from LIME A representative from DIGICEL A representative from Flow SVG Ltd The Manager SVG TV A representative from VINLEC A representative from Forestry A representative from CWSA  NEOC members 42 Steps of the Procedure A.
The Chairperson of the Emergency Telecommunications Sub-Committee shall: Routine: 1.

Develop a telecommunications plan to ensure that an adequate communications system to serve the communications needs for the NEMO before, during and after an emergency exists.

2.

Provide advice to NEMO on telecommunications matters.

3.

Provide NEMO with advise the purchases of emergency to NEMO on telecommunications equipment for the island and advise on the improvement, maintenance and upgrading of this equipment.

4.
4.

Establish a dynamic inventory of all equipment purchased by NEMO Secretariat and members of the key response agencies.

5.

Nominate radio operator-training officers and monitor their performance.

6.

Develop and implement a radio operator-training programme in collaboration with the radio operator-training officers, through the facilities of NEMO and the Amateur Radio Club, Citizens Band Club.

7.

Undertake annual reviews and revisions of the radio operator-training programme.

8.
8.

Develop and conduct a simulation exercise to test equipment and procedures under the coordination of NEMO Secretariat.

9.

Assist in preparing, participating in and assessing joint exercises with all response agencies of NEMO and submit after action reports to the NEMO Secretariat.

10.

Maintain a list of human and material resources required to execute and support planning implementation.

In the Case of the Change of an Alert Level: 1.


If the NEOC is activated, go to the NEOC and report to NEOC Coordinator.

2.

Be in charge of telecommunications to and from the NEOC.

3.

Manage all emergency telecommunications.

4.

Liaise with the rest of the Sub-Committees and NEOC members in order to respond to their needs.

43 5.

Provide or suggest solutions, for the meeting of the prioritized demands, for existing resources within the framework of the emergency telecommunications plan.
6. a) Establish a roster for Radio Operators for NEMO Director/Coordinator of the NEOC and the length of shift of the radio operator.

b) Oversee the management of the roster.

7.

Assist the NEOC when required in the rehabilitation of the telecommunications network 8.

After the NEOC is deactivated, prepare a report with recommendations regarding telecommunications: equipment, personnel, planning and system improvement.

9.

Revise, improve and update this procedure based on lessons learnt.

10.
10.

Revise and update the emergency telecommunications plan base on the implementation experience.

B.

The Members of the Emergency Telecommunications Sub-Committee shall: Routine: 1.

Assist the Chairperson in providing material and human resources for the design and implementation of the Emergency Telecommunications Plan.

2.

Assist the Chairperson in providing material and human resources for training emergency responders at the national and local level.

3.
3.

Assist the Chairperson in providing material and human resources for the planning, organisation and execution of the annual telecommunications exercise.

4.

Provide telecommunication resources to the NEOC and the NEMO for the better operation of the Plan island-wide.

5.

After the NEOC is deactivated, prepare a final report and send it to NEMO.

6.

Continue providing telecommunications assistance until back to normal.

44 C. The NEOC Members shall: Routine: 1.


Identify and provide a list to chairperson of their telecommunications resources.

2.

Identify the emergency resource communications needs for the NEOC and the NEMO mechanism and make recommendations for meeting these.

3.

Identify the telecommunications resource needs for organisations to communicate between the EOC and their own organisations/ministries.

4.

Ensure the communication between the NEOC and other EOCs are functional.

5.
5.

Provide information to the Emergency Telecommunications Sub-Committee Chairperson on the telecommunications resources in their own organisation/ agency/ ministry, so that resources for the compilation of the inventory.

6.

Participate in the design, implementation and testing of the telecommunications plan.

7.

Participate in the planning, implementation, execution and evaluation of an emergency telecommunications exercise program.

In the Case of the Change of an Alert Level: 1.


If the NEOC is activated, go to the NEOC with the necessary equipment to communicate from the NEOC to the organisation/ agency/ ministry with whom they have to co-ordinate.

2.

Offer their own telecommunication resources to the NEOC and the NEMO as needed.

3.

Include report communications and the Emergency Telecommunications Plan.

recommendations final their for in the improvement of 4.

Attachments: 1.

Emergency Telecommunications Plan (Status) 2.


Inventory of Communication Resources By District 3.

List of Trained Ham Operators END OF PROCEDURE 45 APPENDIX H: MEDIA PROCEDURE GUIDE Coordination of Information Flow The purpose of the Media Information Center (MIC) is to coordinate the flow of information about volcanic activity and related response issues among agencies, and to provide a single information source for the media, general public and businesses.
The MIC is an element of the National Emergency Operations Center (NEOC) where the emergency response is being coordinated.

Communications between agencies and to the media/public must be rapid, accurate and effective.

A MIC provides a forum for the necessary information exchange.
Public information between and from all responding agencies, EOCs, political jurisdictions, and the media is handled through this one center, allowing for the coordination of information from all sources, and reducing or eliminating conflicting information and rumors.

Temporary and alternate media offices will be identified.

All participants will be encouraged to facilitate an efficient flow of information from the MIC.

A MIC may be necessary in one or more of the following circumstances: i.
Multiple national or local agencies are involved in an incident.

ii.

The volume of media inquiries overwhelms the capacities of the Public Information Officer(s) (PIOs) within the NEOC.

iii.

A large-scale public phone team effort must be mounted over an extended period of time.

When conditions warrant, or when a Volcano Advisory (or Alert) RED or ORANGE is declared, a MIC will be activated by the Director of NEMO.
A MIC must have: a) Office space for the PIOs, b) Facilities for communication by phone, fax, email and social media c) Briefing rooms d) Easy access for the media e) Security 46 Recommended Structure of MIC during Volcanic Emergencies A.

Potential Participants: API Soufriere Monitoring Unit/SRC Office of PM Ministry of Foreign Affairs NEMO Secretariat Others as required or conditions dictate B.

Operating Assumptions 1.


All information will be coordinated among the MIC staff in order to ensure timely and accurate information flow to the public, to quell rumors and to prevent impediments to the response effort.

2.

The MIC will operate under the NEOC Command System.

3.

The MIC will adjust its size and scope to match the size and complexity of the incident.

4.

National and local agencies may be requested to provide staff for the MIC, including augmentation if needed.

5.
5.

The MIC will be established as soon as possible after the issuance of an Information Statement on the change of the Warning Level to Orange by the NEC.

47 APPENDIX I: SURVIVABILITY GUIDE Survivability Information1 The Northern Windward and Leeward regions of Saint Vincent have experienced volcanic activity in the past and will certainly experience it in the future.

We don't know when or how severely you will be affected, but we can strive to be prepared.
The primary tool to assist your survival of a catastrophic natural event is the knowledge of what to do before, during and after one occurs.

We also need to acknowledge that the lives of people who live in areas at risk will be disrupted during periods of volcanic restlessness even when no actual eruption occurs.

Learn: Learn whether you live, work, or go to school in a volcanic hazard zone.
Learn about all volcanic processes that affect your community Inquire: Ask local officials how they advise you to respond - before a real emergency.

Ask what emergency management plans are in place.

Arrange for community briefings by scientists and disaster management officials on the volcano threat, warning systems and supporting arrangements.

Plan: Develop an emergency plan with your family or business to help you during any disruption.

Develop a Family Disaster Plan i.


Meet with household members to discuss the potential dangers of volcanic eruptions, landslides, lahars (volcanic mudflows), earthquakes, floods and other emergencies.

ii.

Explain how to respond to each.

iii.

Pick a safe meeting place where the family can reunite during or after an emergency, in case you cannot return home after a disaster.

Talk about details such as: How do you plan to get to the meeting place?

How do you plan to take care of pets?

iv.


Pick someone out of your area, local friend or relative for family members, to call if separated during a disaster.

v. Each family member should have these phone numbers on a card in their wallet or purse, and know how to call.

1 This information is organized to help you prepare for any emergency and is taken from the American Red Cross Emergency Preparedness Checklist and the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) fact sheet on volcanoes.
It will need to be regularly reviewed.

48 vi.

If you have children in school, discuss with the school officials what they plan to do during emergencies such as volcanic eruptions or earthquakes.

Also, identify any special needs that may arise with elderly or disabled persons.

vii.

Keep family records in a water and fireproof container; Be prepared to take this with you if an evacuation becomes necessary.

Store duplicates off location.

viii.

Have family members take first aid classes.


Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit for your home, vehicle, work and school Geologic events such as volcanic eruption or lahars are likely to affect a great number of people over a large area and emergency crews will probably be overwhelmed for a while.

Thus, emergency response personnel recommend that you plan on taking care of your family, unassisted, for at least 72 hours (3 days).
In reviewing the following list of supplies, remember that you may need to bring these with you in an evacuation; Store them in an easy to carry container such as a backpack or duffel bag.

Home Kit include: a) A map showing routes to a safe meeting place the community has chosen.

b) A card to leave in house with information about intended destination.

c) Information provided by local authorities about responding to emergencies.

d) A supply of water (one gallon per person per day).
Store water in sealed, unbreakable containers.

Identify the storage date and replace regularly.

e) A supply of nonperishable packaged or canned food and a manual can opener.

f) A change of clothing, rain gear and sturdy shoes.

g) Gloves, dust masks and goggles for each family member.

h) A battery or hand cranked/solar powered radio, flashlight with extra bulb and extra batteries.

i) Blankets or sleeping bags and plastic trash bags (to help keep them dry).
j) A first aid kit and manual, and list of family physicians.

k) Personal hygiene items and prescription medications.

l) Credit cards and cash, and an extra set of car keys.

m) A list of important family information: phone numbers, account numbers, the style and serial numbers of medical devices such as pacemakers, etc.

49 Vehicle Kit includes: i. Map of area, preferably with safety zones and evacuation routes marked from home, work and school.

ii.
ii.

Bottled water and nonperishable, high energy foods such as granola bars, raisins or dried fruit and peanut butter.

iii.

A change of clothing, rain gear and sturdy shoes.

iv.

A battery or solar powered radio, flashlight with extra bulb and extra batteries.

v. Gloves, dust masks and goggles.

vi.

Blanket or sleeping bag.

vii.

Tool kit for your vehicle.

viii.

First aid kit and manual.

ix.

Jumper cables, shovel.

x.

Fire extinguisher xi.

Periodically check the inflation of your spare tire.
xii.

Personal medications.

xiii.

Emergency phone numbers.

xiv.

In addition, if a volcanic eruption appears to be imminent, also carry in your car: a.

Spare air filter.

b.

Spare oil (XXX quarts) and oil filter.

c. Spare windshield wiper blades and windshield washing fluid.

d. Spare fuel filter and fan belts.

50 APPENDIX J SAR PROCEDURE GUIDE 1.


Introduction This section describes search and rescue (SAR) operations, possible problem areas, and courses of action in response to a volcanic, or other hazardous event at La Soufriere Volcano.

It also addresses implementation of mutual aid, other support and the procedures for acquiring this assistance.
It describes those SAR operations that are primarily the Police responsibility, as compared to rescue operations that occur within the jurisdiction of Fire Department.

As addressed in this section, SAR support and assistance is available CDEMA CU and RSS.

Community volunteer SAR teams are essential to augment operational and support functions.

2.
2.

Objectives To carry out a coordinated effort of search and rescue operations and support and to ensure the safety of persons who are not injured, but who require evacuation or other assistance, while maintaining the highest degree of safety for rescue personnel.

3.

Situation The scale of search and rescue operations to be carried out after an event, whether forecasted or unanticipated, may be monumental.
The ability to deploy personnel and to respond will be directly affected by:  Time of occurrence  Time of the year  Current weather  Magnitude of event  Ability of mobilized personnel  Effect of airborne ash on mobile equipment and personnel  Road conditions  Actions of people  Loss of power  Potential flooding  Adequate logistical support  Communication and control 51 4.
Concept of Operations Search and rescue operations in this plan interact directly with evacuation and access control operations.

In the case of a forecast event, search and rescue will be mobilized ahead of time to carry out operations in concert with evacuations and during the actual occurrence of the event.

The Fire Department will assist with evacuation and conduct rescue operations if it is within their capabilities and in coordination with the overall SAR mission.
This will reduce duplication and ensure the safest possible response for both victim and rescue personnel.

The general concept of SAR operations require that SAR coordinators direct a coordinated response to minimize loss of life, reduce confusion and redundancy, and rescue and recover disaster victims in the most efficient manner with the closest, most qualified resources.

To this end, SAR coordinators will: a) Be decisive in directing and utilizing manpower and other resources.
b) Prioritize response - risk areas with high potential loss of life should be high priority.

c) Assure a safe and orderly search and rescue operation.

d) Be responsive to families or relatives who may have lost loved ones.

e) Carry out the SAR responsibility throughout the entire effected area under one unified effort.

f) Provide information to the media and public about ongoing SAR operations.
4.1 Hazardous Volcanic Event Imminent or Underway (Volcano Alert) Upon receipt of official notification that an eruption or other hazardous volcanic event is imminent or is occurring, search and rescue forces will: a) Be alerted and directed to mobilize to the primary staging area at the NEOC or other agreed Staging Areas.

b) Respond to specific mission assignments as directed by the SAR Coordinator.

c) Assist with evacuations where possible and as needed.

d) Preposition support equipment.


e) Utilize respirators and other air filtering breathing devices and eye protection as needed.

52 5.

Available SAR Resources Fire Department  Manage, direct and respond, rescue and recovery operations.

Military (SSU and RSS)  Support logistics and response as appropriate.

CDEMA CU  Reconstruction, recovery, response, light rescue.

6.
6.

Agency Responsibilities and Tasks Following are the detailed responsibilities and tasks of agencies at the various levels of notification.

6.1.1 NEMO and Key Response Agencies Following a Notice of Volcanic Unrest: a) Identify agency members to the NEOC.

b) Complete plans and procedures for response to the La Soufriere volcanic hazards threat.

c) Designate individuals who will be responsible for filling positions in the Incident Command Post as requested.
d) Provide orientation sessions on updated plans and organizational structure.

e) Establish call up procedures for all staff.

Hazardous Volcanic Event Likely, But Not Imminent During a period of increased geologic activity (Volcano Advisory): a) Designate a liaison to the NEOC.

b) Update personnel lists.

c) Conduct surveys on resource availability and reaffirm prior commitments.

d) Test communications systems and stockpile additional hardware.

e) Hold exercises for all emergency operations.


f) Begin procurement of needed resources.

g) Provide information specialist to support the NEOC PIO.

h) Provide briefings and direction to all response personnel.

i) Request all assigned personnel to standby for orders to activate emergency plan.

53 j) Take readiness and precautionary actions to compress response time and to safeguard lives, equipment and supplies.
Upon receipt of official notification that a volcanic or other hazardous event is imminent or occurring (Volcano Alert): i.

Fully mobilize all assigned personnel and activate all or part of the National Volcano Emergency Plan.

ii.

Continually broadcast emergency public information.

iii.

Direct and control emergency response activities in each jurisdiction in accordance with NEOC procedures.

iv.

Assign liaison personnel to the NEOC.


6.1.2 Supporting Agencies Police – Operations Division Following a Notice of Volcanic Unrest: a) Complete internal plans and procedures.

b) Provide planning and technical assistance in assembly and evacuation to the threatened c) Coordinate with other agencies that will provide Assistance in SAR.

d) Coordinate mutual aid agreements with RSS, CDEMA and other external parties.

e) Determine resource requirements.


f) Issue advisories and policies in consultation with the NEOC.

g) Prepare and conduct training exercises.

Hazardous Volcanic Event Likely, But Not Imminent (Volcano Advisory): a) Convene a meeting of the NEOC b) Implement plans for communications support within the affected area.

c) Support public education programs.

d) Increase, as needed, the staffing at the NEOC; Support district chairpersons with information.
e) Ensure that agencies are alerted to potential problems and review their operational responsibilities.

f) Assign liaison to District EOCs if activated 54 Hazardous Volcanic Event is imminent or underway (Volcano Alert): i.

Coordinate the main response to the emergency.

ii.

Coordinate Regional mutual aid.

iii.

Coordinate other external response.

RSVGPF At all notification levels: Provide traffic control for the evacuation.

i. ii.

Assist in access control.

iii.

Ensure security and law and order.


SSU Department At all notification levels, provide support in the following areas: Fire Security i. ii.

iii.

Evacuation iv.

Search and Rescue v. MASS Care Sheltering vi.

Coroner Services vii.

Public Works Transportation and Road Clearance Sub-Committee At all notification levels: Support traffic control, evacuation, access control and SAR operations.

i. ii.

Keep roads free of debris.

iii.

Clear evacuation and access routes of debris.


Department of Social Services At all notification levels: i.

Coordinate with Ministry of health in supporting to MASS care services.

ii.

Coordinate with the SVGRC and others in the operation for sheltering and other care centers and provide personnel and resources to the centers.

55 Department of Prisons At all notification levels: i.
Ensure safety and security of institutional Populations 6.1.3 Regional Agencies OECS Aviation Authority At all notification levels: Issue airspace alert warning of restricted or prohibited space.

ii.

iii.

Coordinate use of affected airspace by aircraft involved in emergency response and Volcano hazard monitoring.

Seismic Research Centre At all notification levels: i.

Monitor the status of seismic and geologic activity in the hazard area.

ii.

iii.

Issue alert level notifications and updates.


Provide liaison to the NEOC in order to provide ongoing information and advice.

Meteorological Service At all notification levels: i. ii.

Provide weather forecasts, including wind conditions to the NEOC Structure.

Issue flood warnings.

56 APPENDIX K: EMERGENCY TRANSPORTATION PROCEDURE 1.

Version Version 1: September, 2014 2.


Objectives To ensure that transportation is provided to the National Emergency Management Organisation (NEMO) and the NEOC and its members in the case of a volcano emergency in order to conduct and co-ordinate the national emergency response as needed.

3.
3.

Responsible for the Procedure: Routine: Chairperson of the Transport and Road Clearance Sub-Committee Secondary:  Committee members: The Engineer, Roads Division - Chairperson The Manager of BRAGSA - Deputy Chair The Commissioner of Police The Director of Airports A representative from the National Omni-bus Association A representative from a Motorcycle Club A representative from the Ham and C.B.
radio clubs Manager of Port Authority Representative from Hospital Administration/Ambulance Service  NEOC members Steps of the Procedure A.

The Chairperson of the Transport and Road Clearance Sub-Committee shall: 57 Routine: 1.

Ensure the regular review and updating of the procedure.

2.

Maintain a list of available land, sea and air transport resources from the public and private sectors.

3.

Maintain links with District Disaster Committees and District Transportation Sub- Committees.

4.
4.

Update the list of transportation resources quarterly.

5.

Submit the list of transportation resources quarterly to NEMO Director.

6.

Estimate the transportation resources needed for evacuation of hazard zones considering the number of people at risk.

In the Case of the Change of an Alert Level: 1.

If the NEOC is activated, go to the NEOC and report to the Coordinator or person in charge.

2.

Liaise with other NEOC members in order to respond to their transport needs.

3.
3.

Co-ordinate with NEMO Director in order to provide transportation to EOC members when needed.

4.

Provide aerial/sea transport for the initial aerial damage assessment when requested, by NEMO.

Transport should be provided for at least 4-8 persons as prioritized below: Group 1: 1.

Prime Minister 2.

Damage Assessment and Needs Analysis Sub-Committee Chairperson 3.

Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Sub-Committee Chairperson 4.

Ministry of Agriculture representative or SRU if on island 5.
Agency for Public Information (API) representative (cameraman) Group 2: 1.

Police Commissioner.

2.

Chief Medical Officer.

3.

API representative (cameraman) 4.

Forestry Department 5.

Agriculture Department 5.

Ensure that a panel van and an open back van are assigned to NEMO for transportation in the case of the change of an alert level.

58 6.

Co-ordinate with NEMO and other NEOC members to provide transportation of search and rescue personnel, if needed.

7.
7.

Coordinate with the National Omnibus Association, Shelter and Shelter Management Sub-Committee and the Emergency Supplies Sub-Committee Chairpersons to provide transportation for: a) Movement of persons from threatened communities to shelters, safe areas or relocation facilities; b) Relief and rehabilitation supplies from the docks and airport to storage areas, warehouses and shelters.

8.
8.

Co-ordinate with Police and the Shelter Management Sub-Committee Chairperson to provide transportation for land and sea evacuation.

9.

Co-ordinate with the National Omnibus Association, Police and Ministry of Tourism to provide transportation for air/ sea evacuation of visitors out of the country if needed.

10.

Co-ordinate with NEMO and other NEOC members for transportation of fuel to service points if needed.

11.
11.

Co-ordinate with the Health Services Sub-Committee’s Chairpersons for the transportation of injured inside or outside of the hazard zone or the island if needed.

12.

Co-ordinate with the Police and the Health Services Sub-Committee’s Chairpersons and funeral homes for the transportation of dead people to Hospitals according to the ‘St.

Vincent and the Grenadines National Disaster Management Plan.

13.
13.

Co-ordinate with the Emergency Health Services Sub-Committee’s Chairpersons and with the Ministry of Agriculture to provide transportation for dead animals.

14.

Co-ordinate with the Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Sub-Committee Chairperson to provide transportation to assist in road clearing.

15.
15.

Co-ordinate with the Chairpersons of the Disaster Committees of Rehabilitation and Reconstruction, Shelter and Shelter Management and Damage and Needs Assessment and, if needed, with the Solid Waste Management Unit to provide transportation for debris and garbage collection from shelters or safe areas.

16.

Take break after 12 hours in the NEOC and be substituted by the Deputy Chairperson.

Resume Chairmanship within 12 hours or as requested.

17.
17.

Always brief and be briefed by the Deputy Chairperson when arriving and leaving the NEOC.

59 18.

After the NEOC is deactivated, prepare a report that includes situations faced, activities executed, results and recommendations and send it to NEMO Director.

19.

Provide transportation resources as needed until the situation is back to normal.

20.

Revise and update this procedure quarterly.

B.

The Members of the Transportation and Road Clearance Sub-Committee shall: Routine: 1.
Assist the Chairperson in the elaboration and yearly update of the transport list by providing the number, type, capacity, location and operational status of their transport and of their available human resources (drivers, operators, pilots, etc.)

2.

Make a commitment to provide transportation to the Transportation and Road Clearance Sub-Committee, the NEOC and NEMO in the case of an emergency and/or a disaster.
If necessary, prepare a Memoranda of Understanding specifying the conditions under which the transportation is provided.

3.

Provide transportation resources to the Chairperson as requested from the NEOC.

4.

Make recommendations for the future improvement of transportation resources and systems under emergencies and disasters.

In the Case of the Change of an Alert Level: C. The NEOC Members shall: Routine: 1.
Provide information to the Chairperson for the elaboration and updating of the list of transportation resources list (Inventory).

2.

Keep their own lists of transportation vehicles updated quarterly.

In the Case of the Change of an Alert Level: 1.

Provide transportation resources to NEMO through the NEOC and/or to the Transportation and Road Clearance Sub-Committee Chairperson as needed.

60 4.
Attachments (Not shown) 4.1 Attachment 1.- List of transport available Land Sea Air 4.2 Attachment 2.- Directory Land transport Sea transport Air transport 4.3 Attachment 3.- Policies and Guidelines for the Adequate Management of Dead Bodies in Disaster in St. Vincent and the Grenadines 4.4 Attachment 4.- Estimation of Transportation needed per Hazard Zone 4.5 Attachment 5.- Evacuation Plan for Hazard Zone 1 4.6 Attachment 6: Evacuation Plan Hazard Zone 2 4.7 Directory of Funeral Homes 4.8 Map of the Road Network END OF PROCEDURE 61 APPENDIX L: National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) Procedure 1.
Version: Version 1 September, 2014 2.

Objectives To activate, operate and deactivate the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC), located in NEMO Headquarters, Old Montrose, in the case of volcanic activity in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

3.
3.

Responsible for the Procedure: Main: The Coordinator of NEOC Secondary:  The Deputy Coordinator of NEOC  The Cabinet Secretary  The Members of the NEOC  NEMO’s Secretary  Operations Officer  Message Coordinator  Radio operators  Telephone operators  Journal clerks  Plotters  Media officer  Chief Shelter Manager  Police Operations Support Staff:  Translators  Secretary/typist  Drivers 62  Cooks  Office Attendant  Janitors  IT Technicians 4.

Steps of the Procedure A.


The Coordinator of NEOC shall Routine: 1.

Ensure the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) is in good shape and has all information needed at all times.

2.

Organise, plan, execute and evaluate simulation exercises for the activation and operation of the NEOC.

3.
3.

Ensure that the NEOC has all equipment, information and materials needed for its operation:  Communications  Stationery  Maps  Situation report forms  Message forms  Emergency plan  Emergency procedures  Flip chart  Computers  Files  Directories  Food In the Case of the Change of an Alert Level (Hazardous volcano event appears imminent or is underway: 1.

Receive from the Seismic Research Unit information about the volcanic activity.

2.
2.

Consult with the Director NEMO and other NEEC members as necessary, about the activation of the NEOC based on the reports about volcanic activity, damage and response measures needed.

63 3.

If the situation does not demand the activation of the NEOC, co-ordinate the response from NEMO’s office as needed.

4.

If the situation demands the activation of the NEOC proceed to notify the NEOC members in Team # 1, as described in the Notification Procedure.

5.
5.

Request from the Police, personnel to be sent immediately to the NEOC to provide security.

6.

Request from the Emergency Telecommunications Sub-Committee Chairperson one Amateur Radio Operator to be sent immediately to the NEOC.

7.

Receive and brief the NEOC members at their arrival if he/she is not present.

8.

Ensure that NEOC members are set up and functional.

9.

Coordinate all activities in the NEOC.

10.

During his/her absence from the NEOC, be substituted by the Deputy NEOC Coordinator.
11.

Ensure that immediately after the NEOC is activated, that the Transport ad Road Clearance Sub-Committee provides aerial transportation for the initial damage assessment flight, if needed.

12.

Receive information from the NEOC members after the initial damage assessment flight.

13.

Receive status updates of incoming messages from the runner.

14.

Analyse and prioritise incoming messages.

Based on the required timeframe and the threat of immediate danger to life and property.

15.
15.

Verify that the messages were given to the right persons by the runner; rectify if necessary; demand action from other NEOC members.

16.

Read aloud all incoming messages after reviewing, based on discretion.

17.

Request information from NEOC members responsible for action to be taken.

18.

Be informed verbally by the organisation responsible for the response for each message.

19. Review continuously the incoming messages to ensure follow up and for the updating of information about actions taken.
64 20.

Ensure that the EEC received regular updates and recommendations for decisions in respect of policy on resources requirements.

21.

With the assistance of NEOC Members and Staff of NEMO Secretariat ensure that Team 2 is notified and of the NEOC activation and of the expected time for it to be at the NEOC.

22.

After 12 hours of NEOC operation, with the assistance of all NEOC members and NEMO personnel, ensure that Team 2 is notified and called to the NEOC.

23.
23.

After 12 hours of operation request a report from all members of the NEOC once both NEOC teams are present.

24.

After 12 hours of activation of the NEOC hand responsibilities over to the Deputy Coordinator NEOC after briefing him/her.

25.

Resume command of the NEOC at agreed time and be briefed by the Deputy Coordinator/person in charge.

26.

After 24 hours of NEOC activation request a report from all members of the NEOC with both NEOC Teams present.

27.
27.

After 24 hours, request reports from all NEOC members every 12 hours with the presence of both two teams.

28.

After 24 hours of activation of the NEOC, in consultation with the rest of the NEOC members, assess the situation and recommend to the NEEC whether to continue the operations or deactivate the NEOC.

29.
29.

After the NEOC deactivation, based on the disaster situation and after consulting with the rest of the NEOC Members, decide whether to recommend the activation of the Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Committee to the NEEC.

B.

The Deputy Coordinator of NEOC shall: Routine: 1.

Be always prepared to assist the Coordinator of NEOC in the case of a disaster and in the activation of the NEOC.

2.

Be trained to substitute for the Coordinator of NEOC during his/her absence.

3.
3.

Participate in NEOC simulation exercises in which his/her performance in the NEOC is tested.

In the Case of the Change of an Alert Level: 65 1.

After the NEOC has been activated, contact the Coordinator of NEOC for guidance on requirements.

2.

Ensure to on arriving at the NEOC; be briefed by the Coordinator of NEOC on the situation and pending issues.

3.

Assume the role of Coordinator of NEOC after 12 hours of activation or as requested.

4.
4.

After 12 hours of being in the NEOC, be substituted by Coordinator of NEOC or other NEOC members as may be required.

5.

Before leaving the NEOC, brief NEMO’s Director on the situation and pending issues.

6.

Repeat steps 5 to 8 until deactivation of NEOC.

7.

Revise and update this procedure after every real event.

C. The EEC shall: Routine: 1.

Familiar with the National Volcano Emergency Plan and its Emergency Procedures.

2.
2.

Participate in simulation exercises that test the NEOC and be informed of their evaluation.

In the Case of the Change of an Alert Level: 1.

Receive information from NEOC Coordinator about the situation.

2.

Be consulted by the Coordinator of NEOC about the decision of activation.

3.

After the decision of activating the NEOC has been taken, go to the NEOC.

4.

When arriving to the NEOC, be briefed by the NEOC Coordinator.

5.

Determine whether to stay at the NEOC and agree on modes of being brief.
6.

Be available to advise the Coordinator of NEOC of any situation that demands its opinion/decision or that of Prime Minister.

7.

Chairperson of NEEC contact and consult the Prime Minister as he/she thinks fit regarding any message and situation that demands the Prime Minister’s decision.

66 8.

After 24 hours of activation review documentations from the Coordinator of NEOC on whether to continue or deactivate the NEOC.

D. The Members of the NEOC shall: Routine: 1.


Know the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Volcano Emergency Plan and its procedures and participate in the planning process by revising and updating them regularly under the coordination of NEMO’s Director.

2.

Know their role in the NEOC and determine the resources required to execute these inclusive of equipment, materials, stationary, information and personnel.

3.
3.

Meet regularly as NEOC Committee to consider and undertake actions to improve the plan and its procedures, review roles and responsibilities for preparedness and response activities assigned.

4.

As a Committee, define mechanisms of co-ordination and communication in the case of an emergency or a disaster, particularly from the Chairperson in the NEOC to all the members.

5.

Ensure that all of the resources required for the NEOC are in place and available on activation.

These will include: i.


Information ii.

Plan and procedures iii.

Formats iv.

Forms v. Maps vi.

vii.

Communications equipment viii.

Directories Inventories Stationery ix.

In the Case of the Change of an Alert Level: 1.

After the decision to activate the NEOC has been taken, go to the NEOC.

6.

Before going the organisations/persons that they would have to contact to be on stand-by and wait instructions from the NEOC.

immediately on arriving the NEOC, or there, alert to 7.
Arrive at the NEOC be ready to be operational: i. ii.

Information Plan and procedures 67 iii.

Formats iv.

Forms v. Maps vi.

vii.

Communications equipment viii.

Directories Inventories Stationery ix.

8.

Report to the Coordinator of NEOC on arrival.

9.

Be briefed on the situation and pending issues.

10.

Take the seat or place assigned in the NEOC.

11.

Prepare dips (special, with boxes or with folders) for his/her incoming, pending and outgoing messages.

12.
12.

Respond to every message that demands their attention.

13.

Communicate with other members in the NEOC for joint actions that have to be taken or for gathering of information.

14.

Write down in the log sheet the action taken and return it to the Chairperson only when the action is finished.

15.

Establish contact with their counterparts in the EOCs of Committees/Ministries/Organisations/sectors.

16.
16.

Besides returning the messages with the written action taken, read the message and the action taken aloud so the Coordinator and the rest of the NEOC would know about it.

17.

Present a status report on the situation every 12 hours or as required to the Coordinator and the NEOC.

18.
18.

In the case of a visit of the Prime Minister to the NEOC, or whenever a report is requested by the Prime Minister or by the NEOC Coordinator, present a full situation report for his/her Committee /Ministry/ Organisation/ sector to include, damage assessment, actions taken, results and recommendations.

19.

Brief his/her substitute every time before leaving the NEOC in the change of shifts.

20.

Be briefed every time arriving to the NEOC.

21.


At all times, provide information and resources to the other NEOC members.

22.

Provide information and opinion for the decision, when needed, about the deactivation of the NEOC.

68 23.

After the deactivation of the NEOC, notify the members of his/her organisation/ Ministry/ about it.

24.

Participate as a member of the ‘Task Force’ if it is needed.

E. NEMO’s Secretary shall: Routine: 1.


Assist the Coordinator and the Deputy Coordinator to ensure that the NEOC is kept in good condition.

2.
2.

Assist the Coordinator and the Deputy Coordinator of NEOC to ensure that the NEOC has all equipment, information and materials needed for its operations if it has to be activated in the case of the change of an alert level:  Communications  Stationery  Maps  Situation report forms  Message forms  The National Volcanic Eruption Response Plan  VEP Emergency procedures  Flip chart  Computers  Files  Directories  Food In the Case of the Change of an Alert Level: 1.
If the NEOC is activated, go to the NEOC.

2.

Report in the NEOC to the Coordinator.

3.

Be in charge of the management of internal EOC supplies: food, stationery, photocopies, and others needed by the NEOC.

4.

Provide the NEOC Coordinator with information needed from NEMO Secretariat for the operations of the NEOC: directories, files, etc.

5.

Assist the Message Receiver (Runner) with the copying and distribution of messages to the NEOC members.

6.
6.

Assist the NEOC members with making the log sheets available to the NEOC Coordinator.

69 7.

Assist the Coordinator and Deputy Coordinator of the NEOC in any other need.

8.

Assist the Coordinator and the Deputy Coordinator in the deactivation of the NEOC.

9.

After a maximum of 12 hours be prepared to be substituted.

10.

Co-ordinate the administrative staff when in the NEOC.

F. The Message Receiver (Runner) shall: Routine: 1.

Revise and improve this procedure and the log sheet.

2.
2.

Participate in simulation exercises.

In the Case of the Change of an Alert Level: 1.

If the NEOC has been activated, go to the NEOC.

2.

Ensure that enough copies of the log sheet are available.

3.

Once in the NEOC report to the Coordinator.

4.

Contact the Radio Operator.

5.

Find out about any messages that have been received in the NEOC and their status.

6.

Be informed about every message that is received in the NEOC.

7.
7.

Log every message received in the NEOC in the log sheet form (Attachment 5.1).

8.

Give copies of the log sheet for action to be taken to:  Coordinator  Members of the NEOC  Main NEOC member responsible for action  Secondary NEOC members responsible for action  Other NEOC members, for their information  Situation Reporter (s) 9.

If the message involves information about damage, always give a copy to the damage assessment Chairperson and to the logger.

70 10.
70 10.

Shout: ‘Incoming!’ every time that he/she delivers a message to the NEOC Chairperson or to any NEOC member.

11.

Assist the NEOC Coordinator to have a sequential record of all log sheets including incoming messages and action taken by NEOC members.

12.

After the NEOC is deactivated, update and collate the log sheets and deliver them to the Coordinator of the NEOC.

G. The Situation Reporter (s) shall: Routine: 1.

Revise and improve the situation report sheets for their sectors.

2.
2.

Participate in simulation exercises.

In the Case of the Change of an Alert Level: 1.

If the NEOC is activated go to the NEOC.

2.

Once in the NEOC report to the NEOC Coordinator.

3.

Ensure that the NEOC has enough situation report sheets to operate.

4.

Assist in the NEOC set up and ensure that situation report sheets are available and visible to all following the events and actions taken.

5.

Prepare dips (with boxes or with folders) for incoming, pending and outgoing (or logged) messages.

6.
6.

Clarify with the NEOC Coordinator or any other member on any doubts about any messages received or action taken.

7.

Prepare interim report at least every six hours or as needed by NEOC Coordinator according to the situation.

8.

After 12 hours in the NEOC be prepared for a briefing to leave after briefing the substitute.

9.

Resume role in the NEOC after the agreed period for break.

10.

Prepare a final report and give a copy to NEOC Coordinator.

71 H. The Logger shall: Permanent: 1.


Lead the review and improvement of the situation report sheets.

2.

Participate in simulation exercises.

In the Case of the Change of an Alert Level: 1.

If the NEOC is activated go to the NEOC.

2.

Once in the NEOC report to the NEOC Coordinator.

3.

Ensure that enough damage assessment report sheets are in the NEOC.

4.

Assist in the NEOC set up and ensure that damage report sheets are available and visible for all to follow the events and actions taken.

5.
5.

Prepare dips (with boxes or with folders) for incoming, pending and outgoing (or logged) messages.

6.

Work closely with the Situation Reporter and share log sheets.

7.

Clarify with the NEOC Coordinator or any member on any doubts about any messages or action taken.

8.

After 12 hours in the NEOC prepare a briefing for the substitute/alternate.

9.

Return to the NEOC as required.

5.

Attachments: 5.1 Log sheet (messages) 72 EVENT LOG Page___/___ Form 2 Person reporting: .

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Date: .

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PEOPLE PERMANENT DWELLINGS Dead Missing Hospitalised Sick / Injured (not hospitalised) Homeless / evacuated Destroyed Damaged but habitable Damaged but inhabitable BUSINESSES Destroyed Damaged but operable Damaged inoperable Damaged or Destroyed Damaged or Destroyed UTILITIES SCHOOLS No.

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General comments on damages to businesses, industries, roads, public utilities, farms, Schools, hospitals etc.

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Comments on community response ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ 3.
Assistance required ___________________________________________________________________ 74 5.3 Damage assessment sheet (not shown) END OF PROCEDURE 75 APPENDIX M: DEFINITION OF VOLCANO HAZARDS Volcanoes produce a wide variety of natural hazards that can kill people and destroy property.

Some hazards, such as lahars and landslides, can occur even when a volcano is not erupting.

DEFINITIONS Lava Flows and Domes Lava is molten rock that flows onto the earth’s surface.
Lava flows move downslope away from a vent and bury or burn everything in their paths.

Lava domes form when lava piles up over a vent.

Pyroclastic Flows Pyroclastic flows are high speed avalanches of hot rock, gas,, and ash that are formed by the collapse of lava domes or eruption columns.

They can move up to 100 miles per hour and have t Tephra Explosive eruptions blast lava fragments (tephra) and gas into the air.

Tephra can also be carried aloft in billowing ash clouds above pyroclastic flows.
Large fragments fall to the ground close to the volcano, but smaller fragments (ash) can travel hundreds to thousands of miles downwind.

Debris Avalanches and Lahars Debris avalanches are rapid landslides of rock, soil and overlying vegetation, snow or ice.

Lahars are fast-moving slurries of rock, mud, and water that move down valleys.

Lahars form when pyroclastic flows mobilize of loose debris on the flanks of volcanoes.

Both lahars and debris avalanches can bury, move, or smash objects in their path.
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