HomeMy WebLinkAboutRES 4512EXHIBIT A
City of Renton
Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan
October 2023
Resolution No. 4512
CITY OF RENTON
COMPREHENSIVE EMERGENCY
MANAGEMENT PLAN
City of Renton
Office of Emergency Management
Adopted by Council October 2023
October 2023 1
PROMULGATION DOCUMENT
It is the policy of the City of Renton to provide the emergency organization and resources to
minimize the effects of incidents; prepare to respond to disaster situations; maximize
population survival; preserve property; and recovery that will ensure the orderly and fast return
to normal community life in the City of Renton in the event of a natural or technological
disaster.
The City of Renton Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan (CEMP) has been developed
to establish the special policies, guidelines, and procedures that will provide response
personnel with the information and guidance required to function quickly and effectively in a
disaster situation. It is a goal of this plan to help develop city, business, and resident self-
sufficiency for a minimum of 72 hours after a disaster. This plan supersedes all previous
versions of the Renton CEMP.
It should be understood that emergencies and disasters are dynamic events that require
flexibility and the ability to solve challenges that are presented. Circumstances may dictate
deviation from this plan in order to have the best possible response. This plan may be
supplemented by the King County Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan, the Puget
Sound Regional Catastrophic Disaster Coordination Plan and Annexes, the Washington State
Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan, and other applicable plans.
All city departments are directed to take appropriate actions to implement this plan and to
maintain the necessary capabilities to respond effectively to emergencies and disasters. All
non-city entities involved in the plan are requested to cooperate with the city in order to
coordinate the total disaster response within the community.
Mayor, City of Renton Date
Emergency Management Director, City of Renton Date
Reviewed by:
Attorney, City of Renton Date
Emergency Management Director, Date
Washington State
October 2023 2
RECORD OF CHANGES
Change
No.
Summary of Change Date Initials, Department
1 Initial Development 10/27/2008 DN, Renton Emergency
Management
2 Review and Update 11/05/2012 MM, Renton Emergency
Management
3 Review and Update 10/23/2017 MM, Renton Emergency
Management
4 Review and Update XX/XX/2023 MJ, Renton Emergency
Management
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Documents Covered by this Record:
Basic Plan Hazard Specific Annexes
Emergency Support Functions Appendices
Support Annexes
October 2023 3
RECORD OF DISTRIBUTION
Name Title Agency of the Receiver Delivery
Date
Copies
October 2023 4
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Basic Plan ...................................................................................................................................... 10
Introduction .............................................................................................................................. 10
Concept of Operations .................................................................................................................. 12
Direction, Control, and Coordination ........................................................................................... 17
Organization .................................................................................................................................. 19
Responsibilities ............................................................................................................................. 23
Communications ........................................................................................................................... 27
Administration .............................................................................................................................. 30
Finance .......................................................................................................................................... 31
Logistics and Resource Management ........................................................................................... 34
Development and Maintenance ................................................................................................... 35
Authorities and References .......................................................................................................... 39
Glossary ..................................................................................................................................... 41
Emergency Support Function 1: Transportation .......................................................................... 56
Introduction .............................................................................................................................. 56
Situation Overview .................................................................................................................... 57
Concept of Operations .............................................................................................................. 58
Responsibilities ......................................................................................................................... 61
Resource Requirements ............................................................................................................ 64
References ................................................................................................................................ 64
Terms and Definitions ............................................................................................................... 65
Appendices ................................................................................................................................ 65
EMERGENCY SUPPORT FUNCTION 2: COMMUNICATIONS, INFORMATION SYSTEMS, AND
WARNING ...................................................................................................................................... 66
Introduction .............................................................................................................................. 66
Situation Overview .................................................................................................................... 67
Concept of Operations .............................................................................................................. 69
Responsibilities ......................................................................................................................... 73
Resource Requirements ............................................................................................................ 77
References ................................................................................................................................ 77
Terms and Definitions ............................................................................................................... 77
Appendices ................................................................................................................................ 78
EMERGENCY SUPPORT FUNCTION 3: PUBLIC WORKS AND ENGINEERING .................................. 79
Introduction .............................................................................................................................. 79
October 2023 5
Situation Overview .................................................................................................................... 81
Concept of Operations .............................................................................................................. 82
Responsibilities ......................................................................................................................... 85
Resource Requirements ............................................................................................................ 88
References ................................................................................................................................ 88
Terms and Definitions ............................................................................................................... 89
Appendices ................................................................................................................................ 89
EMERGENCY SUPPORT FUNCTION 4: FIREFIGHTING .................................................................... 90
Introduction .............................................................................................................................. 90
Situation Overview .................................................................................................................... 93
Concept of Operations .............................................................................................................. 94
Responsibilities ......................................................................................................................... 97
Resource Requirements .......................................................................................................... 101
References .............................................................................................................................. 102
Appendices .............................................................................................................................. 103
EMERGENCY SUPPORT FUNCTION 5: INFORMATION AND PLANNING ...................................... 104
Introduction ............................................................................................................................ 104
Situation Overview .................................................................................................................. 106
Concept of Operations ............................................................................................................ 106
Responsibilities ....................................................................................................................... 109
Resource Requirements .......................................................................................................... 114
References .............................................................................................................................. 114
Terms and Definitions ............................................................................................................. 114
Appendices .............................................................................................................................. 114
EMERGENCY SUPPORT FUNCTION 6: MASS CARE, EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE, HOUSING, AND
HUMAN SERVICES………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….117
Introduction ............................................................................................................................ 115
Purpose ................................................................................................................................... 115
Situation Overview .................................................................................................................. 119
Concept of Operations ............................................................................................................ 120
Whole Community .................................................................................................................. 122
Organization ............................................................................................................................ 123
Notification ............................................................................................................................. 123
Information Collection ............................................................................................................ 123
October 2023 6
Responsibilities ....................................................................................................................... 126
Resource Requirements .......................................................................................................... 130
References .............................................................................................................................. 130
Appendices .............................................................................................................................. 130
Appendix A: American Red Cross Regional Services Model ................................................... 131
EMERGENCY SUPPORT FUNCTION 7: LOGISTICS MANAGEMENT AND RESOURCE SUPPORT ... 134
Introduction ............................................................................................................................ 134
Situation Overview .................................................................................................................. 136
Concept of Operations ............................................................................................................ 137
Responsibilities ....................................................................................................................... 140
Resource Requirements .......................................................................................................... 145
Terms and Definitions ............................................................................................................. 145
References .............................................................................................................................. 145
Appendices .............................................................................................................................. 146
EMERGENCY SUPPORT FUNCTION 8: PUBLIC HEALTH AND MEDICAL SERVICES ....................... 147
Introduction ............................................................................................................................ 147
Situation Overview .................................................................................................................. 149
Concept of Operations ............................................................................................................ 150
Responsibilities ....................................................................................................................... 153
Resource Requirements .......................................................................................................... 158
References .............................................................................................................................. 158
Terms and Definitions ............................................................................................................. 159
Appendices .............................................................................................................................. 159
EMERGENCY SUPPORT FUNCTION 9: SEARCH AND RESCUE ...................................................... 160
Introduction ............................................................................................................................ 160
Situation Overview .................................................................................................................. 162
Concept of Operations ............................................................................................................ 162
Responsibilities ....................................................................................................................... 165
Resource Requirements .......................................................................................................... 167
References .............................................................................................................................. 167
Terms and Definitions ............................................................................................................. 167
Appendices .............................................................................................................................. 167
EMERGENCY SUPPORT FUNCTION 10: OIL AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS RESPONSE .............. 168
Introduction ............................................................................................................................ 168
Situation Overview .................................................................................................................. 172
October 2023 7
Concept of Operations ............................................................................................................ 173
Responsibilities ....................................................................................................................... 177
Resource Requirements .......................................................................................................... 183
References .............................................................................................................................. 183
Terms and Definitions ............................................................................................................. 185
Appendices .............................................................................................................................. 187
Appendix A: Olympic Pipeline ................................................................................................. 188
EMERGENCY SUPPORT FUNCTION 11: AGRICULTURE AND NATURAL RESOURCES................... 189
Introduction ............................................................................................................................ 189
Situation Overview .................................................................................................................. 191
Concept of Operations ............................................................................................................ 192
Responsibilities ....................................................................................................................... 197
Resource Requirements .......................................................................................................... 201
References .............................................................................................................................. 201
Terms and Definitions ............................................................................................................. 201
Appendices .............................................................................................................................. 202
EMERGENCY SUPPORT FUNCTION 12: ENERGY ......................................................................... 202
Introduction ............................................................................................................................ 202
Situation Overview .................................................................................................................. 204
Concept of Operations ............................................................................................................ 204
Responsibilities ....................................................................................................................... 206
Resource Requirements .......................................................................................................... 208
References .............................................................................................................................. 208
Terms and Definitions ............................................................................................................. 208
Appendices .............................................................................................................................. 208
EMERGENCY SUPPORT FUNCTION 13: PUBLIC SAFETY AND SECURITY ..................................... 209
Introduction ............................................................................................................................ 209
Situation Overview .................................................................................................................. 211
Concept of Operations ............................................................................................................ 211
Responsibilities ....................................................................................................................... 213
Resource Requirements .......................................................................................................... 215
References .............................................................................................................................. 215
Terms and Definitions ............................................................................................................. 215
Appendices .............................................................................................................................. 215
October 2023 8
EMERGENCY SUPPORT FUNCTION 15: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS/EMERGENCY PUBLIC INFORMATION
..................................................................................................................................................... 216
Introduction ............................................................................................................................ 216
Authorities and Policies .......................................................................................................... 217
Situation Overview .................................................................................................................. 218
Concept of Operation ............................................................................................................. 219
Responsibilities ....................................................................................................................... 223
Resource Requirements .......................................................................................................... 229
References and Resources ...................................................................................................... 229
Terms and Definitions ............................................................................................................. 229
Appendices .............................................................................................................................. 229
CYBER INCIDENT ANNEX ............................................................................................................. 230
Introduction ............................................................................................................................ 230
Situation Overview .................................................................................................................. 231
Concept of Operations ............................................................................................................ 232
Responsibilities ....................................................................................................................... 235
References .............................................................................................................................. 238
Terms and Definitions ............................................................................................................. 239
Appendices .............................................................................................................................. 239
Appendix A: Cyber Incident Checklist .......................................................................................... 240
DAMAGE ASSESSMENT ANNEX ................................................................................................... 245
Introduction ............................................................................................................................ 245
Situation Overview .................................................................................................................. 250
Concept of Operations ............................................................................................................ 250
Responsibilities ....................................................................................................................... 252
Resource Requirements .......................................................................................................... 255
References .............................................................................................................................. 256
Terms and Definitions ............................................................................................................. 256
Appendices .............................................................................................................................. 256
EVACUATION ANNEX .................................................................................................................. 257
Introduction ............................................................................................................................ 257
Situation Overview .................................................................................................................. 260
Concept of Operations ............................................................................................................ 264
Evacuation Operations ............................................................................................................ 267
Administration ........................................................................................................................ 276
October 2023 9
Plan Review and Maintenance ............................................................................................... 277
Training and Exercise .............................................................................................................. 277
References .............................................................................................................................. 277
Appendices .............................................................................................................................. 278
Appendix A: City Boundaries and Services Areas ................................................................... 279
Appendix B: Flood Hazards - Green and Cedar Rivers ............................................................ 280
Appendix C: Gas Pipelines ....................................................................................................... 281
Appendix D: Landslide Map .................................................................................................... 282
Appendix E: Comprehensive Land Use ................................................................................... 283
Appendix F: Arterial Streets .................................................................................................... 284
Appendix G: Evacuation Routes .............................................................................................. 285
October 2023 10
BASIC PLAN
Introduction
Purpose
In order to protect life, property, and the environment within the City of Renton, city
government shall respond to natural and human-caused disasters and shall take appropriate
actions to mitigate against, prepare for, respond to, and recover from the effects of such
events.
For the purpose of this plan, an emergency is defined as any event, natural or human-caused,
that exceeds the capability of one or more city departments to manage their response
effectively.
The Renton Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan is an all-hazards plan describing how
the City of Renton will prepare for, prevent, mitigate, respond to, and recover from any
emergency that could adversely impact the lives, property, and environment of the city’s
residents and visitors. Maintaining the CEMP may adequately address the city’s current
resources and capabilities to respond to any emergency.
The CEMP includes the Basic Plan, Emergency Support Function (ESF) plans, and hazard specific
annexes. The following documents comprise the CEMP and describe how city departments
coordinate emergency management related actions, resources, and activities with other
federal, state, county, regional, private-sector, and nongovernmental organizations. The city
has institutionalized the use of the Incident Command System (ICS) principles to ensure that all
lead and support agencies are assigned appropriate roles and responsibilities as per the
National Incident Management System (NIMS).
This plan is designed to provide an overview of how to implement emergency management
details and responsibilities in relation to federal and state laws, rules, and regulations as
described in Washington Administrative Code 118-30 and Revised Code of Washington Chapter
38.52.
The desired outcome of following the plan is for the city to be sufficiently prepared for
emergencies so that when an incident occurs the response is efficient and effective to protect,
life, property, the environment, and economy. Much of the focus of this plan is to restore
essential services and the processes and resources which will support that end state goal. The
result in recovery would be a resilient community that is able to restore social routines and
adjust to the new normal of post-disaster life.
Scope
The CEMP establishes a mutual understanding of authority, responsibilities, and functions of
local government and proves a basis for incorporating essential non-governmental agencies and
organizations into the emergency management organization. All directions contained in this
Plan are activated accordingly to apply to preparedness and emergency activities undertaken
October 2023 11
by the City of Renton and supporting organizations required to minimize the effects of
emergency events and facilitate recovery activities.
The CEMP identifies Emergency Support Functions as areas that are federally defined as
essential emergency functions which a municipality must carry out to efficiently respond to a
disaster. These ESFs are necessary regardless of the disaster scenario. All supporting
organizations listed in the CEMP have been made aware of their responsibilities as outlined in
the plan and have been provided with an opportunity to provide input to the review and
revision process. Their feedback has been incorporated into the plan.
The CEMP considers the emergencies and disasters that are likely to occur within the City of
Renton that have been identified in the Renton Hazard Mitigation Plan, and long-term recovery
activities identified in the Recovery Framework, formerly ESF 14. This plan follows federal
guidance and supporting plans, including the National Prevention, Protection, Mitigation,
Response, and Disaster Recovery Frameworks, as well as FEMA’s National Incident
Management System (NIMS) and Comprehensive Planning Guide 101v2. The CEMP applies
within the City of Renton municipal boundaries and supports and is compatible with the State
of Washington, King County, and surrounding jurisdictional plans.
Situation Overview
Hazard Assessment Summary
Through hazard and vulnerability identification, risk ranking, and risk assessment,
Renton city officials have identified the primary hazards that could potentially impact
the city. The assessments have determined that the City of Renton is vulnerable to
numerous natural, technological, and human-caused hazards. In addition to these
hazards, the potential exists for emergencies to occur outside of the jurisdiction with
negative impacts to the City of Renton. The potential effects of these hazards could
disrupt public services, damage property, and cause injury or death of persons within
affected areas.
The relative probability, risk, vulnerability, and impact of the Regional Risk and
Probability Summary are detailed in the King County Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan
and the City of Renton Annex. Hazards addressed in the Renton Annex include dam
failure, earthquake, flood, landslide, sinkholes and ground subsidence, severe weather,
severe winter weather, volcano, and wildfire. Additionally, the city is subject to major
transportation disruptions and accidents, utility and infrastructure failures or collapses,
public health emergencies, cyber incidents, hazardous materials releases, acts of
terrorism or civil disturbance and mass casualty incidents from any cause.
The City of Renton participates in a regional capability assessment led by King County.
The capabilities of the City of Renton specifically are addressed within each ESF. Each
discipline has access to a limited number of resources, which are adequate in normal
circumstances but can quickly become overwhelmed in a disaster or emergency.
Therefore, the City of Renton relies upon mutual aid and other external resources to fill
resource gaps. All personnel are trained in the NIMS ICS system and technical details of
executing their department and division responsibilities. Additionally, the city has the
October 2023 12
capability to mobilize trained and emergent volunteers to assist with disaster response
and recovery efforts.
Planning Assumptions
The information and procedures included in this plan have been prepared utilizing the best
information and planning assumptions available at the time of preparation. As the true extent
of the impacts of a disaster cannot be known before it occurs, the city can only endeavor to
make every reasonable effort to respond based on the situation, information, and resources
available at the time. The final outcome of an emergency may be different than the expected
outcome based on these assumptions (or others).
It is assumed that any situation could create significant loss of life, injury, property damage, or
cause disruption of essential services in the City of Renton. These situations may also create
significant financial, psychological, and sociological impacts on the residents of the community
and the city governmental organization.
It is reasonable to assume that with impending incidents such as storms and floods, warnings
will be issued to enable some preparation prior to the event. Other emergencies will come with
no advance warning.
In the event of a severe disaster situation, there will not likely be any significant assistance from
nearby communities, counties, or State and Federal agencies for two weeks or longer. In this
situation, the city will need to rely on any available city resources and those of private
organizations, businesses, and residents within the city for initial response operations.
CONCEPT OF OPERATIONS
General
The concept of operations provides an overview of the emergency management structure and
procedures for the City of Renton to respond to an emergency or disaster situation. The
primary intent of Renton leadership is the protection of life, property, the environment, and the
economy. As such the emergency management objectives of the CEMP are to:
1. Protect the health and safety of resident and visitors affected by emergencies.
2. Contain and stabilize the emergency.
3. Minimize damage to City of Renton property, facilities, the environment, and the
economy.
4. Minimize disruption to the City of Renton operations.
5. Resume normal City of Renton activities and operations in a timely manner.
Whole Community Involvement
The “Whole Community” includes individuals, families, households, communities, and private
and non-profit sectors, faith-based organizations, and local, tribal, state, and federal
governments. The “whole community” is defined in the National Preparedness Goal as follows:
October 2023 13
“[A] focus on enabling the participation in national preparedness activities of
a wider range of players from the private and nonprofit sectors, including
nongovernmental organizations and the general public, in conjunction with
the participation of Federal, state, and local governmental partners in order
to foster better coordination and working relationships.”
The “whole community” approach refers to a strategy where residents, community leaders, and
government officials assess the unique needs of each community and work together to
organize and strengthen their assets, capacities, and interests. This non-discriminatory
approach requires engagement with public, private, and non-profit partners. This includes
people, businesses, faith-based and disability organizations, and the general public, including
individuals who are covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), people with Access
and Functional Needs (AFN), people with Limited English Proficiency (LEP), and culturally
diverse populations. Hereafter, every Emergency Support Function (ESF) annex will include a
Whole Community statement.
Access and Functional Needs (AFN) refers to those who may have additional needs before,
during, or after an incident including the general encompassing populations: individuals who
have disabilities, those who live in retirement or assisted living facilities, elderly populations,
children, those from lower socio-economic classes, those who are transportation
disadvantaged, and Limited English Proficiency (LEP) communities. The city recognizes that
these populations require ongoing support, special considerations, and accommodations as
they may be more vulnerable during and after an emergency or disaster. Children in a disaster
may have limited understanding of circumstances, may be more emotionally distressed, and
require supervision and additional assistance due to their limited capabilities.
Supporting individuals with LEP may require providing language assistance services, including
oral interpretation and written translation services. The RCW 38.52.070 requires emergency
communications to be translated into languages spoken by “significant populations”
(populations that exceed 1,000 people or 5% of the jurisdiction’s population based on data
from the Office of Financial Management). The City of Renton will strive to work with LEP
populations to identify resources and strategies to ensure they are able to fully benefit from
emergency preparedness, response, mitigation, and recovery efforts. This is more fully
addressed in the City of Renton Annex to the King County Inclusive Emergency Communication
Plan.
The Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards (PETS) Act amends the Robert T. Stafford
Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to ensure state and local emergency
preparedness operational plans address the needs of individuals with household pets and
service animals following a major emergency or disaster. ESF 6 – Mass Care, Emergency
Assistance, Temporary Housing, and Human Services, and ESF 11 – Agriculture and Natural
Resources, address pets, service animals, and livestock.
City leadership will strive and intend to make every reasonable effort to provide that their
actions are compliant with applicable laws related to accessibility, including the Americans with
Disabilities Act (ADA). Persons with access and functional needs should receive the same
standard of services and care as the rest of the population. No services or assistance will be
October 2023 14
denied or withheld on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, economic status,
age, disability, or Limited English Proficiency (LEP).
Operational Objectives
Operational objectives are based on the following priorities: life safety, incident stabilization,
protection of property, protection of the environment, and protection of the economy when
possible.
NIMS Component to Achieve Priorities
Incident management priorities include saving lives, stabilizing the incident, and
protecting property and the environment. To achieve these priorities, incident
personnel apply and implement NIMS components in accordance with the principles of
flexibility, standardization, and unity of effort.
Flexibility – allows NIMS to be scalable and therefore applicable for incidents that vary
widely in terms of hazard, geography, demographics, climate, cultural, and
organizational authorities.
Standardization – defines standard organizational structures that improve integration
and connectivity among jurisdictions and organizations, defines standard practices that
allow incident personnel to work together effectively and foster cohesion among the
various organizations involved, and includes common terminology to enable effective
communication.
Unity of Effort – coordinating activities among various organizations to achieve common
objectives. Unity of effort enables organizations with specific jurisdictional
responsibilities to support each other while maintaining their own authorities.
Integration - The National Incident Management System (NIMS) is part of the National
Response Framework (NRF) that establishes a standardized incident response. NIMS
provides a systematic, proactive approach to guide departments and agencies at all
levels of government to work seamlessly to prevent, protect against, respond to,
recover from, and mitigate the effects of incidents.
In order to be compliant with the National Incident Management System, the City of
Renton uses the Incident Command System (ICS) to respond to incidents. ICS is a
standardized all-hazards incident management approach that is flexible to the size and
demands of the incident.
Request for an Emergency Proclamation
A proclamation of local emergency is made by the mayor and is the legal method that
authorizes the use of extraordinary measures to accomplish tasks associated with
responding to an incident. An emergency proclamation can suspend normal operating
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rules, e.g., waive competitive bidding requirements during the initial emergency (RCW
39.04.280). The Renton City Council is advised of the proclamation as soon as practical.
Any contract awarded to address the emergency situation in lieu of competitive bidding
shall require a written finding by the city council or its designee of the existence of an
emergency to be duly entered of record no later than two weeks following the award of
the contract. The proclamation authorizes the city to take necessary measures to
respond to an incident in order to protect lives, property, the environment, and the
economy and exercise the powers vested in RCW 38.52.070.
In the event of an emergency, or imminent threat thereof, the mayor has the authority to
proclaim an emergency. Additional details of the city’s Emergency Proclamation Process can be
found in the Emergency Operations Center Procedures Plan.
The EOC Duty Officer, EOC Director, or their designee is responsible for working with the city
attorney to prepare an emergency proclamation. Once signed, the EOC Duty Officer/EOC
Director is responsible for the notification of appropriate county, state, and federal agencies
following the proclamation. Requests to the Governor to proclaim a State of Emergency are
made by the mayor through the King County Emergency Operations Center (KCEOC).
Proclamation by the Governor is necessary to pursue a Presidential Disaster Declaration and
federal disaster relief funds.
Renton EOC Activation
Authority to Activate EOC
The City of Renton EOC may be activated by any of the following city officials or their
designated alternates:
Mayor, or their delegate
Chief Administrative Officer or delegate
Department administrator for Police, Public Works, Parks and Recreation, or
delegate
Emergency Management Director or delegate
Authority to Request EOC Activation
In addition to the officials that may activate the EOC, the following personnel may
request activation of the EOC:
Any City of Renton department administrator
Renton Regional Fire Authority Chief or delegate
Renton Police Department Deputy Chief or Commanders
Renton Public Works department division director or designee
Procedures to Activate EOC
To activate the EOC, the requesting individual should attempt to notify one of the
following, in the preferred order:
October 2023 16
1. EOC Duty Officer
2. Department administrators
The Police Front Counter is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and can assist in
notification of the above individuals. The person requesting the Renton EOC activation
shall indicate whether it is a level one, two or three activations. The first individual
notified of the EOC activation request will follow the EOC Duty Officer Procedures for
activation of the EOC. Valley Communications, the King County Office of Emergency
Management/Regional Communications and Emergency Coordination Center, and
Washington State Emergency Management Division should be advised that the City of
Renton is activating the EOC.
Activation Levels
The Renton EOC is organized into functional levels that coordinate with one another as
well as with external agencies and resources. The EOC director oversees all functions as
well as public information activities. The administrator from the lead incident command
department coordinates with key officials at the executive and policy level. The Renton
Emergency Management Division of the Executive Services Department maintains the
EOC duty officer available 24 hours a day to activate the EOC when needed.
Level Description Example
Level 3
Minimal staffing available to
monitor the situation, answer the
main EOC phone line, call in
additional staff if needed, and
provide limited support to field
operations as requested.
Examples include certain weather
advisories or watches, activation of
a city Department Operations
Center, a planned community
event, and/or minor field incident
needing minimal support.
Note: A level three activation may also be done remotely with the EOC Duty Officer
performing all functions and utilizing the EOC Duty Officer phone as the main EOC
line.
Level 2
Minimal staffing of all appropriate
EOC sections to facilitate
interdepartmental coordination,
public information dissemination,
and information collection and
distribution through situation
reports.
Examples include moderate
earthquake requiring damage
assessment, major wind or winter
storm, mass evacuation, and/or
moderate flooding.
Level 1
Full staffing to perform all required
functions of the EOC.
Examples include major
earthquake, major flood, or
multiple departments involved in
full response or support to another
major incident.
EOC Primary and Alternate Locations
October 2023 17
The Emergency Management Director is responsible for ensuring the maintenance and
operational readiness of the primary EOC and coordinating the readiness of the alternate EOCs.
The EOC should include facilities for feeding personnel and an emergency power source capable
of maintaining a functioning, fully staffed EOC for a minimum of 72 hours.
Primary EOC Location Alternate EOC Location
Renton Fire Station #12
1209 Kirkland Ave NE
Renton, WA 98056
Renton City Hall, 4th Floor
1055 S Grady Way
Renton, WA 98057
Renton Fire Station #13
18802 108th Ave SE
Renton WA 98057
Renton Fire Station #14
1900 Lind Ave SW
Renton, WA 98057
Restoration of City and Public Services
Efforts to restore city/public services to a basic functioning level shall be generally prioritized as
listed below.
Tier 1 Tier 2 Tier 3
Emergency responder
communications
Electrical service Normal incident command to
govern response then
includes property protection
and protection of the
economy and the
environment. All other city
and public services will be
restored as soon as possible
at the direction of the
Incident Commander after
consulting with the mayor
and the Chief Administrative
Officer.
Vehicle access to emergency
medical facilities
Telephone service
Fire control, hazard
mitigation, and general
rescue
Vehicle access on arterial and
collector roadways
Emergency medical services Natural gas service
Security and Public Order Internal communications
Water production and
distribution
Wastewater collection
DIRECTION, CONTROL, AND COORDINATION
Multi-Jurisdictional Coordination
Key concepts of the Plan include Incident Command System (ICS), Emergency Support
Functions (ESFs), reliable and redundant communication systems and processes,
Department Operations Centers (DOCs), Emergency Operations Center (EOC)
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responsibilities, resource management, mutual aid agreements, and memoranda of
agreement or understanding.
Horizontal Integration
This plan is one of a family of emergency plans created by the City of Renton to provide
the policy framework by which other emergency plans are guided. This plan provides
the City of Renton guidance in preparing for, responding to, and recovering from an
incident. It discusses guidelines on how city departments organize, direct, control, and
coordinate their actions to continue essential functions during incidents. The Plan may
also provide guidance and assistance in decision-making.
Vertical Integration
The Plan uses the Incident Command System (ICS), a federally mandated command and
control structure implemented during an incident. The Plan is compliant with FEMA’s
Comprehensive Preparedness Guide for uniformity with local and federal government
and the National Response Framework.
Preparedness Mission
Preparedness actions develop operational capabilities in advance of an emergency or incident
in order to mitigate or prevent an imminent or actual incident and to protect residents, visitors,
business owners, assets, systems, and networks against the greatest threats and hazards.
The Renton CEMP addresses all hazards planning to guide actions before, during, and after a
disaster regardless of the hazard type. It defines who does what, when, and where in order to
mitigate, prepare for, respond to, and recovery from the effects of natural, technological, and
human-caused hazards or threats.
Mitigation Mission
Mitigation actions reduce or eliminate long-term risk to people, property, the environment, and
the economy from natural and technological hazards. The City of Renton Annex to the King
County Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan considers the impact of hazards in the region and
identifies hazard mitigation goals, objectives, and actions to reduce injury and damage from
hazards. The City of Renton may also participate in the Federal Emergency Management
Agency (FEMA) Hazard Mitigation Grant Program which provides funding to state, local, tribal,
and territorial governments so they can develop hazard mitigation plans and rebuild in a way
that reduces or mitigates future disaster losses in their communities.
Response Mission
The response mission emphasizes saving and sustaining lives, stabilizing the incident, rapidly
meeting basic human needs, restoring basic services and technologies, restoring community
functionality, providing universal accessibility, establishing a safe and secure environment, and
supporting the transition to recovery. The ESF and additional annexes to this plan identify
October 2023 19
primary and support agency response activities which may include actions such as activation of
the Renton Emergency Operations Center (EOC) for coordination and information sharing.
Recovery Mission
Recovery includes those capabilities necessary to assist communities affected by an incident to
recover effectively. Support for recovery ensures a continuum of care for individuals to
maintain and restore health, safety, and resiliency, with a focus on those who experience
financial, emotional, and physical hardships. Recovery capabilities support the well-
coordinated, transparent, and timely restoration, strengthening, and revitalization of
infrastructure and housing; an economic base; health and social systems; and a revitalized
cultural, historical, and environmental fabric. The City of Renton Disaster Recovery Framework
addresses the recovery process and responsible agencies associated with essential services
needed in disaster recovery.
ORGANIZATION
General
The City of Renton employs a director and two emergency management coordinators to
execute emergency management activities. Housed within the Executive Services Department,
Emergency Management coordinates the implementation of emergency planning, training,
exercise, outreach and education, and operational readiness for the city.
Disaster and Emergencies
The Director of Emergency Management coordinates the incident management activities
through the Renton Emergency Operations Center (EOC) as the EOC Director. The Renton EOC
is comprised of trained representatives from various city departments and responding partner
agencies to fulfill the ICS positions pictured below.
The Renton EOC is organized using the ICS chain of command structure as pictured below.
EOC Director
Operations Planning Logistics Finance /
Administration
Safety Officer
Public
Information
Officer
Liaison Officer
October 2023 20
EOC Director
The EOC Director is responsible for coordination of EOC activities; interfacing with the
Policy Advisory Group, Incident Command, and other government agencies and private
organizations; and may also authorize support staff to perform functions such as public
information, liaison, safety, and security.
Operations Section
This section is responsible for the initial receipt and coordination of information and
requests related to field response. This section also maintains communication with field
representatives and shares vital information with other EOC workers.
This section is headed by the Operations Section Chief, who reports to the EOC Director.
The Operations Section Chief is drawn from the lead incident response department.
Department or ESF representatives coordinate resources and information with their
own department personnel and may work together to ensure the best possible
coordination of effort for the overall response. Incident-specific agencies, such as a
pipeline company, can be added as needed. If necessary, the following branches may be
created to maintain the appropriate span of control for the Operations Section Chief:
Emergency services branch (fire, emergency medical services, and law
enforcement representatives)
Human services branch (community services, hospital, mental health, public
health, schools, and Community Organizations Active in Disaster (COAD)
representatives may be added)
Planning Section
This section is responsible for the collection, evaluation and dissemination of
information related to the incident or emergency and for the preparation and
documentation of EOC Action Plans and Situation Reports. This section also maintains
information on the current and forecasted situation related to the emergency.
This section is headed by the Planning Section Chief, who reports to the EOC Director.
Information collected is incorporated into organized Situation Reports, which are then
distributed to recipients within and outside the EOC. The message controller monitors
all information-sharing and sends key information to the display processors for posting
on the whiteboards. Information within the EOC may also be shared through overhead
projected display, web-based data displays, or oral briefings. The Documentation Unit
maintains incident documentation for the entire EOC.
The Check-in Recorder in the Resources Unit oversees the check-in/check-out and
assignment of EOC staff. The Planning Section also engages technical specialists such as
mapping, hydrology, weather, and hazmat experts to provide specialized information to
assist in incident planning. They work with the Operations Section to advise on
upcoming issues and develop a plan for resolving them. When ready, the Demobilization
Unit coordinates the de-escalation of the EOC response.
October 2023 21
Logistics Section
This section is responsible for providing service, support, supplies, equipment,
personnel, and other resources.
This section is headed by the Logistics Section Chief, who reports to the EOC Director.
The Logistics Section handles food service, EOC security, technical assistance with
phones and computers, communications, and other general support functions within
the facility. Within the Supply Unit, staff handle both internal and external resource
requests. They identify needed resources and work with Finance and Administration to
procure them. If local resources are exhausted, resource requests are forwarded to the
King County EOC after EOC Director approval. The Logistics Section may also help with
volunteer and donations management coordination.
The Communications Unit may establish, and document communication systems used
during response and relays incident information within the EOC using call-takers,
amateur radio operators, and message distributors.
Finance/Administration
This section is responsible for monitoring costs, procurements, contracts, and other
financial considerations.
This section is co-located with the Logistics Section. It is headed by the Finance and
Administration Section Chief, who reports to the EOC Director. Staffed by
representatives from the City of Renton’s Finance and Human Resources and Risk
Management departments, the Finance and Administration Section issues checks and
purchase orders and expends public funds to secure emergency resources located by
the Logistics Section. They track impact of the disaster by documenting damage
assessment and personnel costs, as well as injuries or damage to city personnel or
equipment, or even claims against the city by outside agencies or individuals.
Coordination
The purpose of this section is to establish procedures to be followed when an incident occurs
within the City of Renton that necessitates the activation of the EOC. The organization of the
EOC and the degree of activation will depend upon the severity and nature of the emergency
and anticipated requirements for support.
The purpose of the EOC is to provide centralized coordination for the community in the event
of a disaster, large-scale emergency, or regional event that could overwhelm emergency
resources. Specifically, the EOC is primarily involved with:
• Collection and documentation of event information-Situational
Awareness/Common Operating Picture (critical infrastructure surveys, information
about major incidents, casualties, shelters, damage assessments, response readiness
by city assets)
October 2023 22
• Processing and distribution of event information (situation reports to city officials,
the King County EOC, neighboring jurisdictions, other emergency services,
information releases to the media and public)
• Coordination of resource support (locate and procure resources as requested by
Incident Command, including requesting items or support from the county or state as
needed, prioritize, and allocate scarce resources according to policy direction)
• Technical information gathering and support (forecast flood mapping, HAZUS
modeling, incident mapping, etc.)
• Operations representatives for field operations (collection of event information
from various departments with field operations)
Incident Command may choose to delegate extended functions to EOC staff, but staff in the
EOC do not normally make operational decisions regarding management of the incident.
Rather, they coordinate with, and support Incident Command as requested.
EOC Coordination
Although field Incident Command controls on-scene activities related to the disaster, the
Renton EOC coordinates the overall city response to the disaster, which includes
obtaining an emergency proclamation from the mayor and requesting additional local,
state, and Federal aid to respond to the disaster. Coordination will generally be through
the following means:
Identification of a lead city department based on the nature of the disaster. The
lead city department will provide an Incident Commander to the field Incident
Management System, and a qualified representative to the Renton EOC.
Coordination of multiple agencies and the resources required to accomplish
targeted goals.
Effective public information.
Procurement of technical expertise to assist in the disaster response and
coordination.
Provision of financial and administrative resources and support to accomplish
the goals of the developed strategy.
Emergency Support Function Matrix
This Plan, with the ESF annexes that follow, assigns response and preparedness roles and
responsibilities for city departments. Each department’s role is identified with the
understanding that roles may change depending on the situation.
Primary agencies have significant authorities, roles, resources, and capabilities for a particular
function with a capability. Support agencies have specific capabilities or resources that support
primary agencies in executive capabilities and other missions. This matrix identifies the
Emergency Support Function (ESF) and the corresponding primary agency. Corresponding
support agencies can be found within each ESF.
October 2023 23
Emergency Support Function Primary Agency
ESF 1: Transportation Renton Public Works
ESF 2: Communications, Information, and
Warning Systems
Renton Executive Services
ESF 3: Public Works and Engineering Renton Public Works
ESF 4: Firefighting Renton Regional Fire Authority
ESF 5: Information and Planning Renton Executive Services
ESF 6: Mass Care, Emergency Assistance,
Housing and Human Services
Renton Parks and Recreation
ESF 7: Logistics Management and Resource
Support
Renton Executive Services
ESF 8: Public Health and Medical Services Renton Regional Fire Authority / Public
Health Seattle King County
ESF 9: Search and Rescue Renton Police / Renton Regional Fire
Authority
ESF 10: Oil and Hazardous Materials Response Renton Regional Fire Authority
ESF 11: Agriculture and Natural Resources Renton Parks and Recreation
ESF 12: Energy Renton Public Works
ESF 13: Public Safety and Security Renton Police
ESF 14: Long-Term Recovery Renton Community and Economic
Development
ESF 15: External Affairs/Emergency Public
Information
Renton Executive Services
RESPONSIBILITIES
This plan assigns responsibilities to city departments related to preparedness, response,
mitigation, continuity, and recovery. These responsibilities may vary depending on the scope
and complexity of the situation. Departments are also responsible for complying with their
responsibilities as defined in current Mutual Aid Agreements (MAA), Memorandums of
Agreement (MOA), and Memorandums of Understanding (MOU).
Role and Responsibilities of Elected Officials
The city council’s overall role is to annually review policies and appropriate funds to allow the
Emergency Management Director and staff to plan and implement an emergency management
program.
During an incident, the council will be advised of the response and recovery plan by the mayor,
Incident Command department administrator or Renton Regional Fire Authority Chief, and/or
the Emergency Management Director and/or coordinator and will be asked to provide input for
the restoration of all city services. During an emergency, the mayor may authorize the
imposition of required emergency powers, such as evacuation orders and bans, and may
authorize necessary condemnations.
October 2023 24
Renton City Council may be presented with special legislation proposals to facilitate the disaster
response or recovery and may be asked for special budget allocations accordingly.
Role and Responsibilities of Policy Advisory Group
The Policy Advisory Group, led by the mayor, and consisting of department administrators, the
Communications Director, the Renton RFA Fire Chief, and others if so requested, will advise city
council of policy-level decisions that require their direction and emergency legislative or
budgetary actions, and will oversee the implementation of those decisions. The role of the
Policy Advisory Group is to stay current on the most recent incident information from the
Emergency Operations Center (EOC), inform one another of disaster conditions and
implications for each department, and make necessary policy decisions related to operational
challenges. Issues and conflicts that arise in an emergency should be handled at the lowest
appropriate level of the incident organization. The Policy Advisory Group refers appropriate
policy decisions to city council with recommendations for their action.
The Policy Advisory Group’s role is to:
Recommend necessary policy decisions that require resolution by a jurisdiction
executive head or legislative body, such as priorities for resource allocation;
management of jurisdiction resources; clarification of command authority;
suspension of functions; and programs of city government.
Provide guidance to incident managers and establish administrative objectives,
including communicating legal and policy restraints, limitations on authority,
political and social concerns, environmental issues, and cost considerations.
Provide guidance to Incident Commanders and PIOs regarding key messages to
integrate into the overall public message.
Propose emergency budget actions if required for response and recovery, evaluate,
and prioritize other department and city responses to balance them with future
project needs to ensure adequate funding is provided to the disaster response.
Recommend the discontinuation of non-essential government operations, to keep
employees off the roads and free up personnel and other resources for use in
disaster response.
Provide a liaison to local, state, and congressional elected officials during and after a
disaster to ensure appropriate assistance is brought to the local response effort and
coordinate contacts to collect damage estimates and response costs.
The Policy Advisory Group is initially assembled with full activation of the EOC or at the request
of any Policy Advisory Group member. The Policy Advisory Group will convene at the appointed
time at Renton City Hall 7th floor conferencing center, or other location deemed appropriate at
the time.
Role and Responsibilities of City Departments
All city departments collaborate in the development and maintenance of the Comprehensive
Emergency Management Plan (CEMP). The following responsibilities are not a comprehensive
list but rather necessary responsibilities for mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery
October 2023 25
from an incident. For complete roles and responsibilities for city departments, refer to the
Emergency Support Function (ESF) annexes to this plan.
Department Administrators
At the direction of the Chief Administrative Officer, department administrators may be
required to take the following steps:
Cancel scheduled employee leave.
Require personnel to work beyond normal shifts for an extended period.
Call back department personnel.
Alter normal organization structure to complete required tasks.
Reassign staff to their disaster assignments.
Suspend, reschedule, or restore normal operations.
City of Renton City Attorney Department
Emergency powers and legislative review.
Legal support and advice.
City of Renton Community and Economic Development Department
Agency coordination (Boeing, franchise utilities, contractors, and special purpose
districts).
Food and water coordination (with vendors/supply chain).
Recovery coordination.
Damage assessment.
City of Renton Court Services Department
Assist in procuring translation and interpreter services if needed.
City of Renton Equity, Housing, and Human Services Department
Mass care services support.
Assessing and securing housing options.
Provide access to human services to support mass care needs.
City of Renton Executive Services Department
Emergency management.
Communications and warning.
Emergency powers.
Continuity of government.
Intergovernmental coordination.
Policy Group coordination.
Request military support.
Public information.
EOC technical support.
October 2023 26
City of Renton Finance Department
Financial documentation.
Procurement.
Inventory records.
Cost recovery.
City of Renton Human Resources and Risk Management Department
Staff reassignment.
Disaster claims.
Employee care.
City of Renton Parks and Recreation Department
Provide shelter and mass care.
Transportation coordination for public needs.
Food and water coordination (direct delivery to populations in need).
Support integrated pet/human co-sheltering where possible.
Volunteer coordination.
City of Renton Police Department
Public safety and security.
Evacuation.
Transportation accidents.
Public demonstrations/civil unrest.
Bomb threats.
Crime scene response.
Terrorism.
Weapons of mass destruction.
Pet sheltering and evacuation.
City of Renton Public Works Department
Maintain transportation/evacuation routes.
Flood response.
Maintain city utility services.
Maintain communication systems.
Fleet maintenance.
Energy/fuel supply.
Maintain airport access and functionality.
Renton Regional Fire Authority
Damage assessment.
Fire suppression.
Multiple/Mass Casualty Incidents.
Hazardous materials.
Search and Rescue.
Radiological incidents.
October 2023 27
Confined space.
Weapons of Mass Destruction.
Resource support.
COMMUNICATIONS
The principles of communications and information management, which support incident
managers in maintaining a constant flow of information during an incident are (1)
interoperability; (2) reliability, scalability, and portability; (3) resilience and redundancy; and (4)
security. Information and intelligence management includes identifying Essential Elements of
Information (EEI) to ensure personnel gather the most accurate and appropriate data, translate
it into useful information, and communicate it with appropriate personnel. Each Emergency
Support Function (ESF) annex to this plan includes EEIs to support communication and
information management for incident response.
Interoperable Communications Plans
Federal
National Emergency Communications Plan (NECP)
The NECP is the Nation’s strategic plan for emergency communications that promotes
communication and sharing of information across all levels of government, jurisdictions,
disciplines, and organizations for all threats and hazards, as needed and when
authorized.
State
The Alert and Warning Center (AWC)
The AWC is a function of the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC), which provides
24-hour, seven days a week coverage for notifications, alerts, and warnings of
emergency events and incidents affecting Washington State. The AWC provides
continuous situational monitoring during non-emergency periods as well as in times of
disaster and emergency. Federal, state, local and tribal officials are then responsible for
further dissemination or action as needed. The CEMNET (Comprehensive Emergency
Management Network) radio system is monitored by the state, and the City of Renton
has access to this radio network from the Renton EOC.
Information Management Systems
Washington State maintains information management systems, such as WebEOC, to
manage emergencies and support public safety information sharing. The system
provides the SEOC and local jurisdictions with a platform to receive, process, and
manage information. The system is used as a gateway to share information and provide
communications among county/city/EOCs, the SEOC, and state, federal, and local public
safety entities. This information sharing allows authorized users to make informed
decisions regarding public safety operations during disasters or emergencies and
supports statewide collaboration.
State Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Services (RACES) Plan
October 2023 28
RACES is an organization of dedicated licensed amateur radio volunteers who provide
radio communications in support of state and local government agencies during times of
an emergency or disaster. RACES provides essential communications and warning links
to supplement state and local government assets during these emergency situations.
Emergency Support Function 15
ESF 15: External Affairs and Emergency Public Information illustrates communicating
with Limited English Proficient and Access and Functional Needs Populations.
King County Communications Plans
King County Emergency Operations Center/Regional Communications Center
The King County EOC/RCC has 24-hour, seven days a week duty officer coverage for
notifications, alerts, and warnings of emergency events and incidents affecting King
County. King County maintains a plan and log of monthly radio checks conducted with
cities in King County.
Information Management Systems
King County EOC/RCC maintains information management systems, such as WebEOC, to
manage emergencies and support public safety information sharing. The system
provides local jurisdictions with a platform to receive, process, and manage information.
The system is used as a gateway to share information and provide communications
among county/city/EOCs. This information sharing allows authorized users to make
informed decisions regarding public safety operations during disasters or emergencies
and supports countywide collaboration.
King County Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Services (RACES) Plan
RACES is an organization of dedicated licensed amateur radio volunteers who provide
radio communications in support of state and local government agencies during times of
an emergency or disaster. RACES provides essential communications and warning links
to supplement state and local government assets during these emergency situations.
ARES/RACES of King County has established predetermined local emergency frequencies
for amateur radio volunteers to assist cities and the county during emergency
operations. These frequencies are published at
https://www.aresofkingcounty.org/resources/frequencies.
Emergency Support Function 2
ESF 2: Communication, Information, and Warning Systems describes communications
infrastructure, resources, and processes. This includes how emergency alerts are issued
within the county, including access to the Wireless Emergency Alert, Emergency Alert
System, and ALERT King County, and frameworks for interoperable communications
between responders and EOCs.
Emergency Support Function 15
ESF 15: External Affairs / Emergency Public Information illustrates communicating with
the Limited English Proficient and Access and Functional Needs Populations.
October 2023 29
King County Inclusive Emergency Communication Plan (IECP)
The King County IECP provides detailed plans and resources for communicating with
Limited English Proficient and Access and Functional Needs Populations.
City Communications Plans
Emergency Support Function 2
ESF 2: Communication, Information, and Warning Systems describes communications
infrastructure, resources, and processes. This includes how emergency alerts are issued
within the county, including access to the Wireless Emergency Alert, Emergency Alert
System, and ALERT Renton, and frameworks for interoperable communications between
responders and EOCs.
Emergency Support Function 15
ESF 15: External Affairs/Emergency Public Information illustrates communicating with
the general public.
Both ESF 2 and ESF 15 have LEP/AFN communication needs that are addressed in the
IECP described below. The Renton Annex to the King County Integrated Emergency
Communications Plan describes how the City of Renton would communicate with these
populations and accommodate other languages in compliance with the law.
City of Renton Annex to the King County Inclusive Emergency Communication Plan
(IECP)
The city’s Inclusive Emergency Communications Plan (IECP) outlines the City of Renton’s
actions to safeguard all residents by making emergency communications accessible to
all, including residents with limited English proficiency (LEP) and those with other Access
and Functional Needs (AFN). In collaboration and coordination with other jurisdictions,
public agencies, and community partners, the City of Renton will convey critical life-
safety messages to all residents pursuant to RCW 38.52.070 inclusive emergency
communication requirements.
The city uses US Census Data to determine which LEP communities meet the statutory
threshold of 1,000 residents or five percent of the city’s population. Based on this data,
Renton translates public communications for Spanish, Vietnamese, Chinese (both
Mandarin and Cantonese), Russian, and Ukrainian languages.
The city supports regional coordination of life-safety messaging by maintaining contact
information for Public Information Officers (PIOs) of neighboring jurisdictions, media
contacts, translation services, and regional partners including the Trusted Partner
Network; a group of volunteers who can assist in disseminating critical information to
Renton residents, including LEP communities and those with other access and functional
needs.
October 2023 30
It is understood that providing properly translated alerts and emergency information is
crucial for life safety to LEP communities, and every effort will be made to provide such
information in a timely manner.
The city is committed to improving emergency communications to the public post
incident. The effectiveness of communicating life safety information to the public will be
evaluated through the city’s After-Action Report process which includes gathering data
and notes from hot-washes, after-action meetings, and interviews.
In the last review period, there were no technological limitations experienced in the
issuance of emergency alerts that would affect the life and health safety of Limited
English Proficiency (LEP) or Access and Functional Needs (AFN) populations.
Communication Resources
The City of Renton operates with the following list of communication resources: 800 MHz radio
systems, VHF radios, CEMNET radio, amateur radios, weather radio (incoming only), landline
telephones, cellular telephones, satellite telephones, fax machines, e-mail, internet, AM/FM
radio (incoming only), television (incoming only), and social media.
Amateur Radio
During a disaster, or when normal communication methods are not in service, amateur
radio operators may be the most reliable form of communications. Amateur radio
equipment is located at Renton City Hall near the Police Watch Desk, at each fire
station, the Public Works Shops, in the City Hall 7th floor conference center storage
room, and the EOC. The city also has a Mobile Communications Response Unit (MCRU)
which can be deployed to set up emergency communications in the field or in support of
a backup EOC. In the event that all electronic communications are unavailable, a
messenger or runner shall deliver messages to the EOC.
The Renton Emergency Communication Service (RECS) is incorporated as a nonprofit
501(c)3 organization. They are a team of licensed amateur radio volunteers, established
for the purpose of providing emergency communications for the City of Renton and its
service area during events which overwhelm existing communications resources.
ADMINISTRATION
Documentation
The Governor, Washington Military Department, Emergency Management Division (EMD), and
other governmental officials require information concerning the nature, magnitude, and impact
of a disaster or emergency. This information allows for evaluating and providing the most
efficient and appropriate distribution of resources and services during the response to and
October 2023 31
recovery from a disaster or emergency. State agencies, local jurisdictions, and other
organizations provide these reports, including but not limited to:
Situation reports
Requests for proclamations of emergency
Requests for assistance
Costs/expenditures reports
Damage assessment reports
After-Action Reports
Retention
Records will be kept in such a manner to separately identify incident-related expenditures and
obligations from general programs and activities of local jurisdictions or organizations.
Complete and accurate records are necessary to document requests for assistance, for
reimbursement under approved applications pertaining to declared emergencies or major
disasters, and for audit reports.
Preservation
Local government offices may coordinate the protection of their essential records with the
state archivist as necessary to provide continuity of government under emergency conditions
pursuant to RCW 40.10.010. It is the responsibility of each department to establish policies for
the identification, preservation, and retention of essential records.
FINANCE
Local
Local jurisdictions requesting assistance should assume the resources requested will need to be
paid out of local funding. Local jurisdictions may incur disaster-related obligations and
expenditures in accordance with the provisions of RCW 38.52.070(2), applicable state statutes,
and local codes, charters, and ordinances, which may include but are not limited to the
following:
Emergency expenditures for cities with populations less than 300,000 RCW 35.33.081.
Emergency expenditures for towns and cities with an ordinance providing for a biennial
budget. RCW 35.33.081.
Emergency expenditures for code cities. RCW 35A.33.080 and RCW 35A.34.140.
Emergency expenditures for counties. RCW 36.40.180.
Federal
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) requires that state and local governments
receiving federal financial assistance under the Stafford Act comply with FEMA’s rules
October 2023 32
prohibiting discrimination, as provided in 44 Code of Federal Regulation (CFR) § 206.11. As a
result of this federal requirement, state and local governments seeking to receive federal
disaster assistance will follow a program of non-discrimination and incorporates FEMA’s Whole
Community approach. This requirement encompasses all state and local jurisdiction actions to
the Federal/State Agreement.
All personnel carrying out federal major disaster or emergency assistance functions, including
the distribution of supplies, the processing of applications, and other relief and assistance
activities, shall perform their work in an equitable and impartial manner, without discrimination
on the grounds of race, religion, sex, color, age, economic status, physical and sensory
limitations, Limited English Proficiency (LEP), or national origin.
As a condition of participation in the distribution of assistance or supplies under the Stafford
Act, government bodies and other organizations shall provide a written assurance of their
intent to comply with regulations relating to nondiscrimination promulgated by the President
or the administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and shall comply
with such other regulations applicable to activities within an area affected by a major disaster
or emergency as the administration of FEMA deems necessary for the effective coordination of
relief efforts.
The Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards (PETS) Act amends the Robert T. Stafford
Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act. The PETS Act is operational when a federal
disaster declaration is made and can provide reimbursement for allowable, documented
services used in the declared emergency. Eligible costs related to pet evacuations and
sheltering are in FEMA’s Public Assistance Program and Policy Guide (PAPPG).
Incurred Costs
The Renton Finance Department will follow guidelines for the FEMA process for reimbursement
of disaster-related expenses and with the assistance of the Emergency Management Division of
the Executive Services Department, coordinate the reimbursement process with other
departments as needed.
Cost Recovery
Disaster-related expenditures and obligations of state agencies, local jurisdictions, and other
organizations may be reimbursed under a number of federal programs. The federal government
may authorize reimbursement of approved costs for work performed in the restoration of
certain public facilities after a major disaster declaration by the President of the United States
under the statutory authority of certain federal agencies.
Federal Assistance Programs
Public Assistance (PA) Program
FEMA's Public Assistance (PA) grant program provides federal assistance to government
organizations and certain private nonprofit (PNP) organizations following a Presidential
disaster declaration. PA provides grants to state, tribal, territorial, and local
October 2023 33
governments, and certain types of PNP organizations so that communities can quickly
respond to and recover from major disasters or emergencies. Through the program,
FEMA provides supplemental federal disaster grant assistance for debris removal, life-
saving emergency protective measures, and the repair, replacement, or restoration of
disaster-damaged publicly owned facilities, and the facilities of certain PNP
organizations. The PA program also encourages the protection of these damaged
facilities from future events by providing assistance for hazard mitigation measures
during the recovery process. The federal share of assistance is not less than 75 percent
of the eligible cost. The Recipient (usually the state) determines how the non-federal
share (up to 25 percent) is split with the subrecipients (eligible applicants).
Individual Assistance Program
FEMA provides assistance to individuals and households through the Individual
Assistance Program, which includes all of the following:
Mass Care and Emergency Assistance (MC/EA)
Crisis Counseling Assistance and Training Program (CCP)
Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA)
Disaster Legal Services (DLS)
Disaster Case Management (DCM)
Individuals and Households Program (IHP). IHP is comprised of two categories of
assistance: Housing Assistance (HA) and Other Needs Assistance (ONA)
Other Assistance Programs
Small Business Administration (SBA) Programs.
The SBA offers low-cost loans for eligible applicants to use funds to cover economic
losses from business interruption, meet payroll, cover other business expenses, mitigate
against future disasters, replace, or repair personal or business property, or their primary
residence or business.
State Assistance Programs
Public Assistance (PA) Program
The Public Assistance (PA) State Administrative Plan (SAP) provides procedures used by
the Military Department, Emergency Management Division staff (as Grantee) to
administer the Public Assistance Program. Audits of state and local jurisdiction
emergency expenditures will be conducted in the normal course of state and local
government audits. Audits of projects approved for funding with federal disaster
assistance funds are necessary to determine the eligibility of the costs claimed by the
applicant.
Individual Assistance (IA) and Other Needs Assistance (ONA) Programs
The Individual Assistance (IA) State Administrative Plan (SAP) for the Other Needs
Assistance (ONA) Program is used by the State Emergency Management Division staff
(as Grantee) to administer the Individual Assistance Program. The IA SAP sets forth the
October 2023 34
organization, staffing, and procedures for the administration of the Individuals and
Households Program, Other Needs Assistance, in Washington State after a major
disaster declaration by the President.
LOGISTICS AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
NIMS Resource Management
NIMS resource management guidance enables many organizational elements to collaborate
and coordinate to systematically manage resources—personnel, teams, facilities, equipment,
and supplies. Most jurisdictions or organizations do not own and maintain all the resources
necessary to address all potential threats and hazards. Therefore, effective resource
management includes leveraging each jurisdiction’s resources, engaging private sector
resources, involving volunteer organizations, and encouraging further development of mutual
aid agreements.
Specialized Resources
Resource typing defines and categorizes incident resources by capability. Resource typing
definitions establish a common language for discussing specialized resources by defining
minimum capabilities for personnel, teams, facilities, equipment, and supplies. Resource typing
enables communities to plan for, request, and have confidence that the resources they receive
have the capabilities they requested. FEMA leads the development and maintenance of
resource typing definitions for resources shared on a local, interstate, regional, or national
scale. Jurisdictions can use these definitions to categorize local assets.
Emergency Worker Program / Liability Protection
RCW 38.52 authorizes the use of emergency workers as outlined in state law. "Emergency
Worker" is defined in RCW 38.52.010(7), while provisions addressing the registration, use,
classification, and coverage of emergency workers are addressed by RCW 38.52.180, RCW
38.52.310, and WAC 118.04. The Emergency Management program maintains paperwork and
processes for proper registration of emergency workers.
Procurement and Resource Requesting
Authorities and Overview
The Washington Intrastate Mutual Aid System (WAMAS), established in RCW 38.56,
provides for in-state mutual assistance among member jurisdictions, including every
county, city, and town of the state. Out-of-state mutual aid resources are requested
through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC), established in Public
Law 104-321, or the Pacific Northwest Emergency Management Arrangement (PNEMA),
established in Public Law 105-381, both coordinated through Washington Emergency
Management Division.
October 2023 35
Methods
Resource requests are tracked throughout their entire life cycle, from the time
submitted, until filled (if consumable) or until the resource is demobilized and returned
(if non-consumable). Supply chain elements, such as state and local staging areas,
reception and integration centers, movement coordination centers, and movement
control points, activate as appropriate to the situation. State and local staging areas
serve as temporary storage areas for the movement of resources to affected areas.
Reception and integration centers provide reception, integration, onward movement,
and accountability for out-of-state resources. Resources should deploy only when
appropriate authorities request and dispatch them through established resource
management systems. Resources that authorities do not request should refrain from
spontaneous deployment to avoid overburdening the recipient and compounding
accountability challenges.
Demobilization
Demobilization should be a planned and coordinated effort with the Department Operations
Centers (DOC), Emergency Operations Center (EOC), and all other involved departments and
agencies. Demobilization planning should begin when an incident begins.
Resource Gaps
Comprehensive and integrated planning can help other levels of government plan their
response to an incident within a jurisdiction. By knowing the extent of the jurisdiction’s
capability, supporting planners can pre-identify shortfalls and develop pre-scripted resource
requests.
DEVELOPMENT AND MAINTENANCE
Core Planning and Development Team
Planning Process
Planning is a continuous process that does not stop when the plan is published. The
planning team develops a rough draft of the basic plan or annexes. As the planning team
works through successive drafts, they add necessary tables, charts, and other graphics.
The team prepares a final draft and circulates it for comment to organizations that have
responsibilities for implementing the plan. The written plan should be checked for its
conformity to applicable regulatory requirements and the standards of Federal or state
agencies and for its usefulness in practice. Once validated, the planning team presents
the plan to the appropriate officials for signature and promulgation. The promulgation
process should be based on a specific statute, law, or ordinance. Once approved, the
planner should arrange to distribute the plan to stakeholders who have roles in
implementing the plan.
October 2023 36
The Plan must be updated with new planning and policy goals and objectives in order to
remain current. Updates to the Plan will occur at a minimum of every five years. The
CEMP will be available to the public through the revision process in a public input
process both in person and online. Additionally, the completed CEMP will be available to
the public online through the City of Renton’s website.
Review Process
Commonly used criteria can help decision-makers determine the effectiveness and
efficiency of plans. These measures include adequacy, feasibility, and acceptability.
Decision-makers directly involved in planning can employ these criteria, along with their
understanding of plan requirements, not only to determine a plan’s effectiveness and
efficiency but also to assess risks and define costs.
Adequacy – a plan is adequate if the scope and concept of planned operations identify
and address critical tasks effectively; the plan can accomplish the assigned mission while
complying with the guidance; and the plan’s assumptions are valid, reasonable, and
comply with the guidance.
Feasibility – a plan is feasible if the organization can accomplish the assigned mission
and critical tasks by using available resources within the time contemplated by the plan.
The organization allocates available resources to tasks and tracks the resources by
status (e.g., assigned, out of service). Available resources include internal assets and
those available through mutual aid or through existing state, regional, or Federal
assistance agreements.
Acceptability – a plan is acceptable if it meets the requirements driven by a threat or
incident, meets decision-maker and public cost and time limitations, and is consistent
with the law. The plan can be justified in terms of the cost of resources and if its scale is
proportional to mission requirements. Planners use both acceptability and feasibility
tests to ensure that the mission can be accomplished with available resources without
incurring excessive risk regarding personnel, equipment, material, or time. They also
verify that risk management procedures have identified, assessed, and applied control
measures to mitigate operational risk (i.e., the risk associated with achieving operational
objectives).
Compliance – the plan should comply with guidance and doctrine to the maximum
extent possible because these provide a baseline that facilitates both planning and
execution.
Revisions
Plans should evolve as lessons are learned, new information and insights are obtained,
and priorities are updated. Evaluating the effectiveness of plans involves a combination
of training events, exercises, and real-world incidents to determine whether the goals,
objectives, decisions, actions, and timing outlined in the plan led to a successful
response. Planning teams should establish a process for reviewing and revising the plan.
October 2023 37
Reviews should be a recurring activity. In no case should any part of the plan go for
more than two years without being reviewed and revised.
Changes to any part of the plan may be minor (small edits that do not impact the
Emergency Management Program processes and/or roles and responsibilities) or major
(significant modifications to processes and/or roles and responsibilities) in nature.
Minor, administrative changes do not require signature and promulgation. All
substantive changes will be briefed to the Executive Leadership Team, Renton
Emergency Management Division, the Emergency Management Group, and any staff
who may have a part in disaster response. Substantive changes will require a readoption
of that section of the plan by the city council. Renton Emergency Management is
ultimately responsible for updates and changes to the CEMP and will submit a revised
CEMP to the Washington State Emergency Management Division and Renton city
council for approval and formal adoption. The Emergency Management Director shall
promulgate the revised CEMP through a signed letter to all city department
administrators, and the Renton Emergency Management Division will promulgate the
revised CEMP elements to all known stakeholders through communication and training
efforts.
Planning Committee
The Emergency Management Director for the city shall maintain an ongoing Emergency
Management Group. The Emergency Management Group shall consist of personnel
from the following:
Executive Services Department
City Attorney Department
Community and Economic Development Department
Court Services
Equity, Housing, and Human Services Department
Finance Department
Human Resource and Risk Management Department
Parks and Recreation Department
Police Department
Public Works Department
Renton Regional Fire Authority
Other community partners when appropriate
Departments with divisions or sections with significant variations in responsibilities and
expertise may find it necessary to send more than one representative to adequately
contribute to overall emergency management planning, training, and exercising. The
Emergency Management Group should also participate in the planning for, at a
minimum, an annual emergency management exercise that exercises the plan and
includes all appropriate city departments and partner agencies.
The Emergency Management Group is charged with contributing to overall emergency
planning for the city. The Emergency Management Group is responsible for
contributing to the continued development and readiness of the EOC. The Emergency
October 2023 38
Management Group shall ensure that this plan is consistent with the King County
Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan, the Regional Coordination Framework,
the Puget Sound Regional Catastrophic Disaster Coordination Plan, and the Washington
State Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan.
Training and Exercise Program
Through the implementation of the Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program
(HSEEP), organizations can use training and exercises to improve current and required Core
Capability levels, identify gaps, and overcome shortfalls. A Capabilities Assessment provides a
gap analysis, by Core Capability, for each desired outcome and capability target; each of the
Homeland Security Regions is required to complete an assessment. The City of Renton
contributes to the assessment for Homeland Security Region 6. After the Capabilities
Assessment is completed, it is referenced to determine the priority capabilities for training and
exercise planned activities and should be coordinated with the Training and Exercise Plan (TEP)
of the state.
Training Program
The City of Renton maintains a roster of Disaster Assignments for all city employees who
may be called to assist in an appropriately skilled position other than their primary role
during a response. To understand this obligation, staff must take ICS 100 and ICS 700,
which are available online. Some staff are also required to take ICS 200, 300, 400, and
800. Additional training may be required for certain disaster assignments and is
specified in the Disaster Assignment document maintained by Renton Emergency
Management.
Exercise Program
Applying the following principles to both the management of an exercise program and
the execution of individual exercises is critical to the effective examination of
capabilities:
Capability-based, Objective Driven – through HSEEP, organizations can use
exercises to examine current and required core capability levels and identify
gaps; exercises focus on assessing performance against capability-based
objectives.
Whole Community Integration – encourage exercise planners to engage the
whole community throughout exercise program management, design and
development, conduct, evaluation, and improvement planning.
Informed by Risk – identifying and assessing risks and associated impacts helps
organizations identify priorities, objectives, and core capabilities to be evaluated
through exercises.
To comply with Emergency Management Performance Grant requirements, the City of
Renton plans to conduct an annual exercise to HSEEP standards if no disaster has
impacted the jurisdiction during the Integrated Planning and Preparedness calendar
year of planning, training, and exercises.
October 2023 39
After-Action Reporting
The After-Action Report (AAR) summarizes key exercise-related evaluation information,
including the exercise overview and analysis of objectives and core capabilities;
however, the AAR can also be used to capture and analyze key incident-related
information throughout the phases of an incident. The AAR should include an overview
of performance related to each exercise objective and associated core capabilities while
highlighting strengths and areas for improvement. Upon completion, the exercise
evaluation team provides the draft AAR to the exercise sponsor, who distributes it to
participating organizations prior to drafting a formal AAR. The Emergency Management
Group will aid in the draft of the Improvement Plan and Corrective Action Items before
submitting the AAR and IP to the Executive Leadership Team for review. ELT will review
and confirm items for further action.
All impacted city departments will participate in an After-Action Meeting (AAM), to
include lessons learned and areas for improvement (IP – Improvement Plan), and as
soon as possible for review after an incident. The details and conclusions from the AAM
will inform the After-Action Report to improve response to incidents.
Corrective Actions
Corrective actions are concrete, actionable steps that are intended to resolve capability
gaps and shortcomings identified in exercises or real-world events. In developing
corrective actions, Renton Emergency Management and involved departments should
first review and revise the draft AAR, as needed, to confirm that the issues identified by
evaluators are valid and require resolution. The reviewer then identifies which issues fall
within their organization’s authority and assume responsibility for acting on those
issues. Finally, they determine an initial list of appropriate corrective actions to resolve
identified issues.
Maintenance and Availability
Emergency Management may revise the Renton CEMP including ESFs and other Annexes at a
minimum of every five years from the date of last publication. The current Renton CEMP may
be available to the public through the City of Renton’s public facing website.
Monitoring Changes in Law
Renton Emergency Management monitors updates from the State and King County regarding
changes in legal requirements for the program. The city also retains a lobbyist who monitors
and advocates for the city’s position in all matters that are addressed by the State Legislature.
The Deputy Chief Administrative Officer may brief the Emergency Management Director on any
city council ordinances or other legislation changes relevant to the program.
AUTHORITIES AND REFERENCES
Continuity of Government
October 2023 40
Emergency Interim Successors for Elected Officials
RCW 42.14.070 provides that the legislative authority shall adopt rules and regulations
providing for appointment of temporary interim successors to the elected and
appointed offices of the city. During the emergency, for a period of less than 30 days,
the council president shall automatically assume the authority and duties of the mayor
when the mayor is unavailable. If both the mayor and council president are unavailable
during an emergency or disaster, the city council president pro-tem will serve in the role
of mayor.
City Council Meeting Location
Chapter 42.14 of the RCW provides that in the event of an emergency the city council
may meet at any place within or outside the territorial limits of the city on the call of the
Renton Council President or any two members of the governing body and shall lawfully
conduct the city’s affairs for the duration of the emergency.
In the event that the Renton City Council Chambers are uninhabitable or if the mayor
deems it desirable, the city council may meet at any place within or outside the city
limits.
In the event that a special meeting of the council is called, the Council Liaison, in
communication with the city clerk, is primarily responsible for coordinating the
notification of each council member and notifying the public as soon as practical. The
Communications Director or designated Public Information Officer (PIO) shall work with
the Council Liaison and city clerk to notify the media and to complete the public posting
of the meeting.
Circumstances may necessitate that city government will not be able to meet normal
posting requirements for emergency Council meetings.
Emergency Interim Successor for the Chief Administrative Officer
If the Chief Administrative Officer is unavailable during an emergency, the Deputy Chief
Administrative Officer shall fulfill the responsibilities of that role. If both the CAO and
the Deputy CAO are unavailable during an emergency, the person specified in the city’s
Continuity Plan shall fulfill the responsibilities of that role.
Emergency Interim Successors for Appointed Officials
If the department administrator is unavailable during an emergency, the Continuity Plan
will identify the interim successor. If the interim successor of a city department is
unavailable, the department administrator will have a further designee to fulfill the
responsibilities of that role and direct the actions of each department. If no identified
successor is available to fulfill the role of the department administrator, the Chief
Administrative Officer of their delegate may appoint another person at their discretion.
For all other essential roles within the city, the interim successor will be designated by
the city’s Continuity Plan. In the event no further successors are identified in the
October 2023 41
Continuity Plan, the position in authority over that role will appoint an interim
successor. These authorities should be clearly communicated in writing within the
department and to the personnel of that department.
Governing Laws and Authorities
• The City of Renton Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan has been developed and is
maintained under the following authorities: State Revised Code of Washington (RCW)
o 35.33.081, Emergency Expenditures – Nondebatable Emergencies
o 35..33.101, Emergency Warrants
o 38.52, Emergency Management
o 38.56, Intrastate Mutual Aid System
o 39.34, Interlocal Cooperation Act
o 39.04.280, Competitive Bidding Requirements - Exemptions
o 49.60.400 Discrimination, Preferential Treatment Prohibited
• Washington Administrative Code (WAC)
o 118-04, Emergency Worker Program
o 118-30, Local Emergency Management/Services Organizations, Plans and Programs
o 296-62, General Occupational Health Standards
• Federal Public Law
o 93-342, Disaster Relief Act of 1974, as amended by Public Law 100-707, the Robert T.
Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act.
o 96-342, Improved Civil Defense Act of 1980, as amended.
o “Federal Civil Defense Act of 1950," as amended.
o 99-499, Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986.
Glossary
Definitions
Term Definition
After Action Report
(AAR)
A narrative report that presents issues found during an incident or
exercise along with recommendations on how those issues can be
resolved.
ALERT King County,
ALERT Renton
A mass notification system utilized to send emergency notifications
to the public via phone, text, email, or TTY/TDD.
Amateur Radio
Emergency Service
(ARES)
The American Radio Relay League (ARRL) public service arm for
providing support primarily to non-government agencies during an
emergency.
October 2023 42
Term Definition
American Red Cross
(ARC)
Non-profit organization that provides support of mass care,
sheltering, communication, and other services in times of disaster.
Relies on volunteers to carry out operations.
Annex The purpose of an annex is to describe operations for a particular
function. It defines the function and shows how activities of
various participants in the functional organization are coordinated.
The annex is action oriented. It is written for, and preferably by,
the person responsible for controlling resources available to
accomplish the objectives of the function in any large-scale
emergency. It is a substantial, freestanding plan that is specific to
carry out a task.
Appendix An appendix contains details, methods, and technical information
that are unique to specific hazards identified as being likely to pose
a threat of disaster in the community. Appendices are
supplementary, helper documents, frequently changing but
without specific direction.
Area Command An organization established to oversee the management of (1)
multiple incidents that are each being handled by an ICS
organization, or (2) large or multiple incidents too which several
Incident Management Teams have been assigned. Area command
has the responsibility to set overall strategy and priorities, allocate
critical resources according to priorities, ensure that incidents are
properly managed, and ensure that objectives are met, and
strategies followed. May be established at an EOC or some location
other than an ICP.
Command Staff The Command Staff consists of the Safety Officer, Liaison Officer,
and Public Information Officer, who report directly to the Incident
Commander.
Communications Unit In Incident Command structure, responsible for providing
communication services at an incident, whether it be by phone, in
person, radio, etc.…
Competitive Bidding -
Waived
If an emergency exists, the person or persons designated by the
governing body of the municipality to act in the event of an
emergency may declare an emergency situation exists, waive
competitive bidding requirements, and award all necessary
contracts on behalf of the municipality to address the emergency
situation. If a contract is awarded without competitive bidding due
to an emergency, a written finding of the existence of an
emergency must be made by the governing body or its designee
and duly entered of record no later than two weeks following the
award of the contract. (Defined in RCW 38.04.280).
Comprehensive
Emergency
Management Network
(CEMNET)
Dedicated 2-way Very High Frequency (VHF) low-band radio
system. Provides direction and control capability for state and local
jurisdictions for administrative use, and during an emergency or
disaster. This is an emergency management net belonging to and
October 2023 43
Term Definition
managed by the Washington State Military Department,
Emergency Management Division.
Comprehensive
Emergency
Management Plan
(CEMP)
A required plan which addressed the mitigation, preparation,
response, and recovery activities associated with emergency
situations.
Concept of Operations
(CONOPS)
User-oriented document that describes the characteristics for a
proposed asset or system from the viewpoint of any individual or
organizational entity that will use it in their daily work activities or
who will operate or interact directly with it.
Continuity Plan An internal effort within individual components of a government
to ensure the capability exists to continue essential functions
across a wide range of potential emergencies.
Continuity of
Government (COG)
Measure taken by a government to continue to perform required
functions during and after a severe emergency. COG is a
coordinated effort within each branch of the government to
continue its minimum essential responsibilities in a catastrophic
emergency.
Damage Assessment The process of determining the magnitude of damage and the
unmet needs of the community as the result of a hazardous event.
Debrief/Debriefing A meeting held after an event or disaster to discuss what
happened, lessons learned, and what may or may not be shared
with the public.
Delegated Authority An official mandate calling on the individual holding a specific
position to assume responsibilities and authorities not normally
associated with that position when specified conditions are met.
Direction and Control Defines the management of emergency response and recovery.
Disaster Assessment An event, expected or unexpected, in which a community's
available, pertinent resources are expended, or the need for
resources exceeds availability, and in which a community
undergoes severe danger, incurring losses so that the social or
economic structure of the community is disrupted and the
fulfillment of some or all of the community's essential functions
are prevented.
Duty Officer Generally, refers to the person designated to intake and assess
emergency events one 24/7 basis.
Emergency A sudden, usually unexpected event that does or could do harm to
people, resources, property, or the environment. Emergencies can
range from localized events to human, natural, or technological
events that damage or threaten to damage local operations.
October 2023 44
Term Definition
Emergency Alert
System (EAS)
A federally mandated program established to enable the President,
federal, state, and local jurisdiction authorities to disseminate
emergency information to the public via the Commercial Broadcast
System. Formerly known as the Emergency Broadcast System
(EBS), it requires broadcaster to relay emergency information. This
system is for immediate action emergencies where the public
needs to be informed.
Emergency
Management
The preparation for and the carrying out of all emergency
functions to mitigate, prepare for, respond to, a recover from
emergencies and disasters, to aid victims suffering from injury or
damage resulting from disasters caused by all hazards, whether
natural or technological, and to provide support for search and
rescue operations for persons and property in distress.
Emergency
Management
Assistance Compact
(EMAC)
Agreements that provide for jurisdictions in different states to
provide resources or other support to one another during an
incident.
Emergency
Management Director
The Individual within each political subdivision that has
coordination responsibility for jurisdictional emergency
management.
Emergency
Management Division
(EMD)
Washington State Emergency Management Division, responsible
for coordinating state-wide emergency management activities.
Emergency Medical
Services (EMS)
Emergency Medical Services provides care to the sick and injured
at the scene of any medical emergency or while transporting any
patient in an ambulance to an appropriate medical control,
including ambulance transportation between medical facilities. It
commonly includes trained and licensed emergency care providers
and specialized transportation vehicles
Emergency Operations
Center (EOC)
A central location from which overall direction, control, and
coordination of a single community's response to a disaster will be
established. The EOC is generally equipped and staffed to perform
the following functions: collect, record, analyze, display, and
distribute information; coordinate public information and warning;
coordinate government emergency activities; support first
responders by coordinating the management and distribution of
information and resources and the restoration of services; conduct
appropriate liaison and coordination activities with all levels of
govern
Emergency Operations
Center Director
The staff person assigned to manage the EOC during an activation
or exercise.
Emergency
Proclamation
A statement by a top official in a jurisdiction that identifies the
nature of an emergency and impacts upon the jurisdiction and
authorizes the suspension of normal operations or rules in order to
manage the emergency.
October 2023 45
Term Definition
Emergency Support
Function
The grouping of government capabilities into an organizational
structure to provide support, resources, program implementation,
and services that are most likely needed to save lives, protect
property and the environment, restore essential services, and
critical infrastructure, and help victims and communities recovery
from incidents.
Emergency Work Work that must be done immediately to save lives and to protect
improved property and public health and safety to avert or lessen
the threat of a major disaster
Emergency Worker Emergency worker means any person, including but not limited to,
an architect registered under Chapter 18.08 RCW, a professional
engineer registered under Chapter 18.43 RCW, or a volunteer
registered under RCW 38.52/WAC 118.04 who is registered with a
local emergency management organization for the purpose of
engaging in authorized emergency management activities or is an
employee of the state of Washington or any political subdivision
thereof who is called upon to perform emergency management
activities.
Essential Functions Those functions, stated or implied, that jurisdictions are required
to perform by statute or executive order or are otherwise
necessary to provide vital services, exercise civil authority,
maintain the safety and well-being of the general populace, and
sustain the industrial/economic base in an emergency.
Essential Operations Those operations, stated or implied, that state departments and
local jurisdictions are required to perform by stature or executive
order or are otherwise deemed necessary.
Essential Personnel Staff of the department or jurisdiction that are needed for the
performance of the organization’s mission-essential functions.
Evacuation A protective action which involves leaving an area of risk until the
hazard has passed.
Event A planned, non-emergency activity. ICS can be used as the
management system for a wide range of events, e.g., parades,
concerts, or sporting events
Facility Any publicly or privately owned building, works, system, or
equipment built or manufactured, or an improved and maintained
natural feature. Land used for agricultural purposes is not a facility.
Federal Disaster
Declaration
See Presidential Declaration.
Federal Emergency
Management Agency
(FEMA)
Agency created in 1979 to provide a single point of accountability
for all federal activities related to disaster mitigation and
emergency preparedness, response, and recovery. FEMA provides
technical advice and funding for state and local emergency
management agencies, manages the President’s Disaster Relief
Fund, and coordinates the disaster assistance activities of all
federal agencies in the event of a Presidential Disaster Declaration.
October 2023 46
Term Definition
Finance Section Chief Responsible for all costs and financial/administrative
considerations of the incident. Part of the Command and General
Staff, reporting to the Incident Commander.
Finance/Administration
Section
Responsible for all costs and financial/administrative
considerations of the incident. Section Chief reports directly to the
Incident Commander.
First Responders Those in occupations that require they respond immediately to an
emergency event. Example: firefighters, law enforcement officers,
emergency medical services personnel, public works.
Government
Emergency
Telecommunications
Service (GETS)
A service providing priority access telephone dialing during circuit
overload conditions.
Governor's
Proclamation of a State
of Emergency
A proclamation by the Governor in accordance with RCW 43.06
and 38.52 which activates the State of Washington Comprehensive
Emergency Management Plan and authorizes State resources to be
used to assist affected political jurisdictions.
Hazard Something that is potentially dangerous or harmful, often the root
cause of an unwanted outcome.
Hazard Identification
and
Vulnerability Analysis
(HIVA)
The HIVA is a comprehensive plan that is the result of a systematic
evaluation of a jurisdiction’s existing natural and technological
hazards. It includes a vulnerability assessment to such hazards and
provides guidance for mitigation efforts.
Hazard Mitigation Any measure that will reduce or prevent the damaging effects of a
hazard.
Hazmat Hazardous Materials.
Hazmat Team Team with specialized training to respond to hazardous materials
incidents.
Incident An occurrence or event, either human-caused or natural
phenomena, that requires action by emergency services personnel
to prevent or minimize loss of life or damage to property and/or
the environment.
Incident Action Plan
(IAP)
The strategic goals, tactical objectives, and support requirements
for the incident. All incidents require an action plan.
Incident Command
Post (ICP)
A centralized base of operations established near the site of an
incident. That location at which primary command functions are
executed; usually collated with the incident base.
Incident Command
System (ICS)
The combination of facilities, equipment, personnel, procedures,
and communications operating within a common organizational
structure for the purpose of coordinating the response to any
event. An all-hazard, on-scene functional management system that
establishes common standards in organization, terminology, and
procedures, provides a means (unified command) for the
October 2023 47
Term Definition
establishment of a common set of incident objectives and
strategies during multi-agency/multi-jurisdiction operations while
maintaining individual agency/jurisdiction authority, responsibility,
and accountability, and which is a component of the National
Interagency Incident Management Systems (NIMS). An equivalent
and compatible all-hazards, on-scene, functional management
system.
Incident Commander
(IC)
The individual responsible for the management of operations at
the scene of an incident.
Incident Period The time spend during which an incident or event occurs
Incidents of National
Significance
Those high-impact events that require a coordinated and effective
response by an appropriate combination of Federal, State, local,
tribal, private sector, and nongovernmental entities in order to
save lives, minimize damage, and provide the basis for long-term
community recovery and mitigation activities. All Presidential
declared disasters are considered Incidents of National
Significance.
Individual Assistance
(IA)
) Supplementary Federal assistance available under the Stafford
Act to individuals, families, and businesses; includes disaster
housing assistance, unemployment assistance, grants, loans, legal
services, crisis counseling, tax relief, and other services or relief
programs.
Integrated Public Alert
& Warning System
(iPAWS)
It is a modernization and integration of the nation’s alert and
warning infrastructure. Provides public safety officials with an
effective way to alert and warn the public about serious
emergencies using EAS, WEA, NOAA, and other public alerting
systems from a single interface.
Interoperable
Communications
Alternate communications that provide the capability to perform
minimum essential departmental or jurisdictional functions, in
conjunction with other agencies, until normal operations can be
resumed.
Joint Information
Center (JIC)
A facility that may be used by affected utilities, state agencies,
counties, local jurisdictions, and/or federal agencies to jointly
coordinate the public information function during all hazard
incidents. May also be conducted virtually.
Liaison Officer The point of contact for assisting or coordinating agencies.
Local Emergency
Planning Committee
(LEPC)
A local planning group appointed by the State Emergency
Response Commission (SERC) to fulfill the planning requirements
for a Local Planning District under the Superfund Amendments and
Reauthorization Act (SARA) of 1986. As the planning body for
preparing local hazardous materials plans.
October 2023 48
Term Definition
Local Resources The combined resources, of the type needed to respond to a given
hazardous event, of the city and of the private sector. In any
request for state or federal resources, the requesting jurisdiction
must certify that local resources have been, or soon will be,
exhausted.
Logistics Chief In the incident command structure, responsible for resource
management and responding to resource requests. Oversees
Logistics Section. Reports directly to the Incident Commander.
Logistics Section In Incident Command structure, responsible for providing facilities,
services, and materials for an incident or event.
Major Disaster As defined in the Stafford Act, "Any natural catastrophe (including
any hurricane, tornado, storm, high water, wind-driven water, tidal
wave, tsunami, earthquake, volcanic eruption, landslide, mudslide,
snowstorm, or drought), or, regardless of cause, any fire, flood, or
explosion in any part of the United States, which in the
determination of the President causes damage of sufficient
severity and magnitude to warrant major disaster assistance under
this Act to supplement the efforts and available resources of
states, local governments, and disaster relief organizations in
alleviating the damage, loss, hardship, or suffering caused
thereby."
Message Controller A volunteer or staff member charged with recording and
distributing paper-based messages in the EOC or public call center.
Message Distributors In the Incident Command structure, responsible for routing
information about resources reporting to the incident, resource
status, and administrative and tactical traffic.
Military Department Refers to the Emergency Management Division, the Army and Air
National Guard, and Support Services.
Mitigation Any sustained actions taken to eliminate or reduce the degree of
long-term risk to human life, property, and the environment from
natural and technological events. Mitigation assumes our
communities are exposed to risks whether or not an emergency
occurs. Mitigation measures include but are not limited to building
codes, disaster insurance, hazard information systems, land use
management, hazard analysis, land acquisition, monitoring and
inspection, public education, research, relocation, risk mapping,
safety codes, statutes and ordinances, tax incentives and
disincentives, equipment or computer tie downs, and stockpiling
emergency supplies.
Multi-Agency
Coordination (MAC)
A system by which multiple agencies coordinate response and
limited resources.
October 2023 49
Term Definition
Mutual Aid Agreement
(MAA)
A formal or informal agreement for reciprocal assistance for
emergency services and resources between jurisdictions.
National Incident
Management System
A set of national principles expressly adopted by the City of Renton
for use in this plan and the management of future events. NIMS
provides a systematic, proactive approach guiding government
agencies at all levels, non-government organizations, and the
private sector to work seamlessly to prevent, protect against,
respond to, recover from, and mitigate the effects of incidents,
regardless of cause, size, location, or complexity, in order to
reduce the loss of life or property and harm to the environment.
This system ensures that those involved in incident
response/recovery understand what their roles are and have the
tools they need to be effective.
National Incident
Management System
(NIMS)
A concept that provides for a total approach to all risk incident
management; NIMS addresses the Incident Command System
(ICS), training, qualifications and certification, publications
management, and supporting technology. NIMS outlines a
standard incident management organization called Incident
Command System (ICS) that establishes five functional areas--
command, operations, planning, logistics, and
finance/administration--for management of all major incidents. To
ensure further coordination and during incidents involving multiple
jurisdictions or agencies, the principle of unified command has
been universally incorporated into NIMS. This unified command
not only coordinates the efforts of many jurisdictions, but provides
for and assures joint decisions on objectives, strategies, plans,
priorities, and public communications.
National Response
Framework (NRF)
The plan that establishes the basis for the provision of federal
assistance to a state and the local jurisdiction impacted by a
catastrophic or significant disaster or emergency that result in a
requirement for federal response assistance.
National Warning
System (NAWAS)
The federal portion of the Civil Defense Warning System, used for
the dissemination of warnings and other emergency information
from the National or FEMA Region Warning Centers to Warning
Points in each state. Also used by the State Warning Points to
disseminate information to local Primary Warning Points. Provides
warning information to state and local jurisdictions concerning
October 2023 50
Term Definition
severe weather, earthquake, flooding, and other activities affecting
public safety.
Non-Essential
Personnel
Staff of the department or jurisdiction who are not required for the
performance of the organization's mission-essential functions.
Objectives The specific operations that must be accomplished to achieve
goals. Objectives must be both specific and measurable.
Officer The Incident Command title for individuals responsible for Public
Information, liaison, and Safety.
Operational Period In Incident Command, the period of time scheduled for execution
of a given set of operation actions specified in the Incident Action
Plan
Operations Chief In an incident command structure, a representative of the principal
first response agency having overall incident management
responsibilities in the field; responsible for coordinating support to
individual incident commanders. Oversees the Operations Section.
Reports to the Incident Commander
Operations Section In an Incident command structure, responsible for all tactical
operation at the incident.
Plan Maintenance Steps taken to ensure the plans are reviewed regularly and
updated whenever major changes occur.
Planning Chief In an incident command structure, responsible for situation
analysis and anticipating future response or recovery needs and
activities. Oversees the Planning Section. Reports directly to the
Incident Commander.
Planning Section In incident command structure, responsible for the collection,
evaluation, and dissemination of information related to the
incident, and for the preparation and documentation of IAPs
Preliminary Damage
Assessment (PDA)
The joint local, state, and Federal analysis of damage that has
occurred during a disaster and which may result in a Presidential
declaration of disaster. The PDA is documented through surveys,
photographs, and other written information
Preparedness The range of deliberate, critical tasks and activities necessary to
build, sustain, and improve the operational capability to prevent,
protect against, respond to, and recover from domestic incidents.
Within the NIMS, preparedness is operationally focused on
establishing guidelines, protocols, and standards for planning,
training and exercises, personnel qualification and certification,
equipment certification, and publication management.
Presidential Disaster
Declaration
Formal declaration by the President that an Emergency or Major
Disaster exists based upon the request for such a declaration by
the Governor and with the verification of Federal Emergency
Management Agency preliminary damage assessments.
October 2023 51
Term Definition
Public Assistance (PA) Supplementary federal assistance provided under the Stafford Act
to state and local jurisdictions, special purpose districts, tribes, or
eligible private, nonprofit organizations.
Public Information
Officer (PIO)
The person designated and trained to coordinate disaster related
public information and media relations.
Radio Amateur Civil
Emergency Service
(RACES)
Volunteer ham (amateur) radio operators who provide reserve
communications within government agencies in times of
extraordinary need. Although the exact nature of each activation
will be different, the common thread is communications.
Radio Operators Staff or volunteers assigned to operate radios in the EOC radio
room or in the field.
Radio Room Supervisor Staff member or volunteer assigned to supervise the people and
activities in the EOC radio room.
Recovery A short-term and long-term process. Short-term operations restore
vital services to the community and provide for the basic needs of
the public. Long-term recovery focuses on restoring the
community to its normal, or improved, state of affairs, including
some form of economic viability. Recovery measures include, but
are not limited to, crisis counseling, damage assessment, debris
clearance, decontamination, disaster application centers, disaster
insurance payments, disaster loans and grants, disaster
unemployment assistance, public information, reassessment of
emergency plans, reconstruction, temporary housing, and full-
scale business resumption. Also, the extrication, packaging, and
transport of the body of a person killed in a search and rescue
incident.
Regional Coordination
Framework (RCF)
A mutual aid agreement specific to King County, which
encompasses government agencies, non-profit organizations, and
private businesses.
Renton Emergency
Communication
Service (RECS)
A non-profit team of licensed amateur radio operators who
provide emergency communications capabilities for the City of
Renton, primarily through amateur radio.
Response The actual provision of services during an event. These activities
help to reduce casualties and damage and to speed recovery.
Actions taken immediately before, during, or directly after an
emergency occurs, to save lives, minimize damage to property and
the environment, and enhance the effectiveness of recovery.
Response measures include, but are not limited to, emergency
plan activation, emergency alert system activation, emergency
instructions to the public, emergency medical assistance, staffing
the emergency operations center, public official alerting, reception
and care, shelter and evacuation, search and rescue, resource
mobilization, and warning systems activation.
October 2023 52
Term Definition
Robert T. Stafford
Disaster Relief and
Emergency Assistance
Act
(Public Law 93-288, as amended) - The act that authorizes the
greatest single source of federal disaster assistance. It authorizes
coordination of the activities of federal, state, and volunteer
agencies operating under their own authorities in providing
disaster assistance, provision of direct federal assistance as
necessary, and provision of financial grants to state and local
jurisdictions as well as a separate program of financial grants to
individuals and families. This act is commonly referred to as the
Stafford Act.
Search and Rescue
(SAR)
The act of searching for, rescuing, or recovering by means of
ground, marine, or air activity any person who becomes lost,
injured, or is killed while outdoors or as a result of a natural or
human-caused event, including instances of searching for downed
aircraft when ground personnel are used. Includes Disaster, Urban,
and Wildland Search and Rescue.
Shelter in Place A protective action that involves taking cover in a building that can
be made relatively airtight. Generally, any building suitable for
winter habitation will provide some protection with windows and
doors closed and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system
turned off. Increased effectiveness can be obtained in sheltering by
methods such as using an interior room or basement, taping
windows and doors, and other more elaborate systems to limit
natural ventilation. To be used as a protective action, sheltering
requires the ability to communicate to the public when it is safe
and/or necessary to emerge from the shelter.
Stafford Act See Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance
Act.
Staging Area In an Incident Command structure, the location where incident
personnel and equipment are assigned on an immediately
available status.
Task Force A group of any type and kind of resources with common
communications and a leader temporarily assembled for a specific
mission.
Technical Specialist Personnel with special skills who are activated only when needed.
Terrorism The unlawful use of force or violence committed by an individual
or group against persons or property in order to intimidate or
coerce a government, the civilian population, or any segment
thereof in furtherance of political or social objectives.
Unified Command An application of ICS used when there is more than one agency
with incident jurisdiction or when incidents cross political
jurisdictions. Agencies work together through the designated
members of the Unified Command, to establish a common set of
objectives and strategies and a single IAP.
October 2023 53
Term Definition
Warning and
Information
Advising the public of a threatening or occurring hazard and
providing information to assist them in safely preparing for and
responding to the hazard.
Washington State
Mutual Aid Agreement
(WAMAC/WAMAS)
Mutual aid agreement covering all cities, counties, and state
agencies in Washington State.
Wireless Emergency
Alerting (WEA)
An alerting system which notifies all wireless phones within a
specified geographic boundary regardless of enrollment in the
local jurisdiction’s alerting system.
Wireless Priority
Service (WPS)
A priority routing system for cellular phones that gives priority to
government and other critical workers during an emergency.
Acronyms
Acronym Definition
AC Alternating Current
ALS Advanced Life Support
ARC American Red Cross
ARES Amateur Radio Emergency
Services
ARRL Amateur Radio Relay
League
ASL American Sign Language
ATC Applied Technology
Council
BLS Basic Life Support
CAO Chief Administrative
Officer
CBO Community Based
Organization
CDC Center for Disease Control
and Prevention (HHS)
CEMNET Comprehensive
Emergency Management
Network
CEMP Comprehensive
Emergency Management
Plan
CERT Community Emergency
Response Team
COAD Community Organizations
Active in Disasters
COG Continuity of Government
Acronym Definition
CPG Comprehensive
Preparedness Guidance
CPOD Community Point of
Distribution
CTF FBI Joint Cyber Task Force
DHS Department of Homeland
Security
DNRP Department of Natural
Resources and Parks
DOC Department Operations
Center
DOD Department of Defense
DOE Federal Department of
Energy
DOH Department of Health
DOT Department of
Transportation
EAS Emergency Alert System
EHP environmental and
Historic Preservation
EMD Emergency Management
Division
EMG Emergency Management
Group
EMP Emergency Management
Plan
EMS Emergency Medical
Service
October 2023 54
Acronym Definition
EMWIN Emergency Management
Weather Information
Network
EOC Emergency Operation
Center
EPA Environmental Protection
Agency
EPCRA Emergency Planning and
Community Right-To-Know
Act
ESF Emergency Support
Function
FBI Federal Bureau of
Investigation
FBOD Finance & Business
Operations Division
FEMA Federal Emergency
Management Agency
GIS Geographic Information
System
GMA Growth Management Act
HAZMAT Hazardous Materials
HHS Department of Health and
Human Services
HIVA Hazard Identification and
Vulnerability Assessment
HMP Hazard Mitigation Plan
HOH Hard of Hearing
HR Human Resources
HSEEP Homeland Security
Exercise Evaluation
Program
HSPD Homeland Security
Presidential Directive
HVA Hazard Vulnerability
Analysis
IC Incident Commander
ICS Incident Command System
IMS Incident Management
System
IO Information Officer
JFO Joint Field Office
JIC Joint Information Center
JIS Joint Information System
Acronym Definition
KCCEMP King County
Comprehensive
Emergency Management
Plan
KCEOC King County Emergency
Operations Center
LEP Limited English Proficiency
LEPC Local Emergency Planning
Committee
MAC Multi Agency Coordination
Group
MCI Mass Casualty Incident
MOU Memorandum of
Understanding
MS-IASAC Multi-State Information
Sharing and Analysis
Center
NCH Natural, Cultural, and
Historic
NGO Non-Governmental
Organizations
NICC National Interagency
Coordinating Center
NIFC National Interagency Fire
Center
NIMS National Incident
Management System
NOAA National Oceanic
Atmospheric Association
NRF National Response
Framework
NWCG Northwest Coordination
Group
OEM Office of Emergency
Management
OSHA Occupational Safety and
Health Administration
PDA Preliminary Damage
Assessment
PDA Preliminary Damage
Assessment
PIO Public Information Officer
PSAP Public Safety Answering
Points
October 2023 55
Acronym Definition
RCW Revised Code of
Washington
RDP Regional Disaster Plan
RFA Regional Fire Authority
RHMP Regional Hazard Mitigation
Plan
RRFA Renton Regional Fire
Authority
RSF Recovery Support Function
SAR Search and Rescue
SARA Superfund Amendments
and Reauthorization Act
SBA Small Business
Administration
SERC State Emergency Response
Commission
SOG Standard Operating
Guidelines
SOP Standard Operating
Procedure
TASKC Regional Animal Services
of King County
UCG Washington State Cyber
Unified Coordination
Group
US United States
UW University of Washington
WAC Washington
Administrative Code
WAEMD Washington State
Emergency Management
Division
WASART Washington State Animal
Response Team
WSDA Washington State
Department of Agriculture
WSDOT Washington State
Department of
Transportation
WSDOT Washington State
Department of
Transportation
WSP Washington State Patrol
Acronym Definition
WSP HTCU Washington State Patrol
High Tech Crimes United
October 2023 56
EMERGENCY SUPPORT FUNCTION 1: TRANSPORTATION
Primary Agency: City of Renton Public Works Department
Support Agencies: City of Renton Parks and Recreation Department
City of Renton Executive Services Department
City of Renton Police Department
Renton Regional Fire Authority
Renton School District Transportation
King County Transportation Department
King County/Metro Transit
Washington State Department of Transportation
Private Rail Carriers
Puget Sound Energy
Seattle City Light
Introduction
Purpose
Emergency Support Function (ESF) 1 is to provide in a coordinated manner, the resources
(human, technical, equipment, and facility materials and supplies) of internal and external
departments and agencies to support emergency transportation needs during an emergency or
disaster impacting the City of Renton.
The following Core Capabilities support the roles and responsibilities of ESF 1. The primary and
supporting core capabilities are defined to support the execution of critical transportation
operations for this ESF as follows:
Primary Response Core Capability
Critical
Transportation
Provide transportation (including infrastructure access and accessible
transportation services) for response priority objectives, including the
evacuation of people and animals, and the delivery of vital response
personnel, equipment, and services into the affected areas.
Infrastructure
Systems
Stabilize critical infrastructure functions, minimize health and safety threats,
and efficiently restore and revitalize systems and services to support a
viable, resilient community.
October 2023 57
Support Response Core Capabilities
Planning
Conduct a systematic process engaging the whole community as appropriate
in the development of executable strategic, operational, and/or tactical-level
approaches to meet defined objectives.
Public Information
and Warning
Deliver coordinated, prompt, reliable, and actionable information to the
whole community through the use of clear, consistent, accessible, and
culturally and linguistically appropriate methods to effectively relay
information regarding any threat or hazard, as well as the actions being
taken, and the assistance being made available, as appropriate.
Operational
Coordination
Establish and maintain a unified and coordinated operational structure and
process that appropriately integrates all critical stakeholders and supports
the execution of Core Capabilities.
Situational
Assessment
Provide all decision makers with decision-relevant information regarding the
nature and extent of the hazard, any cascading effects, and the status of the
response.
Authorities and Policies
Local transportation planning will be focused on the safe and efficient operation of the City of
Renton’s transportation system. Local transportation planning employs the most effective
means of transporting resources including commercial transportation capacity, and capacity
owned or operated by neighboring jurisdictions or state agencies. As mandated by RCW
38.52.070, the City of Renton will perform emergency management functions within its
jurisdictional boundaries.
Transportation planning, as directed by Renton Public Works, will lead three operational
demands:
• Identify and ensure the integrity of local transportation routes for emergency response.
• Coordinate transportation resources with city departments and mutual aid partners.
• Fill the incident management role of Ground Support/Transportation Unit, ensuring a
smooth operational transition towards large event management.
The Renton EOC will coordinate with county, state, and federal agencies to supplement the
transportation resource needs of city departments. Priorities for these resource requests and
their allocation will also be determined in coordination with the Renton EOC. These priorities
will be established consistent with the mission of this plan that calls first for the protection of
life, then property, the environment, and finally the economy.
Situation Overview
Local transportation systems and activities could be hampered by damaged infrastructure and
disrupted communications. Specific hazards of note that would affect transportation
infrastructure include earthquake (direct damage), windstorm (debris blocking roads), winter
October 2023 58
storms (making roads impassable), and flooding (direct damage, debris deposits, or impassable
roads). Local communities and neighborhoods can become “islanded populations” when
transportation systems and infrastructure are disrupted and/or impacted. The City of Renton
Annex to the King County Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan further identifies the natural and
technological emergencies or disasters that could severely damage transportation systems
within the City of Renton.
Critical transportation operations involving roadways, bridges, and overpasses will continue to
increase in sprawling urban areas with population growth. Natural and technological disasters
will greatly increase the damage to the transportation system causing delays in delivery of
outside resources which may include personnel, equipment, and goods and services. Critical
infrastructure within the City of Renton may be disrupted or impacted by a disaster causing
negative affects to basic human needs and community functionality. Vulnerable critical
infrastructure within the City of Renton to consider as priority includes bridges, water towers,
and pipelines (petroleum and natural gas).
Concept of Operations
The City of Renton public transportation authorities are responsible for restoring transportation
systems under their control. Public Works is the primary agency responsible for the assessment
of damages to highway and road transportation routes within the City of Renton. Additional
functions of ESF 1 may include transportation modes management and control, transportation
safety, stabilization of transportation infrastructure, and movement restrictions.
Transportation Management and Control
o Establish physical access through appropriate transportation corridors and deliver
required resources to save lives and to meet the needs of disaster survivors.
o Clear debris from primary and secondary routes to facilitate response operations.
o Coordinate debris removal in the City of Renton using the City of Renton Debris
Management Plan.
o Mobilize all available critical resources to re-establish critical infrastructure within the
affected area.
o Facilitate the coordination, response, use, and recovery of the transportation system
across neighboring jurisdictions.
o Establish ingress and egress routes to facilitate movement restrictions and
transportation safety.
o In smaller incidents, transportation resource requests will be managed through an
Incident Command Post or Departmental Operations Center (DOC).
o Requests for additional assistance from private, county, state, and federal agencies will
filter through the Renton EOC when capabilities exceed local resources to support
response and recovery efforts.
o Procedures for the coordination of transportation resources are located under the
Logistics Section of the Renton EOC procedures.
October 2023 59
o Incident management measures will be implemented by the following lead agencies in
the event of disruption to transportation systems:
• Aviation: Renton Public Works Airport
• Maritime: Renton Regional Fire Authority
• Pipeline: Renton Public Works, Renton Regional Fire Authority
• Railroad: Renton Public Works
• Surface Roadways: Renton Public Works
Whole Community
The “Whole Community” includes individuals, families, households, communities, the private
and nonprofit sectors, faith-based organizations, and local, tribal, state, and Federal
governments. ESF 1 includes communicating with the Whole Community during transportation
and critical infrastructure preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation activities. The
Whole Community includes populations with Limited English Proficiency (LEP), individuals with
disabilities, and Access and Functional Needs (AFN).
ESF 1 has been reviewed by the Whole Community through a public input process that included
online (virtual) and in-person access.
Organization
Renton Public Works is responsible for the assessment of transportation systems in the City of
Renton and identification of functional and non-functional components of the systems. Public
transportation authorities are responsible for the restoration of transportation systems under
their control.
A Ground Support/Transportation Unit from Renton Public Works will organize transportation
resources and maintain liaison with transportation authorities. The Transportation Unit is
located in the Logistics Section of the Incident Management System. The Renton EOC will
provide support to the lead agency for this ESF.
Notification
This ESF can be activated for Renton EOC Support through the following agencies:
• Renton Public Works
• Renton Police Department
• Renton Regional Fire Authority (RFA)
• Renton EOC Duty Officer or EOC Director
Activation may occur due to the severity of the event or perceived threat; unmitigated risk to
the Renton community; or in support of mutual aid partners.
October 2023 60
Information Collection
The following categories are a baseline list which should be considered to create a common
operating picture for Essential Elements of Information (EEIs) which help guide the collection
and dissemination of information.
This list is not exhaustive. As an event progresses, information, population needs, available
resources and support, and situational awareness will develop and change.
EEI Description Collection Dissemination
Transportation What is the status of all transportation
systems (land, sea, air, rail) within the
City of Renton?
What is the status of all primary and
secondary routes? Status of
evacuation routes? Shelter routes?
Pathways to hospitals or other critical
infrastructure?
What is the status of bridges (critical
and non)?
Renton Public Works
Renton EOC
Renton Police
Renton RFA
Safety and
Security
What transportation systems need to
be closed or detoured to protect for
safety and security?
Renton Public Works
Renton Police
Renton RFA
Renton EOC
Renton Police
Renton RFA
Hazardous
Materials
What is the status of any hazardous
materials (ex: pipelines) that may
disrupt transportation or have an
impact upon transportation systems?
Renton Public Works
Renton Police
Renton RFA
Renton EOC
Renton Police
Renton RFA
October 2023 61
Responsibilities
The table below outlines the responsibilities of the primary and supporting agencies in support
of this ESF. These statement of mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery actions are
tied to executing the Core Capabilities listed in the “Purpose” section.
Response
Statement of Purpose: Coordinate and mobilize resources to support the assessment and stabilization
of impacted infrastructure transportation systems.
Core Capability Activity Responsible
Agency(s)
Operational
Coordination
Activate the Renton EOC as requested to support
information collection and dissemination, and city
priority objectives.
Renton Executive
Services
Mitigation
Statement of Purpose: Determine mitigation strategies to increase the integrity of transportation
systems and infrastructure thus reducing damage potential within the City of Renton.
Core Capability Activity Responsible
Agency(s)
Infrastructure Systems Mitigate transportation systems to increase integrity
and decrease damage potential.
Renton Public
Works
Preparedness
Statement of Purpose: Develop and maintain primary and alternative transportation plans, resources,
and procedures that can be implemented in the event of a disaster or other disruption.
Core Capability Activity Responsible
Agency(s)
Planning
Develop an inventory of all primary and alternative
transportation resources that can be implemented
when systems or infrastructure are damaged,
unavailable, or overwhelmed.
Renton Public
Works
Renton Executive
Services
Participate in emergency management training,
drills, and exercises in support of this ESF.
Renton Public
Works
Develop and maintain departmental standard
operating procedures and checklists in accordance
with this plan.
Renton Public
Works
Identify and build transportation routes that would
support an evacuation.
Coordinate with City of Renton Public Works
Department to ensure operational readiness.
Renton Executive
Services
October 2023 62
Notify the county or state of the need for activation
of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and the
potential need for transportation resources.
Coordinate the mobilization of personnel and
equipment necessary for the assessment of
transportation systems.
Brief deployed personnel on the known hazards and
designated assignments.
Coordinate through the Renton EOC Logistics section
to ensure the delivery of requested resources and
supplies.
As available, provide a liaison to the City of Renton
EOC through the county or state EOC. Washington State
Department of
Transportation
Provide personnel and equipment, when requested,
for engineering services as related to the state
transportation system.
Coordinate response efforts with utilities as needed
to provide personnel and equipment, to restore city
transportation routes affected by utility damage
under their control.
Seattle City Light
Seattle Public
Utilities
Puget Sound Energy
Provide personnel and equipment, when requested,
to restore city transportation systems affected by
rail damage under their control.
Private Rail Carriers
Situational Assessment
Develop a process for monitoring and reporting the
status of or damage to the transportation system to
include:
o Field staff or crew conduct windshield
inspections to verify the status of
transportation systems and infrastructure
within Renton.
o Supplement field verifications with video
cameras at traffic signals, if operational.
o Receive and respond to calls from citizens and
local agencies regarding infrastructure and
road conditions.
o Manage the Renton Response Citizen Work
Order Request system.
o Monitor and provide status updates through
the city website and social media platforms of
transportation systems and infrastructure
delays, impacts, or damages.
Renton Public
Works
Coordinate regular communication with Renton EOC
and Transportation Director to monitor the status of
and report damage of impacted transportation
systems:
Renton Public
Works
October 2023 63
o Complete situation reports and deliver on a
regular or consistent schedule through the
duration of the incident period. Suggested:
approximately every 4 hours.
o Conduct regular damage assessments to
arterials, highways, and other road
transportation routes and infrastructure.
o Coordinate, process, and examine
transportation and infrastructure damage
assessment information, as outlined in the
Damage Assessment Annex, with partner
departments and agencies including Renton
Police Department and Renton Regional Fire
Authority.
As outlined in the Damage Assessment Annex,
identify, and communicate information of damaged
transportation systems and emergency response
routes to the Renton EOC, and other necessary
departments/agencies as consistent with the
Incident Management System.
Renton Police
Renton RFA
Renton Public
Works
Renton Community
and Economic
Development
Coordinate the release of public information and
warning regarding transportation safety and
emergency routes.
Renton Executive
Services
Critical Transportation
Conduct aerial reconnaissance and photographic
missions, as requested, if resources are available.
Washington State
Department of
Transportation
Provide transportation support to the City of Renton
through coordinating school buses for the
movement of people.
Renton School
District
Alternative transportation solutions that can be
implemented when systems or infrastructure are
damaged, unavailable, or overwhelmed:
o City fleet pool of vehicles for out of service
and/or damaged vehicles.
Renton Public
Works
Recovery
Statement of Purpose: Coordinate the restoration and recovery of the transportation systems and
infrastructure in alignment with the Renton Recovery Framework (ESF 14).
Core Capability Activity Responsible
Agency(s)
Planning Provide documentation to the City of Renton EOC or
designated Applicant Agent for the city, of costs
Renton Public
Works
October 2023 64
Resource Requirements
None.
References
• City of Renton Annex to the King County Hazard Mitigation Plan
• City of Renton CEMP Damage Assessment Annex
• City of Renton CEMP Evacuation Annex
• City of Renton EOC Standard Operating Procedures
• City of Renton Public Works Department Resource Manual
• City of Renton Debris Management Plan
• King County Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan
incurred for the response and recovery efforts of
city transportation systems.
Coordinate with Renton EOC for transportation
systems and infrastructure recovery priority
objectives.
Coordinate teams for the restoration and recovery
of transportation systems and infrastructure.
o Assign project managers and inspectors for
transportation restoration and recovery.
o Deploy inspectors to the field to relay
contractor information to the project
managers.
o Project managers will coordinate designs.
o Field information and administer the
restoration and recovery process.
Situational Assessment
Conduct damage assessments of city transportation
systems and facilities, as a member of the
Preliminary Damage Assessment (PDA) team.
Renton Public
Works
Critical Transportation
Provide information identifying alternate
transportation routes to the City of Renton EOC.
Renton Public
Works
Reconstruct, repair, and maintain the city
transportation system, including the designation of
alternate routes in coordination with the county and
state.
Provide support and coordination with the State
Department of Transportation for the assessment
and restoration of state transportation systems
through the City of Renton EOC, if activated, or the
City of Renton Executive Department.
Operational
Coordination
Support the City of Renton Public Works
Department by providing available resources for
damage assessment, emergency traffic control,
repair, etc., of transportation systems.
Renton Police
October 2023 65
• Washington State Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan
• Washington State Department of Transportation Disaster Plan
• Puget Sound Regional Catastrophic Disaster Coordination Plan, Transportation Recovery
Annex
Terms and Definitions
See Basic Plan
Appendices
None.
October 2023 66
EMERGENCY SUPPORT FUNCTION 2: COMMUNICATIONS,
INFORMATION SYSTEMS, AND WARNING
Primary Agency: City of Renton Executive Services Department
Supporting Agency: City of Renton Police Department
City of Renton Public Works Department
Renton Emergency Communication Services
King County Emergency Operations Center
Valley Communications Center
Cellular Providers / Telecommunications Companies
Introduction
Purpose
The purpose of Emergency Support Function (ESF) 2 is to provide guidance for coordinating,
maintaining, and reestablishing the communications capabilities necessary for the operational
requirements for the City of Renton in preparing for, responding to, and recovering from
emergencies and disasters.
ESF 2 also identifies the guidance for rapid alerting and warning of city officials and the general
public of an impending or occurring natural or technological emergency or disaster.
The following Core Capabilities support the roles and responsibilities of ESF 2. The primary and
supporting core capabilities are defined to support the execution of communication,
information systems, and warning for this ESF as follows:
Primary Response Core Capabilities
Public Information
and Warning
Deliver coordinated, prompt, reliable, and actionable information to the
whole community through the use of clear, consistent, accessible, and
culturally and linguistically appropriate methods to effectively relay
information regarding any threat or hazard, as well as the actions being
taken and the assistance being made available, as appropriate.
Operational
Communications
Ensure the capacity for timely communications in support of security,
situational awareness, and operations, by any and all means available,
among and between affected communities in the impact area and all
response forces.
Infrastructure
Systems
Stabilize critical infrastructure functions, minimize health and safety threats,
and effectively restore and revitalize systems and services to support a
viable, resilient community.
Logistics and Supply
Chain Management
Deliver essential commodities, equipment, and services in support of
impacted communities and survivors, to include emergency power and fuel
support, as well as the coordination and access to community staples.
October 2023 67
Primary Response Core Capabilities
Synchronize logistics capabilities and enable the restoration of impacted
supply chains.
Support Response Core Capabilities
Planning
Conduct a systematic process engaging the whole community as appropriate
in the development of executable strategic, operational, and/or tactical-level
approaches to meet defined objectives.
Situational
Assessment
Provide all decision makers with decision-relevant information regarding the
nature and extent of the hazard, any cascading effects, and the status of the
response.
Authorities and Policies
ESF 2 applies to city departments as well as private and volunteer organizations that take action
to establish and maintain communication, information system, and warning support in
preparation for, response to, and recovery from an emergency or disaster which affects the
population and government operations in the City of Renton. Substitute Senate Bill 5573 (RCW
43.105.331 and 43.105.020) addresses implementing two-way voice via the State
Communications Interoperability Plan to ensure interoperability between federal, state, and
local agencies. Special considerations for communicating with significant segments of the
population with Limited English Proficiency (LEP) and those with Access or Functional Needs
(AFN) is addressed in this ESF with compliance to:
• Civil Rights Act of 1964
o Unlawful discrimination against race, color, or national origin.
• RCW 38.52.070
o Requirement for emergency management organizations to include and
communications plan which identifies “significant population segments” that
have LEP and AFN and how information will be disseminated to those
populations during an emergency or disaster.
• WAC 118-30
o LEP and AFN populations are components of the Whole Community which is
discussed as a requirement for inclusion throughout the planning process.
• WAC 118-04
o Registration of volunteers through the Emergency Worker Program.
Situation Overview
The Basic Plan portion of the Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan identifies the
natural and technological emergencies or disasters the City of Renton may experience that
require full support of their communication systems. Major hazards of concern that would
October 2023 68
disrupt communication and information systems may include earthquakes, landslides, wind
events, winter storms, and cyber-attack.
Alert and Warning
Following an emergency or disaster, people within Renton will expect to be informed of the
actions the city is taking to protect life and property loss. The nature of the incident may not
allow sufficient time to provide for warning. The City of Renton would likely need to use
multiple systems and approaches to alert the population of an emergency or disaster. Alerting
systems may include the activation of the ALERT Renton mass notification system or the
Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS). Although the city of Renton has direct
access to generating alerts through ALERT Renton, the city does not control the use of IPAWS,
which can issue alerts through the Emergency Alert System (EAS), Wireless Emergency Alerts
(WEA), and on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio.
These alerting systems provide authenticated emergency and life-saving information to the
public through mediums such as mobile or landline telephones, TTY/TDD devices, radio,
television, or Weather Radio. Emergency information or warning relayed to the media is
publicized at the discretion of the broadcasters. It is important to note that not all warning and
emergency notification messages will reach the intended audiences due to disruptions in
communication systems. Additionally, system databases will not include all telephone numbers
of affected individuals.
Technological limitations may prevent communication with the general public, including those
with LEP and those with AFN. Consult the King County Inclusive Emergency Communication
Plan (IECP) and the Renton Annex to the King County IECP for alternative communication
options specific to addressing LEP and AFN populations. The City of Renton recognizes that
members of these communities will have additional difficulties in receiving and understanding
warning and emergency notification messages if special efforts are not made to reach them.
Communication Systems
The City of Renton’s primary concern will be with lifesaving responses and the restoration of
vital city services necessitating the use of communication systems. The city’s communication
systems may be overwhelmed, damaged, or destroyed by a natural or technological disaster
when they are needed the most. As backup communication is limited, it will be necessary to
assess, prioritize and allocate the use of all working systems. It is important to note that
communication systems may not have sufficient capacity to handle the traffic generated by
emergency conditions, therefore, the city may be forced to rely on alternate communication
systems when normal communication systems are overwhelmed or inadequate.
Communication systems are vulnerable and depending on the nature of the disaster and the
extent of the damage, repairs to these systems may take months.
October 2023 69
Concept of Operations
It is essential for the City of Renton to have reliable communications and information system
capabilities for day-to-day communications, warning capabilities, response and recovery
efforts, and coordination with other organizations. Such capabilities must be available to the
city for operations from the primary or alternate EOC as well as any other location selected. The
City of Renton will prioritize available communications and information systems with life safety
first, followed by critical government functions, the protection of property, the environment,
and the economy. In the event communication support is needed beyond available capabilities,
the City of Renton will request assistance through the King County Emergency Operations
Center (EOC) or directly to Washington State EOC.
Procedures detailing responsibility for, and operation of emergency communications
equipment are located in the City of Renton Emergency Operations Center Procedures,
maintained separately. Procedures detailing the activation of warning systems are found in the
City of Renton Emergency Operations Center Duty Officer Manual, maintained separately.
Coordination
• Ensure the capacity to communicate with internal city staff, external agencies including
the Renton Regional Fire Authority (RFA), and both the emergency response community
and the affected populations are established and interoperable between responders
and coordinators at the Federal, tribal, state, and local levels.
• Reestablish sufficient communications infrastructure within the affected areas to
support ongoing response activities.
• Reestablish critical information networks including cybersecurity information sharing
networks to maintain situational awareness, inform incident response, and support the
resiliency of key systems.
• The Incident Commander or their delegate will establish a communications plan for the
field units and other organizations responsible for response and recovery efforts.
• The City of Renton EOC may assist Incident Command in communications coordination.
Provision
Communication capabilities presently available to support emergency operations and/or
provide emergency alert and warning to the public include:
• Internal to the City of Renton
o City of Renton Critical Emergency Information web page at rentonwa.gov
o ALERT Renton electronic emergency notification system to notify opted-in
individuals via telephone, text message, email, and TTY/TDD of emergencies that
may require action.
o Telephones including landlines, cellular, and satellite.
o Facsimile machines (fax).
o Radio Systems, including 800 MHz and VHF.
October 2023 70
o City of Renton e-mail (internal notification system only).
o Comprehensive Emergency Management Network (CEMNET) – two-way VHF
radio system for contact with the state EOC at Camp Murray.
o Renton Emergency Communication Service (RECS) – amateur radio volunteer
group which is registered as both a RACES (Radio Amateur Civil Emergency
Services) and ARES (Amateur Radio Emergency Services) group and provides
two-way communication via voice, limited continuous wave/Morse code, limited
radio teletype, and packet using amateur radio frequencies.
o National Warning System (NAWAS) - a federal landline warning system
connecting the state warning network.
o Valley Communication Center – regional 9-1-1 public safety dispatch center.
o Use of message runners or couriers to convey written or verbal messages
between locations if all communications are disrupted.
o Use of social media sites such as Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and NextDoor.
o Neighborhood Information Centers – publicized locations where written
messages can be posted for the public when electronic and media
communications are unavailable.
o Use of universal pictographs or symbols to convey messages without words.
o Leveraging community-based social networks, which may include word of
mouth, email, social media, and other means of informal information sharing by
the public.
o Utilizing interpreters and/or translators to provide messaging that can be
understood by significant segments of the population with LEP or AFN. Consult
the King County IECP and the Renton Annex to the King County IECP for
alternative communication options specific to addressing LEP and AFN
populations.
• External Requests
o Communication resources that may be obtained through external requests such
as the King County EOC, Washington State Emergency Management Division, or
Public Access include:
Radio and television broadcasts including City of Renton Cable Channel
21. Commercial broadcasts are at the discretion of the media
broadcaster.
National Oceanic Atmospheric Association (NOAA) weather radio for
announcement of weather forecasts.
National Weather Service (NWS) issuance of weather warnings, watches,
and advisories, including alerts sent to NOAA Weather Radio.
Emergency Alert System (EAS) Relay Network. A national warning system
which disseminates emergency alerts and warning messages via radio,
satellite, and broadcast television.
Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA), a public safety system that allows
customers who own compatible mobile devices to receive geographically
targeted messages alerting of emergencies that may require action.
October 2023 71
Whole Community
The “Whole Community” includes individuals, families, households, communities, the private
and nonprofit sectors, faith-based organizations, and local, tribal, state, and Federal
governments. ESF 2 integrates with ESF 15: External Affairs/Public Information to ensure
communication with the whole community during preparedness, response, recovery, and
mitigation activities are appropriately disseminated. ESF 2 focuses on establishing and
maintaining the necessary core communication systems that ESF 15 utilizes. The Whole
Community includes populations with LEP, AFN, and individuals with disabilities.
ESF 2 has been reviewed by the Whole Community through a public input process that included
online (virtual) and in-person access.
Organization
The responsibility for development, coordination, and maintenance of communication systems
for day-to-day operations rests with individual departments. Technical expertise and support
for these systems may be provided by Renton’s Executive Services Department (telephone and
electronic) or the Public Works Department (radio) depending on the mode of communication.
During an emergency or disaster situation, communication system and infrastructure capability
and support may be provided by Renton’s Executive Services and Public Works Departments.
Notification
This ESF can be activated through the following channels:
• Renton Public Works
• Renton Executive Services
• Renton EOC Duty Officer or EOC Director
Activation may occur due to the severity of the event or perceived threat, unmitigated risk to
the Renton community, or in support of mutual aid partners.
Information Collection
The following categories are a baseline list which should be considered to create a common
operating picture for Essential Elements of Information (EEIs) which help guide the collection
and dissemination of information.
October 2023 72
EEI Activity Collection Dissemination
Extent of
Incident
Gather any available information
regarding the extent of the
incident.
Renton EOC Duty
Officer
Renton Executive
Services
Renton EOC
Assessment
- Are communication capabilities
operational?
o Determine status and
availability of
communication resources
(landlines, cellphones,
internet, radios, satellite,
911 dispatch)
Renton EOC Duty
Officer
Renton Executive
Services
Renton Police
Renton Public
Works
Renton
Emergency
Communication
Service
Renton EOC
Renton Executive
Services
Information
Analysis
Gather/receive information
through reporting tools and
determine the veracity of the
information.
911 Dispatch
Renton Public
Works
Renton Police
Renton EOC
Planning Section
Renton EOC
Operations
Section
Renton EOC
Impacts
- What area is impacted?
o Confirm geographic
location/borders and
boundaries.
o Confirm boundaries of
impact area to include.
o Determine population
impacted.
- Is there any impact to life
safety?
- Confirm access to Emergency
Notification Systems.
- Status of broadcasting,
internet, and other
communication structures or
facilities.
Renton EOC Duty
Officer
Renton Executive
Services
Renton Police
Renton Public
Works
Renton Parks and
Recreation
Renton RFA
Renton
Emergency
Communication
Service
Renton EOC
This list is not exhaustive. As an event progresses, information, population needs, available
resources and support, and situational awareness will develop and change.
October 2023 73
Responsibilities
The table below outlines the responsibilities of the primary and supporting agencies in support
of this ESF. These statement of mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery actions are
tied to executing the Core Capabilities listed in the “Purpose” section.
Mitigation
Statement of Purpose: Responsible agencies undertake activities to ensure the mitigation of
preventable or limitable impacts to the systems and resources upon which ESF 2 capabilities rely.
These are physical or technological systems in place which support the Core Response Capabilities
which allow for the coordination of ensuring communication capabilities remain operable in regard to
potential or actual emergencies or disasters that could affect the City of Renton.
Core Capability Activity Responsible Agency(s)
Infrastructure
Systems/Long – Term
Vulnerability
Reduction
Stabilize, restore, and revitalize systems and
services to support a resilient community
through:
o Mitigation programs for all city computer
and communication systems to protect
them from the effects of an emergency or
disaster.
Included in this program will be the
seismic protection of all essential city
computer and communication systems.
o New technologies designed to improve the
reliability of communication systems.
Mitigation programs for all radio and wireless
communications systems to protect them from
the effects of an emergency or disaster.
Renton Executive
Services
Renton Public Works
Renton Emergency
Communication Service
Preparedness
Statement of Purpose: Responsible agencies undertake planning and redundancy activities to ensure
the preparedness and readiness of systems and resources upon which ESF 2 rely. These are plans,
procedures, exercises, and redundancies in place that support the Core Response Capabilities which
allow for the coordination of preparing communication capabilities to remain operable in regard to
potential or actual emergencies or disasters that could affect the City of Renton.
Core Capability Activity Responsible Agency(s)
Infrastructure
Systems
Prepare and design reliable, redundant, and
robust communication systems for daily
operations capable of quickly reconstituting
normal operations in the event of disruptions or
destruction.
Renton Executive
Services
Renton Public Works
Valley Communications
Operational
Coordination
Participate in communication exercises, trainings,
and drills in support of this ESF that evaluate
plans and capabilities.
All Renton Departments
Renton RFA
Develop, facilitate, and promote communication
training, drills, and exercises that evaluates plans All Renton Departments
October 2023 74
and capabilities in support of this ESF with the
inclusion of relevant public information officer
roles and whole community partners.
Ensure social media accounts and passwords are
up to date and accessible.
Renton Executive
Services
Renton Police
Maintain and regularly test the 800 MHz radio
system for local emergency responders.
Puget Sound Emergency
Radio Network
Build an amateur radio communications system
that supports emergency operations Renton Emergency
Communication Service Maintain a deployment plan for staffing amateur
radio at critical locations specified by city staff.
Logistics and Supply
Chain Management
Maintain an inventory and record of assigned
communications equipment. Document damages
or necessary repairs.
Renton Executive
Services
Planning
Establish standard operating and reporting
procedures for emergency communications,
alerts, and warning both internally for City of
Renton employees and externally for the public.
Renton Executive
Services
Align plans, procedures, and systems that support
required communications with all Federal, State,
local, and tribal governments, and agencies.
Pre-stage relevant emergency messages and/or
maps with the automated emergency notification
system.
Consult the King County IECP and the Renton
Annex to the King County IECP for alternative
communication options specific to addressing LEP
and AFN populations.
Response
Statement of Purpose: Responsible agencies undertake the coordination of response activities to
ensure the systems and resources upon which ESF 2 capabilities rely are maintained and operable.
These are physical or technological systems in place which support the Core Response Capabilities
which allow for the coordination of ensuring communication capabilities remain operable in regard to
potential or actual emergencies or disasters that could affect the City of Renton.
Core Capability Activity Responsible Agency(s)
Infrastructure
Systems
Reestablish critical information networks,
including cybersecurity and information sharing
networks to inform situational awareness, enable
incident response, and support the resilience of
key systems.
Renton Executive
Services
Reestablish sufficient communications
infrastructure within the affected areas to
support ongoing life-sustaining activities, provide
basic human needs, and a transition to recovery.
Renton Public Works
Renton Executive
Services
October 2023 75
Operational
Communication
Manage communications throughout response
organizations on-scene through coordinating the
establishment of interoperable voice and data
communications between City of Renton, local,
and out-of-area responders.
Renton Executive
Services
Relay critical incident information from the City
of Renton EOC. Renton EOC will provide support
and coordinate communications throughout
duration of the event. Renton Executive
Services Relay incident information to the King County
EOC and/or the Washington State EOC
Activate the RECS volunteer group to overcome
communication shortfalls, deploying them to
staff the Renton EOC Communications Unit.
Assist in identifying and maintaining directories
of compatible frequencies used by organizations
throughout the incident.
Renton Emergency
Communication Service
Logistics and Supply
Chain Management
Mobilize staff and/or volunteers to assist in the
communications function as needed.
All Renton Departments
Renton RFA
Renton Emergency
Communication Service
Anticipate and communicate resource requests
to include communication equipment,
maintenance, personnel, technical support, and
other services or commodities.
All Renton Departments
Provide communications resource support to
include commodities, personnel, services, and
moving and delivering of resources, for the City
of Renton, if requested.
Renton Executive
Services
King County EOC
Situational
Assessment
Through emergency notification or alternative
call-out system, notify city officials/departments
of emergency or disaster situation.
Renton Executive
Services
Establish and maintain a common operating
picture to analyze and deliver critical information
sufficient to inform policy and decision making
and stabilize the incident.
Expand situational awareness and inform and
notify neighboring jurisdictions when an incident
has occurred as timely as possible.
Public Information
and Warning
Activate and disperse public messaging through
ALERT Renton and other alerting systems. Renton Executive
Services
King County EOC
WA EMD
Update and publish information to the
emergency information web page if the
necessary systems are accessible and
operational.
Coordinate an external messaging strategy that
meets the needs of LEP/AFN populations while
Renton Executive
Services
October 2023 76
adhering to the procedures described in ESF 15
and the Renton Annex to the King County
Integrated Emergency Communications Plan.
Renton Equity, Housing
and Human Services
Provide technical information regarding fire,
hazardous materials, or other hazards to the
Renton EOC to assist in crafting appropriate
emergency messages.
Renton RFA
Renton Police
Renton Public Works
Renton Parks and
Recreation
Renton Executive
Services
Renton Community and
Economic Development
Planning
Implement incident communication
interoperability plans and protocols and consider:
- Information relay
- Radio transmission clarity
- Notification for internal staff
- Notification for general public
All Renton Departments
Renton RFA
Renton Emergency
Communication Service
Recovery
Statement of Purpose: Responsible agencies undertake activities to ensure the recovery effort
returns the systems and resources upon which ESF 2 capabilities rely to a steady state. These are
physical or technological systems in place which support the Core Response Capabilities which allow
for the coordination of ensuring communication capabilities are reestablished and recovered in
regard to potential or actual emergencies or disasters that have affected the City of Renton.
Core Capability Activity Responsible Agency(s)
Infrastructure
Systems
Repair and restore amateur radio communication
systems or provide technical information or
recommendations on the restoration of those
systems.
Renton Emergency
Communication Service
Repair and restore or coordinate and direct the
restoration of communication systems within the
scope of their access and expertise.
All Renton Departments
Cellular Providers /
Telecommunications
Companies
Coordinate the repair and restoration of overall
communication systems through the City of
Renton EOC.
Renton Executive
Services
Renton Public Works
Puget Sound Emergency
Radio Network
Coordinate the maintenance and repair of
respective radio communication equipment.
Renton Public Works
Renton RFA
King County EOC
Operational
Communication
Continue to provide communication support for
emergency operations, as needed and directed
by city staff.
Renton Emergency
Communication Service
October 2023 77
Public Information
and Warning
Support and amplify ongoing public information
messaging content; consult the King County IECP
and the Renton Annex to the King County IECP for
alternative communication procedures specific to
addressing LEP and AFN populations.
Renton Executive
Services
King County EOC
Resource Requirements
Technical and support staff will be necessary to expedite the establishment of critical
communication systems. Equipment and supplies should be cached to support operations for a
minimum of 3 days. Alternate power sources should be available to operate electricity
dependent systems.
References
• City of Renton EOC Standard Operating Procedures
• City of Renton EOC Duty Officer Manual
• City of Renton Annex to the King County Inclusive Emergency Communications Plan
(IECP)
• Memorandum of Understanding between City of Renton and Renton Emergency
Communication Service.
• King County Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan
• King County ARES/RACES Resources
• King County Inclusive Emergency Communications Plan (IECP)
• Valley Communications Emergency Restoration Procedures
• Puget Sound Regional Catastrophic Disaster Coordination Plan
• Washington State Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan
Terms and Definitions
- Access and Functional Needs (AFN): includes those people who may have specific needs
related to the emergency incident. In the context of this ESF, this includes those
members of community who are blind, visually impaired, deaf/blind, and/or have
experienced hearing loss.
- Limited English Proficiency (LEP): refers to individuals who do not speak English as their
primary language and have a limited ability to read, speak, write, or understand English.
- Significant segment of the population: refers to 5% of the total population of the city,
or 1,000 persons, whichever is smaller.
Additional terms and definitions can be found in the Basic Plan.
October 2023 78
Appendices
None.
October 2023 79
EMERGENCY SUPPORT FUNCTION 3: PUBLIC WORKS AND
ENGINEERING
Primary Agency: City of Renton Public Works Department
Support Agencies: City of Renton Community and Economic Development Department
City of Renton Parks and Recreation Department
City of Renton Police Department
City of Renton Executive Services Department
Renton Regional Fire Authority
King County Emergency Operations Center
King County Department of Transportation
King County/Metro Transit
Puget Sound Energy
Seattle City Light
Washington State Department of Transportation
Introduction
Purpose
Emergency Support Function (ESF) 3 is developed for the coordination of engineering and
public works activities. This may include:
• Emergency construction, demolition, and repairs.
• Operation and management of water, wastewater, storm water, and
transportation systems (traffic systems and airport).
• Inspection of facilities for structural condition and safety.
• Maintenance and repair of city vehicles.
• Coordination of heavy equipment resources required to support emergency
operations of the City of Renton.
The following Core Capabilities support the roles and responsibilities of ESF 3. The primary and
supporting core capabilities are defined to support the execution of emergency construction,
operations, and management for this ESF as follows:
October 2023 80
Primary Response Core Capability
Infrastructure
Systems
Stabilize critical Public Works infrastructure functions, minimize health and
safety threats, and efficiently restore and revitalize systems and services to
support a viable, resilient community.
Supporting Response Core Capability
Operational
Coordination
Establish and maintain a unified and coordinated operational structure and
process that appropriately integrates all critical stakeholders and supports
the execution of Core Capabilities.
Critical
Transportation
Provide transportation (including infrastructure access and accessible
transportation services) for response priority objectives, including the
evacuation of people and animals and the delivery of vital response
personnel, equipment, and services into the affected areas.
Environmental
Response/Health &
Safety
Conduct appropriate measures to ensure that protection of the health and
safety of the public and workers, as well as the environment, from all
hazards in support of responder operations and the affected communities.
Logistics and Supply
Chain Management
Deliver essential commodities, equipment, and services in support of
impacted communities and survivors, to include emergency power and fuel
support, as well as the coordination of access to community staples.
Synchronize logistics capabilities and enable the restoration of impacted
supply chains.
Mass Care Services
Provide life-sustaining and human services to the affected population to
include hydration, feeding, sheltering, temporary housing, evacuee support,
reunification, and distribution of emergency supplies.
Situational
Assessment
Provide all decision makers with decision-relevant information regarding the
nature and extent of the hazard, any cascading effects, and the status of the
response.
Authorities and Policies
Renton Public Works capabilities include technical advice and evaluations, engineering services,
construction management and inspection, emergency contracting, emergency repair of water,
stormwater, and wastewater facilities, emergency response to transportation route systems
(traffic and airport), provision of potable water, and emergency power. Activities within the
scope of these capabilities include:
• Coordination of mitigation activities including seismic retrofitting.
• Assists in damage assessment information collection immediately following the event.
• Emergency clearance of debris to allow access for emergency first responders.
• Removal of debris from public streets and roads.
• Temporary repair or replacement of emergency access routes to including damaged
streets, roads, bridges, and any other facilities necessary for passage of emergency first
responders.
October 2023 81
• Emergency restoration of critical utility systems including temporary restoration of
water supply and distribution systems, wastewater collection systems, and drainage
systems.
• Emergency contracting to support public health and safety.
• Assist in the preparation of Preliminary Damage Assessment reports as requested.
• Support other ESF's as outlined in the CEMP.
The City of Renton will provide public works response service capabilities to lands and facilities
under its jurisdiction. Response to private property problems shall be performed only when a
city facility, such as a utility is causing the problem or when life or public health is threatened.
Renton Public Works may assist in the evaluation of unsafe conditions on private property
giving recommendations for repair or restoration. Renton Community and Economic
Development (CED) may provide a structural engineer to assess conditions on private property
if there is an immediate threat to life. The following Revised Codes of Washington (RCW) and
Washington Administrative Codes (WAC) apply to ESF 3 guidelines, authorities, and policies as
follows:
Revised Code of Washington (RCW):
o 43.155.065, Emergency public works projects.
Establishes low-interest or interest-free loans for emergency public works
projects.
o 57.08.170, Emergency Water Use Restrictions
Establishes the authority to restrict water use and fine violators.
o 77.55, Department of Fish and Wildlife, Construction Projects in State Waters
Reviews laws and regulations pertinent to a construction project that effects
state salt and fresh waterways.
o 86.16.035, Department of Ecology – Control of dams and obstructions
Empowers Department of Ecology to supervise and control all dams and
obstructions of streams, including regulation of these structures.
Washington Administrative Code (WAC):
o 173-175-610, Department of Ecology, Dam Safety Emergencies
Provides guidance to Department of Ecology for responding to dam emergencies.
City of Renton Policies
o 400-09, Emergency Water Shut-down Notification.
Establishes a policy/procedure for notification of emergency water shut down
of water mains, fire hydrants, or other pertinent valves.
Situation Overview
The City of Renton’s Annex to the King County Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan identifies the
natural and technological emergencies or disasters the City of Renton may experience that
October 2023 82
could overwhelm Renton Public Works. An emergency or disaster could damage or destroy
structures, streets, signals, or water, storm drainage and sewer utility systems.
Renton Public Works personnel may also be affected by the event and unable to work or obtain
the necessary equipment to perform their standard operations. Additional resources may not
be available to the city to meet emergency requirements. County, state, or federal assistance
may be necessary to ensure a timely, efficient, and effective response.
Planning Assumptions
• Debris clearance and emergency road repairs will be given priority to support immediate
lifesaving emergency response.
• Water supplies and infrastructure for firefighting will be evaluated, and priority may be
given to areas determined most critical.
• Renton Public Works engineering personnel and construction equipment may become
overwhelmed and require resource assistance from outside the jurisdiction of the city.
• Emergency supplies of potable drinking water will be coordinated system wide or at pre-
designated locations such as functional water reservoirs.
• Previously inspected structures and city utility systems may require re-evaluation when
after-shocks occur following an earthquake or, in other disasters, whenever conditions
of the disaster substantially worsen.
Concept of Operations
General
Renton Public Works will coordinate engineering and construction activities and communicate
with support agencies such as city departments, the City of Renton Emergency Operations
Center (EOC), and the Washington State Department of Transportation (WA DOT) as necessary.
Damage assessment may be conducted for in conjunction with ESF 1 following the procedures
outlined in the Damage Assessment Annex. Information collected will be forwarded to Renton
Public Works and the City of Renton EOC, if activated. Renton Public Works will then develop
Incident Action Plans with the support of ESF 5 - Emergency Management and ESF 14 - the City
of Renton Disaster Recovery Plan, for response and recovery activities.
Whole Community
The “Whole Community” includes individuals, families, households, communities, the private
and nonprofit sectors, faith-based organizations, and local, tribal, state, and Federal
governments. ESF 3 includes communicating with the whole community throughout
preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation activities. The Whole Community includes
populations with Limited English Proficiency (LEP), individuals with disabilities, and Access and
Functional Needs (AFN).
October 2023 83
ESF 3 has been reviewed by the Whole Community through a public input process that included
online (virtual) and in-person access.
Organization
The Primary Agency responsible for the coordination of this ESF is the City of Renton Public
Works Department. They will provide public works and engineering assistance, as resources
allow, meeting the city's needs in an emergency or disaster. In the event of an emergency, ESF
3 will function within the Operations Section of the Renton EOC.
Notification
This ESF can be activated through the following channels:
• Renton Public Works
• Renton Police
• Renton Regional Fire Authority
• Renton EOC Duty Officer or EOC Director
Activation may occur due to the severity of the event or perceived threat; unmitigated risk to
the Renton community; or in support of mutual aid partners.
Information Collection
The following categories are a baseline list which should be considered to create a common
operating picture for Essential Elements of Information (EEIs) which help guide the collection
and dissemination of information.
EEI Description Collection Dissemination
Resources
What is the status and location of Public Works
response teams, equipment and materials
needed for response?
Renton Public
Works
Renton EOC
Public Works DOC
Extent of
Incident
Gather situational reports regarding the type
and extent of the incident and impact to Public
Works Infrastructure.
Number and locations of impacted persons
without access to wastewater, potable water,
and transportation access/ “islanded
populations”.
- Status of Public Works infrastructure
operational capabilities:
o transportation systems
o airport
o bridges
Incident
Commander Renton EOC
October 2023 84
o water supply
o potable water treatment facilities
o reservoirs and water distribution
systems
o pump stations and lift stations
o wastewater collection systems
o drainage collection systems
o condition of public works
maintenance and operation facilities
Disaster
Impact
Numbers
Number and location of drainage systems
impacted, areas flooded, number of homes
flooded.
Number of buildings/facilities/systems needing
inspection.
Incident
Commander
Renton Public
Works
Renton RFA
Renton Police
Renton EOC
Public Works DOC
Public Works
Structures and
Facilities
Status (operational, damaged, destroyed,
unknown), number, location, and approximate
restoration date of:
- City of Renton owned and operated
facilities and structures.
Incident
Commander
Renton Public
Works
Renton EOC
Renton Public
Works DOC
Transportation
Systems
Status (operational, damaged, destroyed,
unknown), number, location, and approximate
restoration date of:
- Street closures.
- Non-operable traffic signals.
- Transportation Systems including
bridges.
Incident
Commander
Renton Public
Works
Renton RFA
Renton Police
Renton EOC
Renton Public
Works DOC
Renton
Municipal
Airport
Status (operational, damaged, destroyed,
unknown), number, location, and approximate
restoration date of:
- Renton Municipal Airport facilities,
runway, and access routes.
Incident
Commander
Renton Public
Works
Renton EOC
Renton Public
Works DOC
Dams
Status (operational, damaged, destroyed,
unknown), number, location, and approximate
restoration date of:
- Flow of rivers and streams.
- Weather forecast conditions.
- Cedar River Dam.
Incident
Commander
Renton Public
Works
Army Corps of
Engineers
Renton EOC
Renton Public
Works DOC
Raw Water
Supply,
Storage
Systems, and
Facilities
Status (operational, damaged, destroyed,
unknown), number, location, and approximate
restoration date of:
- Environmental status of water source.
- Quantity of potable water available.
Incident
Commander
Renton Public
Works
Renton EOC
Renton Public
Works DOC
Treated
(finished)
Water Storage
Status (operational, damaged, destroyed,
unknown), number, location, and approximate
restoration date of:
- Quantity of water available.
Incident
Commander
Renton Public
Works
Renton EOC
Renton Public
Works DOC
October 2023 85
Systems and
Facilities
Treated Water
Distribution
Systems and
Facilities
Status (operational, damaged, destroyed,
unknown), number, location, and approximate
restoration date of:
- Number of water distribution system
breaks.
- Number of water customers without
potable water.
Incident
Commander
Renton Public
Works
Renton EOC
Renton Public
Works DOC
Water
Treatment
Facilities
Status (operational, damaged, destroyed,
unknown), number, location, and approximate
restoration date of:
- Renton water treatment facilities.
Incident
Commander
Renton Public
Works
Renton EOC
Renton Public
Works DOC
Wastewater
Treatment
Facility and
Interceptors
Status (operational, damaged, destroyed,
unknown), number, location, and approximate
restoration date of:
- Wastewater treatment facilities and
interceptors.
Incident
Commander
Renton Public
Works
Renton EOC
Renton Public
Works DOC
Wastewater
Collection
Systems and
Facilities
Status (operational, damaged, destroyed,
unknown), number, location, and approximate
restoration date of:
- Number of wastewater collection
system breaks.
- Number of impacted wastewater
collection facilities.
Incident
Commander
Renton Public
Works
Renton EOC
Renton Public
Works DOC
Drainage
Collection
Systems and
Facilities
Status (operational, damaged, destroyed,
unknown), number, location, and approximate
restoration date of:
- Number of impacted drainage collection
systems and facilities.
Incident
Commander
Renton Public
Works
Renton EOC
Renton Public
Works DOC
Responsibilities
The table below outlines the responsibilities of the primary and supporting agencies listed in
this ESF. These actions are tied to executing the Core Capabilities listed in the “Purpose”
section.
Mitigation
Statement of Purpose: Determine mitigation strategies to increase the integrity of critical
infrastructure and related systems thus reducing damage potential within the City of Renton.
Core Capability Activity Responsible
Agency(s)
Infrastructure
Systems
Mitigate city utility systems to increase integrity and
decrease damage potential. Renton Public Works
Implement hazard mitigation in the development of
policy, issuing of permits, and the design and
construction of city facilities, including water, sewer,
October 2023 86
Response
Statement of Purpose: Coordinate and mobilize resources to support the assessment and
stabilization of impacted public works systems and infrastructure.
Core Capability Activity Responsible
Agency(s)
Logistics and Supply
Chain Management
Provide personnel to conduct post disaster safety
evaluation of buildings in accordance with the Damage
Assessment Annex.
Renton Public Works
Renton Community
and Economic
Development
Organize trained personnel to perform preliminary
damage assessment of city roads, bridges, and utility
systems.
Coordinate the provision of light and heavy
construction equipment, supplies and personnel. Renton Public Works Provide operational control of traffic signals and
flashers under the city's jurisdiction.
drainage, and street facilities and structures. This
mitigation program will include the designation of
methods to support emergency power sources for city
wells, sewer pumping stations and fuel supplies
necessary to public works operations.
Preparedness
Statement of Purpose: Develop and maintain primary and alternative critical infrastructure and related
systems plans, policies, procedures, and trainings that can be implemented in the event of an
emergency, disaster, or disruption.
Core Capability Activity Responsible
Agency(s)
Planning
Provide and participate in emergency management
training, drills, and exercises.
Renton Public Works
Provide regular training to staff for home and work
emergency preparedness.
Develop policies and procedures for emergency
response and recovery for public works activities.
Work with neighboring jurisdictions and water districts
to establish mutual aid and inter-local agreements.
Environmental
Health and Safety
Ensure that field personnel have training, proper
protection, and equipment necessary for response to
an emergency or disaster.
Renton Public Works
Provide a Renton Public Works liaison to support
Washington State Department of Transportation and
Puget Sound Energy as requested.
Renton Public Works
October 2023 87
Maintain, inspect, and repair essential equipment and
vehicles.
Provide resources to maintain the flood fighting
operations.
Situational
Assessment
Assess the impacted areas for conditions that deem an
immediate threat to life safety and deploy necessary
resources. Renton Public Works
Assess impacted areas for contaminated soils and
deploy necessary resources.
Critical
Transportation
Coordinate and provide the placement of traffic
control signs and barricades for road closures, detours,
and potential road hazards. Provide operational
control of traffic signals and flashers under city
jurisdiction.
Renton Public Works
Infrastructure
Systems
Monitor city water supply for possible contamination.
Renton Public Works
Provide for emergency restoration of city roads, water
and storm/sewer systems, construction equipment,
and emergency vehicles.
Complete damage assessment of City of Renton
infrastructure structures in accordance with the
Damage Assessment Annex.
Provide debris clearance (except on private property),
emergency protective measures, emergency, and
temporary repairs and/or construction on city lands,
roads, dikes, drainage, storm/sanitary sewer and
water systems, and facilities.
Perform or contract major recovery work to restore
damaged public facilities under Public Law 93-288, the
Disaster Relief Act.
Coordinate operational permitting and engineering
support for the emergency construction, demolition,
repair, operation and management of essential
facilities, and the inspection of those facilities during
or following an emergency or disaster.
Operational
Coordination
Provide resources, personnel, and technical support
for response and recovery activities to include repair
and restoration of local services (gas, electric,
telephone) as well as water and wastewater systems.
All Agencies
Reconstruct, repair, and maintain state transportation
systems. Notify City of Renton Public Works
Department regarding the status of the state
transportation systems through Renton.
Washington State
Department of
Transportation
Coordinate with City of Renton Public Works
Department on the designation of alternate
transportation routes.
King County
Department of
Transportation
October 2023 88
Provide regulatory information, technical and resource
support for the City of Renton Public Works
Department response and recovery activities.
Department of Local
Services
Identify, prioritize, and coordinate repair work for
local roads, local bridges, and utilities (in coordination
with ESF 12).
Renton Community
and Economic
Development
Provide damage assessment evaluations to Renton
Public Works DOC or the City of Renton EOC if
activated, to include identification of outages and
main breaks, their locations, and probable restoration
times on the utility systems within the City of Renton.
Renton Public Works
Provide personnel to be part of the preliminary
damage assessment team for City of Renton Public
Works Department transportation systems and
facilities, when requested.
All City Departments
Request public works resources from neighboring
jurisdictions or districts through pre-existing
agreements. Renton Public Works
Activate Renton EOC and Damage Assessment Teams,
as needed.
Recovery
Statement of Purpose: Coordinate the restoration and recovery of the public works systems and
infrastructure.
Core Capability Activity Responsible
Agency(s)
Planning
Provides documentation of costs incurred for the
response and recovery efforts of City Public Works
operations to the Renton Emergency Operations
Center.
City of Renton Public
Works
Resource Requirements
• ATC-20: Standards for seismic evaluation of buildings developed by the Applied
Technology Council.
References
• City of Renton Public Works Emergency Management Plan
• King County Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan
• Washington State Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan
• King County Regional Debris Management Plan
• ATC-20 Post Earthquake Safety Evaluation of Buildings
October 2023 89
• Intertie Agreements for Emergency Water Supplies
Purveyors include City of Kent, Tukwila, and Seattle
• King County Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan
• City of Renton Annex to the King County Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan
• Puget Sound Regional Catastrophic Disaster Coordination Plan, Transportation Recovery
Annex
Terms and Definitions
See Basic Plan.
Appendices
None.
October 2023 90
EMERGENCY SUPPORT FUNCTION 4: FIREFIGHTING
Primary Agency: Renton Regional Fire Authority
Support Agencies: City of Renton Executive Department
City of Renton Public Works Department
City of Renton Police Department
City of Renton Community and Economic Development Department
King County Emergency Operations Center
Fire Mutual Aid Agencies
King County Office of the Fire Marshal
Utility Companies
Valley Communications Center
Washington State Department of Natural Resources
Washington State Patrol
Washington State Office of the Fire Marshal
Introduction
Purpose
The purpose of Emergency Support Function 4 (ESF 4) Firefighting is to describe the framework
for response, preparedness, mitigation, and recovery from natural, human caused or
catastrophic events requiring a fire response within the City of Renton. This will provide for the
coordinated use of Renton Regional Fire Authority (RFA) resources in suppressing urban, rural
and wildland fires, which could be human caused, or the result of a technological or natural
disaster. ESF 4 is developed to provide an organizational framework that will effectively utilize
all available firefighting apparatus and personnel within the City of Renton, describe the
dispatching of such equipment and manpower to locations where needed, and provide for
effective operations at the scene during an emergency or disaster.
The following Core Capabilities support the roles and responsibilities of ESF 4. The primary and
supporting core capabilities are defined to support the execution of Firefighting operations for
the ESF as follows:
October 2023 91
Primary Response Core Capabilities
Fire Management and
Suppression
Provide structural, wildland, and specialized firefighting capabilities to
manage and suppress fires of all types, kinds, and complexities while
protecting the lives, property, and the environment in the affected area.
Support Response Core Capabilities
Planning Conduct a systematic process engaging the whole community as appropriate
in the development of executable strategic, operational, and/or tactical-level
approaches to meet defined objectives.
Public Information
and Warning
Deliver coordinated, prompt, reliable, and actionable information to the
whole community through the use of clear, consistent, accessible, and
culturally and linguistically appropriate methods to effectively relay
information regarding any threat or hazard, as well as the actions being
taken, and the assistance being made available, as appropriate.
Operational
Coordination
Establish and maintain a unified and coordinated operational structure and
process that appropriately integrates all critical stakeholders and supports
the execution of Core Capabilities.
Environmental
Response/Health and
Safety
Conduct appropriate measures to ensure the protection of the health and
safety of the public and workers, as well as the environment, from all
hazards in support of responder operations and the affected communities.
On-Scene Security,
Protection, and Law
Enforcement
Ensure a safe and secure environment through law enforcement and related
security and protection operations for people and communities located
within affected areas and also for response personnel engaged in lifesaving
and life-sustaining operations.
Operational
Communications
Ensure the capacity for timely communications in support of security,
situational awareness, and operations, by any and all means available,
among and between affected communities in the impact area and all
response forces.
Situational
Assessment
Provide all decision makers with decision-relevant information regarding the
nature and extent of the hazard, any cascading effects, and the status of the
response.
Authorities and Policies
The procedures to be used during fire and other emergencies requiring fire service resources
are defined in the Washington state fire mobilization plan, RCW 43.43.962: State Fire Services
Resource Mobilization Plan (2019). (Formally RCW 38.54.030). Consistent with Department of
Homeland Security National Incident Management System, the fire department or authority
must implement the Incident Command System in accordance with WAC 296-305-05000:
Incident Management (2019). Fire suppression management and procedures are identified in
WAC 296-305-05002: Fire Suppression (2019). Accountability for wildland firefighter and
firefighter safety standards are outlined in WAC-296-305-07012: Wildland Fire Personnel
Accountability (2019) and WAC 296-305: Safety Standards for Firefighters (2019).
October 2023 92
The guidelines established in the Renton Regional Fire Authority Operating Procedures shall be
followed in responding to an emergency or disaster. This includes the activation of the fire
Department Operating Center (DOC) to establish operational control and:
• All activities within ESF 4 will be conducted in accordance with the National Incident
Management System (NIMS) and the National Response Framework (NRF) and will
utilize the Incident Command System (ICS).
• Priority shall be given to life safety, incident stabilization, property conservation,
environmental protection, and economic considerations, in that order.
• In the event the Renton RFA has exhausted all resources through automatic/mutual aid
agreements, one or more of three established fire resource plans may be activated.
These three plans consist of the King County Fire Resource Plan, the South Puget Sound
Regional Fire Defense Plan, and the Washington State Fire Services Resource
Mobilization Plan (RCW 43.43.962).
• The Renton EOC, if activated, will be informed when resources are reasonably expected
to be exhausted. The Renton EOC will communicate critical resource updates to the
Policy Advisory Group if policy level decisions are required in the continued
management of the incident.
• Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD) may be requested within one week of an
incident through the Resiliency Coordinator to support fire personnel and their families.
• Fire service mutual aid will be exhausted or nearly exhausted prior to requesting
regional or state fire mobilization resources.
• Valley Communications Center is the designated public safety answering point (E 9-1-1
dispatch center) for the dispatch of fire mobilization resources in Zone 3 (South King
County). Other 9-1-1 dispatch centers will support Valley Communications Center upon
request. These are Port of Seattle Dispatch Center, NORCOM for Zone 1 (North and East
King County), Seattle Fire Department Fire Alarm Center for Zone 5 (City of Seattle), and
the King County Sheriff’s Office Communications Center.
• Each local, state, or federal agency will assume the full cost of protection of the lands
within its respective boundaries unless other arrangements are made. Fire protection
agencies should not incur costs in jurisdictions outside their area without
reimbursement unless there is a local mutual aid agreement between those
jurisdictions. It is essential that the issue of financial limitation be clarified through
proper official channels for efficient delivery of fire services.
• Coordination with and support of state and local fire suppression organizations is
accomplished through the state forester, in cooperation with the state fire marshal,
Washington State Emergency Management Division (WA EMD), or other appropriate
fire suppression organizations operating under NIMS/ICS.
• National support for local and state firefighting operations is coordinated through the
National Interagency Coordinating Center (NICC) located at the National Interagency
Fire Center (NIFC) in Boise, ID. This is coordinated between the Washington State Fire
Marshal or WAEMD and the Joint Field Office (JFO).
October 2023 93
The Renton RFA policies and procedures outline mutual aid partners and DOC guidelines to be
used for large incidents. Within these policies are disaster specific standard operating
procedures (SOPs) written to support Renton RFA’s disaster response. Additionally, the King
County Fire Chiefs Model Procedures outline countywide disaster specific policies that all fire
agencies in King County follow. These specific SOPs and procedures are listed in the References
section at the end of this document.
Situation Overview
Emergencies or disasters may occur in a local jurisdiction at any time causing fires of all types
and complexities; significant human suffering, injury, and death; public and private property
damage; environmental degradation; economic hardship to businesses, families, and
individuals; and disruption of local government. Urban and rural fires may result from or occur
coincidentally with, an earthquake or as the result of another significant event.
Under ideal conditions, the management of large firefighting operations is complex and
involves an immense staff, several different agencies, and jurisdictions. Normal response will be
hampered by such occurrences as bridge failures, landslides, traffic congestion, fallen debris,
flooding or fire. Fire and life safety response times will be delayed and responses to
occurrences will be prioritized. Extremely large fires and those resulting from, or coinciding with
a major earthquake or other disaster, will place extraordinary demands on available resources
and logistics support systems. Availability of fire service personnel may be limited due to
injuries, personal concerns, needs or limited access to work location. First arriving recall
personnel may be assigned to initial first response for emergencies. Agencies which commonly
support large fire suppression operations (mutual aid, fire mobilization, police, public works,
the Department of Ecology, the American Red Cross, etc.), will receive many fire and non-fire
related requests. Many of the resources normally available for use in fighting large fires may be
unavailable. Support normally given by electric, gas and water utility companies may be
hampered by the magnitude of the incident. Also, utility failure such as the disruption of
firefighting water supply may compound or add to the size of the incident.
A significant natural or technological event may result in many fire emergencies throughout the
City of Renton. In any major fire, airborne burning materials can be distributed over a wide
area, complicating the response. Ignition sources could also cause hundreds of fires throughout
South King County during and after an earthquake. The damage potential from fires in urban
areas during and after a major earthquake is extreme. Under the worst conditions, these fires
will have the potential to spread rapidly, cause extensive damage, and pose a serious threat to
life, property, and the environment. Intra-jurisdiction and mutual aid firefighting resources may
be difficult to obtain and utilize due to massive disruption of communications, transportation
routes, utilities, and water systems. Communication channels will likely be disrupted, and the
attempted use of these systems may be overwhelmed due to heavy traffic. If communications
are completely down, it will be necessary for the city to manage its own resources through the
implementation of the Renton EOC and the Renton RFA DOC.
October 2023 94
Concept of Operations
General
Firefighting involves the organization and management of fire scene activities to suppress fires
of all types, kinds, and complexities while protecting the lives, property, and the environment in
the affected area. This includes the resource assistance of other agencies through the
countywide mutual aid agreement and the statewide mobilization plan.
For the purpose of this ESF, fire service is considered fire suppression and control. Basic
emergency medical care and immediate life safety services, such as rescue and hazardous
materials response, although delivered by the Renton RFA, are detailed in other ESFs (ESF 8 –
Public Health and Medical Services, ESF 9 – Search and Rescue and ESF 10 – Hazardous
Materials Response). Additional capabilities of the Renton RFA include Water Rescue, Technical
Rescue, Wildland firefighting and Hazmat response.
The resources and logistics utilized to fight fires depend on the type or category of the fire
incident. The differences are described below:
• Urban Fires - A fire of natural or human-caused origin that results in the destruction of
property, homes, businesses, and other structures in populated, urban, or suburban
areas. These fires occur primarily in cities or towns with the potential to rapidly
spread to adjoining structures.
• Rural Fires - A fire of natural or human-caused origin that occurs in or near forest or
grassland areas where isolated homes, subdivisions, and small communities are
located. These uncontrolled fires can start as, or grow into, a structure or wildland fire
that can extend to urban areas.
• Wildland Fires - A fire of natural or human-caused origin that results in the
uncontrolled destruction of forests, field crops, and grasslands. Wildland fires can be
identified by their severity as Type 5 being the least complex and Type 1 as the most
complex. Members on Renton RFA’s Wildland team will be trained and shall maintain
the Wildland Technician level firefighter minimum standard of the National Wildland
Coordinating Group (NWCG) Firefighter 2 (FF2) or equivalent training. These Wildland
Technicians can be deployed statewide and nationally.
Renton RFA will manage and coordinate firefighting activities within the city. Other Renton RFA
functions may be carried out concurrently and by the same personnel during the course of
firefighting. The Renton RFA is signatory to a countywide mutual aid agreement which is
defined as the King County Interlocal Agreement (KC ILA) for Mutual Aid. The fire service also
cooperates in a statewide mobilization plan defined as the Washington State Fire Services
Resource Mobilization Plan. This plan is activated through a detailed request by the Renton
Duty Chief to the Zone 3 Coordinator, the King County Coordinator, and ultimately the South
Puget Sound Regional Coordinator through the Valley Communications Dispatch Center. Renton
October 2023 95
RFA is also a participant in the Zone 3 Fire Operations Chief Coordinators, for large-scale
incidents.
The Fire Chief or designee will activate the Departmental Operations Center (DOC) to manage
and support complex or significant field incidents, or high call volume events. The Duty Chief or
on-duty South Battalion Chief/Safety Officer will be an overall coordinator of fire service
activities during or following a disaster. The DOC will coordinate with the field command post
and the City of Renton EOC as necessary. The primary location of the DOC is Renton RFA Station
13 (Headquarters). The back-up location will be Renton RFA Station 12 which is downstairs at
the same location as the City of Renton EOC when activated. An alternate location will be the
City of Renton Public Works Maintenance Shops building.
Communications will be through established channels. The primary mode of emergency
communications would take place on the Puget Sound Emergency Radio Network (PSERN) radio
communications system. Secondary communications are outlined in RRFA Communication
Guide and include Site Trucking, State Ops, VHF radios, MDC, pagers and amateur radios (HAM
radios).
Whole Community
The “Whole Community” includes individuals, families, households, communities, the private
and nonprofit sectors, faith-based organizations, and local, tribal, state, and Federal
governments. ESF 4 includes communicating with the Whole Community during firefighting
preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation activities. The Whole Community includes
populations with Limited English Proficiency (LEP), individuals with disabilities, and Access and
Functional Needs (AFN).
ESF 4 has been reviewed by the Whole Community through a public input process that included
online (virtual) and in-person access.
Organization
The Renton RFA has the responsibility for the accomplishment of firefighting activities in the
Renton Regional Fire Authority service area. This includes the City of Renton along with King
County Fire Protection District #25 (East Renton Plateau) and #40 (Fairwood). There are
currently seven Renton RFA fire stations that have pre-designated response areas and provide
backup as necessary to the other stations. Renton RFA key fire stations that will be backed-up
and staffed include Station 11 (downtown), Station 16 (East Renton Plateau) and Station 17
(Fairwood). The Response Operations Division is responsible for all Suppression, EMS, Technical
Rescue, Water Rescue, and Hazardous Material activities. The Office of the Fire Marshal is
responsible for providing International Fire and Building Code inspections, plans checking,
public education and fire investigation. The Support Services Division and Administration are
responsible for fleet, facilities, logistics, finance, security and other support needs. The
EMS/Health and Safety Division is responsible for Emergency Medical Services (EMS) as well as
occupational injury, illness and exposure of RRFA members.
October 2023 96
The Renton EOC will support the ongoing efforts of ESF 4 through the Operations section as
detailed below.
Notification
ESF 4 can be activated through the following channels:
• Incident Commander
• Battalion Chief/Safety Officer (BC/SO)
• Fire Duty Chief/Deputy Chief
• Fire Chief
• Zone 3 fire coordinator
• King County fire coordinator
• EOC Duty Officer or EOC Director
Information Collection
The following categories are a baseline list which should be considered to create a common
operating picture for Essential Elements of Information (EEIs) which help guide the collection
and dissemination of information.
EEI Description Collection Dissemination
Extent of
Incident
Gather information regarding the
extent of the incident:
- Is it growing or stable?
- Are lives at risk? If so,
where?
- What are the weather
conditions? Consider
wind direction.
Incident Commander Renton EOC Duty
Officer
Renton RFA Duty Chief
Logistics Number, location, and mission
assignments of ESF 4 staff
deployed to incident
coordination locations:
- KC EOC
- Renton EOC
- Joint Field Office (JFO)
- Other field sites
Incident Commander
Renton RFA Duty Chief
Zone 3 Fire
Coordinator
KC Fire Coordinator
Renton EOC Duty
Officer
Renton RFA Duty Chief
Resources Number, location, and role of
pre-positioned and deployed ESF
4 resources.
Incident Commander
Zone 3 Fire
Coordinator
KC Fire Coordinator
Renton EOC Duty
Officer
Renton RFA Duty Chief
October 2023 97
Responsibilities
The table below outlines the responsibilities of the primary and supporting agencies listed in
this ESF. These actions are tied to executing the Core Capabilities listed in the “Purpose”
section.
Preparedness
Statement of Purpose: Develop emergency plans and resource lists for use in a major emergency or
disaster while referencing updated SOPs and pre-incident plans of target hazard facilities within the
City of Renton. Assess equipment and evaluate training needs based on after action reviews and
Mitigation
Statement of Purpose: To reduce fire hazards of all types through implementing fire prevention
programs such as through building inspections, code enforcement, community outreach and public
awareness/education. The Renton RFA Office of the Fire Marshall (OFM) and the City of Renton
Community and Economic Development (CED) Team help support this mission for the Renton RFA
which contributes to the overall safety of the public and community.
Core Capability Activity Responsible Agency
Planning
Develop and implement fire prevention and fire
safety programs.
Renton RFA
Renton Community
and Economic
Development
Review building plans, issue permits and perform
inspections of general businesses, fire code
permitted occupancies, multi-family housing and
other licensed facilities to reduce the risk of fire.
Review, evaluate, inspect and issue permits for
the storage and use of hazardous materials to
reduce the risk of a release or spill.
Operational
Communications
Work with Renton Emergency Communication
Service (RECS) as described in ESF 2
(Communications).
Renton RFA
Environmental
Response/Health and
Safety
Identify, evaluate, and implement measures to
prevent and minimize impacts to the
environment, natural and cultural resources, and
historic properties from all-hazard emergencies
and response operations.
Renton RFA
Renton Community
and Economic
Development
Fire Management and
Suppression
Monitor conditions and when appropriate, issue
burn bans and/or restrictions to reduce human-
caused wildfires during extremely hot and dry
weather conditions.
Renton RFA
Office of the Fire
Marshall
Issue and enforce firework ban within city limits
to reduce fires and associated damages to
property and injuries.
Renton RFA
Renton Police
Implement fire mitigation programs to educate
homeowners and businesses on fire prevention
and protection measures.
Office of the Fire
Marshall
October 2023 98
lessons learned from drills and actual incidents of a large magnitude. Preparedness activities consist
of planning, organizing, equipping, training, and exercising.
Core Capability Activity Responsible Agency
Planning
Provide training and exercises to fire personnel
responsible for suppression operations, including
ICS, safety procedures, and communications.
Renton RFA
Prepare pre-incident fire surveys of large and/or
high hazard facilities in Renton to enhance
response capabilities.
Review the Washington State Fire Services
Resource Mobilization Plan annually and update
the City of Renton CEMP appropriately.
Develop and maintain interstate/intrastate
firefighting assistance agreements. Review
interlocal agreements.
Planning;
Environmental
Response/Health and
Safety
Coordinate preparedness and planning efforts
with hazardous material facilities in the City of
Renton under the Superfund Amendment and
Reauthorization Act (SARA) Title III Program. The
SARA Title III Program is covered in ESF 10 –
Hazardous Materials Response.
Renton RFA
Environmental
Response/Health and
Safety
Identify, assess, and mitigate worker health and
safety standards, and disseminate health and
safety guidance and resources to response and
recovery workers.
Renton RFA
Operational
Communications
Review mobilization communication needs with
the South Puget Sound Regional Coordinator
annually per the Washington State Fire Services
Resource Mobilization Plan.
Participate in 800 MHz radio communications
drills and exercises with other mutual aid
partners through Valley Communications Center
Renton RFA
Response
Statement of Purpose: Manage and support firefighting and emergency medical activities to provide
immediate life safety services regarding potential or actual emergencies/disasters that could impact
the City of Renton. Conduct initial damage assessments and determine the appropriate management
response to meet the demands of the incident.
Core Capability Activity Responsible Agency
Fire Management and
Suppression
Detect and assume full responsibility for fire
suppression and immediate life safety services
within the City of Renton and Renton RFA service
area combating urban fires and wildland fires
utilizing the Incident Management System (ICS).
Renton RFA
October 2023 99
Confine and extinguish fires, conduct technical
rescue operations, and provide command
structure to emergency operations within the
Renton Regional Fire Authority response area in
accordance with the category and type of fire.
Conduct expanded or extended attack firefighting
and support operations through coordinated
response of fire management and specialized fire
suppression resources.
Perform damage assessments and relay
information to the Renton Emergency Operations
Center.
Support firefighting activities of the Renton RFA
consistent with this ESF and the Renton Regional
Fire Authority. Department Standard Operating
Procedures.
Washington State
Department of Natural
Resources
Washington State
Patrol
Planning
Develop and implement strategic incident action
plans.
Renton RFA Assist in the coordination and documentation
necessary for the recovery of disaster expenses
following a State Fire Mobilization or a
Presidential Disaster Declaration.
Provide documentation of costs incurred for the
response and recovery efforts to the City of
Renton Executive Department.
Renton RFA
Utility Companies
Public Information and
Warning
Deliver credible and actionable messages through
the Joint Information System to inform ongoing
emergency services and the public about
protective measures and other life-sustaining
actions and facilitate the transition to recovery.
Renton RFA
Renton Executive
Services
Operational
Coordination
Maintain operational command and control over
field activities through the Renton RFA DOC
Renton RFA
Respond to assist those mutual aid signatories
when requested if, within the Renton RFA service
area, staffing levels and the situational demands
for service allow the rendering of aid, without
reducing the level of protection in that service
area.
Request the support of mutual aid agreement
signatories to the Renton RFA as needed.
Deploy the Fire Duty Chief as the fire liaison and
representative to the City of Renton EOC when a
fire representative is requested.
Request additional personnel and resources as
needed beyond mutual aid agreements, through
the King County Fire Resource Plan, the South
October 2023 100
Puget Sound Regional Fire Defense Plan or the
Washington State Fire Services Resource
Mobilization Plan. These documents discuss the
coordination of municipal
department(s)/District(s) when mobilized.
Coordinate with Zone 3 Coordinator and the King
County Zone Coordinator to request fire
mobilization of support agencies.
Utilize the ICS for all emergency/disaster
response activities in accordance with the NIMS
and the National Response Framework.
Renton RFA
Utility Companies
Renton Executive
Services
Renton Police
Renton Public Works
King County EOC
Manage debris removal and provide
transportation and infrastructure support.
Provide equipment and personnel to support fire
suppression activities when requested, as
available.
Manage evacuations of impacted areas as
necessary. Renton RFA
Renton Police Establish a safe and secure environment in an
affected area.
Operational
Communication
Deploy the Fire Duty Chief as a liaison between
the Renton RFA and the Renton EOC, as well as
the King County EOC, to provide situation and
damage assessment information.
Renton RFA
Provide communications support to firefighting
operations as requested.
Renton Emergency
Communication
Services (RECS)
Serve as a Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP),
providing call receiving and dispatch services, and
procure additional firefighting resources for
Renton Regional Fire Authority.
Valley Communications
Center
Situational Assessment Activate the EOC, if requested. Renton RFA
Recovery
Statement of Purpose: Contribute to the damage assessment process which includes maintaining
disaster and recovery expense records following a major incident or emergency. Conduct a post
incident analysis (PIA) to critique the event and recommend applicable changes in policies, universal
plans or department SOPs.
Core Capability Activity Responsible Agency
Planning
Conduct a post-incident analysis to evaluate the
incident.
Renton RFA
Compile the appropriate documentation for the
incident report.
Continue to assist in the coordination and
documentation necessary for the expense
recovery process associated with a Presidential
October 2023 101
Declaration or state Fire Services Resource
Mobilization.
Provide estimates for damage and costs incurred
by the incident to the designated city personnel
tasked with tracking eligible expenses for
reimbursement.
Renton RFA
Utility Companies
Assist the Renton Regional Fire Authority in
evaluating the incident and providing information
for the incident report.
Utility Companies
Renton Executive
Services
Renton Police
Situational Assessment
Conduct windshield surveys for large-scale
disasters to assess damage to the community and
surrounding structures. This information is
relayed to the Incident Commander (Battalion
Chief/Safety Officer) and then to the Duty Chief.
Renton RFA
Resource Requirements
Prior to requesting additional resources through the Washington State Fire Services
Mobilization Plan, the primary and support agencies will provide the available personnel,
facilities and equipment to support firefighting activities.
• Identification of Special Teams
Water Rescue Team - Zone 3 resource for SCUBA dive rescue; Swiftwater (river) rescue,
raft operations, boat operations
• Renton RFA Station 12: 1209 Kirkland Ave NE, Renton, 98056
Rescue Swimmer program - Stillwater (lakes)
• Various Renton RFA Stations
Technical Rescue Team - Zone 3 resource for high/low angle rope rescue, confined space
rescue, trench rescue, structural collapse.
• Renton RFA Station 11: 211 Mill Ave S, Renton, 98057
HAZMAT Team - Zone 3 Resource for Hazardous Materials incidents
• Renton RFA Station 14: 1900 Lind Ave SW, Renton, 98057
Wildland Team - Zone 3 and State resource for Wildland firefighting
• Renton RFA Station 17: 14810 SE Petrovitsky Rd, 98058
Additional resources will come from Zone 3 to assist in Technical Rescue incidents.
• Description of the Interstate/Intrastate Firefighting Assistance Agreements
The Renton RFA Duty Chief will communicate with the Zone 3 and KC coordinators to
organize resources. The King County Fire Resource Plan, South Puget Sound Regional
Fire Defense Plan and the Washington State Fire Services Resource Mobilization Plan
describe the firefighting assistance agreements in further detail.
October 2023 102
References
• Renton Regional Fire Authority Department Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
o 2006 - Inclement Weather Natural Disasters (2018)
o 4101 - Response Guidelines (2019)
o 4103 - King County Fire Chiefs Model Procedures (2020)
o 4104 - Zone 3 Procedures (2017)
o 4105 - Valley Communication Procedures (2017)
o 4108 - Incident Management System (2017)
o 4110 - Department Operations Center (2020)
Appendix 7.1 - Zone 3 Fire Storm Procedures Field User Guide
Appendix 7.2 - Secondary Fire Dispatch Procedures
o 4111 - Initial Disaster Response Procedures (2017)
Appendix 7.1 - Station Assessment Procedures
Appendix 7.2 - High Wind Procedures
Appendix 7.3 - RRFA Communication Quick Reference Guide
o 4112 - Automatic Aid/Mutual Aid Mobilization (2020)
o 4126 - Wildland Procedures (2021)
o 4203 - Incident Management Training and Qualification (2017)
• King County Fire Chiefs Model Procedures (2020):
o Section 4 - Associated Procedures
o Section 6 - Local, County and State Mobilization Requests
o Section 8 - Wildland Resources and Procedures
o Section 10 - King County Radio Interoperability
o Section 12 - Public Evacuations and Warnings
o Section 14 - Strike Team/Task Force
o Section 18 - Windstorm Operations
o Section 20 - Air Asset Requests
o Section 21 - Overhead Support of a Transportation System Response
o Section 26 - Technical Rescue
o Section 27 - Move ups of Interzonal Resources
o King County Interlocal Agreement for Mutual/Automatic Aid (2018)
• Zone 3 Resources
o Zone 3 Operational Procedure - High Call Volume Operations (2021)
o Zone 3 Technical Rescue Responses
o Zone 3 Procedures – On Duty Battalion Chief Coordinator
o Zone 3 Key Stations
o Zone 3 Operations Committee – Station order for move-ups
o Zone 3 Coordinator Move-up Form
o Zone 3 Coordination Map
October 2023 103
• Valley Communications Center SOPs
o 717 – Firefighter Safety Procedures
o 735 - Fire Department Move-up/Cover Procedures (2014)
o 737 - Fire Department Mutual Aid (2014)
o 740 - Fire Department Special Response Procedures (2016)
o 745 - Fire Department High Call Volume Events (2020)
o 746 - Earthquake Response (2014)
o 755 - Fire/EMS Manual Dispatching (2020)
o 800 - 800 MHz Talk groups (2019)
• Zone 3 Command Procedures (2021)
• King County Fire Resource Plan (2020)
• South Puget Sound Regional Fire Defense Plan (2013)
• Washington State Fire Services Resource Mobilization Plan (2020)
• Puget Sound Region Structural Response Rescue Annex/Reginal Catastrophic Disaster
Coordination Plan (2014)
Terms and Definitions
• See basic plan
Appendices
None.
October 2023 104
EMERGENCY SUPPORT FUNCTION 5: INFORMATION AND PLANNING
Primary Agency: City of Renton Executive Services Department
Support Agencies: All other City of Renton Departments
Renton Regional Fire Authority
King County Emergency Operations Center
Washington State Emergency Management Division
Department of Homeland Security/CISA Region 10
Introduction
Purpose
The purpose of Emergency Support Function (ESF) 5 is to support and facilitate multiagency
planning and coordination for operations during incidents requiring city internal and external
coordination. ESF 5 does this by ensuring proper execution of several Core Capabilities: Planning,
Operational Coordination, and Situational Assessment. ESF 5 also supports the following Core
Capabilities in conjunction with other ESFs: Public Information and Warning; Logistics and Supply
Chain Management, and Operational Communications. Descriptions of each are found below.
City of Renton’s Emergency Management Division, housed within the Executive Services
Department, leads the effort to collect, analyze, and share information about and coordinate
planning efforts on potential or actual emergencies or disasters. Emergency management
supports overall activities for incident management in Renton and liaises with county, state, and
federal emergency management agencies for multi-agency coordination. Emergency
Management maintains the Renton Emergency Operations Center (EOC) in a state of readiness.
Primary Response Core Capabilities
Planning
Conduct a systematic process engaging the whole community as appropriate
in the development of executable strategic, operational, and/or tactical-level
approaches to meet defined objectives.
Operational
Coordination
Establish and maintain a unified and coordinated operational structure and
process that appropriately integrates all critical stakeholders and supports
the execution of Core Capabilities.
Situational
Assessment
Provide all decision makers with decision-relevant information regarding the
nature and extent of the hazard, any cascading effects, and the status of the
response.
Supporting Response Core Capabilities
Public Information
and Warning
Deliver coordinated, prompt, reliable, and actionable information to the
whole community through the use of clear, consistent, accessible, and
culturally and linguistically appropriate methods to effectively relay
October 2023 105
Supporting Response Core Capabilities
information regarding any threat or hazard, as well as the actions being
taken, and the assistance being made available, as appropriate.
Logistics & Supply
Chain Management
Deliver essential commodities, equipment, and services in support of
impacted communities and survivors, to include emergency power and fuel
support, as well as the coordination of access to community staples.
Synchronize logistics capabilities and enable the restoration of impacted
supply chains.
Operational
Communications
Ensure the capacity for timely communications in support of security,
situational awareness, and operations, by any and all means available,
among and between affected communities in the impact area and all
response forces.
Authorities and Policies
This ESF applies to city departments as well as private and volunteer organizations that
commonly report to the EOC during an activation.
• ESF 5 facilitates information flow in the pre-incident preparedness phase in order to place
assets on alert or to pre-position assets for quick response.
• During the response phase, ESF 5 transitions and is responsible for operational
coordination, situational awareness, and planning capabilities.
ESF 5 activities include those critical to support and facilitate multiagency planning and
coordination of operations for large scale incidents. This includes alert and notification, staffing
of the EOC, incident action planning, provide support operations, logistics and material direction
and control, information management, facilitation of requests for assistance, resource
acquisition and management, worker safety and health management, facilities management,
financial management, and other support as required. RCW 38.52: Emergency Management is a
chapter that encompasses the purpose, definitions, requirements, authorities, and policies of
Emergency Management functions for the state of Washington. The Local Emergency
Management or Services WAC 118-30 outlines local approaches to emergency plans and
programs.
The following policies established by the City of Renton operate as guidelines for responding to
an emergency or disaster including:
• The National Incident Management System (NIMS), including the Incident Command
System (ICS), will be used in any size or type of disaster.
• Management of response personnel, facilities, finances, and equipment will be
coordinated through the Planning, Operations, Finance and Administration, and
Logistics Sections within the EOC using the ICS structure.
• Incident response and organization will be documented through the use of FEMA ICS
Forms including but not limited to ICS 214 Activity Logs to document incident activities.
• ESF 5 is responsible for the communication and coordination of infrastructure
supporting effective response to the affected area in the anticipation of requirements
October 2023 106
for preparedness, response, and recovery and in support of additional response
activities.
• ESF 5 is responsible for the request, coordination, analysis, and dissemination of
necessary information from city departments to support response and recovery efforts.
• ESF 5 will provide guidance for each city department in making their reports during a
response, if needed.
• Incidents should be handled at the lowest level. If the city becomes overwhelmed and in
need of outside support, existing mutual aid agreements will be used. Support beyond
or in addition to mutual aid will be coordinated through ESF 5 up to the county, state,
federal and non-governmental organizations. Conversely, ESF 5 will facilitate requests
for support from these agencies.
• In circumstances that include a component of terrorism, civil disturbance, or other law-
enforcement sensitive intelligence, Renton Police will be the lead agency in information
coordination to ensure proper intelligence-handling procedures are established and
enforced. ESF 5 will support their direction.
Situation Overview
Emergencies or disasters may occur in a local jurisdiction at any time causing significant human
suffering, injury, and death; public and private property damage; environmental degradation;
economic hardship to businesses, families, and individuals; and disruption of local government.
These hazards are identified in the risk assessment included in the Renton Annex to the King
County Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan (henceforth as Hazard Mitigation Plan.
The hazards identified in the Hazard Mitigation Plan could disrupt public services, damage
property, and cause injury or death of persons within affected areas. The urgency of the event
may direct the focus toward response operations and EOC activation. As a result, initial reporting
to outside agencies may be delayed.
Primary hazards include dam failure, floods, severe weather (excessive heat, winter storms, and
windstorms), earthquakes, landslides, volcanic hazards, landslide, sink holes, and ground
subsidence hazards, hazardous materials releases, and acts of terrorism or civil disturbance.
Additionally, the city is subject to major transportation disruptions and accidents, utility and
infrastructure failures or collapses, public health emergencies, and mass casualty incidents from
any cause. Early in the course of the event, little information will be available, and information
may be vague and inaccurate. Reporting to outside agencies will improve as the event matures.
Normal communication channels may be disrupted in part or entirely.
Concept of Operations
During disasters or emergencies, the need for rapid decisions and actions may require that
emergency management plans and procedures supersede normal business operations.
October 2023 107
The departments and outside agencies operating in the EOC will work to develop situational
awareness/common operating picture for the incident. This will include receiving periodic
reports from field representatives and requesting information from other agencies, public and
private. It will also be conducted by monitoring social media and other media platforms.
The Renton EOC Planning Section is responsible for the collection, analysis, synthesis, and
distribution of information gathered. This will be delivered in the form of a Situation Report
(SitRep). The SitRep may be shared with the field command, city departments, partner agencies,
and the media as appropriate. The Planning Section is responsible for ongoing maintenance of
situational awareness/common operating picture and distribution of this information as it
changes throughout the event. Guidance for the Planning Section is contained in the Planning
Section Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) document. City of Renton department
representatives in the EOC will develop reporting procedures with their field representatives
and/or Departmental Operations Centers (DOC) to facilitate information flow between the field
and the EOC.
Whole Community
The “Whole Community” includes individuals, families, households, communities, the private
and nonprofit sectors, faith-based organizations, and local, tribal, state, and Federal
governments. ESF 5 includes communicating with the Whole Community during all phases of
emergency preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation activities. The Whole Community
includes populations with Limited English Proficiency (LEP), individuals with disabilities, and
other Access and Functional Needs (AFN).
ESF 5 has been reviewed by the Whole Community through a public input process that included
online (virtual) and in-person access.
Organization
The Renton EOC is organized utilizing the basic concepts of the National Incident Management
System (NIMS) and consists of the functional areas needed for coordination of the event, which
could include Operations, Planning, Logistics, and Finance/Administration sections, and other
core functions such as Public Information and Communications.
Procedures
• See City of Renton EOC Desk Manual procedures.
• See individual department/division's standard operating procedures for communication
and coordination; Renton Police Department procedures; Renton Regional Fire
Authority procedures.
Notification
October 2023 108
The ESF can be activated through several channels:
• Incident Commander
• City mayor, city administrator, or designee
• Emergency Management Director or designee
• Emergency Management Duty Officer
Activation may occur due to the severity of the event or perceived threat; unmitigated risk to
Renton community; in a planned event situation; or in support of mutual aid partners.
Activation of staff may occur through Renton’s internal notification system, using the ALERT
Renton platform to contact employees. If communications are not impeded, notification may
be sent by email, text, or phone call using available employee contact information.
Information Collection
ESF 5 is concerned with establishing situational awareness and a common operating picture.
There are Essential Elements of Information (EEIs) which help guide the collection and
dissemination of information.
EEI Description Collection Dissemination
Extent of
Incident
Information regarding the
extent of the incident.
Is it growing or stable?
Are lives at risk – if so, where?
Evacuation order needed?
• Incident
Commander/
delegate
• EOC Duty Officer
• Renton EOC
• Renton EOC
• Relevant partner
agencies and city
departments
Damage
Assessment
Information regarding extent of
physical damage resulting from
the incident.
• Renton EOC
• Damage assessment
team
• Renton EOC
Population
Status
Information regarding life/safety
impacts; displacement; specific
community impacted; animal
population impacted; immediate
needs identified; etc.
• Renton EOC
• American Red Cross
• Renton EOC
Resource
Requests
Immediate resource requests
from the field or other
responders to the event to be
fulfilled through the EOC.
• Renton EOC
• Incident
Commander/delegate
• Renton EOC
Community
Impact and
Response
Information on the state of the
community gathered from social
• Renton Executive
Services
• Renton EOC
• Renton EOC
October 2023 109
media, traditional media, and
other community-based sources.
Responding
Entities
Who is responding to the
incident? External partners or
agencies are offering help?
Other responding resources?
• Incident Commander
/ Delegate
• Renton EOC
• King County EOC
• Renton EOC
This list is not exhaustive. As an event progresses, information regarding responder or EOC staff
needs, population needs, available resources and support, and supplemental situational
awareness will develop and change. This list is meant to serve as a starting place for achieving an
ongoing common operating picture of an event and its current response and recovery efforts.
Note:
• Information on community groups, relevant social media sites, partner agencies across
the community, and other sources of direct information are available in the relevant ESFs.
Information regarding community partners is located in ESF 6 and ESF 8 as it relates to
public health and human services, mass care, and sheltering. Information regarding
communicating information with the public is available in ESF 2 and ESF 15 and in the King
County IECP and the Renton Annex to the King County IECP.
Responsibilities
The table below outlines the responsibilities of the primary and supporting agencies in support
of this ESF. These statement of mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery actions are
tied to executing the Core Capabilities listed in the “Purpose” section.
Mitigation
Statement of Purpose: Responsible agencies undertake activities to ensure the mitigation of
preventable or limitable impacts to the tangible systems upon which ESF 5 capabilities rely. These
are physical or technological systems in place which support the Core Response Capabilities which
allow us to coordinate the collection, evaluation, documentation, and dissemination of information
in regard to potential or actual emergencies or disasters that could affect the City of Renton.
Core Capability Activity Responsible
Agency(s)
Planning
Regularly update and validate EOC access for
designated EOC staff, Renton Emergency
Communications Service volunteers.
Renton Executive
Services
Operational
Communications
Ensure ALERT Renton is functional and in
compliance with licensing requirements.
Renton Executive
Services
October 2023 110
Regularly validate EOC communication and
coordination technologies are functional.
Ensure Emergency Management is included in
coordination and communication system
changes [radio frequencies; station card or code
access; etc.]
Renton Police
Renton RFA
Renton Public Works
Preparedness
Statement of Purpose: Responsible agencies undertake activities to ensure the Core Response
Capabilities which allow us to coordinate the collection, evaluation, documentation, and
dissemination of information in regard to potential or actual emergencies or disasters that could
affect the City of Renton are up to date; fully resourced; and disseminated to appropriate partners.
Core Capability Activity Responsible
Agency(s)
Planning Prepare standardized reporting formats for
citywide use.
Renton Executive
Services
Establish reporting procedures for all
departments.
Support departments and agencies to maintain
and review relevant emergency plans.
Ensure emergency plans and procedures align
with regional county, and state related
responsibilities and plans.
Identify, promote, and facilitate emergency
management training, drills, and exercises in
support of this ESF which include whole
community partners (city departments, Renton
Fire Authority, community partners, etc.).
Ensure EOC access to social media accounts and
passwords is up to date and accessible.
Ensure deconfliction between city processes and
county or state requirements.
Design and train appropriate staff on EOC-
specific roles, processes, and procedures.
Participate in emergency management training
and exercises in support of this ESF.
All Renton
departments
Renton RFA
Provide and/or share regional and state training
opportunities.
Facilitate review of County CEMP, roles, and
responsibilities.
Participate in training and exercises that
evaluate plans and capabilities.
King County EOC
October 2023 111
Response
Statement of Purpose: Coordinate the collection, evaluation, documentation, and dissemination of
information in regard to potential or actual emergencies or disasters that could affect the City of
Renton.
Core Capability Activity Responsible
Agency(s)
Planning
Responsibility:
• Coordinate the collection, evaluation,
documentation, and dissemination of information
in regard to potential or actual emergencies or
disasters that could affect the City of Renton.
Activities:
• Coordinate and prepare periodic situation reports
for dissemination to inside and outside partners
and stakeholders.
• Coordinate preparation of the mayor's
Proclamation of Emergency
• Provide briefings on the incident periodically to city
policy group or departments/divisions as
appropriate.
Renton Executive
Services
• Provide briefings on the incident periodically to the
EOC and city departments/divisions as appropriate.
• Request information from city departments,
volunteer organizations and the private sector, as
necessary.
• Provide emergency management staff to the City of
Renton EOC and/or field operations as needed.
Renton Police
• Collect, analyze, and disseminate information
regarding regional impacts with internal and
external partners, including Renton EOC.
• Engage with and solicit input stakeholders and
partners, including the City of Renton, regarding
regional decision-making based on the best
available information.
King County EOC
Washington State
EMD
Operational
Coordination
Activate Renton EOC and coordinate the activation level
and needed staffing. Renton Executive
Services Establish communication and coordinate with King
County Emergency Operations Center (EOC).
The City of Renton Police Department may contact
federal agencies to include the Department of Homeland
Security/CISA Region 10, Washington State Fusion Center
Renton Police
Operational
Communications
Conduct regular training and exercise on
interoperable communication platforms
Renton Executive
Services
October 2023 112
(WSFS), or the Federal Bureau of Investigation to solicit
information related to the current incident.
Responsibility:
• Support the City of Renton Executive Department
in the collection, evaluation, and dissemination of
information in regard to potential or actual
emergencies or disasters that could affect the City
of Renton.
Activities:
• Collect and disseminate information from a variety
of sources to assist local jurisdictions, including City
of Renton EOC, with decision making and resource
allocation. Provide a liaison to the City of Renton
EOC, as requested and as available.
• EOC Liaison: make requests from field
representatives, if applicable, for special
information.
• Analyze information specific to their
department/agency and make recommendations
to the City of Renton EOC Director on actions to be
taken.
• Provide personnel to the City of Renton EOC when
requested and if available to serve in support
functions or liaison roles.
All City of Renton
Departments
Renton RFA
Department of
Homeland Security/
CISA Region 10
King County EOC
Washington State
EMD
Public
Information &
Warning
Coordinate ALERT Renton public warnings if necessary.
Activate ESF 2, ESF 15 as needed.
Renton Executive
Services
Coordinate external messaging and approval process in
line with ESF 2, ESF 15 procedures.
Renton Executive
Services
Send emergency notifications and alerts through ALERT
King County on behalf of City of Renton, if requested. King County EOC
Logistics &
Supply Chain
Management
• Anticipate and communicate needs for critical
resources.
• Liaise with Logistics Section to track resource
deployment.
• Establish and communicate resource coordination
process from responders, EOC staff, and external
agencies as required by the incident scope.
• Assess and determine needs for 24+ hour
operations of Renton EOC.
• Assess and determine need of alternate EOC
activation site. Proceed with activation process as
necessary.
Renton Executive
Services
Situational
Assessment
Request and compile information from city departments,
volunteer organizations and the private sector, as
necessary.
Renton Executive
Services
October 2023 113
Compile damage assessments and other relevant field
data reported through EOC liaisons into situational
assessment reports, disseminated to city leadership,
departments, and support agencies. Renton EOC
Facilitate collection of damage assessment information
through a variety of partners to send to the state for
PDAs and requests for declarations.
King County EOC
Recovery
Statement of Purpose: Responsible agencies undertake activities to ensure the Core Response
Capabilities of ESF 5 are continued throughout the recovery effort, working to coordinate the
collection, evaluation, documentation, and dissemination of information in regard to the recovery
from emergencies or disasters that have affected the City of Renton.
Core
Capability
Activity Responsible
Agency(s)
Planning
Continue compiling information, documentation, and
situation reports as necessary.
Renton Executive
Services
Review and revise procedures and processes and
document lessons learned through After-Action Reports.
All City Departments Prepare, submit, and track all documentation necessary
for federal and state reimbursement of Presidential
declared disasters.
Facilitate regional long-term recovery planning and
workgroups. King County EOC
Situational
Assessment
Continue to collect and disseminate incident information
to appropriate response partners. All Agencies
Track resource deployments. Prepare demobilization of
resources and stand-down of Renton EOC. Renton EOC
Public
Information &
Warning
Amplify public information produced by lead recovery
agency. Renton Executive
Services Support efforts of public information content in meeting
the needs of Limited English Proficiency populations.
Operational
Coordination
Receive, review, and request resources necessary for
recovery.
Renton EOC Coordinate resources through processes and procedures
established in ESF 7 and the Renton EOC SOP Logistics
Section.
October 2023 114
Resource Requirements
EOC Requirements:
• Standard office machines, computers, printers, facsimile machines, charts, maps,
boards, and communications equipment.
• City of Renton staff and volunteers assigned and trained to positions within the Renton
EOC.
• Emergency/Disaster Liaison from the support agencies to the City of Renton EOC.
• Communication links between the City of Renton EOC and the support agencies that are
not located within the EOC.
• ALERT Renton/CodeRED portal access.
• WebEOC portal access.
References
• Emergency Management and EOC Technology Information
• EOC Duty Officer Manual
• Regional Coordination Framework for Disasters and Planned Events for Public and
Private Organizations in King County, Washington (RCF)
• Washington Mutual Aid System (WAMAS)
• Puget Sound Regional Catastrophic Disaster Plan, Annexes and Toolkits
• King County Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan
• City of Renton Annex to the King County Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan
• Washington State Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan
• Emergency Management Assistance Compact
• City of Renton EOC Standard Operating Procedures
Terms and Definitions
See Basic Plan
Appendices
None
October 2023 115
Primary Agencies: City of Renton Parks and Recreation Department City of Renton Equity, Housing and Human Services Department
Support Agencies: American Red Cross
City of Renton Executive Services Department
City of Renton Police Department
Greater Renton Community Organizations Active in Disaster
Emergency Feeding Program Seattle King County
Regional Animal Services of King County
Washington State Animal Response Team
Introduction
Purpose
The purpose of Emergency Support Function (ESF) 6 is to coordinate and provide emergency
life-sustaining services in a mass care setting. This is accomplished through the collection,
operation, receipt, and information reporting for emergency disaster response assistance
for:
• Sheltering (humans and pets)
• Feeding
• Emergency First Aid
• Survivor status
• Family reunification
• Bulk Distribution of Emergency Relief Supplies
The following Core Capabilities support the roles and responsibilities under ESF 6. The
primary and supporting core capabilities are defined to support the execution of Mass Care,
Emergency Assistance, and Health and Human Services operations for this ESF as follows:
Primary Response Core Capability
Mass Care Services
Provide life-sustaining and human services to the affected population,
to include hydration, feeding, sheltering, temporary housing, evacuee
support, reunification, and distribution of emergency supplies.
EMERGENCY SUPPORT FUNCTION 6: MASS CARE, EMERGENCY
ASSISTANCE, HOUSING, AND HUMAN SERVICES
October 2023 116
Support Response Core Capabilities
Planning
Conduct a systematic process engaging the whole community as
appropriate in the development of executable strategic, operational,
and/or tactical-level approaches to meet defined objectives.
Public Information
and Warning
Deliver coordinated, prompt, reliable, and actionable information to
the whole community using clear, consistent, accessible, and culturally
and linguistically appropriate methods to effectively relay information
regarding any threat or hazard, as well as the actions being taken, and
the assistance being made available, as appropriate.
Operational
Coordination
Establish and maintain a unified and coordinated operational structure
and process that appropriately integrates all critical stakeholders and
supports the execution of Core Capabilities.
Infrastructure
Systems
Stabilize critical infrastructure functions, minimize health and safety
threats, and efficiently restore and revitalize systems and services to
support a viable, resilient community.
Environmental
Response/Health
and Safety
Conduct appropriate measures to ensure the protection of the health
and safety of the public and workers, as well as the environment, from
all hazards in support of responder operations and the affected
communities.
Fatality
Management
Services
Provide fatality management services, including decedent remains
recovery and victim identification, and work with local, state, tribal,
territorial, insular area, and Federal authorities to provide mortuary
processes, temporary storage, or permanent internment solutions,
sharing information with mass care services for the purpose of
reunifying family members and caregivers with missing
persons/remains, and providing counseling to the bereaved.
On-Scene Security,
Protection, and Law
Enforcement
Ensure a safe and secure environment through law enforcement and
related security and protection operations for people and
communities located within affected areas and also for response
personnel engaged in lifesaving and life-sustaining operations.
Operational
Communications
Ensure the capacity for timely communications in support of security,
situational awareness, and operations, by any and all means available,
among and between affected communities in the impact area and all
response forces.
Public Health,
Healthcare, and
Emergency Medical
Services
Provide lifesaving medical treatment via Emergency Medical Services
and related operations and avoid additional disease and injury by
providing targeted public health, medical, and behavioral health
support, and products to all affected populations.
Situational
Assessment
Provide all decision makers with decision-relevant information
regarding the nature and extent of the hazard, any cascading effects,
and the status of the response.
October 2023 117
Authorities and Policies
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) National Response Framework (NRF):
Mass Care, Emergency Assistance, Temporary Housing and Human Services Annex outlines
mass care standard activities as follows:
• Mass Care: Congregate sheltering, feeding, distribution of emergency supplies, and
family reunification.
• Emergency Assistance: Coordination of voluntary organizations and unsolicited
donations, management of unaffiliated volunteers, essential community relief
services, non-congregate and transitional sheltering, support to individuals with
disabilities and others with access and functional needs, mass evacuation support,
and essential needs of children and household pets and service animals in a disaster.
• Temporary Housing: Housing rentals, repairs, and loan assistance, replacement,
factory-built housing, semi-permanent construction, safe and secure physically
accessible housing, and access to other sources of temporary housing assistance.
• Human Services: Disaster assistance programs that help survivors address unmet
disaster-caused needs and/or non-housing losses through loans and grants. Also
includes supplemental nutritional assistance, crisis counseling, disaster case
management, disaster unemployment, disaster legal services, and other state and
Federal human services programs and benefits to survivors.
Federal Public Law: Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards Act of 2006
• Authorizes FEMA to provide rescue, care, shelter, and essential needs for individuals
with household pets and service animals, and to the household pets and animals
themselves following a major disaster or emergency.
City Sheltering Policies
In adhering to mass care standard activities and accordance with Washington
Administrative Code (WAC) 118-30-060 and RCW 38.10.010, the City of Renton has
developed internal policies and procedures as they relate to mass care, sheltering, and
human services.
During a disaster and when requested to support a jurisdiction’s sheltering efforts, the city
will make every reasonable effort to provide facilities that are compliant with applicable laws
pertaining to accessibility. The city accommodates for persons with access and functional
needs as described in this ESF. Persons with access or functional needs shall receive the same
standard of care and services as afforded to all others, regardless of the venue in which they
are sheltered. All persons, regardless of access or functional need, shall have equal access to
available state supported general population shelter if they are able to meet their own needs,
October 2023 118
have a reliable caretaker(s), or can be housed in a general population shelter with some
assistance from volunteers to assist with personal and/or medical care. Persons requiring
acute or skilled medical care cannot be accommodated in general population shelters and may
be sheltered under ESF 8 in a medical shelter.
The city recognizes individuals in need of response assistance may include those who have
disabilities, who live in institutionalized settings, who are elderly, who are children, who are
from diverse cultures, who have Limited English Proficiency (LEP) or are non-English speaking,
or who are transportation disadvantaged. The special needs of children, particularly as they
relate to issues of safety and welfare in the shelter setting, may call for the need to expedite
reunification with families.
• In coordination with the Damage Assessment Annex, shelter facilities may receive
priority consideration for structural inspections prior to occupancy to ensure the
safety of occupants.
• The City of Renton will make every effort to coordinate the training of employees to
staff general shelters. All persons involved in the direct provision of disaster case
management services shall be subject to criminal history background checks and
verification of appropriate training.
• The city may, at its option, and with consideration for occupant health and safety,
choose to co-locate people with their pets vs housing pets separately in a nearby
animal shelter. Shelters may accommodate service animals that accompany persons
with access or functional needs.
• The City of Renton maintains a directory of shelters identified by the American Red
Cross or designated by the city for shelter use. The City of Renton maintains a list of
shelter supply locations within the City of Renton and will follow agreement terms
in applicable Memorandums of Understanding to access and use these supplies.
• The American Red Cross and King County Parks have formed a partnership with
several jurisdictions to store containers supplied with cots, bariatric cots, blankets,
etc., in cities and at county facilities.
• Federal Public Law: Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards Act of 2006
Authorizes FEMA to provide rescue, care, shelter, and essential needs for individuals
with household pets and service animals, and to the household pets and animals
themselves following a major disaster or emergency.
October 2023 119
Situation Overview
Depending on the emergency or disaster, a significant percentage of the population of Renton
could be displaced from their homes. Thousands of people could be forced from their homes,
depending on such factors as the time of occurrence, area demographics, building construction,
and existing weather conditions. There may be transient or tourist populations who are
unfamiliar with the hazards in the area. Many impacted persons will remain with or near their
damaged homes. Some will go to mass shelters, others will find shelter with friends and
relatives, and some will also go to public areas such as fire stations looking for assistance.
However, fire stations will not be viable locations for public shelter, as the emergency
responders will have other priority missions to accomplish. Additionally, emergency facilities
throughout the City of Renton could be severely damaged or inaccessible.
In an earthquake, structures may be damaged and unsafe for occupancy. In many disasters,
roads may be disrupted or blocked, preventing access to individual homes. Disruption of roads
may make it difficult for displaced residents to reach shelter services. Although homes may be
undamaged, the absence of utilities could also drive people from their homes to seek shelter.
The amount of damage to structures, essential systems and services could rapidly overwhelm
the capacity of the City of Renton to assess the event and respond effectively to basic and
emergency human needs. Damage to roads, airports, and communications systems could
hamper emergency response efforts and their restoration time may be undetermined. The
movement of supplies could be seriously impeded. Many professional emergency workers and
others who normally would help during an event could be unable to reach their assigned posts.
Planning for ESF 6 is based on a worst-case scenario in which an event occurs without warning
at a time of day that will produce maximum casualties. Consideration should also be given to
other events that could cause numerous casualties and require the temporary relocation of
impacted persons. The magnitude of the event will determine the need for large, long-term
shelters.
As the population increases, the magnitude of mass care, sheltering, feeding, housing, health
and human services, and other related service needs will also increase. The City of Renton has
limited facilities that can support mass care and sheltering operations. In the event of an
emergency, the City of Renton has numerous parks, open spaces, and ball fields that could
accommodate recreational vehicles, tents, and other temporary shelter spaces. However, such
use is not sanctioned under current city ordinances. Changing city ordinances would require
legislative action by council or specify such allowed uses under the terms of an emergency
proclamation by the mayor.
It is important to note that Renton has a large pet population, therefore the city shall plan for
pets along with shelters. Additionally, planning considerations should be made for impacted
persons with pets when pet-sheltering is not available.
October 2023 120
Concept of Operations
Renton Parks and Recreation has been designated the primary agency responsible for
managing the activities described within ESF 6. Resources from the private sector will also be
applied to the response and recovery effort. In coordination with Renton Equity, Housing, and
Human Services, agreements with private sector entities may be established to include the
American Red Cross, the Salvation Army, and faith-based organizations such as Catholic
Community Services. Initial response activities will focus on meeting urgent needs of impacted
persons on a mass care basis with available resources. FEMA (the Federal Emergency
Management Agency) and other government and private agencies may provide disaster
assistance such as loans, grants, and temporary housing. Coordination of these assistance
programs will be administered by a long-term recovery team as described in the City of Renton
Recovery Framework.
As part of the NRF, the American Red Cross largely through the utilization of volunteers, plans
and prepares to support local jurisdictions in regional mass care needs. Renton Parks and
Recreation will coordinate with the American Red Cross in addition to local partners organized
through the Renton Community Organizations Active in Disaster (COAD), to facilitate delivery
of the following mass care services defined by the American Red Cross and supported by their
volunteers. Renton Parks and Recreation will be the primary department responsible for
coordinating the operation and delivery of the following efforts as they relate to ESF 6:
Sheltering
The primary mass care site will be the Renton Community Center, pending
inspection to confirm it is accessible, safe for occupancy, not at imminent risk
due to the primary hazard or secondary hazards (e.g., dam failure following
earthquake), has basic services (water, sewer, electricity, etc.) or an identified
replacement for such essentials. Renton Parks and Recreation may maintain an
alternate list of shelter sites and provide an Emergency Shelter Operations
Manual for those designated sites. The provision for emergency shelter includes
the use of designated shelter sites in existing structures, the construction of
temporary shelters, or designation of specially zoned areas to allow
residents to self-shelter in recreational vehicles or portable shelter
structures where permitted. It should be noted that in situations where self-
sheltering is undertaken by community members, the provision of sanitation and
other basic services may need to be arranged in order to prevent negative public
health consequences.
Types of shelters provided by the city or community partners may include
but are not limited to:
• General population shelters/dormitory
• Warming/cooling, day sheltering
October 2023 121
• Disaster meal sites
• Special populations shelters
• Pet shelters
• Livestock shelters
• Medical needs shelters
• Mass care staff shelters
• Emergency responder shelters
The city may partner with other cities or King County to participate in regional
mass sheltering efforts or to support populations with medical, functional and/or
access needs. Although large congregate sheltering is less popular with
residents, due to anticipated staffing shortages with each city attempting to staff
their own shelters, regional sheltering offers an economy of scale which should
be considered. There will likely be additional transportation needed to support
access to a regional shelter.
The city will attempt to provide emergency shelter training for staff and
volunteers adhering to the standards set forth by the American Red Cross. Under
emergency circumstances, and in order to augment staffing, it may be necessary
to provide “just-in-time" training to meet the needs of the Renton community.
The capability of the American Red Cross to provide representation to the EOC is
not assumed.
Feeding
The provision for feeding the general public and emergency workers is through a
combination of fixed sites, mobile feeding units, and bulk food distribution. This
function is highly dependent on restoration of supply chains, as the city does not
maintain a stockpile of non-perishable foods.
Emergency First Aid
Emergency first aid services may be provided to impacted persons and workers
at mass care facilities and at designated sites within the affected area as
described in ESF 8, Health and Medical Services.
Disaster Welfare Information
Disaster welfare information regarding individuals residing within the affected
area will be collected and provided (as capabilities allow) to immediate family
members outside the area, through a disaster welfare information system,
coordinated through the American Red Cross. This will also help in the
reunification of family members within the area who were separated at the time
of the event.
October 2023 122
Bulk Distribution of Emergency Relief Items
Sites will be established within the affected area for distribution of emergency
relief items. The bulk distribution of these items may be accomplished regionally
and will be determined by the requirements to meet urgent needs of impacted
persons for essential items. The Emergency Feeding Program is currently
established as a fixed community point of distribution.
Transportation to Shelters
Facilitate providing transportation for the general population, including
individuals with functional and access needs that either do not have caretakers
or cannot otherwise provide their own transportation. Transportation for people
needing specialized transportation for medical needs will be coordinated
through ESF 8.
Animal Shelters
Adhering to the Renton Animal Sheltering Plan, domestic animal shelters may be
established at location(s) determined by the Renton Police depending on the
location and scope of the event. Renton Parks and Recreation will work in
concert with Equity, Housing, and Human Services for people who have pets but
that cannot be housed in the shelter by arranging housing vouchers with hotels
and apartments that allow pets. Livestock and non-domestic pet needs will be
coordinated with King County and the Washington State Animal Response Team
(WASART) to accommodate pet and animal shelters in the event of an
emergency.
Emergency Worker Care
The needs of emergency workers and the general population are often the same
during times of disaster. An emergency worker care program may be established
by Renton Parks and Recreation to meet these needs. This program will be
established with the guidance and assistance of the American Red Cross but will
not be dependent upon the American Red Cross for delivery.
Whole Community
The “Whole Community” includes individuals, families, households. communities, the private
and nonprofit sectors, faith-based organizations, and local, tribal, state, and Federal
governments. ESF 6 includes communicating with the Whole Community during Mass Care and
Human Service needs in preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation activities. The Whole
Community includes populations with Limited English Proficiency (LEP), individuals with
disabilities, and Access and Functional Needs (AFN).
October 2023 123
ESF 6 has been reviewed by the Whole Community through a public input process that included
online (virtual) and in-person access.
Organization
The City of Renton Parks and Recreation Department is the lead agency responsible for
coordinating agencies and departments in preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation
actions as they relate to ESF 6. The Equity, Housing, and Human Services Department supports
these efforts alongside external agencies and partners such as the American Red Cross and
Community Organizations Active in Disasters (COAD). Within the Renton EOC, ESF 6 falls under
the Operations Section.
Notification
The ESF can be activated through several channels:
• Incident commander
• Mayor, city administrator, or designee
• Renton EOC Duty Officer or EOC Director
Activation may occur due to the severity of the event or perceived threat, unmitigated risk to
Renton community, in a planned event situation, or in support of mutual aid partners.
Information Collection
ESF 6 describes establishing providing life-sustaining and human services to the affected
population, to include hydration, feeding, sheltering, temporary housing, evacuee support,
reunification, and distribution of emergency supplies. There are Essential Elements of
Information (EEIs) which help guide the collection and dissemination of information.
October 2023 124
EEI Description Collection Dissemination
Extent of
Incident
• Collect information
regarding the extent of the
incident.
- Is it growing or stable?
- Are individuals and families
in need of shelters,
temporary housing,
hydration, feeding and
emergency supplies?
Incident Commander
EOC Director
Renton Community and
Economic Development
Renton Parks and
Recreation
Status of
Facilities
Collect information regarding the
operational/structural status of:
- Human Shelter locations
- Pet Shelter locations
- Feeding sites and/or mobile
units
Critical infrastructure
surrounding shelter and feeding
locations (roads, bridges, etc.)
Renton Public Works
Renton Police
Renton Community and
Economic Development
Renton Parks and
Recreation
Activation • Complete an activation
call out and determine available
resources such as:
- Shelter Staff
- Shelter supplies
- Volunteers
Renton Parks and
Recreation
Renton Executive
Services
Renton Equity, Housing,
and Human Services
Shelter Management
Staff
American Red Cross
Parks and Recreation
Shelter
Operations
What is the operational status
of the shelter(s) facility?
What is the location of the
shelter(s)?
When will the shelter(s) be
opened to the public?
How will the public be
informed of the shelter
locations?
How will the public get to the
shelter locations? – Address
transportation issues.
Renton Parks and
Recreation
Renton Executive
Services
Renton Equity,
Housing, and Human
Services
American Red Cross
Confirmed Shelter
Sites
Renton Executive
Services
October 2023 125
Ensure resources are available
for language and access and
functional needs can be met.
• Determine additional
support capabilities from
volunteers, American Red
Cross, Renton CERT program.
Feeding
Operations
What is the operational status
for feeding?
- Location: fixed site or
mobile unit?
- Meals: how many
prepared and served on a
daily basis?
Renton Parks and
Recreation
Renton Executive
Services
Renton Equity,
Housing, and Human
Services
Emergency Feeding
Program
Renton Executive
Services
Family
Reunification
Has a family reunification
facility or process been
identified?
What is the operational status
of the family reunification
facility?
What is the location of family
reunification?
When will the family
reunification center be
opened to the public?
How will the public be
informed of the family
reunification center?
What agencies can support
the family reunification
center? What are their
capabilities?
Public Health Seattle
King County
Renton Executive
Services
Renton Executive
Services
October 2023 126
Responsibilities
The table below outlines the responsibilities of the primary and supporting agencies listed in this
ESF. These actions are tied to executing the Core Capabilities listed in the “Purpose” section.
Mitigation
Statement of Purpose: Responsible agencies undertake activities to ensure the mitigation of preventable
or limitable impacts to the tangible systems upon which ESF 6 capabilities rely. These are physical or
technological systems in place which support the Core Capabilities which allow the city to coordinate the
life-sustaining and human services to the affected population, to include hydration, feeding, sheltering,
temporary housing, evacuee support, reunification, and distribution of emergency supplies.
Core Capability Activity Responsible Agency
Planning
Retrofit if possible and maintain designated
city shelter sites prior to and during
activation of ESF 6.
Renton Parks and Recreation
Renton Public Works
Preparedness
Statement of Purpose: Responsible agencies undertake planning and preparedness activities to ensure
the Core Response Capabilities which allow them to coordinate the life-sustaining and human services to
the affected population, to include hydration, feeding, sheltering, temporary housing, evacuee support,
reunification, and distribution of emergency supplies in regard to potential or actual emergencies or
disasters that could affect the City of Renton are up to date; fully resourced; and disseminated to
appropriate partners.
Core Capability Activity Responsible Agency
Planning
Assign shelter specific roles and responsibilities to
city employees. Roles include:
- Shelter Manager
- Shelter Shift Supervisor
- Shelter General Staff
Renton Parks and Recreation
Develop internal plans, standard operating
procedures, and training programs (ex: shelter
management) for disaster shelter operations.
Renton Parks and Recreation
Develop plans and procedures for the alert and
assignment of city staff during an emergency or
disaster.
Renton Parks and Recreation
Renton Executive Services
Develop plans and procedures for the alert,
assignment, and registration of volunteers during
an emergency or disaster
Renton Parks and Recreation
Renton Executive Services
Develop and organize pet sheltering plans and
standard operating procedures. Facilitate
partnerships with other agencies to ensure pet
sheltering needs are met.
Renton Police
Conduct physical shelter visits. Develop and
conduct shelter qualification and shelter
inspection methodology. For shelter selection and
Renton Parks and Recreation
October 2023 127
operation, see Shelter Operations Manual.
Produce shelter agreements with non-city sites.
Assist in shelter functions including:
- Ensure Access and Functional Needs (AFN)
are met.
- Produce alternative housing agreements
with non-city sites.
Renton Equity, Housing, and
Human Services
Develop and/or participate in emergency
management training, drills, and exercises in
support of ESF 6. Facilitate and develop
partnership plans in support of ESF 6.
Renton Parks and Recreation
Renton EHHS
Renton Executive Services
Renton Police
American Red Cross
Response
Statement of Purpose: Coordinate life-sustaining and human services to the affected population,
to include hydration, feeding, sheltering, temporary housing, evacuee support, reunification, and
distribution of emergency supplies.
Core Capability Activity Responsible Agency
Mass Care Services
Activate and operate the following services to the
community of Renton:
- Human shelter
- Family reunification/reception centers
- Feeding services
- Temporary housing
- Referrals for emergency assistance and
human services
Renton Parks and
Recreation
Emergency Feeding Program
American Red Cross
Activate and operate the pet sheltering capability
to the community of Renton. Renton Police
Assist in the distribution of food and potentially
other emergency relief supplies to the community
of Renton.
Emergency Feeding Program
American Red Cross
COADs/VOADs
Coordinate referrals for emergency assistance and
human services to the community of Renton.
American Red Cross
Operational
Coordination
Establish and maintain a unified operational
picture of mass care operations across internal
and external city partnerships to successfully
execute the capabilities of ESF 6.
Renton Parks and
Recreation
Renton Executive Services
October 2023 128
Operational
Communications
Collect and continuously disseminate situational
awareness and other time sensitive information
between disaster responders, Renton EOC, Renton
operated shelters, and off-site organizations.
Renton Police
Renton Regional Fire
Authority
Public Information
and Warning
Ensure a coordinated message is provided
between shelters and evacuees and the shelters
and media outlets relaying/addressing:
- Hazard information
- Evacuation and reunification
- Transportation requirements/needs
- Human Shelter location/operations
- Pet Shelter location/operations
- Feeding location/operations
Renton Parks and
Recreation
Renton Executive Services
Situational
Assessment/
Infrastructure
Systems
Conduct preliminary and detailed damage
assessments of the pre-determined shelter
facilities. Collect additional information to aid in
determining number of community members in
need of family reunification, shelter, or feeding
support.
Renton Public Works
Renton Community and
Economic Development
Environmental
Health and Safety
Provide effective Personal Protective Equipment
(PPE) and other appropriate disaster health,
safety, and environment protection for
employees.
All city departments
On-Scene Security,
Protection, and Law
Enforcement
Provide a safe, secure, and protected facility and
working environment for responding personnel
and community members.
Renton Police
Public Health,
Healthcare, and
Emergency Medical
Services
Address disaster health and mental services
through partner organizations and complete initial
triage to ensure the following basic needs are
met:
- Injury/Medical Services
- Mental Health
- Prescription Medication Replacement
Renton RFA
American Red Cross
Public Health Seattle King
County
Fatality Management
Services
Work with partner agencies to assist fatality
management services through:
- Victim identification
- Missing persons
- Family reunification
- Next of Kin alerting
Public Health Seattle King
County
October 2023 129
Recovery
Statement of Purpose: Responsible agencies undertake activities to ensure the Core Response
Capabilities of ESF 6 are continued throughout the recovery effort, working to coordinate the
life-sustaining and human services to the affected population, to include hydration, feeding,
sheltering, temporary housing, evacuee support, reunification, and distribution of emergency
supplies in regard to the recovery from emergencies or disasters that have affected the City of
Renton.
Core Capability Activity Responsible Agency
Planning
Implement long-term recovery and
demobilization procedures.
- Closing Shelters
- Agency referrals for additional services
Renton Parks and
Recreation
American Red Cross
Renton EHHS
Mass Care Services
Operate human and pet shelters as capabilities
allow; make strides towards long-term recovery
considerations:
- Resources for health/medical needs
- Resources for housing
- Resources for pets
- Resources for employment
- Resources for cultural/religious practices
Renton Parks and
Recreation
Renton EHHS
Renton Police
American Red Cross
COAD
Public Information
and Warning
Ensure an updated, coordinated message is
provided to the public and media outlets
relaying/addressing:
- Hazard information
- Evacuation and reunification
- Transportation requirements/needs
- Human shelter location/operations
- Pet shelter location/operations
- Feeding location/operations
Renton Executive Services
Renton Parks and
Recreation
Renton EHHS
Operational
Coordination
Ensure all mass care capabilities are being met
and begin a coordinated demobilization process
of all responding agencies/departments.
Renton Parks and
Recreation
Renton Executive Services
October 2023 130
Resource Requirements
• Resources that may have to be mobilized in support of mass care activities include the
transportation of cots, blankets, air mattresses, sleeping bags, portable toilets, water
containers, cooking equipment, registration forms, tables, chairs, medical supplies,
animal kennels and food dishes, tents, fencing, and transport vehicles. Many of these
supplies will already be in shelter locations or can be obtained through normal supply
channels.
• Personnel resources will include American Red Cross staff, volunteers such as
veterans’ groups, labor unions, scouting organizations, professional associations,
Community Emergency Response Team members, and City of Renton employees
trained in shelter operations and private organizations with whom the American Red
Cross has agreements. Skilled individuals will be identified from among these groups.
References
• American Red Cross Disaster Service Program Guidance
• City of Renton Shelter Operations Manual
• City of Renton Animal Sheltering Plan
• Mass Care Regional Plans
• Greater Renton Community Organizations Active in Disaster (COAD) Emergency
Coordination Plan
Terms and Definitions
• Animal: animals include household pets, service, and assistance animals, working dogs,
livestock, wildlife, exotic animals, zoo animals, research animals, and animals housed in
shelters, rescue organizations, breeding facilities, and sanctuaries.
• Household pet: a domesticated animal, such as a dog, cat, bird, rabbit, rodent, or turtle that
is traditionally kept in the home for pleasure rather than for commercial purposes, can
travel in commercial carriers, and be housed in temporary facilities. Household pets do not
include reptiles (except turtles), amphibians, fish, insects/arachnids, farm animals (including
horses), and animals kept for racing purposes.
• Service animal: any dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the
benefit of an individual with a disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric,
intellectual, or other mental disability. Except as provided in RCW 49.60.218, other species
of animals, whether wild or domestic, trained, or untrained, are not service animals. The
work or tasks performed by a service animal must be directly related to the individual’s
disability.
Appendices
American Red Cross Regional Services Model
October 2023 131
Appendix A:
American Red Cross Regional Services Model
As resources allow, and potentially in a regionalized model, provides the following
services:
• Food, Shelter, and Emergency Supplies: During a disaster, first priority is to
ensure that people have a safe place to stay, food, and emergency supplies. Red
Cross works with government and community partners to open shelters where
residents will find comfort with a hot meal, recovery information, and a place to
rest. For emergency workers and people returning to their homes, the Red Cross
mobilizes emergency response vehicles from which disaster workers distribute
food, water, and essential clean-up items that might not be immediately
available in the community.
• Welfare Information: Disasters often disrupt regular communication channels
and can separate families. Through the Red Cross’ nationwide network of
chapters, family members may request welfare information regarding their loved
ones. The Red Cross “Safe and Well” Web site enables people within a disaster
area to let their families and friends outside of the affected region know that
they are all right. Clients register on Safe and Well, by going to
http://redcross.org/safeandwell. Red Cross call agents at 1-800-RED-CROSSwill
register individuals without computers or connectivity.
• Client Casework and Recovery Planning and Assistance: To help people with
disaster-caused needs, Red Cross provides individualized client services through
casework. Particular attention is given to those who have experienced significant
damage or loss of their homes. This casework process consists of an in-depth
interview that allows the worker to assess the client’s immediate needs. With
this information, the caseworker can connect the client with items, financial
assistance and/or referrals to local resources which can meet those immediate
needs. The caseworker also engages the client in a brief planning process which
can help identify action steps for the client to follow in the first few days or
weeks after a disaster. Red Cross caseworkers work closely with local, state, and
federal government to ensure clients have access to all available resources.
• Disaster Health and Mental Health Services: After an emergency, injuries can
ensue, essential prescription medicines lost, and the shock and stress of sudden
loss can overwhelm a person’s normal coping skills. The Red Cross deploys
licensed health and mental health professionals who are specifically trained and
equipped for disaster responses to help. Disaster health professionals are
available for emergency first aid, medical assessment, triage, and replacement
of emergency medications. Our Disaster Health Services team meets these
needs through item distribution, financial assistance, or referrals to community
partners. Disaster mental health professionals in shelters and service locations
October 2023 132
provide mental health assignments, crisis intervention, and a sympathetic ear to
those in need.
October 2023 133
• Coordinates, within its agreements, the provision of relief efforts by any
volunteer organizations actively engaged in providing relief assistance to
disaster survivors.
• Coordinates its relief activity with participating and support agencies and
affected areas through liaisons to the state, county, and local jurisdiction
EOCs.
• Makes recommendations to the City of Renton EOC for the
establishment of mass care priorities.
October 2023 134
EMERGENCY SUPPORT FUNCTION 7: LOGISTICS MANAGEMENT AND
RESOURCE SUPPORT
Primary Agency: City of Renton Executive Services Department
Support Agencies: All other City of Renton Departments
Renton Regional Fire Authority
King County Emergency Operations Center
Private Sector Organizations
Public Health – Seattle and King County
Voluntary Organizations
Washington State Emergency Management Division
Introduction
Purpose
The purpose of Emergency Support Function (ESF) 7 is to coordinate the centralized
management of resources and logistics capabilities prior to, during, and after a disaster.
The following Core Capabilities support the roles and responsibilities of ESF 7. The primary and
supporting core capabilities are defined to support the execution of logistical operations for this
ESF as follows:
Primary Response Core Capability
Logistics & Supply
Chain Management
Deliver essential commodities, equipment, and services in support of
impacted communities and survivors, to include emergency power and fuel
support, as well as the coordination of access to community staples.
Synchronize logistics capabilities and enable the restoration of impacted
supply chains.
Support Response Core Capabilities
Planning
Conduct a systematic process engaging the whole community as appropriate
in the development of executable strategic, operational, and/or tactical-level
approaches to meet defined objectives.
Public Information
and Warning
Deliver coordinated, prompt, reliable, and actionable information to the
whole community through the use of clear, consistent, accessible, and
culturally and linguistically appropriate methods to effectively relay
information regarding any threat or hazard, as well as the actions being
taken, and the assistance being made available, as appropriate.
October 2023 135
Support Response Core Capabilities
Operational
Coordination
Establish and maintain a unified and coordinated operational structure and
process that appropriately integrates all critical stakeholders and supports
the execution of Core Capabilities.
Critical
Transportation
Provide transportation (including infrastructure access and accessible
transportation services) for response priority objectives, including the
evacuation of people and animals, and the delivery of vital response
personnel, equipment, and services into the affected areas.
Environmental
Response/Health
and Safety
Conduct appropriate measures to ensure the protection of the health and
safety of the public and workers, as well as the environment, from all
hazards in support of responder operations and the affected communities.
Mass Care Services
Provide life-sustaining and human services to the affected population, to
include hydration, feeding, sheltering, temporary housing, evacuee support,
reunification, and distribution of emergency supplies.
Operational
Communications
Ensure the capacity for timely communications in support of security,
situational awareness, and operations, by any and all means available,
among and between affected communities in the impact area and all
response forces.
Public Health,
Healthcare, and
Emergency Medical
Services
Provide lifesaving medical treatment via Emergency Medical Services and
related operations and avoid additional disease and injury by providing
targeted public health, medical, and behavioral health support, and products
to all affected populations.
Situational
Assessment
Provide all decision makers with decision-relevant information regarding the
nature and extent of the hazard, any cascading effects, and the status of the
response.
Authorities and Policies
As defined by the National Incident Management System (NIMS), resources include personnel,
teams, facilities, equipment, and supplies. All activities within ESF 7 will be conducted in
accordance with NIMS using the Incident Command System (ICS) structure. State law authorizes
local jurisdictions to establish local emergency management programs in accordance with the
state comprehensive emergency management plan and program (RCW 38.52). In carrying out
the provisions of this chapter, political subdivisions shall have the power to exercise powers
vested under said section in light of an emergency situation to include entering contracts or
provisions pertaining to the purchase and/or rental of equipment and materials (RCW
38.52.070). RCW 35A.33.146 outlines the creation of the contingency fund to meet any
municipal expense of which could not have been foreseen or reasonably evaluated preceding
the budget year.
In accordance with RCW 35A.33.080, the city council is granted the authority to approve
expenditures without public notice or hearing. Under the policy direction of the mayor, the
Logistics and Finance Sections within the Renton EOC are responsible for city emergency
procurements. The Logistics Section of the Renton EOC has the responsibility for locating and
October 2023 136
ordering resources. The Renton EOC Finance and Administration Section will offer support,
documentation, and handle actual purchase arrangements in the process. This information will
be coordinated with the Renton Finance Department in order to maintain required
documentation.
The Regional Coordination Framework for Disasters and Planned Events for Public and Private
Organizations in King County, Washington (RCF) to which the City of Renton is a signatory,
provides a legal and financial agreement between signatory partners when resources are
requested. This financial agreement, when invoked, supersedes other financial arrangements
which may govern normal response operations and resource sharing between jurisdictions. It
also describes the resource management and procurement process coordinated by King County
Emergency Management when local city resources are insufficient to meet the demands of the
incident.
Within the City of Renton, departments and their divisions may utilize their own resources or
mutual aid agreements before requesting outside resources. It is not necessary to wait to make
a request for outside resources until the city is already out of resources. The request may be
initiated earlier to coordinate delivery of outside resources to arrive at the point in time when
exhaustion of city resources is anticipated. Lastly, identified volunteers supporting the EOC
within the ESF 7 function will be registered as Emergency Workers in accordance with WAC
118.04 and RCW 38.52.
Situation Overview
A significant emergency or disaster may damage or limit the existing resources needed to
maintain vital city services or to care for the general public in need of disaster assistance. The
city may not have all the resources required, either in type or quantity, to respond to a disaster.
These insufficiencies may be created by one or more of the following conditions:
o The extent of the damage overwhelms available resources.
o Normally available resources are damaged, lost, or unable to be moved from one
place to another due to the incident.
o The nature of the event requires resources not normally used within the city.
o Personnel are injured or unable to report to work due to impacts of the emergency
or disaster.
o Disruptions in the vendor supply chain and/or increased regional demand may
make regularly available resources unavailable or in short supply.
Resource support involves the procurement and allocation of resources beyond normal day to
day operations. These resources include equipment, materials, facilities, contracted services,
supplies, and personnel required to support the city's departments during the response and
recovery phases of an emergency or disaster. Resource replacement or supplementation will
likely need to come from outside sources. Certain disasters may significantly impact
October 2023 137
transportation infrastructure and/or vendor operations and may inhibit the availability and flow
of resources into and within the city. Outside resources may not be immediately available.
Depending upon the area affected by the disaster, resources may have to be procured from out
of state. The normal process is to request resources first from King County Emergency
Management, which will attempt to fill the request with local resources or elevate a request to
the state. However, cities in Washington can make requests directly to the state. Resource
support may continue until the demobilization or disposition of all resources is complete.
Refer to the Renton Annex within the King County Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan for details
on hazards as well as risk assessments.
Concept of Operations
The management and organization of resources to include personnel, teams, facilities,
equipment, and supplies is primarily coordinated through this ESF. Department and EOC
resource lists and directories will be used to identify locations within the city, as well as
vendors, suppliers, or other outside sources where resources may be procured to replace or
supplement those needed to fulfill the responsibilities of this ESF. Whenever possible,
resources should be procured from Renton businesses.
Internal Operations
City departments will first utilize normal procedures for their day to day or mutual aid
resources before requesting outside assistance. Renton Finance may assist departments by
providing procedural guidance for emergency resource procurement. The Policy Advisory
Group, in consultation with Renton Finance, will provide policy guidance on financial limits
which may be applied to resource procurement.
Department Operations Centers (DOC) may be established by any department in order to
manage the dispatch and coordination of department-controlled or related resources. A DOC
will maintain close communication with the Incident Commander and/or the City of Renton
EOC regarding incident priorities and resources status to ensure overall incident objectives are
met. Any procurement done at the DOC level needs to be coordinated with the Finance
Department which maintains all procurement documentation for the incident.
Supporting agencies and departments of this ESF assist by providing department resources,
procurement lists, and personnel to staff the ESF 7 function in the EOC. Personnel within non-
mission critical functions in their own city departments may be reallocated to disaster
assignments as needed.
Renton EOC Operations
Renton EOC procedures identify the process for the emergency procurement of resources. The
Logistics Section of the Renton EOC is responsible for the locating and ordering of emergency
October 2023 138
resources. The Finance and Administration Section may offer support to document the resource
procurement process and handle the actual purchasing/payment for the transaction.
In a single incident response, emergency resource requests may be handled through the field
Incident Command organization but may be delegated to the Renton EOC at the discretion of
the Incident Commander. When multiple incidents occur simultaneously, as in a regional
disaster, and a field Incident Command structure has not been established to embrace the
scope of the entire emergency, emergency resource requests may coordinate through the
Renton EOC, or if not activated, through the Renton EOC Duty Officer. Lastly, Emergency
Management will work with the Greater Renton Community Organizations Active in Disaster
(COAD) to identify organizations which may be able to provide additional resources for recovery
efforts.
Whole Community
The “Whole Community” includes individuals, families, households, communities, the private
and nonprofit sectors, faith-based organizations, and local, tribal, state, and federal
governments. ESF 7 includes communicating with the Whole Community during Logistics and
Resource preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation activities. The Whole Community
includes populations with Limited English Proficiency (LEP), individuals with disabilities, and
Access and Functional Needs (AFN).
ESF 7 has been reviewed by the Whole Community through a public input process that included
online (virtual) and in-person access.
Organization
Renton Executive Services Department is responsible for the centralized management and
coordination of Logistics and Resource Support within the jurisdiction. ESF 7 will be represented
in the Renton EOC under the Logistics Section and coordinated by the Logistics Section Chief
when the City of Renton EOC is activated. If the City of Renton EOC is not activated, the Renton
EOC Duty Officer may perform this coordination. Personnel assigned to the Renton EOC will be
trained to the Renton credentialing system and regionally agreed upon training requirements
for supporting King County and other jurisdiction’s EOCs.
The Logistics Section is responsible for coordination of the Renton EOC emergency or disaster
resource requests and procurement. The Finance and Administration Section is responsible for
the contracts and documentation of resources procured through the Renton EOC as well as
spending limits and payment options. Procedures to provide projected or anticipated costs,
reimbursement procedures, as well as processes for recordkeeping can be referenced using the
Renton EOC SOPs for Finance/Administration and Logistics sections. The Policy Advisory Group,
October 2023 139
in concert with Renton Finance Department will establish limits and guidance on resource
procurement parameters if needed.
Individual departments will determine quantities and use of equipment, personnel and supplies
based on need. The Emergency Management Director may hold a briefing during the response
and recovery phases of an emergency or disaster to assist in determining departments’ needs
as well as determine the necessity of Renton EOC activation.
The City of Renton Parks and Recreation Department will serve as a liaison to assist in the
coordination and registration of civilian volunteers within the city per Chapter 118-04 WAC,
Emergency Worker Program and Chapter 38.52 RCW. Renton HRRM will coordinate the overall
reassignment and deployment of non-mission-critical personnel from city departments as
requested by the City of Renton EOC.
Notification
This ESF can be activated through the Renton EOC Duty Officer, Renton EOC Director,
Department Operation Centers, or an Incident Commander. Activation may occur due to the
severity of the event or perceived threat; unmitigated risk to the Renton community; or in
support of mutual aid partners.
Information Collection
The following categories are a baseline list which should be considered to create a common
operating picture for Essential Elements of Information (EEIs) which help guide the collection
and dissemination of information.
EEI Description Collection Dissemination
Resource
Request
What resources are currently
available?
What resources are nearby or
accessible through mutual aid?
What methods for resource
delivery are available?
Renton EOC
Renton Parks and
Recreation
Renton Public Works
Renton EOC
Resource
Procurement
Where are the resources
located?
Are there supplies/vendors/other
sources to procure from?
Are these resources considered
emergency procurement?
Renton EOC Renton EOC
Resource
Purchase
What is the cost of the resource? Renton EOC
Renton Finance
Renton EOC
October 2023 140
How will the resource be
purchased?
What funding will be used to
purchase the resources?
Resource
Management
How quickly are these resources
needed?
What is the priority level?
Where are the resources going
and who is responsible?
Renton EOC
Renton EOC
Procedures
• Resource requests beyond the capability of normal day to day operations will be
received and processed through the Renton EOC. Requests for resources may be
initiated by the Incident Command organization in the field, by DOCs, or by other
organizations or entities that have been granted access to the City of Renton EOC
through standing plans or agreements, whether formal or informal.
• Resource procurement will be driven by the operational needs of the incident.
Therefore, normal procurement procedures established by the City of Renton may be
waived to support the urgencies of the emergency or disaster. Waiver of these
procedures is supported by Renton City Code.
Responsibilities
The table below outlines the responsibilities of the primary and supporting agencies in support
of this ESF. These statement of mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery actions are
tied to executing the Core Capabilities listed in the “Purpose” section.
Mitigation
Statement of Purpose: Responsible agencies undertake activities to ensure the mitigation of
preventable or limitable impact to the tangible systems upon which ESF 7 capabilities rely. These are
physical or technological systems in place which support the Core Response Capabilities which allow
us to coordinate the centralized management and logistical resource services.
Core Capability Activity Responsible
Agency
Planning
Establish departmental programs that preserve and
safeguard resources from the effects of an
emergency or disaster.
All
Work toward the reduction of outside resource
needs and the facilitation of resource procurement
during an emergency or disaster through:
Renton Executive
Services
October 2023 141
- Educational programs that encourage area
populations including businesses to be self-
sufficient for a minimum of two (2) weeks.
- Training of city departments that emphasize
the need to safeguard city resources from
the effects of an emergency or disaster.
- The collection and compilation of resource
inventories, and procurement data.
Preparedness
Statement of Purpose: Responsible agencies undertake planning and preparedness activities to
ensure the Core Response Capabilities which allow us to coordinate the centralized management and
logistical resource services.
Core Capability Activity Responsible
Agency
Planning
Develops and maintains the Renton Comprehensive
Emergency Management Plan identifying existing
department and division resources and coordinating
which city department has responsibility for each
ESF/Annex capability.
Renton Executive
Services
Develops and maintains the Continuity Plan for the
city.
Provide public education, encouraging residents to
be prepared and self-sufficient to be at least two
weeks ready.
Provide emergency management training, drills, and
exercises in support of this ESF to city
department/divisions.
Ensure all resources are typed according to the
National Incident Management System (NIMS).
Renton Executive
Services
Plan to administer a personnel resource registration
program as outlined in Chapter 118-04 WAC
Emergency Worker Program.
Parks and
Recreation
Establish a program or plan to coordinate the overall
reassignment and deployment of non-continuity
personnel from city departments as requested.
Renton Human
Resources and Risk
Management
Work with primary and support agencies to establish
and review policies and procedures governing
procurement and purchasing
City of Renton
Finance
Prepare plans and/or maintain data that facilitates
the procurement of available resources, which are
likely to be needed during an emergency or disaster. Renton Regional
Fire Authority Identify and establish procedures to relocate
essential resources away from hazard potential
areas (as identified in the Renton Annex to the King
County Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan).
October 2023 142
Operational
Coordination
Maintains the EOC to be ready at any time for an
activation.
Renton Executive
Services
Logistics and Supply
Chain Management
Coordinates acquisition, development, and
maintenance of shared resource lists, directories,
and databases. Renton Executive
Services Coordinates the strategic placement of critical
emergency supplies within the city.
Ensure resource typing and inventory records are
maintained for the city.
Assist in identifying existing departments resource
inventories of major equipment, maintaining, and
updating records to provide to the City of Renton
EOC. Renton Finance Assist in maintaining vendor and supplier records to
identify where department resources may be
supplemented, replaced, or repaired during an
emergency or disaster.
Identify resource vendors, suppliers or locations
where departmentally controlled assets may be
supplemented, replaced, or repaired during an
emergency or disaster.
All Maintain inventory records to accurately represent
departmentally controlled assets and resources.
Identify existing departments/divisions resources
available to assist in the response and recovery
activities of an emergency or disaster.
Response
Statement of Purpose: Coordinate the centralized management and logistical resource
capabilities in response to an emergency or crisis.
Core Capability Activity Responsible
Agency(s)
Operational
Coordination
Provide available personnel and resources for
emergency or disaster work.
All
Adhere to Washington State Emergency Worker
Registration Program and notify Renton Emergency
Management for management.
Provide representative or subject matter expert to
the EOC when requested.
Attend department/division briefing to coordinate
disaster information and request resources needed
to accomplish response and recovery activities.
Ensure that operational response and recovery
activities are properly coordinated. Resources are to
be procured within the parameters established by
the Policy Advisory Group and the City of Renton
Renton Executive
Services
October 2023 143
Finance Department, and under the emergency
powers provided by city code and state statute.
Receive direction from the Policy Advisory Group
and the Finance Department on any limits or other
parameters established for procurement.
Conduct a department/division briefing to
determine the scope of the emergency or disaster,
resource needs, EOC activation, and status of city
response and recovery capabilities.
Assist the City of Renton EOC as requested with
personnel issues and coordinate the reassignment of
other city personnel for disaster assignments.
Renton Human
Resources and Risk
Management
Organize and register civilian volunteers to be
utilized in the field when requested, providing
information on deployment to the Renton EOC
Renton Parks and
Recreation
Provide coordination to perform damage
assessment activities. Renton Community
and Economic
Development Provide guidance on resource needs for long-term
recovery.
Logistics and Supply
Chain Management
Maintain departmentally controlled resource
inventories. All Relocate essential resources away from hazard areas
if vulnerable to the disaster.
Coordinate or delegate the procurement of
resources within the organizational structure of the
City of Renton EOC.
Renton Executive
Services
Make city parks facilities available for personnel
registration, staging, relocation, donations
management, debris removal, and emergency
worker or general population shelters.
Renton Parks and
Recreation
Provides resource support as available to assist in
the response and recovery phases of an emergency
or disaster.
Washington State
EMD
Situational Assessment
Forward situation reports and resource requests to
the King County EOC or the Washington State
Emergency Management Division and other partner
agencies.
Renton Executive
Services
Recovery
Statement of Purpose: Responsible agencies undertake activities to ensure the Core Response
Capabilities are continued throughout the recovery effort working to coordinate the centralized
management and logistical resource services. This ESF coordinates with the Renton Recovery
Framework for Logistics Management and Resource Support.
Core Capability Activity Responsible
Agency(s)
October 2023 144
Situational Awareness Continue communication with the county and state
through situation reports.
Renton Executive
Services
Planning
Revise policies and procedures to correct
deficiencies learned from the emergency or disaster.
All
Submit revised inventory lists of departmentally
controlled assets and resources for inclusion in City
of Renton EOC documentation.
Submit a revised resource list of vendors and other
suppliers or locations for inclusion in City of Renton
EOC documentation.
Follow appropriate policies and procedures in
completing the required documentation to justify
emergency services, contracts, purchases, and
expenditures.
Update resource lists with information gained as a
result of the disaster.
Update inventory lists of departmentally controlled
assets and resources.
Forward completed documentation for
departmental costs incurred and volunteers utilized
to the Finance Department.
Renton Parks and
Recreation
Assist departments/divisions with disaster insurance
claims for personnel injuries/death, damaged or
destroyed city resources. Renton Human
Resources and Risk
Management Work with the City Attorney to handle
documentation of liability claims filed against the
city.
Attend a post-incident review to evaluate the City of
Renton EOC procedures to include the resource
procurement and allocation process.
Renton Finance
King County EOC
Compile documentation for departmental costs
incurred and volunteers utilized. Revise internal
policies and procedures to correct deficiencies
learned from the emergency or disaster.
Coordinate FEMA reimbursement process if a
Presidential Disaster Declaration is issued for the
event.
Coordinate revision of City of Renton’s EOC, CEMP
and other emergency management policies and
procedures to correct deficiencies learned from the
emergency or disaster. Renton Executive
Services In accordance with the Renton Disaster Recovery
Plan (ESF 14) assist departments/divisions in
compiling documentation for costs incurred by the
emergency or disaster and coordinate with Finance
for Public Assistance grant administration.
October 2023 145
Conduct a post-incident review to evaluate the City
of Renton EOC procedures to include the resource
procurement and allocation process.
Continue to coordinate response and recovery
activities through the City of Renton EOC, if
activated.
Submit revised inventory lists of departmentally
controlled assets and resources for inclusion in City
of Renton EOC documentation. Renton Regional
Fire Authority Revise policies and procedures to correct
deficiencies learned from the emergency or disaster.
Complete documentation for departmental costs
incurred by the emergency or disaster.
Resource Requirements
• Greater Renton Community Organizations Active in a Disaster (COAD) contacts list
• City of Renton EOC resource lists
• City of Renton department-specific inventory records
• City of Renton vendor records
Terms and Definitions
See Basic Plan
References
• Washington State Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan
• King County Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan
• City of Renton EOC resource lists
• Greater Renton COAD Database
• Regional Coordination Framework for Disasters and Planned Events for Public and
Private Organizations in King County, Washington (RCF)
• Logistics Management and Resource Toolkit to the Puget Sound Regional Catastrophic
Disaster Coordination Plan (Volunteer and Donations Management)
• King County Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan
• City of Renton Disaster Recovery Framework
• City of Renton Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Standard Operating Procedures
(SOP) for Finance/Administration Section and Logistics Section.
October 2023 146
Appendices
Form Requesting Assistance (WA 213 RR)
October 2023 147
EMERGENCY SUPPORT FUNCTION 8: PUBLIC HEALTH AND MEDICAL
SERVICES
Primary Agency: Renton Regional Fire Authority
Public Health – Seattle and King County
Support Agencies: American Red Cross
City of Renton Executive Services Department
City of Renton Human Resources and Risk Management
King County Emergency Medical Services
King County Medical Examiner
Private Ambulance Companies
Valley Medical Center
Northwest Healthcare Response Network
Introduction
Purpose
The purpose of Emergency Support Function (ESF) 8 is to outline the organization and
operational concepts, responsibilities, and procedures to accomplish coordinated public health,
mortuary, and medical services to reduce death and injury during emergency situations and
restore essential health, mortuary, and medical services within a disaster area.
ESF 8 will identify and meet the health and medical needs of individuals and communities
impacted by an emergency or disaster through coordination with Public Health Seattle & King
County and the City of Renton.
The following Core Capabilities support the roles and responsibilities of ESF 8. The primary and
supporting core capabilities are defined to support the execution of Public Health and Medical
operations for this ESF as follows:
Primary Response Core Capability
Public Health,
Healthcare, &
Emergency Medical
Services
Provide lifesaving medical treatment via Emergency Medical Services and
related operations and avoid additional disease and injury by providing
targeted public health, medical, and behavioral health support, and products
to all affected populations.
Fatality Management
Services
Provide fatality management services, including decedent remains recovery
and victim identification, and work with local, state, tribal, territorial, insular
area, and federal authorities to provide mortuary services, including
temporary decedent storage or permanent internment solutions, sharing
information with mass care services for the purpose of reunifying family
October 2023 148
Primary Response Core Capability
members and caregivers with missing persons/remains, and providing
counseling to the bereaved.
Support Response Core Capabilities
Planning
Conduct a systematic process engaging the whole community as appropriate
in the development of executable strategic, operational, and/or tactical-level
approaches to meet defined objectives.
Public Information
and Warning
Deliver coordinated, prompt, reliable, and actionable information to the
whole community through the use of clear, consistent, accessible, and
culturally and linguistically appropriate methods to effectively relay
information regarding any threat or hazard, as well as the actions being
taken, and the assistance being made available, as appropriate.
Operational
Coordination
Establish and maintain a unified and coordinated operational structure and
process that appropriately integrates all critical stakeholders and supports
the execution of Core Capabilities.
Environmental
Response/Health and
Safety
Conduct appropriate measures to ensure the protection of the health and
safety of the public and workers, as well as the environment, from all
hazards in support of responder operations and the affected communities
Mass Care Services
Provide life-sustaining and human services to the affected population, to
include hydration, feeding, sheltering, temporary housing, evacuee support,
reunification, and distribution of emergency supplies.
On-Scene Security,
Protection, and Law
Enforcement
Ensure a safe and secure environment through law enforcement and related
security and protection operations for people and communities located
within affected areas and for response personnel engaged in lifesaving and
life-sustaining operations.
Operational
Communications
Ensure the capacity for timely communications in support of security,
situational awareness, and operations, by any and all means available,
among and between affected communities in the impact area and all
response forces.
Situational
Assessment
Provide all decision makers with decision-relevant information regarding the
nature and extent of the hazard, any cascading effects, and the status of the
response.
Authorities and Policies
The Renton Regional Fire Authority (RFA) will operate under the King County Comprehensive
Emergency Management Plan, ESF 8 for disaster related health and medical services and the
Renton Regional Fire Authority Mass Casualty Incident (MCI) Plan. The Incident Command
System (ICS) should be used in any size or type of disaster to manage response personnel,
facilities, and equipment. Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) or other responders who
provide emergency medical assistance in the City of Renton shall operate under 2023 EMT King
County Patient Care Guidelines. The City of Renton and Renton RFA will use mutual aid
agreements when the city’s resources are depleted or committed. An MCI may be declared to
October 2023 149
allow Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel to follow the established written
emergency protocols as referenced in the Seattle-King County MCI Plan. Primary and
supporting agencies will follow the guidelines and policies also stated in the King County EMS
Protocol, the Pre-Hospital Emergency Triage and Treatment Annex to the Puget Sound Regional
Catastrophic Disaster Coordination Plan, and the Victim Information and Family Assistance
Annex to the Puget Sound Regional Catastrophic Disaster Coordination Plan.
Situation Overview
Emergencies or disasters may occur in a local jurisdiction at any time causing significant human
suffering, injury and death, public and private property damage, environmental degradation,
economic hardship to business, families, and individuals, and disruption of local government.
Hazards such as an epidemic, disease outbreaks, or chemical and radiation emergencies may
also cause significant impacts on the overall health of the population. The City of Renton may
seek county, state, and Federal public medical care assistance in the event that a natural, man-
made, or technological disaster exceeds local resources.
Hospitals, nursing homes, pharmacies and other medical or health care facilities may be
structurally damaged or destroyed. Those facilities that survive with little or no structural
damage may be rendered unusable or only partially usable because of interruption of utilities
(power, water, sewer), or the inability of staff to report for duty. Medical and health care
facilities that remain operational and have the necessary utilities and staff may be
overwhelmed by the "walking wounded" and/or other seriously injured patients who are
transported to these facilities in the immediate aftermath of an emergency or disaster. Medical
supplies and equipment will likely be in short supply. Most health care facilities maintain only
inventory stock to meet their short-term (24 to 36 hours) normal patient load needs.
Disruptions in local communications and transportation systems could prevent timely resupply.
Uninjured persons who require daily medications such as insulin, antihypertensive drugs, and
other lifesaving and health protecting medications may have difficulty in obtaining these
medications because of damage or destruction of transportation and distribution routes,
normal supply locations, and general shortages within the disaster area. Patients who are
dependent on critical medical services, such as kidney dialysis or chemotherapy, may also be
put at risk by the interruption to medical supply chains, staffing shortages, or compromised
facilities.
Public Health Agencies, healthcare facilities, and EMS will deliver medical countermeasures to
exposed populations and complete triage and initial stabilization of casualties while beginning
definitive care for those likely to survive injury and/or illness. In the unfortunate event of loss of
life, fatality management services may include proper recovery, handling, identification,
transportation, tracking, storage, and final disposition of human remains and effects.
Additionally, these agencies will mobilize and/or request all critical resources to establish
command, control, and coordination within the affected communities to meet basic human
needs, stabilize the incident, and transition to recovery.
October 2023 150
Concept of Operations
It is likely that public demand for health information and health and medical services will
increase during disasters. Primary and secondary agencies will coordinate information and work
to identify, manage, and obtain medical resources including but not limited to medications,
supplies, equipment, transportation, facilities, and staffing. Collaboration with local and county
Emergency Operating Centers (EOCs) to provide logistical support for medical needs shelters,
alternate care facilities, medication centers, mortuary operations, family assistance centers,
and other field response locations will be essential.
Public Health, Mortuary and Medical Services
• The provision of basic and advanced life support services shall be provided per existing
standard operating procedures, patient care guidelines, and treatment/transfer
protocols as promulgated or coordinated by the Emergency Medical Services Division of
Public Health – Seattle & King County.
• Activation of the health and medical Joint Information System (JIS) may be needed to
coordinate the content and timing for release of accurate and consistent health and
medical information to the public, media, and community response partners.
• Resources within the affected area may be inadequate to transport casualties from the
scene or treat them in local hospitals. Additional medical capabilities will urgently be
needed to supplement and assist in triage and treat casualties in the affected area and
to transport to the closest appropriate hospital or other health care facility. Medical
resupply will be needed throughout the event area.
• The Incident Commander will establish the overall health and medical response and
recovery objectives.
• The damage and destruction caused by a natural or technological event will produce
urgent needs for mental health crisis counseling for victims, their families, and
emergency responders.
• Health and medical services will be restored during the recovery period as soon as
practical and within the limitations and capabilities allowed of affected agencies.
• Primary agencies will lead investigations into the cause and manner of death resulting
from an emergency or disaster.
• Public health emergencies may require implementation of public health measures to
contain and control communicable diseases or spread of environmental hazards.
• The Renton EOC may need to support the coordination of the blood distribution system
through Bloodwork Northwest.
• Implement local medication distribution strategies directed by the Local Health Officer.
• Public health emergencies may require implementation of public health measures to
oversee regional health and medical surge capacity measures associated with added
capacity or mobilization of volunteer personnel and manage communicable disease and
environmental health investigation and mitigation.
October 2023 151
• Support of recovery activities aimed at restoring health and medical services to pre-
event status.
Mass Care Services
• The American Red Cross may support the Emergency Medical Services response with
additional resources within the scope of their mission and as resources are available.
• Renton Parks and Recreation may work to identify potential shelter and mass care sites
within the City of Renton.
• Renton Parks and Recreation may coordinate the provision of emergency care at
shelters and congregate care facilities.
• Renton community members who are seniors, children, disabled, homeless, non-English
speakers, low-income or otherwise in need of ongoing support, will be more vulnerable
during and after an emergency. A partnership approach will be needed between
government, private industry, volunteer agencies and the media to ensure essential
health-related information and services reach vulnerable residents during an
emergency.
• The use of gymnasiums and community centers as temporary, alternate care facilities,
and family assistance centers may be necessary. Warehouses or airport hangars may be
used as temporary morgues as needed by the King County Medical Examiner.
Environmental Response
• Damage to chemical and industrial plants, sewer lines and water distribution systems,
along with secondary hazards such as fires, may result in toxic environmental and public
health hazards to the surviving population and response personnel.
• Disruption of sanitation services and facilities, loss of power, and mass congregating of
people in shelters may increase the potential for disease and injury.
• Hazardous materials incidents will present unique problems to patient care as the
patients themselves may be contaminated and considered hazardous. Damages to the
transportation systems may delay medical transports and outside assistance from other
agencies. Impacted drinking and wastewater systems may complicate health care and
possibly add to the victim or patient totals.
Whole Community
The “Whole Community” includes individuals, families, households, communities, the private
and nonprofit sectors, faith-based organizations, and local, tribal, state, and Federal
governments. ESF 8 includes communicating with the Whole Community during public health,
mortuary, and medical response, recovery, and mitigation activities. The Whole Community
includes populations with Limited English Proficiency (LEP), individuals with disabilities, and
Access and Functional Needs (AFN).
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ESF 8 has been reviewed by the Whole Community through a public input process that included
online (virtual) and in-person access.
Organization
Public Health – Seattle and King County and the Renton RFA are responsible for providing public
health, healthcare, emergency medical, and mortuary operations within the city. The Renton
EOC will provide support to the lead agencies for this ESF.
Notification
ESF 8 can be activated through the following channels:
• Public Health Seattle and King County
• Renton Regional Fire Authority
• Renton EOC Duty Officer or EOC Director
Activation may occur due to the severity of the event or perceived threat; unmitigated risk to
Renton community; in a planned event situation; or in support of mutual aid partners.
Information Collection
The following categories are a baseline list which should be considered to create a common
operating picture for Essential Elements of Information (EEIs) which help guide the collection
and dissemination of information.
Essential Elements of Information
EEI Description Collection Dissemination
Patients Number and location of:
- Impacted patients.
- Patients on ventilation
or other life-sustaining
medical support devices
Renton Regional Fire
Authority
Renton Valley Medical
Center
Renton RFA
Renton Valley
Medical Center
Renton EOC
Medical
Facilities
Number, name, and location
of:
- Impacted medical
facilities.
- Medical facilities
operating on generator
power.
- Evacuated medical
facilities.
Renton Regional Fire
Authority
Renton Valley Medical
Center
Northwest Healthcare
Response Network
Renton RFA
Renton Valley
Medical Center
Renton EOC
October 2023 153
- Closed medical facilities Community and
Economic Development
Logistics • Available medical
stations
• Available points of
distribution
• Resources pre-
positioned in medical
stockpiles.
• Location of medical
evacuation airports
Renton Regional Fire
Authority
Renton Valley Medical
Center
Northwest Healthcare
Response Network
Renton Executive
Services
Renton RFA
Renton Valley
Medical Center
Renton EOC
Procedures
The Renton Regional Fire Authority operates under the King County Emergency Medical
Services guidelines. For a Mass Casualty Incident, the Renton Regional Fire Authority follows
the procedure written in the Seattle-King County Mass Casualty Incident (MCI) Plan. Public
Health - Seattle & King County follows procedures written in the King County, Washington,
Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan, ESF 8, Health, Medical, and Mortuary Services.
As a region the Puget Sound area follows guidance provided in the Pre-Hospital Emergency
Triage and Treatment Annex and the Victim Information and Family Assistance Annex to the
Puget Sound Regional Catastrophic Disaster Coordination Plan.
Responsibilities
The table below outlines the responsibilities of the primary and supporting agencies in support
of this ESF. These statement of mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery actions are
tied to executing the Core Capabilities listed in the “Purpose” section.
Mitigation
Statement of Purpose: Determine and outline mitigation strategies and activities to increase the
public health and emergency medical services thus reducing potential human catastrophe within the
City of Renton.
Core Capability Activity Responsible
Agency(s)
Environmental
Response Health
and Safety
Promote environmental health protective actions such
as vector control, environmental sampling, and food
product embargoes.
October 2023 154
Reduce medical worker and first responder exposures
through identified and procured personal protective
equipment (PPE).
Public Health -
Seattle and King
County
Provide employee information, education, and
resources on best practices to prevent or mitigate
workplace safety and health hazards.
Human Resources
and Risk
Management
Planning
Maintain access to the Strategic National Stockpile
(SNS).
Public Health -
Seattle and King
County Monitor communicable diseases through surveillance,
investigation, and community containment.
Public Health,
Healthcare, and
Emergency Medical
Services
Minimize the spread of diseases through public health
interventions such as vaccinations and/or booster
shots.
Public Health -
Seattle and King
County
Preparedness
Statement of Purpose: Develop and maintain primary and secondary potential sources for medical and
general health supplies and resources including training, personnel, facilities, and medical related
equipment that can be implemented in the event of a disaster or other disruption.
Core Capability Activity Responsible
Agency(s)
Planning
Provide first aid training classes to the public. American Red Cross
Provide health training and educational classes to the
public. Valley Medical
Center Identify potential sources for medical and general
health supplies that will be needed during a disaster.
Maintain employee health and safety policies. Renton Human
Resources and Risk
Management
Work with local health care providers to establish
disaster treatment centers within the City of Renton.
Renton RFA
Provide ongoing medical service training to RRFA
personnel.
Provide periodic CPR training classes to the public.
Establish transport procedures to facilitate disaster
operations.
Coordinate and manage health and medical training
and exercise opportunities for healthcare providers
throughout the region. Public Health -
Seattle and King
County
Develop operational and tactical plans for health and
medical response.
Assess the region’s vulnerability to the health impacts
of emergencies and disasters.
October 2023 155
Provide ongoing health protection activities such as
vaccinations, provider education, and food and water
safety assurance.
Adhere to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and
ensure Access and Functional Needs (AFN) standards
are met in public health and medical needs to
individuals.
All Agencies
Response
Statement of Purpose: Coordinate and mobilize resources to support the assessment and stabilization
of impacted human health concerns during a disaster or emergency.
Core Capability Activity Responsible
Agency(s)
Operational
Coordination
Establish Incident Command for on-scene emergency
operations.
Renton RFA
Provide representatives to the Renton EOC as
necessary.
Request additional resources and other assistance via
the Renton EOC.
Activate the ESF 8 Area Command Center, Joint
Information System and MAC Group as appropriate.
Public Health -
Seattle and King
County
Provide leadership and direction in responding to
health and medical emergencies across King County
consistent with the authority of the Local Health
Officer.
Maintain 24/7 Duty Officer program and serve as the
primary point of notification for health and medical
emergencies in King County.
Coordinate requests for medical resources with private
vendors, the King County Emergency Operations
Center, and the State EOC, as needed.
Non-medical resources may be requested through King
County Emergency Operations Center through the
Renton EOC.
Renton EOC
Coordinate internal communication related to
employee health and safety in alignment with county,
state, and federal guidance. Recovery: Post-incident,
lead or contribute to discussions and After-Action
Report/Improvement Plan items related to employee
health and safety.
Renton Human
Resources and Risk
Management
All supervisors, managers, and leaders at every level
will promptly disseminate health and safety messages
downward within their respective departments,
divisions, and work groups to ensure they are received
and understood by all employees.
All City of Renton
departments
October 2023 156
Public Health,
Healthcare, and
Emergency Medical
Services
Provide basic life support (BLS) to ill or injured persons.
Renton RFA
Coordinate the transport of ill or injured persons.
Request additional medical services as needed;
determined by incident casualties.
Establish first aid stations where necessary.
Provide logistical support for evacuation of medical
facilities and medically fragile residents during an
evacuation order.
Request and coordinate the arrival of critical incident
stress debriefing teams.
Provide limited emergency medical transportation
capability. King County
Emergency Medical
Services Provide advanced life support (ALS) services in
response to ill or injured persons.
Provide limited first aid response to injured. Renton Police
Provide direct medical care to injured and ill persons at
appropriate fixed and other facilities.
Valley Medical
Center
Provide epidemiological surveillance, case
investigation, and follow-up to control infectious
disease, including acts of bioterrorism and outbreaks of
food borne illness.
Public Health -
Seattle and King
County
Provide medical advice and treatment protocols
regarding communicable diseases and other biological
hazards to EMS, hospitals, and healthcare providers.
Coordinate assessment and response to disaster
consequences affecting food safety, water quality, and
sanitation.
Coordinate the response of regional veterinarian
services and animal care groups.
Direct response activities to vector-borne public health
emergencies.
Direct and manage medical surge capabilities including
alternate care facilities, medication centers and
temporary morgues.
Direct and manage regional isolation, quarantine, and
other control measures necessary in response to
disease outbreaks.
Direct and manage mass vaccination and antibiotic
dispensing operations.
Support the King County Department of Community
and Human Services and the American Red Cross in
meeting demands for regional mental health services.
Assist in the transportation of injured. Private Ambulance
Companies
Implement disease control measures at the direction of
the Local Health Officer.
Renton RFA
October 2023 157
Environmental
Response/Health
and Safety
Coordinate and collaborate with community response
agencies in identifying environmental impact,
remediation, and recovery activities. Public Health -
Seattle and King
County Assess the health and medical impacts and potential
consequences posed by emergencies and disasters and
determines appropriate courses of action.
Coordinate regional critical incident stress management
for first responders.
King County
Emergency Medical
Services
Mass Care Services
Coordinate through the Renton EOC to transition city
owned facilities into medical sites (medication centers,
family assistance centers, etc.)
Renton RFA
Coordinate through the Renton EOC to transition
medical patients as needed to a mass casualty or
fatality management site including the managing and
tracking of patients.
Renton RFA
Support mass care sheltering plans throughout the
county in coordination with the American Red Cross
and ESF 6 Mass Care agencies. Public Health’s role in
mass care sheltering will focus on assisting with
environmental health assessments at shelters.
Public Health -
Seattle and King
County
Oversee a family assistance center to provide a private,
safe, and secure place for loved ones of deceased
disaster victims to gather, and to facilitate necessary
communication with the KCMEO, and to facilitate the
coordination of psychosocial support.
King County Medical
Examiner
Provide emergency first aid, supportive counseling,
health care for minor illnesses and injuries to
individuals in mass care shelters if qualified personnel
are available, and coordinates support activities at
other sites with Public Health- Seattle/King County.
American Red Cross
Acquaint families with available health resources and
services and make appropriate referrals.
Planning
Conduct outreach with communities during public
health emergencies to continue education of health
impacts and recommended protective actions.
Renton RFA
Valley Medical
Center
Coordinate the planning and response activities for
medical and health assistance in the event of an
emergency or disaster.
Public Health -
Seattle and King
County
Situational
Awareness
Coordinate and manage incident information and
medical resources for healthcare agencies across King
County.
Public Health -
Seattle and King
County
Monitor and assure Renton’s drinking water supply is
safe. Renton Public Works
Public Information
and Warning
Direct the development and dissemination of health
messages to the public, media, response partners, and
community-based organizations.
Public Health -
Seattle and King
County
October 2023 158
Activate the Public Health Information Call Center as
needed.
Amplify Public Health messaging and communicate all
official public health media alerts to the community of
Renton.
Renton Executive
Services
On-Scene Security,
Protection, and Law
Enforcement
Secure medical scenes as needed and the provision of
law and order for emergency utility, medical, and
response support services.
Renton Police
Fatality
Management
Track incident related deaths resulting from
emergencies and disasters.
King County Medical
Examiner
Authorize the release of remains of the deceased.
Provide notification of emergency morgue locations.
Coordinate transportation of the deceased.
Manage human remains related to the disaster.
Assist the Medical Examiner with the identification of
deceased persons. Renton Police
Provide supportive counseling for the family members
of the dead and injured.
American Red Cross
Police/Fire Chaplains
Assist in the transportation of the deceased. Private Ambulance
Companies
Recovery
Statement of Purpose: Continue response and recovery efforts to begin restoration of the health and
medical service systems in alignment with the Renton Recovery Framework.
Core
Capability
Activity Responsible
Agency(s)
Operational
Coordination
Continue response and recovery efforts in support of
ESF 8. All
Planning
Participate and support the compilation and debriefing
of an After-Action Review process.
Post-incident, lead or contribute to discussions and
After-Action Report/Improvement Plan items related to
employee health and safety.
Renton Human
Resources and Risk
Management
Resource Requirements
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
• Medications and Pharmaceuticals
• Other Medical Supplies as needed to support the execution of ESF 8.
• Access to the Strategic National Stockpile.
References
• Seattle-King County Mass Casualty Incident (MCI) Plan
October 2023 159
• King County Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan, ESF 8, Public Health and
Medical Services
• Pre-Hospital Emergency Triage and Treatment Annex to the Puget Sound Regional
Catastrophic Disaster Coordination Plan
• Victim Information and Family Assistance Annex to the Puget Sound Regional
Catastrophic Disaster Coordination Plan
• 2023 EMT King County Patient Care Guidelines under Dr. Thomas Rea Harborview
Medical Center
Terms and Definitions
• Mass Casualty Incident (MCI): an incident in which emergency medical services
resources, such as personnel and equipment, are overwhelmed by the number and
severity of casualties.
• Pandemic: a widespread occurrence or epidemic of an infectious disease over a whole
country or the world at a particular time affecting a substantial number of individuals.
• Strategic National Stockpile: The United States’ national repository of antibiotics,
vaccines, chemical antidotes, antitoxins, and other critical medical supplies.
Appendices
None
October 2023 160
EMERGENCY SUPPORT FUNCTION 9: SEARCH AND RESCUE
Primary Agency: Renton Regional Fire Authority
City of Renton Police Department
Support Agencies: City of Renton Executive Services
City of Renton Community and Economic Development Department
City of Renton Public Works Department
King County Emergency Operations Center
King County Sheriff’s Office
Mutual Aid Agencies
Voluntary Organizations
Washington State Department of Transportation, Aviation Division
Washington State Emergency Management Division
Washington State Military Department, National Guard
Introduction
Purpose
The purpose of Emergency Support Function (ESF) 9 is to coordinate the rapid deployment of
search and rescue resources to provide specialized life-saving assistance and for the
coordination and effective utilization of all available resources in the conduct of Search and
Rescue (SAR) operations, including:
• Structural collapse (urban) search and rescue.
• Maritime/coastal/waterborne search and rescue.
• Land search and rescue.
The National Response Framework (NRF) covers Disaster SAR, specifically operations following
a presidential disaster declaration, and provides information on Urban Search and Rescue
(US&R), maritime/waterborne SAR and Land SAR.
The following Core Capabilities support the roles and responsibilities of ESF 9. The primary and
supporting core capabilities are defined to support the execution of Search and Rescue
operations for this ESF as follows:
Primary Response Core Capability
Mass Search and
Rescue Operations
Deliver traditional and atypical search and rescue capabilities, including
personnel, services, animals, and assets to survivors I need, with the goal of
October 2023 161
Primary Response Core Capability
saving the greatest number of endangered lives in the shortest time
possible.
Support Response Core Capabilities
Planning Conduct a systematic process engaging the whole community as appropriate
in the development of executable strategic, operational, and/or tactical-level
approaches to meet defined objectives.
Public Information
and Warning
Deliver coordinated, prompt, reliable, and actionable information to the
whole community through the use of clear, consistent, accessible, and
culturally and linguistically appropriate methods to effectively relay
information regarding any threat or hazard, as well as the actions being
taken, and the assistance being made available, as appropriate.
Operational
Coordination
Establish and maintain a unified and coordinated operational structure and
process that appropriately integrates all critical stakeholders and supports
the execution of Core Capabilities.
Environmental
Response/Health and
Safety
Conduct appropriate measures to ensure the protection of the health and
safety of the public and workers, as well as the environment, from all
hazards in support of responder operations and the affected communities.
Fatality Management
Services
Provide fatality management services, including decedent remains recovery
and victim identification, and work with local, state, tribal, territorial, insular
area, and Federal authorities to provide mortuary processes, temporary
storage, or permanent internment solutions, sharing information with mass
care services for the purpose of reunifying family members and caregivers
with missing persons/remains, and providing counseling to the bereaved.
Operational
Communications
Ensure the capacity for timely communications in support of security,
situational awareness, and operations, by any and all means available,
among and between affected communities in the impact area and all
response forces.
Public Health,
Healthcare, and
Emergency Medical
Services
Provide lifesaving medical treatment via Emergency Medical Services and
related operations and avoid additional disease and injury by providing
targeted public health, medical, and behavioral health support, and products
to all affected populations.
Situational
Assessment
Provide all decision makers with decision-relevant information regarding the
nature and extent of the hazard, any cascading effects, and the status of the
response.
Authorities and Policies
State law encompasses both wildland and disaster search and rescue within the definition of
land search and rescue, RCW 38.52.010 Section 7. The Federal government separates the two
and covers wildland search and rescue in the National Search and Rescue Plan, and disaster
search and rescue, specifically urban search, and rescue, in the National Response Framework.
In the event of a catastrophic incident, local authorities may be overwhelmed and in
October 2023 162
accordance with RCW 38.52.050, it may be necessary for the State Emergency Operations
Center (SEOC) to assume operational coordination of SAR operations until such time as local
authorities regain control.
• Land search and rescue operations are primarily initiated, conducted, and directed by
the City of Renton Police Department.
• Water search and rescue operations are primarily initiated, conducted, and directed by
the Renton Regional Fire Authority.
• Air search and rescue for missing for downed civil aircraft is the responsibility of the
Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) as defined by Chapter 47.68
RCW and Chapter 468.200 WAC.
Situation Overview
The wide range of and easy access to outdoor recreational activities in the City of Renton and
the large number of people who participate in those activities results in a significant number of
lost, injured, killed, or in need of rescue every year. Incidents involving lost or missing children
and the elderly in urban/suburban areas are also increasing. The City of Renton is vulnerable to
airline crashes, terrorist activities, earthquakes, floods, landslides, and severe weather. Such
disasters can result in large, multi-jurisdictional search and rescue operations. A major
earthquake, for instance, would trigger search and rescue operations involving Renton Regional
Fire Authority (RFA) personnel, City of Renton personnel, statewide search and rescue
volunteers, the Washington National Guard, responders from neighboring jurisdictions, federal
response agencies including the military, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency
(FEMA) Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) Task Forces.
SAR missions involving searches in urban and suburban areas will increase as the population
and recreational opportunities continue to grow. Natural and technological disasters will
potentially cause great damage to the transportation system causing delayed outside
resources, and thus will increase the scope and urgency of SAR operations. The widely differing
terrain and climatic conditions in the state mandate a locally based SAR first response system.
Concept of Operations
Land search and rescue operations are primarily initiated, coordinated, and directed by the City
of Renton Police Department in accordance with state and local jurisdiction plans using local
resources registered in accordance with Chapter 118-04 WAC. Requests for additional
resources, including special skills, expertise, or equipment are coordinated through the Renton
EOC and the Renton RFA Department Operations Center (DOC) when requested. Land search
and rescue services may be requested through Valley Communications Center from King County
Dispatch (King County Sheriff’s Office), the King County Emergency Operations Center (KC EOC),
Washington State Emergency Management Division, or the City of Renton Emergency
October 2023 163
Operations Center (EOC). The National Incident Management System will be utilized for the on-
scene management of search and rescue operations within the City of Renton.
Land SAR
o Renton Police will request search and rescue resources when requested by the on-scene
incident commander, via the Valley Communications Center from King County Dispatch.
o Renton Public Works is responsible for providing heavy equipment in support of search
and rescue operations.
o Renton Community and Economic Development will provide technical advice concerning
building safety and structural stability, as requested.
o The Washington State Emergency Operations Center (WA SEOC) Alert and Warning
Center (AWC) will issue a state mission number when notified of a SAR mission by an
authorized official. The issuance of this mission number authorizes the employment of
local volunteers under the provisions and protection of Chapter 38.52 RCW.
o The WA SEOC, upon receiving a request for assistance from an authorized official, will
coordinate the resources in support of meeting the needs of the requesting jurisdiction.
The State SAR Coordinator may be deployed to the scene to provide this coordination.
Air SAR
o Air search and rescue for missing or downed civil aviation aircraft is the responsibility of
Washington State Department of Transportation, Aviation Division (Chapter 47.68 RCW).
o The Washington State Emergency Management Division will issue a mission number to
an authorized official in response to a downed or missing aircraft and will coordinate this
with the Washington State Department of Transportation, Aviation Division. The Aviation
Division Incident Commander may obtain the mission number on behalf of the City of
Renton in order to facilitate response.
o Upon location of downed aircraft, the incident becomes a land search and rescue
operation under the direction and control of Renton Police. The Washington State
Department of Transportation Aviation Division Incident Commander provides support as
available, and the National Transportation Safety Board and Federal Aviation
Administration assume responsibility for the crash site for investigatory purposes.
Maritime/Coastal/Waterborne SAR
o Water search and rescue operations are primarily initiated, coordinated, and directed by
the Renton Regional Fire Authority.
o Renton Regional Fire Authority requests search and rescue services through zone
coordinator and/or dispatch for additional resources.
Whole Community
October 2023 164
The “Whole Community” includes individuals, families, households, communities, the private
and nonprofit sectors, faith-based organizations, and local, tribal, state, and Federal
governments. ESF 9 involves communicating with the Whole Community during Search and
Rescue preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation activities. The Whole Community
includes populations with Limited English Proficiency (LEP), individuals with disabilities, and
Access and Functional Needs (AFN).
ESF 9 has been reviewed by the Whole Community through a public input process that included
online (virtual) and in-person access.
Organization
The City of Renton Police Department and Renton Regional Fire Authority are responsible for
search and rescue operations within our jurisdiction. The Renton EOC will provide support to
the lead agencies for this ESF through the Operations Section.
Notification
This ESF can be activated through several channels:
• Renton Police Department
• Renton Regional Fire Authority
• Renton EOC Duty Officer or EOC Director
Activation may occur due to the severity of the event or perceived threat unmitigated risk to
the Renton community or in support of mutual aid partners.
Information Collection
The following categories are a baseline list which should be considered to create a common
operating picture for Essential Elements of Information (EEIs) which help guide the collection
and dissemination of information.
EEI Description Collection Dissemination
SAR Mission
Status of SAR Mission to include:
o Number of rescues (anticipated
and actual)
o Number of search areas
o Number of search areas
completed.
o Number of personnel assigned.
o Number of search dogs
o Number of current areas of
operation
Renton Police
Renton RFA
Renton EOC
October 2023 165
o Limiting factors or shortfalls
Resources
SAR Resources to include:
o Type
o Assignment
o Status
Renton Police
Renton RFA Renton EOC
Medical
Local casualty collection point
(assessed by medical personnel) to
include:
o Injury status
o Confirmed deaths
Renton RFA Renton Police
Renton EOC
Local hospital status to include:
o Hospital capacity
o Availability of beds
Northwest Health
Response Network
Renton Police
Renton EOC
This list is not exhaustive. As an event progresses, information, population needs, available
resources and support, and situational awareness will develop and change.
Responsibilities
The table below outlines the responsibilities of the primary and supporting agencies listed in
this ESF. These actions are tied to executing the Core Capabilities listed in the “Purpose”
section.
Mitigation
Statement of Purpose: Agencies undertake activities to ensure mitigation of preventable or limitable
impacts to Search and Rescue operations and capabilities.
Core Capability Activity Responsible
Agency(s)
Planning
Develop and present preventative SAR programs
through public awareness and school education
programs.
Renton Police
Renton RFA
King County
Sheriff’s Office
Ensure all search and rescue resources are
appropriately maintained in a state of readiness for
rapid mobilization.
Preparedness
Statement of Purpose: Agencies undertake activities to ensure preparedness or readiness of Search
and Rescue operations and capabilities.
Core Capability Activity Responsible
Agency(s)
October 2023 166
Response
Statement of Purpose: Agencies undertake responsibilities to ensure rapid response or deployment of
resources for Search and Rescue operations and capabilities.
Core Capability Activity Responsible
Agency(s)
Mass Search and
Rescue Operations
Initiate, coordinate, and direct search and rescue
operations to locate persons in distress, within the
geographical area of the City of Renton. Renton Police
Renton RFA Ensure the synchronized deployment of local,
regional, or national resources to reinforce ongoing
search and rescue efforts.
Operational
Coordination
Mobilize all critical resources and establish
command, control, and coordination structures
within the affected community throughout the
duration of the incident.
King County Sheriff’s
Office
Renton Police
Renton RFA
Appoint a Search and Rescue (SAR)
Coordinator/Liaison to field operations.
Renton Police
Renton RFA Appoint liaison to Renton EOC Operations section.
Provide trained personnel for technical advice
concerning damage assessment of structures
through the City of Renton’s Damage Assessment
Annex of the Comprehensive Emergency
Management Plan.
Renton Community
and Economic
Development
Provide personnel, equipment, and resource support
to search and rescue missions.
Washington State
EMD, WA
Department of
Transportation,
Public Health,
Healthcare, and
Emergency Medical
Services
Complete triage and initial stabilization of casualties.
Renton RFA Deliver medical countermeasures to exposed
populations.
Planning
Develop standard operating procedures to
coordinate water search and rescue operations.
Renton RFA
Renton Police
Develop programs to provide education to the
community and training for search and rescue
personnel.
Participate in emergency management training,
drills, and exercises in support of this ESF.
Appoint and maintain a liaison with the City of
Renton EOC, mutual aid agencies, and area search
and rescue teams.
Plan for the arrival and coordination of spontaneous
and/or unsupervised volunteers.
Renton Executive
Services
October 2023 167
Situational Assessment
Deliver information sufficient to inform decision
making regarding immediate lifesaving and life-
sustaining activities and engage governmental,
private, and civic sector resources within and
outside the affected area to meet basic human
needs and stabilize the incident.
All Responding
Agencies
Recovery
Statement of Purpose: Agencies undertake recovery activities for Search and Rescue operations and
capabilities.
Core Capability Activity Responsible
Agency(s)
Planning
Compile appropriate documentation and costs
incurred by the incident.
All Participate in post incident after action review
process.
Assist in returning all organizations and personnel to
a state of readiness.
Resource Requirements
Training
IS 100, 200, 700, 800.
Renton Regional Fire Authority Technical Rescue Team Training
References
• National Response Framework, ESF 9
• National Search and Rescue Plan
• U.S. Department of Defense Joint Publication 3-50.1: National Search and Rescue
Manual
• Washington State Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan
• King County Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan
• Structural Collapse and Rescue Annex to the Puget Sound Regional Catastrophic Disaster
Coordination Plan
Terms and Definitions
See Basic Plan
Appendices
None
October 2023 168
EMERGENCY SUPPORT FUNCTION 10: OIL AND HAZARDOUS
MATERIALS RESPONSE
Primary Agency: Renton Regional Fire Authority
Support Agencies: City of Renton Executive Services Department
City of Renton Parks and Recreation
City of Renton Police Department
City of Renton Public Works Department
Fuel Providers and Pipeline Companies
King County Emergency Operations Center
King County Mutual Aid Agencies
National Weather Service
Public Health – Seattle and King County
Puget Sound Clean Air Agency
U.S. Department of Transportation
Washington State Department of Ecology
Washington State Department of Health
Washington State Department of Transportation
Washington State Patrol
Introduction
Purpose
The purpose of Emergency Support Function (ESF) 10 is to identify and designate local
jurisdictional roles and responsibilities for managing emergent hazardous material incidents
and other unanticipated releases within the City of Renton. Activities set forth in ESF 10
endeavor to minimize exposure and damage to human health and safety caused by the actual
or threatened release of hazardous materials and other releases. ESF 10 aims to protect
emergency responders and the populace in affected areas, and to minimize damage to the
environment from the adverse effects of a hazardous materials incident in the City of Renton.
The following Core Capabilities support the roles and responsibilities of ESF 10. The primary and
supporting core capabilities are defined to support the execution of Search and Rescue
operations for this ESF as follows:
October 2023 169
Primary Response Core Capability
Environmental
Response/Health and
Safety
Conduct appropriate measures to ensure the protection of the health and
safety of the public and workers, as well as the environment, from all
hazards in support of responder operations and the affected communities.
Support Response Core Capabilities
Planning
Conduct a systematic process engaging the whole community as appropriate
in the development of executable strategic, operational, and/or tactical-level
approaches to meet defined objectives.
Public Information
and Warning
Deliver coordinated, prompt, reliable, and actionable information to the
whole community through the use of clear, consistent, accessible, and
culturally and linguistically appropriate methods to effectively relay
information regarding any threat or hazard, as well as the actions being
taken, and the assistance being made available, as appropriate.
Operational
Coordination
Establish and maintain a unified and coordinated operational structure and
process that appropriately integrates all critical stakeholders and supports
the execution of Core Capabilities.
Infrastructure
Systems
Stabilize critical infrastructure functions, minimize health and safety threats,
and efficiently restore and revitalize systems and services to support a
viable, resilient community.
On-Scene Security,
Protection, and Law
Enforcement
Ensure a safe and secure environment through law enforcement and related
security and protection operations for people and communities located
within affected areas and also for response personnel engaged in lifesaving
and life-sustaining operations.
Operational
Communications
Ensure the capacity for timely communications in support of security,
situational awareness, and operations, by any and all means available,
among and between affected communities in the impact area and all
response forces.
Situational
Assessment
Provide all decision makers with decision-relevant information regarding the
nature and extent of the hazard, any cascading effects, and the status of the
response.
Authorities and Policies
In 1986 Congress enacted the Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know Act (EPCRA)
as part of the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA) due to public concern
regarding the environmental and safety hazards posed by the storage and handling of toxic
chemicals. This act, known as SARA Title III, established requirements for Federal, state, tribal
and local governments to provide guidance for off-site emergency planning and notification to
minimize exposure and/or damage to human health and safety or to the environment. This
mandates that every facility using, storing, or manufacturing hazardous chemicals make public
its inventory and report every release of a hazardous chemical to public officials and health
October 2023 170
personnel. Clean-up and disposal measures must be coordinated between the responsible party
and city, state, or Federal regulatory agencies affiliated, or private clean-up and disposal
contractors as determined by the nature and severity of the release. The King County Local
Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC), to which the City of Renton belongs, plans for
hazardous materials emergencies by collecting information from public and private
organizations with chemical inventories. This is required under the SARA Title III/EPCRA
Program.
The Revised Code of Washington Title 70.136.010 outlines the intent of the legislature to
promote and encourage advance planning, cooperation, and mutual assistance between
applicable political subdivision of the state and persons with equipment, personnel, and
expertise in the handling of hazardous materials incidents, by establishing limitations on liability
for those persons responding in accordance with the provision of RCW 70.136.020 through
70.136.070. Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 118-40 covers hazardous chemical
emergency response planning and community Right-To-Know reporting. Occupational Safety
and Health Administration (OSHA) regulation 29CFR 1910.120 (q), WAC 296-305-03002, and
WAC 296-824 identifies the training levels for hazardous materials response teams. This is the
minimum level of training provided to the Renton Regional Fire Authority Hazardous Materials
Response Team. This specialized team is trained to the technician level and there are a
minimum of 2 Hazmat technicians staffed with the Renton RFA each day.
The guidelines established in the Renton Regional Fire Authority (RFA) and Zone 3 Hazardous
Materials Providers Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) may be followed in responding to a
hazardous material incident. This may include activation of the Renton RFA Department
Operating Center (DOC) to establish operational control depending on the size and complexity
of the incident. All activities within ESF 10 will be conducted in accordance with the National
Incident Management System (NIMS) and will utilize the Incident Command System (ICS).
Priority shall be given to life safety, incident stabilization, property conservation, and then
environmental and economic considerations, in that order. In the event the Renton RFA has
exhausted all resources through mutual aid agreements, the Zone 3 HazMat Providers
Emergency Response Plan and King County Regional Coordination Framework for Disasters and
Planned Events for Public and Private Organizations may be activated.
The City of Renton Emergency Operations Center (EOC), if activated, will be informed when
resources are reasonably expected to be exhausted and logistical support is requested. The
Renton EOC will communicate critical resource updates to the Policy Advisory Group if policy
level decisions are required in the continued management of the incident.
Valley Communications Center is the designated public safety answering point (E 9-1-1 dispatch
center) for the dispatch of fire mobilization resources in Zone 3 (South King County). Other E 9-
1-1 dispatch centers will support Valley Communications Center upon request. These are
NORCOM for Zone 1 (North and East King County), Seattle Fire Department Fire Alarm Center
for Zone 5 (City of Seattle), and the Regional Communications and Emergency Coordination
Center (RCECC) for King County.
October 2023 171
The following authorities and policies by the state of Washington support the execution of ESF
10.
Revised Code of Washington (RCW)
• RCW 4.24.314: Person causing hazardous materials incident - Responsibility for incident
clean-up – Liability (2019)
• RCW 69.50.511: Cleanup of hazardous substances at illegal drug manufacturing facility
(2022)
• RCW 70.136: Hazardous Materials Incidents (2019)
o 70.136.010: Legislative Intent
o 70.136.020: Definitions
o 70.136.030: Incident command agencies – Designation by political subdivisions
o 70.136.035: Incident command agencies – Assistance from state patrol
o 70.136.040: Incident command agencies – Emergency assistance agreements
o 70.136.050: Persons and agencies rendering emergency aid in hazardous
materials incidents – Immunity from liability – Limitations
o 70.136.060: Written emergency assistance agreements – Terms and
conditions – Records
o 70.136.070: Verbal emergency assistance agreements – Good Samaritan law –
Notification – Form
• RCW 90.56: Oil and Hazardous Substance Spill Prevention and Response (2019)
Washington Advisory Code (WAC)
• WAC 296-305-03002: Hazardous Materials (2019)
• WAC 296-305-05000: Incident Management (2019)
• WAC 296-305-05101: Technical Rescue General Requirements (2019)
• WAC 296-305-05103: Technical Rescue Training (2019)
• WAC 296-305-05107: Technical Rescue Incident Response Planning (2019)
• WAC 296-305-05111: Technical Rescue Safety (2019)
• WAC 296-824: Emergency Response (2019)
o WAC 296-824-3005: Train your employees (2019)
• WAC 118-40: Hazardous Chemical Emergency Response Planning and Community
Right-to-Know Reporting (2019)
• WAC 173-360A: Underground Storage Tank Regulations (2019)
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
• 29CFR 1910.120 (q): Hazardous waste operations and emergency response (2019)
• 40CFR 355: Emergency planning and notification (2022)
October 2023 172
Situation Overview
Renton has a mix of land uses throughout the city. Industrial and commercial uses are located
primarily in the Green River valley and downtown areas of Renton. The city center area includes
mixed-use residential and commercial land, with both single and multi-family homes. Single
family residences dominate the eastern and southeastern portions of the city, where most
residential growth is still occurring. In addition, there are pockets of mixed-use commercial
centers aimed at providing services for residents along the eastern edges of the city.
The geographic and economic characteristics of Renton make it likely that hazardous materials
releases will occur and may develop slowly or occur without warning. Incidents may occur as a
result of human error, natural hazards such as earthquakes, deliberate deed such as terrorism
or illegal activity, or a breakdown in equipment or monitoring systems. Potentially harmful
chemicals are used for a wide variety of operations and are stored, used in, and travel through
Renton on a regular basis via highways, rail lines, and/or pipelines. The likelihood of a
hazardous materials release may increase through events or threats such as flooding, a pipeline
rupture, or illegal lab dumping.
These chemicals can be hazardous to humans or the environment if used or released
improperly. Hazardous materials in various forms can cause death, serious injury, long-lasting
health effects, and damage to buildings and the environment. The number and severity of
major incidents can be minimized by prevention programs. The impact depends upon the
quantity and physical properties of the hazardous material, environmental and weather factors
at the point of release, the type of release and its proximity to human and wildlife populations
and valuable ecosystems. Hazardous materials may be explosive, flammable, combustible,
corrosive, reactive, poisonous, or radioactive, as well as in solid, liquid, or gaseous form.
Business types that commonly use hazardous materials locally include hospitals, schools, metal
plating and finishing, aircraft manufacturing, public utilities, cold storage companies, fuel
industry, communication industry, research facilities, and high technology firms. SARA Title
III/EPCRA facilities are required to maintain plans for warning, notification, evacuation, and site
security under numerous regulations. Copies are filed with the Renton RFA.
Actual or threatened releases of hazardous materials often require immediate response. The
coordination of emergency response operations to hazardous material incidents may require
multi-agency and multi-disciplinary responses. Disciplines involved may include hazardous
materials technicians, firefighters, emergency medical service providers, law enforcement,
environmental containment and clean-up specialists, fish and wildlife experts, and
environmental/public health. Most hazardous material incidents are minor in scope and can be
handled by trained facility personnel and/or the Renton RFA Hazardous Materials Response
Team. However, the potential exists for a large-scale incident, which would require multiple
resources and the need for mass evacuation of downwind populations or sheltering in place.
Incident commanders are required to utilize their local mutual aid resources and request
activation of their county plan before requesting regional assistance. Requesting and
coordinating regional fire resources is ultimately accomplished by the Renton RFA Duty Chief.
October 2023 173
Concept of Operations
The Renton RFA has the primary responsibility for protecting life, the environment, and
property threatened by hazardous materials incidents, except where this has been specifically
preempted by state or federal laws or regulations. For a large-scale incident, the Renton RFA is
signatory to a countywide mutual aid agreement which is defined as the King County Interlocal
Agreement (KC ILA) for Mutual Aid.
The agency with primary authority is dependent on the location of the event. The Renton RFA is
the Incident Command Agency for the City of Renton under Chapter 70.136.030 RCW. When an
incident occurs on a state highway, the Washington State Patrol will establish a Unified
Command System with surrounding fire departments, emergency medical services, and other
state and federal agencies.
To manage and support complex or significant field incidents including but not limited to
Hazardous Materials emergencies, the Fire Chief or designee will activate the RFA Department
Operations Center (DOC). The RFA Duty Chief or on-duty South Battalion Chief/Safety Officer
will be an overall coordinator of fire service activities and organize resources with the Fire Zone
3 Coordinator, the King County Fire Coordinator, and ultimately the South Puget Sound
Regional Fire Coordinator through the Valley Communications Dispatch Center. RRFA is also a
participant in the Zone 3 Fire Operations Chief Coordinators, for larger-scale incidents.
The Renton RFA DOC will coordinate with the field command post and the City of Renton EOC
as necessary. The primary location of the RFA DOC is Renton RFA Station 13 (Headquarters).
The back-up location will be Renton RFA Station 12 which is the same location as the City of
Renton EOC when activated. An alternate location will be the City of Renton Public Works
building.
Communications will be through established channels. The primary mode of emergency
communications would take place on the Puget Sound Emergency Radio Network (PSERN) radio
communications system. Secondary communications are outlined in RRFA Communication
Guide and include site trunking, State Ops frequency on the PSERN system, VHF radios, Mobile
Data Computer (MDC), pagers and amateur radios (ham radios).
Hazardous materials emergencies involve the organization and management of fire department
resources to mitigate hazardous materials of all types, kinds, and complexities while protecting
the lives, environment, and property in the affected area. Renton RFA has a Hazardous
Materials Response Team (HMRT) trained to the technician level to mitigate these incidents.
Larger incidents may require the resource assistance of other agencies through the countywide
mutual aid agreement and the Zone 3 Hazardous Materials Response Plan.
The resources and logistics utilized to mitigate hazardous materials incidents depend on the
severity of the emergency and the level of training of fire department personnel. Renton RFA
October 2023 174
follows a three-tiered approach that directly correlates to the three levels of training of
responding units that are described below:
• Awareness level: Awareness level responders are those personnel who, in the course of
their normal duties, could encounter an emergency involving hazardous materials/
weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and be expected to recognize the presence of the
hazardous materials/WMD, protect themselves, understand risks and potential
outcomes, call for assistance, and secure the scene. This is a defensive action.
• Operations level: Operations level responders are personnel who respond to hazardous
materials/WMD incidents for the purpose of implementing or supporting actions to
protect people, property, and the environment from the effects of a release. They are
trained to respond in a defensive fashion, which may include attempts to confine,
contain or otherwise control the release without coming into contact with the
material/product. All members of Renton RFA are trained to this level which includes
gross decontamination procedures in the warm zone.
• Technician level: Technician level responders are personnel who respond to a hazardous
materials/WMD incident using a risk-based response process to analyze the situation
involving hazardous materials/WMD, identify the unknown material, select applicable
decontamination procedures, and contain/control the release using specialized
protective clothing and control equipment. They will approach the point of release in
order to plug, patch or otherwise stop the release of a hazardous substance. This is
considered an offensive action in the hot zone and only performed by HazMat
technicians. All members of Renton RFAs Hazardous Materials Response Team are
trained to this level.
Procedures
Based on the Hazardous Materials Response Plan and Procedures, the response will vary
dependent upon the location and magnitude of the hazardous materials release and the
population impact. Response and recovery efforts include containing and controlling the
release, warning the public, request for assistance, notification of state and federal agencies,
restoration of businesses and requests for cleanup resources. Additionally, requests for
recovery of response and cleanup costs and monitoring the site may be necessary.
The Renton RFA policies and procedures outline mutual aid partners and DOC guidelines to be
used for large-scale incidents. Within these policies are hazardous materials specific standard
operating procedures (SOPs) written to support Renton RFA’s hazardous materials response,
including releases because of disasters. Additionally, the King County Fire Chiefs Model
Procedures outline countywide hazardous material specific policies that all fire agencies in King
County follow. These specific SOPs and procedures are listed in the References section at the
end of this document.
October 2023 175
Whole Community
The “Whole Community” includes individuals, families, households, communities, the private
and nonprofit sectors, faith-based organizations, and local, tribal, state, and Federal
governments. ESF 10 includes communicating with the Whole Community during Hazardous
Materials preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation activities. The Whole Community
includes populations with Limited English Proficiency (LEP), individuals with disabilities, and
Access and Functional Needs (AFN).
ESF 10 has been reviewed by the Whole Community through a public input process that
included online (virtual) and in-person access.
Organization
Hazardous materials response is organized under the National Incident Management System
(NIMS). Renton RFA has the responsibility for managing hazardous materials incidents in their
service area. This includes the City of Renton along with King County Fire Protection Districts
#25 (East Renton Plateau) and #40 (Fairwood). There are currently seven Renton RFA fire
stations that have pre-designated response areas and provide backup as necessary to the other
stations. Renton RFA key fire stations that will be backed-up and staffed during a large-scale
hazardous materials incident include Station 11 (downtown), Station 16 (East Renton Plateau)
and Station 17 (Fairwood).
RRFA Divisions
• The Response Operations Division is responsible for all Suppression, EMS, Technical
Rescue, Water Rescue, and Hazardous Material activities.
• The Office of the Fire Marshal is responsible for providing International Fire and Building
Code inspections, plans checking, public education, and hazardous materials inspections
on target hazard facilities in the city.
• The Support Services Division and Administration are responsible for fleet, facilities,
logistics, finance, security, and other support needs.
• The EMS/Health and Safety Division is responsible for Emergency Medical Services
(EMS) as well as occupational injury, illness, and exposure of RRFA members.
Notification
ESF 10 can be activated through the following channels:
• Incident Commander
• Battalion Chief/Safety Officer (BC/SO)
October 2023 176
• Duty Chief/Deputy Chief
• Fire Chief
• Zone 3 fire coordinator
• King County fire coordinator
• Renton EOC Duty Officer
Activation may occur due to the severity of the event or perceived threat, unmitigated risk to
the Renton community, or in support of mutual aid partners.
Information Collection
The following categories are a baseline list which should be considered to create a common
operating picture for Essential Elements of Information (EEIs) which help guide the collection
and dissemination of information.
EEI Description Collection Dissemination
Nature of
Incident
What is the substance identity?
How is it being spread?
How dangerous is it?
What is the protective action to
be taken? (Evacuation, shelter in
place)
• Department of
Ecology
• Incident
Commander
• Renton EOC
• Renton RFA
Duty Chief
Extent of
Incident
Gathering information regarding
the extent of the incident.
Is it growing or stable?
Are lives at risk – if so, where?
How many persons are potentially
contaminated?
Are any vulnerable congregate
facilities (hospitals, nursing
homes, schools) impacted?
Incident Commander Renton EOC
Renton RFA
Duty Chief
Environmental
Conditions
What are the weather conditions
relevant to the release?
Renton EOC
Renton RFA
National Weather
Service
Renton EOC
Renton RFA
October 2023 177
Is there environmental
contamination possible?
Logistics
Number, location, and mission
assignment of ESF 10 staff
deployed to incident coordination
locations (i.e., RRCC, EOC, JFO,
and field sites)
Location of staging area, warm
zone, hot zone, decontamination
facilities, and other key locations
Incident Commander
Renton RFA Duty
Chief
Zone 3 fire
coordinator
King County fire
coordinator
Renton EOC
Renton RFA DOC
Resources
Number, location, and role of pre-
positioned ESF 10 resources.
Number, location, and role of
deployed ESF 10 resources.
Incident Commander
Zone 3 fire
coordinator
King County fire
coordinator
Renton EOC
Renton RFA
Duty Chief
Responsibilities
The table below outlines the responsibilities of the primary and supporting agencies in support
of this ESF. These statements of mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery actions are
tied to executing the Core Capabilities listed in the “Purpose” section.
Mitigation
Statement of Purpose: Profile hazards, identify risks and vulnerabilities, and propose strategies and
actions to reduce risks to life, property, the environment, the economy, infrastructure, and first
responders. The type and amount of hazardous material and the specific situation will determine
offensive or defensive actions for confinement, containment, and hazard reduction to stop the release.
Core Capability Activity Responsible
Agency(s)
Environmental
Response/Health and
Safety
Minimize public exposure to environmental hazards
through assessment of the hazards and
implementation of public protective actions.
Renton RFA
Enforces the international Fire code requiring
facilities to have hazardous materials management
plans, which provide local responders with vital
information for hazardous materials response to
specific facilities.
Renton RFA
Establish regional and statewide regulations and
codes relating to the safe storage, use, handling, and
disposal methods of hazardous materials.
WA Department of
Ecology
Puget Sound Clean
Air Agency
October 2023 178
Planning
Review, evaluate, inspect, and issue permits for the
storage and use of hazardous materials to reduce
the risk of a release or spill. Renton RFA
Renton Community
and Economic
Development
Manage, recommend, and/or enforce city codes
relating to the storage, use and handling of
hazardous materials to lessen the impact of a
hazardous material incident.
Preparedness
Statement of Purpose: Identify, evaluate, and implement measures to prevent and minimize impacts
to the community, environment, and properties from hazardous materials emergencies and response
operations for these incidents.
Core Capability Activity Responsible
Agency(s)
Environmental
Response/Health and
Safety
Regularly conduct building inspections and review
pre-incident plans of Hazmat facilities in advance of
an incident.
Renton RFA
Identify, assess, and mitigate worker health and
safety hazards, and disseminate health and safety
guidance and resources to response and recovery
workers.
Renton RFA
Renton Human
Resources and Risk
Management
Planning
Develop hazardous materials emergency response
plans and procedures.
Renton RFA
Plan for response to public and private entities that
manufacture, use, store, and transport hazardous
materials in King County.
Participate in training required by 29CFR 1910.120.
Provide and/or participate in emergency
management training, drills, and exercises in
support of this ESF.
Coordinate, participate and evaluate hazardous
material drills and exercises for SARA Title III/EPCRA
facilities with the King County LEPC.
Maintain emergency response plans and Tier II files
for hazardous materials facilities, which fall under
the SARA Title III/EPCRA law.
Participate in the King County LEPC.
Work directly with the City of Renton Community
and Economic Development Department (CED) to
plan for hazardous materials incidents.
Maintain Tier II records and plans from facilities
required under SARA Title III and the Clean Air Act. King County EOC
Participate in the King County LEPC.
Operational
Communications
Ensure the capacity to communicate with both the
emergency response community and the affected
populations and establish interoperable voice and
Renton RFA
Renton Executive
Services
October 2023 179
data communications between Federal, tribal, state,
and local first responders.
Public Information and
Warning
Develop and distribute public education information
related to hazardous material issues per the
Community Right to Know Act.
Department of
Ecology
Response
Statement of Purpose: Respond to public and private entities that manufacture, use, store, and
transport hazardous materials that could impact the City of Renton. Conduct initial hazard
assessments and determine the appropriate resources to meet the demands of the incident. Protect
the community and responders from exposure to hazardous materials released, as well as the
protection of property and the environment.
Core Capability Activity Responsible
Agency(s)
Planning
Develop and implement strategic incident action
plans after identifying the critical factors.
Renton RFA Review emergency response plans and spill
prevention plans for facilities within the City of
Renton.
Operational
Coordination
Assist in containing and controlling the hazardous
material.
Renton RFA
Provide initial response to, and size-up of hazardous
material incidents. Incident priorities include life-
safety, evacuation, shelter-in-place, and primary
defensive measures.
Assume the role of on-scene Incident Commander
(IC) and utilize the Incident Command System (ICS).
Activate Renton EOC as needed to provide support
to ESF 10 incidents.
The IC may establish a Hazardous Materials Group
Supervisor (HGS) at a working incident as long as
they are a Hazmat technician.
The IC may designate a Safety Officer and Assistant
Safety Officer for Hazmat.
Coordinate the response and recovery efforts to
hazardous material incidents.
Contact the appropriate outside agencies for
assistance, if necessary, and coordinate efforts using
the KC ILA.
When required and in accordance with department
Standard Operating Procedures, notify the Renton
RFA Duty Chief, the City of Renton EOC Duty Officer,
King County EOC Duty Officer, and Washington State
October 2023 180
Emergency Management Division of the size and
impact to the area.
The RFA Duty Chief will coordinate with the Zone 3
Fire Coordinator and the King County Zone Fire
Coordinator to request fire resource mobilization of
support agencies during a large-scale incident.
The RFA Duty Chief will be the fire liaison and
representative to the City of Renton EOC, as well as
the King County EOC, to provide situation and
damage assessment information when requesting
Regional Fire Representation.
Enhance and maintain command, control, and
coordination structures consistent with the National
Incident Management System (NIMS) to meet basic
human needs, stabilize the incident, and transition
to recovery.
Utilize the King County Zone 3 HazMat Incident
Response position checklists.
The IC may work in conjunction with the HGS leader
in developing tactics to mitigate the incident.
Operations level and/or technician level personnel
may be assigned offensive or defensive strategies to
stop hazardous materials releases.
Assist in containing and isolating the hazardous
material within the limits of staff training and
available personal protective equipment. Renton Public Works
Provide necessary resources as required by the
Incident Commander.
Activate the King County EOC if required.
King County EOC Coordinate additional resources at the request of
the Incident Command agency or the Renton EOC.
Assist in the response and recovery from hazardous
material releases. King County Mutual
Aid Agencies Provide response resources as requested by the
Incident Commander per mutual aid agreements (KC
ILA).
Provide resources, technical support, guidance, and
possible enforcement, as necessary.
Washington State
Military Department
Environmental
Response / Health and
Safety
Hot, warm, and cold control zones may be
established. Decontamination procedures in the
warm zone must be established prior to Hazmat
technicians entering the hot zone. Renton RFA
The IC may appoint a site access control leader to
control the decontamination corridor (warm zone).
Entry and exit are through this corridor.
October 2023 181
Promptly report leaks, spills, illicit discharges, and
other types of releases deemed harmful to the
environment to the appropriate entities.
Report all spills to the Washington State Department
of Ecology (DOE) via the National Response Center
(NRC) at 1-800-424-8802. NRC will notify all state
and local agencies. All DOE reportable spills will also
be reported to the RFA Duty Chief.
Report all spills to the Regional Department of
Ecology office at 425-649-7000. DOE may provide
on-scene response.
All spills shall be reported immediately to the City of
Renton EOC Duty Officer.
Operational
Communications
Deliver information sufficient to inform decision
making regarding immediate lifesaving and life-
sustaining activities, and engage governmental,
private, and civic sector resources within and
outside of the affected area to meet basic human
needs and stabilize the incident.
Renton RFA
Provide technical advice to the Incident Commander
in the enforcement of all city codes relating to the
storage, use and handling of hazardous materials.
Serve as a Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP),
providing call receiving and dispatch services, and
procure additional firefighting resources for Renton
RFA.
Valley
Communications
Center
Infrastructure Systems
Supply information on City of Renton infrastructure
and regulate critical utilities. Renton Public Works
Decrease and stabilize immediate infrastructure
threats to the affected population, to include
survivors in heavily impacted zones, nearby
communities that may be affected by cascading
effects, and mass care support facilities and
evacuation processing centers with a focus on life-
sustainment and congregate care services.
Renton RFA
On-Scene Security,
Protection, and Law
Enforcement
Provide traffic control, area security, and
communication support to establish a safe and
secure environment in an affected area.
Renton RFA
Renton Police
Isolate and deny entry to all unauthorized
personnel.
Assist in response and population protection
measures such as sheltering in place.
Assist in evacuation of potentially affected
populations to safe environments as directed.
Provide traffic control assistance as requested. Renton Public Works
Public Information and
Warning
Deliver credible and actionable messages to inform
ongoing emergency services and the public about Renton RFA
October 2023 182
protective measures and other life-sustaining
actions and facilitate the transition to recovery.
Renton Executive
Services
Inform all affected segments of society of critical
lifesaving and life-sustaining information by all
means necessary, including accessible tools, to
expedite the delivery of emergency services and aid
the public to take protective actions.
Deliver enhanced information to reinforce ongoing
lifesaving and life-sustaining activities, and engage
governmental, private, and civic sector resources
within and outside of the affected area to meet
basic human needs, stabilize the incident, and
transition to recovery.
Renton RFA
Renton Executive
Services
King County EOC
Recovery
Statement of Purpose: The systematic process of managing the end stages of the incident after life
safety, mitigation and stabilization is reached. Recovery is to include, but is not limited, to assigning a
third-party authority to provide collaboration with environmental clean-up, re-occupancy of fixed-
facility or transportation corridor, and financial/logistical obligations for the responding agencies.
Core Capability Activity Responsible
Agency(s)
Operational
Coordination
Begin the coordination of recovery efforts to
hazardous materials incidents. Renton RFA
Assist in the city’s recovery from hazardous material
releases.
King County Mutual
Aid Agencies
Lead agency in King County for overseeing the clean-
up and disposal of hazardous materials waste.
Washington State
Department of
Ecology
Lead agency in Washington State for recovery from
radiological incidents.
Washington State
Department of Health
Coordinates recovery efforts for hazardous materials
and radiological incidents between the WA
Department of Ecology and WA Department of
Health.
Renton EOC
Environmental
Response/Health and
Safety
Ultimately responsible for the cost of clean-up and
recovery (RCW 4.24.314).
Owner or transporter
of the Hazardous
Material release
Operational
Communications
Compile the appropriate documentation for the
incident report. Renton RFA Conduct a post-incident analysis to evaluate the
incident.
Assist the Renton Regional Fire Authority in
evaluating the incident and providing information
for the incident report.
Renton Executive
Services
Renton Police
October 2023 183
Other involved city
departments
WA Department of
Ecology
Resource Requirements
Hazardous material releases require substantial amounts of specialized equipment, supplies
and training. Many specialized monitoring devices may be needed as well as training,
decontamination equipment and technical information resources. King County Zone 3 has four
Hazardous Materials Teams:
• Renton RFA located at Station 14: 1900 Lind Ave SW, Renton, 98057
• Puget Sound RFA located at Station 75 and Station 76
o Station 75: 15635 SE 272nd, Kent, 98042
o Station 76: 20676 72nd Ave S, Kent, 98032
• Port of Seattle FD: 2400 S 170th St, SeaTac, WA 98158
• South King Fire and Rescue located at Station 61: 3203 S. 360th St., Auburn, 98001
References
• International Fire Code
• International Building Code
• Department of Transportation Emergency Response Guidebook (2020)
• Renton Regional Fire Authority Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
o 3101 - Stop Work Orders, Fire Watch, and Special Inspections (2020)
o 3104 - Fire and Life Safety Inspection Program (2018)
o 3106 - Hazardous Materials Inspections (2016)
o 4101 - Response Guidelines (2019)
o 4102 - Rules of Engagement (2017)
o 4103 - King County Fire Chiefs Model Procedures (2020)
o 4104 - Zone 3 Procedures (2017)
o 4105 - Valley Communication Procedures (2017)
o 4108 - Incident Management System (2017)
o 4110 - Department Operations Center (2020)
Appendix 7.1 - Zone 3 Fire Storm Procedures Field User Guide
Appendix 7.2 - Secondary Fire Dispatch Procedures
o 4111 - Initial Disaster Response Procedures (2017)
October 2023 184
Appendix 7.1 - Station Assessment Procedures
Appendix 7.2 - High Wind Procedures
Appendix 7.3 - RRFA Communication Quick Reference Guide
o 4112 - Automatic Aid/Mutual Aid Mobilization (2020)
o 4117 - Hazardous Materials Operations (2018)
o 4118 - Explosive Guidelines (2017)
o 4122 - Pre-Incident Plans (2018)
o 4123 - Risk Management (2018)
o 4202 - Training Standards and References (2017)
o 4203 - Incident Management Training and Qualification (2017)
o 6203 - Incident Safety Officer (2017)
HazMat Incident Safety Report (pdf)
o 6204 - Respiratory Protection (2017)
• King County Fire Chiefs Model Procedures (2020)
o Section 5 - Hazardous Materials
o Section 6 - Local, County and State Mobilization Requests
o Section 10 - King County Radio Interoperability
o Section 12 - Public Evacuations and Warnings
o Section 14 - Strike Team/Task Force
o Section 24 - Natural Gas Emergency
o Section 26 - Technical Rescue
o Section 27 - Move ups of Interzonal Resources
o King County Interlocal Agreement for Mutual/Automatic Aid (2018)
• Zone 3 Resources (from Vector Solutions website)
o Zone 3 Operational Policy - Highly Infectious Disease Patients (2020)
o Zone 3 Operational Procedure - High Call Volume Operations (2021)
o Zone 3 Technical Rescue Responses (2018)
o Zone 3 Procedures – On Duty Battalion Chief Coordinator (2018)
o Zone 3 Fire Station locations and phone numbers
o Zone 3 Key Station List (2018)
o Zone 3 Operations Committee – Station order for move-ups (2019)
o Zone 3 Coordinator Move-up Spreadsheet Form (2020)
o Zone 3 Coordination Map (2018)
o Zone 3 Hazardous Materials Resources/Documents (2012)
HazMat Entry Team Leader Guide
HazMat Incident Command Guide
HazMat Incident Safety Officer Guide
HazMat MCI Patient Decon Guide
HazMat Medical Group Supervisor Guide
HazMat Operations Guide
HazMat Planning/Research Guide
HazMat Safety Briefing
October 2023 185
• Valley Communications Center SOPs
o 717 – Firefighter Safety Procedures (2016)
o 735 - Fire Department Move-up/Cover Procedures (2014)
o 737 - Fire Department Mutual Aid (2014)
o 740 - Fire Department Special Response Procedures (2016)
o 745 - Fire Department High Call Volume Events (2020)
o 766 - EOC Activations (2012)
o 800 - 800 MHz Talk groups (2019)
• National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
o 472 - Standard for Competence of Responders to Hazardous Materials/Weapons
of Mass Destruction Incidents (2018)
o 1991 - Standard on Vapor-Protective Ensembles for Hazardous Materials
Emergencies and CBRN Terrorism Incidents (2016)
o 1992 - Standard on Liquid Splash-Protective Ensembles and Clothing for
Hazardous Materials Emergencies (2018)
Related Plans
• SARA Title III Emergency Response Plan
• PL 99-499: Public Law Emergency Planning and Community Right-To-Know
• Zone 3 Command Procedures (2021)
• Zone 3 Haz-Mat Providers Emergency Response Plan (2013)
• King County Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan (2020-2025)
• Washington State Enhanced Hazard Mitigation Plan (2018-2023)
• Washington State Enhanced Hazard Mitigation Plan Risk and Vulnerability Assessment
(2018-2023)
Terms and Definitions
• CFR: Code of Federal Regulations
• Cold Zone: Safe area outside the warm zone where incident command and management
teams operate.
• Gross decontamination: High flow gallons per minute hose line as needed to remove
large particulate hazard from responder or victim.
• Hazardous Materials Decontamination Unit: Unit stocked with equipment specific to
mass decontamination capabilities, shelter, and casualty collection. This unit does not
have mass casualty (MCI) mitigation capabilities. Located in the warm zone.
October 2023 186
• Hazardous Materials Team: technician-level team that is capable of Level A entry into
the hot zone.
• Hazardous Material (HazMat): Any explosive, gas, flammable/combustible liquid,
oxidizer, poison, etiologic agent, radioactive, corrosive, or other substance or material in
quantity of form that may pose an unreasonable risk to public health, safety, or the
environment.
• HGS: Hazardous Materials Group Supervisor.
• HM314: Hazardous Material emergency response apparatus for Zone 3 from RRFA
Station 14
• Hot Zone: An area where hazardous vapors and liquids are present. This area is
considered to be dangerous due to biological, chemical, or nuclear contamination.
Individuals must be trained to Hazmat technician level and prepared to enter and leave
the area through specific corridors. This is also known as the exclusion zone or area of
contamination.
• LEPC: Local Emergency Planning Committee
• Level A Protection: The highest available level of respiratory, skin, splash, and eye
protection for HazMat technicians which requires fully encapsulating vapor protective
clothing with supplied breathing air. Level A HazMat releases have a high vapor pressure
and is toxic through skin absorption or is carcinogenic.
• Level B Protection: The level of protective equipment utilized by HazMat technicians
where the environment is not considered acutely vapor toxic to skin but may cause
respiratory effects. In such situations a chemical splash suit or full coverage, non-airtight
chemical suit with self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) or supplied air breathing
apparatus (SABA) is required.
• Level C Protection: The level of protective equipment required to prevent respiratory
exposure but does not include protection of skin contact (i.e., full-face air purifying
respirator, inner and outer chemical-resistant gloves, hard hat, escape mask, and
disposable chemical-resistant out boots).
• MCI: Mass Casualty Incident
• MDC: Mobile Data Computers
• PSERN: a voter-approved emergency radio system used for dispatching and
communications between fire, law enforcement, and other agencies in King County,
Washington. It is simulcast 800MHz trunked radio system, utilizing P25 Phase II digital
technology to broadcast via 61 radio sites between over 18,000 portable (hand-held),
mobile (vehicle), and control stations (desktop) radios, as well as dispatch center
consoles, within the service area. PSERN is maintained and operated by the PSERN
Operator.
• Warm Zone: The decontamination area located outside the hot zone.
• Zone 3: King County Fire Departments consisting of Burien/North Highline (KC Fire
District #2), Enumclaw FD, Mountain View FD, Port of Seattle FD, Puget Sound RFA,
Renton RFA, Skyway (KC Fire District #20), South King Fire and Rescue, Tukwila FD,
Valley RFA, and Vashon Island FD.
October 2023 187
Appendices
Appendix A: Olympic Pipeline
October 2023 188
Appendix A: Olympic Pipeline
Historical Information
• On December 28, 2002, a spill of 1,465 gallons of trans-mix occurred at the Renton
Control Center (2319 Line Ave SW). This spill was caused by equipment failure and went
into a containment vault. No oil was released into the environment.
• On May 23, 2004, a breach in a 3/8-inch sampler line caused a release of 1,890 gallons
of gasoline, also at the Renton Control Center. The gasoline subsequently caught fire
and burned the sampling shed. Some of the gasoline was released to the environment.
Pipeline incidents are the results of a rupture or break in a pipeline that causes a spill and
sometimes a fire or explosion. The hazardous liquids spilled from the pipeline can damage
streams, rivers, and other sensitive areas. Ignition of the hazardous liquids from the pipeline
can damage sensitive areas, habitat, and residential and commercial property.
October 2023 189
EMERGENCY SUPPORT FUNCTION 11: AGRICULTURE AND NATURAL
RESOURCES
Primary Agency: City of Renton Parks and Recreation Department
Support Agencies: City of Renton Executive Services Department
City of Renton Police Department
Renton Regional Fire Authority
King County Emergency Operations Center
Public Health – Seattle and King County
Washington State Department of Agriculture
Washington State Department of Health
Washington State Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation
Introduction
Purpose
The purpose of Emergency Support Function (ESF) 11 is to support and facilitate multiagency
planning and coordination for operations during incidents requiring City internal and external
coordination for:
• Nutrition and food assistance.
• Animal and agricultural health.
• Animal and agricultural emergency management.
• Protection of natural, cultural, and historical properties resources.
The following Core Capabilities support the roles and responsibilities of ESF 9. The primary and
supporting core capabilities are defined to support the execution of Search and Rescue
operations for this ESF as follows:
Primary Response Core Capability
Environmental
Response / Health
& Safety
Conduct appropriate measures to ensure the protection of the health
and safety of the public and workers, as well as the environment, from
all hazards in support of responder operations and the affected
communities.
October 2023 190
Support Response Core Capabilities
Planning
Conduct a systematic process engaging the whole community as
appropriate in the development of executable strategic, operational,
and/or tactical-level approaches to meet defined objectives.
Public Information
and Warning
Deliver coordinated, prompt, reliable, and actionable information to
the whole community through the use of clear, consistent, accessible,
and culturally and linguistically appropriate methods to effectively
relay information regarding any threat or hazard, as well as the
actions being taken, and the assistance being made available, as
appropriate.
Operational
Coordination
Establish and maintain a unified and coordinated operational
structure and process that appropriately integrates all critical
stakeholders and supports the execution of Core Capabilities.
Logistics & Supply
Chain Management
Deliver essential commodities, equipment, and services in support of
impacted communities and survivors, as well as coordinating access to
community staples. Synchronize logistics capabilities and enable the
restoration of impacted supply chains.
Mass Care Services
Provide life-sustaining and human services to the affected population,
to include hydration, feeding, sheltering, temporary housing, evacuee
support, reunification, and distribution of emergency supplies.
On-Scene Security,
Protection, and Law
Enforcement
Ensure a safe and secure environment through law enforcement and
related security and protection operations for people and
communities located within affected areas and also for response
personnel engaged in lifesaving and life-sustaining operations.
Public Health,
Healthcare, &
Emergency Medical
Services
Provide lifesaving medical treatment via Emergency Medical Services
and related operations and avoid additional disease and injury by
providing targeted public health, medical, and behavioral health
support, and products to all affected populations.
Situational
Assessment
Provide all decision makers with decision-relevant information
regarding the nature and extent of the hazard, any cascading effects,
and the status of the response.
Authorities and Policies
October 2023 191
The City of Renton may provide emergency organization and resources to minimize the effects
of incidents, prepare to respond to disaster situations; maximize population survival, preserve
property, and recovery that will ensure the orderly and fast return to normal community life in
the event of a natural or technological disaster. City of Renton will make every effort to educate
its staff, communities, and businesses in their individual responsibility to provide for and/or
secure their own safe food and water for at least two weeks following a disaster.
This Plan may be supplemented by the King County Comprehensive Emergency Management
Plan, the Puget Sound Regional Coordination Plan and Annexes, the Washington State
Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan, and other applicable plans. All operations will
function in concert with the National Incident Management System (NIMS) to assure a
comprehensive approach to emergency management is achieved.
The following policies and authorities from the state of Washington apply to the execution of
ESF 11:
Revised Code of Washington (RCW)
• RCW 27.44: Indian Graves and Records
Procedures for responding to discoveries of human skeletal remains; penalties for
known disturbance of Native Indian cairns, graves, and rock markings.
• RCW 27.53: Archaeological Sites and Resources
Penalties for disturbing known archaeological sites on either public or private land
Washington Advisory Code (WAC)
• WAC 16-25: Disposal of Dead Livestock.
State Veterinarian has the authority to specify the method of disposal and place
additional requirements for the disposal of carcasses of livestock animals that die of
disease or are euthanized to prevent the spread of disease.
• WAC 246-291-125: Groundwater Source Approval.
Drinking water shall be obtained from the highest quality source feasible.
• Federal Public Law: Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards Act of 2006
• Authorizes FEMA to provide rescue, care, shelter, and essential needs for individuals
with household pets and service animals, and to the household pets and animals
themselves following a major disaster or emergency.
Situation Overview
Emergencies or disasters may occur in a local jurisdiction at any time causing significant human
suffering, injury, and death; public and private property damage; environmental degradation;
economic hardship to businesses, families, and individuals; and disruption of local government.
October 2023 192
The King County Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan identifies the natural and technological
emergencies or disasters the City of Renton may experience. Specific hazards that may severely
impact the City of Renton’s agriculture and natural resources includes landslides, flooding,
earthquakes, wildfires, and hazardous materials spills, to name a few.
The City of Renton has numerous developments including a downtown core, sprawling
suburban housing, parks and trails, rivers, lake front, open space, and forested areas. Natural,
cultural, or historic preservation and restoration issues may arise during an emergency or as a
result of a disaster. Areas covered include terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems; biological
resources, including fish and wildlife; threatened and endangered species, migratory birds;
historic and prehistoric resources; mapping and geospatial data; geology; hydrology, including
real-time water flow data; data on earthquakes and other natural hazards; on- and offshore
minerals; energy; and coal mining.
During the first 72 hours of an emergency, shelters and individuals are expected to rely on their
own resources, and those available in their immediate area, for food and water. The city has
limited experience in coordinating the distribution of foods, water, and donated goods in large
quantities and will rely upon the expertise of outside agencies and organizations to accomplish
these tasks whenever possible.
Early in the course of the event, little information will be available, and information may be
vague and inaccurate. No guarantee is implied by this plan. Because assets and personnel may
be overwhelmed, the city and county can only endeavor to make every reasonable effort to
respond to a hazardous event based on the situation, information, and resources available at
that time.
Concept of Operations
ESF 11 describes the management, safe handling and distribution of food and water for the
needs of large groups of people within the City of Renton during and immediately after a major
emergency or disaster. It also addresses the safety and well-being of household pets and
livestock, and the protection of natural, cultural, and historic properties within this jurisdiction.
• ESF 11 facilitates multiagency planning and coordination in the pre-incident phase in
order to pre-position assets or to place assets on alert for quick turnaround.
• During the response phase, ESF 11 transitions and is responsible for operational
coordination, logistics and supply chain management for mass care services, and
situational awareness.
Nutrition and Food Assistance
A significant emergency or disaster may deprive substantial numbers of residents of the ability
to prepare or gain access to safe and reliable supplies of food and water. Congregate care
feeding areas will be the primary locations for the distribution of food and water supplies.
October 2023 193
Food warehouses located in the city are not available for the sole use of the city and must be
considered a regional resource. If not handled properly, food and water can become vehicles
for illness and disease transmission, which must be avoided. Public Health – Seattle & King
County may provide guidance to the city and to individuals to ensure the safety of food and
water made available to the public. The City of Renton will work closely with local volunteer
and non-profit agencies to determine the emergency food and water needs of the affected
population. The City of Renton will coordinate with local agencies, commercial facilities,
volunteer organizations and appropriate purveyors for the supply and distribution of food and
water to the affected population. The city will not accept unprocessed donated goods during a
time of disaster. Only those goods that can quickly be placed into the community, or specifically
requested, will be accepted.
Animals and Agriculture
Any displacement or evacuation of people from their homes may cause household pets and
livestock to be placed at risk due to lack of food, shelter, and care. Animal evacuation and
sheltering should be conducted in conjunction with human evacuation and sheltering efforts.
Animals should be sheltered near their owners to the extent possible. In order to provide for
the safety and security of Renton residents, animals, and property, the city will work to ensure
the care and shelter of pets in the event of an emergency. Owners will be expected to provide
food, water, husbandry, and exercise for their pets during the times they are in emergency
shelters. Renton Police will guide the City’s response to domestic animal care following a major
emergency or disaster. While Incident Command will assist with animal issues, the priority will
remain the health and safety of residents.
Some animal diseases are very contagious (e.g. – foot and mouth disease) and would be very
difficult to identify, isolate, control, and eradicate in an emergency shelter environment. Some
plant diseases are very infectious to other plants and can be very difficult to identify, isolate,
control, and eradicate. The Washington State Department of Agriculture, in collaboration with
identified stakeholders and legal authorities (local, state, federal and tribal), may lead the
management of animal and/or plant health emergencies.
Renton Police has jurisdictional authority and will direct and control all activities related to
animal sheltering, protection, and control during an emergency. If a possible foreign animal,
insect, crop, or disease is confirmed on a premise, the state veterinarian, Washington
Department of Agriculture (WA DOA) and the Federal Area Veterinarian in Charge become the
Unified Command. As a Unified Command, they would coordinate the response with local,
other state and federal agencies.
Natural, Cultural and Historical Resources
Cultural heritage institutions (such as museums, libraries, archives, records repositories, and
historical societies) may have sensitive collections that require specific actions in the event of a
disaster or emergency. Actions initiated under ESF 11 to protect, preserve, conserve,
rehabilitate, recover, and restore natural, cultural, and historical resources will be guided by the
October 2023 194
existing internal policies and procedures of the agencies providing support for the incident.
Structures registered in national historical registries, or those structures eligible for inclusion in
those registries, may be subject to special considerations. The City of Renton may coordinate
with local, state, tribal and federal partners to assess, protect, preserve, conserve, inform long-
term recovery and restore identified natural resources and/or cultural sites.
Individuals/Households
Individuals are responsible for knowing the risks they face and developing emergency plans for
their families that include emergency preparedness for the animals in their household, whether
those animals are owned for pleasure or commercial purposes. To the extent possible, during
an incident, individuals should carry out their emergency plans in accordance with responder
instructions.
During an incident, to the extent practical, animal evacuation and sheltering should be
conducted in conjunction with human evacuation and sheltering efforts, and animals should be
sheltered near their owners. Service animals are trained to perform a specific service for a
person with a disability or access and functional need. They are not pets and may not be
separated from the individual with a disability or other access and functional need. They should
be permitted anywhere the public goes. Owners should provide food, water, husbandry, and
exercise for their animals while they are in emergency shelters. Recognized service animal
species are dogs and miniature horses under Washington state law and must be
accommodated. Emotional support animals do not receive the same accommodation and may
be treated as a pet under emergency circumstances.
Local, State, and Tribal Governments
Local, state, and tribal governments are primarily responsible for the welfare of individuals and
animals within their jurisdictions.
Typically, at the local level, the animal control agency is the authority that has jurisdiction for
non-disease animal emergency management issues within a given community. When requested
and mission assigned, ESF 11 can assist in coordinating or providing technical assistance to
address animal/agriculture emergency management issues.
Actions taken during an emergency threatening the environment or cultural and historic
resources are guided by and coordinated with the appropriate local, state, and tribal agencies,
including the state historic preservation office, state archives, and local emergency
management agencies.
Private Sector/Nongovernmental Organizations
Most animal and agriculture emergency response resources and assets are owned or controlled
by the private sector and NGOs.
October 2023 195
Animal emergency management is and has always been a whole community effort—a blending
of emergency management and animal handling expertise. At the local level, veterinarians,
farmers, animal control agencies and humane organizations, breeders, wildlife rehabilitators,
and others make up the animal infrastructure within a community. These entities should be
encouraged to collaborate with government to meet emergency animal needs in their
communities. Many states have integrated animal response capabilities, such as county and/or
state animal response teams, veterinary medical reserve corps, or similarly named entities.
Cultural heritage institutions (such as museums, libraries, archives, records repositories, and
historical societies) should be encouraged to develop emergency plans, including having
contingency plans in place for their collections in the event of a disaster or emergency.
Nonprofit networks, such as the Heritage Emergency National Task Force, can provide
information on cultural and historic resources at risk.
Whole Community
The “Whole Community” includes individuals, families, and households, communities, the
private and nonprofit sectors, faith-based organizations, and local, tribal, state, and Federal
governments. ESF 11 includes communicating with the Whole Community during Agriculture
and Natural Resource related activities through preparedness, response, recovery, and
mitigation. The Whole Community includes populations with Limited English Proficiency (LEP),
individuals with disabilities, and Access and Functional Needs (AFN).
ESF 11 has been reviewed by the Whole Community through a public input process that
included an online (virtual) and in-person access.
Organization
The City of Renton Parks and Recreation Department is responsible for leading the coordination
of Agriculture and Natural Resources activities within our jurisdiction. The Renton EOC will
provide support to the lead agency for this ESF.
Notification
The ESF can be activated through several channels:
• Incident Commander
• City mayor, city administrator, or designee
• EOC Duty Officer or EOC Director
ESF 11 may be activated independently or in conjunction with other ESFs, depending on the
situation.
October 2023 196
Activation may occur due to the severity of the event or perceived threat, unmitigated risk to
Renton community, in a planned event situation, or in support of mutual aid partners.
Information Collection
The following categories are a baseline list which should be considered for information collection.
They may not include all relevant EEIs as the impact of a given disaster may require unique
information collection needs.
EEI Description Collection Dissemination
Extent of
Incident
Information regarding the
extent of the incident.
Is it growing or stable?
Are lives at risk – if so,
where?
Evacuation order needed?
• Incident
Commander/
delegate
• Renton EOC
• Renton EOC
• Renton Police
• Renton RFA
• Renton Executive
Services
Damage
Assessment
Information regarding extent
of physical damage resulting
from the incident.
• Renton EOC
• Renton Community
and Economic
Development
• Renton EOC
Population
Status
Information regarding
life/safety impacts;
displacement; specific
community impacted; animal
population impacted;
immediate needs identified;
etc.
• Renton EOC
• Renton Parks and
Recreation
• Renton Police
• Renton Regional Fire
Authority
• Renton Equity,
Housing and Human
Services
• Renton EOC
Resource
Requests
Immediate resource requests
from the field or other
responders to the event to
be fulfilled through the EOC.
• Incident
Commander/delegate
• Renton EOC
• Renton EOC
Community
Impact and
Response
Information on the state of
the community gathered
from social media, traditional
media, and other
community-based sources.
Cultural sites impacted?
• Renton EOC
• Social Media
• Renton Executive
Services
• Renton Executive
Services
October 2023 197
Responding
Entities
Who is responding to the
incident? External partners or
agencies are offering help?
Other responding resources?
• Renton EOC
• Incident Commander
/ Delegate
• Renton Executive
Services
• Renton EOC
This list is not exhaustive. As an event progresses, information regarding responder or EOC staff
needs, population needs, available resources and support, and supplemental situational
awareness will develop and change. This list is meant to serve as a starting place for achieving
an ongoing common operating picture of an event and its current response and recovery
efforts.
Responsibilities
The table below outlines the responsibilities of the primary and supporting agencies in support
of this ESF. These statement of mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery actions are
tied to executing the Core Capabilities listed in the “Purpose” section.
Mitigation
Statement of Purpose: Responsible agencies undertake activities to ensure the mitigation of
preventable or limitable impacts to the tangible systems upon which ESF 5 capabilities rely. These are
physical or technological systems in place which support the Core Response Capabilities which allows
the City of Renton to coordinate the collection, evaluation, documentation, and dissemination of
information in regard to potential or actual emergencies or disasters that could affect the City of
Renton.
Core Capability Activity Responsible
Agency(s)
Environmental
Response / Health &
Safety
Identify potential impacts to and develop
mitigation activities for local natural resources
and vulnerable agricultural areas.
Renton Parks and
Recreation
Preparedness
Statement of Purpose: Responsible agencies undertake activities to ensure the Core Response
Capabilities which allow us to coordinate the collection, evaluation, documentation, and
dissemination of information in regard to potential or actual emergencies or disasters that could
affect the City of Renton are up to date; fully resourced; and disseminated to appropriate partners.
Core Capability Activity Responsible
Agency(s)
October 2023 198
Environmental
Response / Health &
Safety
Secure Food Worker Cards for people assigned to
food distribution:
https://www.foodworkercard.wa.gov/
Renton Parks and
Recreation
Coordinate with appropriate agencies to ensure
procedures/guidelines are in place to inspect the
food supply and ensure food safety.
Coordinate with State Veterinarian services for
protocols around animal care and mortuary
services.
Planning
Maintain an accurate roster and activation
procedures of personnel assigned to perform
ESF-11 duties during a disaster.
Renton Parks and
Recreation
Maintain current food resource directories to
include maintaining points of contact.
Identify likely transportation needs and
coordinate with ESF-1.
Determine areas/regions of Renton in greater
need of agriculture and natural resources.
Update the Renton Animal Shelter Procedures
and Emergency Operations Plan.
Determine pre-designated food
delivery/dispersal locations.
Primary action officers for all ESF-11 agencies
should complete ICS 100, 200, 700 training
courses.
Determine resources available for natural,
historic, and cultural resources protection.
Develop mutual aid agreements with government
agencies, professional associates and private
agencies and organizations with personnel and
equipment to support ESF-11 activities.
Identify pet boarding facilities and private
organizations that may provide emergency
shelters for animals.
Identify local agribusiness operators with
equipment and personnel to assist with animal
stop movement and quarantine activities.
Public Information and
Warning
Aid in the development of pre-canned emergency
messages related to the safety and security of
agriculture and natural resources.
Renton Parks and
Recreation
Operational
Coordination
When requested, deploy a representative to the
EOC to assist with agriculture and natural
resources activities.
Renton Parks and
Recreation
Mass Care Services
Assist in determining pre-designated shelter
locations. Renton Parks and
Recreation Determine pre-designated shelter locations for
large animals, livestock.
October 2023 199
Public Health,
Healthcare &
Emergency Medical
Services
Coordinate with State Veterinarian to determine
procedures for care and dead animal services. Renton Parks and
Recreation Determine hygiene protocols for shelter locations
that include household pets and service animals.
Response
Statement of Purpose: Coordinate the collection, evaluation, documentation, and dissemination of
information in regard to potential or actual emergencies or disasters that could affect the City of
Renton.
Core Capability Activity Responsible
Agency(s)
Environmental
Response / Health &
Safety
Coordinate needs assessment for animals,
including household pets and service animals;
animal response needs and activities including
technical support for evacuation and emergency
animal sheltering.
Renton Parks and
Recreation
Facilitate whole community multi-agency
coordination with NGO agencies for animal
response activities.
Determine and deliver the needs and
coordination of nutrition assistance.
Determine and deliver the coordination for
natural resource protection and preservation.
Ensure the safety and protection of all
responding agencies while monitoring for health
impacts.
Planning
Requests for food and water should be made to
local sources before requesting outside help from
mutual aid partners.
Renton Parks and
Recreation
Public Information and
Warning
Coordinate with regional public messaging to
provide emergency information and instructions
to the public, through the media, of locations and
hours of operation of any facility feeding victims
and/or emergency workers. Advise the public
when any feeding facility ceases operation.
Renton Executive
Services
Ensure communication lines are established and
the public and responders are clear on what
actions need to be taken if a highly contagious
disease or insect is suspected or confirmed.
Operational
Coordination
Activate volunteers to assist in Animal Sheltering
in conjunction with ESF 6 Mass Care. Renton Parks and
Recreation Activate workers to assist with long-term care
and return of large animals or livestock.
Manage and assist in the procurement of food
and water for disaster survivors and emergency
workers.
Renton Parks and
Recreation
October 2023 200
Renton Executive
Services
Potable water procurement and distribution
assistance
King County EOC
Coordinate information on regional food
supplies, monitor the situation and identify any
potential shortfalls that exist or might occur.
Assist in requesting and procuring additional
local, state, tribal and federal resources.
In regional events that extend beyond the Renton
city limits, assist the public in recovering
treasured heirlooms damaged by disasters by
directing the public to online information and
organizations that can provide advice and
assistance.
Provide inspections, testing, public education,
and other actions necessary to ensure the safety
and sanitation of food and water supplies, for as
long as those services continue to provide food
and water to the general public.
Public Health - Seattle
and King County
Logistics & Supply Chain
Management
Coordinate the delivery of goods and services
related to ESF 11.
Renton Parks and
Recreation
Mass Care Services
Supports ESF #6 to coordinate an integrated
response to meet mass care and emergency
assistance needs of animals, including household
pets and service animals, and their owners.
Renton Parks and
Recreation
Public Health,
Healthcare &
Emergency Medical
Services
Facilitate development and application of
measures and strategies to protect, preserve,
conserve, rehabilitate, stabilize, and guide the
recovery of natural, cultural, and historic
resources.
Public Health - Seattle
and King County
Situational Assessment
Maintain status assessments of agricultural and
natural resource areas in addition to animal and
food awareness.
Renton Parks and
Recreation
Recovery
Statement of Purpose: Responsible agencies undertake activities to ensure the Core Response
Capabilities are continued through the recovery effort working to coordinate the collection,
evaluation, and documentation and dissemination of information in regard to the recovery from an
emergency or disaster that has impacted the City of Renton.
Core Capability Activity Responsible Agency
Environmental
Response / Health &
Safety
Secure national, cultural, and historic resources
to ensure long-term protection.
Renton Parks and
Recreation
Coordinate with State Veterinarian Services for
care and mortuary services.
October 2023 201
Planning
Participate in after-action reports and meetings. Renton Parks and
Recreation Make changes to plans and
procedures/guidelines based on lessons learned.
Public Information and
Warning
Continue to provide updates to the public
regarding agriculture and natural resources. Renton Parks and
Recreation
Operational
Coordination
Continue to render support when and where
required as long as emergency conditions exist.
All Responding
Agencies
On-Scene Security,
Protection and Law
Enforcement
Help maintain movement restrictions as required
by local, state, and federal authority. Renton Police
Resource Requirements
None.
References
• Heritage Emergency National Task Force
• Washington State Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan, ESF-11
• Regional Coordination Framework for Public and Private Agencies in King County,
Washington
• Puget Sound Regional Catastrophic Disaster Coordination Plan and Annexes
• King County Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan
• King County Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan and the City of Renton Annex
Terms and Definitions
• Animal: animals include household pets, service, and assistance animals, working dogs,
livestock, wildlife, exotic animals, zoo animals, research animals, and animals housed in
shelters, rescue organizations, breeding facilities, and sanctuaries.
• Household pet: a domesticated animal, such as a dog, cat, bird, rabbit, rodent, or turtle
that is traditionally kept in the home for pleasure rather than for commercial purposes,
can travel in commercial carriers, and be housed in temporary facilities. Household pets
do not include reptiles (except turtles), amphibians, fish, insects/arachnids, farm
animals (including horses), and animals kept for racing purposes.
• Service animal: any dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the
benefit of an individual with a disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric,
intellectual, or other mental disability. Except as provided in RCW 49.60.218, other
species of animals, whether wild or domestic, trained or untrained, are not service
animals. The work or tasks performed by a service animal must be directly related to the
individual’s disability.
October 2023 202
Appendices
None.
EMERGENCY SUPPORT FUNCTION 12: ENERGY
Primary Agency: City of Renton Public Works Department
Support Agencies: City of Renton Executive Services Department
Christensen Fuel
Don Small & Son’s Oil Distribution
Puget Sound Energy
Seattle City Light
Introduction
Purpose
The purpose of Emergency Support Function (ESF) 12 is to facilitate the restoration of damaged
energy systems and components including but not limited to electric power, water resources,
telecommunications, natural gas, and petroleum products. The City of Renton’s Public Works
Department is responsible for maintaining continuous and reliable energy supplies for the city
through preventative measures and restoration and recovery actions. Commercial and public
utilities may be included in the coordination of damage assessments, operational capabilities,
and restoration actions.
The following Core Capabilities support the roles and responsibilities of ESF 12. The primary and
supporting core capabilities are defined to support the execution of Energy operations for the
ESF as follows:
Primary Response Core Capability
Infrastructure
Systems
Stabilize critical infrastructure functions, minimize health and safety threats,
and efficiently restore and revitalize systems and services to support a
viable, resilient community.
Support Response Core Capability
Operational
Coordination
Establish and maintain a unified and coordinated operational structure and
process that appropriately integrates all critical stakeholders and supports
the execution of Core Capabilities.
October 2023 203
Support Response Core Capability
Logistics & Supply
Chain Management
Deliver essential commodities, equipment, and services in support of
impacted communities and survivors, to include emergency power and fuel
support, as well as the coordination of access to community staples.
Synchronize logistics capabilities and enable the restoration of impacted
supply chains.
Situational
Assessment
Provide all decision makers with decision-relevant information regarding the
nature and extent of the hazard, any cascading effects, and the status of the
response.
Authorities and Policies
ESF 12 facilitates the restoration of energy systems through legal authorities, policies, and
waivers. National policies Presidential Policy Directive – 21 (PPD-21) and 7 (PPD-7) establish
national policy on critical infrastructure security and resilience. PPD-21 directs greater
cooperation between public and private entities, reduction of vulnerabilities, identification and
disruption of threats, minimization of consequences, and rapid response and recovery efforts
related to critical infrastructure. PPD-7 directs agencies to identify and prioritize critical
infrastructure and to protect them from terrorist attacks.
Within the state of Washington, the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) and the Washington
Advisory Code (WAC) provide the following policy directives related to ESF 12 as follows:
43.21.F State Energy Office
Defines the roles and responsibilities for the State Energy Office, including their role in
implementing policy during energy emergencies.
43.21G Energy Supply Emergencies, Alerts
Relevant to energy, establishes necessary emergency powers for the governor and
defines the situations under which such powers are to be exercised.
43.155.065 Emergency Public Works Projects
Establishes low-interest or interest-free loans for emergency public works projects.
WAC 194 Department of Energy Commerce
Provides guidance from Commerce on Energy issues including Emergency Petroleum
Allocation Act rules and WA state curtailment plan for electric energy.
The City of Renton Executive Services Department will liaise with public and/or private utility
providers to coordinate disaster and emergency energy needs and services. Where an agency
representative for a fuel provider or power utility company is not available to sit directly within
the City of Renton Emergency Operations Center (EOC), a liaison may be represented within the
King County Emergency Operations Center (KC EOC). Alternatively, a relationship may be
established directly with the on-call person for that agency.
October 2023 204
Situation Overview
ESF 12 addresses significant disruptions in electrical, natural gas, and petroleum supplies
caused for any reason. The term ‘energy utility’ includes producing, refining, transporting,
generating, transmitting, conserving, building, distributing, and maintaining energy utility
systems and system components. All energy utility systems are considered critical
infrastructure. Power outages or petroleum supply interruptions may be triggered by a variety
of hazards including windstorms, winter storms, earthquakes, cybersecurity-attack, and severe
flooding. Refer to the Renton Annex within the King County Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan for
details on hazards as well as risk assessments.
The occurrence of a major disaster could destroy or damage portions of the city's energy and
utility systems and disrupt petroleum supplies. Widespread and possibly prolonged electric
power failures could occur in a major disaster. Transportation, media, and telecommunications
infrastructures may be affected. Delays in the production, refining, and delivery of petroleum-
based products may occur as a result of transportation infrastructure problems and loss of
commercial electrical power.
Concept of Operations
ESF 12 facilitates the repair, restoration, and reestablishment of damaged energy and utility
systems for the City of Renton. Activities within the scope of ESF 12 include collection,
evaluation, and dissemination of information on energy and utility system damages, reports on
the impacts, outages, and estimations for repair and restoration. ESF 12 also provides technical
expertise to the utilities, conducts field assessments of energy and utility capabilities,
capacities, and reserves, and assists government and private-sector stakeholders to overcome
challenges in restoring the energy system.
Responding to energy or petroleum shortages or disruptions and their effects is necessary for
preservation of public health, safety and general welfare of the City of Renton's residents.
Individual critical infrastructure operators are responsible for the following operational
functions during an emergency:
• Establishing situational awareness for the status of energy/utility systems for the City of
Renton.
• Assessing fuel and electric power damage.
• Assessing energy supply and demand.
• Coordinate the identification of requirements to repair energy systems.
• Coordinate with county, state, and federal officials as well as private agencies, to
establish priorities for repair of damaged energy systems.
• Coordinate temporary, alternate, or interim sources of emergency fuel and power,
obtaining current information regarding damage to energy supply and distribution
systems.
• Assessing the requirements for restoration.
October 2023 205
As the primary agency, Renton Public Works may assess city facilities and provide
recommendations for actionable measures to be taken to provide emergency power. They may
also develop procedures and recommend locations for fueling. Utility providers may send a
liaison to the City of Renton EOC to facilitate coordination and may provide communications
equipment to be in contact with field units. The City of Renton EOC will provide support for ESF
12 and may assist in the execution of the following capabilities:
• Advise public utilities operating in Renton of federal or state restrictions, or any
emergency restrictions or operating policies established by the city.
• Support requests for assistance, mutual aid agreements, and resources, as needed.
• Support contact with utility providers to establish priorities, coordinate resources,
assess and document damages, and provide information to the public.
• Inform the public of utility status, restrictions, and safety messaging.
Whole Community
The “Whole Community” includes individuals, families, and households, communities, the
private and nonprofit sectors, faith-based organizations, and local, tribal, state, and Federal
governments. ESF 12 includes communicating with the Whole Community during Energy and
Utility Infrastructure preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation activities. The Whole
Community includes populations with Limited English Proficiency (LEP), individuals with
disabilities, and Access and Functional Needs (AFN).
ESF 12 has been reviewed by the Whole Community through a public input process that
included online (virtual) and in-person access.
Organization
The City of Renton Public Works department responsible for energy and utility operations
within our jurisdiction. The Renton EOC will provide support to the lead agencies for this ESF.
Notification
This ESF can be activated through several channels:
• Renton Police
• Renton Regional Fire Authority
• Renton Public Works
• Renton Executive Services
• Renton EOC Duty Officer / Renton EOC Director
Activation may occur due to the severity of the event or perceived threat; unmitigated risk to
the Renton community; or in support of mutual aid partners.
Information Collection
October 2023 206
The following categories are a baseline list of facilities and systems which should be considered
to create a common operating picture for Essential Elements of Information (EEIs) which help
guide the collection and dissemination of information.
EEI Description Collection Dissemination
Disaster
Impact
Numbers
• Number of customers
without electricity.
• Number of customers
without natural gas.
• Number of customers
without access to
petroleum.
Puget Sound Energy
Seattle City Light
Renton EOC
Renton EOC
Energy and
Utility
Systems
• Status (operational,
damaged, destroyed,
unknown).
• Number of energy/utility
facilities or systems needing
inspection.
• Status of repair crews - their
number, type, location.
• Limitations or obstacles to
response or restoration.
Puget Sound Energy
Seattle City Light
Renton Public Works
Renton Police
Renton Regional Fire
Authority
Renton EOC
Renton EOC
Responsibilities
The table below outlines the responsibilities of the primary and supporting agencies in support
of this ESF. These statement of mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery actions are
tied to executing the Core Capabilities listed in the “Purpose” section.
Mitigation
Statement of Purpose: Proactive and comprehensive approach to the pre-disaster planning to reduce loss
of life and property by lessening the impact of disasters and emergencies.
Core Capability Activity Responsible
Agency(s)
Critical Infrastructure
Take appropriate steps to make power and fuel
infrastructure disaster resilient.
Puget Sound Energy
Seattle City Light
Renton Public Works
Preparedness
Statement of Purpose: Responsible agencies undertake activities to ensure the Core Response Capabilities
which allow us to coordinate the collection, evaluation, documentation and dissemination of information
October 2023 207
in regard to potential or actual emergencies or disasters that could affect the City of Renton are up to date;
fully resourced; and disseminated to appropriate partners.
Core Capability Activity Responsible Agency(s)
Situational Assessment
Maintain a list of city facilities including
identification of critical infrastructure, critical
capabilities, operations, and vulnerabilities.
Renton Public Works
Identify petroleum fuel storage and needs for city
emergency response activities.
Renton EOC
Renton Public Works
Logistics & supply
Chain Management
Establish alternate fueling strategies to ensure fleet
vehicles can be refueled. Renton Public Works
Operational
Coordination
Maintain an operational EOC and standard operating
procedures for that EOC for the City of Renton. Renton EOC Maintain the city of Renton Comprehensive
Emergency Management Plan.
Response
Statement of Purpose: Responsible agencies undertake activities to ensure the mitigation of preventable
or limitable impacts to the tangible systems upon which ESF 12 capabilities rely. These are physical or
technological systems in place which support the Core Response Capabilities which allow us to coordinate
the collection, evaluation, documentation and dissemination of information in regard to potential or actual
emergencies or disasters that could affect the City of Renton. Evaluate City assets prioritizing damaged
locations and assist as required.
Core Capability Activity Responsible Agency(s)
Infrastructure Systems
Assist in debris clearance.
Renton Public Works Provide available resources to supplement
temporary energy systems for the city.
Activate the City of Renton EOC, if requested. Renton EOC
Renton Public Works
Operational
Coordination
Provide a liaison to the City of Renton EOC, if
requested and as available. Renton Public Works
Gather, assess, and conduct damage assessment
reports of information from the field regarding
energy and utility system damages and community
impacts to the Renton EOC.
Renton Public Works
Renton Police
Renton Regional Fire
Authority
Facilitate the restoration of energy and utility
systems in coordination with ESF 3: Public Works
within the City of Renton following internal policies
and procedures.
Renton Public Works
Puget Sound Energy
Seattle City Light
Collect and provide information during response to
an energy emergency based on the nature, severity,
and extent of the emergency or disaster.
Renton Public Works
Logistics & Supply
Chain Management
Coordinate with volunteer, private, state, and
Federal agencies to provide emergency
supplemental energy and utility resources.
Renton Public Works
Coordinate activities with the King County EOC. City of Renton EOC
October 2023 208
Recovery
Statement of Purpose: Responsible agencies undertake activities to ensure the Core Response Capabilities
of ESF 12 are continued throughout the recovery effort, working to coordinate the collection, evaluation,
documentation and dissemination of information in regard to the recovery from emergencies or disasters
that have affected the City of Renton.
Core Capability Activity Responsible Agency(s)
Infrastructure System
Continue to assess status of energy and fuel systems
and share information to aid in recovery efforts. Renton Public Works
Continue debris removal operations. Renton Public Works
Operational
Coordination
Coordinate with appropriate agencies to facilitate
repair and restoration of energy/utility systems and
infrastructure.
Renton Public Works
Resource Requirements
Resources that may be necessary in an energy emergency may include supplemental electrical
energy such as generators, reserve petroleum sources, utility contingency plans, maps and
office supplies.
References
• City of Renton Annex to the King County Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan
• City of Renton Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan
Terms and Definitions
None
Appendices
None
October 2023 209
EMERGENCY SUPPORT FUNCTION 13: PUBLIC SAFETY AND SECURITY
Primary Agency: City of Renton Police Department
Support Agencies: Renton Regional Fire Authority
City of Renton Executive Department
City of Renton Public Works Department
Mutual Aid Agencies
Introduction
Purpose
The purpose of Emergency Support Function (ESF) 13 is to effectively coordinate and integrate
law enforcement activities including public safety, and security resources within the City of
Renton in incident management activities that require State-level assistance.
The following Core Capabilities support the roles and responsibilities of ESF 13. The primary and
supporting core capabilities are defined to support the execution of Public Safety, Law
Enforcement, and Security operations for this ESF as follows:
Primary Core Capabilities
On – Scene Security,
Protection, and Law
Enforcement
Ensure a safe and secure environment through law enforcement and related
security and protection operations for people and communities located
within affected areas and also for response personnel engaged in lifesaving
and life-sustaining operations.
Supporting Core Capabilities
Physical Protective
Measures
Implement and maintain risk-informed countermeasures, and policies
protecting people, borders, structures, materials, products, and systems
associated with key operational activities and critical infrastructure sectors.
Operational
Coordination
Establish and maintain a unified ad coordinated operational structure and
process that appropriately integrates all critical stakeholders and supports the
execution of core capabilities.
Screening, Search
and Detection
Identify, discover, or locate threats and/or hazards through active and passive
surveillance and search procedures. This may include the use of systematic
examinations and assessments, bio surveillance, sensor technologies, or
physical investigation and intelligence.
Interdiction and
Disruption
Delay, divert, intercept, halt, apprehend, or secure threats and/or hazards.
Public Information
and Warning
Deliver coordinated, prompt, reliable, and actionable information to the
whole community through the use of clear, consistent, accessible, and
culturally and linguistically appropriate methods to effectively relay
October 2023 210
information regarding any threat or hazard, as well as the actions being taken
and the assistance being made available, as appropriate.
Planning
Conduct a systematic process engaging the whole community as appropriate
in the development of executable, strategic, operational, and/or tactical-level
approaches to meet defined objectives.
Authorities and Policies
Public safety and law enforcement in Washington is generally and routinely the responsibility of
local government. Renton Police, within the limits of its resources and authority, may
coordinate and support essential law enforcement operations. The function of outside sourced
security is generally the responsibility of private-sector authorities. Consistent with the National
Incident Management System (NIMS) and the National Response Framework (NRF), ESF 13
resources serve to augment local resources at the request of local government. It is important
to note that ESF 13 resources do not supplant or replace local authority or responsibility.
Officers of local police departments are general authority Washington peace officers and the
coordination between Renton Police and other law enforcement agencies are facilitated by and
defined within the Washington Mutual Aid Peace Officers Powers Act, RCW 10.93.020. The
Interlocal Cooperation Act, RCW 39.34, and the Washington Mutual Aid Peace Officers Act,
RCW 10.93, authorize general authority law enforcement agencies to enter into mutual aid
agreements to provide law enforcement assistance under the following enumerated
circumstances:
(1) Upon the prior written consent of the sheriff or chief police whose
primary territorial jurisdiction the exercise of the power occurs.
(2) In response to an emergency involving the immediate threat to
human life or property.
(3) In response to a request pursuant to a mutual law enforcement
assistance agreement with the agency of primary territorial
jurisdiction or in response to the request of a peace officer with
enforcement authority.
(4) When the officer is transporting a prisoner.
(5) When the officer is executing an arrest warrant or search warrant. or
(6) When the officer is in fresh pursuit, as defined in RCW 10.93.120.
Renton Police personnel sent to assist other jurisdictions will maintain their own supervision
and chain of command. All personnel exercising authority under ESF 13 and representing the
Renton Police Department are subject to the policies, procedures, regulations, and limitations
set within the Renton Police Department Policy Manual. Law enforcement units provided by
other levels of government will remain under the command of their parent agency.
October 2023 211
Situation Overview
Any disaster may generate a need for law enforcement activity. The primary hazards are
detailed in the City of Renton Annex to the King County Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan and
include floods, winter storms, earthquakes, landslides and debris flows, volcanic hazards, coal
mine hazards, hazardous materials releases, and acts of terrorism or civil disturbance.
Additionally, the city is subject to major transportation disruptions and accidents, utility and
infrastructure failures or collapses, public health emergencies, and mass casualty incidents from
any cause.
Renton Police will lead the coordination of citywide emergency or disaster law enforcement
activities. Normal response will be hampered by such occurrences as bridge failures, landslides,
fallen debris, flooding or fire. Police response times will be delayed and response to incidents
may need to be prioritized. Landline communications may be interrupted. Cellular, satellite
telephone, and conventional and amateur radio communication will be relied upon heavily, if
available. Congested frequencies should be expected. Valley Communications Center, if
operable, will be inundated with calls, possibly requiring Renton Police to dispatch their own
calls. Assistance between law enforcement agencies within the state is facilitated by the
signatory agencies to the Mutual Law Enforcement Assistance Agreement. Mutual Aid agencies
and other resources normally available to support police operations may be unavailable as a
result of the incident. The City of Renton Police Department will exhaust its resources before
requesting assistance from other agencies. City of Renton personnel will provide assistance and
resources as available during an emergency or disaster. When Renton Police resources are
exhausted, supplemental assistance may be requested through the Renton Emergency
Operations Center (EOC).
Concept of Operations
In times of an emergency or disaster, law enforcement agencies are called upon to provide a
wide range of functions. When activated, ESF 13 facilitates the integration of State-level public
safety, law enforcement, and security resources into the incident management response.
Resources, capabilities, and support that may be coordinated through ESF 13 may include but
are not limited to:
o Traffic control and evacuation
o Critical infrastructure protection
o Civil disturbance control
o Local law enforcement augmentation
o Investigative assistance
o Access and perimeter control
o Transportation of high-priority emergency supplies
o Watercraft, dive teams
o Surveillance tools and situational assessment
o Aviation resources
October 2023 212
o SWAT teams
o Explosive detection canines
o Explosive Ordnance Disposal teams
o Prison inmate transport
o Intelligence and information sharing
Whole Community
The “Whole Community” includes individuals, families, and households, communities, the
private and nonprofit sectors, faith-based organizations, and local, tribal, state, and Federal
governments. ESF 13 includes communicating with the Whole Community during public safety,
law enforcement, and security preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation activities. The
Whole Community includes populations with Limited English Proficiency (LEP), individuals with
disabilities, and Access and Functional Needs (AFN).
ESF 13 has been reviewed by the Whole Community through a public input process that
included online (virtual) and in-person access.
Organization
Renton Police, Renton Public Works, and Renton Regional Fire Authority are responsible for law
enforcement, security, and public safety within our jurisdiction. A Division Commander or
designee of the City of Renton Police Department will report to the Renton Emergency
Management Duty Officer or Renton EOC, if activated, to coordinate law enforcement
notifications and activities with other response functions. The Renton EOC will provide
information sharing and resource support to the lead agencies for this ESF.
Law enforcement operations are conducted by Renton Police within the limits of its resources
and authority. In the event additional state law enforcement resources are required, they may
be requested through the Renton EOC if activated. In preferred order, the City of Renton Duty
Officer or, if activated, the Renton EOC, the King County Emergency Operations Center (KC
EOC), and the Washington State Emergency Management Division.
Notifications
This ESF can be activated through the Renton Police Department, Renton Regional Fire
Authority and Public Works.
Activation of this ESF may occur due to the severity of the event or perceived threat;
unmitigated risk to the Renton community; or in support of mutual aid partners.
Information Collection
October 2023 213
The following categories are a baseline list which should be considered to create a common
operating picture for Essential Elements of Information (EEIs) which help guide the collection
and dissemination of information.
EEI Description Collection Dissemination
On-Scene • Are conditions safe?
• Current threats to include
type and numbers.
• Casualties
• Dispatch
• On scene officers
• Civilians
Renton Police
Renton EOC
Resources Law Enforcement Resources to
include:
• Personnel/Staffing
• Vehicles
• Weapons
• Protective Equipment
• Renton Police Renton EOC
Public Safety Identify the immediate threat or
hazard and determine need for:
• Shelter in place
• Evacuation/alternate
routes
• Road closures
• Renton Police
• Renton Public
Works
• Dispatch centers
(Valley
Communications
• Civilians
Renton EOC
Responsibilities
The table below outlines the responsibilities of both the primary and supporting agencies listed
in this ESF. These actions of preparedness, mitigation, response, and recovery are tied to
executing the Core Capabilities listed in the “Purpose” section.
Mitigation
Statement of Purpose: Determine mitigation strategies to increase the integrity and uphold the laws
surrounding public safety and law enforcement to reduce damage potential within the City of Renton.
Core Capability Activity Responsible
Agency(s)
Public information
Warning
Produce and disseminate public safety information
and tips.
Renton Police
Renton RFA
Renton Executive
Services
Physical Protective
Measures
Uphold Washington state and local laws, policies,
and ordinances to protect people, resources, and
systems.
Renton Police
Renton RFA
October 2023 214
Preparedness
Statement of Purpose: Develop and maintain plans and procedures that coordinate the effective use
of law enforcement and public safety resources that can be implemented in the event of a disaster or
other disruption to the City of Renton.
Core Capability Activity Responsible
Agency(s)
Planning
Develops emergency standard operating procedures
for the effective use of the department's resources.
Renton Police Assists the City of Renton Office of Emergency
Management in the coordination of emergency
management plans.
Provide assistance with and participate in
emergency management training, drills and
exercises in support of this ESF with other cities and
jurisdictions as well as locally.
Renton Police
Response
Statement of Purpose: Coordinate and mobilize resources to support the safety and security of the
community in Renton through stabilization and institution of public safety and law enforcement.
Core Capability Activity Responsible
Agency(s)
On-Scene Security,
Protection, and Law
Enforcement
Responsible for law enforcement activities within
the City of Renton as outlined under Concept of
Operations in this ESF.
Renton Police
Provides security to city facilities, as requested.
Coordinates law enforcement and emergency traffic
control throughout the City of Renton.
In the event of an evacuation, as the lead agency
Renton Police Department will execute the
guidelines produced in the Evacuation Annex.
Operational
Coordination
Provide command representatives to the City of
Renton EOC and coordinates requests for additional
law enforcement assistance through the Incident
Management System. Renton Police Provides communication resources in support of
emergency operational needs.
Assist in the coordination and documentation
necessary for the disaster recovery process.
Activate the Renton EOC, as requested. Renton Executive
Services
Public Information and
Warning
Assists the Renton RFA in the receipt and
dissemination of warning information.
Renton Police Relative to Amber Alerts, follows Washington State
Patrol procedures for Missing and Unidentified
Person.
October 2023 215
Provides Public Information Officer support to the
EOC upon request.
Issue warnings and request activation of the
Emergency Alert System or ALERT Renton system as
necessary.
Relay public safety messages provided by Police
Renton Executive
Services Activate the ALERT Renton system as requested by
Police, and other systems as necessary
Recovery
Statement of Purpose: Stabilize and restore public safety and law enforcement resources and support
in alignment with the Renton Recovery Framework (ESF 14).
Core Capability Activity Responsible
Agency(s)
On-Scene Security,
Protection, and Law
Enforcement
Mental Health support for officers and family
members (Stress Debriefs). Renton Police
Operational
Coordination
Conduct Operational Debriefs All
Planning Collect and inventory resources and equipment Renton Police
Resource Requirements
• Completion of Incident Command Courses: ICS 100 and 700.
References
• City of Renton Recovery Framework
• City of Renton Evacuation Annex
Terms and Definitions
See Basic Plan
Appendices
None
October 2023 216
EMERGENCY SUPPORT FUNCTION 15: EXTERNAL
AFFAIRS/EMERGENCY PUBLIC INFORMATION
Primary Agency: City of Renton Executive Services Department
Support Agencies: City of Renton Parks and Recreation Department
City of Renton Police Department
City of Renton Public Works Department
Renton Regional Fire Authority
King County Emergency Operations Center
Washington State Emergency Management Division
Introduction
Purpose
Emergency Support Function (ESF) 15 provides direction to keep the public informed
throughout a threatened or actual emergency and to provide the public with protective action
guidance as appropriate to save lives and protect property.
This plan supports the Incident Command System (ICS) Public Information Officer (PIO) function
and the Joint Information Center and Joint Information System (JIC/JIS). The joint information
system is established to coordinate information before it is released to the public and the news
media.
The purpose of ESF 15 is to establish uniform policies for the effective development,
coordination, and dissemination of information to the public in the event of a disaster. The
following Core Capabilities support the roles and responsibilities of ESF 15. The primary and
supporting core capabilities are defined to support the execution of communication,
information and warning for this ESF as follows:
Primary Response Core Capability
Public Information
and Warning
Deliver coordinated, prompt, reliable, and actionable information to the
whole community using clear, consistent, accessible, and culturally and
linguistically appropriate methods to effectively relay information regarding
any threat or hazard, as well as the actions being taken, and the assistance
being made available, as appropriate.
Support Response Core Capabilities
Planning Conduct a systematic process engaging the whole community as appropriate
in the development of executable strategic, operational, and/or tactical-level
approaches to meet defined objectives.
October 2023 217
Support Response Core Capabilities
Operational
Coordination
Establish and maintain a unified and coordinated operational structure and
process that appropriately integrates all critical stakeholders and supports
the execution of Core Capabilities.
Mass Care Services Provide life-sustaining and human services to the affected population, to
include hydration, feeding, sheltering, temporary housing, evacuee support,
reunification, and distribution of emergency supplies.
Operational
Communications
Ensure the capacity for timely communications in support of security,
situational awareness, and operations, by any and all means available,
among and between affected communities in the impact area and all
response forces.
Situational
Assessment
Provide all decision makers with decision-relevant information regarding the
nature and extent of the hazard, any cascading effects, and the status of the
response.
Authorities and Policies
The City of Renton’s public information requirements will be determined by the severity of the
disaster or emergency as determined by the Executive Services Department. Public information
activities will provide vital information citywide in a timely, consistent, and unified method to
state, county, tribal, local, and private sector agencies, media, and non-profit organizations. The
City of Renton may train employees as Public Information Officers (PIOs) to communicate
incident related information with the public and/or media. Renton’s Executive Services
Department has lead responsibility as the official spokesperson for the city’s public information
activities.
ESF 15 provides for public information, education, and media relations functions that together
comprise the Joint Information System (JIS). The JIS may be coordinated internally or with other
agencies. Emergency public information actions before, during, and following an emergency will
be determined by the severity of the emergency as declared by involved jurisdictions, state
agencies, or as perceived by the public. A significant emergency public information response
will involve many states, county, local, private sector, media, and non-profit organizations.
Public Information identifies those agencies and defines their responsibilities within the JIS.
Regional events involving multiple agencies may be coordinated through the King County Joint
Information Center or Joint Information System. When external agencies are key stakeholders
in the incident, particularly when they have been incorporated into a Unified Command
structure to manage the incident, they will have a vested interest in the public information
message. The Incident Commander in concert with the City of Renton Policy Advisory Group will
direct key public information messages.
Communication Requirements
October 2023 218
The City of Renton aims to communicate messages in a manner that can be understood by its
diverse population. Special considerations for communicating with significant segments of the
population with Limited English Proficiency (LEP) and those with Access or Functional Needs
(AFN) is addressed in this ESF with compliance to:
• Civil Rights Act of 1964
Unlawful discrimination against race, color, or national origin.
• RCW 38.52.070
Requirement for emergency management organizations to include and
communications plan which identifies “significant population segments”
that have Limited English Proficiency and how information will be
disseminated to those populations during an emergency or disaster.
• WAC 118-30
Limited English Proficiency (LEP) populations are components of the
Whole Community which is discussed as a requirement for inclusion
throughout the planning process.
Consult the King County Inclusive Emergency Communication Plan (IECP) and the Renton Annex
to the King County IECP for alternative communication options specific to addressing Limited
English Proficiency (LEP) and Access and Functional Needs (AFN) populations. Members of the
community with LEP and AFN will have additional difficulties in receiving and understanding
warning and emergency notification messages if special efforts are not made to reach them.
Situation Overview
The City of Renton and the surrounding region will periodically experience emergency
situations that require the coordinated dissemination of critical information to the public. The
public needs timely and accurate information for protection of life and property during
response to, and recovery from a disaster or emergency. Potential emergency situations
include natural, technological, and human-caused events. The City of Renton Annex to the King
County Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan further identifies the natural and technological
emergencies or disasters that could impact the city and therefore require emergency
messaging.
Depending on the nature and magnitude of the emergency, different levels of public
information will be required. Public information may in fact be a primary objective during an
emergency. During an emergency, timely and accurate public information will help protect
people’s health and safety and will help manage expectations about response capabilities.
Conversely, it also could work to dispel public views that an incident is a bigger emergency than
it is because of the way the media covers the story, making it critical for agencies to coordinate
key messages.
October 2023 219
Situations which may prompt rapid public information includes alerting residents to an
impending emergency, directing residents for an evacuation or shelter in place, informing
residents of protective health-related actions, and updating residents through response and
recovery phases of the event.
Information Systems
In case of an emergency, every effort will be made to communicate in a timely, effective
manner; however, normal means of communication may not be available. In those situations,
non-traditional means of communicating with the public, such as radio, billboards, flyers,
newsprint, and community networks, will be established and utilized. The City of Renton does
not have a single warning system to communicate with the population but would use multiple
systems depending on the need and available resources. The means of dissemination include:
• News media (radio, television, including Channel 21 in Renton, cable, print).
• Reverse dial telephone system mass notifications (e.g., ALERT Renton).
• City of Renton’s website.
• Social media applications (e.g., Facebook or Twitter).
• Neighborhood Information Centers.
• If warranted by the situation, hand distribution.
Technological limitations may prevent communication with the general public, including those
with Limited English Proficiency and those with Access or Functional Needs. Technological
challenges may include inaccessibility due to downed infrastructure, privacy and security, and
limited alternative communication technologies. The City of Renton recommends prioritizing
the restoration of communication infrastructure, adhering to privacy and security guidelines,
and training to and purchasing alternative communication technologies. In this effort, the City
of Renton continues to build relationships with supporting agencies, develops technology
security, and has invested in alternative communication technologies and training.
Concept of Operation
Regardless of the hazard or threat type, the City of Renton may provide timely and vital
information to the public regarding emergency response and recovery activities. To reduce
inaccuracies and misinformation, the City of Renton will coordinate information and public
messaging with participating local, county, tribal, state, and federal agencies, and other
organizations as required. The City of Renton may start an emergency public information
operation to augment or enhance the normal communications capabilities of the city.
Joint Information System
The JIC, if established internally or regionally, becomes the focal point for dissemination of all
emergency public information about emergency and disaster response and recovery
October 2023 220
operations. The purpose of the JIC is to coordinate information and provide a forum for the
sharing of information within the region, and a central point for the media to get information.
Under the JIS/JIC concept, each agency representative has the commitment to share and
coordinate information with all other participating agencies prior to release to the media and
public. During any activation of the City of Renton EOC, City of Renton staff from individual
departments will be available to staff the EOC, field locations, or a Joint Information Center
(JIC). The disaster procedures for each department should anticipate this fact and build in
appropriate staffing.
A JIC may be established by the City of Renton EOC or at the direction of the City of Renton
Executive Services Department to augment the public information function of the EOC, and to
incorporate external stakeholders in the development and delivery of the public information
message. A JIC is established when non-City agencies are key stakeholders in an incident and
may bring together diverse parties in order to coordinate information prior to public release.
Involvement of other agency/organization PIOs will be determined by the scope and nature of
the disaster. If the event is large enough, the JIC may be established by King County. In a minor
emergency incident, an on-scene PIO may be the only portion of the JIS utilized. A virtual JIC
may be initiated through technological means when geographical restrictions, incident
management requirements, and other limitations preclude physical attendance by public
information officers/liaisons at a central location.
Public Information Officers
PIOs within the City of Renton work closely with Renton Executive Services Department,
response agencies, and the City of Renton EOC Director (or the City of Renton EOC Duty Officer
if the EOC is not activated) to disseminate and coordinate public information communications
and messages. Based on the urgency of the situation and the need for inter-agency
cooperation, the city’s assigned PIO will attempt to coordinate with other agencies to gather
emergency public information relevant to the City of Renton and share it with the Renton EOC
and the Policy Advisory Group. PIOs may serve as part of the JIS to coordinate information from
their respective agencies regarding their involvement in the response and recovery operation of
an emergency event.
PIOs, whether within a JIC or the City of Renton EOC, have a range of responsibilities including:
• Setting up news briefings for key disaster officials.
• Writing and disseminating news releases to appropriate media outlets.
• Monitoring and analyzing TV, radio, newspaper, and Internet disaster news
coverage.
• Distributing this information throughout the JIS.
• Preparing background information and fact sheets.
October 2023 221
Rumors or misinformation can cause unnecessary distress among residents, provoke counter-
productive public actions, and impede response and recovery efforts. PIOs must focus on
providing accurate and timely information using all dissemination methods, including rumor
control as a primary goal. Communication resources may be utilized by the City of Renton to
retrieve and broadcast a public alert to specific jurisdictions and locations throughout the city,
county, and state. For more information regarding communication resources see ESF 2 –
Communications, Information Systems, and Warning.
The City of Renton’s Public Information Officers (PIOs) may be located at the City of Renton
EOC, at City Hall, a Joint Information Center, or another location from which they may
effectively coordinate the public information function of the city. In a disaster, the public
information function within the City of Renton EOC becomes the focal point for the receipt of
information and therefore is a logical location for the preparation and distribution of
emergency public information if so, delegated by the City of Renton Executive Services
Department. The public information function for an emergency may co-locate near the disaster
area to support local public information efforts or may relocate to a JIC as needed. A media
room may be designated at a location separate from the City of Renton EOC to be used for
news briefings, interviews, and press conferences.
Members of the community with Limited English Proficiency and those with Access and
Functional Needs will have additional difficulties in receiving and understanding warning and
emergency notification messages if special efforts are not made to reach them. PIOs may
consult the King County Inclusive Emergency Communication Plan (IECP) and the Renton Annex
to the King County IECP for alternative communication options and pre-scripted standard
emergency messages specific to addressing Limited English Proficiency (LEP) and Access and
Functional Needs (AFN) populations.
Whole Community
The “Whole Community” includes individuals, families, households, communities, the private
and nonprofit sectors, faith-based organizations, and local, tribal, state, and federal, and tribal
governments. ESF 15 includes communicating with the Whole Community during public
information sharing and communication preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation
activities. The Whole Community includes populations with Limited English Proficiency (LEP),
individuals with disabilities, and Access and Functional Needs (AFN).
ESF 15 has been reviewed by the Whole Community through a public input process that
included online (virtual) and in-person access.
October 2023 222
Organization
In a disaster or major emergency, the City of Renton Mayor or their delegate will appoint or
designate a trained Information Officer (IO) to coordinate the key messages and overall public
information strategy for the JIS. The Communications Director serves within the Policy Advisory
Group, and generally serves in the role of Information Officer, unless otherwise designated by
the mayor. The City of Renton operates under the National Incident Management System. ESF
15 describes the operation of the public information function within the Incident Management
System. The City of Renton EOC Director will appoint a PIO to serve as the Lead PIO within the
City of Renton EOC. The Lead PIO will coordinate with the Information Officer (IO) in the Policy
Advisory Group.
Notification
This ESF can be activated for Renton EOC Support through the following agencies:
• City of Renton Mayor
• Renton Executive Services
Activation may occur due to the severity of the event or perceived threat; unmitigated risk to
the Renton community; or in support of mutual aid partners.
Procedures
• Upon notification, a designated city PIO will report to the City of Renton EOC to
coordinate and disseminate accurate and timely disaster-related information.
This person will normally serve as the Lead PIO in the City of Renton EOC.
• In the event the City of Renton EOC is not activated, a designated city PIO will
work in concert with the Communications Director and the EOC Duty Officer to
issue appropriate press releases, situation reports, and conduct media
interviews.
• A designated City PIO will coordinate working with the Incident Commander to
ensure there is appropriate PIO staffing. Depending on the severity of the
situation, if the City of Renton EOC is activated on a 24-hour schedule additional
PIO staffing may be required.
Information Collection
The following categories are a baseline list of facilities and systems which should be considered
to create a common operating picture for Essential Elements of Information (EEIs) which help
guide the collection and dissemination of information.
October 2023 223
This list is not exhaustive. As an event progresses, information, population needs, available
resources and support, and situational awareness will develop and change.
EEI Description Collection Dissemination
Resources - Translation and
interpretation services?
- Media room
All City Personnel Renton Executive
Services
Public
Information
Officers
- Number of information
officers or agents
- Monitor, collect, and verify
all information regarding
incident.
- Coordinated disseminated
information approach with
officials, other participating
agencies, etc.
City of Renton Executive
Services
Renton EOC
Responding Agencies
Renton Executive
Services
Incident
Status
- What is the current status of
the incident?
- What agencies are actively
engaged in the incident?
Incident Commander
Renton EOC
Renton Police Watch
Desk
Renton Executive
Services
Renton EOC
Responsibilities
The table below outlines the responsibilities of the primary and supporting agencies in support
of this ESF. These statements of mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery actions are
tied to executing the Core Capabilities listed in the “Purpose” section.
City of Renton Executive Services Department
Duties specific to the Information Officer
• Assess the communications/public affairs implications of the incident.
• Assess the need for translator/interpreter services.
• Support the chief elected official with disseminating emergency public
information.
• Designate appropriate communications/engagement staff person to serve as the
City of Renton PIO to coordinate all city public information.
• Coordinate City of Renton EOC public information and assist JIC as needed.
• Coordinate public information activities with other participating agencies.
• Assist local officials with disseminating information.
October 2023 224
• Collect and coordinate information from all sources (e.g., city departments,
county, state, rumor control) to monitor overall response.
• Obtain approval for release of information from the City of Renton.
• Conduct and/or coordinate regular news conferences including arranging for
interpreter services if appropriate.
• Enlist department staff to respond to media questions on technical or
department issues if necessary.
• Provide maps, charts, status boards, schematics or other displays that clarify the
disaster situation in support of news conferences and/or briefings.
• Monitor media broadcasts and articles to check for accuracy. Monitor and log
incoming calls for information and rumors.
• Coordinate public information through the chief elected official and with the
designated Lead PIO.
Mitigation
Statement of Purpose: Primary and support agencies conduct mitigation activities in support
of public information education and outreach programs.
Core Capability Activity Responsible
Agency(s)
Planning
Conduct public education and outreach programs to
further emergency and disaster communications
with the public and personal preparedness. (Public
Information of actionable messages to reduce the
impacts of a hazard or threat).
Renton Executive
Services
Renton Community
and Economic
Development
Renton Public Works
Preparedness
Statement of Purpose: Primary and support agencies prepare public information and warning
capabilities to coordinate with all ESFs in advance of an emergency or disaster.
Core Capability Activity Responsible
Agency(s)
Planning
Identify areas where public education programs
(e.g., personal preparedness) are needed, inclusive
of plans for first responders and families.
Renton Executive
Services
Renton Parks and
Recreation
Renton RFA
Public education programs on flood preparedness
and prevention.
Educating the applicants on building within flood
plains.
Renton Public Works
Renton Community
and Economic
Development
Maintain active social media accounts and
promulgate them during pre-disaster times.
Renton Police
Renton RFA
October 2023 225
Develop a list of volunteer groups to aid in the
Renton EOC call center, or other public
communication channel needs.
Renton Executive
Services
Develop 24-hour shift change and staffing
procedures and checklists for supporting agencies.
Renton Executive
Services
Develop equipment lists.
Renton Executive
Services
Encourage city department’s spokespersons to
attend public information courses.
Identify emergency support function-specific
training requirements.
Develop operational plans that adequately identify
critical objectives based on the planning
requirement, provide a complete and integrated
picture of the sequence and scope of the tasks to
achieve the objectives, and are implementable
within the timeframe contemplated in the plan using
available resources.
Outline the communication process for Access and
Functional Needs populations to include those with
Limited English Proficiency (LEP) and their encounter
with emergency notifications as outlined in the City
of Renton Annex to the King County Inclusive
Emergency Communication Plan.
Maintain Messaging Strategies and Methods to
identify language assistance services as outlined in
the City of Renton Annex to the King County
Inclusive Emergency Communication Plan (IECP).
Individuals and organizations that can provide
language assistance including translation and
interpretation services are identified in the IECP.
Through emergency outreach and education
programs, educate the public on the importance of
emergency notification services/programs to
increase community resiliency.
Public Information and
Warning
Maintain generic pre-translated materials that can
be easily customized to the specific emergency.
Renton Executive
Services
Maintain interpreter/translator service resources.
Develop and maintain an accurate media contact list
including print and broadcast media languages other
than English that serve the Renton community.
List and maintain available media resources (station
call letters, names, addresses, and telephone
numbers) that will be used to disseminate
emergency information to the public.
Develop procedures for rumor control inquiries.
October 2023 226
Mass Care Prepare a list and map of neighborhood information
centers.
Renton Parks and
Recreation
Planning
Ensure the support departments/agencies can
access their respective networks from the City of
Renton EOC.
Renton Executive
Services
Develop and maintain a roster of Public Information
personnel, including shift change and staffing
procedures and contact information (home address;
telephone, cellular, and facsimile numbers; and
email addresses).
Renton Public Works
Operational
Communication
Identify locations for media briefing. Renton Executive
Services Prepare media advisory and release templates.
Response
Statement of Purpose: Primary and support agencies undergo critical tasks and activities to support
the continuous flow of public information throughout an emergency response in support of a Public
Information Officer (PIO) and the Joint Information System (JIS).
Core Capability Activity Responsible
Agency(s)
Public Information and
Warning
Arrange interpreter/translator services as needed.
Renton Executive
Services
Provide continuous and accessible information
throughout all phases to inform all affected
segments of society of critical lifesaving and life-
sustaining information by all means necessary,
including accessible tools, to expedite the delivery of
emergency services and aid the public to take
protective actions.
Leverage community-based social networks, which
may include word of mouth, email, social media, and
other means of informal information sharing by the
public.
Following processes outlined in the City of Renton
Annex to the King County Inclusive Emergency
Communications Plan to provide warning and
notification of the whole community, the City of
Renton will provide notices on evacuation, shelter,
and/or sheltering in place (See Evacuation Annex),
notices for general survivor assistance, notices for
food and water, and details for public health
protection.
Provide life safety, life-sustaining, or health-related
messaging utilizing the tools available to the City of
Renton (see Situation section) in a manner which
can be understood by significant segments of the
population with limited English proficiency and
Renton Executive
Services
Renton RFA
Renton Police
October 2023 227
those with access and functional needs. This may
include the use of universal symbols to convey
messages without words, or utilization of
interpreters/translators.
Other responding
agencies
Inform the King County Office of Emergency
Management/Regional Communications and
Emergency Coordination Center Duty Officer, the
Washington State Emergency Management Division
PIO or others as needed of response activities when
appropriate.
Renton Executive
Services
Provide PIO(s) to assist (if necessary) at the scene, in
a local or regional JIC, or the City of Renton EOC as
requested by the chief elected official or City
Emergency Manager. Coordinate information with
other PIO(s).
Assist the Lead PIO by providing pertinent public
information for dissemination to media sources and,
as appropriate, fact sheets for distribution to the
public. Participate in news conferences and briefings
upon request.
Operational
Communication
Monitor and log incoming calls for information and
rumors. Monitor media broadcasts and articles for
accuracy. Renton Executive
Services
Renton JIC
Ensure the capacity to communicate with both the
emergency response community and the affected
populations and establish interoperable voice and
data communications between Federal, tribal, state,
and local first responders.
Conduct media briefings on a regular basis.
Provide subject matter experts for media interviews
and press conferences, as requested and
appropriate. Assess and respond to the need to
provide additional communications to those with
Access and Functional Needs and significant
segments of the population with Limited English
Proficiency.
Washington State
EMD
King County EOC Coordinate with the City of Renton EOC, ESF
agencies and state, county, federal, private, and
tribal organizations to develop a flow of information,
including situation reports, health advisories, and
other public information releases concerning
response and recovery efforts.
Document and maintain a record of incoming and
outgoing communications.
Renton Executive
Services
Renton JIC
Situational Assessment Attend briefings and gather information for situation
updates.
All responding
agencies
October 2023 228
Obtain a status report on all local and county
activities as needed.
Operational
Coordination
Collect information concerning ESF field operations
and activities.
Renton Executive
Services
Renton JIC
Request ESF 15 support PIOs based on incident
assessment.
Renton Executive
Services
If a JIC is activated, send one or more PIOs to that
location, if appropriate. Renton Executive
Services
Renton JIC
Coordinate with Incident Commanders to determine
the scope, magnitude, extent, and the potential
duration of the incident.
Mass Care Services
Move and deliver resources and capabilities to meet
the needs of disaster survivors, including individuals
with access and functional needs.
Renton Parks and
Recreation
Renton Executive
Services
Recovery
Statement of Purpose: Primary and supporting agencies undergo response activities in support of
public information continuation throughout the recovery process.
Core Capability Activity Responsible
Agency(s)
Operational
Coordination
The City of Renton EOC will coordinate with the
Information Officer before deactivating the public
information function.
Renton Executive
Services
Coordinate with appropriate agencies to deactivate
the JIC, if activated.
Operational
Communication
Provide information and support to the State
Coordinating Officer during federally declared
disasters.
Planning
Develop event After Action Reports to evaluate the
effectiveness of communications of life safety
information used throughout the disaster or
emergency in accordance with Renton
communication procedures.
Situational Assessment Keep elected officials informed of recovery activities.
Public Information and
Warning
Disseminate information on recovery programs or
available disaster assistance programs available,
including targeted outreach to significant segments
of the population with limited English proficiency or
access and functional needs by communicating with
them in a manner that can be understood.
October 2023 229
Resource Requirements
Resource requirements, including staffing, office equipment, including computers, tablets, and
phones, office supplies, portable drives, chargers, batteries, and functioning office facilities.
These will be tailored to the type, location, and magnitude of each specific disaster and full, or
partial activation of this ESF will be addressed on a case-by-case basis.
References and Resources
• City of Renton EOC procedures
• City of Renton Annex to the King County Inclusive Emergency Communication Plan
• City of Renton Evacuation Annex
• King County Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan
• Washington State Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan
• Puget Sound Regional Catastrophic Disaster Coordination Plan
• City of Renton Communications Manual
• Available media resources (names, addresses, email telephone numbers, both office and
mobile)
Terms and Definitions
• Significant segment of the population means 5% of the total population of the City of
Renton, or 1000 persons, whichever is smaller.
• Limited English Proficiency populations refers to language groups who self-identify as
speaking English “less than very well”.
• Access and Functional Needs includes those people who may have specific needs
related to the emergency incident. In the context of this ESF, this includes those
members of community who are blind, visually impaired, deaf, and/or have experienced
hearing loss, or deaf/blind.
• Neighborhood Information Centers are publicized locations where written emergency
messages can be posted for the public when electronic and media communications are
unavailable, explained further in ESF 2.
Additional Terms and Definitions can be found in the Basic Plan.
Appendices
None
October 2023 230
CYBER INCIDENT ANNEX
Primary Agency: City of Renton Executive Services Department
Support Agencies: City of Renton Police Department
City of Renton Public Works
City of Renton Human Resources/Risk Management
All other City of Renton Departments
Introduction
Background
The city uses a variety of systems, services, and devices that rely upon both internal and
external computer networks in order to function properly. These networks as a whole are
commonly referred to “cyberspace” and failures in them, regardless of cause, are commonly
referred to as “cyber incidents”. Cyber incidents have the potential to disable city services,
release non-disclosable information to unknown parties, and create public safety issues, among
other things.
Purpose
This incident annex outlines fundamental steps in the city’s response to a major cyber incident,
including assignment of responsibility and critical actions that must be taken to prepare for,
respond to, and recover from a cyber incident. City of Renton’s Information Technology
Division, housed within the Executive Services Department, leads the effort to protect and
prevent against cyber and other technology related threats including ransomware, malware,
phishing, unauthorized access, physical damage, and equipment failure.
The Cyber Incident Annex will achieve this by ensuring the proper execution of the primary
response core capability, cyber security. This annex will also ensure the execution of the
following supporting core capabilities: planning, situational awareness, operational
communication, logistics and supply chain management, and access control and identity
verification. Descriptions of all core capabilities this plan supports are listed below.
Primary Response Core Capabilities
Cyber Security Protect (and if needed, restore) electronic communications systems,
information, and services from damage, unauthorized use, and exploitation.
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Supporting Response Core Capabilities
Planning Conduct a systematic process engaging the whole community as appropriate
in the development of executable strategic, operational, and/or tactical-level
approaches to meet defined objectives. (Preparedness)
Situational
Assessment
Provide all decision makers with decision-relevant information regarding the
nature and extent of the hazard, any cascading effects, and the status of the
response.
Operational
Communication
Ensure the capacity for timely communications in support of security,
situational awareness, and operations by any and all means available, among
and between affected communities in the impact area and all response
forces.
Logistics and Supply
Chain Management
Deliver essential commodities, equipment, and services in support of
impacted communities and survivors, to include emergency power and fuel
support, as well as the coordination of access to community staples.
Synchronize logistics capabilities and enable the restoration of impacted
supply chains.
Access Control and
Identity Verification Apply and support necessary physical, technological, and cyber measures to
control admittance to critical locations and systems.
Authorities and Policies
Renton Executive Services Department is responsible for securing and maintaining city
information technology assets in accordance with industry standard best practices. They are
further responsible for developing and implementing policies and procedures that ensure the
city’s ability to prevent, detect, and respond to cyber incidents.
The city has a robust cyber security and computer/internet use policy that is regularly updated
to reflect best practices. All employees, volunteers, and others with access to city computer
systems are required to be familiar with and comply with all policies and procedures related to
information technology use and security. The city may provide training to all system users on
acceptable use policies, social engineering awareness, and incident identification/notification
procedures.
All city departments are expected to actively participate in continuity planning as it relates to
loss of information technology services. Continuity planning must include identification of
critical services and procedures for continuing those services during the loss of all or some of
the city’s technology infrastructure.
Situation Overview
Department of Homeland Security defines a major cyber incident as an event that could
jeopardize the confidentiality, integrity, or availability of digital information or information
systems. The city’s vulnerability to a major cyber incident is directly related to the amount of
planning and prevention activity that has been undertaken and the degree to which system
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users are able to rapidly detect, isolate, and report potential incidents. Emergency conditions
related to a major cyber incident have the potential to originate from both internal and
external sources and could cause critical life safety and other essential services to fail.
Major cyber incidents can occur with or without warning, and their intent may be malicious,
accidental, or inadvertent. Initial response, however, must not be dependent on determining
whether they are intentional or accidental. Regardless of cause, major cyber incidents have the
potential to shutdown critical infrastructure, negatively affect life safety, reveal protected
information, and to cause harm to people, data, and physical assets.
Cyber threats can be both technological and human in nature and will continue to exist
regardless of the number of safeguards put in place or amount of training conducted.
Close coordination with county, state, and federal government partners, as well as private
sector entities and NGOs will likely be required in a major cyber incident. Incidents may start
and end on systems that are outside of the city’s direct control.
Concept of Operations
The City of Renton’s Executive Services Department Information Technology (IT) Division may
routinely work with other government organizations to exchange information and develop best
practices including maintaining detailed, confidential procedures for cyber incident response. IT
maintains non-disclosable lists of available cyber incident detection and response resources,
including tools and outside vendors to detect adverse events on their networks and other
systems. They may issue contracts for works and services including:
• Software/hardware maintenance
• Print/copier maintenance
• Software/database hosting
• Infrastructure and endpoint security
• Internet services
• Phone services
Information Technology bases its own continuity plan upon the needs of other city departments
and may work in conjunction with the Emergency Management Division to assist departments
in developing appropriate expectations and continuity plans. IT may provide training to all
system users to know when and how to report possible cyber incidents, how to avoid common
network intrusion and recognize social engineering techniques. Additionally, IT provides the
following services to support all city departments:
• Voice and data communication systems.
• File storage and print systems.
• Wired and wireless networks.
• Servers and endpoint devices.
• Routers, switches, gateways, and firewalls.
• Business systems support, application software development, databases.
• GIS systems and services.
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• Access to the internet and inter-governmental networks.
IT shall serve as the lead department for a response to a cyber incident. They may provide
subject matter expertise, assign personnel and technology to detect, isolate, and eliminate the
threat, restore information technology systems, and inform key decision makers. Renton Police
shall serve as a supporting agency for any criminal investigation that results from the incident
within their jurisdiction and provide any necessary law enforcement subject matter expertise as
requested.
Whole Community
The “Whole Community” includes individuals, families, households, communities, the private
and nonprofit sectors, faith-based organizations, and local, tribal, state, and Federal
governments. The Cyber Incident Annex includes communicating with the whole community
throughout preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation activities. The Whole Community
includes populations with Limited English Proficiency (LEP), individuals with disabilities, and
Access and Functional Needs (AFN).
The Cyber Incident Annex has been reviewed by the Whole Community through a public input
process that included online (virtual) and in-person access.
Organization
The primary agency responsible for the coordination of a cyber incident is the Information
Technology (IT) Division within the Executive Services Department. Renton Police, Human
Resources and Risk Management, Executive Services, and Public Works provide essential
support and coordination of response and recovery from a cyber incident. In the event of an
emergency, the Renton Emergency Operations Center (EOC) may activate to provide
information coordination and resource support throughout the response of a cyber incident.
Notification
The Cyber Incident Annex can be activated through the following departments:
• Renton Executive Services
• Renton Police
• Renton Human Resources and Risk Management
Activation may occur due to the severity of the event or perceived threat or unmitigated risk to
the Renton community.
Information Collection
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The following categories are a baseline list which should be considered to create a common
operating picture for Essential Elements of Information (EEIs) which help guide the collection
and dissemination of information.
This list in not exhaustive. As an event progresses, information, city needs, available resources
and support, and situational awareness will develop and change.
EEI Description Collection Dissemination
Cyber
Incident
Scale of incident: Systems and
users affected.
When did it first occur.
What are the impacts.
Managed Detection
Response
Monitoring system, IT Ticket
tracking,
Information
Technology Director
Deputy Chief
Administrative Officer
Executive Leadership
Team
Renton Police
Renton Public Works
EOC Duty Officer
Renton Human
Resources and Risk
Management
Cyber
Incident
Typing
Determine type of incident to
begin allocation of appropriate
resources:
• Phishing
• Ransomware
• Malware
• Computer virus
• Data breach
Information Technology
Renton Police
Information
Technology Director
Deputy Chief
Administrative Officer
Executive Leadership
Team
Renton Police
Renton Public Works
EOC Duty Officer
Renton Human
Resources and Risk
Management
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Responsibilities
The table below outlines the responsibilities of the primary and supporting agencies in support
of this ESF. These statements of mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery actions are
tied to executing the Core Capabilities listed in the “purpose” section.
Response
Statement of Purpose: Conduct analysis and investigations as necessary to determine cause of
Cyber Incident to begin strategies of response and recovery actions to restore information
technology infrastructure and systems.
Core Capability Activity Responsible
Agency(s)
Planning
Implement incident communications interoperability
plans and protocols and consider:
- Information relay
- Notification for leadership/staff/public
Renton Executive
Services
Situational Assessment
Collect, Analyze and deliver critical information
sufficient to inform policy and decision making and
stabilize the incident.
Renton Executive
Services
As situation permits, provide representation to the
EOC as needed. All City of Renton
Departments Implement continuity plans as required
Serve as lead for managing consequences that
extend beyond the direct effects on computers and
server systems.
o Manage the EOC.
o Coordinate briefings for key decision-
makers, in coordination with Information
Technology.
o Ensure that life safety needs internally and
externally are being addressed by
appropriate departments or agencies.
Renton Executive
Services
Serve as liaison to other emergency management or
cyber response organizations, which may include but
is not limited to:
o Washington State Fusion Center
o Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis
Center (MS-IASAC)
o Washington State Cyber Unified
Coordination Group (UCG)
o Hardware and software vendors
o Cybersecurity vendors
o Cybersecurity response teams (government,
private, or combined)
o Other city EOCs
o King County EOC
o Washington State EOC
Renton Executive
Services
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o Private sector EOCs
Logistics and Supply
Chain Management
Anticipate and communicate resource requests to
include hardware, maintenance, personnel,
technical support, and other services or
commodities.
Renton Executive
Services
Cyber security
Assess computers – find the threat! Confirm
Managed Detection Response sensors are running
on all endpoints. Monitor for additional activity.
Renton Executive
Services
Conduct technical and investigative-based
countermeasures, mitigations, and operations
against malicious actors to counter existing and
emerging cyber-based threats.
Renton Executive
Services
Renton Police
Support criminal investigations that result from
cyber-based incidents that fall within the city’s
jurisdictions.
Renton Executive
Services
Renton Police
Coordinate with the insurance providers. Renton Human
Resources and Risk
Management
Operational
communications
Coordinate the dissemination of information. Renton Executive
Services
Coordinate between Risk Management Division,
Information Technology Division, and
Communications Division for release to public of
appropriate information and/or notification to
individuals of protected information release.
Renton Executive
Services
Serve as liaison to other law enforcement entities
with a role in cyber incident response, which may
include but is not limited to:
• Washington State Fusion Center
• FBI Joint Cyber Task Force (CTF)
• Washington State Patrol High Tech Crimes
United (WSP HTCU)
• Other local or county law enforcement
agencies
Renton Police
Access Control and
Identity Verification
Review, verify, or deny physical and cyber access to
specific locations, information, and networks.
Renton Police
Renton Executive
Services
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Recovery
Statement of Purpose: Support the recovery efforts through restoration of impacted systems and
services following a major cyber incident.
Core Capability Activity Responsible
Agency(s)
Cyber security Return and/or restore systems and services. Renton Executive
Services
Operational
Communications
Continue to provide communication to impacted
areas and inform staff, leadership, and the public
as necessary Renton Executive
Services Participate in After Action Reporting.
Regularly communicate status updates until “All
Clear”.
Logistics and Supply
Chain Management
Review inventory and return unused equipment.
Keep spares or anticipated future equipment
needs.
Renton Executive
Services
Situational Assessment
Review all systems to verify full function and
threat removed. Provide regular updates with
reviews.
Renton Executive
Services
Planning Reference Information Technology’s Disaster
Recovery Plan.
Renton Executive
Services
Mitigation
Statement of Purpose: Lessen the potential impact or disruption of systems and services through
targeted efforts in security and information technology equipment.
Core Capability Activity Responsible
Agency(s)
Cyber security
Ensure security stack is current and applied to all
devices. Maintain list of vendors used for
equipment and support.
Renton Executive
Services
Maintain reliable backups with proper retention
schedules, ensue test restores are done.
Planning
Provide random and no-notice cyber security and
awareness training for IT and city staff.
Renton Executive
Services
Stabilize the following systems and services through
hazard mitigation programs for protection against
the effects of an emergency or disaster:
-Disaster recovery site
- Generator
- Fire suppression
- Earthquake stabilization
Logistics and Supply
Chain Management
Maintain relationship and communications with
vendors supplying IT equipment.
Renton Executive
Services
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Preparedness
Statement of Purpose: Prepare a resilient information technology infrastructure and system through
training, education, and cyber incident awareness to promote prepared cyber systems.
Core Capability Activity Responsible
Agency(s)
Planning
Update, prepare, or review cyber incident plans,
policies, and checklists.
Renton Executive
Services
Ensure IT staff stay current on cybersecurity risks
through training.
Conduct system checks - frequency varies depending
on the system.
Participate in cyber incident related training and
exercises.
Offer and/or facilitate cyber related trainings to city
employees.
Cyber Security
Protect city cyber systems against criminal and
terrorist activities and other evolving cyber threats,
including risk management and loss mitigation
measures.
Renton Executive
Services
Renton Human
Resources and Risk
Management
Logistics and supply
chain
Purchase and/or acquire backup products, facilities,
and/or resources. Renton Executive
Services Maintain an information technology and/or systems
resource list.
Access control and
identity verification
Review, screen, or examine system access and
control admittance to physical and virtual locations
and systems.
Renton Executive
Services
Renton Public Works
Operational
communications
Clarify, assign, and inform appropriate authorities,
staff, or leadership of the communications plan
insuring messages are delivered to meet LEP/AFN
standards as described in ESF 15.
Renton Executive
Services
References
• National Cyber Incident Response Plan, Department of Homeland Security, 2016
• Computer Security Incident Handling Guide (Revision 2) National Institute of Standards
and Technology, 2012
• Washington State Significant Cyber Incident Annex, Washington Military Department –
Emergency Management Division, 2015
• ISO 27032 – Information Technology – Security techniques – Guidelines for
cybersecurity, International Standards Organization, 2012
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• City of Renton (Information Technology) Disaster Recovery Plan
Terms and Definitions
See Basic Plan.
Appendices
Appendix A: Cyber Incident Checklist
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Appendix A: Cyber Incident Checklist
Supplemental
Action Items Information
PRE-INCIDENT PHASE
Continue to enhance, maintain, and revise, as needed, the appropriate
emergency response plans related to cyber response and cyber
security, including the CEMP and annexes.
Arrange for personnel to participate in necessary training and develop
exercises relevant to cyber-attacks.
Ensure the contact lists are current and establish a pre-event duty
roster
allowing for 24/7 operational support to the EOC.
Participate in city, county, regional, state, and federal cyber security
preparedness activities, seeking understanding of interactions with
participating agencies in a cyber-security scenario.
Analyze cyber vulnerabilities, exploits, and attack methodologies.
Identify new equipment or capabilities required to prevent or respond
to new or emerging threats and hazards, or to improve the ability to
address existing threats.
Inform Emergency Management Director of any major developments
that could adversely affect response operations.
RESPONSE PHASE
Activate the EOC and appropriate DOCs and establish Incident
Command. For larger events that cross multiple jurisdictions,
participate in Unified Command.
Conduct situational and periodic readiness assessments
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Execute contracts and procure goods and services to support
cyber security.
Ensure financial and property accountability for cyber
security activities.
Estimate emergency staffing levels and request personnel support.
Develop work assignments for ICS positions (recurring). ICS Form 203: Organization
Assignment List
Notify supporting agencies (dependent on the type of incident) and the
mayor/s city council.
Determine the type, scope, and extent of the cyber security incident
(recurring). Verify reports and obtain estimates of the area that may be
affected.
ICS Form 209: Incident
Status Summary
Ensure that all required notifications have been completed.
Consider other local, regional, state, and federal agencies that may
been affected by the incident. Notify them of the status.
Determine the need for additional resources and request them as
necessary through appropriate channels (recurring).
Activate mutual aid agreements. Activation includes placing
backup teams on standby and alerting resource suppliers of both
potential and current needs.
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Major Cyber Incident Checklist
Supplemental
Action Items Information
Formulate emergency public information messages and media
responses utilizing “one message, many voices” concepts
(recurring).
Key messages are developed by the Information Officer (IO) working
with the Policy Advisory Group. Any public information release from
the EOC utilize those key messages, and the release will be reviewed
and approved by the EOC Director before dissemination to the
public and/or media partners.
Record all EOC activity and completion of individual personnel
tasks (recurring). All assignments, person(s) responsible, and
significant actions taken should be document in an ICS 214 Unit
Log.
EOC Planning Section
Position Checklist, ICS
Form 214: Unit Log
Record all incoming and outgoing messages (recurring). All
messages, and the person sending or receiving them, should be
documented as part of the EOC position log.
Develop and deliver situation reports (recurring). At regular
intervals,
the EOC Director and staff will assemble a situation report.
ICS Form 209: Incident
Status Summary
Develop an Incident Action Plan (recurring). This document is
developed by the Planning Section and approved by the EOC
Director.
The Incident Action Plan should be discussed at regular intervals
and modified as the situation changes.
ICS Form 202: Incident
Objectives, ICS Form 203:
Organization Assignment
List, ICS Form 204:
Assignment List, ICS Form
205: Incident Radio
Communications Plan, ICS
Form 206: Medical Plan,
Safety Message, Incident Map
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Implement objectives and tasks outlined in the IAP
(recurring).
Coordinate with private-sector partners as
needed.
RECOVERY/DEMOBILIZATION PHASE
Ensure an orderly demobilization of emergency operations
in accordance with current demobilization and community recovery
plans.
ICS Form 221:
Demobilization Plan
Activate, if necessary, the appropriate recovery strategies,
continuity plans, and/or continuity of government plans.
Continuity
Plans /Continuity of
Government Plan
Release mutual aid resources as soon as
possible.
Conduct a post-event debriefing to identify success stories,
opportunities for improvement, and development of the After-
Action Report/Improvement Plan.
Deactivate/demobilize the EOC.
Correct any response deficiencies reflected in the Improvement
Plan.
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Revise any applicable emergency response plans based on the
success stories and/or lessons learned during the response.
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DAMAGE ASSESSMENT ANNEX
Primary Agency: City of Renton Community and Economic Development Department
Support Agencies: City of Renton Human Resources and Risk Management Department
City of Renton Public Works Department
City of Renton Police Department
City of Renton Parks and Recreation Department
City of Renton Equity, Housing, and Human Services Department
All other City of Renton Departments
Renton Regional Fire Authority
King County Emergency Coordination Center
Public Health – Seattle and King County
Puget Sound Energy
Seattle City Light
Washington State Emergency Management Division
Introduction
Purpose
The purpose of the Damage Assessment Annex is to establish guidelines for damage and
response capability assessment following an emergency or disaster within the City of Renton’s
service area.
Disasters can cause injury to individuals, damage to public and private property, and damage
to the environment. Damage assessment information will determine a priority of response
activities and allocation of resources immediately following an event. Damage assessment
information will also be used to determine eligibility and provide documentation for regional,
state, or federal disaster aid. Eligibility for various forms of disaster aid will also be
determined from the damage assessment efforts of this Annex.
The following Core Capabilities support the roles and responsibilities of this annex. The
primary and supporting core capabilities are defined to support the execution of damage
assessment operations for this annex as follows:
Primary Response Core Capabilities
Planning
Conduct a systematic process engaging the whole community as appropriate
in the development of executable strategic, operational, and/or tactical-level
approaches to meet defined objectives.
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Primary Response Core Capabilities
Situational
Assessment
Provide all decision makers with decision-relevant information regarding the
nature and extent of the hazard, any cascading effects, and the status of the
response.
Operational
Coordination
Establish and maintain a unified and coordinated operational structure and
process that appropriately integrates all critical stakeholders and supports
the execution of core capabilities.
Authorities & Policies
Non-catastrophic Events
Response Capability Assessment
Completed within one hour.
Following an event, all city departments will assess the condition of their personnel,
structures, and equipment. From this assessment, determination will be made as to the
capability of that department to operationally respond to the needs of the event and
provide vital city services. This information will be forwarded to the Renton Emergency
Operation Center (EOC) if activated and directly to Community and Economic Development
Department if the Renton EOC is not activated to evaluate the need for outside assistance
to replace those resources lost to the event.
Performed by:
• Renton Regional Fire Authority
• Police
• Public Works
• Parks and Recreation
• Community and Economic Development
• Other available City of Renton personnel
Initial Damage Assessment
Completion time of three to six hours.
The Initial Damage Assessment is conducted immediately following the Response
Capability Assessment. It is used to further determine response capabilities by assessing
response routes such as roadways and bridges. In addition to roadway assessment, the
Initial Damage Assessment is used to do “drive-by triage” of high-hazard, high population
areas and to provide a quick overview and assessment of the Renton area that will be used
to correctly dispatch response units to the areas in the greatest need. Results of the Initial
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Damage Assessment may identify the need for appropriately trained outside personnel to
assist in the Preliminary Damage Assessment, Detailed Damage Assessment, or General
Building Damage Assessment
This information will be forwarded to the Renton EOC if activated, to determine the need
for mobilization of additional city resources and/or request outside resources. Additionally,
this information will be used to provide the same quick overview of Renton’s condition to
the King County EOC.
Performed by:
• Renton Regional Fire Authority
• Police Department
• Public Works Department
• Parks and Recreation Department
• Community and Economic Development Department
• Human Resources and Risk Management Department
• Other available City of Renton personnel
Preliminary Damage Assessment (PDA)
Target completion as requested by the county or state, often 5 days once notified.
In the event an incident goes beyond the normal response capabilities of the City of
Renton, and it becomes apparent that the city may be eligible for federal disaster
assistance, a Preliminary Damage Assessment (PDA) may be requested by the county or
the state. If requested, it must be completed and forwarded to the King County EOC.
The PDA serves to further identify the impacts on Renton by providing more in-depth
assessment of the population, structures, utilities, and other infrastructure. This
assessment begins to determine monetary loss values and identifies hazardous areas and
structures unable to be documented by the Initial Damage Assessment.
The data collected from this assessment is an important element of the resource request
process. Resources allocated by the county or state will be on a need and availability basis
with those jurisdictions having the greatest damage or greatest need receiving the highest
priority. Monetary loss values will also trigger federal assistance, making the timely
assessment of the Renton area even more important.
Targeted completion time for the PDA depends upon the time frame requested by the
county or state. Information gathered during this time will be forwarded to the Renton
EOC if activated and directly to Community and Economic Development Department if the
Renton EOC is not activated.
The Renton EOC will provide the compiled data to the King County EOC.
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Detailed City Damage Assessment
Longer-term, "incident period" established by FEMA, potentially concurrent with PDA.
If the PDA results in a Presidential Disaster Declaration authorizing "Public Assistance (PA),"
then detailed damage assessments of City of Renton facilities, buildings, equipment,
infrastructure, and systems must be completed by all city departments and submitted to
the Renton EOC if activated or the Community and Economic Development (CED)
Department otherwise. Teams of personnel from FEMA and the state will require an escort
to view and verify damages as part of the PA process.
Eligible costs include but are not limited to those activities specific to the event. Tracking
and documentation of expenses, overtime and certain other eligible emergency work
activities carried out by City of Renton personnel, the contracted cost of outside agencies,
and the repair or restoration of damaged facilities and infrastructure to their pre-disaster
condition may be among the reimbursable costs.
There will be an "incident period" established by the Federal Emergency Management
Agency (FEMA) which generally begins at the start of the event and will last as long as
FEMA determines is necessary to include all normal damages from the event. Damage
assessment reports will be completed jointly by the City of Renton, state, and federal
personnel for these costs. Early and complete documentation of all staff time, contractor
costs, equipment rentals, equipment use, and other expenses is vital to maximize the
reimbursement following the event.
General Building Damage Assessment
Buildings or structures may be assessed for damage in the event that damage constitutes a
probable hazard to life safety, or "Individual Assistance" is authorized by the Presidential
Disaster Declaration.
The Community and Economic Development (CED) Department will assemble teams comprised
of:
• CED Building Inspectors
• CED Engineers
• Fire Inspectors,
• Public Works Engineers
• Public Works Inspectors
• And/or other personnel trained under ATC procedures to inspect and placard
damaged structures.
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All structure assessments will utilize procedures as established under the Applied Technologies
Council (ATC) structure assessment program known as ATC - 20. Inspection records will be kept
in accordance with the ATC procedures. The inspection and placarding records created by
these Inspectors will be compiled and submitted to the King County EOC through the Renton
EOC, with duplicate copies being kept by the City of Renton for reference in recovery and
reconstruction.
Catastrophic Events
The Response Capability Assessment and Initial Damage Assessment will be performed to the
best of the city’s ability, dependent on local conditions.
If the disaster is overwhelming and beyond the City of Renton’s resource capability to obtain a
Preliminary Damage Assessment as requested by King County, the Washington State CEMP
states "that the need for a Preliminary Damage Assessment is eliminated for those jurisdictions
that are especially hit hard." In those cases, the City of Renton will request resources through
the King County EOC to assess damage for Public and Individual Assistance in the city.
Procedures
Response Capability Assessment and Initial Damage Assessment Survey
These procedures are to be performed as outlined in the Policies section of this Annex. In
addition, city personnel should report areas of damage observed during response efforts to
their supervisor or to their department representative in the Renton EOC. The Renton EOC will
then coordinate with CED to determine which level of damage assessment is appropriate to
perform and will request assignment of the appropriate personnel.
Damage assessment needs to restart following every aftershock from a major earthquake or
after any significant changes in the scope of another disaster.
Damage Assessment
If damages cannot be adequately assessed through the Initial Damage Assessment, the Renton
EOC, if activated, or CED if not activated, will request detailed city damage assessments from
all city departments/divisions.
If determined to be necessary, appropriately trained personnel will conduct building damage
assessments utilizing ATC-trained building inspectors and /or ATC-trained teams of fire
inspectors, building inspectors, engineers, trained volunteers, and others.
Individual inspectors or teams will:
1. Perform rapid surveys.
2. Place appropriate placards on the buildings.
3. Prepare building damage assessment reports.
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The damage assessment reports will be forwarded to the Renton EOC, if activated, or CED if
not activated. These reports will be shared with neighboring jurisdictions and the King County
EOC according to Renton EOC procedures.
Damage Verification (Post Emergency, Collection of Information throughout)
When the possibility of a Presidential Disaster Declaration is anticipated, the Renton EOC, if
activated, or CED if the EOC is not activated will coordinate the collection of information
within Renton for the PDA (Preliminary Damage Assessment), including repair estimates for
damages incurred to public facilities, systems and infrastructure and all other costs incurred
by city departments as a result of the incident. Teams of federal and state inspectors will
determine the eligibility of the costs submitted. This follows the federal guidelines of the
Public Assistance Program.
Situation Overview
Renton city officials have identified the primary hazards that could potentially impact the city.
The potential effects of these hazards could disrupt public services, damage property, and
cause injury or death of persons within affected areas, any of which could require the conduct
of a damage assessment.
The primary hazards are detailed in the King County Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan, and the
Renton Annex to the plan, and include floods, winter storms, earthquakes, landslides and debris
flows, volcanic hazards, coal mine hazards, hazardous materials releases, and acts of terrorism
or civil disturbance. Additionally, the city is subject to major transportation disruptions and
accidents, utility and infrastructure failures or collapses, public health emergencies, and mass
casualty incidents from any cause.
The emergency or disaster may cause enough damage to require assessment. However, not all
damage will be immediately apparent. Roads and other infrastructure may be seriously
damaged and hamper the ability of personnel to conduct timely and complete damage
assessments. It is assumed that the Renton EOC will activate and provide a resource and
information sharing coordination.
Concept of Operations
Response Capability Assessments, Initial Damage Assessment and Preliminary Damage
Assessments (PDAs) are tools used to determine the safety and recovery needs of the residents,
workers, and visitors in Renton as well as to determine the eligibility for disaster assistance.
The City of Renton Community and Economic Development (CED) Department is the lead
agency for coordinating damage assessment throughout the City of Renton and will provide
assistance and information to state or federal damage assessment teams, if requested.
October 2023 251
The compiled damage assessments for the City of Renton will be forwarded by the City of
Renton EOC (if activated) or by CED to King County Emergency Operations Center (KC EOC) and
on to Washington State Emergency Management Division to seek federal disaster assistance.
Whole Community
The “Whole Community” includes individuals, families, households, communities, the private
and nonprofit sectors, faith-based organizations, and local, tribal, state, and Federal
governments. The Damage Assessment Annex includes communicating with the Whole
Community during transportation and critical infrastructure preparedness, response, recovery,
and mitigation activities. The Whole Community includes populations with Limited English
Proficiency (LEP), individuals with disabilities, and Access and Functional Needs (AFN).
This annex has been reviewed by the Whole Community through a public input process that
included online (virtual) and in-person access.
Organization
Damage assessment is coordinated by the Community and Economic Development (CED)
Department in conjunction with the City of Renton EOC. The CED Services Division will provide
building damage assessment data to EOC to separate the private and public damage and
forward the results to the King County EOC.
The results (or anticipated results) of the damage assessment may determine if the city seeks a
local emergency proclamation by the Mayor of the City of Renton.
Notification
This Annex can be activated for Renton EOC Support through the following agencies:
• Renton Community and Economic Development
• Renton Public Works
• Renton Police Department
• Renton Regional Fire Authority (RFA)
• Renton EOC Duty Officer or EOC Director
Activation may occur due to the severity of the event or perceived threat; unmitigated risk to
the Renton community; or in support of mutual aid partners.
Information Collection
The following categories are a baseline list which should be considered to create a common
operating picture for Essential Elements of Information (EEIs) which help guide the collection
and dissemination of information.
October 2023 252
This list is not exhaustive. As an event progresses, information, population needs,
available resources and support, and situational awareness will develop and change.
EEI Description Collection Dissemination
Response
Capability
Status of city department’s
staffing.
Status of city department’s
capabilities and resources.
All City of Renton
Departments
Renton EOC
Condition of
City
Infrastructure
How is city hall doing?
Are city buildings usable?
How is that information being
collected? Shared?
Renton Public Works
Renton Police
Renton CED
Renton EOC
Condition of
City Buildings
Consider private property as well.
Number of residential structures
Minor damage? Major damage?
Destroyed?
Impact to employees?
Impact to major employers?
Renton CED
Renton Police
Renton Regional Fire
Authority
Renton EOC
Responsibilities
Preparedness
Statement of Purpose: Develop and maintain primary and alternative damage assessment
procedures and resources that can be implemented in the event of a disaster or other disruption.
Core Capability Activity Responsible
Agency(s)
Planning • Prepare detailed administrative procedures to
implement damage assessment programs for all
city departments.
• Supply damage assessment forms and placards
for field use.
• Provide training, drills, and exercises in support of
this Annex to city departments/divisions and
support agencies.
• Follow established procedures to coordinate
damage assessment of city facilities following an
emergency or disaster.
Renton Community
and Economic
Development
Department
Planning • Develop procedures to evaluate damage to public
and private property, infrastructure utilities, etc.
• Identify and train staff to conduct Response
Capability Assessments, Initial Damage
Assessment Surveys and Preliminary Damage
Assessments.
Renton Public Works
Department
October 2023 253
• Participate in emergency management training,
drills, and exercises in support of this Annex.
• Identify and train staff to conduct Building
Damage Assessments in accordance with ATC.
Planning • Develop detailed administrative procedures to
perform a Response Capability Assessment within
the Department/Division.
• Identify and train appropriate staff to conduct
Response Capability Assessments,
• Participate in emergency management training,
drills, and exercises in support of this Annex.
All departments
• Develop detailed administrative procedures to
conduct damage assessment of department
facilities and assets following an emergency or
disaster.
• Initial Damage Assessment Surveys and
Preliminary Damage Assessments.
CED
Response
Statement of Purpose: Coordinate and mobilize the resources including personnel and technology
needed to support the assessment of damages to infrastructure within the City of Renton.
Core Capability Activity Responsible
Agency(s)
Planning • Carry out a coordinated Damage Assessment
process utilizing department personnel and
other city staff and volunteers.
• Coordinate the collection of damage
information.
• Assemble damage assessment information and
provides it to the EOC.
Renton Community
and Economic
Development
• Follow procedures in accordance with the
Applied Technologies Council (ATC) Standards
to conduct building damage assessments.
• Follow established procedures to conduct
damage assessment of city facilities following
an emergency or disaster.
Renton Public Works
Situational Assessment • Request detailed city damage assessments from
all city departments/divisions.
• Determine the ability to provide service to the
community.
Renton Community
and Economic
Development
• Determine the ability to provide service to the
community.
• Analyze and disseminate damage information in
situation reports through the Renton EOC.
Renton Executive
Services
October 2023 254
• Provide damage or impact assessment
information to the City of Renton EOC according
to established communication procedures.
• Report completed damage assessment results to
the Community and Economic Development
Department or the EOC, if activated.
• Determine the ability to provide service to the
community.
Renton Public Works
Renton Regional Fire
Authority
Renton Police
Renton Human
Resources and Risk
Management
• Provide damage or impact assessment
information to the City of Renton EOC according
to established communication procedures.
Puget Sound Energy
Seattle City Light
Operational
Coordination
• Request Response Capability Assessments, Initial
Damage Assessment Surveys and Preliminary
Damage Assessment to determine initial damage
reports.
• Coordinate the process of conducting building
damage assessments.
• Provide available ATC trained staff to conduct
building damage assessments of public and
private buildings and structures as needed.
Renton Community
and Economic
Development
• Provide completed damage assessments to the
Community and Economic Development
Department or the EOC, if activated.
• Conduct damage assessments for city facilities
through completion of the Response Capability
Assessment.
• Coordinate information and resource sharing
through the Renton EOC.
Renton Executive
Services
• Conduct damage assessments for city facility
infrastructure and utilities through completion
of the Response Capability Assessment and
Initial Damage Assessment Survey.
• Provide available ATC trained staff to conduct
building damage assessments of public and
private buildings and structures as needed.
Renton Public Works
• Conduct an evaluation of damage to city
facilities infrastructure and utilities through
completion of the Response Capability
Assessment and the Initial Damage Assessment
Survey.
Renton Regional Fire
Authority
Renton Police
Renton Human
Resources and Risk
Management
October 2023 255
Recovery
Statement of Purpose: In a coordinated manner, continue to share damage reports and other
collected information to prioritize the restoration of city infrastructure systems, in alignment with the
Renton Recovery Framework.
Core Capability Activity Responsible
Agency(s)
Situational Awareness • Continue to conduct impact assessments and
share damage information with the Renton EOC.
Puget Sound Energy
Seattle City Light
Renton Regional Fire
Authority
• Prepare damage assessment reports and share
with the Renton EOC, if activated. Forward to
King County EOC as necessary.
Renton Regional Fire
Authority
Renton Community
and Economic
Development
• Notify the mayor of impacts to the city from the
emergency or disaster.
• Arrange for an escort, if requested, to accompany
State or FEMA inspectors on a tour of damaged
areas within the city.
Renton Community
and Economic
Development
Operational
Coordination
• Continue to provide coordination of damage
assessment resources and reporting processes.
Renton Community
and Economic
Development
Planning • Maintain city copies of building damage
assessment reports.
Renton Community
and Economic
Development
Mitigation
Statement of Purpose: Determine mitigation strategies to increase the integrity of transportation
and other critical infrastructure systems thus reducing damage potential within the City of Renton.
Core Capability Activity Responsible
Agency(s)
Planning • Identify opportunities to increase building
infrastructure resiliency. Renton Community
and Economic
Development
Resource Requirements
• Damage assessment resources are provided to CED, or EOC if activated.
o Damage assessment forms and placards located in Fire and Building Inspection
vehicles with additional resources in the EOC.
October 2023 256
o Electronic Platform through which Damage Assessment Forms are submitted,
reviewed, accessed, and stored. (Platform TBD- CED platform Energov,
LaserFiche, Origami, etc.)
o Personnel tasked with performing damage assessments will need ATC training.
o Building, construction, and fire inspector vehicles will be utilized first, and
additional vehicles will be requested from Engineering, Equipment Rental or
Facilities Division Motor Pool.
o Office space for the damage assessment personnel during the recovery process.
• Other resource requirements are to be requested through the City of Renton EOC.
References
• Washington State Public Assistance Manual, December 2010 and April 2017
• Washington State Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan, 2011 and 2016
• FEMA Publication P262, Guide to Federal Aid in Disasters, July 2008 and 2013
• ATC-20 Post Earthquake Safety Evaluation of Buildings
• ATC-45 Field Manual: Safety Evaluation of Buildings after Windstorms and Floods
• City of Renton Emergency Operations Center Procedures Manual
Terms and Definitions
See Basic Plan.
Appendices
None
October 2023 257
EVACUATION ANNEX
Primary Agency: City of Renton Police Department
Support Agencies: City of Renton Public Works Department
City of Renton Parks and Recreation Department
City of Renton Executive Services Department
Renton Regional Fire Authority
Introduction
Purpose of Plan
The purpose of the Evacuation Annex is to establish strategies for the City of Renton to ensure
the safe and orderly evacuation of residents who are threatened by an emergency or disaster.
These strategies are developed using an all-hazards approach to be applied to an incident
regardless of the threat or hazard to move people, animals, and resources to safety.
This document does not recommend a specific evacuation plan but identifies evacuation tools
and resources that could be utilized during an evacuation incident. It is understood that the
Incident Commander and/or designee will direct the development of an incident-specific
evacuation plan and route at the time of incident.
Core Capabilities
Planning
Conduct a systematic process engaging the whole community as appropriate
in the development of executable strategic, operational, and/or tactical-level
approaches to meet defined objectives.
Public Information
and Warning
Deliver coordinated, prompt, reliable, and actionable information to the
whole community through the use of clear, consistent, accessible, and
culturally and linguistically appropriate methods to effectively relay
information regarding any threat or hazard, as well as the actions being
taken, and the assistance being made available, as appropriate.
Operational
Coordination
Establish and maintain a unified and coordinated operational structure and
process that appropriately integrates all critical stakeholders and supports
the execution of Core Capabilities.
Environmental
Response/Health and
Safety
Conduct appropriate measures to ensure the protection of the health and
safety of the public and workers, as well as the environment, from all
hazards in support of responder operations and the affected communities.
Operational
Communications
Ensure the capacity for timely communications in support of security,
situational awareness, and operations, by any and all means available,
among and between affected communities in the impact area and all
response forces.
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Core Capabilities
Situational
Assessment
Provide all decision makers with decision-relevant information regarding the
nature and extent of the hazard, any cascading effects, and the status of the
response.
Authorities and Policies
The Evacuation Annex is part of the City of Renton’s Comprehensive Emergency Management
Plan (CEMP) and was developed pursuant to relevant local, county, state and federal statutes
and regulations. Every effort has been made to ensure that the Annex is compatible with the
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) guidelines and the Revised Code of
Washington, Chapter 38.52, as well as other local plans. The authority to issue an evacuation
order is held at the county and city levels of government.
Local
In the City of Renton an evacuation may be initiated by any of the following city officials
or their designated alternates:
• Mayor or delegate.
• Chief Administrative Officer or delegate.
• Department administrator of the primary incident command department,
typically Police, Public Works, Parks and Recreation or their delegate.
• Regional Fire Authority Fire Chief or their delegate, if in the incident commander
role.
• Emergency Management Director or delegate.
County
If an evacuation is necessary in or through unincorporated areas outside city limits, the
King County Sheriff’s Office has the authority to recommend an evacuation of residents.
In this case, extra coordination may be needed from the Renton Regional Fire Authority
which provides fire and emergency services to some unincorporated areas under
contract and may assist with evacuation efforts.
State
During a state of emergency, the Governor can issue such orders as they deem
necessary for the security of persons or property (Chapter 38.08, RCW, Powers and
Duties of Governor).
The Evacuation Annex is intended to be applicable and adaptable across all types and scopes of
hazards that would necessitate an evacuation. It has also been vetted with evacuation plans
from neighboring jurisdictions in the event an evacuation affects more than the City of Renton.
Hazards which pose specific risk to the City of Renton have been identified in the city’s annex to
the King County Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan and the CEMP.
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This annex will be used in conjunction with the City of Renton’s Emergency Support Functions
(ESFs) found within the CEMP. Evacuation(s) will be conducted in accordance with the National
Incident Management System (NIMS) and the National Response Framework (NRF) and will
utilize the Incident Command System (ICS) to manage the control and coordination of an
emergency response.
Incident Command System (ICS)
The Incident Commander (IC) will determine the necessary sections, branches, and
groups required for an emergency evacuation specific to the circumstances and incident
hazards known at the time of the event. Depending on the scale and complexity of the
event the following command structures may be used:
• Local, discrete site incident with an evacuation managed by the Incident Command
Post (Single Command, IC).
• Local evacuation within City of Renton boundaries involving multiple departments
(Single Command/IC or Unified Command).
• Local to small regional evacuation requiring coordination with other affected
jurisdictions and King County (Single Command/IC or Unified Command).
• Large regional evacuation requiring coordination at the local, state or federal level
(Single Command/IC, Unified, Command, or Incident Management Team).
References
The City of Renton recognizes the following plans, policies, and authorities as they apply to
evacuations set forth by the Federal, state, and local governments:
Federal
o Code of Federal Regulations Title 44, Part 205 and 205.16.
o Public Law 920, Federal Civil Defense Act of 1950, as amended.
o Public Law 100-707, Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act.
o Public Law 93-288, Disaster Relief Act of 1974, as amended.
o Public Law 96-342, Improved Civil Defense 1980.
o Public Law 99-499, Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA) of 1986,
Title III, Emergency Planning Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA).
o Public Law 105-19, Volunteer Protection Act of 1997.
o Homeland Security Act of 2002.
o Homeland Security Presidential Directive/HSPD-5.
o Homeland Security Presidential Directive/HSPD-8.
o National Response Framework of 2019, as amended.
o Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards Act of 2006.
State of Washington
o Chapter 38.52, Revised Code of Washington (RCW), Emergency Management.
o Chapter 38.08, RCW, Powers and Duties of Governor.
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o Chapter 38.12, RCW, Militia Officers.
o Chapter 38.54, RCW, Fire Mobilization.
o Chapter 35.33.081 and 35.33.101, RCW, as amended.
o Chapter 34.05, RCW, Administrative Procedures Act.
o Chapter 43.06, RCW, Governor's Emergency Powers.
o Chapter 43.105, RCW, Washington State Information Services Board (ISB).
o Chapter 118-04, Washington Administrative Code (WAC), Emergency Worker
Program.
o Title 118, WAC, Military Department, Emergency Management.
o Washington State CEMP.
Local
o King County Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan.
o Regional Coordination Framework for Disasters and Planned Events for Public and
Private Organizations in King County, Washington
o City of Renton Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan.
Situation Overview
Geographic Scope
All areas covered in this annex are located in King County. However, while the City of Renton is
not primarily responsible for evacuation of unincorporated areas, evacuations in these areas
may occur related to a widespread hazard, such as a wildfire. The King County Sheriff’s Office
provides law enforcement and safety services to these unincorporated areas therefore,
coordination of evacuations for the unincorporated areas would be in coordination with the
King County Sheriff’s Office. In addition to unincorporated areas, Renton shares boundaries
with the cities of Kent, Tukwila, and Newcastle. An evacuation that requires moving people out
of city limits may require the involvement of King County and one or more of these cities.
Additionally, moving people through other cities during the course of a large evacuation may
require coordination with other cities as well. A map of the city and service areas is attached as
Appendix A.
There are Police, Fire/EMS and Public Works facilities located in the area covered by this annex.
In addition to personnel, many of these facilities contain equipment and other resources that
are needed to execute an evacuation. These resources may need to be moved to a different
location if the facility is deemed to be within the hazard area. These areas or facilities could be
appropriate for staging areas or equipment relocations sites during an evacuation.
Natural Hazards
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Renton has the following known natural hazards that must be considered in evacuation
planning:
Flooding and/or Dam Failure
- The Cedar River with inundation impact to mostly residential neighborhoods, and in
the case of dam failure of the Cedar Falls dam complex, the entire downtown and
Landing business districts.
- The Green River with inundation impact to mostly commercial neighborhoods of the
business district in the valley.
- The Howard A. Hanson Dam located on the Green River East of Auburn could cause
catastrophic flooding and inundation impacts in the event of a dam failure to mostly
the commercial neighborhoods of the business district in the valley.
- Inundation maps of the seasonal flood hazard areas for the Cedar and Green Rivers
are attached as Appendix B.
Hazardous Materials
- Numerous natural gas pipelines, as well as a petroleum pipeline, traverse the city
which may become a factor if destabilized by an earthquake, landslide, construction
activity, or other disruptive events.
- The City of Renton has several hazardous materials-using facilities that should be
considered when planning an evacuation route.
- A map of natural gas and petroleum pipelines is attached as Appendix C.
Landslides
- Renton has areas that have been identified for their potential landslide risks. If
evacuation is necessary because of inclement weather this may become a factor.
- A map of slide risk areas is attached as Appendix D.
Wildfires
- The City of Renton may be involved in an evacuation due to the increased risk of
wildfires and wildfire smoke from within the King County area.
- A map of wildfire risk areas is attached as Appendix E.
Terrorism
- The City of Renton may be involved in an act of terrorism that may require the
rapid and safe evacuation of communities to guard against casualties.
Refer to the Renton annex within the King County Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan for further
details on hazards as well as risk assessments.
Population Assessment
According to the Washington Office of Financial Management the population for Renton is
107,900 as of April 2023.
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Renton is comprised of residential, business, commercial, industrial, and mixed-use areas. Land
use is an important consideration in evacuation planning as the population numbers and
density vary according to location and time of day and day of the week. The business,
commercial, and industrial areas have large populations that come to Renton during business
hours using both public and private transportation. Renton also has several businesses and a
community college that employ large numbers of workers and/or experience a large influx of
customers during their business hours. If evacuation is necessary while these businesses are
open, extra coordination will be needed to avoid gridlock from private vehicles as well as to
evacuate people who use public transportation.
A map showing land use designations is attached as Appendix E. Maps showing City of Renton
Arterial Streets (Principal, Minor and Collector) are attached as Appendix F.
Special Populations
The City of Renton’s Evacuation Annex assumes that special or vulnerable populations,
and the people or facilities that care for them, prepare on their own for evacuations in
order to assure that their needs are adequately met. These populations may include but
are not limited to Limited English Proficiency (LEP), deaf/hard of hearing, blind and deaf-
blind, incarcerated, low-income, refugees, those with cognitive and/or mobility
impairments, those in hospice care, the homeless, children, those with (severe) medical
dependencies/conditions, medically fragile, the addicted, the elderly, and those with
other Access and Functional Needs (AFN). See the King County Inclusive Emergency
Communication Plan and the Renton annex to the plan for additional guidance on
communication.
Communicating with Low/Limited English Proficiency (LEP) Populations
Communicating with LEP populations can sometimes be challenging, therefore,
responders should be advised to speak slowly and clearly, try re-wording messages if or
when individuals do not understand, and use hand gestures or pictures to augment
understanding. Short words (and phrases) such as “fire” or “flood” are much more
useful than involved explanations. Often, one person in a larger family will be bi-lingual
or able to translate even if the other family members don’t speak or understand enough
English. Ask if there is a family member who does speak English. The use of young
children as interpreters should be avoided, as this can be traumatizing. Even if
individuals do not understand verbal instructions, handing them a map (if they are
available) with a route or destination marked on it can be a solution. Ensuring good
communication is one of the easiest ways to ensure safety.
Communicating with the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (HOH)
Responders communicating with the deaf and HOH should speak loudly and clearly, use
a pen and paper and/or American Sign Language (ASL). It is tempting to tell them where
to go and not explain the situation or assume they cannot be self-sufficient, but this
leads to misunderstanding and fear. Additional effective modes of communication are
enunciating so that an individual can read your lips and using calm and relevant (not
October 2023 263
panicky) hand gestures. Individuals who know ASL should be placed in roles where they
can interact with evacuating populations to best serve the deaf and HOH. Deaf or HOH
individuals may communicate their lack of hearing by moving their hand from their
mouth to ear. Individuals who are deaf-blind may have communication devices called
deaf-blind communicators which they may use to communicate. Deaf-blind individuals
also communicate via tactile sign language.
Boarding Homes/Assisted Living Facilities
There are independent retirement communities as well as living facilities that combine
independent living with assisted living in Renton. Facilities that provide assisted living
are required to have disaster plans in place and trained staff on what to do in the event
of an emergency (WAC 388-78A-2700). However, many of these facilities do not have
the transportation resources to carry out a full-scale evacuation and while many
residents have their own vehicles, coordinating routes and destinations could be
difficult. Other issues that may arise include special needs of residents who require
assisted living services (and would require transportation to an appropriate shelter) and
a possible lack of medical supplies. Renton’s facilities in this category may be added at
any time, as new businesses similar in nature are added to the city. Independent living
facilities are not required to have evacuation, emergency plan, or emergency supplies.
In Renton, these facilities include SHAG Cedar River Court, Houser Terrace, Golden
Pines, Hillcrest Terrace, Evergreen Terrace (all maintained by Renton Housing Authority)
Cedar River Terrace, and Divine Suites.
Adult Family Homes
Adult family homes are required by Washington State Law (388-76-10830) to have
emergency plans to meet the needs of their residents and provisions for evacuating
their residents and charges. These are individuals who, if there is a possible need for
them to evacuate, should evacuate as soon as possible due to their special needs, frailty,
and medical conditions. Washington State Law limits the number of residents in adult
family homes to six (6), however there is often only one care giver on duty at a time
taking care of these six (6) residents. Issues could arise with regard to lack of staff and
lack of adequate transportation since the majority of residents have mobility issues
(wheelchairs, walkers) or are bedridden. Adult family home providers and staff will need
information about medical needs shelters if shelters are set up. Many adult family home
providers and caregivers have Limited English Proficiency which could make
understanding the need for evacuations, evacuation routes and procedures challenging.
Adult family homes frequently come and go as businesses, but at any given time there
may be up to 75-100 such facilities within the greater Renton area. A complete, current
list of active adult family homes can be obtained from Public Health - Seattle King
County.
Nursing Homes & Hospitals
Nursing homes and hospitals are required by law to have emergency plans, have their
staff prepared, and be ready to aid in an emergency. Issues that may arise in the
October 2023 264
evacuation of nursing homes include a lack of beds, facilities to transport patients, or
transportation resources appropriate for nursing home or hospital populations. Many of
these individuals are mobility impaired, bedridden, or require the supervision of a
medical professional. Most nursing homes do not have adequate transportation
resources to independently perform a complete evacuation. In general, there are not
enough beds in nearby hospitals to accommodate the number of patients from one
evacuated facility. In certain types of disasters when even more people are in need of
medical assistance it will be impossible to provide beds to all individuals who may
require them in a hospital evacuation. Renton’s two nursing homes are: Talbot Center
for Rehabilitation and Healthcare and Regency at Renton. Renton’s one hospital is Valley
Medical Center.
Rehabilitation Centers
Renton has one residential rehabilitation facility Griffin Home, Friends of Youth for
Youth (substance abuse, sexual behavior, conduct disorder and mental health) is located
at 2500 Lake Washington Blvd N, 98056. Griffin Home, whose residents are solely male,
has an emergency plan which includes the appropriate information per Washington
State Law. There are four residential buildings on the campus and the staff have the
flexibility to move residents from one building to another if necessary. The Griffin Home
is prepared to be self-sufficient for a minimum of seven (7) days. If residents needed to
be transferred, there are contracts with the State of Washington and the Federal
Government to take on the responsibility of transferring residents to temporary or long-
term housing.
Concept of Operations
Planning
The Evacuation Annex was developed by Renton Emergency Management and Renton Police
Department with planning input from other departments and agencies including Renton
Regional Fire Authority, City of Renton Public Works, Community & Economic Development,
and Parks and Recreation departments.
Depending on the scale of an evacuation, involvement of the city’s regional public and private
partners may be needed. The following is a list of participants who may be called upon for
planning and resource support to an evacuation:
• King County Office of Emergency Management (KCOEM)
• The cities of Kent, Tukwila, Newcastle
• Renton, Kent, and Issaquah School Districts
• Washington Emergency Management Division (WA EMD)
• American Red Cross (ARC)
• Washington State Animal Response Team (WASART)
Local Limitations
October 2023 265
The information and procedures included in this annex have been prepared utilizing the best
information and planning assumptions available at the time of preparation. There is no
guarantee implied by this annex that in major emergencies and disaster situations a perfect
response to all incidents will be practical or possible. As Renton's response resources may be
overwhelmed and essential systems may be nonfunctioning, the city can only endeavor to
make every reasonable effort to respond based on the situation, information, and resources
available at the time of the event. The following are some local limitations that were identified:
• Evacuation will cause higher than normal traffic flows creating the need for traffic
direction and control.
• Available resources may be utilized to support evacuation and sheltering-in-place before
being used in other capacities.
• Obstructions and damage to transportation systems such as bridge failures, landslides,
fallen debris, flooding or fire may limit evacuation routes.
• The availability of resources such as buses and emergency workers may be
compromised or non-existent, prompting the need to utilize mutual aid, private, zone,
county, and state agencies for support. Agencies that commonly support these efforts
may be unavailable as a result of the emergency.
• Some people will be unwilling to evacuate.
• People will evacuate with their pets.
• Refueling of private and public vehicles will be an issue.
• Multiple means of communication will be needed to inform the public of evacuation
messaging.
• It is assumed that city resources will be quickly overwhelmed. It is likely that the city’s
Emergency Operations Center (EOC) will be requesting assistance from surrounding
jurisdictions and various levels of government.
• Schools, hospitals, and adult care facilities will need to have their own facility evacuation
and relocation plans in place.
• Sheltering for special needs or medically fragile people will need to be handled
regionally. The lead agency for this is Public Health – Seattle & King County.
• The ARC does not staff special needs shelters, but they may staff local shelters. Pets are
not allowed in ARC shelters.
Evacuation Operation Development
The City of Renton is responsible for the development of a plan to evacuate and provide mass
care services for residents in the event of an emergency and should be prepared, if necessary,
to receive and care for people evacuated from an adjacent area directly impacted by a disaster.
Mass care services are coordinated according to the CEMP’s Emergency Support Function (ESF)
6.
October 2023 266
Evacuation operations have four basic components: 1) Evacuation of the population; 2) Support
of evacuees passing through the City of Renton; 3) Reception of evacuees; and 4) Support of
agencies performing components 1-3. In the event an evacuation overwhelms the city’s
resources, assistance may be requested from Emergency Management Zone 3 partners, King
County and/or the State of Washington.
The following sections are four types of evacuations that may occur in the City of Renton: Site
Evacuation, Intermediate Level Evacuation, Large Scale Evacuation, and Mass Evacuation.
Site Evacuation
Site evacuation involves a small number of residents. This typically includes residents
and/or workers at the site and people from adjacent occupancies or areas. The residents
are evacuated and collected at a specified, generally upwind, perimeter location.
Evacuation holding times are typically short, generally less than two hours and residents
are permitted to return to their businesses or homes.
Intermediate Level Evacuation
Intermediate level evacuation involves a larger number of residents (generally greater
than 100) and/or a larger geographic area. Evacuees may be displaced for two to four
hours or more. Evacuation completion times will be somewhat longer than a site
evacuation. Collecting, documenting, and controlling the evacuees may require more
resources. Off-site collection sites and/or shelter areas may need to be established.
Some evacuees may leave the area on their own or be sent home by employers. Site
perimeters may become larger and perimeter security may require more resources.
Close coordination between involved departments and agencies will be required. The
EOC may be activated to support incident activities as the situation warrants.
Large Scale Evacuation
During a large-scale evacuation, thousands of residents may need to be evacuated.
Rapid initiation of the evacuation process may be required, and evacuation completion
time frames may be extended. Evacuees may be out of their homes and businesses for
many hours or days. Off-site collection sites and/or shelter areas may need to be
established and maintained for an extended time. Documentation and tracking of
evacuees may become very resource intensive. Close coordination with all responding
agencies may become more critical. Evacuation perimeters and security of the
evacuated area may be expanded and require more resources to maintain. The Renton
EOC will be activated to support the incident activities.
Mass Evacuation
A mass evacuation could be required due to a real or anticipated major disaster which
may impact multiple jurisdictions, a large geographic area, and hundreds of thousands
of people. The situation may require the implementation of regional evacuation and
sheltering operations. Local resources will be exhausted, and significant state and
federal assistance will be required to support the evacuation and sheltering operation.
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Communications
Maintaining communications and redundant systems throughout an evacuation will allow all
responding agencies to continue mission critical operations. Interagency communications
systems and procedures as outlined in the City of Renton CEMP Emergency Support Function
(ESF) 2: Communications, Information Systems, and Warning will be administered during
evacuations. The Executive Services Department Communications Division is the primary
agency responsible for external communications as identified in the City of Renton CEMP ESF
15: External Affairs.
Evacuation Operations
The sequence of an evacuation can be divided into six phases in the following order:
1. Incident Analysis
2. Warning
3. Preparation to Move
4. Movement and En Route Support
5. Reception and Support
6. Return
This portion of the annex identifies tools and resources that could be utilized in an emergency
evacuation situation. The IC will direct the development of specific evacuation plans and routes
at the time of the emergency, specific to the incident hazards known at the time of the event.
Incident Analysis
Evacuation management involves the collection and processing of significant amounts of
information from many sources. The Emergency Operations Center (EOC) will play a critical role
in the information flow to and from incident command and/or unified command posts.
Command and Control
The decision to evacuate prior to, during or following an incident will be made on a
case-by-case basis. The decision will depend upon the nature, scope and severity of the
emergency. Factors to consider are the number of people affected, actions necessary to
protect the public, and length of time available in which to effect evacuation. Activation
of the Renton EOC will likely be necessary. Though it is preferable to have an evacuation
order signed by the mayor (or designee) for any evacuation larger than a “Site
Evacuation”, the safety of the residents of Renton is the foremost concern. Evacuations
that are necessary to immediately protect lives will not be delayed due to the lack of
such an order.
There are three types of evacuations:
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• Alert - Affected areas are warned of current or projected threats. Businesses and
residents with special needs, mobile property, business stock, and pets or
livestock should begin precautionary movement. The decision to evacuate
remains with the individual resident.
• Warning – An evacuation warning is appropriate when a hazard is likely to affect
residents and the certainty and severity of the hazard is moderate to high.
Evacuation is highly recommended but the decision to evacuate remains with
the individual. Residents are advised that there may be little to no advance
notice before an evacuation Order is issued. This evacuation will require more
resources to implement.
• Order - Current conditions present specific and immediate threat(s) to the life
and safety of persons within the identified area. Everyone must evacuate
immediately. When an evacuation Order is issued the amount of time available
to evacuate will be limited and depending on the events preceding and after the
Order may not be sufficient. This type of evacuation is very resource intensive.
Planning
The Planning Section will gather needed situational awareness information which may
include the following:
• The nature of the incident.
• Approximate number injured, if any.
• Location.
• Scale of evacuation area in terms of area and population.
• Best approach routes.
• Where responding units should report (staging area).
• If hazardous materials are involved.
• If evacuation and sheltering is necessary.
• Additional resources that may be needed.
• Weather and other conditions as events unfold.
Based on the information gathered by the planning section recommendations will be
made to the IC.
Operations
The Field IC will be responsible for assessing the situation and performing the following
tasks as necessary:
• Conduct rapid size-up and determine need to evacuate.
• Determine initial evacuation boundaries.
• Staff the command post and field ICS organization appropriately.
• Order the alert of outside agencies and departments and request activation
of the EOC.
• Provide the EOC with current status and request support if needed.
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Logistics and Finance
The Logistics Section will respond to all requested logistical needs and will look ahead to
identify future resource needs and availability based on information provided by the
Planning Section.
The Finance Section will ensure compliance with existing disaster financial policies,
make recommendations for emergency policies and establish administrative controls to
manage the expenditure of funds, provide reasonable accountability, and secure
necessary documentation for bill payment and reimbursement requests. They will assist
the Logistics Section with purchasing and acquisition needs.
Warning / Notification
The decision whether to evacuate must be carefully considered in terms of timing and nature of
the incident. An evacuation effort involves an organized and supervised effort to relocate
people from an area of danger to a safe location. Although evacuation is an effective means of
moving people out of a dangerous area, due to its complexity, length of time for
implementation, and the stress it puts upon the population, it is considered a last resort option.
Command and Control
The authority to initiate an evacuation, or warn, or notify the public rests with the
executive head of the jurisdiction, which may be delegated to a limited number of other
officials, but most commonly the Incident Commander (IC) in order to act swiftly to save
lives. The IC will immediately advise their administrator, who will advise the mayor and
the EOC Duty Officer. Whenever possible these decisions will be made in conjunction
with the mayor or designee. A Public Information Officer (PIO) will be added to the
Command Staff if not already assigned in order to facilitate communications, warning
and public Information requirements.
Planning
The Planning Section will be responsible for assembling the Incident Action Plan (IAP)
which includes operational tactics for evacuation.
Operations
All planning associated with the evacuation, including identification of alternate routes,
en route support and planning for re-entry. Communication efforts will follow the
protocols outlined in ESF 2 and ESF 15. Decisions regarding methods of notification and
warning will be made depending on the scale and immediacy of the evacuation and the
resources available.
Logistics and Finance
The Logistics Section will respond to all requested logistical needs and will look ahead to
identify future resource needs and availability based on information provided by the
Planning section.
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The Finance Section will ensure compliance with existing disaster financial policies,
make recommendations for emergency policies, establish administrative controls to
manage the expenditure of funds, provide reasonable accountability, and secure
necessary documentation for bill payment and reimbursement requests. They will assist
the Logistics Section with purchasing and acquisition needs.
Preparation to Move
The third phase in the evacuation function is to prepare to move those in the affected area. To
successfully implement a large-scale evacuation, it is essential that all affected communities,
regions and the state work together prior to and during the evacuation process. An effective
evacuation is closely dependent upon the provision and coordination of evacuation information
and instructions.
Command and Control
Once the decision has been made to evacuate, the IC shall direct personnel to carry out
the necessary activities and determine whether Unified Command (UC) with other
organizations is necessary. The IC will also have the responsibility for approving the
evacuation plan created by the Operations Section.
Planning
• The Planning Section will provide technical resources (e.g., GIS) to assist in
evacuation planning for which pre-plans do not exist, in cooperation with all
involved departments and agencies.
Operations – Preparation to Move
Any evacuation plan will be approved by the IC prior to implementation. Evacuation
planning considerations include, but are not limited to:
• Command structure: single jurisdiction, multiple jurisdiction or large area.
• Communication needs and availability. Whenever possible, evacuation
operations will be conducted on separate channels from response operations
and routine traffic. ESF 2 addresses communications, information systems and
warning.
• Implementation of a building marking or recording system that incorporates
three designations: 1) occupants have been informed and will evacuate; 2)
occupants notified but refused to evacuate; and 3) notification attempted but no
occupant available to receive (information should be posted on doors in that
event).
• Need for a mobile command post.
• Procedures for security and admission to restricted areas.
• Procedures to identify and credential those with authority to travel in restricted
areas (emergency vehicles, essential personnel, etc.).
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• Number of buildings to be notified and number of personnel needed to conduct
notification in a given time period.
• Availability and issuance of personal protective equipment and devices when
needed.
• Ability to shelter-in-place versus evacuation as appropriate and ability to convey
such information to building occupants.
• Ability to brief all incident personnel on evacuation or shelter-in-place
procedures, building marking or recording system and critical life safety
information.
• Criteria that must be met before re-entry will be allowed and identification that
must be provided by occupants before they will be allowed to re-enter the
impacted area.
• Availability of neighboring jurisdiction, regional disaster plan, county, state and
federal assets to assist in evacuation.
The actual evacuation process would normally be managed in the Operations Section as
an Evacuation Branch. Additional branches or divisions may be needed including but not
limited to:
• Medical Branch
• Haz Mat Branch
• Fire/Rescue Branch
• Geographic Divisions within the Evacuation Branch
Evacuation Branch
Branch directors receive the plan and objectives from Command and direct groups in
completing them. The Evacuation Branch must be provided with sufficient resources to
effectively complete the task. Groups will also need to be established and report to the
Evacuation Branch officer. Group assignments within the Evacuation Branch will be
assigned as necessary. Groups to be considered include:
• Transportation Group
• Public Information Group
• Geographic Divisions (Multiple Groups)
• Police Liaison Group
• Staging Group
• Geographic Division
• Reception Division
• Shelter Division
• Other Agency Liaison Groups
• Other Divisions and Groups as necessary
Logistics and Finance
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The Logistics Section will respond to all requested logistical needs and will look ahead to
identify future resource needs and availability based on information provided by the
Planning Section.
The Finance Section will ensure compliance with existing disaster financial policies,
make recommendations for emergency policies and establish administrative controls to
manage the expenditure of funds, provide reasonable accountability and secure
necessary documentation for bill payment and reimbursement requests. They will assist
the Logistics Section with purchasing and acquisition needs.
Movement and En Route Support
Many modes of transportation may be used to facilitate movement of evacuees. Ideally
evacuees will be responsible for providing their own transportation, but the city will assist with
transportation to the extent resources are available. Priority will be given to evacuees who are
physically unable to self-evacuate.
Command and Control
Command during the movement phase remains with the IC as described in the previous
section.
Planning
The primary mode of transportation that will be used during evacuation efforts will be
privately owned automobiles. However, it is critical that evacuation plans identify and
provide other safe modes of transportation for those people who have special needs
and/or cannot evacuate by private vehicle. The City of Renton owns limited
transportation assets that could be used for evacuation. The Regional Coordination
Framework allows for other local and regional transportation resources such as school
districts, Sound Transit, King County Metro, and others to be made available. If
transportation resources are needed, they may be requested through the King County
EOC. However, if the evacuation is regional these assets may not be available or
sufficient.
Additional planning efforts will be needed to address the needs of a population in
motion. It should be anticipated that evacuees en route may require fuel, towing, car
repair, medical services, water, food, and other items. Plans will also be needed for
staffing and security of evacuation pick-up and drop-off points.
Evacuation Route Determination
Primary evacuation routes consist of the major interstates, highways, and prime
arterials within and adjoining the City of Renton. The city will work with neighboring
jurisdictions, the county and state EOCs and other applicable agencies and departments
to identify evacuation points, shelter locations, and transportation routes.
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It will be necessary to identify evacuation points before evacuation routes are
announced to the public. Evacuation routes will be determined based on the location
and extent of the incident and will include as many pre-designated transportation
routes as possible. Important roadway characteristics and factors that should be
considered when selecting an evacuation route include:
• Shortest route to the designated destination areas.
• Maximum capacity.
• Ability to increase capacity and traffic flow using traffic control strategies.
• Maximum number of lanes that provide continuous flow through the evacuation
area.
• Availability of infrastructure to disseminate real-time conditions and messages to
evacuees in-route, such as variable message boards.
• Minimal number of potentially hazardous points and bottlenecks, such as
bridges, lane reductions, etc.
• Access to needed in-route support such as fuel, medical care, food, and water.
A map of the City of Renton arterial streets showing principal, minor and collector
arterials is attached as Attachment F. Traffic conditions must be monitored along
evacuation routes and operational adjustments should be made as necessary to
maximize efficiency. These adjustments may include the identification of secondary
evacuation routes.
A multi-jurisdictional evacuation will require close coordination with all affected
agencies to ensure that evacuation routes do not conflict.
Operations
If transportation resources are available, one or more staging areas may need to be established
as well as support operations to keep transportation resources running the duration of the
evacuation.
Individuals who do not have their own transportation to leave the evacuation area will need to
gather at identified pick-up points and be transported using alternate transportation resources.
These pick-up points should be sufficiently large enough to safely accommodate the anticipated
number of evacuees, out of imminent danger, must be easy to find, and must have sufficient
access for the types of transportation resource that will be using it. Well-known locations such
as schools, libraries, churches or shopping centers should be considered as pick-up points as
they are places that are easily identifiable and where people tend to gather.
Drop-off points to deliver evacuees will also need to be established outside the danger zone.
These drop-off points may be shelters ready to receive evacuees or may serve as staging areas
for evacuees to await future transportation to shelters. Pick-up and drop-off areas may need to
be staffed and supplied to meet the short-term needs of evacuees including food, water, and
medical services.
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Law enforcement resources may be needed at pick-up and drop-off points to facilitate the
movement of in-route populations. Law enforcement may also be needed to secure the
transportation resources staging area.
It will be critical to maintain communication between the pick-up and drop-off points,
transportation resource staging area, en route support, and Incident Command.
Logistics and Finance/Administration
The Logistics Section will respond to all requested logistical needs and will look ahead to
identify future resource needs and availability based on information provided by the
Planning Section.
The Finance Section will ensure compliance with existing disaster financial policies,
make recommendations for emergency policies, and establish administrative controls to
manage the expenditure of funds, provide reasonable accountability and secure
necessary documentation for bill payment and reimbursement requests. They will assist
the Logistics Section with purchasing and acquisition needs.
Reception and Support
The requirements for mass care support will vary depending upon the scope of the evacuation.
Shelter will initially be provided to evacuees through the establishment of evacuation pick-up
and drop-off points. These evacuation points will serve as temporary safe zones for evacuees
and will provide basic needs such as food, water and restrooms. The City of Renton may open
shelters within the city if it is a localized event or participate in regional shelter operations
during a larger scale event. ESF six (6) addresses mass care, emergency assistance, housing and
human services.
Command and Control
The City of Renton Parks and Recreation Department is the primary agency responsible
for ESF 6: Mass Care, Emergency Assistance, Housing, and Human Services but would
likely seek support from regional resources such as the ARC and other non-profit or
private organizations.
Planning
The ARC maintains a list of pre-approved shelters in the Renton area including capacity.
During an emergency, it is probable that unofficial or private shelters will be activated
and may request support or coordination from the city.
Operations
The city will partner will the ARC, when possible, to provide general population shelter
facilities. The city may utilize city employees as shelter workers pursuant to ESF 6 or may
utilize staffing with ARC staff and volunteers. Mass care supplies have been procured
and pre-staged at several locations in partnership with the ARC and King County Parks.
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Logistics and Finance
The Logistics Section will respond to all requested logistical needs and will look ahead to
identify future resource needs and availability based on information provided by the
Planning Section.
The Finance Section will ensure compliance with existing disaster financial policies,
make recommendations for emergency policies, establish administrative controls to
manage the expenditure of funds, provide reasonable accountability, and secure
necessary documentation for bill payment and reimbursement requests. They will assist
the Logistics Section with purchasing and acquisition needs.
Return
Command and Control
The decision to return evacuees to their homes will be the responsibility of the on-site
IC. The IC will retain control of the incident as residents are allowed to return to their
homes or workplaces.
Planning - Return
The Planning Section continues to gather information related to resource allocation and
incident needs, working with the Safety Officer, Operations Section Chief, and Incident
Commander to determine if and when to begin demobilization.
Operations
If re-entry is to be restricted or partial, the Operations Section must have procedures in
place to properly identify residents, support personnel, first responders, contractors,
insurance adjusters, media and others who have legitimate reasons to be in the
previously closed area. Staffing for re-entry points must be obtained, including
additional law enforcement personnel, if necessary. Transportation may need to be
provided for those who were transported out of the area initially. The IC will be
responsible for determining when re-entry has been completed and making appropriate
notifications. At this point, Operations may become a primarily human services-oriented
section and appropriate staff must be added to provide those services and related
information.
The planning section will jointly develop a return plan for evacuees coordinating with all
involved agencies and ensuring effective communication. Priorities for re-entry include:
• Safety
• Security
• Damage assessment
• Restoration of services
• Communication of information
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The impacted areas must be thoroughly investigated to ensure it is safe for residents to
return. This assessment will include verification that:
• Structures and trees are deemed safe.
• Damage and safety assessments have been completed.
• There are no leaking or ruptured gas lines or downed power lines.
• Water and sewer lines have been repaired.
• Search and rescue operations have been completed.
• There are no hazardous materials that can threaten public safety or appropriate
warnings have been issued.
• Water has been deemed safe or appropriate warnings have been issued.
• Major transportation routes are passable, and debris have been removed from
public right-of-way.
• There is no threat to public safety and other significant hazards have been
eliminated.
The public will be notified of the re-entry status using communication methods outlined
in ESF 2 and ESF 15.
Logistics and Finance
The Logistics Section will respond to all requested logistical needs and will look ahead to
identify future resource needs and availability based on information provided by the
Planning Section.
The Finance Section will ensure compliance with existing disaster financial policies,
make recommendations for emergency policies, establish administrative controls to
manage the expenditure of funds, provide reasonable accountability, and secure
necessary documentation for bill payment and reimbursement requests. They will assist
the Logistics Section with purchasing and acquisition needs.
Administration
This Plan is an annex to the City of Renton’s CEMP and should be considered part of the CEMP
and updated accordingly. Many of the ESFs contained in the CEMP will be utilized during an
evacuation and should be referenced in any evacuation.
Resource Management
Evacuations can be resource intensive. The resources needed to conduct an evacuation will
depend on many factors. The city will use its available resources to conduct an evacuation until
such time as the scope of the evacuation overwhelms existing resources. Resource requests will
then be handled regionally through supportive agreements.
Supportive Agreements
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It is likely that an evacuation will overwhelm existing city capabilities. For additional resources
the city will look for support from mutual aid partners, neighboring jurisdictions and others as
outlined in the King County Regional Disaster Plan.
Emergency Funding Mechanisms
All agreements and understandings entered in to for the purchase, lease or use of equipment
and services will be in accordance with the provisions of Renton’s Municipal Code and
Procedures. If The Agreement, a financial memorandum of understanding which accompanies
the Regional Coordination Framework (RCF), is invoked to obtain resources from fellow
signatories to the RCF, the city agrees to pay the providing agency for the resources without
entering into normal contracting processes. An emergency proclamation issued by the mayor
may also suspend select rules and regulations affecting purchasing. All costs incurred in
conducting an evacuation must be stringently documented to seek reimbursement if eligible.
Post-Evacuation After-Action Reports
The city recognizes the value of conducting a debrief and creating an after-action report
following an evacuation This allows for the review of how the evacuation was executed and
helps to illustrate what can be done by involved parties to better prepare for the next event.
Plan Review and Maintenance
Planning is an ongoing process. The Evacuation Annex will need to be adapted to reflect growth
and change of the city and its surrounding jurisdictions. This annex should be evaluated and
updated along with the entire CEMP at least every five years. It may also be necessary to
update this annex following an event in accordance with the after-action report or as new
policies or programs are implemented that would impact an evacuation.
Training and Exercise
The Evacuation Annex will be incorporated in trainings and exercises in accordance with the
city’s multi-year training and exercise schedule and the Homeland Security Exercise and
Evaluation Program (HSEEP) guidelines.
References
The city maintains memorandums of understanding (MOUs) with a variety of other entities
including businesses and non-governmental organizations for services during emergencies or
disasters. A list is available at Q:\Emergency Management\Memorandums of Understanding.
Additional department-specific MOUs may also be of use during an evacuation and can be
obtained from department administrators.
Many plans, reports and technical data were referenced and incorporated into the Evacuation
Annex. The following is a comprehensive list of sources:
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• Cedar Falls Dam Failure Response Plan (draft)
• Cedar Falls Project Emergency Action Plan
• City of Renton Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan (CEMP)
• City of Renton Annex to the King County Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan
• City of Renton Land Use Code
• Flood Studies for Cedar and Green Rivers
• Howard A. Hanson Dam Emergency Action Plan
• Mud Mountain Dam Master Plan
• Olympic Pipeline Plan
• King County Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan (KCCEMP)
• King County UASI Evacuation Template
• Washington State Enhanced Hazard Mitigation Plan
• Washington State Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan
• Regional Coordination Framework for Disasters and Planned Events for Public and
Private Organizations in King County, Washington
• Revised Code of Washington
• National Incident Management System
• National Response Framework
Appendices
• Appendix A: City Boundaries and Services Areas
• Appendix B: Flood Hazards - Green and Cedar Rivers
• Appendix C: Gas Pipelines
• Appendix D: Landslide Map
• Appendix E: Comprehensive Land Use
• Appendix F: Arterial Streets
• Appendix G: Evacuation Routes
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Appendix A: City Boundaries and Services Areas
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Appendix B: Flood Hazards - Green and Cedar Rivers
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Appendix C: Gas Pipelines
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Appendix D: Landslide Map
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Appendix E: Comprehensive Land Use
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Appendix F: Arterial Streets
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Appendix G: Evacuation Routes