City of Columbia Incident Response Brief

September 12, 2018 | 3:00 p.m. |

Hurricane Florence

The following is a status update for the City of Columbia’s Incident Response to Hurricane

Florence. Updates as of 3:00 p.m.

Current & Planned Objectives

- Ensure the protection of lives, property and the surrounding environment.

- Maintain essential public safety response.

- Identifying and establishing temporary sheltering locations.

- Maintain essential utility functions and critical infrastructure.

- Establish and maintain situational awareness with partner agencies.

- Manage critical resources in emergency situations (water, food, ice, etc.)

- Communicate with the public regarding preparation and safety information.

- Prepare to respond to transportation needs for the public.

- Maintain essential governmental services.

Public Works Department

The Public Works Department current workload is a follows:

General

- City Works has a storm name entered “COC Storm 2018-Sept 11”

- Soda City Discussion

- Five Points Shuttles

Solid Waste

- Checking fleet to ensure readiness

- Presently Thursday and Friday collections are still on schedule

- No current issues

Street Division

- Checking fleet and equipment to ensure readiness

- Checking storm drainage systems in flood prone areas to include ditches, creeks and bridges

- No current issues

Traffic Engineering

- Traffic is checking generators for our internal radio system

- No current issues

Forestry & Beautification

- Checking fleet and equipment to ensure readiness

- Staff has contracted contractors to assist with tree removal if needed

- No current issues

Support Services

- Staff has checked the inclement weather center to ensure its readiness if needed.

- Staff is in the process of checking roof drains

Fleet Services

- Staff is monitoring fuel levels and will work toward keeping the tanks at capacity

- The generator at Station 16 (Harbison) is down with a water pump issue. The water pump

and we are working on rebuilding the water pump (parts due in tomorrow), if this fails we

will utilize a generator from the Police Department

Animal Services

- Animal Services is waiting word for incoming animals from the coast

Columbia-Richland 911 Communication Center

- CRC 9-1-1 is continuing normal operations.

- Staffing levels are consistent with daily operational staffing and will be adjusted

accordingly based on call volume and demand.

- As of 9/10/2018 Richland County Sheriff’s Department requested a Tactical

Dispatcher thru Wednesday at 22:00 9/12/2018.

- As of 9/12/2018 Richland County EOC requested a Tactical Dispatcher starting

Saturday thru Monday.

9/10/20

18

9/10/20

18

9/10/201

8-

9/11/201

8

9/11/20

18

9/11/201

8-

9/12/201

8

9/12/20

18

9/12/201

8-

9/13/201

8

9/13/20

18

9/13/201

8-

9/14/201

8

Phones (07:00 –

14:00)

07:00-

19:00

19:00-

07:00

07:00-

19:00

19:00-

07:00

07:00-

19:00

19:00-

07:00

07:00-

19:00

19:00-

07:00

Tot

al

911 332 677 394 703 416

Admin 622 1201 664 1505 732

Daily

Total

954 1878 1058 2208 1148

Agenci

es

CPD 170 342 251 330 273

CFD 26 63 29 72 33

RCSD 152 305 145 297 195

RCEMS 85 149 87 131 94

Columbia Water

Hurricane Florence Update Wednesday, September 12, 2018 – 15:00 Update

Columbia Water & Operations Preparation: Key personnel have been briefed and are readied for mobilization. Emergency contact list

below:

HURRICANE FLORENCE EMERGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION

OFFICE PHONE CELL PHONE

Clint Shealy 733-8682 240-6350

Joey Jaco 545-3289 315-5597

9/12/2018, 15:00 Status:

Key personnel have been notified and are on standby for storm response

We are in the process of contacting contracting companies to assist with any emergency projects or repairs as needed.

Customer Care Preparation: Key personnel have been briefed and are readied for mobilization. Emergency contact list

below:

Public

W

0 0 0 1 0

Daily

Total

433 859 512 831 595

HURRICANE EMERGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION

OFFICE PHONE CELL PHONE

Angela Adams 545-3306 542-8247

Denita Rucker 545-3307

9/12/2018, 15:00 Status:

We are in the process of adding a special notification on the front end of the Customer Care number to route storm calls directly to a representative.

We will dedicate 2 representatives to take storm-event calls. As call volume dictates we are prepared to add additional staff.

Customer Care will staff the 803-545-3300 call center at normal staffing levels 24/7 as usual. They will continue to accept and route non-emergency calls throughout the event.

Walk-in bill-pay counters will remain open during normal business hours. If the City institutes an operational shut-down, these centers will close to the public. Call-in capabilities will remain open.

Water Works Preparation: Key personnel have been briefed and are readied for mobilization. Emergency contact list

below:

HURRICANE FLORENCE EMERGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION

OFFICE PHONE CELL PHONE

CANAL

Canal Control Room 733-8336

Canal Guard Shack 401-8845

Gordon Alexander 733-8339 413-8281 / home 788-9917

Christopher Lampkin 733-8341 413-8990 or 1-843-991-8544

Rick Hiers 476-0955 917-5420

LAKE MURRAY

Lake Murray Control Room 781-2181

Lake Murray Guard Shack 749-5825

Trey Varn 749-5854 727-0451 / 606-1053

David Sharpe 749-5858 600-2979 / home 781-8754

9/12/2018, 15:00 Status:

o Both plants Staff are continuing to prep the plants for storm impacts.

o Additional activities at Columbia Canal plant We have five portable pumps to be placed at the State Museum in the

event we lose water in the canal. Staff is going through channels to have SC EMD find five additional pumps.

Staff are monitoring the canal conditions and have already done checks at key locations for seepage. Staff will continue to monitor the canal embankment as long as it is safe to do so.

We are moving 2,000 feet of bypass pipe from the Lake Murray plant to stage at the canal. We have a vendor on standby to do welding.

We have Michael Baker group running potential impact models for river level and canal impacts. We expect to have those by Thursday morning.

We have loaders and other equipment staged at Bull Street in the event we need to move more generators or equipment to the canal site.

A generator is being moved to the Tanner gates in the event we lose power to ensure their function as the canal water level fluctuates.

Communications staff is preparing language in the event we need to issue any water conservation or water loss messaging.

Water Distribution Preparation: Key personnel have been briefed and are readied for mobilization. Emergency contact list

below:

HURRICANE FLORENCE EMERGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION

OFFICE PHONE CELL PHONE

MAIN OPERATIONS

James Johnson 545-3877 413-7636

Jeremy Yates 545-3881 429-5908

Mack Paul 545-4194 413-3401

Roger Murray 497-8957

Wateka Smith 545-3873 960-9215

GENERAL NUMBERS

Water Maintenance Work Orders (Call Customer Care)

545-3300

9/12/2018, 15:00 Status:

We have contractors on standby to assist with waterline breaks.

Staff will continue to monitor as the storm moves closer.

Metro Wastewater Plant Preparation: Key personnel have been briefed and are readied for mobilization. Emergency contact list

below:

HURRICANE FLORENCE EMERGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION

OFFICE PHONE CELL PHONE

MAIN OPERATIONS

David R. Wiman – MAIN CONTACT 545-0227 600-4418

Mike Foisy 545-8566 543-6340

John Riggs 528-4238

LEAD OPERATOR

Lead Op Cell (contact will change) 413-8376

SSO STATUS

Stephen Sealy 545-0208 465-7331

LIFT STATIONS

Ashley Dove 730-8543

Mike Zeise 995-3728

GENERAL NUMBERS

Metro Main Line 545-0224

9/12/2018, 15:45 Status:

o All WWM Bypass Pumps test-started and fueled: (3) 4” Pumps available at 4013 W. Beltline Blvd. (4) 8” Pumps available at 4013 W. Beltline Blvd. (2) 12” Pumps available at 4013 W. Beltline Blvd. (WWTP-Owned) WWM-owned hoses and fittings staged at 4013 W. Beltline Blvd. Additional hoses and fittings ordered for rental

Ready for pickup 9/13/2018 o WWM Emergency Lighting test-started, fueled, and staged at 4013 W. Beltline

Blvd. o WWM Traffic Control signs test-started and staged at 4013 W. Beltline Blvd. o All WWM Heavy Equipment test-started and fueled:

“Skid Steer” with Grapple Bucket Attachment loaded Boom Truck staged with minimum (5) Plates loaded at all times

Plate location log is being monitored and updated Vac-trucks will be monitored for readiness while in use

Contents dumped at the end of each shift The following heavy equipment will be staged at Metro WWTP:

(2) Heavy Backhoes (1) Mid-size Backhoe (1) 336 Excavator (1) Rubber-tire Front-end Loader (1) “Low Boy” with 320 Excavator loaded

All other heavy equipment will be staged at 4013 W. Beltline Blvd. o Lime supply increased and stocked at 4013 W. Beltline Blvd.

o Spoil bin cleared and ready for refuse at 4013 W. Beltline Blvd.

o Rock pile stocks topped off and staged 4013 W. Beltline Blvd.

o (2) Septic Tank Skids test-started and staged at 4013 W. Beltline Blvd.

o Debris Bins staged at 4013 W. Beltline Blvd.

o SSO Response Form Packages and Damage Assessment Form packages prepped

for use as required

o Cityworks Work Order Type prepared for Emergency-related work tracking

o FEMA document-tracking folder being set up by IT on T: drive

o (5) Digital Cameras ordered

Ready for pickup 9/13/2018

o On-call staff identified for Weekend and possible OS coverage with trucks

available

(2) WWM Supervisors

All WWM Foremen on call with one backup Operator each

(2) 2-man stoppage teams

o Bentley PS bypass pump fuel tank topped off with equipment and piping tied

down

o Chain saws staged with extra chain/oil/fuel and PPE at 4013 W. Beltline Blvd.

o Auxiliary fuel and hydraulic oil staged at 4013 W. Beltline Blvd.

o 4013 W. Beltline Facility Conference Room prepared for Columbia Water EOC use

Wastewater Maintenance Preparation: Key personnel have been briefed and are readied for mobilization. Emergency contact list

below:

HURRICANE FLORENCE EMERGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION

OFFICE PHONE CELL PHONE

MAIN OPERATIONS

Jody Harley 545-3913 600-5618

Matt Ramsey 545-0415 807-0335

Jason Manchee 603-4544

Martin Golston 603-7318

Prentiss Brooks 600-7321

CRITICAL MANHOLE/ WWM SMARTCOVERS

Stephen Nabholz 760-5835

Ron Nixon 760-6292

Reginald Tyler 673-2343

Kevin LaVaughn 530-6759

GENERAL NUMBERS

WW Maintenance Main Line 545-3911

9/12/2018, 15:00 Status:

We have bypass pumps in place for sewer blockages. Staff is looking into renting an additional pump.

We have 1,000 feet of bypass hose.

Smart covers on problem manholes will be up and there will be a live-feed through SCADA on levels in the system.

Engineering Preparation: Key personnel have been briefed and are readied for mobilization. Emergency contact list

below:

HURRICANE FLORENCE EMERGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION

OFFICE PHONE CELL PHONE

MAIN OPERATIONS

Dana Higgins 545-3285 351-2386

Andrea Bolling 545-3379 413-7981

Jennifer Satterthwaite 545-0184 995-2471

WATER ENGINEERING/ SUPPORT

Jason Shaw 545-3287 528-7677

Frank Wilder

Wesley Williams

Andre Black

Brian Maier

FLOOD PREPARATIONS

Mike Jaspers 545-0076 730-4021

Ali Khan 545-3386 528-7022

CONSTRUCTION/ CONTRACTOR RESPONSE

Michael Sheu 545-3327 240-9412

Sam Catoe 545-3226 600-1474

Jeff Jeffers 545-3279 600-8431

GENERAL NUMBERS

Engineering Main Line 545-3400

9/12/2018, 15:00 Status: The projects listed below are under construction and may be

impacted by the pending storm.

All active project sites have been prepped.

Contractors are on-call for services as-need.

Emergency procurement paperwork is in the process of being filled out.

Stormwater drain covers are being cleaned by public works crews on their regular routes.

Parks & Recreation

Transportation Busses located at Fleet Services:

Bus #1 30 passenger

Bus #2 28 passenger handicap bus

Bus #3 25 passengers

Van #1 15 passengers

Van #2 15 passengers

Emergency Contact:

Randy Davis (803) 413-6447 cell, (803) 545-3085, office Randy.Davis@columbiasc.gov

Kenya Bryant (803) 497-7375 cell, (803) 545-3097, office Kenya.Bryant@columbiasc.gov

Facilities if Needed:

MLK Park- Capacity-692

Hyatt Park-Capacity-720

Miscellaneous:

Cleaned overgrowth located in Rocky Branch on September 11th at MLK Park

Produced sandbags to be utilized at park sites that have historically flooded during rain events

Southeast park lake has been being drawn down since Monday, 9/10/18 and will be kept open

throughout the weather event

Ranger staff has barricaded the three north sections of Riverfront parking to stage utility trucks. In the event that there is an Operational Shut Down, the entire parking lot will be open for staging (see diagram below)

Ranger staff has delivered a skid steer to Lake Murray Plan to load the HDPE pipe to be delivered to the canal plant

Public & Media Relations

The following information has been distributed to the public and media through

communications platforms:

- Distributed the 2018 Hurricane Guide to the public and media,

https://www.scemd.org/stay-informed/publications/hurricane-guide/

- Mayor Stephen K. Benjamin and City Manager Teresa Wilson gave updates to the

public on Twitter.

- Columbia Police Chief Skip Holbrook interview on twitter about the police

department’s efforts to prepare for the upcoming storm.

- Retweeted safety tips from South Carolina Emergency Management Division

- Created internal and external facts sheets with safety tips, important contact

numbers and frequently asked questions from the public.

City Cautions Drivers to avoid Flood-Prone Streets and Intersections

The City of Columbia urges drivers to use caution when driving during severe weather.

The following streets and intersections are prone to flooding during heavy rain events.

Please avoid these areas during and immediately after heavy rains.

*Disclaimer: Locations above are places known to be flood prone. Actual

flooding locations depend on storm strength, duration and location.

If you encounter a flooded street or intersection, turn around; do not attempt to drive

through it. Water may be deeper than it appears and can hide many hazards (i.e. sharp

objects, washed out road surfaces, electrical wires, chemicals, etc.). A vehicle caught in

swiftly moving water can be swept away in a matter of seconds. Twelve inches of water

can float a car or small SUV and 18 inches of water can carry away large vehicles.

Stay away from storm-damaged areas to include damaged or downed trees and power

lines to keep from putting yourself at risk from the effects of severe thunderstorms.

Continue to listen to a NOAA Weather Radio or to local radio and television stations for

updated information or instructions, as access to roads or some parts of the community

may be blocked.

Main and Whaley

Gervais and Laurens

Blossom and

Henderson

Blossom and Saluda

Harden and Santee

Monroe and Maple

Two Notch and Read

Wheat and Amherst

Adger and Devine

Wheat and Sumter

Wheat and Pickens

Heyward and Ravenel

Pickens between Wheat and Green

Barnwell and Pendleton

Harden and Read

Harden and Calhoun

Franklin and Marion

Franklin and Sumter

Columbia College and N. Main

Bull and Laurel

Help people who may require special assistance, such as infants, children and the

elderly or disabled.

Stay away from downed power lines and report them immediately.

To assist with keeping the storm drainage system working properly we would ask that

yard debris and other items not be placed adjacent or next to drainage structures.

For additional safety tips on driving when streets are flooded, click here.

If you notice a storm drain which is blocked by debris, please notify the Public Works

Street Division at 545-3780 during regular business hours and Customer Care at 545-

3300 after 5 p.m. and on weekends. An alternate non-emergency number is 252-

2911. For emergencies please call 911.

- # # # -

Parking Services

- Parking Services will continue normal operations until further notice. - The Parking Office will remain open at normal staffing levels as usual. If visitors

and/or customers have questions they may call 803.545.4015 or email parkingservices@columbiasc.gov

- Staff needs, schedules, event parking, and basic operations are being closely monitored.

- Emergency Contact: Elle Matney 803.528.8578

Columbia Fire Department

Preparedness

- We are continuing to prepare for the threat of high winds and heavy prolonged

periods of rain that Hurricane Florence could bring to our area through the weekend

- Right now we have adequate supplies of water and emergency food rations at all of

our stations. We are also taking an inventory of medical bags to equip our crews

- Department vehicles and equipment are continuing to be topped off with fuel.

Generators are also being checked.

- We have resources ready to help with lane reversals on the highway if that becomes

necessary

- Our medical evacuation bus, which was requested by DHEC, has been fixed and is

ready for deployment. The decision to deploy will be made after considering the

storm needs of the City of Columbia and Richland County

- We have successfully staffed a collapse search and rescue team at the request of the

state to help in outside area affected by the storm. The decision to mobilize that

team will also be made after considering the impacts of the storm here in Columbia

and Richland County

Staffing

- Currently staffing levels are at normal levels. We are developing plans to have

additional crews ready or on standby for the next 3-5 days.

Needs

- We currently have a generator out at Station 16 and are working to get it fixed. Not

having a working generator at the station could cause problems if we lose power

during the hurricane.

Calls

- Right now the Department is dealing with normal levels of calls for service

Final Thoughts

- The Columbia Fire Department will continue to monitor conditions and make

necessary revisions to plans as needed

Urgent Update

- Our medical evacuation bus has now received a written request for aid and obtained

proper approval to be deployed. We will be sending the bus, a pickup truck and a

crew of 5 (five) firefighters to Grant Strand Medical Center to assist with

evacuations.

Columbia Police Department

CPD Last 12 hours: Continue conducting Traffic Control Lane Reversal. Coordinated rescue teams with Columbia Fire Department for deployment in the

event of flooding. CPD Next 12 hours:

CPD, in coordination with Columbia Fire, will stage High Water Tactical vehicles at CPD North Region HQ’s, Columbia Fire Department HQ’s, and CPD Bluff Rd. Annex with identified teams prepared to conduct rescue operations in the event of flooding.

Department of Procurement and Contracts

- The following procurement requests have been received in our office:

- ProPak order for misc supplies (PO released on 09/10/18)

- TBP order for 10 pallets of bottled water – (PO released on 09/10/18).

The bottled water is on the truck to be delivered today.

- Robert Hilton – (PO released today) chain saws for Forestry

- - Catoe’s Power Equipment (PO released today) – chain saws for Forestry & the

Streets Division

- MREs (Ready to eat meals) – need a delivery address – Order in progress now.

- Thompson Services – Portable toilet rental - quantity (20) – PO required today –

Items available immediately.

- Engineering is compiling a request for open POs to contractors to provide services on

an as needed basis.

Our team is confirming all orders above and the tentative delivery schedules so we will

update again as soon as possible.