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Home My WebLink About09 - Hazard Mitigation Plan, 2005Hazard Mitigation Plan September 2005 Village of Rye Brook, New York 1 HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN Village of Rye Brook, New York September 2005 Hazard Mitigation Plan September 2005 Village of Rye Brook, New York 2 TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................4 PLANNING CONTEXT .........................................................................................5 Location.............................................................................................................5 Land Use Pattern ..............................................................................................5 Topographic Conditions ....................................................................................5 Demographic Characteristics ............................................................................5 RISK ASSESSMENT............................................................................................6 Identifying and Prioritizing Hazards...................................................................6 Hazard Scope and Impact Area.....................................................................6 Frequency of Occurrence ..............................................................................6 Warning .........................................................................................................6 Length of Hazard Event and Recovery..........................................................7 Hazard Profile....................................................................................................7 Table 1: Hazard Profile and Analysis Reference Table .................................7 Fire and Explosions.......................................................................................8 Airport/Airplane Crash ...................................................................................9 Transportation Accident/Hazardous Materials (in transit) ..............................9 Severe Storm...............................................................................................10 Terrorism .....................................................................................................10 Utility Failure................................................................................................11 At-Risk Facilities and Areas.............................................................................11 Table 2: At-Risk or Sensitive Facilities.........................................................12 Asset Inventory................................................................................................13 Table 3: Inventory of Property and Structural Assets*.................................13 Capability Assessment ....................................................................................13 Port Chester and Rye Brook Fire Departments ...........................................13 Police Department.......................................................................................13 Port Chester/Rye/Rye Brook Ambulance Corp............................................14 Village of Rye Brook Department of Public Works.......................................14 HAZARD POLICIES...........................................................................................14 Mission of Hazard Mitigation Plan...................................................................14 Goals of Hazard Mitigation Plan......................................................................14 Existing Policies, Reports and Regulations.....................................................15 MITIGATION OBJECTIVES AND STRATEGIES...............................................20 Developing Mitigation Strategies.....................................................................20 Mitigation Strategies........................................................................................21 Fire, Explosions, Structural Collapse and Earthquake.................................21 Airport and Airplane Crash...........................................................................23 Transportation Accident, Hazardous Materials (in transit), Hazardous Materials (fixed), Radiological (in transit), Radiological (fixed), Oil Spill, Air Contamination and Epidemic.......................................................................23 Severe Storms, Tornado, Ice Storm, Ice Jam, Winter Storm, Flooding, Landslide and Dam Failure..........................................................................26 Terrorism and Civil Unrest...........................................................................28 Hazard Mitigation Plan September 2005 Village of Rye Brook, New York 3 Utility Failure, Drought and Extreme Temperature.......................................29 PLAN IMPLEMENTATION AND MONITORING ................................................31 Hazard Plan Preparation.................................................................................31 Hazard Plan Adoption .....................................................................................32 Implementation through Existing Programs.....................................................32 Plan Monitoring and Evaluation.......................................................................33 Appendix A........................................................................................................34 Village of Rye Brook Hazard Analysis report...................................................34 Appendix B........................................................................................................35 HAZNY Evaluation Factors .............................................................................35 Appendix C........................................................................................................36 ZNY List of Hazards........................................................................................36 Appendix D........................................................................................................37 Westchester County Airport Emergency Response Plan................................37 Appendix E........................................................................................................38 Rye Brook Community Disaster Preparedness plan .......................................38 Appendix F ........................................................................................................39 Village of Rye Brook Vision Plan.....................................................................39 Appendix G........................................................................................................40 Stormwater Analysis: East Branch Blind Brook (Summary) ............................40 Appendix H........................................................................................................41 Blind Brook-Rye School District Wide Safety Plan..........................................41 Appendix I .........................................................................................................42 Port Chester Rye union Free School District wide Safety Plan .......................42 Appendix J ........................................................................................................43 Public Notices & Opportunities to Participate in Planning Process..................43 Hazard Mitigation Plan September 2005 Village of Rye Brook, New York 4 I. INTRODUCTION Disaster can strike quickly and without warning. The Village of Rye Brook has suffered losses associated with a variety of hazards occurring within and outside its boarders. It is impossible to prevent all disaster situations, but it is increasingly apparent that taking steps to mitigate (i.e. minimize) the impact of disasters before they occur will reduce loss of life and cost of damages. Improving a community’s response and recovery from natural and man- made disasters is only the first step to alleviating the disruption they impose on daily life. Developing strategies that will increase preparedness in case disaster strikes and in some situations, actually preventing a hazard situation from developing in the village could mean saving lives and property. Strategies can be either long- or short-term goals for changes to emergency response plans. Mitigation is actually a cost-effective approach to saving a community from loss of life and property associated with vulnerability to hazards. It means taking preemptive action so that the village can have a realistic view of what might actually happen, and most importantly, supply emergency response teams with the supplies they need to act faster and prepare citizens for the worst-case scenario. The Hazard Analysis Report (Appendix A) conducted by the Westchester County Department of Emergency Services Office of Emergency Management on July 18, 2003 identified natural and man-made disasters that currently threaten the village. The Hazard Mitigation Plan prepared by the Village of Rye Brook focuses on methods of mitigation that will reduce exposure and vulnerability to hazards. The plan is comprehensive in that it evaluates a broad range of natural and man-made hazards and evaluates cost-effective methods of minimizing risk to life and property. The strategies are intended to be realistic in their implementation and were developed with an understanding of the existing physical and financial limitations of the community. The Village of Rye Brook has developed a community disaster preparedness plan that focuses on emergency situations to which it is particularly vulnerable. These plans help the Police, Fire, EMS and Public Works units to be prepared for emergencies and were utilized in the development of the Hazard Mitigation Plan. The Hazard Mitigation Plan has a long-term outlook and anticipates that many of the strategies will take years or even decades to implement. The Hazard Mitigation Plan September 2005 Village of Rye Brook, New York 5 plan has been prepared in response to the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000(P.L. 106-390), which requires that local governments have an approved Hazard Mitigation Plan to be eligible to participate in the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP). In addition, the development of this plan fulfills other Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) planning requirements making the village competitive for additional mitigation grants. II. PLANNING CONTEXT A. Location The Village of Rye Brook is located within the Town of Rye in southeastern Westchester County, approximately 15 miles northeast of New York City. The 3.5 square mile village is bounded on the east by the Village of Port Chester and the Town of Greenwich, Connecticut; on the west by the Town of Harrison; on the south by the City of Rye and on the north by the Town of North Castle. B. Land Use Pattern Rye Brook is predominately a middle to upper class residential community. More than one-third of its approximately 2230 acres is designated in this category. Almost 80% of the residential dwellings are single-family detached. Almost 200 acres of the Westchester County Airport is located in the village making it the largest single land use in Rye Brook. The village lies directly in the airport’s flight path, which has approximately 500 airplane landings and departures per day. There are 3 shopping centers, 2 hotels, 3 major office developments, and 3 assisted living/ nursing homes. C. Topographic Conditions The topography of the Village of Rye Brook varies from a low of approximately 60 feet above sea level immediately south of Bowman Avenue to a high of approximately 405 feet above sea level at the community center adjacent to the village green located in the BelleFair residential community off King Street and Lincoln Avenue. The village is generally level but does contain isolated pockets of steep slopes including areas along North and South Ridge Streets, Lincoln Avenue and within the BelleFair community. D. Demographic Characteristics The village has a population of approximately 9400 persons (2004 Census Update). It is one of the fastest growing communities in Westchester County. The median age of the population is approximately 41 years with 17.3% over 65 years old and 7.8% under 5 years of age. The village’s population lives overwhelmingly in single-family owner-occupied homes (86.2%). The Hazard Mitigation Plan September 2005 Village of Rye Brook, New York 6 median household income (2000) was $98,864 with only 1.8% of its families having incomes below the poverty level. The average price paid for a residence in 2004 was $760,859. . III. RISK ASSESSMENT A. Identifying and Prioritizing Hazards For the purposes of this report hazards were evaluated and ranked based on a credible worst-case event in order to support the preparation of materials that will be valuable in all situations. See Appendix B for the HAZNY evaluation factor descriptions and Appendix C for the HAZNY list of hazards. 1. Hazard Scope and Impact Area The hazard’s scope or impact area changes depending on the hazard event. Certain events cannot be anticipated within a specific location or in multiple specific locations throughout the village, not necessarily simultaneously. Other hazards will impact the entire village and others have an impact area much larger, like the entire county, tri-state area, or northeastern states. Hazards such as explosions, fires, power failure, and weather related incidents could occur in any part of the village in specific locations. Flooding events are geographically defined. Spills associated with hazardous materials in transit are most likely to occur in transportation corridors, but spills at fixed sites are more likely to occur at individual locations. The impact needs to be evaluated including the possibility that one hazard has the capability to trigger additional hazards. A severe winter storm will likely result in increased transportation accidents, while other seasonal storms may cause flooding. 2. Frequency of Occurrence Each hazard is classified in terms of its frequency of occurrence. History is a good indicator of future events and was reviewed in making the selection. Information regarding frequency was based upon best available historical hazard event data and recent development and changes in the environment and economy of the village. Rare occurs once every 50 years. Infrequent occurs between once every 8 and once and every 50 years. Regular occurs between once a year and once every 7 years. Frequent occurs more than once a year. 3. Warning The amount of warning of a hazard event is also characterized for each hazard. The amount of warning is very important because in some instances ample warning permits preparation and even prevention. In cases of no warning, response is dependent on prepared plans and procedures for response, rescue and recovery. In general natural hazards Hazard Mitigation Plan September 2005 Village of Rye Brook, New York 7 have some advance warning of at least a day or so, while man-made hazards tend to occur with little or no warning. 4. Length of Hazard Event and Recovery Rating each hazard also depended on the expected length of the hazard event and the amount of time it would take to recover from the hazard events. As expected most hazard events have a relatively short duration, but full recovery back to pre-disaster conditions can take days or weeks. B. Hazard Profile All hazards in the HAZNY report were considered and included in the Table 1. There were no high hazards identified. In depth summaries of moderately high risk hazards follow. Similar hazards or hazards related by cascade effect have been combined for purposes of discussion. Table 1: Hazard Profile and Analysis Reference Table Duration: Hazard Scope/Impact Area Frequency of Occurrence Warning Length of Event Recovery Time Comments Moderately High Risk Fire Large Region Frequent None >1 day 1-2 days Major fires involving large areas are not common. Serious injury /death is likely but not in large numbers. Airport/Plane Crash Large region Rare None 1 day More than 2 weeks Serious injury/death to extremely large numbers along with severe damage to public and private property is possible. Transportation Accident Large Region Frequent None Less than 1 day Less than 1 day Serious injury/death is likely but not in large numbers. Limited property damage Severe Storm Large region Frequent Several Hours Less than 1 day 3 days to 1 week Moderate damage to private property and public facilities. Serious injury unlikely. Hazardous Materials (in Transit) Large Region Frequent None 2-3 days More than 2 weeks Serious injury likely but not in large numbers. Moderate damage to public and private property. Explosion Large Region Infrequent None 1 day 1-2 weeks Serious injury/death likely but not to large numbers. Severe damage to private property. Moderate structural damage to public facilities. Terrorism Several Individual Locations Rare None 2-3 days More than 2 weeks Serious injury/death to large numbers. Severe damage to private property and severe structural damage to public facilities. Utility failure Large Region Regular None 2-3 day Less than 1 day Serious injury/death unlikely. Moderate damage to private property. Little or no structural damage to public facilities. Moderately Low Risk Tornado Larger Region Rare None Less than1 More than 2 Serious injury/death likely to Hazard Mitigation Plan September 2005 Village of Rye Brook, New York 8 day weeks large numbers. Severe damage to private property and severe structural damage to public facilities. Structural Collapse Large Region Rare None Less than 1 Day More than2 weeks Serious injury/death likely but not in large numbers. Serious property damage Ice Storm Large Region Regular 1 day 2-3 days 1-2 weeks Serious injury/death unlikely. Moderate property damage. Winter Storm Large Region Regular 1 day 2-3 days 3 days to 1 week Serious injury/death unlikely. Moderate property damage Oil Spill Large Region infrequent None Less than 1 day More than 2 weeks Serious injury/death unlikely. Moderate property damage Extreme Temperatures Large region Regular Several Days 4 days to 1 week Less than 1 day Serious injury/death likely but not in large numbers. Little or no property damage Earthquake Large Region Rare None Less than 1 day More than 2 weeks Serious injury/death unlikely. Moderate property damage Civil Unrest Several individual Locations Infrequent None 4 days to 1 week 1-2 weeks Serious injury/death unlikely. Little or no property damage Flooding Several Individual Locations Infrequent Several Hours 2-3 days 1-2 days Serious injury/death unlikely. Moderate property damage Landslide Single Location Rare None Less than 1 day More than 2 weeks Serious injury/death but not in large numbers Severe damage to private property. Little damage to public facilities. Water Supply Contamination Large Region Rare Several hours More than 1 week 3 days-1 week Serious injury/death to large numbers. Little property damage. Drought Large Region Regular Several Days More than 1 week Less than 1 day Serious injury/death unlikely. Little or no property damage. Radiological (in transit) Large Region Rare None 1 day More than 2 weeks Serious injury/death unlikely. Little or no property damage. Epidemic Large Region Infrequent Several Days More than 1 week 3 days to 1 week Serious injury/death likely but not in large numbers. Little or no property damage. Dam Failure Several Individual Locations Rare Several Hours 1 day 1-2 weeks Serious injury/death unlikely. Severe damage to private property. Moderate damage to public facilities. Air Contamination Large Region Infrequent Several days 2-3 days 3 days to 1 week Serious injury/death likely but not in large numbers. Little or no property damage Low Risk Hurricane Large Region Rare Several Days 1 day More Than 2 weeks Serious injury/death likely but not in large numbers. Moderate property and public facilities damage Hazardous Materials (Fixed Site) Several Individual Locations Infrequent None 1 day More than 2 weeks Serious injury/death likely but not in large numbers. Moderate property and public facility damage Radiological (Fixed) Several Individual Locations Rare None 1 day 3 days to 1 week Serious injury/death unlikely. Moderate damage to private property. Little damage to public facilities. Ice Jam Several Individual Locations Rare 1 day 2-3 days Less than 1 day Serious injury/death likely but not in large numbers. Little or no property damage 1. Fire and Explosions Hazard Mitigation Plan September 2005 Village of Rye Brook, New York 9 Structural fires, while unusual, are one of the more frequently hazards occurring in the Village of Rye Brook. Wildfires are less likely to occur because of the nature of the open space and plant life in the village. Both structural fires and wildfires occur without warning. Structural fires usually affect a single location, but have the potential to spread quickly in the more densely developed commercial districts. Structural fires last less than one day and recovery can take days to weeks following the event. Most fires are associated with single-family homes, the primary land use in the village, and older neighborhoods are at higher risk because homes pre-date modern fire prevention codes. Fire protection services are provided by the Village of Port Chester Fire Department and the Rye Brook Fire Department. Mutual aid responses from surrounding communities are coordinated through the Westchester County Mutual Aid System. The entire village is vulnerable to this type of hazard. Explosions of any kind are a rare event in the village. There would likely be no warning for such an event. An explosion would likely last less than one day and recovery time would be days to weeks depending on severity. 2. Airport/Airplane Crash Airport and airplane crashes are identified as moderate high-level hazards in Rye Brook. A 200-acre portion of the Westchester county Airport is within the Village of Rye Brook. The village is situated below the flight path of aircraft utilizing that airport and nearby New York City airports. The airport encompasses 705 acres in total. It has 18 major hangers plus 13 additional buildings and an FAA control Tower staffed 17 hours per day. The airport averages 550 operations per day. It has 380 based aircraft, 85 corporate jets and 94 airline flights per day. The largest aircraft in continuous use at the airport is a Boeing 737 (up to 128 passengers). The Rye Brook Fire Department is designated as a primary responding department in the Westchester County Airport Emergency Response Plan (August 2000). See Appendix D 3. Transportation Accident/Hazardous Materials (in transit) Transportation accidents occur frequently with the potential of serious injury or death but likely not in large numbers and generally with limited public or private property loss. The highest hazard area is along the I-287 corridor. Hazard Mitigation Plan September 2005 Village of Rye Brook, New York 10 Disasters associated with hazardous material incidents at fixed sites within or around the village were considered moderately high. The impact of such an event would likely be contained to the point of origin with possible additional contamination from hazardous materials being transported by water bodies and municipal infrastructure such as storm water drains and sewer pipes. Significant spill events are infrequent and typically occur without warning. The length of such an event and its recovery time are comparable to those of hazardous materials in transit. Radiological materials would most likely be identified in medical and dental facilities and would be present in small quantities. Oil/fuel spills were rated as having a moderately high risk. The impact area of such an event would likely be limited. Smaller spill events are frequent within the village, which typically occurs without warning. The length of the event would likely be less than one day with a recovery time of a few days or less. The village has 2 gas stations and 3 other automobile service related facilities that are prone to periodic spills from tanker trucks. Spills have also been known to occur in residential and commercial structures within the village. 4. Severe Storm Thunderstorms and high winds are rated as a moderately low hazard. They occur frequently and usually last for a day or less. Recovery time is a few days to a week. The impact area is limited, but would likely have a greater impact to older homes. According to the National Climate Data Center there have been 119 reported major thunderstorm and high wind events in Westchester County, New York since 1959. Winter and ice storms are a frequent event affecting the entire village. Older buildings with flat roofs are potentially vulnerable to a structural collapse associated with the weight of snow and ice from major storm events. Pre-1940 housing and older buildings would also be more vulnerable to freezing pipes and other impacts associated with extremely low temperatures. There is usually at least one day of warning prior to such events and they usually last a day to a few days. Recovery from winter related storms could take days to weeks. 5. Terrorism Terrorism is considered a moderately high level hazard in the village. The events of September 11, 2001 have forced communities to discuss terrorism as a more serious possibility. The village enhanced training, education and equipment to local emergency services, law enforcement, and government personnel. Westchester County has identified the airport to be a significant target of opportunity. Terrorist events would last less than a day, but could take days to months to recover. Hazard Mitigation Plan September 2005 Village of Rye Brook, New York 11 6. Utility Failure A power failure would most likely impact only a section of the village, though significant events could impact the entire community. They occur frequently and have potential for prior warning if associated with storm events. The incident usually will last less than a day and take a few days or less to recover from. Power failures are typically associated with major storms or high-energy demand days in the summer months. In August 2003 there was a massive power failure that impacted the entire northeastern United States. That event highlighted the condition of the power grid, the growing demand for electricity and the region’s susceptibility to a major power failure. In light of that event there is increasing attention to the village’s vulnerability to a major black out, which may occur on a more frequent basis than previously recognized. A water supply failure would typically be an isolated incident, but could be a village wide. Such an incident would rarely occur and would most likely last a day or less. Recovery time is estimated to be one day. The village is served by a public water supply system. Aquarion Water Company is the primary service provider. El Paso Corporation’s Tennessee Gas Pipeline owns and operates a high-pressure natural gas transmission line that passes through the village. It includes compression stations on Brookside way and King Street at Glenville Road. Con Edison has a natural gas metering station at Glenville Road site where it transfers natural gas from the interstate transmission line to its local distribution system. A failure would be rare but could result in a significant localized event. Recover time is estimated to be one day. C. At-Risk Facilities and Areas There are a number of facilities and areas in the village that are sensitive and require protection from hazards. Sensitive or vulnerable facilities include those located in at-risk areas that are essential for providing emergency response to hazard events. Sites that have large concentrations of people or at-risk populations are sensitive and vulnerable during hazard events because they will require special attention from emergency workers. Hazardous materials facilities may require evacuation or heightened security, and areas with older construction are particularly susceptible to fire and structural collapse. Table 2 in this section provides a list of facilities that regularly have higher population concentrations or are essential for response and recovery. The table includes the estimated number of people that regularly use the space and the structural value of the site should it be lost or damaged in a hazard event. The following is a summary of facilities and their potential vulnerability to hazard events. Hazard Mitigation Plan September 2005 Village of Rye Brook, New York 12 Table 2: At-Risk or Sensitive Facilities Facility Name Facility Type Approx. Number of People* Estimated Structure Value 100-Year Flood Zone** Haz Mat Corridor Village Hall/Police Station Emergency Response 35 $ 2,681,545 Fire Station Emergency Response 4 $ 2,500,000 Park & Highway Garage Emergency Response 15 $ 262,600 X X A.J.Posillipo Community Center Seniors 130 $ 1,145,500 X X Blind Brook High/Middle School School 850 $ 4,866,800 Ridge St Elementary School School 915 $ 2,269,600 Port Chester Senior High School School 1,180 $ 8,228,300 Port Chester Middle School School 950 $ 7,394,300 X Doral Arrowwood/Pfizer Hotel 1,000 $ 69,791,130 Rye Town Hilton Hotel 1,900 $ 37,432,300 X BelleFair/Sterling Glen Sewerage Pump Station Utility 0 $ 160,000 BelleFair Water Pump Station Utility 0 Tennessee Gas Pipeline Compression Stations Utility 0 N/A Con Edison Natural Gas Metering Facility Utility 0 $ 855,400 Bowman Avenue Dam Dam 0 N/A X X Hidden Falls Dam Dam 0 N/A Blind Brook Club Irrigation Dam Dam 0 N/A Mobile Gas Station Gas Station 10 $ 499,900 Gulf Gas Station Gas Station 10 $ 1,015,500 Reckson Office Park Office Park $ 28,092,150 RPW Group Office Park 200 $ 22,221,050 Rye Ridge Plaza Office Park 400 $ 5,892,300 X X Ridge – Bowman LLC (90 South Ridge) Office Park 500 $ 3,464,200 Win Ridge Shopping Center Shopping Center 725 $ 9,596,000 X Win Ridge South Shopping Center Shopping Center 250 $ 3,614,800 X Washington Park Plaza Shopping Center Shopping Center 350 $ 11,407,630 Grant St Senior Housing Senior Housing 65 $ 1,155,00 King St Nursing Home Nursing Care 500 $ 2,924,110 United Cerebral Palsy Association Special Needs 450 $ 9,440,800 Sterling Glen of Rye Brook Senior Housing 340 $ 24,198,500 Westchester County Airport Airport 3,500 $ 34,578,400 Hazard Mitigation Plan September 2005 Village of Rye Brook, New York 13 D. Asset Inventory Table 3: Inventory of Property and Structural Assets* Number of Properties # % Estimated Full Market Value Estimated Structural Value Village Wide 3,388 100% $ 3,060,105,769 $ 1,901,934,858 Single-Family Properties 2,744 81% $ 2,091,823,450 Two-Family Properties 216 6% $ 119,075,300 $ 1,034,438,782 (One, Two & Three-Family) Commercial & All Other Properties 428 13% $ 849,207,019 $ 433,748,038 *as of 2004 E. Capability Assessment The following is a summary of the Village of Rye Brook’s capabilities for responding to hazard events. This section discusses the village’s current capabilities with respect to fire protection, law enforcement, emergency medical care and public works. This section also addresses areas of emergency response in need of improvement or enhancement. 1. Port Chester and Rye Brook Fire Departments Fire services are provided by the Village of Port Chester Fire Department and the Rye Brook Fire Department. Port Chester Fire Department provides coverage 24 hours per day throughout the year. The Rye Brook Fire Department provides supplemental service from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Both departments are under the command and control of the Port Chester Fire Chief. Fire prevention is provided by the Rye Brook department. The Port Chester Fire Department has 175 active volunteers and 12 career firefighters. The Rye Brook Department has 8 career firefighters. Port Chester operates 10 major fire apparatuses and Rye Brook has 2 major fire apparatuses. 2. Police Department The Rye Brook Police Department consists of 28 officers and 1 support staff position. A minimum of 3 sworn officers is always on duty. Assistance is available formally through the Westchester County Mutual Aid Plan and informally through assistance arrangements with contiguous departments. Hazard Mitigation Plan September 2005 Village of Rye Brook, New York 14 The village has 13 police vehicles including 7 marked patrol cars and 1 motorcycle. Emergency equipment also includes a closed utility trailer, emergency portable light sets with generator and various cones, barricades and flairs. 3. Port Chester/Rye/Rye Brook Ambulance Corp . The Port Chester/Rye/Rye Brook Ambulance Corp. is a combination of career and volunteer members that respond to about 5,000 medical calls per year within Rye Brook and the adjacent Village of Port Chester and City of Rye. There are twenty volunteer and career Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) and 15 career Paramedics. They have five ambulances with Basic and Advanced Life Support systems for pre-hospital treatment and transport to local hospitals. They also have 2 paramedic fly cars. 4. Village of Rye Brook Department of Public Works The Public Works Department employs 10 full-time staff members plus various seasonal employees. The department has a range of equipment and 10 vehicles that it uses for disaster response, cleanup and recovery. The department maintains a significant amount of municipal infrastructure including roads, sewers, drainage systems and trees. In major hazard events, these facilities are susceptible to damage. . IV. HAZARD POLICIES A. Mission of Hazard Mitigation Plan The overarching mission of the of this hazard mitigation plan is to identify cost- effective objectives and strategies to reduce risk to life and property associated with potential high risk natural hazards and man-made hazards and to improve village and community response and recovery in the event these hazards occur. It is important to highlight that the mission emphasizes cost-effective mitigation approaches in recognition of the fiscal limitations of the village. This will require that the village develop partnerships and establish priorities, which are also included in the village’s hazard mitigation mission. Partnerships can help overcome financial challenges but also expand possibilities for more effective implementation strategies and identify shared responsibilities in meeting hazard mitigation objectives B. Goals of Hazard Mitigation Plan . In support of this mission the following hazard mitigation goals were identified: Hazard Mitigation Plan September 2005 Village of Rye Brook, New York 15 • Protect health and safety. • Protect property and minimize property losses. • Promote hazard mitigation strategies consistent with other natural resources, land use planning, quality of life and other policies of the village. • Ensure that public funds are used in the most cost-effective and efficient manner. • Encourage and facilitate partnerships among public agencies, local governments, citizens, non-profit organizations, businesses and other interests to advance the implementation of hazard mitigation strategies. The most preferred goals are those that eliminate or reduce the number of facilities and structures within hazard prone areas. Where this goal cannot be realistically achieved enhancing the ability of structures to withstand hazard events should be pursued to minimize impacts. If efforts to avoid or minimize impacts cannot be practically implemented the village should seek to improve its response, recovery and preparedness to hazard events. Enhancing information on and community awareness of hazards are also important goals to advance effective mitigation planning. C Existing Policies, Reports and Regulations There are a variety of existing policies, reports and regulations that relate to hazard mitigation. This regulatory framework was evaluated at the local, state and federal level to determine the extent to which existing policies support, facilitate or hinder hazard mitigation. This review focuses primarily on existing policies that specifically address either hazard mitigation or emergency response or preparedness. Though some were included in this review there are likely many environmental protection, land development, natural resource conservation or other policies and regulations that may support or hinder hazard mitigation efforts. a. Village of Rye Brook and Westchester County Policies • Rye Brook Disaster Preparedness Plan The Disaster Preparedness Plan is a guide for action during a major emergency. These operating procedures were last updated in February 2004 and include response systems for many of the hazards addressed in the report. Additionally, Chap 243 of the Village of Rye Brook Code (Water Supply Emergency) provides guidelines for response and action in the event of a large-scale disruption of water services. The village and Nextel Wireless Network have been working to develop an agreement to erect a multi-carrier facility to enhance cellular phone communications so that emergency personnel will be able to communicate more easily. See Appendix E. • HAZNY The Hazard New York program, sponsored by NYSEMO, produced a Hazard Analysis Report of the community. HAZNY is Hazard Mitigation Plan September 2005 Village of Rye Brook, New York 16 an automated interactive spreadsheet that asks specific questions on potential hazards in a community. The program also records and evaluates the responses to these questions. HAZNY also includes historical and expert data on selected hazards. See Appendixes A-C. • Rye Brook Vision Plan In early 1999, the village embarked on a citizen based community- visioning process as an outgrowth of a series of town meetings organized by the Mayor and Trustees. Under the leadership of the Rye Brook Planning Board, it was determined to undertake a vision plan process that went beyond traditional master land-use planning. The Rye Brook Vision Plan was completed in 2000. It is a policy statement that established a vision and specific action strategies for the future of the village across a broad range of issue areas. The plan emphasizes maintaining, enhancing and protecting Rye Brook’s unique features to the greatest extent possible. See Appendix F. • Fire Prevention Chapter 91 of the Village of Rye Brook Code establishes regulations, consistent with nationally recognized good practice, for the safeguarding, to a reasonable degree, of life and property from the hazards of fire and explosion arising from the storage, handling, and use of hazardous substances, materials and devices, and from conditions hazardous to life or property in the use or occupancy of buildings or premises. Chapter 212 of the Code, adopted in 1997, requires that all new buildings be equipped with sprinkler systems. All pre-existing commercial buildings were required to be sprinklered by June 30, 2004. Pre-existing attached residential units must install sprinklers upon substantial (50%) alteration. • Storm Water Management Plan In 2002, Rye Brook engaged Dolph Rotfeld Engineering, P.C. to study the drainage in the East Branch Blind Brook Watershed. The study identified opportunities to improve drainage and reduce localized flooding at several locations in the village. See Appendix G. ● School District Wide Safety Plans The Blind Brook-Rye School District and the Port Chester Rye Union Free School District have both developed district wide Hazard Mitigation Plan September 2005 Village of Rye Brook, New York 17 safety plans to guide their response to emergencies and violent incidents within the schools. See Appendixes H & I. • Westchester County CEMP Exercise and Incident Command System Overview The Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan (CEMP) provides general, all-hazard management guidance, using existing organizations, to allow the County to meet its responsibilities before, during and after emergencies and disasters. ● Westchester County Non-Point Source Management Plan Westchester County Non-Point Source Management Plan (1998) was produced in accordance with the “Report and Recommendations (1993)” of the County Executive’s Citizen’s Committee on Non-Point Source Pollution in Long Island Sound. The document is divided into two sections. The first contains the recommended action plan for the Watershed Advisory Committee 3 (WAC-3) study area of the Long Island Sound watershed. The second assesses specific water quality protection techniques recommended in the first section. The principles of this plan have been endorsed by all of the municipalities that were in the WAC-3 study area. Some of the projects have been implemented including stream bank stabilization. ● Westchester County Stream Control Law Enacted by the County in 1956 to address flooding concerns, the Stream Control Law 17 allows the County Department of Public Works to establish channel lines and grades for streams by filing an order with the County Clerk after performing required studies and investigations, preparing a map showing channel lines and grades, and holding a public hearing. The effect of filing an order establishing channel lines and grades is that any person or municipality planning to do work within those lines, or 100 feet there from must apply to the County Commissioner of Public Works for a permit. The purpose of the law is to prevent obstruction of channel flows and deterioration of stream channels, but its jurisdictional reach is limited. The law was not designed to comprehensively manage stormwater runoff from new development, or prevent increased flood flows or damage from excess runoff. However, for projects that require a permit, conditions may include requiring zero- increase in runoff, constructing structures above the FEMA 100- year base flood elevation, and erosion controls. Hazard Mitigation Plan September 2005 Village of Rye Brook, New York 18 The Stream Control Law applies to 38 miles of stream segments throughout the county, the last of which was added to the program in 1965. Less than 25% of all eligible stream channel lines have been established, primarily due to the expense involved and local concerns. Four miles of Blind Brook are included under the law. b. New York State and Federal Policies • New York State Uniform Fire Prevention & Building Code The NYSUFP&BC is intended to provide minimum requirements to safeguard the public safety, health and general welfare, through structural strength, means of egress facilities, stability, sanitation, adequate light and ventilation, and safety to life and property from fire and other hazards attributed to the built environment, as well as to ensure the public safeguards insofar as they are affected by the continued occupancy and maintenance of structures and premises. Furthermore the Fire Provisions of the NYSUFP&BC are intended to establish the minimum requirements consistent with nationally recognized good practice for providing a reasonable level of life safety and property protection from the hazards of fire, explosion or dangerous conditions in new and existing buildings, structures and premises. The Building Department is the lead agency responsible for enforcement of this code. All Code Enforcement Officials are required to complete a series of training courses in order to receive the required State Certification needed to enforce the State Code. This certification must be maintained by completing twenty-four hours of in-service training annually. As per State Law, the Building Department, in conjunction with the Fire Department conducts annual inspections of all structures classified by the NYSUFP&BC as having an assembly occupancy. Furthermore all commercial structures as well as structures having an occupancy classification of multi-family are inspected on a rotating schedule as permitted by staffing limitations, and department activity. The village’s newly created Safe Housing Task Force, comprised of members of the Rye Brook Building, Fire and Police Departments, will address the growing concerns of Rye Brook residents with respect to fire safety, and possible overcrowding in one and two family dwellings. Hazard Mitigation Plan September 2005 Village of Rye Brook, New York 19 • Federal Disaster Mitigation Act In October 2000, the President of the United States signed into law the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 (Public Law 106-390) to amend the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act of 1988. The new legislation reinforced the importance of pre-disaster mitigation planning to reduce the Nation’s disaster losses and is aimed primarily to control and streamline the administration of federal disaster relief and mitigation programs. Section 203 establishes a “National Pre-disaster Mitigation Fund” in order to carry out a program that will “provide technical and financial assistance to States and local governments to assist in the implementation of pre-disaster hazard mitigation measures that are cost-effective and designed to reduce injuries, loss of life, and damage to property, including damage to critical services and facilities under the jurisdiction of the States or local governments.” Section 322 provides a new and revitalized approach to mitigation planning by specifically doing the following: Establishes a new requirement for local tribal mitigation plans, authorizes up to seven percent of the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) funds available to a state to be used for development of state local and tribal mitigation plans, and provides for states to receive an increased percentage of HMGP funds (from 15 to 20 percent) if, at the time of the declaration of a major disaster, they have in effect an approved State Mitigation Plan that meets the factors in the law. • Statewide Wireless Network New York State Office for Technology has proposed to develop a Statewide Wireless Network for voice and data radio communication services to enable public safety and public service entities operating within the State of New York to better respond to and protect our citizens. c. Utilize environmental protection laws, land development restrictions, natural resource conservation and other policies and regulations that support hazard mitigation. • Land Development Regulations The village has a variety of local laws that support hazard mitigation planning. The Subdivision Regulations and Zoning Code regulate the use, intensity, and pattern of development in the village. The Zoning Code regulates lot size and building construction and renovation. Hazard Mitigation Plan September 2005 Village of Rye Brook, New York 20 • Wetlands Protection The Wetlands and Watercourses Law requires the issuance of a permit for any structure or activities within a wetlands or its 100- foot buffer. Chapter 245 in the Code is designed to provide for the protection, preservation, maintenance and use of the sensitive areas by preventing damage, minimizing disturbance, preserving natural habitats and protecting against flood and pollution through the establishment of a Water Control Commission and otherwise protecting the quality of such areas that are essential. • Erosion And Sediment Control Chapter 118 of the Village Code maintains the channel capacity of watercourses to decrease the likelihood of flooding. • Steep Slope Protection Chapter 213 of the Code regulates the disturbance of steep slopes to minimize potential adverse effects and prevent flooding and erosion. V. MITIGATION OBJECTIVES AND STRATEGIES A. Developing Mitigation Strategies No high-risk hazards were identified in Rye Brook’s HAZNY profile (see Table 1). Eight moderately high-risk hazards were identified along with 16 moderately low risk and 4 low risk hazards. Meaningful hazard mitigation requires a broad array of strategies. Each hazard was considered by the village’s All-hazard Mitigation Work Team. For purposes of developing mitigation strategies, hazards requiring similar responses were grouped together with the greatest focus placed on those identified as posing the highest risk to the village and its residents. The objectives identified in section 1 below were considered using the factors in section 2. The strategies for mitigation were then reviewed in terms of supporting the goals of this Hazard Mitigation Plan. 1. Identify mitigation objectives for each hazard and determine strategies that will achieve this objective. a. Better asses the possibility of exposure to hazard events b. Increase the number of structures that can withstand the impact of the hazard c. Determine the most effective means of reducing risk d. Improve awareness of the hazard e. Enhance response and recovery 2. Consider the following factors for the implementation of the strategies: a. relative implementation cost b. effectiveness in mitigating a hazard Hazard Mitigation Plan September 2005 Village of Rye Brook, New York 21 c. amount of time necessary for implementation d. parties responsible for implementation e. where funding for the strategy will come from 3. Evaluate the extent to which each strategy supports the goals of the Hazard Mitigation Plan. B. Mitigation Strategies 1. Fire, Explosions, Structural Collapse and Earthquake Objective: Increase the number of structures that are more resistant to fire or collapse Strategies that reduce the potential for fire, explosion, earthquakes, or structural collapse should be encouraged. In many cases this involves confirmation of compliance with existing New York State Building Codes. Some of the village’s building stock is old. It is being upgraded and redeveloped offering opportunities to meet current fire prevention and building code requirements. The village has a stringent fire code that exceeds New York State Building Code requirements. Under Chapter 212 of the Village Code, all commercial buildings are required to be equipped with sprinkler systems. All residential buildings constructed since 1997 must be sprinklered and all pre-existing attached residential units must install sprinklers upon substantial (50%) alteration. Rye Brook has an aggressive code enforcement program that includes annual inspection of all public assembly facilities and inspection of all commercial uses on a three-year cycle. The following suggests additional strategies to either require or create incentives to encourage more structures to meet current requirements. The cost of these strategies is low for the village. Most costs would be borne by private property owners in meeting fire or building code regulations. The effectiveness of these strategies is considered moderate and they will take years to implement, as each structure is upgraded. The Building Department or Fire Inspector may require more code compliance inspections. Changes in existing local regulations or implementation of incentives will require approval of the Board of Trustees. Strategy: Insure compliance with all life safety codes through diligent inspections. Seek to inspect all commercial uses annually. Strategy: Consider incentives to encourage the retrofitting of existing buildings within the Village Fire Limits to meet current NYS Building Code requirements. Hazard Mitigation Plan September 2005 Village of Rye Brook, New York 22 Strategy: Consider providing incentives for the installation of sprinklers where not required by code. Objective: Raise awareness regarding risk of fire, explosion and structural collapse. The village should implement strategies that acquire information regarding potential fire and explosion threats, and structures that may be vulnerable to collapse. The location of these structures that present risk should be identified so that prevention and response measures can be appropriately defined. Strategies defined here emphasize community outreach to raise fire awareness and proper fire prevention measures. Partnerships with local schools, businesses and community organizations will be a useful resource in carrying out these strategies. The following strategies can be low cost, but may require additional administrative commitment from the Building Department and the Fire Inspector. Strategy: Conduct inventory of buildings not meeting current NYS Building Code requirements. Strategy: Conduct inventory of sites or facilities that may be prone or vulnerable to explosions. Strategy: Enhance fire safety awareness information and make such information more available to local homeowners and businesses via village website and Cable TV. Strategy: Enhance building and fire inspections to ensure compliance with applicable building code and fire safety laws. Promote voluntary inspections of buildings, where not required by law, with amnesty provision. Strategy: Utilize the village’s Safe Housing Task Force to identify unsafe residential practices and improve through public education. Objective: Enhance hazard response, recovery and preparedness. The village should improve its ability to respond to and recover from a fire, collapse or other hazard events. The following strategies identify mitigation projects that will improve response of emergency service providers to hazard events. These strategies can be expensive to implement and may require additional capital improvement or budget funding or other outside sources such as state of federal grants. Strategy: Create improved map of village roads and access routes to/from adjoining communities. Strategy: Encourage and enhance training of Fire Department personnel through joint drills and response planning. Hazard Mitigation Plan September 2005 Village of Rye Brook, New York 23 Strategy: Continue to evaluate roads for emergency vehicle access. Strategy: Identify locations requiring alternative emergency evacuation routes and seek additional access in conjunction with future development. 2. Airport and Airplane Crash Objective: Enhance hazard response, recovery and preparedness. Approximately 30% of Westchester County Airport is located within the Village of Rye Brook. As a consequence, the village is situated below the flight path of aircraft utilizing that airport as well as nearby New York City airports. Westchester County, as owner and operator, is responsible for airport safety and emergency response planning. The village should implement strategies that improve communications and coordination of activities among involved agencies. The village should also seek to enhance its capability to communicate alerts to its residents on both a general and targeted basis. Strategy: Seek participation in Westchester County Airport safety and emergency response planning. Strategy: Participate, in emergency response training exercise in conjunction with the airport. Strategy: Work with Westchester County to enhance timely communication with village emergency responders. Seek to be alerted whenever an incident may be developing (i.e. airplane-in-trouble) prior to a call for assistance. Strategy: Acquire and place in service a Reverse 911 calling system at the Rye Brook Police Headquarters that allows targeted notification of residents of developing incidents that might affect them. 3. Transportation Accident, Hazardous Materials (in transit), Hazardous Materials (fixed), Radiological (in transit), Radiological (fixed), Oil Spill, Air Contamination and Epidemic. Rye Brook’s greatest exposure to significant transportation accidents and hazardous material spills is along the I-287 corridor. The diversity of hazardous materials and their potential heath risk is a complex and evolving topic. The movement and storage of hazardous materials presents a threat to the community and emergency response personnel. The Building Department and the Fire Inspector are aware of and monitor sites that have potentially hazardous materials. It is essential that the village attempt to monitor hazardous materials and prepare responding emergency personnel. Hazard Mitigation Plan September 2005 Village of Rye Brook, New York 24 Objective: Better assess exposure to hazardous materials events. The village should implement strategies that seek to better identify the nature of materials in the community. Through identifying movement and storage of hazardous materials in the village, emergency personnel will have an understanding of the potential exposure to hazardous materials. Movement of hazardous materials through the transportation corridors in the village is difficult to regulate, but identifying sensitive buildings in the transportation corridors, such as day care facilities and schools would prepare emergency personnel with information about the structure of the facility and the number of people regularly using the facility in the case of a hazardous event. There are locations throughout the village that regularly use and store hazardous materials. Knowledge of what is kept at each location prior to a hazardous event would permit emergency personnel to respond quickly with less risk. Instituting these new strategies would be moderately costly and would have moderate effectiveness. Organized information potentially results in more effective response. Strategy: Encourage the development of a regional monitoring system which storage and movement of hazardous materials is recorded. Keep monitoring system up to date by supplementing inspector reports with self-reporting. Strategy: Share all known hazardous material storage with Building, Police, Fire, EMS and Highway Departments. Strategy: Identify sensitive facilities within the hazardous materials corridors and near known hazardous material sites. Strategy: Participate in annual training and safety awareness programs associated with the El Paso Corporation’s Tennessee Gas Pipeline. Strategy: Coordinate Tennessee Gas Pipeline response drills with the Town of Greenwich, Ct. Seek better location maps and insure adjacent property owner awareness. Strategy: Conduct inspections of sites with or vulnerable to hazardous materials. Strategy: Increase traffic enforcement in higher risk regions. Objective: Increase the number of structures that are able to withstand impacts associated with hazardous materials events. Where avoidance of exposure to hazardous materials cannot be practically achieved, the village should increase the number of structures Hazard Mitigation Plan September 2005 Village of Rye Brook, New York 25 and facilities that can withstand impacts associated with hazardous material events. Strategies that advance this objective are generally more expensive to implement since they involve retrofitting of existing structures or acquiring new equipment. Partnerships with other New York State and Westchester County Agencies will likely be necessary for implementation. Strategy: Consider retrofitting of existing critical facilities to withstand impacts associated with hazardous materials spills. Strategy: Identify storm drain outfalls near or along major transportation routes or known hazardous materials sites and provide mitigation measures to prevent the conveyance of spilled hazardous materials into adjacent waterways. Strategy: Ensure that hazardous material sites have in place proper spill mitigation and containment measures. Objective: Improve awareness of hazardous materials and possible mitigation strategies. Enhancing awareness of hazardous materials will better prepare the community in case a hazardous materials event occurs. The village’s website is a cost effective means of distribution Strategy: Provide information to residents and businesses regarding hazardous material risks and how to respond in the event a disaster occurs. Include seasonal safety awareness information in all newsletters and reference more detailed information on village web pages. Strategy: Link from village’s web pages to county, state and federal emergency response sites. Objective: Enhance response, recovery and preparedness. The following strategies emphasize enhancements in current planning, training and equipment for the Police, Fire and EMS Units. These strategies will require partnerships between the village emergency service providers, Westchester County and area municipalities. Grants and other outside funding sources will be required due to the high cost of implementation of the strategies. Strategy: Arrange for use of school district buses in case evacuations are required. Strategy: Arrange for use of village hotels should other shelter sites become unavailable, Hazard Mitigation Plan September 2005 Village of Rye Brook, New York 26 Strategy: Enhance training of emergency service providers and pursue funding for appropriate protective gear and equipment. Strategy: Identify or be provided advanced warning of the types of hazardous materials traveling on major transportation routes. Strategy: Provide emergency service teams and others unable to relocate during hazardous materials events with necessary protective equipment. Strategy: Through hazardous material education, encourage residents of single and two-family homes to store and use hazardous materials safely. Strategy: Create improved street maps that identify alternate evacuation routes. Strategy: Provide detailed storm drain maps to emergency responders to identify direction of flow in case of spills. Strategy: Provide topographic maps to emergency responders to identify low-lying areas that might require evacuation. Strategy: Coordinate strategic placement of clean up materials and protective equipment with the Westchester County Hazardous Materials Team. Strategy: Provide training and supplemental protective equipment/materials to the Highway Department (i.e. ability to block downstream drains in case of spill). Strategy: Conduct joint drills with Westchester County Hazardous Materials Team and adjoining communities. Strategy: Conduct annual inspections of alternative emergency exits to residential and commercial developments to insure availability and user awareness. 4. Severe Storms, Tornado, Ice Storm, Ice Jam, Winter Storm, Flooding, Landslide and Dam Failure. Severe weather related disasters are regular events in the area. The village has regular procedure for such events. The following objectives strive to enhance damage prevention before a storm and improve disaster relief and recovery strategies for during and after the storm. Objective: Implement most effective means of reducing risk Hazard Mitigation Plan September 2005 Village of Rye Brook, New York 27 The strategies developed for the most effective means of reducing risk in the event of flooding or a severe storm are high cost and high effectiveness. Strategy: Identify and mitigate, to extent feasible, all essential village facilities located within the 100-year flood zone (i.e. A.J. Posillipo Community Center and Highway Garage). Strategy: Continue with Storm Water Drainage projects in problem areas of the village in order to diminish risk of flooding as identified in 2002 Storm Water analysis of East Branch Blind Brook (Dolph Rotfeld Engineering, P.C.) Strategy: Acquire undeveloped flood prone property and explore joint project with City of Rye to enhance storm water detention at Bowman Avenue. Strategy: Inspect annually all dams and storm water detention structures in village. Strategy: Inspect village trees on regular basis to insure proper trimming and removal as necessary. Strategy: Consider local legislation establishing stormwater management requirements to minimize increases in stormwater runoff from land development to reduce flooding, siltation and help maintain the integrity of stream channels. Objective: Improve awareness of flooding and possible mitigation strategies. Enhancing the community’s awareness of the risks associated with severe storms and flooding in the village and the possible mitigation strategies will better prepare the community in case a severe storm or flooding event occurs. Using the village’s website is a cost effective means of distribution. Strategy: Provide information to residents and businesses regarding the risk of severe storms and flooding. Distribute information on damage prevention and emergency response before a disaster occurs. Strategy: Develop links off of the village’s web pages to county, state and federal emergency response sites to help residents prepare for hazardous events. Objective: Enhance response, recovery and preparedness. The following strategies emphasize enhancements in current planning, training and equipment for the Police, Fire and Highway Departments. These strategies will require partnerships between the village emergency Hazard Mitigation Plan September 2005 Village of Rye Brook, New York 28 service providers, Westchester County and area municipalities. Grants and other outside funding sources will likely be required due to the high cost of implementation of some of the strategies. Strategy: Maintain a stock of sand bags to be used in a flooding event and store at the highway garage. Strategy: Upgrade the capability of municipal centers (Village Hall, Police and Fire Stations) to serve as an emergency response center. This will require some modifications including acquisition of adequate emergency power generators. Strategy: Review emergency shelter options identified in Rye Brook’s Disaster Preparedness Plan. Determine suitability of each for various emergencies and upgrade facilities as necessary (i.e. emergency generators, pre-positioned supplies, etc.). Strategy: Maintain a trained shelter management team (annual refresher training). Strategy: Explore feasibility of additional emergency shelter options in conjunction with neighboring communities. Strategy: Obtain materials and equipment for mitigating impact of hazard event and minimizing the discomfort of the public. Work with other municipalities or organizations that can supply aid. Assess need for food and water storage. Contact Red Cross as possible supplier. Strategy: Use resources provided by county level emergency response teams. Strategy: Consider methods of maintaining electricity at designated locations. Strategy: When possible, identify or provide advanced warning to residents if a storm presents particular risks (i.e. tides, snow on roof, snow shoveling). Strategy: Encourage residents to react to severe weather in a safe and responsible way. Strategy: Encourage residents to maintain emergency supplies and develop individual emergency response plans. Strategy: Develop a procedure to address companion animal evacuation and recovery and inform residents about temporary shelter locations to house these displaced animals. 5. Terrorism and Civil Unrest Hazard Mitigation Plan September 2005 Village of Rye Brook, New York 29 Objective: Decrease the number of structures that are vulnerable to Terrorist Events. The village should implement strategies that identify and reduce the vulnerability to terrorist attacks. The village will need to monitor changes in conditions that may make the village more vulnerable to these hazard events, such as changes in the flight paths to regional airports. Reducing risk of terrorism requires partnerships with adjacent communities, local businesses, schools and federal, state and county transportation and security agencies. Since the following strategies emphasize data collection and monitoring the cost of implementation is considered low. The Police and Fire Departments would be primarily responsible for implementation. Strategy: Conduct discrete inventory of potential terrorist targets within and near the village and implement appropriate security measures. Strategy: Improve security measures at emergency response facilities and other sensitive facilities. Strategy: Monitor changes in flight paths to Westchester County or other regional airports that may impact the village. Strategy: Improve communication among regional responding agencies and enhance ability to alert residents. Strategy: Encourage regional response drills on an annual basis. Strategy: Equip highway department with protective gear. Objective: Increase awareness of terrorism. In addition to prevention strategies the village should improve its ability to respond to increased demand for medical assistance during a hazard event. The following strategies identify mitigation projects that will improve response of emergency service providers to all hazard events. Strategy: Enhance training of Police, Fire and EMS personnel. Strategy: Evaluate roads for emergency vehicle access. 6. Utility Failure, Drought and Extreme Temperature. Objective: Increase resistance to drought, water supply failure and heat wave. Hazard Mitigation Plan September 2005 Village of Rye Brook, New York 30 The village should work with utility service providers and local group facilities such as schools, senior and medical providers to increase the resistance to drought, water supply failure, power failure and heat waves. Implementing conservation practices would reduce vulnerability to these hazard events. Strategy: Consider amending local legislation to encourage greater water conservation practices in non- and drought emergency times. Strategy: Improve coordination with local medical care facilities to determine whether additional support is necessary in the event of a heat wave or problem with the water supply. Strategy: Improve coordination with local and regional power service providers. Strategy: Ensure that critical facilities in the village have appropriate backup generation capabilities. Objective: Improve awareness of hazards and possible mitigation strategies. The village should work to increase awareness of drought, water supply failure, power failure and heat wave hazards. Providing information regarding conservation practices can reduce vulnerability to these hazard events. More training of emergency personnel is an additional mitigation measure that could be implemented. Strategy: Provide information to residents and businesses regarding water conservation practices. Strategy: Enhance training and equipment of emergency service personnel Objective: Raise awareness regarding health and safety during periods of extreme temperatures. The village should implement strategies that educate and warn citizens of possible risks related to periods of extreme temperatures. The following strategies are low cost. Strategy: Include links on the village web site to weather and health watch web sites and to the county and state’s pages on health. Strategy: Inform residents of risks. Outline steps to minimize the impact. Strategy: Take steps to ensure that children and older residents, who are more susceptible to heat and cold, are aware of risks. Objective: Enhance hazard response, recovery and preparedness. Hazard Mitigation Plan September 2005 Village of Rye Brook, New York 31 In addition to prevention strategies the village should improve its ability to respond to increased demand for medical assistance during periods of extreme temperatures. Strategy: Enhance training of police, fire and ems personnel. Strategy: Identify at-risk individuals who may require evacuation and determine appropriate shelter locations. Strategy: Evaluate roads for emergency vehicle access. VI. PLAN IMPLEMENTATION AND MONITORING This section of the hazard mitigation plan discusses the planning process for the preparation and adoption of the plan. It also addresses how the action strategies outlined in Section V of the plan will be incorporated into existing village programs. This section concludes with a description of the measures that will be implemented to monitor the plan’s progress, evaluate the effectiveness of the plan and provide for the updates to the plan. a. Hazard Plan Preparation The village began the hazard mitigation planning process in 2003 with a comprehensive review of potential natural hazards that could impact it. The result was the Village of Rye Brook Hazard Analysis Report created by the Westchester County Department of Emergency Service’s Office of Emergency Management. The village received a grant-in-aid from the New York State Emergency Management Office in 2004 to undertake a hazard mitigation analysis and prepare this report. In April 2005, the village engaged Culross Associates Ltd. of Rye, NY to facilitate the analysis and report preparation. The Village Manager appointed an All-Hazard Mitigation Work Team that he chairs. The Work team includes the Chief of Police, Fire Chief, EMS Administrator, Village Engineer/Public Works Superintendent, Acting Building Inspector, and Administrative Assistant to the Village Manager. In a series of group discussions, they outlined the risks caused by the hazards in the village, determined realistic strategies for mitigation, response and recovery, and ultimately distinguished between immediate and long-term needs. The group was able to utilize existing response plans and find logical solutions to the problems presented by hazard events in the area. The result of the meetings was the Hazard Mitigation Report. The public was invited to comment and participate throughout the planning process. In June 2005 a “BLOG” was created on the village website to encourage comment and provide feedback on the Hazard Analysis Report and the development of the mitigation plan. The process was mentioned in the Hazard Mitigation Plan September 2005 Village of Rye Brook, New York 32 Mayor’s Newsletter distributed to all residents and at meetings of the Village Board of Trustees. The village published a public notice in The Journal News newspaper at the beginning of the mitigation plan development. A public meeting to review the draft plan and receive comment was held on August 9, 2005. A notice was also published prior to this meeting. The final draft of the report was posted on the village website and residents were invited to use the citizen comment sheet in order to respond to it. The resident responses were considered in the preparation of the final document. Only one comment from the public was received. Susan Porto, of 15 Churchill Road, Rye Brook, expressed her concern by phone on September 7, 2005. The resident suggested that there should be a strategy for companion animal evacuation and recovery during a hazardous event. This comment was incorporated into this plan on page 29. A record of public notices and public opportunities to participate in the planning process is found in Appendix J. b. Hazard Plan Adoption The Board of Trustees of Trustees will be responsible for adopting the hazard mitigation plan. This legislative board is the most appropriate since it is responsible for establishing the village policy, particularly those related to hazard mitigation. The Board of Trustees also has the authority to implement most of the strategies recommended in this plan including setting policy direction for village staff, allocating funding and adopting amendments to existing village laws. c. Implementation through Existing Programs Successful plan implementation will require that strategies be implemented through the existing village programs and planning mechanisms and instituted in policy formation and decision making process. Section V: Mitigation Objectives and Strategies discusses responsibility for implementation for each strategy. It also identifies the existing village program that willbest facilitate the implementation of strategies. Existing programs include: 1. Village Code Revisions. Code revisions will require the Board of Trustees to adopt revisions to the existing Village Code including changes in the Village zoning code, floodplain management requirements, subdivision regulations, housing standards or other relevant Village Code Chapters or planning documents. 2. The Vision Plan. The plan takes into consideration the environmental limitations and risks of the village. The conclusion and recommendations of the plan support the goals of hazard mitigation. 3. Code Enforcement. In some cases, hazard mitigation could be enhanced by stepped-up enforcement, and changes in approach by the Code Enforcement Agency, staff permitting. In other cases modification in police enforcement or fire prevention activities may be necessary. Hazard Mitigation Plan September 2005 Village of Rye Brook, New York 33 4. Capital Improvements Program and Budget. Strategies involving significant village expenditures will need to be implemented through the Capital Improvements Program, which is approved annually by the Board of Trustees. Strategies involving smaller expenditures such as funding increases to increase maintenance or enforcement activities will likely be administered through the annual budget process, which is also adopted by the Board of Trustees. d. Plan Monitoring and Evaluation It is important that a process be defined to encourage and facilitate the implementation of the plan recommendations after its adoption by the Board of Trustees. The process will require that the plan be regularly monitored to evaluate the extent to which the proposed mitigation strategies have been implemented. The Hazard Mitigation Plan will be under constant review as goals are achieved through proposed strategies and new strategies are developed and added as amendments to the plan. After the Board of Trustees approves the Hazard Mitigation Plan the plan will be reviewed, revised and resubmitted each five years for re-approval. The resubmitted plan will be updated to reflect current hazard concerns. New strategies for mitigation of existing or developed conditions will be added to the plan as will any new emergency response plans created by the Village. The Mitigation Plan will continue to be available to residents on the village website and comments through the citizen comment form will be used during the plan’s review in order to maintain citizen participation. The plan will be subject to the same adoption method as stated in Section VI Part B and resubmitted to the appropriate state agencies. Hazard Mitigation Plan September 2005 Village of Rye Brook, New York 34 Appendix A Village of Rye Brook Hazard Analysis report Hazard Mitigation Plan September 2005 Village of Rye Brook, New York 35 Appendix B HAZNY Evaluation Factors Hazard Mitigation Plan September 2005 Village of Rye Brook, New York 36 Appendix C HAZNY List of Hazards Hazard Mitigation Plan September 2005 Village of Rye Brook, New York 37 Appendix D Westchester County Airport Emergency Response Plan Hazard Mitigation Plan September 2005 Village of Rye Brook, New York 38 Appendix E Rye Brook Community Disaster Preparedness Plan Hazard Mitigation Plan September 2005 Village of Rye Brook, New York 39 Appendix F Village of Rye Brook Vision Plan Hazard Mitigation Plan September 2005 Village of Rye Brook, New York 40 Appendix G Stormwater Analysis: East Branch Blind Brook (Summary) Hazard Mitigation Plan September 2005 Village of Rye Brook, New York 41 Appendix H Blind Brook-Rye School District Wide Safety Plan Hazard Mitigation Plan September 2005 Village of Rye Brook, New York 42 Appendix I Port Chester Rye union Free School District wide Safety Plan Hazard Mitigation Plan September 2005 Village of Rye Brook, New York 43 Appendix J Public Notices & Opportunities to Participate in Planning Process