47.5 MB - The Whole Building Design Guide

different, most of them require and depend on the followingfacilities:Back-Up Communications Equipment: Conventional communicationsthat rely on radio towers with repeater systems cannot be reliedupon during high-wind events, because of the high probabilitythat the towers will lose power, as occurred in many jurisdictionsin Mississippi and Louisiana. All facilities need back-up communicationssystems such as very high-frequency (VHF) and hamradios, and adequate back-up communications equipment.Accommodation Space: Adequate space for all the essential personnelto work, with provisions made for continuous operations,such as sleep areas, kitchens (with supplies for all duty personnel),laundry facilities, and shower facilities for all such personnel. Itshould also be noted that many residents view the local fire stationas a point of shelter, and will seek it as a refuge when winds andconditions become dangerous in their own homes.Situation Rooms: “Meeting rooms” in which to conduct local governmentbusiness as well as confer with community members,media, and government officials, and for press conferences anddissemination of information.Safe Equipment Storage: Patrol and rescue vehicles and other equipmentmust be adequately protected from flood waters, wind-bornedebris, and driving rain, and be accessible and readily available foremergency use.The observations included in this section are based on the examinationof the following facilities:m Harrison County EOC (Gulfport, Mississippi)m Jackson County EOC (Pascagoula, Mississippi)m New Orleans EOC (New Orleans, Louisiana)m Hancock County EOC (Bay Saint Louis, Mississippi)m Orleans District Levee Board Police Department (NewOrleans, Louisiana)4-46 OBSERVATIONS ON THE PERFORMANCE OF CRITICAL FACILITIES