hazard identification and vulnerability analysis - Mason County

Hazard Identification and Vulnerability Assessment
The general effects of most severe local storms are immobility and loss of
electrical power and telephone service. Physical damage to homes and
businesses can occur from wind damage, accumulation of snow, ice, and hail.
Even a small accumulation of snow can wreak havoc on transportation systems
due to a lack of snow clearing equipment and operators.
All areas of the County are vulnerable to various severe local storms. Western
Washington has had an average of 11.4 inches of snowfall annually over the past
30 years. Windstorms generally occur between October and April as well. Power
outages are common as a result of these storms. Road travel is often
treacherous due to snow, ice, and fallen trees. As a result, schools are often
closed and local businesses are impacted. Emergency response is often
delayed.
Conclusions
Local jurisdiction plans should provide a priority for road and street clearance,
provision of emergency services, mutual aid with other public entities, and
procedures for requesting state and federal aid if needed. The public should be
given information on emergency preparedness and self-help to prepare for better
response during severe storms.
Mitigation efforts include effective warning through the media. 3-day
preparedness kits help people weather the storm if they are without normal
utilities and comforts. Well-packed kits could be easily transported if an
evacuation was necessary/possible. For those residents living in elevations
prone to snowstorms, a 14-day preparedness kit is highly recommended. Any kit
should include prescription medications.
Resources
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
National Weather Service
Department of Commerce
Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Researce
47