Storm emergency center analyzed

COEUR d'ALENE — Kootenai County's Office of Emergency Management director said her office was closed for less than an hour during last month's massive windstorm.

At that point, Director Sandy Von Behren said, first responders hadn't requested OEM's assistance.

Von Behren said the emergency operations center (EOC) was activated around 6:30 the night of the storm and it remained open until 1:30 the next morning.

"At 5:30 p.m. we had already briefed the commissioners and we checked with the sheriff's department and nothing was being requested of us at that time," Von Behren said. "I was still driving home, and I turned around and came back as requested. I then met with the sheriff and the city of Coeur d'Alene, and it was decided that we needed to activate the EOC.

"When we were asked to provide service, we provided service."

Von Behren said some people don't realize that OEM staff are not first responders.

"We're here to support what the first responders need," she said. "We support tactical operations and what is going on in the field. We identify what additional resources may be needed."

County Commissioner Dan Green said a concern was raised about OEM being temporarily closed during the storm and possible operations communication hiccups, but commissioners were briefed on how activities went and he feels comfortable overall about it.

"Based on what I know, things went fine," Green said. "Sandy was instructed that OEM's services weren't needed and, when it was realized that they were needed, she turned around and opened (the EOC) up."

Green said it's possible some local agencies may consider branching out and forming their own OEM of sorts, but cautioned fracturing the countywide service may have negative effects.

In the basement of the sheriff's office next to the three-person OEM office, the EOC serves as the information hub and phone center during emergencies. It consists of OEM staff, volunteers and personnel of several public agencies including school districts, law enforcement and fire districts.

Each person at the EOC is assigned specific tasks, including gathering information from the field, disaster analysis, coordinating resources, being a backup to 911 for non-emergency calls and releasing public information.

Von Behren said the OEM never underestimated the potential punch of the storm and was well aware of the possible blow as predicted by the National Weather Service. Based on that knowledge, the OEM issued a press release the day before the storm, warning residents to take precautions.

"In no way, shape or form did OEM think that this storm was blowing over," she said. "We're very serious about what we do and we're available 24-7 to assist when requested."

She said the OEM didn't issue press releases during storm or in the immediate days after the disaster because the sheriff's office is assigned that task during emergencies. The sheriff's office issued multiple releases in the aftermath of the storm, including regarding the American Red Cross shelter that was opened at Coeur d'Alene Bible Church.

Von Behren said the EOC reopened at 8 a.m. on Wednesday — the morning after the storm — and was open all day on Thursday and Friday. It was not open in the late evenings or early mornings on those three days because the EOC's services were not needed at those times.

"If the phones would have been ringing off the hook, we would not have closed," she said. "We could work the EOC 24-7, but if there's no resources being requested, there's no need to staff it."

Von Behren said she was pleased overall with how the operation went and praised volunteers for stepping up to the plate, but said there's always room for improvement. She believes the damage assessment process and forms can be improved upon in future emergencies.

"There needs to be additional training for damage assessment staff so we can ask the right questions and not have to call back a second time," she said, referring to seeking uninsured damaged to public infrastructure.

She said surveys will be sent to agencies such as first responders and utility companies to analyze how the emergency operations center was handled and the responses will be compiled into after-action report that will be reviewed by the agencies.

When asked to grade how the EOC performed overall during and after the storm, Von Behren and Green gave it a B.

"We definitely can do better, but Sandy and her team did what they were supposed to do," Green said.

Commissioner Marc Eberlein added: "The reports I’m hearing regarding overall emergency services response are generally positive."

Von Behren said state and federal disaster officials will be in North Idaho starting on Tuesday for briefings and to validate the initial damage estimates after four counties — Kootenai, Bonner, Benewah and Boundary — declared an emergency to seek federal assistance on uninsured losses to public infrastructure. She said the total amount in the four counties must reach at least $2.2 million for federal help to kick in.

Von Behren said damage estimates are still being compiled and turned in, but she remains optimistic that the counties will qualify for aid.

Kootenai County spent $50,000 in excess debris removal at its solid waste stations, the Post Falls Highway District reported $20,000 in debris removal and overtime costs, Kootenai Electric Cooperative had $1.4 million in uninsured costs and Northern Lights $700,000.

Avista's uninsured expenses don't qualify for federal aid because it's a business and not a nonprofit or cooperative like the other utilities.

Buildings at the fairgrounds were damaged but those don't qualify because they were insured.

Information from next week's briefings will be submitted to Gov. Butch Otter for his decision on whether to request a Presidential Disaster Declaration. If Otter makes such a request, it must be submitted to the Federal Emergency Management Agency Region X Office by Dec. 18. There is no timeframe on the president's decision.