Minutes 11/08/2005 - Laserfiche WebLink

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November 8. 2005 Background: . The purpose of an Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) is to outline a way for a locality to respond effectively to any emergency of a size or complexity beyond routine response systems. It is critical that Portsmouth public officials, departments and agencies, non-governmental emergency organizations, and the public understand their roles and responsibilities. . The Emergency Services and Disaster Law of 2003 requires that the State, and each county and city, develop and maintain a current Emergency Operations Plan. . In August 2005, the Commonwealth's Department of Emergency Management approved the 2005 revised edition of the EOP for the City of Portsmouth, indicating that the EOP is compliant with guidelines established by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Commonwealth of Virginia Emergency Operations Plan (COVEOP). . The Department of Emergency Management recommends that the plan be updated every year and readopted every five years. City Council last officially approved the Emergency Operations Plan in 1994. The EOP has been updated several times since then, but not officially approved by Council. . FEMA requires official approval of the EOP by City Council. Discussion: . The Emergency Operations Plan is a document that requires continual updating to ensure that the City's plan to respond to, and recover from a natural or man-made disaster is in a state of readiness. . Financiallmpact: The Emergency Operation Plan will indirectly benefit the City through emergency readiness that insures that the City is prepared to protect life and property to the greatest extent possible with resources available. Staff Recommends: Adoption of a Resolution approving the 2005 edition of the Emergency Operations Plan for the City of Portsmouth. Vision Principle: Neighborhood and Community Transformation. Next Steps Following Council Action: . Forward copies of the current EOP to staff responsible for implementation. . Continue to review and update the Plan to ensure that the City is in a state of readiness for any type of disaster - natural or man-made. Motion by Mr. Moody, and seconded by Mr. Whitehurst, to adopt the following resolution, and was adopted by the following vote: "RESOLUTION APPROVING THE 2005 EDITION OF THE EMERGENCY OPERATIONS PLAN FOR THE CITY OF PORTSMOUTH. WHEREAS, the federal Emergency Services and Disaster Law of 2003 requires that the Commonwealth of Virginia, and each county and city thereof, develop and maintain a current Emergency Operations Plan; and WHEREAS, the purpose of an Emergency Operations Plan is to outline a locality's appropriate response to any emergency of a size or complexity beyond routine response systems; and WHEREAS, in August 2005, the Commonwealth's Department of Emergency Management approved the 2005 revised edition of the Emergency Operations Plan for the City of Portsmouth, indicating that the Plan is compliant with guidelines established by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Commonwealth of Virginia Emergency Operations Plan; and WHEREAS, FEMA regulations also require local government approval of its Emergency Operations Plan. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of Portsmouth, Virginia that it hereby approves the 2005 revised edition of the Emergency Operations Plan for the City of Portsmouth."