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Pickens County, Georgia Incident Specific Annex 2025 IA-2 Winter Weather ---PAGE BREAK--- Page 1 of 33 Incident Specific Annex IA-2 Winter Weather Records of Change Change Number Date Part Affected Date Posted Who Posted 1 12-1-2025 All 12-1-2025 Westbrook ---PAGE BREAK--- Page 2 of 33 Incident Specific Annex IA-2 Winter Weather Record of Distribution Agency Name Date of Delivery Copies Pickens County Commissioner Chairman Kris Stancil 12-2-2025 1 Pickens County Commissioner East Josh Tatum 12-2-2025 1 Pickens County Commissioner West Josh Tippens 12-2-2025 1 Pickens County Sheriff Donnie Craig 12-2-2025 1 Mayor City of Jasper Kirk Raffield 12-2-2025 1 Mayor City of Nelson Sylvia Green 12-2-2025 1 Mayor Town of Talking Rock James Bryant Jr. 12-2-2025 1 City Manager Jasper Brandon Douglas 12-2-2025 1 City Clerk City of Nelson Kelsey Reihl 12-2-2025 1 Clerk Town of Talking Rock Amanda Buntin 12-2-2025 1 Pickens County Public Safety Director Sloan Elrod 12-2-2025 1 Pickens County Administration Director Bill Wood 12-2-2025 1 Pickens County School District Jenifer Wilson 12-2-2025 1 Pickens County Public Works Kirk Anderson 12-2-2025 1 Pickens County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Jeff Hall 12-2-2025 1 Pickens County Fire-Rescue Chief Tim Prather 12-2-2025 1 City of Jasper Fire-Rescue Chief John Sheere 12-2-2025 1 Pickens County E-911 Center Director Kristy Easterwood 12-2-2025 1 Pickens County Water Director Phillip Dean 12-2-2025 1 ---PAGE BREAK--- Page 3 of 33 Incident Specific Annex IA-2 Winter Weather Pickens County EMA Deputy Director City of Jasper Public Works Director Josh Davis 12-2-2025 1 Pickens County External Affairs Ashley Craig Gooch 12-2-2025 1 ---PAGE BREAK--- ---PAGE BREAK--- Page 5 of 33 Incident Specific Annex IA-2 Winter Weather Table of Contents RECORDS OF CHANGE RECORD OF DISTRIBUTION 1.0 APPROVAL AND IMPLEMENTATION 2.0 INTRODUCTION 2.1 PURPOSE 2.2 SCOPE 2.3 AUTHORITY 2.4 OBJECTIVES 2.5 SITUATION AND ASSUMPTIONS 2.6 REFERENCES 3.0 CONCEPT OF OPERATIONS 3.1 GENERAL 3.2 NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE ADVISORIES, WATCHES, AND WARNINGS TABLE 3.2 NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE PRODUCTS AND LOCAL ACTIONS 3.3 COMMUNICATIONS 10 FIGURE 3.3 STAKEHOLDER COMMUNICATIONS 10 3.4 PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS 11 FIGURE 3.4 PUBLIC WARNING & EMERGENCY MESSAGING 11 4.0 AGENCY AND DEPARTMENTAL CHECKLISTS 12 4.1 ESF 2 PICKENS COUNTY E-911 CENTER 12 4.2 ESF 3 PICKENS COUNTY PUBLIC WORKS 14 4.3 ESF 3 PICKENS COUNTY WATER DEPARTMENT 17 4.4 ESF 3 CITY OF JASPER PUBLIC WORKS 19 4.5 ESF 4 PICKENS COUNTY FIRE-RESCUE 22 4.6 ESF 4 CITY OF JASPER FIRE-RESCUE 24 4.7 ESF 5 PICKENS COUNTY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT 26 4.8 ESF 13 PICKENS COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE 28 4.10 ESF 15 PUBLIC AFFAIRS 30 5.0 PLAN MAINTENANCE AND VALIDATION 32 5.1 ANNEX REVIEW AND UPDATE 32 ---PAGE BREAK--- Page 6 of 33 Incident Specific Annex IA-2 Winter Weather 5.2 TRAINING AND VALIDATION 32 ---PAGE BREAK--- Page 7 of 33 Incident Specific Annex IA-2 Winter Weather 2.0 Introduction Incident Annex IA-2 Winter Weather is an annex to the Pickens County, Georgia Emergency Operations Plan (2025) and provides a multijurisdictional and multidisciplinary approach to preparing for, responding to, and recovering from winter weather episodes. 2.1 Purpose This annex provides an organized approach to preparing for winter weather episodes during the warm season and when winter weather is forecast. Moreover, the annex provides guidance to all stakeholders during the response and recovery phases of winter weather. 2.2 Scope This annex covers all aspects of winter weather preparedness, mitigation, response, and recovery within Pickens County, Georgia. 2.3 Authority 2.3.1 O.C.G.A 38-3 Emergency Management 2.3.2 Pickens County, Georgia Code of Ordinances Chapter 22 Civil Emergencies. 2.4 Objectives 2.4.1 Describe the types of National Weather Service Products that are issued for winter weather situations. 2.4.2 Describe the actions taken to ensure situational awareness by the Emergency Operations Center (EOC). 2.4.3 Describe the planned actions of all stakeholders with responsibilities in this annex for winter weather situations. 2.4.4 Describe how the annex will be activated, reviewed, and exercised. ---PAGE BREAK--- Page 8 of 33 Incident Specific Annex IA-2 Winter Weather 2.5 Situation and Assumptions 2.5.1 Situation Pickens County, Georgia is vulnerable to a wide range of winter weather impacts. According to the National Weather Service Pickens County experiences two impactful winter weather episodes each year. According to NOAA/SHELDUS data, Pickens County has experienced over three million dollars in losses from winter storms over the past 35 years. 2.5.2 Assumptions Winter storms in the Southeastern United States are exceedingly difficult to forecast. Forecasts can change rapidly, fluctuate in coverage and intensity becoming hazardous with little warning. Severe winter storms can dramatically hinder the ability of public safety resources to respond to calls for service. Snow and ice accumulations can bring down trees and powerlines resulting in long-term power outages and make roads impassable. Blocked roads and hazardous driving conditions can prevent citizens from reaching routine medical care and other basic human needs. Extended power outages and loss of home heating can force citizens to seek shelter outside of their home. 2.6 References 2.6.1 Local Emergency Operations Plan. (2025). Pickens County, Georgia 2.6.2 Hazard Mitigation Plan. (2025). Pickens County, Georgia 2.6.3 National Incident Management System. (2017). FEMA. 2.6.4 Comprehensive Preparedness Guide (CPG) 101. (2025). Version 3.1. FEMA. ---PAGE BREAK--- Page 9 of 33 Incident Specific Annex IA-2 Winter Weather 3.0 Concept of Operations 3.1 General The Pickens County Emergency Management Agency is charged with the responsibility of monitoring weather forecasts and actual conditions and providing information to all stakeholders concerning identified threats related to winter weather impacts. Once a threat is identified the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) may be activated to coordinate activities. Once activated, IA-2 shall serve as a guide to departments and agencies through all phases of the winter weather episode. 3.2 National Weather Service Advisories, Watches, and Warnings A strong partnership between the National Weather Service and local emergency management is critical to ensure adequate planning, mobilization of resources, and preparing the public. During winter weather threats the Pickens County Emergency Management Agency will utilize National Weather Service forecasts, advisories, watches, and warnings to aid in decision support. Table 3.2 National Weather Service Products and Local Actions Product Definition Local Action Winter Weather Advisory Issued up to 36 hours before an event with 80% or greater chance of a winter precipitation event which causes inconveniences but does not meet warning criteria, Maintain high level of situational awareness and consider EOC activation. Winter Storm Watch Issued 12-48 hours in advance of an event for a 50% or greater chance of significant winter storm: 2 or more inches of snow in 12 hours or 4 or more inches in 24 hours, ½ inch sleet, or ¼ inch freezing rain. Hold EOC briefings as needed. Maintain high level of situational awareness. Plan for EOC activation if warning is issued. Winter Storm Warning Issued up to 36 hours before an event with 80% or greater chance of winter weather event that meets one of these criteria: 2” snow in 12 hours, 4” snow in 24 hours, ½ inch sleet, or ¼ in freezing rain. EOC Activation at level 2 with the possibility of increasing staffing to level 1 if needed prior to the onset of winter weather locally. ---PAGE BREAK--- Page 10 of 33 Incident Specific Annex IA-2 Winter Weather Ice Storm Warning Issued up to 36 hours before an event for an 80% or greater chance of a ¼ inch or more of freezing rain. EOC Activation at level 2 with the possibility of increasing staffing to level 1 if needed prior to the onset of winter weather locally. Blizzard Warning EOC Activation at level 1 prior to the onset of winter weather locally. 3.3 Communications Pickens County Emergency Management will notify stakeholders when the threat for winter weather is identified by the National Weather Service following a review of various daily forecast products. Communications with stakeholders will include Situational Awareness Messages, Briefings, Advisories, Watch, and Warning products (see figure 3.3). Figure 3.3 Stakeholder Communications ---PAGE BREAK--- Page 11 of 33 Incident Specific Annex IA-2 Winter Weather 3.4 Public Communications The Pickens County Emergency Management Agency will provide information to the public concerning winter weather during the preparedness phase, warning phase, response phase and recovery phase for all winter weather threat and/or actual events. Communications will be multimodal utilizing email, website, mass notification system, social media, and the news media. Emergency Support Functions 5 Emergency Management and 15 Public Affairs will work with other ESFs to ensure the most accurate information is provided to the citizens. Public emergency and warning messages to the public will follow the established doctrine which seeks productive behavior by citizens to save lives and protect property (see figure 3.4). Figure 3.4 Public Warning & Emergency messaging ---PAGE BREAK--- Page 12 of 33 Incident Specific Annex IA-2 Winter Weather 4.0 Agency and Departmental Checklists All agencies and departments should ensure that staffing levels are maintained as needed and that protective equipment for all personnel is available before winter storm operations begin. All departments should coordinate with emergency management as soon as possible concerning feeding field personnel and sleeping arrangements if assistance is needed. 4.1 ESF 2 Pickens County E-911 Center ESF 2: Pickens County E-911 Off Season Preparedness ☐ Have vendors inspect all critical communications critical infrastructure to include 911 PSAP components, repeaters, and towers. ☐ Participate in planning activities related to winter weather response. ☐ Make contact with manager of main radio tower/repeater site to ensure readiness. ☐ Review vendor emergency contact information. ☐ Review resource database and policies related to communications infrastructure failure. Winter Weather Forecast ☐ Develop staffing plans to ensure adequate E-911 Center coverage throughout the event. ☐ Working with emergency management develop plans for the transportation of E-911 staff to and from work. ☐ Working with emergency management develop plans for feeding and sleeping E-911 Center staff. ☐ Determine personnel to staff ESF-2 in the Emergency Operations Center during any activation. ---PAGE BREAK--- Page 13 of 33 Incident Specific Annex IA-2 Winter Weather ☐ Contact manager of main repeater site to ensure emergency generator is in working order with adequate fuel supplies. ☐ Contact county facilities management to ensure E-911 Center emergency generator is in working order. Response Phase ☐ Follow normal dispatch procedures and be ready to adjust normal operations as directed by agency administrators. ☐ Staff EOC ESF 2 and provide continuous communications coordination between the field, E-911 Center, and all positions within the EOC. ☐ Conduct advanced planning for E-911 Center support if the event extends more than 48 hours. ☐ Continuously monitor the status of communications infrastructure. Recovery Phase ☐ Make plans to return to normal staffing. ☐ Complete damage assessment of communications critical infrastructure. ☐ Report all costs associated with event to ESF 5 Emergency Management. ☐ Participant in after action activities. ---PAGE BREAK--- Page 14 of 33 Incident Specific Annex IA-2 Winter Weather 4.2 ESF 3 Pickens County Public Works ESF 3: Pickens County Public Works Off Season Preparedness ☐ Brine machine pre-season service completed. ☐ Top off brine tanks at all locations. ☐ Mount and check all plows and salt spreaders, evaluate, and make repairs. ☐ Update critical facilities list. ☐ Top off salt barn. ☐ Take pumps back to mobile brine tanks. ☐ Inspect tread on tires, replace any questionable before winter. ☐ Any equipment maintenance close to term (oil change, fuel filter, etc.) should be completed. Winter Weather Forecast ☐ Participate in Emergency Operations Center briefings and staff ESF-3 if activated. ☐ Depending on severity and timing, put all staff on-call. ☐ If preceded by extreme cold park critical equipment indoors or plug in engine heaters. ☐ Complete checks on seldom used equipment including fluids, start equipment, and operational status. Report any issues found for repair. ☐ Check saw cabinet inventory restock if needed (bars, chains, mixed gas, etc.) ---PAGE BREAK--- Page 15 of 33 Incident Specific Annex IA-2 Winter Weather ☐ If large ice event is forecast replace cutting edges on graders. ☐ Top off fuel in all equipment. ☐ Address staff needs including safety equipment, gloves, hats, headlamps, transportation to work, etc.. ☐ Determine if staff should remain on property. ☐ Based on forecast consider pretreating roads, continuously reevaluating as the event unfolds to address additional areas of need. Response Phase ☐ Staff ESF 3 at the Emergency Operations Center. ☐ Dispatch crews as needed. ☐ Assist public safety in making access to emergency calls for service. ☐ Address personnel safety and other needs (food, transportation, warm staging areas). ☐ Depending on the severity of the event, consider adding personnel and/or implementing crew rotation for longer coverage hours. ☐ Switch road treatment to salt and gravel after event begins. ☐ If the winter storm looks to or is producing substantial amounts of snow and/or ice, start graders on large roads followed by larger spreader trucks. ☐ Work to maintain access to critical facilities. ☐ Open roads blocked by trees enough so that emergency vehicles have access. ☐ Coordinate with municipal and state crews to report and respond to conditions. ---PAGE BREAK--- Page 16 of 33 Incident Specific Annex IA-2 Winter Weather ☐ Continuously monitor conditions and forecasts. Reevaluate current plan. ☐ Maintain an updated situational picture using all available sources of information. ☐ Track all costs associated with the storm. Recovery Phase ☐ Continue to clear and treat roads as needed. ☐ Clear roads to Right of Way of trees and other debris ☐ Rotate crews to ensure safety and reduce burnout and fatigue. ☐ Respond as needed to 911 calls concerning refreezing. ☐ Work with Emergency Management concerning the collection of all costs associated with the storm. ☐ Inspect all equipment and make repairs as needed to ensure readiness for another storm. ☐ Restock perishable supplies and materials. ☐ Participate in after action activities. ---PAGE BREAK--- Page 17 of 33 Incident Specific Annex IA-2 Winter Weather 4.3 ESF 3 Pickens County Water Department ESF 3: Pickens County Water Department Off Season Preparedness ☐ Ensure all generators remain in good working order. ☐ Ensure pump houses and buildings at the water tanks are insulated & heaters are working. ☐ Assist public works with maintenance and pre-season start up on brine operation. ☐ Ensure we have spare parts and electronics for pumps & SCADA Winter Weather Forecast ☐ Ensure all generators are full of fuel and operational. ☐ Ensure all equipment and trucks are fueled and ready. ☐ Ensure all saws are sharpened and running. ☐ Assist public works keeping brine made while brine application is in progress. ☐ Assign crews to different shifts just in case they are needed. Response Phase ☐ Respond to water breaks and other distribution or storage tank issues ☐ Restock brine solution tanks ☐ Assist Public Works with clearing roads as needed ---PAGE BREAK--- Page 18 of 33 Incident Specific Annex IA-2 Winter Weather ☐ Inspect pump and tank sites to ensure operations ☐ Staff EOC as assigned ☐ Ensure crew have safety equipment and protective clothing Recovery Phase ☐ Continue water restoration as needed ☐ Complete damage assessment of water distribution system ☐ Assist public works if needed and staffing is available ☐ Restock supplies and make repairs to equipment as needed. ☐ Work with Emergency Management concerning the collection of all costs associated with the storm. ☐ Participate in after action activities, ---PAGE BREAK--- Page 19 of 33 Incident Specific Annex IA-2 Winter Weather 4.4 ESF 3 City of Jasper Public Works ESF 3: City of Jasper Public Works Off Season Preparedness ☐ Order and install snowplow. ☐ Equip trucks with new snow chains. ☐ Mount and check all plows and salt spreaders, test, and make repairs. ☐ Update critical facilities list. ☐ Cut back rights-of-way to help reduce tree debris. ☐ Inspect tread on tires, replace any questionable before winter. ☐ Any equipment maintenance close to term (oil change, fuel filter, etc.) should be completed. Winter Weather Forecast ☐ Participate in Emergency Operations Center briefings and staff ESF-3 if activated. ☐ Depending on severity and timing, put all staff on-call. ☐ Complete checks on seldom used equipment including fluids, start equipment, and operational status. Report any issues found for repair. ☐ Check saw inventory restock if needed (bars, chains, mixed gas, etc.) ☐ Top off fuel in all equipment. ☐ Address staff needs including safety equipment, gloves, hats, headlamps, transportation to work, etc.. ---PAGE BREAK--- Page 20 of 33 Incident Specific Annex IA-2 Winter Weather ☐ Determine if staff should remain on property. ☐ Based on forecast consider pretreating roads, continuously reevaluating as the event unfolds to address additional areas of need. Response Phase ☐ Staff ESF 3 at the Emergency Operations Center. ☐ Dispatch crews as needed. ☐ Assist public safety in making access to emergency calls for service. ☐ Address personnel safety and other needs (food, transportation, warm staging areas). ☐ Depending on the severity of the event, consider adding personnel and/or implementing crew rotation for longer coverage hours. ☐ Switch road treatment to salt and gravel after event begins. ☐ Work to maintain access to critical facilities. ☐ Open roads blocked by trees enough so that emergency vehicles have access. ☐ Coordinate with county and state crews to report and respond to conditions. ☐ Continuously monitor conditions and forecasts. Reevaluate current plan. ☐ Maintain an updated situational picture using all available sources of information. ☐ Track all costs associated with the storm. Recovery Phase ☐ Continue to clear and treat roads as needed. ---PAGE BREAK--- Page 21 of 33 Incident Specific Annex IA-2 Winter Weather ☐ Clear roads to Right of Way of trees and other debris ☐ Rotate crews to ensure safety and reduce burnout and fatigue. ☐ Respond as needed to 911 calls concerning refreezing. ☐ Work with Emergency Management concerning the collection of all costs associated with the storm. ☐ Inspect all equipment and make repairs as needed to ensure readiness for another storm. ☐ Restock perishable supplies and materials. ☐ Participate in after action activities. ---PAGE BREAK--- Page 22 of 33 Incident Specific Annex IA-2 Winter Weather 4.5 ESF 4 Pickens County Fire-Rescue ESF 4: Pickens County Fire-Rescue Off Season Preparedness ☐ Ensure Tire Chains/Cables are available and serviceable. Order ahead of time as needed. ☐ Place tire chains/cables on the truck that they fit to ensure the right chains are properly accounted for. ☐ Dry Load the chains before actually needing them along with training on installing the chains on tires. ☐ Ensure we have a good supply of bungee cords for chains/cables. ☐ Ensure all chain saws are operable, fuel cans full, and obtain a count on spares. This includes saw supplies: oil, spare chains, file. ☐ Ensure an adequate supply of Ice Melt & cat Litter for each station. ☐ Annual inspection of station generators. Winter Weather Forecast ☐ Ensure that all stations using propane check tanks ahead of storm to ensure continuous operations. ☐ Check heater valves on MED-UNITS to ensure they are in the operating position. ☐ Crew Preparedness: GO Bags for field personnel are checked and ready. ☐ Instruct crews to bring meals for at least 24 hours. ☐ Upgrade staffing plan for minimum of two personnel per emergency apparatus. ☐ Check/run station generators including fuel levels for propane and diesel. ---PAGE BREAK--- Page 23 of 33 Incident Specific Annex IA-2 Winter Weather ☐ Station commanders ensure high visibility vests are on apparatus. ☐ Station commanders should ensure all radio batteries are fully charged. ☐ Consider canceling all Fire-EMS training scheduled. Response Phase ☐ Respond to calls for service. ☐ Follow all established safety standards. ☐ Command staff should monitor situation to determine if a change in response policies are needed based on conditions. ☐ Provide staffing to the EOC when activated. ☐ Based on storm impacts, prepare staffing plans for up to 96 hours. ☐ Consider limiting movement of apparatus to calls for service only. Recovery Phase ☐ Report any injuries paid or volunteer fire personnel. ☐ Conduct damage assessment and report any damage to fire department facilities or apparatus. ☐ Return staffing to normal operations as conditions improve. ☐ Replace any depleted supplies as needed. ☐ Repair damaged equipment. ☐ Report all costs related to the response to Emergency Management. ---PAGE BREAK--- Page 24 of 33 Incident Specific Annex IA-2 Winter Weather 4.6 ESF 4 City of Jasper Fire-Rescue ESF 4: City of Jasper Fire-Rescue Off Season Preparedness ☐ Ensure all personnel have appropriate winter weather clothing and PPE. ☐ Ensure all vehicle maintenance is up to date and appropriate size tire chain/cables are on hand. ☐ Ensure all facilities are prepared for winter weather and make any necessary repairs or improvements. ☐ Review winter weather response protocols and make necessary changes. ☐ Review IAP templates. Winter Weather Forecast ☐ Identify additional personnel that can facilitate additional staffing. ☐ Plan for addressing staffing needs if personnel are not able to make it to the stations. ☐ Ensure all stations have enough necessary supplies to sustain operations throughout the forecast period. ☐ Enact winter weather response protocols regarding response model and first out apparatus. ☐ Test run all generators (additional test outside of weekly tests) ☐ Ensure all fuel storage tanks are full. This includes propane and diesel storage. ☐ Coordinate with other public safety and public works departments to ensure a coordinated response. ☐ Command staff makes contact with nursing homes and assisted living facilities to ensure preparedness. ☐ Review distribute incident specific IAP to personnel. ---PAGE BREAK--- Page 25 of 33 Incident Specific Annex IA-2 Winter Weather Response Phase ☐ Respond following winter weather response protocols. ☐ Staff EOC with representative if activated. ☐ Maintain communication with partner agencies to assess needs or changes in weather conditions. ☐ Ensure stations maintain power and generator are engaged when necessary. ☐ Check in with assisted living and nursing home facilities throughout the event. Recovery Phase ☐ Check equipment and repair or replace if necessary. ☐ Conduct damage assessment for all fire department facilities and apparatus. ☐ Remove chains/cables if deployed. ☐ Return to normal response operations protocols. ☐ Staffing levels return to normal if they were increased. ☐ Report all costs related to the response to Emergency management. ☐ Participate in after action activities. ☐ Wash down vehicle chassis and station driveways to remove salt and brine if necessary. ---PAGE BREAK--- Page 26 of 33 Incident Specific Annex IA-2 Winter Weather 4.7 ESF 5 Pickens County Emergency Management ESF 5: Emergency Management Off Season Preparedness ☐ Review Plans ☐ Hold orientations and exercises ☐ Ensure EOC Readiness ☐ Provide public information & training Winter Weather Forecast ☐ Maintain situational awareness ☐ Participating in National Weather Service briefings ☐ Provide situational awareness to stakeholders and the public ☐ Review Winter Weather Annex and Support Annex A Emergency Operations Center ☐ Ensure EOC readiness ☐ Brief elected officials and agency administrators ☐ Following Support Annex A consider EOC activation, timing, and level ☐ Ensure supplies to support EOC for extended period are in place ☐ Working with Pickens County Facilities department ensure backup generator for EOC and E-911 Center are in working order. Response Phase ☐ Follow Support Annex A – Emergency Operations Center ☐ Maintain high level of situational awareness ---PAGE BREAK--- Page 27 of 33 Incident Specific Annex IA-2 Winter Weather ☐ Participate in briefings including agency administrators, elected officials, and EOC staff ☐ Ensure public information flow ☐ Consider local state of emergency ☐ Keep GEMA updated ☐ Coordinate with state agencies ☐ Oversee outside resource requests ☐ Monitor Community Lifeline status ☐ Monitor status of basic human needs Recovery Phase ☐ Consider phased deactivation of EOC positions ☐ Evaluate Community Lifeline restoration ☐ Determine status of basic human needs ☐ Ensure needed assistance for basic human needs and lifeline restoration are ordered and coordinated throughout the recovery phase ☐ Ensure public information function is maintained ☐ Work with other activated departments and agencies to determine costs associated with event. ☐ Coordinate the damage assessment function. ☐ Facilitate after action activities. ---PAGE BREAK--- Page 28 of 33 Incident Specific Annex IA-2 Winter Weather 4.8 ESF 13 Pickens County Sheriff’s Office ESF 13: Pickens County Sheriff’s Office Off Season Preparedness ☐ Keep up with regular vehicle and facility maintenance. ☐ Ensure winter/cold weather gear is issued and maintained. ☐ Ensure there are enough supplies for the Detention Center ☐ Review Winter Driving Techniques ☐ Identify critical infrastructure and priority patrol areas Winter Weather Forecast ☐ Attend all weather briefings ☐ Generate action plans based upon the projected severity of the event ☐ Coordinate with other government partners (Schools, Courts, State and Local) ☐ Ensure generators have enough fuel ☐ Establish on-call/stand-by ☐ Identify areas to be made for staff sleeping quarters. ☐ Stage vehicles/equipment for quick deployment ☐ Disseminate safety messages via social media Response Phase ☐ Activate action plan ☐ Make adjustments based upon severity of the event ---PAGE BREAK--- Page 29 of 33 Incident Specific Annex IA-2 Winter Weather ☐ Monitor equipment being used ☐ Respond to calls for service ☐ Conduct welfare checks on vulnerable populations ☐ Provide update to road conditions to EOC ☐ Document activities and resources used ☐ Staff EOC ESF-13 when activated Recovery Phase ☐ Inspect all equipment used and clean/make repairs as needed ☐ Provide traffic control for cleanup efforts ☐ Conduct damage assessments ☐ Work with Emergency Management to report all costs associated with the event. ☐ Participate in after action activities. ---PAGE BREAK--- Page 30 of 33 Incident Specific Annex IA-2 Winter Weather 4.10 ESF 15 Public Affairs ESF 15: Public Affairs Off Season Preparedness ☐ Work with emergency management to develop public education information for social media and website. ☐ Participate in public awareness activities. ☐ Meet with other PIOs ☐ Participant in meetings, training, and exercises. Winter Weather Forecast ☐ Work with emergency management to provide the public with forecasts and hazard specific preparedness information. ☐ Prepare plan to staff ESF-15 in the EOC. ☐ Participate in briefings and planning meetings. Response Phase ☐ Assist emergency management in coordinating messaging concerning the threat and associated hazards including emergency messages and warnings. ☐ Continuously maintain a high level of situational awareness. ☐ Coordinate media requests with EOC leadership, members of the MAC Group and elected officials. ☐ Work with on-scene commands to update the public concerning ongoing incidents. ☐ Coordinate with ESF 3 concerning road closures and other activities such as road treatments and debris removal to keep the public informed. ---PAGE BREAK--- Page 31 of 33 Incident Specific Annex IA-2 Winter Weather ☐ Participate in operational period planning and briefings in the EOC. ☐ Work with other municipal and private community PIOs to ensure a unified message. ☐ Update social media and website as often as needed to inform the public. Recovery Phase ☐ Work with Emergency Management to generate public information related to recovery operations, community lifeline restoration, and commodities to support basic human needs throughout the recovery period. ☐ Continue to update social media and webpage with essential information. ☐ Track all costs related to the ESF-15 function related to the event. ☐ Participate in after action activities. ---PAGE BREAK--- Page 32 of 33 Incident Specific Annex IA-2 Winter Weather 5.0 Plan Maintenance and Validation This section includes information on when to review and update this Incident annex and who is responsible for doing so. This section includes schedule for conducting training and exercise to evaluate procedures in the annex. 5.1 Annex Review and Update Pickens County Incident Annex IA-2 Winter Weather was developed through management and oversight of the Pickens County, Georgia Emergency Management Agency (EMA). As the owner of the Incident annex, Pickens County EMA is responsible for reviewing the annex annually. This annex should be updated based on deficiencies identified during after-action reviews and the annual review. 5.2 Training and Validation It is essential that a comprehensive training and exercise program designed to inform and educate decision makers and stakeholders about this incident annex be implemented. All staff that occupy positions within the EOC must accomplish certain minimal trainings standards. All stakeholders with responsibilities within this annex must receive basic training specific to the annex. Training standards were established to conform to and exceed FEMA and GEMA minimal requirements. Additional training shall be provided on specific winter weather procedures and operational responsibilities. EOC exercises will be organized by emergency management to validate the incident annex. Exercises will be scheduled as part of the multi-year training and exercise program for Pickens County and include tabletop exercises, drills, functional exercises, and full-scale exercises. All exercises shall be documented following the Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP) and Georgia Emergency Management Agency Homeland Security (GEMA-HS) requirements.