Appendix A - Upper Explorerland Regional Planning Commission

Transcription

Appendix R:
CITY OF MCGREGOR FEMA APPROVED PLAN
Clayton County, Iowa County-Wide Multi-Jurisdiction Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan Appendices
Current as of: 7-19-2011
FINAL
R.1
CITY OF MCGREGOR, IOWA
HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN
November, 2008
Roger Knott, Mayor
City Council Members: Jason Solberg, Gaylinda Hallberg, Ryan Johnson,
Rogeta Halvorson, Joe Muehlbauer
Tom Meyer, City Administrator/Clerk
Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee:
Norm Lincoln; McGregor City Manager/Clerk; Maria Brummel, McGregor Park
Board; Dan Bickel, McGregor/Marquette Fire Dept.; Jerald Thornton,
McGregor/Marquette Fire Dept.; Burt Walters, MAR-MAC EMS; Kris Eulberg,
McGregor Utilities; Tom Sinclair, McGregor Public Library; Beth Regan, Planning
& Zoning; Trudy Balcom, North Iowa Times; Don Smalley, Marquette Resident;
Harold Brooks, AGRI-BUNGE; Larry Breuer, Rivertown Productions; Joe
Chiaramonte, McGregor Resident; Kevin Kinley, Bituma Corp.; Rachel Morrisey,
Isle of Capri-Marquette; Henry Pete Kautman, McGregor Resident; Randall A.
Grady, MAR-MAC Police Chief, Roger W. Knott, McGregor Resident; Marianne
Trudo, Marquette City Manager/Clerk
Plan Prepared by Steve Meyer, Consultant, P.O. Box 247, Garrison, Iowa,
52229. ph. 319-477-5041 e-mail gfdchief@netins.net and Robyn Reese,
Emergency Management Planning & Consulting, LLC; 9861 Dutch Creek
Drive, Anamosa, Iowa 52205. ph: 319-213-5872 e-mail: epc@q.com
City of McGregor Hazard Mitigation Plan
November, 2008
HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN FOR MCGREGOR, IOWA
Purpose of Hazard Mitigation Plan
This hazard mitigation plan is developed to asses the mitigation activities undertaken in the City
of McGregor, Iowa, to evaluate natural and manmade threats that may impact the community, to
evaluate measures that could be taken to diminish the impact of potential threats and to outline a
strategy for implementation of mitigation projects.
Acknowledgements
Over the course of the planning process a number of individuals donated their time and efforts
toward providing information, attending meetings, and providing input for the successful
completion of the plan. The following is a list of planning team who participated in preparation
of the 2008 City of McGregor, Iowa, Hazard Mitigation Plan:
Norm Lincoln; McGregor City Manager/Clerk; Maria Brummel, McGregor Park Board; Dan
Bickel, McGregor/Marquette Fire Dept.; Jerald Thornton, McGregor/Marquette Fire Dept.; Burt
Walters, MAR-MAC EMS; Kris Eulberg, McGregor Utilities; Tom Sinclair, McGregor Public
Library; Beth Regan, Planning & Zoning; Trudy Balcom, North Iowa Times; Don Smalley,
Marquette Resident; Harold Brooks, AGRI-BUNGE; Larry Breuer, Rivertown Productions; Joe
Chiaramonte, McGregor Resident; Kevin Kinley, Bituma Corp.; Rachel Morrisey, Isle of CapriMarquette; Henry Pete Kautman, McGregor Resident; Randall A. Grady, MAR-MAC Police
Chief, Roger W. Knott, McGregor Resident; Marianne Trudo, Marquette City Manager/Clerk
Adopted __________
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November, 2008
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION AND EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
8
THE PLANNING PROCESS
9
COMMUNITY PROFILE
10
HISTORY
GOVERNMENT
PREVIOUS HAZARD MITIGATION PLANS
PROPERTY VALUE
BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY
BUILDING REGULATIONS
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
TRANSPORTATION
COMMUNITY SERVICES,
FACILITIES AND INFRASTRUCTURE
EDUCATION SYSTEMS
CHILD CARE
NURSING HOMES/EXTENDED CARE FACILITIES
FIRE INSURANCE RATING
BUILDING INSPECTION RATING
NATIONAL FLOOD INSURANCE PROGRAM
NFIP COMMUNITY IDENTIFICATION NUMBER
NFIP COMMUNITY RATING SYSTEM
FLOOD INSURANCE INFORMATION
REPETITIVE LOSS PROPERTIES
VULNERABLE STRUCTURES
DEVELOPMENT TREND
CLIMATE
WATERSHED/TOPOGRAPHY
POPULATION/AGE/RACE
HOUSING OCCUPANCY
SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS
ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS
OTHER PLANS
CRITICAL FACILITIES
INVENTORY OF ASSETS
11
11
11
11
12
12
12
13
13
15
16
16
16
16
16
16
17
17
17
17
17
18
18
20
23
26
29
32
32
33
CURRENT AND HISTORIC MITIGATION ACTIVITIES AND
MEASURES
34
RISK ASSESSMENT
41
IDENTIFYING HAZARDS
HAZARD ANALYSIS FOR THE CITY OF MCGREGOR, IOWA
HAZARDS NOT CONSIDERED
41
42
48
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November, 2008
HAZARD PROFILES
EXTREME HEAT
FLASH FLOOD
RIVER FLOOD
LANDSLIDE
SEVERE WINTER STORM
THUNDERSTORM AND LIGHTNING
TORNADO
WINDSTORM
COMMUNICATIONS FAILURE
DAM FAILURE
LEVEE FAILURE
FIXED FACILITY HAZARDOUS MATERIALS INCIDENT
TRANSPORTATION HAZARDOUS MATERIALS INCIDENT
HIGHWAY TRANSPORTATION INCIDENT
ENERGY FAILURE
BIOTERRORISM
CONVENTIONAL TERRORISM
STRUCTURAL FIRE
HAZARD ANALYSIS SUMMARY
50
50
52
54
58
59
61
63
66
68
69
71
73
75
78
80
82
84
85
87
COMPOSITE SCORING WORKSHEET FOR HAZARDS IDENTIFIED BY CITY OF
MCGREGOR HAZARD MITIGATION PLANNING COMMITTEE
88
RANKING OF HAZARDS
89
VULNERABILITY ASSESSMENT
90
HAZARD PRIORITIZATION
98
HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN GOALS
99
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November, 2008
FUTURE HAZARD MITIGATION ACTIVITIES
STRUCTURAL FIRE
FLASH FLOOD
RIVER FLOOD
TORNADO
WINDSTORM
ENERGY FAILURE
SEVERE WINTER STORM
LEVEE FAILURE
EXTREME HEAT
DAM FAILURE
BIOTERRORISM
LANDSLIDE
OTHER MEASURES
ANALYSIS OF MITIGATION ACTIVITIES-STAPLEE CRITERIA
STRUCTURAL FIRE
FLASH FLOOD
RIVER FLOOD
TORNADO
WINDSTORM
ENERGY FAILURE
SEVERE WINTER STORM
LEVEE FAILURE
EXTREME HEAT
DAM FAILURE
BIOTERRORISM
LANDSLIDE
OTHER MEASURES
PLAN MAINT., REVIEW, AMENDMENT, OTHER PLANS
100
100
101
101
101
102
102
102
102
102
102
102
103
103
103
103
103
104
104
104
105
107
107
110
116
121
123
124
125
127
129
130
132
133
134
135
137
139
141
142
146
APPENDIX 1: June 16, 2008 MEETING
149
APPENDIX 2: October 15, 2008 MEETING
156
APPENDIX 3: October 16, 2008 MEETING
178
APPENDIX 4: City Council Resolution Adopting Plan
184
APPENDIX 5: Potential Mitigation Measures
185
APPENDIX 6: FIRMettes (2) of the McGregor Floodplain map
192
APPENDIX 7: Worksheets 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 of the FEMA Local Hazard Mitigation Review
Crosswalk
196
APPENDIX 8: Map of overflow basins Pikes Peak and Siegele Flood Control Dams 206
APPENDIX 9: Public Meeting Notice from The Outlook, October 8, 2008
207
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November, 2008
DIAGRAMS
STATE OF IOWA
CLAYTON COUNTY
CITY OF MCGREGOR
TABLE SUMMARIZING HOW HAZARDS WERE IDENTIFIED
FACTOR AND RATING SCALE USED BY PLANNING COMMITTEE
TO ASSESS HAZARDS RISK
EARTHQUAKE PROBABILITY CHART FOR THE UNITED STATES
HEAT INDEX CHART
100-YEAR FLOOD PLAIN HAZARD AREAS
TORNADO RISK AREAS IN THE UNITED STATES
TORNADO FUJITA SCALE
WIND ZONES IN THE UNITED STATES
LOCATION OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
RESPONSE TEAMS IN IOWA
MAP OF OVERFLOW BASINS PIKES PEAK
AND SIEGELE FLOOD CONTROL DAMS
10
10
10
42
43
46
48
51
57
65
65
66
77
204
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November, 2008
INTRODUCTION AND EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Generally the first question asked when communities begin the process of preparing a Hazard
Mitigation Plan is very simply ―What is a Hazard Mitigation Plan and what is its intended
purpose?‖ First, it is imperative to define what precisely the term mitigation entails. One
definition of the term is stated most effectively by the Federal Emergency Management Agency
and is as follows: ―Mitigation is defined as any sustained action taken to reduce or eliminate
long-term risk to human life and property from a hazard event. Mitigation, also known as
prevention (when done before a disaster), encourages long-term reduction of hazard
vulnerability. The goal of mitigation is to decrease the need for response as opposed to simply
increasing the response capability.‖
With that definition in mind, a mitigation plan is a document that is intended to accomplish
several things. First, through the planning process the hazards that pose a risk to the community
will be identified. Second, an assessment of the hazards will be made that take into account
historic occurrence; the number of people that will be impacted; the area of the community that
will be affected; potential costs that the city, individuals, and organization may incur; the
likelihood of future occurrence; and the amount of warning time before an event occurs. Once
the assessment is completed, a list of current and historic mitigation efforts are discussed.
Through this discussion areas that can be improved upon are identified and developed into
―action steps‖.
Early in the planning process meeting attendees identify broad goals that briefly state what the
plan should attempt to accomplish. Every action step should, if implemented, work toward one
or more of the goals of the plan. An action step may suggest continuing a current mitigation
effort or propose a new project altogether.
Once the hazards have been assessed, mitigation steps identified, and the action steps have been
prioritized the plan makes some suggestions for implementation. Throughout the document there
are references to the cost of particularly identified projects. Some proposed projects are small in
scope and thus relatively low cost. Other projects are broad in nature and require more funding
than the local community can reasonably provide. Therefore, the final piece of the plan suggests
methods to implement the plan, how to keep the public involved, and what steps should be taken
by local government to ensure that the concept of hazard mitigation is always a priority.
In all, this plan details several million dollars of potential mitigation projects. Completion and
adoption of the plan does not, however, obligate the City of McGregor to the expenses associated
with the various action steps identified in the plan. The intent is to increase awareness of
mitigation measures that can be taken on behalf of the community, thereby increasing the
probability of finding the necessary funds through a variety of sources.
When implemented appropriately, mitigation projects can save lives, reduce property damage.
They are also cost-effective, and environmentally sound. This, in turn, can reduce the enormous
cost of disasters to property owners and all levels of government. In addition, mitigation can
protect critical community facilities, reduce exposure to liability, and minimize community
disruption.
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November, 2008
THE PLANNING PROCESS
The first step in developing the Hazard Mitigation Plan was to hire a contractor to manage the
mitigation planning process. In May of 2008 the McGregor City Council contracted with
Consultant Steve Meyer to facilitate development of the City of McGregor’s Hazard Mitigation
Plan. On June 16, 2008, Meyer and Consultant Robyn Reese met with city council members and
city representatives to begin the planning process. The diverse group of people on the planning
committee possessed a variety of knowledge and backgrounds, yet all had some connection to
the goal of hazard mitigation. This group of people encompassed individuals representing local
government, law enforcement, fire and rescue, local emergency management, public utilities,
transportation, insurance, real estate, and citizen volunteers. Once established, this assembly was
considered to be the Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee. Beyond this core group of
individuals, great effort was made to inform local businesses and members of the general public
as well as neighboring communities of the planning process and invite all interested parties to
attend and contribute to the development of the plan. These efforts included mailed or e-mailed
invitations to hazard mitigation planning meetings for participants from city departments, school
system representatives, business and industry representatives, county emergency management,
county government, neighboring communities and residents of the communities. Public
announcements were also posted in key locations in the city and local newspapers. Details
pertaining to how notifications of these individuals and entities were conducted are provided in
Appendices 1-3 of this plan. Appendix 9, page 207 provides documentation of a public meeting
notice ran in The Outlook Newspaper. Following the establishment of the Hazard Mitigation
Planning Committee, three public meetings were held in order to establish what hazards the plan
would address, what the historical occurrence of those hazards in the community included, what
the probability of the hazard occurring again might be, and who would be likely effected should
a hazard occur. Furthermore, those who participated at the public meetings were charged with
identifying potential mitigation action steps that could be taken in order to reduce the
community’s risk to these hazards. Many of the identified action steps were projects that could
be accomplished by the local government independently. Other identified projects included
efforts that would either require the cooperation of two or more entities, or would not include the
local government at all. For each action step the parties that would most likely be responsible to
see that they were at least considered on an annual basis were identified in order to increase the
likelihood that the plan will be implemented. Finally, mitigation steps were prioritized.
Mitigation steps were determined for every hazard identified in the plan regardless of their
ranking as a high, medium or low risk. The three meetings that were held averaged two hours
and received varying degrees of attendance.
When the contractor had completed a draft of the McGregor Hazard Mitigation Plan a copy of
the plan was made available to all committee members for review. Additionally, as the plan was
being developed, review by those with particular expertise or knowledge in particular areas was
sought, particularly with regards to mitigation measures. The recommended revisions of
committee members and subject matter experts were incorporated into all sections of the plan.
The contractor who developed this plan and the planning committee reviewed applicable
ordinances and plans of the City of McGregor as well as those maintained by the Clayton County
Emergency Management Agency for their applicability to this Hazard Mitigation Plan. Among
the documents reviewed were the City of McGregor’s Building Codes and Ordinances, Clayton
County County-Wide Hazard Mitigation Plan and the Clayton County Strategic Performance
Plan. Where applicable the findings, recommendations and requirements of these plans were
incorporated into this plan.
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November, 2008
COMMUNITY PROFILE
The City of McGregor is located in the northeast corner of Clayton County, Iowa.
STATE OF IOWA
CLAYTON COUNTY
CITY OF MCGREGOR
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November, 2008
HISTORY
The City of McGregor, Iowa is located on 2.5 square miles of land in Mendon Township located
in the northeast corner of Clayton County, Iowa. McGregor was founded as MacGregor's
Landing in 1847 by Alexandar MacGregor who had been operating a ferry across the Mississippi
River between Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin since 1837. MacGregor planned the new city as a six
block development. It was quickly populated and incorporated as McGregor in 1857. In that
same year, the Milwaukee & Mississippi Railroad finished building a railroad track from
Milwaukee, Wisconsin to Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, thus connecting Lake Michigan with the
Mississippi River by rail. McGregor quickly became a major commercial center, and served as a
hub where grain from Iowa and Minnesota could be transported across the Mississippi and sent
on to Milwaukee via railroad. More railroads were built to connect McGregor with cities further
west, and the city of North McGregor (now Marquette, Iowa) was established just north of the
city to serve as the city's railroad terminus. After reaching McGregor from the west, trains were
disassembled and railroad cars were ferried across the Mississippi to continue on towards Lake
Michigan. During the 1870s, the population of McGregor exploded to over 5,500 as the city
became the busiest shipping port west of Chicago. In 1874, the system of ferrying railroad cars
across the river between North McGregor and Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, was brought to an
end and the city’s population began to decline. Today the city's history is preserved in its
downtown business district, which contains many buildings constructed during the city's boom
years. Because of its colorful history and location beside the Mississippi River, the city has
become a popular summer tourist destination, and it is known for its many antique stores.
McGregor’s population according to the 2000 census stood at 871. The city has a public library;
a police department, volunteer fire department and ambulance service that are shared with the
neighboring City of Marquette (population 421). State Highway 76 and US Highway 18 are
major transportation routes through the city. Today the city’s economy is highly dependent upon
the Isle of Capri Casino in Marquette and the City of Prairie Du Chien, Wisconsin across the
Mississippi River.
GOVERNMENT
The City of McGregor is governed by a Mayor/Council form of government with five council
members and a mayor, all of whom are elected. The city also has a full-time professional city
administrator/clerk who serves as the treasurer, zoning administrator building inspections official
and floodplain manager. Other administrative staff includes a part-time clerical assistant; billing
clerk; a street superintendent; street foreman; assistant wastewater/streets person; water operator;
head lineman; assistant lineman; police chief, librarian and 2 assistant librarians.
PREVIOUS HAZARD MITIGATION PLANS
In August 2002, the City of McGregor adopted a Hazard Mitigation Plan developed by the Upper
Explorerland Regional Planning Commission. The plan was not DMA2000 compliant and did
not receive FEMA approval.
PROPERTY VALUE
The total assessed value of all property in the City of McGregor as detailed from information
provided by the McGregor City Clerk was $47,437,569 on January 1, 2007.
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November, 2008
BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY
The City of McGregor is home to 123 commercial businesses and industries mostly centered in
agricultural, tourism and human services interests. The Great River Care Center with 30
employees is the city’s largest employer. Other large employers include the MFL Mar Mac
Middle School with 30 employees, the City of McGregor with 12 employees and Agri-Bunge
with 12 employees.
BUILDING REGULATIONS
The City of McGregor has various ordinances regulating development and building construction
in the city. Chapters of the city’s code relative to development and building construction include:
Chapter 145 – Dangerous Buildings
Chapter 146 – Mobile Homes and mobile Home Parks
Chapter 150 – Building Numbering
Chapter 151 – Trees
Chapter 155 – Building Code (Permits)
Chapter 156 – Sign Code
Chapter 160 – Flood Plain Regulations
Chapter 165 –Zoning Regulations
Chapter 166 – Subdivision Regulations
Certain provisions of the Iowa State Building Code promulgated by the State Building Code
Commissioner or State Fire Marshall as provided by Iowa Code, Chapters 100 and 103A, are
mandatory and supersede the above standards when they conflict.
The City of McGregor adopted a land use plan in 1970. The plan has not been updated.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
The McGregor-Marquette Chamber of Commerce functions as the City of McGregor’s economic
development entity. The chamber maintains an office at 146 Main Street in McGregor. In
addition to the McGregor-Marquette Chamber of Commerce, the Clayton County Economic
Development Group assists communities in the county with development and promotional
efforts.
One of the key elements of the local economy is tourism and gambling. Recreational pursuits
relative to the Mississippi River and the city’s old river town aura are a draw. Another huge draw
is the nearby Isle of Capri Riverboat Casino located in neighboring Marquette.
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November, 2008
TRANSPORTATION
Highway/Interstate
The City of McGregor is served by State Highway 76 and US Highway 18. Iowa DOT statistics
indicate the highways are traveled by an estimated 3300 vehicles daily.
Air
The City of McGregor does not have an airport or runway. The nearest commercial and
passenger air service is available from the Prairie Du Chien Minicipal Airport in Prairie Du
Chien, Wisconsin. In Iowa the closest commercial and air passenger service is the Dubuque
Regional Airport in Dubuque, the Waterloo Regional Airport in Waterloo and the Eastern Iowa
Airport in Cedar Rapids.
Rail
The Canadian Pacific Railroad has a line that runs through McGregor. The line averages 5 trains
per day with a maximum of 7 per day.
COMMUNITY SERVICES, FACILITIES AND INFRASTRUCTURE
Streets
The City of McGregor is composed of approximately 80 city blocks and 10 miles of streets. The
street surfaces are seal coated, asphalt or concrete with a small amount of graveled streets. The
city’s Street Superintendent and part time assistant manage street maintenance for the city.
Water And Water Treatment
Water supply for the City of McGregor is supplied by two active wells, one drilled to 180 feet
deep on 105 Eagle Drive and the other drilled to 600 feet deep that is on 118 Main Street. Water
usage averages 110,000 gallons of water per day. The city has an above ground covered bluff-top
water reservoir which holds a maximum of 297,000 gallons of water. Well field protection to a
distance of 200 feet in accordance with DNR standards has been established for the well on
Eagle Drive. Well field protection is impractical for Well No. 6 due to its location in the city’s
business district. The city has a chlorination water treatment plant located at 118 Main Street.
The City of McGregor’s Water Operator manages and maintains the city’s water supply system.
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November, 2008
Wastewater Treatment
Wastewater treatment for the City of McGregor is done by a sequential batch reactor plant
located along the Mississippi River at 147 River Road. It was constructed in 1990 and upgraded
in 2002. The sewer collection system is old and subject to much infiltration. The system is
overwhelmed by severe floods of the Mississippi River exceeding the 20' river stage.
Electrical Generation
The City of McGregor maintains its own electrical power generating plant that was built in 1941.
The plant is capable of providing electrical power to the entire city and all of the city’s facilities
in times of power outages. Total electrical generating capacity of the plant is 2.0 MW. The plant
has three generators installed in 1941, 1955 and 1977. The plant is used routinely during peak
power usage situations to supplement electrical power to the city. The plant is located in the
flood plain of the city, but it is protected by a concrete flood wall.
Emergency Services
Law Enforcement
Law enforcement for the City of McGregor is provided by the Mar-Mac Unified Law
Enforcement District. The district provides law enforcement services to both the McGregor and
Marquette communities. The district maintains a full-time Chief of Police, two full-time patrol
officers, an administrative secretary and a contingent of four reserve officers. A 28E agreement
for mutual aid exists between the Mar-Mac Unified Law Enforcement District and the Clayton
County Sheriff’s Office. This agreement allows for cross coverage between the two entities as
each situation dictates. Through planning and using personnel and resources effectively, the
Sheriff’s Office delivers a broad range of law enforcement services to the County. The office
maintains a staff of 11 full-time deputies, the Sheriff, 9 jailer/dispatchers, and 5 reserve officer.
Fire Department
The City of McGregor receives fire protection from the McGregor Hook and Ladder
Company No. 1. The department is fully incorporated and maintains its own board of
directors. It provides fire protection services to both the communities of McGregor and
Marquette. The department is staffed with 30 volunteer firefighters and maintains a fleet
of 7 vehicles for firefighting and rescue operations. The department averages 30 alarms
per year in the city and the surrounding rural district. The fire departments in Clayton
County have formed a county-wide mutual aid agreement, making the services of an
additional 12 fire departments available to the city in the event of a major fire or
emergency.
Emergency Medical Services
Emergency medical service for the City of McGregor is provided by the Mar-Mac
Rescue Squad, headquartered in the McGregor Hook and Ladder Company No. 1 Fire
Station. The Squad is the initial primary emergency medical service provider for the 48
square mile area of the emergency response district. The service is staffed with volunteer
ambulance drivers and emergency medical responders. The service responds to an
average of 210 calls for service a year.
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November, 2008
Emergency Management
Disaster and emergency management guidance is provided through the Clayton County
Emergency Management Agency. The agency has one full-time Emergency Management
Coordinator and a volunteer deputy coordinator. The agency is directed by the Clayton
County Emergency Management Commission which the City of McGregor has a
representative on. The City of McGregor supports the agency at cost to the city of $2 per
capita.
Medical Services
The Prairie Du Chien Memorial Hospital at 705 East Taylor Street in Prairie Du Chien,
Wisconsin is the most immediate medical treatment facility. The Level 3 Critical Access
Trauma Center has 25 beds and two emergency rooms and is staffed with approximately
280 employees
Hazmat Services
The Clayton County Firemen's Association, of which the McGregor Hook and Ladder
Company No. 1 is a member, contracts with the Linn County HAZMAT Team
headquartered in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, 60 miles away, to provide hazardous materials incident
emergency services.
Utilities and Communications Providers
Natural Gas Provider: None
Electricity: Dairyland Power and the McGregor Municipal Utilities
Telephone: Alpine Communications
Cable TV: MediaCom
Cell Phone: US Cellular
EDUCATION SYSTEMS
MFL MarMac Community School District
Students in the City of McGregor attend the MFL MarMac Community School District.
The district serves approximately 900 students in grades K-12. Attendance centers are
located in Monona (PreK-3 Elementary and 9-12 High School) and McGregor (4-5
Intermediate and 6-8 Middle School). The number of students attending the Middle
School in McGregor averages 300.
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November, 2008
CHILD CARE
Private and state licensed child care providers for the City of McGregor include the
following.
Deb Nading, 16113 Great River Road, McGregor
Marguerite White, 30685 Pleasant Ridge Road, McGregor
Mrs. Robert Davis, 16639 Great River Road, McGregor
NURSING HOMES/EXTENDED CARE FACILITIES
The Great River Care Center at 1400 West Main Street in McGregor provides care for 50
residents.
FIRE INSURANCE RATING
The current ISO fire rating for the City of McGregor is reported to be a class six (6).
BUILDING INSPECTION RATING
The City of McGregor has no ISO Building Inspection rating and no formal building inspection
program or designated building inspector.
NATIONAL FLOOD INSURANCE PROGRAM (NFIP)
The City of McGregor became a member of the regular program of the National Flood Insurance
Program (NFIP) on January 19. 1972. The effective date of the map (including FIRM Maps)
used to administer and regulate the floodplain was October 17, 1975. FIRMettes of the
McGregor Floodplain map are found in Appendix 6, page 192.
In order to remain a member of the National Flood Insurance Program, the community has
adopted and enforces a Floodplain Ordinance which is Chapter 160 of the Code of Ordinances
for the City of McGregor. The ordinance regulates what type of construction, if any, can occur
in identified flood hazard areas. By doing so, property owners in the community are eligible to
purchase flood insurance on property within the city limits, regardless of whether they are
actually in an identified floodplain.
NFIP COMMUNITY IDENTIFICATION (CIP) NUMBER
The identification number assigned to the City of McGregor, also known as a CID number, is
195183, made effective 1/19/1972. The first six digits of this number generally correspond with
the Community Panel Number found on the official Flood Insurance Rate Map for the
community and should be included in all flood insurance policies issued in the city.
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November, 2008
NFIP COMMUNITY RATING SYSTEM
The City of McGregor is not currently active in the NFIP Community Rating System. Therefore,
no rating has been established.
FLOOD INSURANCE INFORMATION
As of June 30, 2008, there were 40 flood insurance policies in affect covering $5,248,500 worth
of property in the City of McGregor. Annual premium on these properties amounted to $31,711.
Since January 1, 1978, there have been 14 insurance claims for flood damage in the City of
McGregor. All totaled, $78,525 in property damage payments were made.
REPETITIVE LOSS PROPERTIES
The City of McGregor has no repetitive loss properties. Due to privacy issues no information is
available on the location or value of these structures.
VULNERABLE STRUCTURES
The City of McGregor has 103 structures that are located within flood zones A and B. These
structures include 54 classified as residential and 49 others including commercial, storage and
public or municipal facilities. Among the public facilities in the flood plain are: McGregor
Municipal Utilities; McGregor Sewage Treatment Plant; Well No. 6; McGregor City Hall;
McGregor Fire Station; McGregor Public Library; McGregor Museum and the Riverfront Park
Shelter House. Total value of all these structures from records provided by the City of McGregor
in September, 2008 is assessed at $11,862,723.
Within areas of the City of McGregor that have the possibility of being affected by a landslide
there are 40 residential and 25 commercial properties with an assessed value of $2.2 million.
All structures of the City of McGregor are vulnerable to the affects of a tornado and hazardous
materials events. Numerous scenarios and potential outcomes are possible with such events,
ranging from slight damage to total devastation of the community. Total devastation would mean
a loss of the city’s 374 residential structures, 74 commercial structures and 15 governmental
structures. Total assessed value of all such property in the City of McGregor is $47,437,569.
These assessed values were obtained from records maintained by the McGregor City Clerk’s
office.
There are currently no known plans for construction of any new structures in vulnerable areas of
the City of McGregor, namely those areas that would be within the flood plain or landslide areas.
DEVELOPMENT TREND
The City of McGregor experienced growth in most decades of the 20th century. The Farm Crisis of
the 1980’s that affected a majority of small communities in the Midwest slowed the population
growth in McGregor. From 1990 to 2000 the population of McGregor jumped by74 people from 797
to 871. This is related to new housing starts and an active housing program initiated by city
government. The city is also experiencing significant growth in tourism related business.
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November, 2008
CLIMATE
Iowa’s climate is characterized by warm, generally moist summers and cold winters.
Temperatures vary considerably from season to season and, at times, from day to day. Although
total snowfall is rarely very great, the severity of the Iowa winter is often increased by high
winds that produce blizzard conditions and by prolonged periods of very low temperatures. The
City of McGregor lies in the northeast corner of Iowa and the climate is of the continental type.
The climate is marked by a great variation in temperature, humidity and precipitation.
Monthly Record Average Temperatures and Precipitation for Dubuque, Iowa, the nearest
National Weather Reporting Service for The City of McGregor, Iowa
(Source: National Weather Service, Quad Cities)
Month
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
Degrees Fahrenheit
Low
High
9.2
24.9
15.4
30.8
26.2
43.3
37.5
57.4
48.8
69.3
57.9
78.6
62.4
82.1
60.2
79.8
51.7
71.9
40.5
60.3
27.8
43.6
15.2
29.7
Precipitation
Inches
1.28
1.42
2.73
3.49
4.12
4.08
3.73
4.59
3.56
2.50
2.49
1.69
Snowfall
Inches
10.6
8.7
7.6
3.2
Trace
0
0
0
0
.1
4.5
10.5
WATERSHED/TOPOGRAPHY
Moderately sloping to steep slopes with well-drained soil, underlain with limestone bedrock
make up the area in and around McGregor, Iowa.
The City of McGregor is located in the Mississippi River Basin in northeast Iowa. In addition to
the huge watershed that flows into the Mississippi River from areas to the north that extends into
the states of Minnesota and Wisconsin, the city is uniquely located at the lower confluence of a
number of valleys and watersheds that drain into it essentially from all directions. All totaled, US
Geological Survey information documents a watershed area of 65,810 square miles that
influence the City of McGregor.
18
November, 2008
19
November, 2008
POPULATION/AGE/RACE
CITY OF MCGREGOR POPULATION DATA FROM 2000 CENSUS
Subject
Number
Percent
871
100.0
SEX AND AGE
Male
Female
417
454
47.9
52.1
Under 5 years
5 to 9 years
10 to 14 years
15 to 19 years
20 to 24 years
25 to 34 years
35 to 44 years
45 to 54 years
55 to 59 years
60 to 64 years
65 to 74 years
75 to 84 years
85 years and over
39
34
60
60
38
90
122
121
49
39
92
78
49
4.5
3.9
6.9
6.9
4.4
10.3
14.0
13.9
5.6
4.5
10.6
9.0
5.6
Median age (years)
44.2
(X)
18 years and over
Male
Female
21 years and over
62 years and over
65 years and over
Male
Female
705
328
377
667
242
219
79
140
80.9
37.7
43.3
76.6
27.8
25.1
9.1
16.1
RACE
One race
White
Black or African American
American Indian and Alaska Native
Asian
Asian Indian
Chinese
Filipino
Japanese
Korean
Vietnamese
Other Asian 1
Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander
Native Hawaiian
Guamanian or Chamorro
Samoan
Other Pacific Islander 2
Some other race
Two or more races
870
867
0
2
1
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
99.9
99.5
0.0
0.2
0.1
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.1
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.1
Total population
20
November, 2008
Race alone or in combination with one or more other races 3
White
Black or African American
American Indian and Alaska Native
Asian
Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander
Some other race
868
1
2
1
0
0
99.7
0.1
0.2
0.1
0.0
0.0
HISPANIC OR LATINO AND RACE
Total population
Hispanic or Latino (of any race)
Mexican
Puerto Rican
Cuban
Other Hispanic or Latino
Not Hispanic or Latino
White alone
871
6
5
1
0
0
865
861
100.0
0.7
0.6
0.1
0.0
0.0
99.3
98.9
RELATIONSHIP
Total population
In households
Householder
Spouse
Child
Own child under 18 years
Other relatives
Under 18 years
Nonrelatives
Unmarried partner
In group quarters
Institutionalized population
Noninstitutionalized population
871
808
382
153
199
151
24
7
50
24
63
47
16
100.0
92.8
43.9
17.6
22.8
17.3
2.8
0.8
5.7
2.8
7.2
5.4
1.8
HOUSEHOLDS BY TYPE
Total households
Family households (families)
With own children under 18 years
Married-couple family
Female householder, no husband present
Nonfamily households
Householder living alone
Householder 65 years and over
382
206
89
153
60
39
20
176
148
63
100.0
53.9
23.3
40.1
15.7
10.2
5.2
46.1
38.7
16.5
Households with individuals under 18 years
Households with individuals 65 years and over
96
127
25.1
33.2
Average household size
Average family size
2.12
2.83
(X)
(X)
HOUSING OCCUPANCY
Total housing units
Occupied housing units
Vacant housing units
For seasonal, recreational, or occasional use
487
382
105
62
100.0
78.4
21.6
12.7
Homeowner vacancy rate (percent)
Rental vacancy rate (percent)
5.2
12.5
(X)
(X)
21
November, 2008
HOUSING TENURE
Owner-occupied housing units
Renter-occupied housing units
382
235
147
100.0
61.5
38.5
Average household size of owner-occupied unit
Average household size of renter-occupied unit
2.32
1.78
(X)
(X)
22
November, 2008
HOUSING OCCUPANCY
CITY OF MCGREGOR HOUSING OCCUPANCY FROM 2000 CENSUS
Subject
Number
Percent
518
100.0
342
10
54
23
30
41
2
16
0
66.0
1.9
10.4
4.4
5.8
7.9
0.4
3.1
0.0
YEAR STRUCTURE BUILT
1999 to March 2000
1995 to 1998
1990 to 1994
1980 to 1989
1970 to 1979
1960 to 1969
1940 to 1959
1939 or earlier
18
18
17
12
42
43
41
327
3.5
3.5
3.3
2.3
8.1
8.3
7.9
63.1
ROOMS
1 room
2 rooms
3 rooms
4 rooms
5 rooms
6 rooms
7 rooms
8 rooms
9 or more rooms
Median (rooms)
2
30
71
89
97
104
50
42
33
5.2
0.4
5.8
13.7
17.2
18.7
20.1
9.7
8.1
6.4
(X)
386
100.0
101
99
56
48
28
54
26.2
25.6
14.5
12.4
7.3
14.0
45
162
132
47
11.7
42.0
34.2
12.2
Total housing units
UNITS IN STRUCTURE
1-unit, detached
1-unit, attached
2 units
3 or 4 units
5 to 9 units
10 to 19 units
20 or more units
Mobile home
Boat, RV, van, etc.
Occupied Housing Units
YEAR HOUSEHOLDER MOVED INTO UNIT
1999 to March 2000
1995 to 1998
1990 to 1994
1980 to 1989
1970 to 1979
1969 or earlier
VEHICLES AVAILABLE
None
1
2
3 or more
23
HOUSE HEATING FUEL
Utility gas
Bottled, tank, or LP gas
Electricity
Fuel oil, kerosene, etc.
Coal or coke
Wood
Solar energy
Other fuel
No fuel used
November, 2008
3
242
67
59
0
11
0
4
0
0.8
62.7
17.4
15.3
0.0
2.8
0.0
1.0
0.0
SELECTED CHARACTERISTICS
Lacking complete plumbing facilities
Lacking complete kitchen facilities
No telephone service
0
0
6
0.0
0.0
1.6
OCCUPANTS PER ROOM
1.00 or less
1.01 to 1.50
1.51 or more
386
377
5
4
100.0
97.7
1.3
1.0
191
100.0
77
72
20
15
3
4
0
0
55,600
40.3
37.7
10.5
7.9
1.6
2.1
0.0
0.0
(X)
106
2
20
45
21
17
0
1
594
85
235
55.5
1.0
10.5
23.6
11.0
8.9
0.0
0.5
(X)
44.5
(X)
96
26
31
10
11
17
0
50.3
13.6
16.2
5.2
5.8
8.9
0.0
Specified owner-occupied units
VALUE
Less than $50,000
$50,000 to $99,999
$100,000 to $149,999
$150,000 to $199,999
$200,000 to $299,999
$300,000 to $499,999
$500,000 to $999,999
$1,000,000 or more
Median (dollars)
MORTGAGE STATUS AND SELECTED MONTHLY OWNER COSTS
With a mortgage
Less than $300
$300 to $499
$500 to $699
$700 to $999
$1,000 to $1,499
$1,500 to $1,999
$2,000 or more
Median (dollars)
Not mortgaged
Median (dollars)
SELECTED MONTHLY OWNER COSTS AS A PERCENTAGE
OF HOUSEHOLD INCOME IN 1999
Less than 15 percent
15 to 19 percent
20 to 24 percent
25 to 29 percent
30 to 34 percent
35 percent or more
Not computed
24
Specified renter-occupied units
GROSS RENT
Less than $200
$200 to $299
$300 to $499
$500 to $749
$750 to $999
$1,000 to $1,499
$1,500 or more
No cash rent
Median (dollars)
GROSS RENT AS A PERCENTAGE OF HOUSEHOLD INCOME IN 1999
Less than 15 percent
15 to 19 percent
20 to 24 percent
25 to 29 percent
30 to 34 percent
35 percent or more
Not computed
November, 2008
147
100.0
21
18
85
18
0
0
0
5
370
14.3
12.2
57.8
12.2
0.0
0.0
0.0
3.4
(X)
33
28
28
16
6
29
7
22.4
19.0
19.0
10.9
4.1
19.7
4.8
25
November, 2008
SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS
CITY OF MCGREGOR SOCIAL CHARACTORISTICS FROM 2000 CENSUS
Subject
Number
Percent
SCHOOL ENROLLMENT
Population 3 years and over enrolled in school
Nursery school, preschool
Kindergarten
Elementary school (grades 1-8)
High school (grades 9-12)
College or graduate school
201
3
4
110
45
39
100.0
1.5
2.0
54.7
22.4
19.4
EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT
Population 25 years and over
Less than 9th grade
9th to 12th grade, no diploma
High school graduate (includes equivalency)
Some college, no degree
Associate degree
Bachelor's degree
Graduate or professional degree
613
58
60
245
136
33
61
20
100.0
9.5
9.8
40.0
22.2
5.4
10.0
3.3
Percent high school graduate or higher
Percent bachelor's degree or higher
80.8
13.2
(X)
(X)
MARITAL STATUS
Never married
Now married, except separated
Separated
Widowed
Female
Divorced
Female
721
156
347
9
101
83
108
56
100.0
21.6
48.1
1.2
14.0
11.5
15.0
7.8
7
100.0
4
57.1
VETERAN STATUS
Civilian population 18 years and over
Civilian veterans
685
123
100.0
18.0
DISABILITY STATUS OF THE CIVILIAN NONINSTITUTIONALIZED
POPULATION
Population 5 to 20 years
With a disability
186
10
100.0
5.4
Population 21 to 64 years
With a disability
Percent employed
No disability
Percent employed
448
51
68.6
397
76.8
100.0
11.4
(X)
88.6
(X)
With a disability
149
59
100.0
39.6
GRANDPARENTS AS CAREGIVERS
Grandparent living in household with one or more own
grandchildren under 18 years
Grandparent responsible for grandchildren
26
November, 2008
RESIDENCE IN 1995
Same house in 1995
Different house in the U.S. in 1995
Same county
Different county
Same state
Different state
Elsewhere in 1995
831
432
391
238
153
30
123
8
100.0
52.0
47.1
28.6
18.4
3.6
14.8
1.0
NATIVITY AND PLACE OF BIRTH
Total population
Native
Born in United States
State of residence
Different state
Born outside United States
Foreign born
Entered 1990 to March 2000
Naturalized citizen
Not a citizen
885
873
871
448
423
2
12
8
3
9
100.0
98.6
98.4
50.6
47.8
0.2
1.4
0.9
0.3
1.0
12
2
0
10
0
0
0
100.0
16.7
0.0
83.3
0.0
0.0
0.0
831
794
37
8
7
0
28
8
0
0
100.0
95.5
4.5
1.0
0.8
0.0
3.4
1.0
0.0
0.0
885
1,002
0
21
6
35
82
42
8
411
2
0
140
4
0
68
8
0
100.0
113.2
0.0
2.4
0.7
4.0
9.3
4.7
0.9
46.4
0.2
0.0
15.8
0.5
0.0
7.7
0.9
0.0
REGION OF BIRTH OF FOREIGN BORN
Total (excluding born at sea)
Europe
Asia
Africa
Oceania
Latin America
Northern America
LANGUAGE SPOKEN AT HOME
English only
Language other than English
Speak English less than 'very well
Spanish
Speak English less than "very well"
Other Indo-European languages
Asian and Pacific Island languages
ANCESTRY (single or multiple)
Total population
Total ancestries reported
Arab
Czech1
Danish
Dutch
English
French (except Basque)1
French Canadian1
German
Greek
Hungarian
Irish1
Italian
Lithuanian
Norwegian
Polish
Portuguese
27
Russian
Scotch-Irish
Scottish
Slovak
Subsaharan African
Swedish
Swiss
Ukrainian
United States or American
Welsh
West Indian (excluding Hispanic groups)
Other ancestries
November, 2008
2
15
13
0
0
31
6
5
61
16
0
26
0.2
1.7
1.5
0.0
0.0
3.5
0.7
0.6
6.9
1.8
0.0
2.9
28
November, 2008
ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS
CITY OF MCGREGOR ECONOMIC CHARACTORISTICS FROM 2000 CENSUS
Subject
Number
Percent
EMPLOYMENT STATUS
In labor force
Civilian labor force
Employed
Unemployed
Percent of civilian labor force
Armed Forces
Not in labor force
707
413
413
401
12
2.9
0
294
100.0
58.4
58.4
56.7
1.7
(X)
0.0
41.6
Females 16 years and over
In labor force
Civilian labor force
Employed
361
184
184
183
100.0
51.0
51.0
50.7
Own children under 6 years
All parents in family in labor force
58
36
100.0
62.1
397
296
36
0
39
8
18
19.1
100.0
74.6
9.1
0.0
9.8
2.0
4.5
(X)
401
100.0
75
81
97
3
45
100
18.7
20.2
24.2
0.7
11.2
24.9
4
29
71
9
64
36
6
18
1.0
7.2
17.7
2.2
16.0
9.0
1.5
4.5
11
2.7
57
65
12
19
14.2
16.2
3.0
4.7
304
49
75.8
12.2
COMMUTING TO WORK
Workers 16 years and over
Car, truck, or van -- drove alone
Car, truck, or van – carpooled
Public transportation (including taxicab)
Walked
Other means
Worked at home
Mean travel time to work (minutes)
Employed civilian population 16 years and over
OCCUPATION
Management, professional, and related occupations
Service occupations
Sales and office occupations
Farming, fishing, and forestry occupations
Construction, extraction, and maintenance occupations
Production, transportation, and material moving occupations
INDUSTRY
Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, and mining
Construction
Manufacturing
Wholesale trade
Retail trade
Transportation and warehousing, and utilities
Information
Finance, insurance, real estate, and rental and leasing
Professional, scientific, management, administrative, and waste management
services
Educational, health and social services
Arts, entertainment, recreation, accommodation and food services
Other services (except public administration)
Public administration
CLASS OF WORKER
Private wage and salary workers
Government workers
29
Subject
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
Unpaid family workers
November, 2008
Number
47
1
Percent
11.7
0.2
INCOME IN 1999
Households
Less than $10,000
$10,000 to $14,999
$15,000 to $24,999
$25,000 to $34,999
$35,000 to $49,999
$50,000 to $74,999
$75,000 to $99,999
$100,000 to $149,999
$150,000 to $199,999
$200,000 or more
Median household income (dollars)
363
36
36
85
63
68
44
22
7
0
2
30,163
100.0
9.9
9.9
23.4
17.4
18.7
12.1
6.1
1.9
0.0
0.6
(X)
With earnings
Mean earnings (dollars)
With Social Security income
Mean Social Security income (dollars)
With Supplemental Security Income
Mean Supplemental Security Income (dollars)
With public assistance income
Mean public assistance income (dollars)
With retirement income
Mean retirement income (dollars)
265
35,958
125
10,847
20
7,385
5
1,080
54
10,207
73.0
(X)
34.4
(X)
5.5
(X)
1.4
(X)
14.9
(X)
Families
Less than $10,000
$10,000 to $14,999
$15,000 to $24,999
$25,000 to $34,999
$35,000 to $49,999
$50,000 to $74,999
$75,000 to $99,999
$100,000 to $149,999
$150,000 to $199,999
$200,000 or more
Median family income (dollars)
203
8
12
38
38
47
33
18
7
0
2
37,969
100.0
3.9
5.9
18.7
18.7
23.2
16.3
8.9
3.4
0.0
1.0
(X)
Per capita income (dollars)
Median earnings (dollars):
Male full-time, year-round workers
Female full-time, year-round workers
15,636
(X)
27,212
17,344
(X)
(X)
POVERTY STATUS IN 1999 (below poverty level)
Families
Percent below poverty level
With related children under 18 years
16
(X)
14
(X)
7
(X)
(X)
7.9
(X)
14.3
(X)
18.4
Families with female householder, no husband present
9
(X)
7
(X)
5
(X)
(X)
32.1
(X)
41.2
(X)
83.3
30
Individuals
18 years and over
65 years and over
Related children under 18 years
Related children 5 to 17 years
Unrelated individuals 15 years and over
November, 2008
81
(X)
51
(X)
8
(X)
30
(X)
19
(X)
26
(X)
(X)
9.9
(X)
8.0
(X)
5.4
(X)
16.7
(X)
15.1
(X)
12.8
31
November, 2008
OTHER PLANS
The City of McGregor has a Hazard Mitigation Plan developed by Upper Explorerland in 2002.
The plan is not DMA2000 compliant and was not approved by FEMA.
CRITICAL FACILITIES & INFRASTRUCTURE
Critical facilities are those structures and infrastructure that the community places a priority on
protecting. Damage to these facilities can impact the delivery of vital services; cause greater
damages to other sections of the community, or can put special, vulnerable populations at risk.
The Planning Committee identified the following critical facilities:
Facilities essential to the health and welfare of the entire population, especially following
a hazard event:
McGregor City Hall
McGregor Fire Station
Mar-Mac Unified Law Enforcement District
McGregor Electric Utility
Transportation Systems
US Highway 18
State Highway 76
Canadian Pacific Railroad
Lifeline Utility Systems
City of McGregor Water Treatment Plant
City of McGregor City Wells
City of McGregor Wastewater Treatment System
City of McGregor Public Works Department
City of McGregor water reservoir
Vulnerable Population Centers
Great River Care Center
MFL MarMac Community School District Middle School building
Flood Control Structures
Flood Control Levee along Front Street
Concrete Flood Wall around McGregor Electric Utility
Retention basin dams; the Siegel Dam, Pike Peek Dam and Slaughter Dam built
in 1939 and two additional dams recently built by the City of McGregor
Financial Institutions
Central States Bank
Interstate Federal Savings and Loan
Food Suppliers
McGregor’s Top Shelf
Kwik Star Inc.
Fuel
McGregor’s Top Shelf
Twin Cities FS
32
November, 2008
INVENTORY OF ASSETS
In order to identify the most appropriate mitigation techniques and projects, assets in the
community were identified. Assets that would be affected in the event of a large hazard that
could affect the entire community include all properties in the city. These hazards include:
Tornado/High Wind Event, Winter Storm, Thunderstorm/Lightning/Hail, Drought, Excessive
Heat and Earthquakes. In these events, the entire Community is the ―Hazard Area.‖ The only
information available for the community asset inventory is the total assessed value of all property
in the City of McGregor as detailed from information provided by the McGregor City Clerk’s
Office. On January 1, 2007 the total assessed value of all properties in the City of McGregor
stood at $47,437,569. This is the most recent information available.
33
November, 2008
CURRENT AND HISTORIC MITIGATION ACTIVITIES AND
MEASURES
The City of McGregor has historically made efforts to mitigate the risks of hazards. This section
is intended to give a brief overview of those activities that are in place, have occurred or that
continue to take place.
Emergency Services
Emergency Management Agency
The Clayton County Emergency Management Agency, headquartered at 100 High Street
in Elkader, is governed by a Board of Commissioners made up of the Mayors from each
of the incorporated jurisdiction in the County, or their designated delegates; a
representative of the Clayton County Sheriff’s Department; and a member of the Clayton
County Board of Supervisors. The Agency currently funds one full-time staff person -the Emergency Management Coordinator. The Emergency Management Agency works
in conjunction with local fire, rescue, medical, police, government personnel, and local
officials to draft and implement workable emergency action plans for the County and its
communities.
The Agency’s current contact information is as follows:
Clayton County Emergency Management Agency
100 High Street, Elkader, IA 52043
P.O. Box 464
Ph: 563-245-3004
FAX: 563-245-2451
joelbiggs14@yahoo.com
McGregor Hook and Ladder Company No. 1 Fire Department Inc.
The City of McGregor receives fire protection from the McGregor Hook and Ladder Co.
No. 1 Fire Department Inc. The department provides fire protection to the
Marquette/McGregor Fire District comprising 48 square miles in Mendon Township in
Clayton County. Total population for the fire district is estimated at 2,500 people,
including the Cities of Marquette and McGregor. Staffing of the department is 30
volunteer firefighters. The department responds to an average of 30 fire and rescue
emergencies a year. The department has a fleet of 7 vehicles including two engines, 2
wildland fire units, 1 pumper/tanker, 1 tanker and 1 heavy rescue. The department is
headquartered at 205 4th Street, McGregor. The City of McGregor holds an ISO fire
suppression rating of 6. The annual budget for the incorporated department is $45,000.
Contact information for McGregor Hook and Ladder Company No. 1 is as follows:
McGregor Hook and Ladder Company No. 1
205 4th Street
McGregor, Iowa 52157
ph: 563-873-3896
34
November, 2008
The fire departments of Clayton County have formed a county-wide mutual aid
agreement, making the services of 12 additional fire departments available to the city in
the event of a major fire or emergency.
Emergency Medical Services
The Prairie Du Chien Memorial Hospital at 705 East Taylor Street in Prairie Du Chien,
Wisconsin is the most immediate medical treatment facility. The Level 3 Critical Access
Trauma Center has 25 beds and two emergency rooms and is staffed with 280 employees.
The next closest hospitals are the Central Community Hospital in Elkader, Iowa and the
Guttenberg Municipal Hospital in Guttenberg, Iowa.
Contact information for the Prairie Du Chien Memorial Hospital is as follows:
Prairie Du Chien Memorial Hospital
705 East Taylor Street
Prairie Du Chien, WI 53821
Ph. 608-357-2000
Ambulance
Emergency medical service for the City of McGregor is provided by the MarMac Rescue
Squad headquartered at 295 4th Street in McGregor. The squad provides emergency
medical services to the cities of McGregor and Marquette plus a surrounding area of 55
square miles. Total population for the district is estimated at 2,500 people. The service is
staffed with volunteer emergency medical responders and responds to an average of 210
calls for service a year. The service has one ambulance unit and an annual budget of
$45,000.
Contact information is as follows:
MarMac Rescue Squad
205 4th Street
McGregor, Iowa 52157
ph: 563-873-3896
ph: 563-880-2755
35
November, 2008
Law Enforcement
Law enforcement for the City of McGregor is provided by the Mar-Mac Unified Law
Enforcement District. The district provides law enforcement services to both the
McGregor and Marquette communities. The district maintains a full-time Chief of Police,
two full-time patrol officers, an administrative secretary and a contingent of four reserve
officers. The annual budget for the Mar-Mac Unified Law Enforcement District is
$235,000. A 28E agreement for mutual aid exists between the Mar-Mac Unified Law
Enforcement District and the Clayton County Sheriff’s Office. This agreement allows for
cross coverage between the two entities as each situation dictates. Through planning and
using personnel and resources effectively, the Sheriff’s Office delivers a broad range of
law enforcement services to the County. The office maintains a staff of 11 full-time
deputies, the Sheriff, 9 jailer/dispatchers, and 5 reserve officer.
Contact information is as follows:
Mar-Mac Unified Law Enforcement District
P.O. Box 69
Marquette, Iowa 52158
ph: 563-873-2500
HAZMAT Services
A regional Hazard Materials Team is on hand to assist the City of McGregor with a
Hazard Materials event or catastrophe. The Team is located within an hour of McGregor
and is operated by the Linn County Hazardous Materials Response Team headquartered
in Cedar Rapids. The Team assists Clayton County fire departments with hazard
materials emergency procedures. An evacuation plan is also in place in the City of
McGregor as part of the Clayton County Multi-Hazard Emergency Operations Plan that
can be used in conjunction with activities of the HAZMAT team and the McGregor Hook
and Ladder Co. No. 1 Fire Department.
Siren Warning System
The City of McGregor maintains a warning siren to alert residents of severe weather or other
threatening situations. The siren does have voice messaging capabilities.
Property Protection
The City of McGregor has undertaken some measures to mitigate the impact of floods on the
community. Most notable is a 1,500 feet US Army Corps of Engineers levee constructed in 1969
along Front Street. The levee was designed to withstand 100 year recurrent flood waters from the
Mississippi River. It protects 103 residential, commercial and municipal structures with a total
assessed value of $11,862,723. The city has also constructed a flood wall around the McGregor
Municipal Utilities plant. The Siegel Dam, Pike Peek Dam and Slaughter Dam were constructed
to create storm and flood water retention basins to protect the city in 1939. Two additional dams
were built by the City of McGregor to create retention basins in an area know as Methodist
Hollow. The City of McGregor is continuing to pursue further flood mitigation efforts.
36
November, 2008
Flood Research
One of the most important documents pertaining to flood hazards in the City of
McGregor is Flood Insurance Studies conducted by the Federal Emergency Management
Agency. Flood Insurance Studies are the preliminary requirement necessary for initial
participation in the National Flood Insurance Program. A FIRM map has been completed
For the City of McGregor. The map is number 195183A, with an effective date of
10/17/1975. FIRMettes from the map are found in Appendix 6, page 192 Flood Insurance
Studies and FIRM maps form the basis for Flood Plain Ordinances.
Floodplain Management
The City of McGregor has adopted a Floodplain Ordinance, which is Chapter 160 of the
city’s code of ordinances. The ordinance designates the McGregor City
Administrator/Clerk as the McGregor Floodplain Manager. The current City
Clerk/Administrator has not had any formal training in floodplain management.
Chapter 160 regulates development only in the city’s established Flood Plain District.
The ordinance establishes a development permit system which requires a permit within
the Flood Plain District. It also establishes specific performance standards for
construction within the Flood Plain District. As per the requirements of the ordinance,
most flood plain construction must be approved by the Iowa Department of Natural
Resources.
The Federal Insurance Administration manages the insurance component of the NFIP,
and works closely with FEMA’s Mitigation Directorate, which oversees the floodplain
management aspect of the program. Though little enforcement activities relative the
city’s floodplain ordinance have been undertaken; the City of McGregor remains in good
standing with the National Flood Insurance Program.
Other Mitigation Activities
Tornado/High Wind Event
Tornadoes have been known to cause great destruction. Numerous incidents of them
destroying entire buildings have been recorded in Clayton County. This being the case it
is important that mitigation efforts are made to protect people from this deadly force.
The most important measure in reducing the threat of injury is to be aware of the
oncoming danger. The City of McGregor currently has in place one siren that is
responsible for alerting the entire city of an impending tornado. The siren does have
voice transmission capabilities.
In addition to siren alerts in the community there are also a wide variety of early warning
messages provided through local radio and television stations as well as the cable
Weather Channel. Furthermore, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
(NOAA) Weather Radio provides an alternative media source for weather information.
NOAA Weather Radio is a nationwide network of radio stations broadcasting continuous
37
November, 2008
weather information direct from a nearby National Weather Service office. Weather
Radio broadcasts National Weather Service warnings, watches, forecasts and other
hazard information 24 hours a day.
In 2006 the Clayton County Emergency Management Commission purchased 100 NOAA
weather radios with DHS grant funds and distributed them free of charge to strategic
locations around the county such as county and city offices, libraries, schools, hospitals
and care facilities. This included every such location in the City of McGregor.
Shelters
The City of McGregor has unofficially designated the MFL MarMac Middle School with
an estimated capacity of 300 people and St. Mary’s Catholic Church with a capacity of
100 people as emergency shelters for the city. The city currently relies on the American
Red Cross of the Tri-States Chapter and the assistance of local volunteer organizations to
establish and operate shelter locations when necessary.
Communications
Emergency communications for the City of McGregor are handled through the Clayton
County Enhanced 911 System maintained and staffed by the Clayton County Sheriff’s
Office at 100 High Street, Elkader. At the center, multiple dispatchers, each with their
own workstation, are on duty at all times to handle emergency calls.
Electricity
The City of McGregor maintains its own electrical power generating plant that was built
in 1941. The McGregor Municipal Utilities plant is capable of providing electrical power
to the entire city and all of the city’s facilities in times of power outages. Total electrical
generating capacity of the plant is 2.0 MW. The plant has three generators installed in
1941, 1955 and 1977. The plant is used routinely during peak power usage situations to
supplement electrical power to the city. The plant is located in the flood plain of the city,
but it is protected by a concrete flood wall.
.
38
November, 2008
ADDITIONAL MITIGATION MEASURES
In addition to the mitigation activities outlined, the City of McGregor has undertaken, or is
influenced by, the following additional mitigation measures and emergency management
planning measures:
Mitigation Measures
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The City of McGregor continues to work with the Army Corps of Engineers on a
levee maintenance program and repairing damages to the city’s levee.
The city and its public works department make use of Iowa One Call—800-2928989—Contractors and citizens can call before they dig.
The City of McGregor has a floodplain ordinance regulating development in the
100-year flood zone areas.
The City of McGregor has established water well protection for the city’s wells
The existence of a FIRM map for the City of McGregor since 1975
A flood gauge for McGregor is maintained at the United States Geological
Service station on the Mississippi River. Flooding begins at 18 feet.
The City of McGregor has 2 trash pumps available for use in emergency
situations.
Back-up electrical generators at the Clayton County Law Enforcement Center.
A Multi Hazard Operations Plan for Clayton County developed in 2003 and
revised in 2006.
An emergency operations center (EOC) located at the Clayton County Law
Enforcement Center, and a trailer that is used as a field command post.
An inventory of 35,000 sandbags overseen by the Clayton County Emergency
Management Agency.
The establishment of Public Information Officer (PIO) policies and procedures in
Clayton County’s Multi Hazards Operations Plan for use during emergency
situations.
The availability of comprehensive disaster and recovery plans for all natural
hazards that may impact Clayton County.
The Clayton County Office of Emergency Management has an emergency shelter
supply trailer stocked with emergency sheltering supplies and equipment
including a gasoline powered electrical generator. The trailer can be taken to any
location in the county needing where a shelter is established and in need of
supplies.
39
November, 2008
Emergency Management Measures
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The McGregor Hook and Ladder Co. No. 1 Fire Departments is trained to the
Hazardous Materials Operations level and is capable of conducting
decontamination operations.
A Quarantine and Isolation Ordinance for all of Clayton County was adopted by
Clayton County in 2005.
An Epidemiology Plan for all of Clayton County was adopted by Clayton County
in 2004.
A Multi Hazard Operations Plan for Clayton County was developed in 2003 and
revised in 2006.
A county-wide Mass Casualty/Mass Fatality plan was developed for the County
in 2005 by the Clayton County Office of Emergency Management.
The Clayton County Emergency Management Agency, in association with the
American Red Cross, maintains and manages a mass casualty response trailer for
use anywhere in the county.
An emergency operations center (EOC) located at the Clayton County Law
Enforcement Center, and a trailer that is used as a field command post.
Existence of a comprehensive zoning plan for Clayton County that was adopted in
1970. (Note: The plan contains a zoning ordinance as well as subdivision
regulations).
The availability of comprehensive disaster and recovery plans for all county
hazards, notably: Terrorism Response, Nuclear Incidents, Hazardous Materials
Incidents, Mass Casualty/Mass Fatality Incidents, Evacuation, Special Events, and
Continuity of Government/Continuity of Operations.
Established Public Information Officer (PIO) policies and procedures documented
in Clayton County’s Multi Hazards Operations Plan for use during emergency
situations.
The existence of a Public Health and a Zoning Department and a County
Sanitarian for Clayton County.
The existence of a county Sheriff’s Office that maintains a staff of 11 full-time
deputies, the Sheriff, 9 jailer/dispatchers, and 5 reserve officers.
40
November, 2008
RISK ASSESSMENT
IDENTIFYING HAZARDS
In order to properly identify mitigation strategies and projects, the hazards that may affect the
City of McGregor must be identified. Iowa’s foundation for hazard mitigation is based on a hazard
analysis and risk assessment that is comprehensive and multi-hazard. This means that multiple
hazards that can possibly occur anywhere in the state are considered and analyzed, and that the
risk that each hazard poses is assessed in terms of a disaster or emergency situation that can be
created from that hazard.
Current hazard analysis and risk assessments, mostly from local plans that have been
received at HLSEM from local jurisdictions, were used to accumulate a total of all hazards that
occur in the State. The result of this input was the identification of 40 hazards in two major
categories, Natural (16) and Human-Caused/Combination hazards (24).
The hazards are as follows.
Natural: Thunderstorms/Lightning, Tornadoes, Windstorms, Hailstorms, Severe Winter
Storms, Extreme Heat, Expansive Soils, Earthquakes, Landslide, River Flood, Flash
Flood, Drought, Grass or Wildland fire, Sink Holes, Dam Failure, Levee Failure
Human-Caused/Combination: Fixed Hazardous Materials Incident, Transportation
Hazardous Materials Incident, Radiological Transportation, Air Transportation Incident,
Communications Failure, Energy Failure, Highway Transportation Incident, Pipeline
Transportation Incident, Rail Transportation Incident, Waterway Incident; Enemy
Attack, Public Disorder, Bio-Terrorism; Agro-Terrorism, Chemical Terrorism,
Radiological Terrorism, Conventional Terrorism, Cyber Terrorism; Human Disease
Incident; Human Disease Pandemic, Animal/Plant/Crop Disease, Structural Fire,
Structural Failure
The Hazard Profiles section lists the potential hazards to the city that were identified by
the planning committee. This section also discusses previous occurrences of the hazards, the
areas of the city most at risk from each hazard, and the populations most at risk. By identifying
the hazards and quantifying the risks, the city can better assess current mitigation strategies,
develop future mitigation strategies and identify needed mitigation projects.
It is important to note that the focus of mitigation is on reducing long-term risks of
damage or threats to public health and safety caused by hazards and their effects. Thus, in some
cases the hazards identified for mitigation will not include all of, or the same hazards, identified
for preparedness, response or recovery.
Hazards were identified through discussion by of the City of McGregor Hazard
Mitigation Planning Committee under direction from the contract planner and using documents
provided by FEMA and the State Emergency Management Division at a meeting held June 16,
2008. Hazards were eliminated if there were no historical occurrence and Committee members
felt there was no chance of occurrence in the future or the committee felt the city had adequate
resources to deal with the hazard.
41
November, 2008
At a meeting of the City of McGregor Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee held on June 16, 2008, the
following probabilities for hazards that the City of McGregor may be vulnerable to was determined.
Natural Hazards
Has
Occurred
May
Occur
Low
Potential
to Occur
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Hazard
Drought
Earthquake
Expansive Soils
Extreme Heat
Flash Flood
Hailstorm
Landslide
River Flood
Severe Winter Storm
Thunderstorm and Lightning
Tornado
Windstorm
Sink Holes
Levee Failure
Dam Failure
Grass or Wildland Fire
Human-Caused/Combination Hazards
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Air Transportation Incident
Communications Failure
Energy Failure
Fixed Hazardous Materials Incident
Fixed Radiological Incident
Highway Transportation Incident
Pipeline Incident
Rail Transportation Incident
Transportation Hazardous Materials Incident
Radiological Transportation Incident
Waterway Incident
Enemy Attack
Public Disorder
Agroterrorism
Bioterrorism
Chemical Terrorism
Terrorism – Conventional
Cyber Terrorism
Radiological Terrorism
Animal/Plant/Crop Disease
Human Disease Incident
Human Disease Pandemic
Structural Failure
Structural Fire
42
November, 2008
The eighteen potential hazards identified to include in this plan are:
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Extreme Heat
Flash Flood
River Flood
Landslide
Severe Winter Storm
Tornado
Windstorm
Dam Failure
Levee Failure
Energy Failure
Bio-terrorism
Conventional Terrorism
Structural Fire
The table below summarizes how these hazards were identified and why the Planning
Committee selected them for further analysis.
Hazard
Extreme Heat
How Identified
 Planning Committee
 HLSEM
 NCDC records
 FEMA publications
Flash Flood
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River Flood
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Flood Insurance Rate Map
(FIRM)
Planning Committee
HSEMD
NCDC records
Flood and watershed
studies by Army Corps of
Engineers
Flood Insurance Rate Map
(FIRM)
Planning Committee
HSEMD
NCDC records
Flood and watershed
studies by Army Corps of
Engineers
Why Identified
 History of extreme heat events
 Potential impact on citizens and
agricultural base
 City of McGregor location and
climate
 Identified Special Flood Hazard
Area (SFHA)
 Properties located in the SFHA
 Flood history in the City of
McGregor
 Disaster declarations
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Identified Special Flood Hazard
Area (SFHA)
Properties located in the SFHA
Flood history in the City of
McGregor
Disaster declarations
43
Landslide
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HLSEM
Planning Committee
November, 2008
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Thunderstorm

and Lightning
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Tornado
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Windstorm
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Communications 
Failure

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HLSEM
NCDC records
FEMA publications
National Weather Bureau
Planning Committee
Planning Committee
NCDC records
FEMA publications
NOAA probability maps
HLSEM
Planning Committee
NCDC records
FEMA publications
HLSEM
Planning Committee
NCDC records
FEMA publications
HLSEM
Planning Committee
HLSEM
Clayton County
Coordinator
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Iowa DNR Dam
Inspections
National Performance of
Dams Program
US Army Corps of
Engineers Levee
Inspections
Committee and local
concerns over local levee
condition

Severe Winter
Storm
Dam Failure

Levee Failure
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
Terrain surrounding the City of
McGregor
History of landslide incidents in
Clayton County and McGregor
Potential impact on citizens and
property
City of McGregor location and
climate
History of annual winter events
Potential impact on citizens

The City of McGregor experiences
several thunderstorms annually,
some of which produce lightning
that damages structures

Iowa and Clayton County have a
history of tornados
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Straight line winds frequently strike
Iowa and Clayton County
The City of McGregor has
previously been struck by straight
line winds of 50 knots or more
Importance of maintaining
communications--particularly
during hazard events
Communication systems
inadequacies noted by McGregor
emergency responders
The Pikes Peak and Siegele Flood
Control Dams at McGregor are
determined to be high risk
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The 1,500 foor levee along Front
Street is critical to protecting the
City of McGregor from Flood
Waters.
44
Fixed Facility
Hazardous
Materials
Incident
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Transportation
Hazardous
Materials
Incident
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Highway
Transportation
Incident
Energy Failure
Bioterrorism
Conventional
Terrorism
Structural
Fire
November, 2008
Clayton County EMA
Planning Committee
HSEMD
EPA website
Clayton County
Coordinator
Clayton County EMA
Planning Committee
HSEMD
Clayton County
Coordinator
Planning Committee
McGregor Fire, EMS and
Clayton, Clayton County
Sheriff’s Office accident
records
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Presence of EPA reporting facilities
Potential for incidents in the City of
McGregor
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Planning Committee
HLSEM
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Local utility providers,
Dairyland Power, McGregor
Municipal Utility

State and County Highways
Rail transportation route
Mississippi River Transportation
Route
History of incidents in Clayton
County
History of transportation incidents
in McGregor
Highway systems going through the
City of McGregor
Clayton County Secondary roads
system
Health and welfare of McGregor
residents
Critical infrastructure, business and
residential properties are dependent
upon energy for sustenance
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HSLEM
Planning Committee
FEMA publications
Clayton County
Coordinator
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HSLEM
Planning Committee
FEMA publications
Clayton County
Coordinator
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
Planning Committee
HLSEM
McGregor Hook and
Ladder Co. No. 1 Fire
Department
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Awareness following 9/11
Mar-Mac Unified Law Enforcement
District officials concern
McGregor Emergency Responders,
City of McGregor efforts related to
terrorism
At-risk municipal water supply
Awareness following 9/11
Mar-Mac Unified Law Enforcement
District officials concern
McGregor Emergency Responders,
City of McGregor efforts related to
terrorism
Importance of protecting city
properties
Annual fire incidents
Age and condition of structures in the
City of McGregor
McGregor Hook and Ladder Co. No. 1
Fire Department apparatus and
firefighting equipment condition
concerns
45
November, 2008
These hazards will be defined and discussed at length in the Hazard Profiles section. In
conducting their hazard analysis and risk assessment, the Planning Committee considered the
following factors.
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Historical Occurrence (Hazard Profile)
Probability (Hazard Profile)
Vulnerability (Assess Vulnerability)
Maximum Threat (Hazard Profile)
Severity of Impact (Assess Vulnerability)
Speed of Onset (Hazard Profile)
The following tables define each factor and the rating scale the Planning Committee used to
assess the hazards risk to the community.
Historical Occurrence – Number of times that a hazard has occurred in the (name) in the past
Rating
1-3
3-5
5-7
7-9
Number of Historical Occurrences
Less than 4 occurrences
4 to 7 occurrences
8 to 12 occurrences
More than 12 occurrences
Probability – Likelihood of the hazard occurrence, sometimes without regard to hazard history.
Rating
1-3
3-5
Likelihood
Unlikely
Possible
5-7
Likely
7-9
Highly Likely
Frequency of occurrence
Less than 1% probability in the next 100 years
Between 1 and 10% probability in next year, or at least one
chance in the next 100 years
Between 10 and 100% probability in next year, or at least one
chance in next 10 years
Near 100% chance in the next year
Vulnerability – Measure of the percentage of people and property that would be affected by the
hazard event
Rating
1-3
3-5
5-7
7-9
Magnitude
Negligible
Limited
Critical
Catastrophic
Percentage of people and property affected
Less than 10%
10 to 25%
25 to 50%
More than 50%
Maximum Threat – Spatial extent of the (name) that might be impacted
Rating
1-3
3-5
Magnitude
Negligible
Limited
Percentage of jurisdiction that can be affected
Less than 10%
10 to 25%
46
5-7
7-9
Critical
Catastrophic
November, 2008
25 to 50%
More than 50%
Severity of Impact – Assessment of the severity in terms of fatalities, injuries, property losses,
and economic losses
Rating
1-3
Level
Negligible
3-5
Limited
5-7
Critical
7-9
Catastrophic
Characteristics
Few if any injuries or illness.
Minor quality of life lost with little or no property
damage.
Brief interruption of essential facilities and services for
less than four hours.
Minor injuries and illness.
Minor or short term property damage which does not
threaten structural stability.
Shutdown of essential facilities and services for 4 to 24
hours.
Serious injury and illness.
Major or long term property damage which threaten
structural stability.
Shutdown of essential facilities and services for 24 to 72
hours.
Multiple deaths.
Property destroyed or damaged beyond repair.
Complete shutdown of essential facilities and services for
3 days or more.
Speed of Onset – Potential amount of warning time available before the hazard occurs
Rating
1-3
3-5
5-7
7-9
Probable amount of warning time
More than 24 hours warning time.
12 to 24 hours warning time.
5 to 12 hours warning time
Minimal or no warning time.
Hazard Analysis scores determined by City of McGregor Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee
using the above guidelines are found with each hazard discussed in the Hazard Profiles.
47
November, 2008
HAZARDS NOT CONSIDERED
Hazards not considered in this plan and the rationale for not including them follows.
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Drought: Though drought conditions have occurred in the McGregor area, specifically
with one recorded statewide drought event recorded by the National Climatic Data Center
in August of 1995, they have not been prolonged. The Hazard Mitigation Planning
Committee’s analysis based on historical occurrences is that drought does not present a
significant threat to the city and the welfare of its residents.
Earthquake: There has been no history of an earthquake that caused any damage to the
City of McGregor or any other city in the area and it is very improbable that one may
occur as shown in the following earthquake probability chart.
EARTHQUAKE PROBABILITY CHART FOR THE UNITED STATES
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Expansive Soils: Expansive soils hazard and risk information provided by Iowa HLSEM,
the Multi-Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment document, USGS, and the County
Emergency Management Coordinator indicated the level of risk associated with
expansive soils was slight with little swelling clay potential in the McGregor area.
Hailstorm: National Climatic Data Center records indicate 3 hail events as having
impacted the City of McGregor since 8/19/1995, causing no reported property damages.
After reviewing the data, the Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee determined that the
level of damage was historically minor and residents of the City of McGregor and
facilities in the City of Elkader have the necessary resources to contend with hailstorm
incidents and could do nothing more to mitigate potential hail damages.
Sink Holes: Research efforts could find no incidents of sink holes occurring in the City of
McGregor, though they do occur in some areas of Clayton County. The Hazard
Mitigation Planning Committee determined that there are no mitigation measures that can
prevent a sink hole from occurring and any sink hole that would occur in the city would
have only minor consequences.
Grass or Wildland Fire: Minor grass and wildland fires have occurred in the City of
McGregor and the surrounding rural area. All such fires have been controlled with local
resources. The Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee determined that the level of fire
protection provided by the McGregor Hook and Ladder Co. No. 1 Fire Department and
fire departments it maintains mutual aid agreements with is sufficient to control any grass
or wildland fire in the area.
Air Transportation Incident: The City of McGregor has no airport nearby and is not part
of the flight path of any airport. The possibility of an air transportation incident affecting
the city are miniscule.
Fixed Radiological Incident: There is no facility within the City of McGregor that has an
amount of radiological materials that would pose a significant threat.
Radiological Transportation Incident: It could not be determined if any amounts of
radiological material was being transported through the City Of McGregor.
48
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


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

November, 2008
Rail Transportation Incident: The City of McGregor does have a railway that passes
through it. The Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee observed that there have only
been minor incidents relative to the rail line and that all crossings were sufficiently safe.
Therefore, no planning is necessary for rail transportation incidents.
Waterway/Waterbody Incident: Emergency response resources of the City of McGregor
and those resources that are available to the city via mutual aid agreements are sufficient
to manage any waterway or waterbody incident that could involve the city.
Enemy Attack: There has been no history of enemy attack on the City of McGregor and
the city does not have any facilities or locations that would be likely candidates for an
enemy attack.
Public Disorder: The Mar-Mac Unified Law Enforcement District has the resources
and can quickly gain additional resources through mutual aid with the Clayton County
Sheriff’s Office and neighboring police departments to suppress any public disorder
event.
Cyber Terrorism: After considering all relevant factors, the Hazard Mitigation Planning
Committee determined it could do nothing more than is already being done to prevent an
incident of cyber terrorism.
Chemical Terrorism: After considering all relevant factors, the Hazard Mitigation
Planning Committee determined it could do nothing more than is already being done to
prevent an incident of chemical terrorism.
Radiological: After considering all relevant factors, the Hazard Mitigation Planning
Committee did not feel the City of McGregor is at significant risk of a radiological
terrorist attack.
Agro-terrorism: After considering all relevant factors, the Hazard Mitigation Planning
Committee determined it could do nothing more than is already being done to prevent an
incident of agro-terrorism.
Pipeline Incident: The Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee did not feel there was an
underground pipeline of significant size within the City of McGregor that posed a threat
beyond what could be managed by local emergency response resources in an emergency
situation.
Animal/Plant/Crop Disease: After considering all relevant factors, the Hazard Mitigation
Planning Committee determined it could do nothing more than is already being done by
local, county, state and federal officials and agencies to prevent or prepare for incidents
of animal, plant or crop diseases.
Human Disease Incident: After considering all relevant factors, the Hazard Mitigation
local, county, state and federal officials and agencies to prevent or prepare for a human
disease incident.
Human Disease Pandemic: After considering all relevant factors, the Hazard Mitigation
local, county, state and federal officials and agencies to prevent or prepare for a human
disease pandemic.
Structural Failure: The Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee determined that there is
no structure within the City of McGregor that demonstrates a lack of structural integrity
such that it presents the probability of collapsing.
49
November, 2008
HAZARD PROFILES
Extreme Heat
Definition
Temperatures (including heat index) in excess of 100 degrees Fahrenheit or 3 successive
days of 90+ degrees Fahrenheit. A heat advisory is issued when temperatures reach 105
degrees and a warning is issued at 115 degrees.
Description
A prolonged period of excessive heat and humidity. The heat index is a number in degrees
Fahrenheit that tells how hot it really feels when relative humidity is added to the actual air
temperature. Exposure to full sunshine can increase the heat index by at least 15 degrees.
Extreme heat can impose stress on humans and animals. Heatstroke, sunstroke, cramps,
exhaustion, and fatigue are possible with prolonged exposure or physical activity due to the
body’s inability to dissipate the heat. Urban areas are particularly at risk because of air stagnation
and large quantities of heat absorbing materials such as streets and buildings. Extreme heat can
also result in distortion and failure of structures and surfaces such as roadways and railroad
tracks.
Historical
Occurrence
Probability
Vulnerability
Temperatures of 90 degrees or more occur in the City of McGregor area every
summer, sometimes for several days in a row. In Iowa, the record high
temperature of 110 for Des Moines was recorded in 1936. During July 1936, 12
record setting days topped 100 degrees in Des Moines. The record high
temperatures for Des Moines are above 90 degrees Fahrenheit beginning in
March and lasting through October. During the summers of 1997 and 1998, there
were a combined total of 31 days when the high temperature was 90 degrees
Fahrenheit or higher. There were 3 periods when temperatures were 90 degrees
or above for at least 3 consecutive days during the past 2 summers. Extreme heat
conditions, when they occur, are broad based. Therefore, events which occurred
in Des Moines would have impacted the City of McGregor also. The National
Climatic Data Center records indicate 7 incidents of heat waves or excessive heat
conditions that affected the City of McGregor since January 1, 1994.
Based on historical information, Iowa will likely experience about 26 days a year
with temperatures above 90 degrees. There is a very good chance that there will
also be a period of 3 consecutive days or more with temperatures in the 90s. It is
also common for the temperature to hit 100 degrees or more once every three
years during the summer months. Given these facts, the City of McGregor will
definitely experience extreme heat situations recurrently.
Elderly persons, small children, chronic invalids, those on certain medications or
drugs (especially tranquilizers and anticholinergics), and persons with weight
and alcohol problems are particularly susceptible to heat reactions. Healthy
individuals working outdoors in the sun and heat are vulnerable as well.
Individuals and families with low budgets as well as inner city dwellers can also
be susceptible due to poor access to air-conditioned rooms. See Heat Index Chart,
page 51.
9
9
3
Maximum
Threat
Most of the state would likely be impacted by extreme heat, but urban areas pose special
risks. The stagnant atmospheric conditions of the heat wave trap pollutants in urban areas
and add to the stresses of hot weather. Geographically, the entire City of McGregor
would be affected by an extreme heat event.
8
Severity
Extreme heat has broad and far-reaching impacts. These include significant loss
of life and illness, economic costs in transportation, agriculture, production,
energy, and infrastructure. Nationally, over the last 30 years, excessive heat
accounts for more reported deaths annually than hurricanes, floods, tornadoes,
and lightning combined. Transportation impacts include the loss of lift for
aircrafts, softening of asphalt roads, buckling of highways and railways, and
stress on automobiles and trucks (increase in mechanical failures). Livestock and
other animals are adversely impacted by extreme heat. High temperatures at the
wrong time inhibit crop yields as well. Electric transmission systems are
impacted when power lines sag in high temperatures. High demand for
3
50
November, 2008
electricity also outstrips supply, causing electric companies to have rolling black
outs. The demand for water also increases sharply during periods of extreme
heat. This can contribute to fire suppression problems for both urban and rural
fire departments.
Research efforts could not determine any estimates of damages to the City of
McGregor due to extreme heat conditions.
As with other weather phenomena, periods of extreme heat are predictable
within a few degrees within 3 days or so. Variations in local conditions can affect
Speed of
the actual temperature within a matter of hours or even minutes. The National
Onset
Weather Service will initiate alert procedures when the heat index is expected to
exceed 105 degrees Fahrenheit for at least two consecutive days.
Worksheet Total
Number Triggered
Rank out of 18:
Number Resulting From
14
Priority Group:
Medium
Composite Score
2
34
0
6
40
HEAT INDEX CHART
51
November, 2008
Flash Flood
Definition
Description
A flood event occurring with little or no warning where water levels rise at an
extremely fast rate.
Flash flooding results from intense rainfall over a brief period, sometimes combined
with rapid snowmelt, ice jam release, frozen ground, saturated soil, or impermeable
surfaces. Most flash flooding is caused by slow-moving thunderstorms or
thunderstorms repeatedly moving over the same area. Flash flooding is an extremely
dangerous form of flooding which can reach full peak in only a few minutes and allows
little or no time for protective measures to be taken by those in its path. Flash flood
waters move at very fast speeds and can roll boulders, tear out trees, scour channels,
destroy buildings, and obliterate bridges. Flash flooding often results in higher loss of
life, both human and animal, than slower developing river and stream flooding.
Floods are the most common and widespread of all-natural disasters except fire.
In Iowa, as much as 21" of rain has fallen in a 24-hour period. As recently as June
1998, 13" of rain fell in western Iowa during a single rain event causing severe
flooding. The National Climatic Data Center lists 643 flash flooding/urban or
small stream flooding events occurring in Iowa since 1993.
For the City of McGregor, floods represent both the most frequent and most
devastating natural disaster. The City of McGregor is located in a low lying area
of the Mississippi River Basin in northeast Iowa. The Mississippi River borders
the city and is fed by a watershed that encompasses 65,810 square miles.
Historical
Occurrence
Probability
Flood stage for the Mississippi River as measured by a US Geological Service
Station in McGregor begins at 18 feet. The all time high crest occurred on April
24, 1965 when the river crested at 25.38 feet.. Of the many floods the City of
McGregor has endured, four floods that occurred on 5/16/1999, 5/21/2004,
5/23/2004 and 7/17/2007 are officially recorded by the National Weather Service
as flash floods.
The City of McGregor has undertaken some measures to mitigate the impact of
floods on the community. Most notable is a 1,500 feet US Army Corps of
Engineers levee constructed in 1969 along Front Street. The levee was designed to
withstand 100 year recurrent flood waters from the Mississippi River. It protects
103 residential, commercial and municipal structures with a total assessed value
of $11,862,723. The city has also constructed a flood wall around the McGregor
Municipal Utilities plant. The Siegel Dam, Pike Peek Dam and Slaughter Dam
were constructed to create storm and flood water retention basins to protect the
city in 1939. Two additional dams were built by the City of McGregor to create
retention basins in an area know as Methodist Hollow. The City of McGregor is
continuing to pursue further flood mitigation efforts.
As land is converted from fields or woodlands to roads and parking lots, it loses
its ability to absorb rainfall. Urbanization increases runoff 2 to 6 times over what
would occur on natural terrain. Portions of Iowa are very developed with
significant amounts of impervious surfaces. As more development occurs in the
watersheds, the amount of runoff produced also increases. Unless measures are
taken to reduce the amount of runoff (or slow its movement), flash floods will
continue to occur and possibly increase. Often, aging storm sewer systems are
not designed to carry the capacity currently needed to handle the increased storm
runoff in certain areas. While hundreds of homes and businesses have been
removed from the floodplains in the State of Iowa over the last decade, there are
many in the state remaining to be removed in areas that have a probability of
flooding.
5
7
52
Vulnerability
Maximum
Threat
Severity
Of Impact
November, 2008
With the City of McGregor’s history of flooding problems and disasters, it is
inevitable the city will witness more floods in the future, some of which may
cause damage.
Flash floods occur in all 50 states in the U.S. Particularly at risk are those in lowlying areas; close to dry creek beds or drainage ditches; near water; or
downstream from a dam, levee, or storage basin. People and property in areas
with insufficient storm sewers and other drainage infrastructure can also be put
at risk because the drains cannot rid the area of the runoff quickly enough.
Nearly half of all flash flood fatalities are auto-related. Motorists often try to
traverse water-covered roads and bridges and are swept away by the current. Six
inches of swiftly moving water can knock persons off their feet and only two feet
of water can float a full-sized automobile. Recreational vehicles and mobile
homes located in low-lying areas can also be swept away by the water
The City of McGregor has 103 structures that are located within the 100-year
flood plain. These structures include 54 classified as residential and 49 others
including commercial, storage and public or municipal facilities. Among the
public facilities in the flood plain are: McGregor Municipal Utilities; McGregor
Sewage Treatment Plant; Well No. 6; McGregor City Hall; McGregor Fire Station;
McGregor Public Library; McGregor Museum and the Riverfront Park Shelter
House. Total value of all these structures from records provided by the City of
McGregor in September, 2008 is assessed at $11,862,723.
Areas in a floodplain, downstream from a dam or levee, or in low-lying areas can
certainly be impacted. People and property located in areas with narrow stream
channels, saturated soil, or on land with large amounts of impermeable surfaces
are likely to be impacted in the event of a significant rainfall. Unlike areas
impacted by a river/stream flood, flash floods can impact areas a good distance
from the stream itself. Flash flood prone areas are not particularly those areas
adjacent to rivers and streams. Streets can become swift moving rivers, and
basements can become deathtraps because flash floods can fill them with water in
a manner of minutes.The Federal Emergency Management Agency has delineated
the probable extent of the 100-year flood hazard areas (see Diagram, page 57) in
most areas. These Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) show properties affected
by the floods that have at least a 1% chance of occurring in any particular year.
Generally, these areas are in the floodplain or adjacent areas. Much of these areas
are parkland, agricultural areas, or conservation land, but residential and
commercial areas are impacted by river flooding as well. The McGregor map,
Community-Panel Numbers CID number, is 195183, was made effective January
19, 1972.
Flash floods are the number 1 weather-related killer in the United States. They
can quickly inundate areas thought not to be flood-prone. Iowa ranked number 1
in the United States for average annual flood damage for 1983 through 1997.
Much of this damage occurred in losses from the floods of 1993, but smaller-scale
floods are a regular occurrence in this state. According to national flood damage
reports, from 1997 through 2001, Iowa has had over $331 million dollars in
damages from flooding. A portion of this figure is covered by insurance, but
much is not. Public assistance programs also cover a portion of these damages
under a Presidential Declaration of Major Disaster, but apply only to certain
eligible damages. Flash flooding impacts include potential loss of life; property
damage and destruction; damage and disruption of communications,
transportation, electric service, and community services; crop and livestock
damage and loss and interruption of business. Hazards of fire, health and
transportation accidents, and contamination of water supplies are likely effects of
flash flooding situations. Associated with the 643 flash flooding events since
1993, there have been 4 deaths and 8 injuries in Iowa. Hazards of fire, health and
7
7
7
53
November, 2008
transportation accidents; and contamination of water supplies are likely effects of
flash flooding situations as well.
Speed of
Onset
For the July 17, 2007 Flash Flood the National Climatic Data Center documents
$1.3 million in property damages to the City of McGregor.
Flash floods are somewhat unpredictable, but there are factors that can point to
the likelihood of a flood’s occurring in the area. Flash floods occur within a few
minutes or hours of excessive rainfall, a dam or levee failure, or a sudden release
of water held by an ice jam. Warnings may not always be possible for these
sudden flash floods. Predictability of flash floods depends primarily on the
data available on the causal rain. Individual basins react differently to
precipitation events. Weather surveillance radar is being used to improve
monitoring capabilities of intense rainfall. Knowledge of the watershed
characteristics, modeling, monitoring, and warning systems increase the
predictability of flash floods. Depending on the location in the watershed,
warning times can be increased. The National Weather Service forecasts the
height of flood crests, the data, and time the flow is expected to occur at a
particular location.
The Clayton County EMA monitors potential flood severity by using reports and
warnings issued by the National Weather Service. The county EMA and Clayton
County Sheriff’s office dispatch center notifies Clayton County emergency
responders in the event that flooding may affect or is affecting the county.
The City of McGregor monitors the level of the Mississippi River at the US
Geological Survey Station on the river. The gauge and river level is monitored
closely when flood conditions prevail.
Worksheet Total
Number Triggered
Rank out of 18:
3
Priority Group: High
Composite Score 60
7
40
16
4
30
54
November, 2008
River Flood
Definition
Description
A rising or overflowing of a tributary or body of water that covers adjacent land not
usually covered by water when the volume of water in a stream exceeds the channel’s
capacity.
Floods are the most common and widespread of all natural disasters, except fire. Most
communities in the United States can experience some kind of flooding after spring
rains, heavy thunderstorms, winter snow thaws, waterway obstructions, or levee or
dam failures. Often it is a combination of these elements that causes damaging floods.
Floodwaters can be extremely dangerous. The force of six inches of swiftly moving
water can knock people off their feet and two feet of water can float a car. Floods can be
slow-, or fast-rising but generally develop over a period of days. Flooding is a natural
and expected phenomenon that occurs annually, usually restricted to specific streams,
rivers or watershed areas.
The Floods of 1993 are still fresh in the minds of many Iowans. Flooding has been
a regular and frequent hazard in Iowa. Since 1993, here have been 2,473 river
flooding events in Iowa according to the National Climatic Data Center. Iowa has
been involved in 13 Presidential Declarations of a major disaster related to
flooding since 1990.
For the City of McGregor, river floods represent both the most frequent and most
devastating natural disaster. The City of McGregor is located in a low lying area
of the Mississippi River Basin in northeast Iowa. The Mississippi River borders
the city and is fed by a watershed that encompasses 65,810 square miles.
Flood stage for the Mississippi River as measured by a US Geological Service
Station in McGregor begins at 18 feet. Since 1993 there have been 3 documented
river flood events that have impacted the City of McGregor. The all time high
crest occurred on April 24, 1965 when the river crested at 25.38 feet. Historical
River Flood crests for the City of McGregor as documented by the National
Weather Service include the following:
Historical
Occurrence
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
(8)
(9)
(10)
25.38 ft on 04/24/1965
23.75 ft on 04/20/2001
21.98 ft on 06/29/1993
21.58 ft on 04/22/1969
21.38 ft on 04/15/1997
21.12 ft on 05/05/1975
21.00 ft on 06/22/1880
20.89 ft on 04/23/1952
20.83 ft on 04/22/1951
20.71 ft on 04/10/1967
7
The City of McGregor has undertaken some measures to mitigate the impact of
floods on the community. Most notable is a 1,500 feet US Army Corps of
Engineers levee constructed in 1969 along Front Street. The levee was designed to
withstand 100 year recurrent flood waters from the Mississippi River. It protects
103 residential, commercial and municipal structures with a total assessed value
of $11,862,723. The city has also constructed a flood wall around the McGregor
Municipal Utilities plant. The Siegel Dam, Pike Peek Dam and Slaughter Dam
were constructed to create storm and flood water retention basins to protect the
city in 1939. Two additional dams were built by the City of McGregor to create
retention basins in an area know as Methodist Hollow. The City of McGregor is
continuing to pursue further flood mitigation efforts.
55
Probability
Vulnerability
Maximum
Threat
Severity Of
Impact
November, 2008
Given the history of this hazard it is likely that there will be many minor events
each year in Iowa and a high likelihood that a major flooding event requiring
federal assistance will occur in the next 5 years. While hundreds of homes and
businesses have been removed from the floodplains in the State of Iowa over the
last decade, there are many in the state remaining to be removed in areas that
have a probability of flooding.
With the City of McGregor’s history of flooding problems and disasters, it is
inevitable the city will witness more floods in the future, some of which may
cause damage.
The vulnerability from flooding is quite delineated. Much work in the area of
flood hazard mapping has allowed many communities to restrict development in
hazardous areas.
In the City of McGregor the most vulnerable areas are properties on low lying
ground adjacent to the Mississippi River. People most vulnerable in these areas
are those who do not have access to early warning capabilities such as are
available through siren systems or NOAA Weather Radio.
The City of McGregor has 103 structures that are located within the 100-year
flood plain. These structures include 54 classified as residential and 49 others
including commercial, storage and public or municipal facilities. Among the
public facilities in the flood plain are: McGregor Municipal Utilities; McGregor
Sewage Treatment Plant; Well No. 6; McGregor City Hall; McGregor Fire Station;
McGregor Public Library; McGregor Museum and the Riverfront Park Shelter
House. Total value of all these structures from records provided by the City of
McGregor in September, 2008 is assessed at $11,862,723.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency has delineated the probable extent
of the 100-year flood hazard areas (see Diagram, page 57) in most areas. These
Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) show properties affected by the floods that
have at least a 1% chance of occurring in any particular year. Generally, these
areas are in the floodplain or adjacent areas. Much of these areas are parkland,
agricultural areas, or conservation land, but residential and commercial areas are
impacted by river flooding as well.
The National Flood Insurance Program Flood Insurance Rate Map shows the
areas that would be affected by a 100-year flood. The map, Community-Panel
Numbers CID number, is 195183 were made effective January 19, 1972.
Iowa ranked number 1 in the United States for average annual flood damage for
1983 through 1997. Much of this damage occurred in losses from the floods of
1993, but smaller-scale floods are a regular occurrence in this state. According to
national flood damage reports, from 1997 through 2001, Iowa has had over $331
million dollars in damages from flooding. A portion of this figure is covered by
insurance, but much is not. Public assistance programs also cover a portion of
these damages under a Presidential Declaration of Major Disaster, but apply only
to certain eligible damages. Flooding impacts include potential loss of life;
property damage and destruction; damage and disruption of communications,
transportation, electric service, and community services; crop and livestock
losses; and interruption of businesses. Hazards of fire, health and transportation
accidents; and contamination of water supplies are likely effects of flooding
situations as well.
Documented damages and losses to the City of McGregor in recent times from
flooding include $25,000 on June 6, 1995; $85,000 on May 23, 2005; and $50,000 on
April 25, 2008.
8
7
7
7
56
Speed of
Onset
November, 2008
Gauges along streams and rain gages throughout the state provide for an early
flood warning system. River flooding usually develops over the course of several
hours or even days depending on the basin characteristics and the position of the
particular reach of the stream. The National Weather Service provides flood
forecasts for Iowa. Flood warnings are issued over emergency radio and
television messages as well as the NOAA Weather Radio. People in the paths of
river floods may have time to take appropriate actions to limit harm to
themselves and their property.
5
The Clayton County EMA monitors potential flood severity by using reports and
warnings issued by the National Weather Service. The county EMA and Clayton
County Sheriff’s office dispatch center notifies Clayton County emergency
responders in the event that flooding may affect or is affecting the county.
The City of McGregor monitors the level of the Mississippi River at the US
Geological Survey Station on the river. The gauge and river level is monitored
closely when flood conditions prevail.
Worksheet Total
Number Triggered
Rank out of 18:
4
Composite Score
41
4
15
60
57
November, 2008
Landslide
A downward and outward movement of slope-forming materials reacting under the
force of gravity.
Landslides occur when masses of rock, earth, or debris move down a slope. Landslides
may be very small or very large, and can move at slow to very high speeds. Many
Description
landslides have been occurring over the same terrain since prehistoric times. They are
activated by storms and fires and by human modification of the land. New landslides
occur as a result of rainstorms, earthquakes, and various human activities.
There have been numerous small-scale landslide events in Iowa, specifically in
Clayton County, but none of significance that have resulted in injury or death.
Near McGregor, landslide incidents have been limited to rocks and dirt falling
Historical
3
Occurrence
onto highways and roads, creating travel problems. No data could be found to
determine how often this occurs, though McGregor Hazard Mitigation Planning
Committee members ascertain the occurrence is at least once every five years.
A small portion of Iowa is moderately susceptible to landslides. These areas are
generally along river valleys such as the Des Moines and Iowa River valleys, the
Probability
5
Loess Hills of western Iowa and areas in northeastern Iowa (including Clayton
County) with steep hills and bluffs as features of the terrain.
Those occupying structures overlooking river valleys and steep ravines are most
vulnerable. These constitute a very small number of homes and commercially
Vulnerability
1
occupied structures in the state. In McGregor structures and infrastructure that is
located at the base of hills surrounding the city are most at risk.
The geographic extent of historic events has been limited to less than a city block
in size and have “run out” over the stretch of less than 100 yards. The maximum
Maximum
extent is very limited because of Iowa’s gently rolling hills as opposed to steeper
1
Threat
slopes. It is unlikely that more than a single structure at any given time would be
affected in the City of McGregor.
Landslides have damaged homes and disrupted electricity, water service,
communications, and transportation routes. Injuries and deaths are very unlikely
Severity of
5
Impact
except in the case of undetected slope failure warning signs in structures
overlooking steep slopes.
Landslides are often involved in or triggered by other natural hazards.
Landsliding and flooding are often related because precipitation, runoff, and
ground saturation combine to destabilize soil and rock. For this reason,
Speed of
landslides can be detected if high potential landslide areas are monitored. Due to
3
Onset
mitigation measures that have been undertaken in Clayton County and
specifically the City of McGregor due to flood hazards, there is a good early
warning system in place for conditions that predicate landslide situations.
Worksheet Total 18
Number Triggered
2
Rank out of 18:
8
18
Definition
Composite Score
28
28
58
November, 2008
Severe Winter Storm
Definition
Severe winter weather conditions that affect day-to-day activities. These can include
blizzard conditions, heavy snow, blowing snow, freezing rain, heavy sleet, and extreme
cold.
Description
Winter storms are common during the winter months of October through April. The various
types of extreme winter weather cause considerable damage. Heavy snows cause immobilized
transportation systems, downed trees and power lines, collapsed buildings, and loss of livestock
and wildlife. Blizzard conditions are winter storms which last at least three hours with sustained
wind speeds of 35 mph or more, reduced visibility of 1/4 mile or less, and white-out conditions.
Heavy snows of more than six inches in a 12-hour period or freezing rain greater than 1/4 inch
accumulation causing hazardous conditions in the community can slow or stop the flow of vital
supplies as well as disrupting emergency and medical services. Loose snow begins to drift when
the wind speed reaches 9 to 10 mph under freezing conditions. The potential for some drifting is
substantially higher in open country than in urban areas where buildings, trees, and other
features obstruct the wind. Ice storms result in fallen trees, broken tree limbs, downed power
lines and utility poles, fallen communications towers, and impassable transportation routes.
Severe ice storms have caused total electric power losses over large areas of Iowa and rendered
assistance unavailable to those in need due to impassable roads. Frigid temperatures and wind
chills are dangerous to people, particularly the elderly and the very young. Dangers include
frostbite or hypothermia. Water pipes, livestock, fish and wildlife, and pets are also at risk from
extreme cold and severe winter weather.
Historical
Occurrence
Probability
Vulnerability
Since 1993, Iowa has had 3,636 heavy snow, ice storm, or extreme wind-chill
events. The City of McGregor has been impacted by a number of these events. In
a normal year the county experiences at least one severe winter weather event,
and in many years more than one severe winter storm. There are many accounts
of large numbers of deaths due to cold and blizzards in Iowa's history, but none
recorded in the history of the City of McGregor. While we are not as vulnerable
as the early settlers, there are recent accounts of multiple deaths from snowstorms
and extreme cold around the state. Three Presidential Declarations of Major
Disaster have been declared in Iowa since 1990 for severe winter storms, the most
recent in February, 2007. Since January 11, 1993, National Climatic Data Center
records indicate 54 winter storm events that have affected the McGregor area.
Winter storms regularly move easterly and use both the southward plunge of
arctic cold air from Canada and the northward flow of moisture from the Gulf of
Mexico to produce heavy snow and sometimes blizzard conditions in Iowa and
other parts of the Midwest. From 1983 to 1998, Des Moines averaged nearly 50
days a year with falling snow. The cold temperatures, strong winds, and heavy
precipitation are the ingredients of winter storms. Most areas of the state,
including the City of McGregor, can usually expect 2 or 3 winter storms a season
with an extreme storm every 3 to 5 years on average (more in the northwest,
fewer in the southeast). A snowfall of six inches or more from one storm only
occurs in 49% of Iowa winters, while a large winter storm event of 10 inches or
more will occur about once every 3 years. In 2008, all of Iowa experienced one of
its worst winters ever with record and near record snowfalls recorded across the
state of Iowa. Dubuque, Iowa, 60 miles from McGregor posted a record snowfall
of 78.7 inches for the winter of 2007-2008.
Due to the historical frequency of severe winter storms and the City of
McGregor’s geographical location, it is a near 100 percent certainty the city will be
regularly—perhaps annually-- impacted by winter storms in the future.
Hazardous driving conditions due to snow and ice on highways and bridges lead
to many traffic accidents. The leading cause of death during winter storms is
transportation accidents. About 70% of winter-related deaths occur in
automobiles and about 25% are people caught out in the storm. The majority of
these are males over 40 years of age. Emergency services such as police, fire, and
ambulance are unable to respond due to road conditions. Emergency needs of
9
9
5
59
Maximum
Threat
Severity Of
Impact
November, 2008
remote or isolated residents for food or fuel, as well as for feed, water and shelter
for livestock are unable to be met. People, pets, and livestock are also susceptible
to frostbite and hypothermia during winter storms. Those at risk in McGregor
are primarily either engaged in outdoor activity (shoveling snow, digging out
vehicles, or assisting stranded motorists), or are the elderly or very young. The
Central Community School District in McGregor often closes during extreme cold
or heavy snow conditions to protect the safety of children and bus drivers.
Citizens' use of kerosene heaters and other alternative forms of heating may
create other hazards such as structural fires and carbon monoxide poisoning.
Winter storms are quite vast and would likely impact multiple counties. Certain
areas may experience local variations in storm intensity and quantity of snow or
ice. The City of McGregor Public Works Department is responsible for the
removal of snow and treatment of snow and ice with sand and salt on the 12
miles of streets in the city. The entire City of McGregor would be affected by a
severe winter storm.
Immobilized transportation (including emergency vehicles), downed trees and
electrical wires, building and communication tower collapse, and bodily
injury/death are just a few of the impacts of a severe winter storm. Vehicle
batteries and diesel engines are stressed and the fuel often gels in extreme cold
weather. This impacts transportation, trucking, and rail traffic. Rivers and lakes
freeze and subsequent ice jams threaten bridges and can close major highways.
Ice jams can also create flooding problems when temperatures begin to rise. An
ice coating at least one-fourth inch in thickness is heavy enough to damage trees,
overhead wires, and similar objects and to produce widespread power outages.
Buried water pipes can burst causing massive ice problems, loss of water and
subsequent evacuations during sub-zero temperatures. Fire during winter storms
presents a great danger because water supplies may freeze, and firefighting
equipment may not function effectively or personnel and equipment may be
unable to get to the fire. If power is out, interiors of homes become very cold,
causing pipes to freeze and possibly burst. Cold temperature impacts on
agriculture are frequently discussed in terms of frost and freeze impacts early or
late in growing seasons and on unprotected livestock. The cost of snow removal,
repairing damage, and loss of business can have large economic impacts on the
community. Since 1993, Iowa has had 22 injuries related to winter storms and 12
deaths.
The City of McGregor has had no recorded death attributed to a winter storm. A
winter storm would normally impact the entire City of McGregor. Research
efforts could not determine any estimates of damages to the City of McGregor
due to severe winter storms.
The National Weather Service (NWS) has developed effective weather advisories
that are promptly and widely distributed. Radio, TV, and Weather Alert Radios
provide the most immediate means to do this. Accurate information is made
available to public officials and the public up to days in advance. Several
Speed of
notifications made by the National Weather Service include winter storm watch,
Onset
winter storm warning, blizzard warning, winter weather advisory, and a
frost/freeze advisory. The Clayton County Emergency Management Agency and
Clayton County Sheriff’s office dispatch center notifies the county’s emergency
responders of all weather warnings, including severe winter storms.
Worksheet Total
Number Triggered
Rank out of 18:
11
Composite Score
47
7
3
4
37
0
10
47
60
November, 2008
Thunderstorms and Lightning
Definition
Description
Historical
Occurrence
Probability
Atmospheric imbalance and turbulence resulting in heavy rains, winds reaching or
exceeding 58 mph; tornadoes or surface hail at least 0.75 inches in diameter. Can include
a hailstorm which is characterized be balls or irregularly shaped lumps of ice greater
than 0.75 inches in diameter fall with rain.
Thunderstorms are common in Iowa and can occur singly, in clusters, or in lines. They
are formed from a combination of moisture, rapidly raising warm air, and a lifting
mechanism such as clashing warm and cold air masses. Most thunderstorms produce
only thunder, lightning, and rain. Severe storms however, can produce tornadoes, high
straight-line winds above 58 mph, microbursts, lightning, hailstorms, and flooding. The
NWS considers a thunderstorm severe if it produces hail at least 3/4-inch in diameter,
wind 58 mph or higher, or tornadoes. High straight-line winds, which can often exceed
60 mph, are common occurrences and are often mistaken for tornadoes. Lightning is an
electrical discharge that results from the buildup of positive and negative charges
within a thunderstorm. When the buildup becomes strong enough, lightning appears
as a “bolt.” This flash of light usually occurs within the clouds or between the clouds
and the ground. A bolt of lightning reaches temperatures approaching 50,000 degrees F
in a split second. This rapid heating, expansion, and cooling of air near the lightning
bolt creates thunder.
At least 7,946 severe thunderstorm events have impacted Iowa since 1993. The
City of McGregor has been impacted by a number of these events. Because
thunderstorms may occur singly, in clusters, or in lines, it is possible that several
thunderstorms may affect the area in the course of a few hours. It is likely that
more than the 7,946 individual severe storms systems occurred in the county.
One system may spawn multiple events. A number of these thunderstorms have
9
caused other hazards such as flash flooding, river flooding, and tornadoes.
There have been three Presidential Declarations of Major Disasters since 1990
related to Severe Storms. National Climatic Data Center Records indicate that
since 5/23/1994, 6 severe thunderstorm events have been recorded as impacting
the City of McGregor.
Iowa, experiences between 30 and 50 thunderstorm days per year on average.
Clayton County and the City of McGregor are impacted by these events also.
With Iowa's location in the interior of the U.S., there is a very high likelihood that
a few of these summer storms will become severe and cause damage. Because of
the humid continental climate that Iowa experiences, ingredients of a severe
thunderstorms are usually available (moisture to form clouds and rain, relatively
9
warm and unstable air that can rise rapidly, and weather fronts and convective
systems that lift air masses).
Due to the historical frequency of severe winter storms and the City of
McGregor’s geographical location, it is a near 100 percent certainty the city will be
impacted by thunderstorms and lightning in the future.
Vulnerability
Those in unprotected areas, mobile homes, or automobiles during a storm are at risk.
Sudden strong winds often accompany a severe thunderstorm and may blow down trees
across roads and power lines. Lightning presents the greatest immediate danger to people
and livestock during a thunderstorm. It is the second most frequent weather-related killer
in the U.S. with nearly 100 deaths and 500 injuries each year. (Floods and flash floods are
the number one cause of weather related deaths in the U.S.) Livestock and people who are
outdoors, especially under a tree or other natural lightning rods, in or on water, or on or
near hilltops are at risk from lightning. Hail can be very dangerous to people, pets, and
livestock if shelter is not available. Flash floods and tornadoes can develop during
thunderstorms as well. People who are in automobiles or along low-lying areas when
flash flooding occurs and people who are in mobile homes are vulnerable to the impacts of
severe thunderstorms. Every resident and structure in the City of McGregor is vulnerable
to the affect of thunderstorms and lightning.
2
61
Maximum
Threat
Severity Of
Impact
Speed of
Onset
November, 2008
Severe thunderstorms can be quite expansive with areas of localized severe
conditions. Most severe thunderstorm cells are 5 to 25 miles wide with a larger
area of heavy rain and strong winds around the main cell. Most non-severe
thunderstorms have a lifespan of 20 to 30 minutes, while severe thunderstorms
last longer than 30 minutes. A lightning strike would most likely affect only a
single structure or person whereas a thunderstorm would affect the entire City of
McGregor.
Like tornadoes, thunderstorms and lightning can cause death, serious injury, and
substantial property damage. Severe thunderstorms can bring a variety of
associated hazards with them including straight-line winds in excess of 100 mph.
Straight-line winds are responsible for most thunderstorm damage. High winds
can damage trees, homes (especially mobile homes), and businesses and can
knock vehicles off of the road. The power of lightning's electrical charge and
intense heat can electrocute people and livestock on contact, split trees, ignite
fires, and cause electrical failures. Thunderstorms can also bring large hail that
can damage homes and businesses, break glass, destroy vehicles, and cause
bodily injury to people, pets, and livestock. One or more severe thunderstorms
occurring over a short period (especially on saturated ground) can lead to
flooding and cause extensive power and communication outages as well as
agricultural damage. Damages caused by thunderstorms and would likely impact
the entire City of McGregor. Lightning damage would be more localized.
National Climatic Data Center records indicate a total of $77,000 in property
damage with no deaths or injuries as having occurred due to the six severe
thunderstorm events impacting the city of McGregor since 5/23/1994.
Some thunderstorms can be seen approaching, while others hit without warning.
The National Weather Service issues severe thunderstorm watches and warnings
as well as statements about severe weather and localized storms. These messages
are broadcast over NOAA Weather Alert Radios and area TV and radio stations.
Advances in weather prediction and surveillance have increased warning times.
The resolutions of radar and Doppler radar have increased the accuracy of storm
location and direction. Weather forecasting and severe weather warnings issued
by the National Weather Service usually provide residents and visitors alike
adequate time to prepare. Isolated problems arise when warnings are ignored.
The Clayton County Sheriff’s office dispatch center notifies the county’s
emergency responders of all weather warnings, including severe thunderstorms.
Worksheet Total
Number Triggered
Rank out of 18:
10
Priority Group:
Medium
Composite Score
7
3
7
37
0
19
56
62
November, 2008
Tornado
Definition
Description
Historical
Occurrence
Probability
Vulnerability
A violent, destructive, rotating column of air taking the shape of a funnel-shaped cloud
that progresses in a narrow, erratic path. Rotating wind speeds can exceed 200 mph
and travel across the ground at average speeds of 25 to 30 mph.
A tornado is a violent whirling wind characteristically accompanied by a funnel shaped
cloud extending down from a cumulonimbus cloud. A tornado can be a few yards to
about a mile wide where it touches the ground. An average tornado, however, is a few
hundred yards wide. It can move over land for distances ranging from short hops to
many miles, causing great damage wherever it descends. The funnel is made visible by
the dust sucked up and by condensation of water droplets in the center of the funnel.
The rating scale used to rate tornado intensity is called the Fujita Scale (See page 65).
In the U.S., Iowa is ranked third in the number of strong-violent (EF2-EF5)
tornadoes per 10,000 square miles. From 1950-1995, Iowa averaged 31 twisters
per year. In Iowa most tornadoes occur in the spring and summer months, but
twisters can and have occurred in every month of the year. Late afternoon to
evening hour tornadoes are the most common, but they can occur at any time of
the day.
There have been 12 recorded incidents of a direct hit to Clayton County by a
tornado since May 10, 1953. On May 30, 1985 an EF3 tornado touched down
west of Elkader. It hit the Clayton County Care Facility and killed two residents
and injured another 25. Twenty farmsteads were struck. Total damage was
estimated at $25 million, with $1.5 million occurring at the County Care Facility.
No specific incident of a tornado directly striking the City of McGregor could be
found in any records. McGregor Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee
members did recount, however, past incidents when reputed tornadoes or
tornado like winds caused minor damage to the city or the immediate area.
Historically, 30-40 tornadoes are confirmed in Iowa per year. Developed areas
occupy a growing portion of Iowa and stand a likely chance of having a tornado
occur in the next ten years. Included in these statistics are Clayton County and the
City of McGregor. Diagram 65 shows the tornado risk areas for the United States.
Those most at risk from tornadoes include people living in mobile homes,
campgrounds, and other dwellings without secure foundations or basements.
People in automobiles are also very vulnerable to twisters. The elderly, very
young, and the physically and mentally handicapped are most vulnerable
because of the lack of mobility to escape the path of destruction. People who may
not understand watches and warnings due to language barriers are also at risk.
People most at risk are also those who do not have access to early warning
capabilities such as are available through siren systems or NOAA Weather Radio.
7
7
7
63
Maximum
Threat
Severity Of
Impact
November, 2008
Generally the destructive path of a tornado is only a couple hundred feet in
width, but stronger tornadoes can leave a path of devastation up to a mile wide.
Normally a tornado will stay on the ground for no more than 20 minutes;
however, one tornado can touch ground several times in different areas. Large
hail, strong straight-line winds, heavy rains, flash flooding, and lightning are also
associated with severe storms and may cause significant damage to a wider area.
It is feasible that a tornado of EF4 magnitude or larger could destroy the entire
City of McGregor.
The severity of damage from tornadoes can be very high. Impacts can range from
broken tree branches, shingle damage to roofs, and some broken windows; all the
way to complete destruction and disintegration of well constructed structures,
infrastructure, and trees. Injury or death related to tornadoes most often occurs
when buildings collapse; people are hit by flying objects or are caught trying to
escape the tornado in a vehicle. Since 1950, Iowa has had 1,831 injuries related to
tornadoes and 61 deaths over the same time period.
7
8
The Elkader area incurred two deaths, 25 injuries and $25 million in property
damages due to the tornado that touched down near on May 30, 1985.
Historically, since May 10, 1953, Clayton County has been hit by 12 reported
tornadoes. Total deaths in this time period were 2; injuries, 26; property damage,
$26.133 million and crop damages, $5 million.
Tornadoes strike with an incredible velocity. Wind speeds may approach 300
miles per hour and the storm can travel across the ground at more than 70 mph.
These winds can uproot trees and structures and turn harmless objects into
deadly missiles, all in a matter of seconds. Advancements in weather forecasting
have allowed watches to be delivered to those in the path of these storms up to
hours in advance. The best lead-time for a specific severe storm and tornado is
about 30 minutes. Tornadoes have been known to change paths very rapidly,
thus limiting the time in which to take shelter. Tornadoes may not be visible on
the ground due to blowing dust or driving rain and hail.
Speed of
Onset
Public address systems, television, radio, and the NOAA Weather Alert Radios
are used to disseminate emergency messages about a tornado.
8
The City of McGregor has an established system of trained weather spotters
located throughout the county. These individuals are called out on an as needed
basis when severe weather threatens the county. The Clayton County Office of
Emergency Management and Clayton County Sheriff’s office dispatch center
notifies applicable Clayton County emergency responders in the event that
tornado or funnel cloud is sited in Clayton County. Those residents and facilities
of the county that have NOAA weather radios will receive notice of tornadoes
and severe weather events from the National Weather Service. The City of
McGregor also has a siren warning system to alert residents of an approaching
tornado or dangerous winds.
Worksheet Total
Number Triggered
Rank our of 18:
5
Composite Score
44
1
14
59
64
November, 2008
ENHANCED TORNADO FUJITA SCALE
Category F0: Gale tornado (65-85 mph); light damage. Some damage to chimneys; break branches off
trees; push over shallow-rooted trees; damage to sign boards. 38.9 percent of all tornadoes.
Category F1: Moderate tornado (86-110 mph); moderate damage. The lower limit is the beginning of
hurricane wind speed; peel surface off roofs; mobile homes pushed off foundations or overturned; moving
autos pushed off the roads. 35.6 percent of all tornadoes.
Category F2: Significant tornado (111-135 mph); considerable damage. roofs torn off frame houses;
mobile homes demolished; boxcars pushed over; large trees snapped or uprooted; light-object missiles
generated. 19.4 percent of all tornadoes.
Category F3: Severe tornado (136-165 mph); Severe damage. Roofs and some walls torn off wellconstructed houses; trains overturned; most trees in forest uprooted; heavy cars lifted off ground and
thrown. 4.9 percent of all tornadoes.
Category F4: Devastating tornado (166-200 mph); Devastating damage. Well-constructed houses
leveled; structure with weak foundation blown off some distance; cars thrown and large missiles
generated. 1.1 percent of all tornadoes.
Category F5: Incredible tornado (greater than 200 mph); Incredible damage. Strong frame houses lifted
off foundations and carried considerable distance to disintegrate; automobile sized missiles fly through
the air in excess of 100 yards; trees debarked; incredible phenomena will occur. Less than .1 percent of all
tornadoes.
65
November, 2008
Windstorm
Definition
Description
Historical
Occurrence
Probability
Vulnerability
Maximum
Threat
Severity Of
Impact
High speed winds of 50 mph or higher, often associated with severe winter storms,
severe thunderstorms, downbursts and very steep pressure gradients usually
accompanying frontal systems.
Extreme winds other than tornados are experienced in all regions of the United States.
It is difficult to separate the various wind components that cause damage from other
wind-related natural events that often occur with or generate windstorms.
Large-scale extreme wind phenomena are experienced over every region of the
United States. Historically, high wind events are associated with severe
thunderstorms and blizzards. It is often difficult to separate windstorms and
tornado damage when winds get above 70 knots. There have been 357 wind
events in Iowa since 1950 in which wind speeds have exceeded 70 knots (80.5
9
mph).
National Climatic Data Center statistics document 116 high wind events in
Clayton County Between 1950 and 2007. Six of these events are recorded as
affecting the City of McGregor on 5/23/1994; 7/19/1994; 8/19/1994; 6/15/1997;
4/11/2001 and 7/20/2006
Based on historical averages, Iowa would expect to have about 7 to 10 wind
events each year in which wind speeds exceed 70 knots (80.5 mph). It is a
certainty given the geographical location of the City of McGregor that the city
will be impacted by a windstorm or severe wind at least once every three years, if
not more frequently. The diagram on page 66 shows wind zones for the United
States.
Those most at risk from windstorms include people living in mobile homes,
campgrounds, parks, and other dwellings without secure foundations or
basements. People in automobiles are also very vulnerable to wind storms. The
elderly, very young, and the physically and mentally handicapped are most
vulnerable because of the lack of mobility to escape the path of destruction.
People who may not understand watches and warnings due to language barriers
are also at risk.
Unlike tornadoes, windstorms may have a destructive path that is tens of miles
wide. Large hail, strong straight-line winds, heavy rains, flash flooding, and
lightning are also associated with severe storms and may cause significant
damage to a wider area. A windstorm will affect the entire City of McGregor.
The severity of damage from windstorms can be very high. Impacts can range
from broken tree branches, shingle damage to roofs, and some broken windows,
all the way to complete destruction and disintegration of well-constructed
structures, infrastructure, and trees. Injury or death related to windstorms most
often occurs when buildings collapse, people are hit by flying objects or are
caught trying to escape the windstorm in a vehicle. Crop damage is often
associated with windstorms, laying down crops, breaking stalks, and twisting
plants, reducing the yield and making it difficult to harvest. Damages caused by
windstorms and severe winds would likely impact the entire City of McGregor.
9
5
7
5
National Climatic Data Center statistics document $77,000 in property damage
within the City of McGregor for the six high wind events that were reported
between 5/23/1994 and 7/20/2006. There were no deaths or injuries attributed
to any of these storms.
66
November, 2008
Wind speeds may approach 120 miles per hour and the storm can travel across
the ground at more than 30 mph. These winds can uproot trees and structures
and turn harmless objects into deadly missiles, all in a matter of seconds. The
advancement in weather forecasting allows watches to be delivered to those in
the path of these storms up to hours in advance. The best lead-time for a specific
severe storm is about 30 minutes.
The City of McGregor has an established system of trained weather spotters
located throughout the county. These individuals are called out on an as needed
basis when severe weather threatens the county. The Clayton County Office of
Emergency Management and Clayton County Sheriff’s office dispatch center
notifies applicable Clayton County emergency responders in the event that
tornado or funnel cloud is sited in Clayton County. Those residents and facilities
of the county that have NOAA weather radios will receive notice of tornadoes
and severe weather events from the National Weather Service. The City of
McGregor also has a siren warning system to alert residents of an approaching
tornado or dangerous winds.
Worksheet Total
Number Triggered
Rank out of 18
8
Speed of
Onset
Composite Score
8
43
2
12
57
67
November, 2008
Definition
The widespread breakdown or disruption of normal communication capabilities. This
could include major telephone outages, loss of local government radio facilities, or longterm interruption of electronic broadcast services.
Description
Emergency 911, law enforcement, fire, emergency medical services, public works, and emergency
warning systems are just a few of the vital services which rely on communication systems to
effectively protect citizens. Business and industry rely heavily on various communication media
as well. Mechanical failure, traffic accidents, power failure, line severance, and weather can affect
communication systems and disrupt service. Disruptions and failures can range from localized
and temporary to widespread and long-term. If switching stations are affected, outage could be
more widespread.
No widespread communications failures have occurred in Iowa. In the City of
McGregor, local incidents due to weather conditions, equipment failure,
excavation incidents, and traffic accidents have been reported, but outages have
usually been resolved in a timely manner. Due to the terrain of the county, there
Historical
Occurrence
are some areas in which radio communications have proven to be consistently
problematic. The most recent recorded communications failure of any duration
was due to flooding in the City of McGregor on 5/23/2004. Cellular phone
service was lost for 12 hours and land line phone service was lost for 48 hours.
Widespread communications losses are unlikely due to backup systems and
redundant system designs, though, based on historical occurrences, it is a
Probability
certainty that local communications failures will occur, particularly in those areas
that have historically proven to be problematic.
Citizens of the City of McGregor could be impacted directly as seen during the
5/23/2004 incident. Phone and data transmission could be impacted. Most
Vulnerability
communication systems such as Clayton County’s E911 system that are highly
necessary have backup and redundant designs to provide continuity of service.
Most communications failures would be limited to localized areas. In the event of
a widespread communications failure, only portions of Iowa would be impacted,
but this is highly unlikely due to the support of other jurisdictions and secondary
Maximum
Threat
communication devices. It is remotely probable that the City of McGregor would
experience a total communications failure of more than 24 hours. In such an
incident, the entire county could be impacted, however.
A communications failure would not directly result in injuries or fatalities. Most
financial losses would be incurred due to direct damage to electronic equipment
and the communication system infrastructure. If 911 systems were to fail due to
phone communication disruption, secondary impacts could occur due to the
Severity Of
Impact
inability of citizens to alert responders of their needs. Inter-agency and intraagency communications would be limited. Data transmission could also be
affected. This could disrupt business and financial transactions resulting in
potential loss of business.
A communications failure would likely occur with little or no warning. It is
usually impossible to predict a communications failure. Some communications
Speed of
may be shut down for a short while for improvements or maintenance. These
Onset
disruptions are usually made during periods of low demand and those who rely
on them are given previous notice that the system will be out of service.
Worksheet Total
Number Triggered
Rank out of 18:
6
Priority Group:
Medium
Composite Score
7
7
5
4
4
7
34
16
9
59
68
November, 2008
Dam Failure
Definition
Description
Historical
Occurrence
A break in, or imposed threat from, any water retention fixture which may endanger
population downstream of the containment area.
Dams are constructed for a variety of uses, including flood control, erosion control,
water supply impoundment, hydroelectric power generation, and recreation. Flooding,
operating error, poor construction, lack of maintenance, damage due to burrowing
animals, vandalism, terrorism, and earthquakes can cause dam failure. Dams are
classified into three categories based on the potential risk to people and property should
a failure occur: High Hazard - If the dam was to fail, lives would be lost and extensive
property damage could result; Moderate Hazard - Failure could result in loss of life and
significant property damage; and Low Hazard - Failure results in minimal property
damage only. The classification may change over time because of development
downstream from the dam since its construction. Older dams may not have been built
to the standards of its new classification. Dam hazard potential classifications have
nothing to do with the material condition of a dam, only the potential for death or
destruction due to the size of the dam, the size of the impoundment, and the
characteristics of the area downstream of the dam. The Iowa Department of Natural
Resources tracks all dams in the state of Iowa with a height of at least 25 feet or a total
storage of at least 50 acre feet of water. The inventory excludes all dams less than 6 feet
high regardless of storage capacity and dams less than 15 acre feet of storage regardless
of height.
Between 1960 and 1997, there have been at least 23 dam failures causing one or
more fatalities (318 deaths total) in the U.S. There have been no documented dam
failures in Iowa that resulted in death or severe property damage. There was
concern during the very wet period of 1993 that water would overtop Saylorville
1
Reservoir. With the outfall flowing at full capacity and water flowing out the
spillway, the reservoir did not overtop the dam.
In Clayton County and specifically the City of McGregor, there has been no
historical occurrence of dam failure.
With increased attention to sound design, quality construction, and continued
maintenance and inspection, dam failure probability can be reduced. It is
important to consider that by 2020, 85% of the dams in the United States will be
more than 50 years old (the design life of a dam).
Probability
Vulnerability
According to the National Performance of Dams Website two flood control dams,
the Pikes Peak Flood Control Dam and Siegele Flood Control Dam, designed to
protect the City of McGregor from flooding, are listed as high risk dams. These
dams were built in 1938. Local officials and the Clayton County Emergency
Management Agency state that neither of these dams, even during the worst
flooding that has occurred in the 69 years since their construction, has ever
approached the stage where water was flowing over the spillway.
People and property along streams are most vulnerable. Facilities and lives
considerable distances from the actual impoundment are not immune from the
hazard. Depending on the size and volume of the impoundment as well as the
channel characteristics, a flash flood can travel a significant distance.
Clayton County Emergency Management has determined that there are 15
residence and property locations in the unincorporated area of the county in
addition to the City of McGregor that could be impacted by a failure of either or
both of the Pikes Peak or Siegele Flood Control Dams. Appendix 8, page 206
provides a map detailing the Dam Overflow Basins of the Pikes Peak and Siegele
Flood Control Dams.
1
3
69
November, 2008
The area impacted following a dam failure would be limited to those areas in and
near the floodplain. People and property outside the floodplain could also be
impacted depending on the proximity to the dam and the height above the
normal stream level.
Maximum
Extent
Should either of the Siegele of Pikes Peak Flood Control Dams fail, the maximum
extent of damage would encompass 15 residence and property locations in the
unincorporated area of the county and potentially portions of the flood plain area
in the City of McGregor. Appendix 8, page 206 provides a map detailing the Dam
Overflow Basins of the Pikes Peak and Siegele Flood Control Dams.
There are 2,442 inventoried dams located in Iowa. Of these 63 are high hazard,
160 are categorized as significant hazard, and 2,219 are classified as low-hazard
dams. The severity of damage could range from property damage, if a small
subdivision impoundment failed, all the way to multiple deaths, injuries, and
extensive property damage if a large high-hazard dam, such as the Saylorville
Reservoir, failed upstream from Des Moines.
Severity
Speed of
Onset
3
7
For the Pikes Peak and Siegele Flood Control Dams, damage would be limited to
the 15 residence and property locations in the unincorporated area of the county
and potentially 103 structures located in the flood plain area of the City of
McGregor. The Main Street Valley Profile Study conducted by Vierbacher
Engineering from Madison, Wisconsin during the summer of 2007 was
inconclusive as to what affect flooding would have on the City of McGregor.
A dam failure can be immediate and catastrophic leaving little or no time to warn
those downstream of the imminent hazard. With maintenance and monitoring,
weak areas and possible failure points can be identified allowing time for
evacuation and securing of the dam. Most dams are only inspected periodically
thus allowing problems to go undetected until a failure occurs. The Pikes Peak
and Siegele Dams in Clayton County are inspected by the Iowa DNR every three
years.
With Clayton County’s history of flood experiences, potential flood situations are
monitored closely. Any extreme rainfalls and the potential affect it could have on
the Siegele or Pikes Peak Flood Control Dams will be monitored closely. Local
officials would make every effort to make certain that residents and property
owners likely to be affected by an event such as a dam breach would receive
several hours of pre-notification.
Worksheet Total
Number Triggered
Rank out of 18
15
5
20
9
11
Composite Score 40
70
November, 2008
Levee Failure
Definition
Description
Historical
Occurrence
Probability
Vulnerability
Loss of structural integrity of a wall, dike, berm, or elevated soil by erosion, piping,
saturation, or under seepage causing water to inundate normally dry areas.
Levees constructed of compacted clay with a high plasticity tend to crack during cycles
of long dry spells. During heavy rainfalls that follow the dry spells, water fills the cracks
and fissures. In addition to increasing the hydrostatic forces, the water is slowly
absorbed by the clay. The effect of the absorbed water is an increase in the unit weight
of the clay as well as a decrease in its shear strength. This results in a simultaneous
increase of the slide (driving) forces and a decrease of the resisting (shear strength)
forces. Furthermore, the cyclic shrink/swell behavior of the cracked clay zone results in
a progressive reduction of the shear strength of the clay, perhaps approaching its
residual strength. It also results in deepening of the cracked clay zone, which may
eventually reach a depth of 9 ft (2.74 m) or more, especially for clays with a plasticity
index greater than 40. The end result may be a sloughing failure following a heavy
rainfall. It is believed that fast removal of the runoff water from the interconnected
network of cracks could alleviate this surface instability problem.
The levee of concern to the City of McGregor is a 1,500 feet long dirt levee built by the
US Army Corps of Engineers in 1969 across the face of the town, paralleling Front
Street. The levee is part of the Rock Island District levee system.
The Flood of 1993 was so great that the limits of many levees were tested and
sometimes exceeded. Of 275 Corps of Engineers levees affected by the flood, 85%
held, but 31 were overtopped, 8 were eroded and ruptured, and 3 were breached.
The performance of nonfederal levees was much worse: only 43% withstood the
1
trauma, and 800 of 1,400 failed. During the Midwest floods in June of 2008, 13
levees that are part of the Rock Island District were overtopped or breached. The
McGregor levee was not one of those overtopped or breached in 1993 or 2008.
The rate of failure of a levee or floodwall is difficult to predict, and sudden failure
is a possibility. Proper design and construction can limit the probability of a
levee failure. Development in the watershed can raise flood levels and make a
levee designed and constructed under previous characteristics inadequate for
3
current runoff conditions. While the McGregor levee has never overtopped or
breached, settling of the levee which is thought to be as much as a foot to one and
a half feet since its construction is providing concern that such an event could
occur.
People, property, and utilities in the floodplain are most at risk. Levees and
floodwalls give a false sense of security. People feel that levees will protect them
and their property against any future flooding. While this is usually true, the
hazard is only temporarily contained.
There are 103 structures in the City of McGregor flood plain that have the
potential for being impacted by a failure of the McGregor Levee. Of these, 54 are
classified as residential and 49 others are classified as commercial, storage and
public or municipal facilities. Among the public facilities in the flood plain are:
McGregor Municipal Utilities; McGregor Sewage Treatment Plant; Well No. 6;
McGregor City Hall; McGregor Fire Station; McGregor Public Library; McGregor
Museum and the Riverfront Park Shelter House. Total value of all these structures
from records provided by the City of McGregor in September, 2008 is estimated
at $11,862,723. Using an average of 2.34 people per household, the potential
number of people who could be affected is 126, or 15 percent of the McGregor
population.
4
71
Maximum
Extent
Severity
Speed of
Onset
November, 2008
Floodwaters breaching a levee are usually contained in the historic floodplain.
Interestingly enough, levee failure in one area may prevent flooding in another
area. A levee breach or overtopping occurring along one segment may drop the
level of water along other segments of the stream. For initial overtopping, the
overriding concern is choosing the least hazardous location for initial inundation
of the interior. The least hazardous location could be a golf course, an oxbow
lake, a ponding area, undeveloped area such as agricultural land, or a
downstream reach. A total of 103 structures in the City of McGregor flood plain
that have the potential for being impacted by a failure of the McGregor Levee. Of
these, 54 classified as residential and 49 others are classified as commercial,
storage and public or municipal facilities. This comprises 22 percent of the total
structures in the City of McGregor.
Water bursting through a narrow levee breach is moving much faster than the
floodwaters in the main channel. The breaking out of this front of water and its
fast flow can cause more destruction to structures behind the levee than
floodwaters in the main channel would have caused. A failed levee continues to
cause damage long after it breaks. The breach allows large volumes of water to
enter formerly dry areas, forming temporary lakes. Such lakes do not go away
immediately, because the lake is blocked from returning to the main channel by
levee segments that were not destroyed. Consequently, the water level drops
along the main river days before it drops behind breached levees. Often, pumps
behind the levees are needed to remove floodwaters that breach the levees. This
alleviates some of the impacts associated with levee failures. Sudden failure in an
urban setting could cause a catastrophe. In an urban setting the severity and
duration may be important for health reasons, but in an agricultural area for
economic reasons. Impacts would be similar to those experienced during a river
or flash flood. In the City of McGregor the 103 residential, commercial and
governmental structures in the flood plain would incur damage in the event of a
levee failure. In addition, all of residents of the City of McGregor could incur a
loss of necessary services due to infrastructure damage to municipal facilities.
The amount of warning time depends on the type of levee failure. Local flood
warning systems can help in determining the maximum water surface and the
timing of a flood situation. Hours or days of warning may be available for high
water that may overtop levees, but this does not provide complete security from a
rupture in the levee itself. A sudden failure of a portion of the levee may send
floodwaters gushing from this break within seconds. Normally, occupants of the
floodplain can be warned about potential levee breaches or breaks when high
water encroaches upon the levee.
With Clayton County’s history of flood experiences, potential flood situations are
monitored closely. Local officials would make every effort to make certain that
residents and property owners likely to be affected by an event such as a levee
failure would receive several hours of pre-notification.
Worksheet Total
Number Triggered
Rank out of 18:
12
5
5
5
23
9
12
Composite Score 44
72
November, 2008
Fixed Facility Hazardous Materials Incident
Definition
Description
Historical
Occurrence
Accidental release of chemical substances or mixtures that presents danger to the public
health or safety during production or handling at a fixed facility.
A hazardous substance is one that may cause damage to persons, property, or the
environment when released to soil, water, or air. Chemicals are manufactured and used
in ever increasing types and quantities. As many as 500,000 products pose physical or
health hazards and can be defined as “hazardous chemicals.” Each year, over 1,000 new
synthetic chemicals are introduced. Hazardous substances are categorized as toxic,
corrosive, flammable, irritant, or explosive. Hazardous materials incidents generally
affect a localized area and the use of planning and zoning can minimize the area of
impact.
During the period 1998-2001, Hazardous Materials Teams responded to 844 calls
at fixed facilities according to the Iowa Department of Public Health HSEES
system. Fixed facility releases accounted for about 71% of total releases. (Note:
the number of responses to drug-related operations has also risen sharply in the
state.)
2
In the City of McGregor, Iowa DNR records show that between the years 1995
and 2006 there was 1 minor incident involving a spill of hazardous materials into
the Mississippi River from a fixed facility.
There are 2,728 sites in Iowa that, because of the volume or toxicity of the
materials on site, are designated as Tier Two facilities under the Superfund
Amendments and Reauthorization Act. Despite increasing safeguards, more and
more potentially hazardous materials are being used in commercial, agricultural,
and domestic activities.
Probability
Vulnerability
The City of McGregor has 2 facilities that are EPA regulated due to the hazardous
materials used in processes associated with the facility or that is stored at the
facility. These facilities are the McGregor Municipal Utility and Agri-Bunge.
There are 8 additional facilities or businesses in the City of McGregor that have
hazardous materials on hand, providing more possibilities of a fixed hazardous
materials incident. Given the presence of these facilities it is probable there will be
future fixed facility hazardous materials incidents in the City of McGregor.
A hazardous materials accident can occur almost anywhere, so any area is
considered vulnerable to an accident. People, pets, livestock, and vegetation in
close proximity to facilities producing, storing, or transporting hazardous
substances are at higher risk. Populations downstream, downwind, and downhill
of a released substance are particularly vulnerable. Depending on the
characteristics of the substance released, a larger area may be in danger from
explosion, absorption, injection, ingestion, or inhalation. Occupants of areas
previously contaminated by a persistent material may also be harmed either
directly or through consumption of contaminated food and water. Facilities are
required to have an off-site consequence plan that addresses the population of the
surrounding area. Responding personnel are required to be trained to HAZMAT
Operations Level to respond to the scene, and those personnel that come into
direct contact with the substances released are required to have HAZMAT
Technician level training.
5
5
The most vulnerable people in City of McGregor to injury or health affects from a
fixed facility hazardous materials incident are workers associated with hazardous
materials at the facilities and emergency responders and people living in close
proximity to fixed facilities having hazardous materials. Because of the wide
array of variables associated with a hazardous materials release, vulnerability
73
Maximum
Extent
Severity
November, 2008
estimates are difficult to determine. Some releases may have virtually no affect,
while significant portions of the county could be affected in the case of an
anhydrous ammonia or LP gas leak.
Most of the hazardous materials incidents are localized and are quickly contained
or stabilized by the highly trained fire departments and hazardous materials
teams. Depending on the characteristic of the hazardous material or the volume
of product involved, the affected area can be as small as a room in a building or
as large as 5 square miles or more. Many times, additional regions outside the
immediately affected area are evacuated for precautionary reasons. More
widespread effects occur when the product contaminates the municipal water
supply or water system such as a river, lake, or aquifer.
A gas release such as anhydrous ammonia or LP could affect significant portions
of the City of McGregor. The release of a toxic hazardous material into the
Mississippi River could affect the river for its entire course through the county
and into neighboring counties. The unpredictable nature of hazardous materials
coupled with climatic and geographic variables and the unknown affects of
different hazardous materials reacting together creates a situation where the
maximum extent of damage from a hazardous material release is unpredictable.
Immediate dangers from hazardous materials include fires and explosion. The
release of some toxic gases may cause immediate death, disablement, or sickness
if absorbed through the skin, injected, ingested, or inhaled. Contaminated water
resources may be unsafe and unusable, depending on the amount of contaminant.
Some chemicals cause painful and damaging burns to skin if they come in direct
contact with your body. Contamination of air, ground, or water may result in
harm to fish, wildlife, livestock, and crops. The release of hazardous materials
into the environment may cause debilitation, disease, or birth defects over a long
period of time. Loss of livestock and crops may lead to economic hardships
within the community.
3
5
Records maintained and provided by the Iowa Department of Natural resources
regarding the only reported release of hazardous materials releases from a fixed
facility in City of McGregor do not mention any injuries. The records do not
mention any costs associated with cleanup or control of the chemicals or any costs
associated with damages caused by the chemicals.
Speed of
Onset
When managed properly under regulations, hazardous materials pose little risk.
However, when handled improperly or in the event of an accident, hazardous materials
can pose a significant risk to the population. Hazardous materials incidents usually occur
very rapidly with little or no warning. Even if reported immediately, people in the area of
the release have very little time to be warned and evacuated. During some events,
sheltering in-place is the best alternative to evacuation because the material has already
affected the area and there is no time to evacuate safely. Public address systems,
television, radio and the NOAA Weather Alert Radios are used to disseminate emergency
messages about hazardous materials incidents.
7
The Clayton County Office of Emergency Management and Clayton County Sheriff’s office
dispatch center notifies applicable Clayton County emergency responders about
hazardous material incidents. Clayton County has an agreement with the Linn County
Hazardous Materials team for assistance at hazardous materials incidents. (See Diagram,
page 77).
Rank our of 18
Priority Group:
Medium
13
Worksheet Total
Number Triggered
Composite Score
27
14
2
43
74
November, 2008
Definition
Description
Historical
Occurrence
Probability
Accidental release of chemical substances or mixtures that presents danger to the public
health or safety during transportation.
A hazardous substance is one that may cause damage to persons, property, or the
environment when released to soil, water, or air. Chemicals are manufactured and used
in ever increasing types and quantities. As many as 500,000 products pose physical or
health hazards and can be defined as “hazardous chemicals.” Each year, over 1,000 new
synthetic chemicals are introduced and transported across the county via semi truck
and train. Hazardous substances are categorized as toxic, corrosive, flammable, irritant,
or explosive. Hazardous materials incidents generally affect a localized area, and the
use of planning and zoning can minimize the area of impact.
During the period 1998-2001, there where 346 transportation hazardous materials
incidents in Iowa. These were for a range of materials and varying severity.
According to information provided by the Iowa DNR, there have been 2 minor
transportation hazardous materials incidents in the McGregor area since 1995.
Both involved the spill of petroleum products and were cleaned up using local
resources. All were localized and none threatened any populated areas or caused
any evacuations.
Large quantities of hazardous materials are transported daily on Iowa streets,
highways, interstates, and railways. Roadways are a common site for the release
of hazardous materials. Railways are another source for hazardous materials
releases. The Department of Transportation regulates routes and speed limits
used by carriers and monitors types of hazardous materials crossing state lines.
Despite increasing safeguards, more and more potentially hazardous materials
are being used in commercial, agricultural, and domestic uses and are being
transported on Iowa roads and railways.
5
5
Given the historical occurrence of transportation hazardous materials incidents in
Clayton County and the highway system serving the City of McGregor and the
amount of hazardous materials passing through the city on a daily basis via semis
and other transports such as barges on the Mississippi River it is probable that
there will be transportation hazardous materials incidents occurring in the future.
A hazardous materials incident can occur almost anywhere, so any area is
considered vulnerable to an accident. People, pets, livestock, and vegetation in
close proximity to transportation corridors and populations downstream,
downwind, and downhill of a released substance are particularly vulnerable.
Depending on the characteristics of the substance released, a larger area may be
in danger from explosion, absorption, injection, ingestion, or inhalation.
Occupants of areas previously contaminated by a persistent material may also be
harmed either directly or through consumption of contaminated food and water.
Vulnerability
The City of McGregor is most vulnerable to experiencing a transportation
hazardous materials incident on US Highway 18 and State Highway 76 that serve
the city as well as from barge and other river traffic using the Mississippi River.
Property adjacent to these transportation routes is vulnerable to damage from a
hazardous materials release and people living or traveling near an incident are
vulnerable to physical harm from any release that may occur. Another area of
vulnerability is due to the Canadian Pacific Railroad which passes up to seven
trains a day through the City of McGregor. In 2008 the Canadian Pacific Railroad
had two significant incidents in Clayton County, one which resulted in a spill of
12,000 gallons of diesel fuel.
7
75
Maximum
Extent
Severity
Speed of
Onset
November, 2008
Most hazardous materials incidents are localized and are quickly contained or
stabilized by the highly trained fire departments and hazardous materials teams.
Depending on the characteristic of the hazardous material or the volume of
product involved, the affected area can be as small as a room in a building or as
large as 5 square miles or more. Many times, additional regions outside the
immediately affected area are evacuated for precautionary reasons. More
widespread effects occur when the product contaminates the municipal water
supply or water system such as a river, lake, or aquifer. For the City of McGregor
this means that a large release of hazardous materials in the right conditions
could affect large areas of the city, possibly even the entire city.
During the period 1993-2001, there where 68 injuries and 9 fatalities related to
transport of hazardous materials in Iowa. Many of these are related to the
collision itself rather than the product released. Immediate dangers from
hazardous materials include fires and explosions. The release of some toxic gases
may cause immediate death, disablement, or sickness if absorbed through the
skin, injected, ingested, or inhaled. Contaminated water resources may be unsafe
and unusable, depending on the amount of contaminant. Some chemicals cause
painful and damaging burns if they come in direct contact with skin.
Contamination of air, ground, or water may result in harm to fish, wildlife,
livestock, and crops. The release of hazardous materials into the environment
may cause debilitation, disease, or birth defects over a long period of time. Loss
of livestock and crops may lead to economic hardships within the community.
The occurrence of a hazmat incident many times shuts down transportation
corridors for hours at a time while the scene is stabilized, the product is offloaded, and reloaded on a replacement container.
Data provided by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources concerning the two
transportation hazardous materials releases that have occurred since 1995 near
the City of McGregor does not provide any information relative to costs
associated with cleaning up any of the spills or of any property damage that
occurred. The information does indicate there were injuries associated with one of
the incidents but the injuries were due to the accident, not the hazardous
materials involved.
When managed properly under current regulations, hazardous materials pose
little risk. However, when handled improperly or in the event of an accident,
hazardous materials can pose a significant risk to the population. Hazardous
materials incidents usually occur very rapidly with little or no warning. Even if
reported immediately, people in the area of the release have very little time to be
warned and evacuated. During some events, sheltering in-place is the best
alternative to evacuation because the material has already affected the area and
there is no time to evacuate safely. Public address systems, television, radio, and
the NOAA Weather Alert Radios are used to disseminate emergency messages
about hazardous materials incidents.
The Clayton County Office of Emergency Management and Clayton County
Sheriff’s office dispatch center notifies applicable Clayton County emergency
responders about hazardous material incidents. Clayton County receives
assistance at hazardous materials incidents from the Linn County Hazmat Team
(See Diagram, page 77).
Worksheet Total
Number Triggered
Rank our of 18:
1
Priority Group:
Medium
Composite Score
7
7
7
38
22
5
65
76
November, 2008
LOCATION OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS TEAMS IN IOWA
77
November, 2008
Definition
Description
Historical
Occurrence
Probability
Vulnerability
Maximum
Extent
A single or multi-vehicle incident which requires responses exceeding normal day-today capabilities.
An extensive surface transportation network exists in Iowa. Local residents, travelers,
business, and industry rely on this network on a daily basis. Thousands of trips a day
are made on the streets, roads, highways, and interstates in the state. If the designed
capacity of the roadway is exceeded, the potential for a major highway incident
increases. Weather conditions play a major factor in the ability of traffic to flow safely
in and through the state as does the time of day (rush hour) and day of week. Incidents
involving buses and other high-occupancy vehicles could trigger a response that
exceeds the normal day-to-day capabilities of response agencies.
Numerous major and minor traffic accidents take place everyday in Iowa and
result in property damage and injury. Major accidents involving multiple
vehicles and serious injury unfortunately are not uncommon either. In the tenyear period from 1990 through 1999, there were a total of 714,322 total traffic
accidents. These resulted in 32,837 major injuries, 138,155 minor injuries, and
4,724 deaths.
9
Incident reports from the MarMac Rescue Squad document an average of 50
highway transportation incidents per year. In the past five years there have been
five fatalities associated with highway transportation incidents in the McGregor
area. The majority of these accidents are occurring on US Highway 18 and State
Highway 76.
Although traffic engineering, inspection of traffic facilities, land use management
of areas adjacent to roads and highways, and the readiness of local response
agencies have increased, highway incidents continue to occur. As the volume of
traffic on the state’s streets, highways, and interstates increases, the number of
traffic accidents will likely also increase. The combination of large numbers of
people on the road, unpredictable weather conditions, potential mechanical
problems, and human error always leaves open the potential for a transportation
accident.
Given the amount of traffic that travels US Highway 18 and State Highway 76
through McGregor; future traffic accidents are a 100 percent probability.
Considering past transportation fatalities in the McGregor area it is probable the
community will incur at least one highway transportation incident related fatality
every year.
Those who use the surface transportation system in the City of McGregor are
most vulnerable. Travelers, truckers, delivery personnel, and commuters are at
risk at all times that they are on the road. During rush hours and holidays the
number of people on the road in Iowa is significantly higher. This is also true
before and after major gatherings such as sporting events, concerts, and
conventions. Pedestrians and citizens of the City of McGregor are less vulnerable
but still not immune from the impacts of a highway incident. The hilly terrain
and curved roads in the McGregor area add to the vulnerability of transportation
accidents in the county.
Iowa is crisscrossed by thousands of miles of roads, highways, and interstates.
Highway incidents are usually contained to areas on the roadway or adjacent to
the roadway. Few highway incidents affect areas outside the traveled portion of
the road and the right-of-way. Extensive segments of the transportation system
can be impacted during significant weather events, such as a snowstorm, when
multiple separate accidents occur.
9
1
1
78
Severity
November, 2008
At its maximum extent in the City of McGregor a highway transportation
incident could involve multiple vehicles, including mass transit vehicles and have
multiple casualties, but it would still be localized in nature. Such a situation
would overwhelm the response capabilities of local emergency responders and
also the medical treatment capabilities of Prairie Du Chien and Clayton County
hospitals. The area of impact can extend beyond the localized area if the vehicle(s)
involved are transporting hazardous materials and could impact several square
miles.
Highway incidents threaten the health and lives of people in the vehicles,
pedestrians, and citizens of the community if hazardous materials are involved.
Mass casualty events can occur if mass transit vehicles are involved. Community
bus lines, metro transit buses, and school buses have a good safety record, but
accidents can and do occur. Numerous injuries are a very real possibility in
situations involving mass transit vehicles. Property damage would be limited to
vehicles and cargo involved; roads, bridges, and other infrastructure; utilities
such as light and power poles; and third-party property adjacent to the accident
scene such as buildings and yards. In the ten-year period from 1990 through
1999, there were a total of 714,322 total traffic accidents. These resulted in 32,837
major injuries, 138,155 minor injuries, and 4,724 deaths.
In Clayton County during the years of 2004-2006, the largest number of vehicles
involved in accidents was three and largest number of people injured in an
accident was five. In McGregor the maximum number of vehicles involved in a
highway transportation incident was two and the largest number of people
injured was three.
There is usually no warning of highway incidents. During snow storms and
Speed of
other weather events that may impede travel, travelers, response agencies, and
Onset
hospitals alike can be notified of hazardous travel conditions.
Worksheet Total
Number Triggered
Rank our of 18
7
Priority Group:
Medium
Composite Score
3
7
30
22
6
58
79
November, 2008
Energy Failure
Definition
Description
Historical
Occurrence
Probability
Vulnerability
Maximum
Threat
An extended interruption of electric, petroleum or natural gas service, which could
create a potential health problem for the population and possibly mass panic.
International events could potentially affect supplies of energy-producing products,
while local conditions could affect distribution of electricity, petroleum or natural gas.
The magnitude and frequency of energy shortages are associated with international
markets. Local and state events such as ice storms can disrupt transportation and
distribution systems. If disruptions are long lasting, public shelters may need to be
activated to provide shelter from either extreme cold or extreme heat. Stockpiles of
energy products eliminate short disruptions, but can also increase the level of risk to the
safety of people and property in proximity to the storage site.
The energy crisis of the 1970s had significant impacts on many consumers in
Iowa. High inflation and unemployment were associated with the excessive
dependence on foreign oil during the early and mid 1970s. An energy shortage of
that magnitude has not affected Iowa in recent years. Energy disruptions to the
8
City of McGregor have occurred, but have historically been of short duration and
are normally circumvented by activation of the city’s electrical power generating
plant, the McGregor Municipal Utility. In areas of the city that flood, both gas and
electric utilities are shut off by the utility companies during flooding.
Only when free market forces cease to provide for the health, welfare, and safety
of the citizens, can governments take appropriate actions to limit the effects of an
energy shortage. The state of Iowa has three strategies to limit the likelihood of
an energy shortage. Through voluntary and mandatory demand reduction
mechanisms; the substitution of alternative energy sources when possible; and
state government programs to curtail excessive use, energy supply and demand
can be kept in check. The federal government has a strategic petroleum reserve to
supplement the fuel supply during energy emergencies. Shortages, especially
electrical shortages, can be unpredictable with immediate effects. Natural events,
human destruction, price escalation, and national security energy emergencies
3
can cause unavoidable energy shortages. Recent severe winter storms that
caused extensive power outages in states like Kansas and Missouri in 2006 and
2007 add more credibility to the probability that some energy failure events will
impact the City of McGregor. A good example is the ice storm of February 24,
2007, which caused widespread extended power outages in Iowa and Clayton
County, though the City of McGregor was unaffected by that outage. It is also
worth noting that in order for the City of McGregor to be completely out of
electrical energy, both the power supply from Dairyland Power and the
capabilities of the McGregor Municipal Utility must be disrupted.
Because Iowa is almost entirely dependent on out-of-state resources for energy,
Iowans must purchase oil, coal, and natural gas from outside sources. World and
regional fuel disruptions are felt in Iowa. It is likely that increasing prices will
occur as market mechanisms are used to manage supply disruptions. This will
disproportionately affect the low-income population because of their lower
5
purchasing power. Agricultural, industrial, and transportation sectors are also
vulnerable to supply, consumption, and price fluctuations. In Iowa, petroleum
represents 97% of transportation fuel. Individual consumers such as commuters
are also vulnerable.
The effects of an energy shortage would be felt throughout the state. Because the
distribution systems are very developed, local shortages can quickly be covered.
5
A total natural gas or electrical energy disruption to the City of McGregor is
likely to affect all of the city.
80
November, 2008
Injuries and fatalities would not be directly caused by an energy shortage.
Injuries and fatalities could occur if energy was not available for heating during
extreme cold periods or for cooling during extreme heat. Hospitals, shelters,
emergency response vehicles and facilities, and other critical facilities would have
priority during energy shortages. Rotating blackouts, voluntary conservation
measures, and possibly mandatory restrictions could be used to limit the severity
Severity Of
of an energy shortage. Effects could range from minor heating and air
Impact
conditioning disruptions to transportation limitations all the way to civil unrest
due to the high demand, low supply, and subsequent high price. Business
disruption and increased cost of business would have far-reaching financial
implications across many sectors of the economy. The February 24, 2007 winter
storm and associated power outage which impacted nearly all of Clayton County
caused an estimated $10,000,000 in damages in the county.
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources Energy Bureau monitors domestic
and international energy situations and has developed a plan to deal with an
energy crisis. Signs that an energy shortage may be developing can be
recognized even months in advance, but energy shortages/emergencies can rise
suddenly and unexpectedly. Supply distribution problems in other countries and
Speed of
Onset
local weather situations can lead to low supply coupled with high demand in a
matter of a day or two. A supply problem from Dairyland Power, the city’s
electrical provider would likely go unnoticed as the city’s electrical generating
plant; the McGregor Electrical Utility would be activated. The plant has the
capability of providing all of the city’s electrical power needs.
Worksheet Total
Number Triggered
Rank out of 18:
9
4
5
30
20
6
Composite Score 56
81
November, 2008
Bioterrorism
Definition
Description
Historical
Occurrence
Probability
Vulnerability
Maximum
Threat
Severity Of
Impact
Use of biological agents against persons or property in violation of the criminal laws of
the United States for purposes of intimidation, coercion or ransom.
Liquid or solid contaminants can be dispersed using sprayers/aerosol generators or by
point or line sources such as munitions, covert deposits and moving sprayers.
Biological agents may pose viable threats from hours to years depending upon the
agent and the conditions in which it exits. Depending on the agent used and the
effectiveness with which it is deployed, contamination can be spread via wind and
water. Infections can be spread via human or animal vectors.
Iowa has not been immune to acts of terrorism or sabotage. The state has
experienced many bomb threats in the distant and recent past. The biological
terrorism history, fortunately, has been limited to threats and hoaxes only. While
1
these acts have caused terror, they have not resulted in injuries or deaths.
There have been no incidents of bioterrorism in the City of McGregor.
Internationally, such acts have, unfortunately, become quite commonplace, as
various religious, ethnic, and nationalistic groups have attempted to alter and
dictate political and social agendas, seek revenge for perceived past wrongdoing,
or intentionally disrupt the political, social, and economic infrastructure of
individual businesses, units of government, or nations. Unfortunately, there will
never be a way to totally eliminate all types of these clandestine activities.
3
Persons inclined to cause death and destruction are usually capable of finding a
way to carry out their plans. As perpetrators of terrorism improve their ability to
collect information, raise money and issue rhetoric, implementation of effective
counter measures becomes even more important. The most probable target for a
bioterrorism attack in the City of McGregor is the city’s water supply system.
Innocent people are often victims of terrorist activity targeted at certain
organizations and activities. Based on the method of delivery, the general public
is vulnerable to bio-terrorism. The American public is not vaccinated for many of
5
the agents used as weapons by terrorist groups. Iowa vaccinated volunteers
against smallpox at 15 Iowa hospitals in early 2003.
Because of the characteristics of the weapons terrorists use, the area can be
limited to a room, building, or the entire community. Depending on the agent
used and the effectiveness with which it is deployed, contamination can be
spread via wind and water. Infections can be spread via human or animal
5
vectors. Because of the variables described above, the geographic extent can
become quite broad before the incident is recognized as a terrorist act. A
bioterrorism attack on the City of McGregor’s water supply system holds the
potential for afflicting the entire population of the city.
The intent of the terrorist is to cause fear based on illness, injury, and death. A
bio-terrorism incident would likely result in illness at a minimum, with multiple
5
deaths and long-term health problems as a worst-case.
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November, 2008
Acts of terrorism can be immediate and often come after little or no warning.
There are occasions when terrorists have warned the targeted organization
beforehand, but often the attack comes without previous threat. Terrorists
Speed of
Onset
threaten people and facilities through threats and other scare tactics. Even if it is
a shallow threat, precautions must be taken to ensure the safety of the people and
property involved.
Worksheet Total
Number Triggered
Rank our of 18:
17
Priority Group:
Medium
Composite Score
8
27
0
3
30
83
November, 2008
Definition
Description
Historical
Occurrence
Probability
Vulnerability
Maximum
Threat
Severity Of
Impact
Speed of
Onset
Use of conventional weapons and explosives against persons or property in violation of
the criminal laws of the United States for purposes of intimidation, coercion or ransom.
Conventional terrorism includes detonation of an explosive device on or near a target
delivered via person, vehicle, or projectile. Hazard effects are instantaneous; additional
secondary devices may be used, lengthening the duration of the hazard until the attack
site is determined to be clear. The extent of damage is determined by the type and
quantity of explosive. Effects are generally static other than cascading consequences,
incremental structural failures, etc. Conventional terrorism can also include tactical
assault or sniping from remote locations.
Iowa has not been immune to acts of terrorism or sabotage. The state has
experienced many bomb threats in the distant and recent past. During the spring
of 2002, 18 pipe bombs were found in mailboxes in five states stretching from
Illinois to Texas, including Iowa. Six people were injured in the bombings in
Iowa and Illinois.
In Clayton County the only incidents of conventional terrorism that have
occurred have involved the schools. According to Central Community School
District officials, the school system was the subject of one bomb threat in 1999. A
search of the school found no bomb. There have also been bomb threats at the
Clayton Ridge Community School District High School in Guttenberg. There have
been no such incidents at the MFL MarMaq Middle School in McGregor or any
other location in the city.
Unfortunately, there will never be a way to totally eliminate all types of these
clandestine activities. Persons inclined to cause death and destruction are usually
capable of finding a way to carry out their plans. As perpetrators of terrorism
improve their ability to collect information, raise money and issue rhetoric,
implementation of effective counter measures becomes even more important.
One of the most likely targets of a conventional terrorism attack in the City of
McGregor is the MFL MarMaq Middle School.
Energy decreases logarithmically as a function of distance from seat of blast.
Terrain, forestation, structures, etc. can provide shielding by absorbing or
deflecting energy and debris. Exacerbating conditions include ease of access to
target; lack of barriers/shielding; poor construction; and ease of concealment of
device.
Extent of damage is determined by type and quantity of explosive. Effects are
generally static other than cascading consequences, incremental structural failure,
etc.
Property damage and injuries are almost certain outcomes if a conventional bomb is
detonated in a developed or populated area. Threats and scares have psychological
impacts and disrupt activities at a cost to productivity.
Explosions are usually instantaneous; additional secondary devices may be used,
lengthening the duration of the hazard until the attack site is determined to be clear. Acts
of terrorism can be immediate and often come after little or no warning. There are
occasions when terrorists have warned the targeted organization beforehand, but often the
attack comes without previous threat. Terrorists threaten people and facilities through
"bomb threats" and other scare tactics. Even if it is a shallow threat, precautions must be
taken to ensure the safety of the people and property involved.
Rank out of 18:
Priority Group:
Low
17
Worksheet Total
Number Triggered
Composite Score
2
3
3
5
7
9
29
0
3
32
84
November, 2008
Structural Fire
Definition
Description
Historical
Occurrence
Probability
Vulnerability
An uncontrolled fire in populated area that threatens life and property and is beyond
normal day-to-day response capabilities.
Structural fires present a far greater threat to life and property and the potential for
much larger economic losses. Modern fire codes and fire suppression requirements in
new construction and building renovations, coupled with improved fire fighting
equipment, training, and techniques, lessen the chance and impact of a major urban fire.
Most structural fires occur in residential structures, but the occurrence of a fire in a
commercial or industrial facility could affect more people and pose a greater threat to
those near the fire or fighting the fire because of the volume or type of the material
involved.
Structural fires are almost a daily occurrence in some communities. Nearly all are
quickly extinguished by on-site personnel or local fire departments. There have
been 1,535 deaths in Iowa from fires from 1974 to 2002 (not including the years
1978 to 1979).
The McGregor Hook and Ladder Company No. 1 Fire Department responds to an
average of 30 alarms per year. Fire Department reports indicate the department
responds to an average of 1 structural fire in the City of McGregor annually.
There are no recorded fire deaths or injuries in structural fires for the City of
McGregor.
Given the history of structural fire incidents in the City of McGregor, it is a
certainty that the city will experience at least one structural fire annually.
Even with the department’s focus on fire prevention effort, both residential and
nonresidential structural fires, fires will continue to occur. During colder months,
clogged chimneys and faulty furnaces and fire places can increase the probability
of structural fires. Structural fires occur routinely in the City of McGregor.
Particularly vulnerable in the City of McGregor are older structures with
outdated electrical systems not built to current fire codes. Combustible building
materials obviously are more vulnerable than structures constructed of steel or
concrete. Structures without early detection devices are more likely to be
completely destroyed before containment by response agencies. Structures in
areas served by older, smaller, or otherwise inadequate water distribution
infrastructure such as water mains and hydrants are also at significant risk.
Problems vary from region to region, often as a result of climate, poverty,
education, and demographics, but Iowa has about 13.4 fire deaths per million
population. The fire death risk for the elderly is more than two times that of the
average population. The fire death risk is nearly two times that of the average
population for children 5 years of age or less.
9
9
5
85
Maximum
Threat
Severity Of
Impact
Speed of
Onset
November, 2008
With modern training, equipment, fire detection devices, and building
regulations and inspections, most fires can be quickly contained and limited to
the immediate structure involved. Certain circumstances, such as the
involvement of highly combustible materials or high winds, can threaten a larger
area. The age and density of a particular neighborhood can also make it more
vulnerable to fire due to the spreading of fire from neighboring structures.
Based on national averages in the 1990s, there is one death for every 119
residential structure fires and one injury for every 22 residential fires. On
average, each residential fire causes nearly $11,000 of damage. In nonresidential
fires, there is one death for every 917 fires, one injury for each 52 fires, and each
nonresidential fire causes an average of nearly $20,000 in damage.
While fires usually start with little or no warning time, alert devices can allow
time for responders to contain the fire and allow occupants to evacuate the area.
McGregor Hook and Ladder Company No. 1 volunteer firefighter are notified of
fire incidents within the City of McGregor by pager via the Clayton County
Sheriff’s Office dispatch.
Worksheet Total
Number Triggered
Rank out of 18:
2
Priority Group:
Medium
Composite Score
2
5
8
38
17
6
61
86
November, 2008
HAZARD ANALYSIS SUMMARY
The City of McGregor Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee reviewed and scored all of the hazards
considered to be relevant for their community. The following is a summary of the list of hazards that were
identified and scored for the City of McGregor. The table is organized in descending order, with the
hazard that accumulated the highest total score listed first.
Hazard
Tornado
Windstorm
River Flood
Flash Flood
Structural Fire
Transportation Hazardous
Materials Incident
Thunderstorm and
Lighning
Severe Winter Storm
Extreme Heat
Energy Failure
Highway Transportation
Incident
Bio-terrorism
Fixed Facility Hazardous
Materials Incident
Levee Failure
Dam Failure
Landslide
Severity Of
Impact
Speed of
Onset
Total
7
7
7
7
2
8
5
7
7
5
8
8
5
7
8
44
43
41
40
38
7
7
7
7
38
9
9
9
7
3
2
5
3
5
5
7
7
8
4
5
3
3
3
4
4
7
4
2
7
5
37
37
34
34
30
9
2
1
9
3
3
1
3
5
1
5
5
3
7
5
7
9
8
30
29
27
2
1
1
3
5
3
1
5
5
4
3
1
3
5
3
1
5
5
7
5
7
5
5
3
32.78
27
23
20
18
Historical
Probability
Vulnerability
7
9
7
5
9
7
9
8
7
9
7
5
7
7
5
5
5
9
9
9
7
8
Maximum
Threat
Average total score:
87
November, 2008
COMPOSITE SCORING WORKSHEET FOR HAZARDS IDENTIFIED BY CITY OF
MCGREGO HAZARD MITIGATION PLANNING COMMITTEE
Each hazard identified by the City of McGregor Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee can also
either be triggered by some other hazard or cause another hazard to occur. Thus they become
part of an event cascade. In developing a composite score for ranking the hazards identified by
the City of McGregor Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee a composite score was developed
that included the Hazard Analysis score and Cascading event scores consisting of the number of
hazards a hazard can resulting from and the number of hazards a hazard can trigger. The
cascading event scores were determined from a matrix found in Appendix 5A of the Iowa
Hazard Analysis.
Hazard Worksheet Score1 + Number Caused2 + Number Resulting From2 = Composite Score
Hazard
Natural Hazards
Extreme Heat
Flash Flood
River Flood
Severe Winter Storm
Tornado
Windstorm
Levee Failure
Dam Failure
Landslide
Human-Caused/Combination Hazards
Energy Failure
Bioterrorism
Terrorism – Conventional
Structural Fire
Hazard
Worksheet
Score1
Number
Caused2
Number
Resulting
From2
Composite
Score
34
40
41
37
37
44
43
23
20
18
0
4
4
0
0
1
2
9
9
2
6
16
15
10
19
14
12
12
11
8
40
60
60
47
56
59
57
44
40
28
30
30
34
27
29
27
38
38
22
20
16
0
0
14
22
6
6
6
9
3
3
2
5
17
58
56
59
30
32
43
65
61
88
November, 2008
RANKING OF HAZARDS
Following the composite score determination, the ranking of hazards that could influence the
City of McGregor is as follows.
HAZARD
RANKING
Structural Fire
Flash Flood
River Flood
Tornado
Windstorm
Energy Failure
Severe Winter Storm
Levee Failure
Extreme Heat
Dam Failure
Bio-terrorism
Landslide
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
89
November, 2008
VULNERABILITY ASSESSMENT
This section is intended to further identify the populations and areas that are most vulnerable
during each of the identified hazards for the City of McGregor. Whenever possible these
vulnerability assessments are supported by hard data obtained from a variety of sources.
A transportation hazardous materials incident can occur anywhere vehicles travel, so any area is
considered vulnerable to an accident. People, pets, livestock, and vegetation in close proximity
to transportation corridors and populations downstream, downwind, and downhill of a released
substance are particularly vulnerable. Depending on the characteristics of the substance released,
a larger area may be in danger from explosion, absorption, injection, ingestion, or inhalation.
The City of McGregor is most vulnerable to experiencing a transportation hazardous materials
incident on the major highways that serve the community. This includes state highways 18 and
76. Another potential source is due to an incident involving barge or other traffic on the
Mississippi River. Another area of vulnerability is due to the Canadian Pacific Railroad which
passes up to seven trains a day carrying large quantities of hazardous materials through the City
of McGregor. In 2008 the Canadian Pacific Railroad had two significant incidents in Clayton
County, one which resulted in a spill of 12,000 gallons of diesel fuel. Property adjacent to these
transportation routes is vulnerable to damage from a hazardous materials release and people
living or traveling near an incident are vulnerable to physical harm from any release that may
occur. Depending on the characteristics of the substance released, a larger area than the
immediate surroundings may be in danger from explosion, absorption, injection, ingestion, or
inhalation.
An agreement between the Clayton County Emergency Management Agency and the Linn
County Hazardous Materials Response Team, headquartered in Cedar Rapids, enhances local
emergency response agencies capability of managing a hazardous materials incident.
Structural Fire
Older structures with outdated electrical systems not built to current fire codes are particularly
vulnerable to fire. Combustible building materials obviously are more vulnerable than structures
constructed of steel or concrete. Structures without early fire detection devices are more likely to
be completely destroyed before a fire is contained by a response agency. Structures in areas
served by older, smaller or otherwise inadequate water distribution infrastructure (i.e., water
mains and hydrants) are also at significant risk. Problems vary from region to region, often as a
result of climate, poverty, education, and demographics.
Iowa has approximately 13.4 fire deaths per million people annually. According to the United
States Fire Administration, based on national statistics, senior citizens ages 65 and over, and
children under the age of 5 have the greatest risk of fire death. The fire death risk among seniors
over 65 is more than double; over age 75 triple; over age 85, three and one half times that
experienced by the general population. Children under the age of 10 account for an estimated
22.2 percent of all fire deaths.
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November, 2008
Though the City of McGregor has experienced no fire deaths in its recent history, the city has
248 residents (20 percent of its population) who are in the ―most at risk‖ categories for fire death.
Key elements of effective fire suppression for the McGregor Hook and Ladder Co. No. 1 Fire
Department includes staffing, firefighter training, and modern firefighting equipment, all of
which present challenges to most contemporary fire departments.
Flash Flood
Due to the City of McGregor’s proximity to the Mississippi River and the confluence of valleys
that pour runoff water into the city, flooding occurs frequently in the city. Of the numerous
floods that have impacted the City of McGregor, the National Climatic Data Control Center
documents the floods of 5/16/1999, 5/21/2004, 5/23/2004 and 7/17/2007 as flash floods. The
7/17/2007 flash flood caused $1.3 million in damages to the city. Though flood mitigation
measures such as construction of a levee erection of concrete berms have been undertaken, they
have proven inadequate to protect the city from floods. The City of McGregor has documented
103 structures that are located within flood zones A and B. These structures include 54 classified
as residential and 49 others including commercial, storage and public or municipal facilities.
Among the public facilities in the flood plain are: McGregor Municipal Utilities; McGregor
Sewage Treatment Plant; Well No. 6; McGregor City Hall; McGregor Fire Station; McGregor
Public Library; McGregor Museum and the Riverfront Park Shelter House. Total value of all
these structures from records provided by the City of McGregor in September, 2008 is assessed
at $11,862,723.
River Flood
Due to the City of McGregor’s proximity to the Mississippi River and the confluence of valleys
that pour runoff water into the city, flooding occurs frequently in the city. Of the numerous
floods that have impacted the City of McGregor, the National Climatic Data Control Center
documents three river flood events that have impacted the city since 1993. Though flood
mitigation measures such as construction of a levee erection of concrete berms have been
undertaken, they have proven inadequate to protect the city from floods. The City of McGregor
has documented 103 structures that are located within flood zones A and B. These structures
include 54 classified as residential and 49 others including commercial, storage and public or
municipal facilities. Among the public facilities in the flood plain are: McGregor Municipal
Utilities; McGregor Sewage Treatment Plant; Well No. 6; McGregor City Hall; McGregor Fire
Station; McGregor Public Library; McGregor Museum and the Riverfront Park Shelter House.
Total value of all these structures from records provided by the City of McGregor in September,
2008 is assessed at $11,862,723.
Tornado
Everyone is vulnerable to the powerful forces that accompany a tornado. There are those who are
more vulnerable than others. For example:
1. People in automobiles
2. People in mobile homes
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November, 2008
3. People who may not understand warnings due to language barriers
4. The elderly and very young
5. People with physical or mental impairments.
In the event of a tornado the City of McGregor has an outdoor warning siren that given enough
time, allows people to search for suitable shelter when the siren is activated.
As identified in the community profile section of the plan, certain populations are considered
more vulnerable than others based on their ability to properly respond, even after proper
notification has been given. For purposes of this plan these population shall include seniors age
65 and over, children age 18 and under, and those individuals with mental and/or physical
handicaps. Based on census figures we are able to determine that 352 individuals in the
community are identified as vulnerable based solely on age. This accounts for approximately 40
percent of the population. No solid data could be acquired as to the number of physically and/or
mentally challenged populations.
Another population considered to be more at risk than others are those in mobile homes.
According to 2000 Census data the City of McGregor had 16 mobile home units within the city
limits. This comprises 3.1 percent of the housing units in the city. Using the average household
size (2.34 people/housing unit) as a calculation tool, we can assume that the number of people
residing in mobile home in the City of McGregor is approximately 38.
Anyone who relies on communications technology such as telephones, cell phones, computers or
radios is vulnerable to experiencing some type of communications failure. Most communication
systems that are highly necessary have backup and redundant designs to provide continuity of
service. Financial or business institutions that rely on cyber technology for the transfer of data
and business transactions can suffer significant disruption of business activities due to
communications failures. Emergency responders and peace officers can be impacted by
disruptions to radio communications capabilities that impaired communications and paging
capabilities. Terrain and the location of the City of McGregor has historically presented radio
communications problems.
Because of the large number of streets, highways and intersections located in the City of
McGregor, any intersection could be the site of a traffic accident. The hazards of highway
accidents are further compounded by the rolling, hilly terrain of the area which makes driving
even more hazardous under poor driving conditions. Persons driving on major thoroughfares
such as Highways 76 and 18 are more vulnerable to traffic accidents due to the larger number of
drivers on these roads and the higher corresponding speed limits.
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November, 2008
Windstorm
Everyone is vulnerable to the powerful forces that accompany a windstorm. There are those who
are more vulnerable than others. For example:
1. People in automobiles,
2. People in mobile homes,
3. People who may not understand warnings due to language barriers,
4. The elderly and very young, and
5. People with physical or mental impairments.
In the event of a windstorm the City of McGregor has an outdoor warning siren that given
enough time, allows people to search for suitable shelter when the siren is activated.
As identified in the community profile section of the plan, certain populations are considered
more vulnerable than others based on their ability to properly respond, even after proper
notification has been given. For purposes of this plan these population shall include seniors age
65 and over, children age 18 and under, and those individuals with mental and/or physical
handicaps. Based on census figures we are able to determine that 352 individuals in the
community are identified as vulnerable based solely on age. This accounts for approximately 40
percent of the population. No solid data could be acquired as to the number of physically and/or
mentally challenged populations.
Another population considered to be more at risk than others are those in mobile homes.
According to 2000 Census data the City of McGregor had 16 mobile home units within the city
limits. This comprises 3.1 percent of the housing units in the city. Using the average household
size (2.34 people/housing unit) as a calculation tool, we can assume that the number of people
residing in mobile home in the City of McGregor is approximately 38.
Energy Failure
An energy failure could occur by many means, for example, as a result of storms or severe
weather, a man-made accident, terrorist incident or equipment failure. Whatever the origin of the
disruption, particularly those of prolonged duration, an energy disruption holds the potential of
adversely affecting every person, household, institution or business within its sphere of
influence. In its most extreme state an energy disruption will create a high degree of personal
hardship and affect the health and well being of a high percentage of those affected. The majority
of residents in any community, such as the City of McGregor, have done little to prepare
themselves for a prolonged energy disruption situation. Their risk is minimized, however, due to
the City of McGregor having its own electrical generating plant, the McGregor Electrical Utility,
that could provide electrical power in a situation where Dairyland Power, the city’s primary
electrical provider, suffers an energy failure to the city.
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November, 2008
Everyone is vulnerable to the powerful forces that accompany thunderstorms and lightning. The
most vulnerable are people who are out in the open during these events or who live in or work in
structures without lightning protection. Other vulnerabilities associated with thunderstorms and
lightning are those that occur due to the cascading affect of these events. Thunderstorms are
sometimes accompanied by heavy rain which lead to floods and lightning sometimes strikes
buildings and starts fires or is associated with localized or widespread power outages when it
strikes energy infrastructure or with communications failures when it strikes radio and phone
communications infrastructure. And, lightning does cause fires also.
Severe Winter Storm
Residents of the City of McGregor who are most vulnerable to the effects of a winter storm are
those who cannot fend for themselves in times of severe weather. Example populations would be
the elderly or disabled who rely on outside entities for delivery of food or medicine for their
livelihood. In the City of McGregor there are 219 residents (25 %of the population) over the age
of 65 according to 2000 census information People who work outdoors are also at greater risk of
being affected by wind chill, extreme low temperature, and wet winter conditions.
Unfortunately, based on the large area that these storms can cover and the cascading effects that
can accompany them, the entire population of the City of McGregor is vulnerable to some type
of impact from a winter storm..
Levee Failure
The City of McGregor is protected from flood waters of the Mississippi River by a 1,500 feet
long dirt levee built by the US Army Corps of Engineers in 1969 across the face of the town,
paralleling Front Street. The levee is part of the Rock Island District levee system. Since the
levee was constructed local officials have noticed a settling of the levee by as much as one to one
and a half feet. No information from any formal study could be found to substantiate this claim.
The concern of local officials is that if the levee is breached by a 100 or 500 year recurrent flood,
all 103 structures with a total assessed property value of $11,862,723 would be affected. This
also endangers 126 residents of the City of McGregor. With 31 Rock Island system levees over
topped in the Midwest floods of 1993 and 13 overtopped or breached in the Midwest floods of
2008 the concerns of local officials can be judged as legitimate.
Fixed Facility Hazardous Material Incident
A hazardous materials accident can occur almost anywhere, so any area is considered vulnerable
to an accident. People, pets, livestock, and vegetation in close proximity to facilities producing,
storing, or transporting hazardous substances are at higher risk. Populations downstream,
downwind, and downhill of a released substance are particularly vulnerable.
The most vulnerable people in the City of McGregor to injury or health affects from a fixed
facility hazardous materials incident are workers associated with hazardous materials at the
facilities and emergency responders and people living in close proximity to fixed facilities
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November, 2008
having hazardous materials. Because of the wide vary of variables associated with a hazardous
materials release, vulnerability estimates are difficult to determine. Some releases may have
virtually no affect, while significant portions of the county could be affected in the case of an
anhydrous ammonia or LP gas leak.
Depending on the characteristics of the substance released, a larger area may be in danger from
explosion, absorption, injection, ingestion, or inhalation. Occupants of areas previously
contaminated by a persistent material may also be harmed either directly or through consumption
of contaminated foods and water.
The City of McGregor has Agri-Bunge and the McGregor Municipal Utility Plant that are EPA
regulated due to the hazardous materials used in processes associated with the business or facility
or that is stored at the facility. Given the presence of these facilities and a history that includes
one incident of a fixed facility hazardous materials release in the City of McGregor, it is highly
probable there will be future fixed facility hazardous materials incidents in the City of
McGregor.
Facilities are required to have plans that address hazmat release situations and emergency
procedures for the populations residing in the areas surrounding those facilities. Responding
personnel are required to be trained to hazmat operations level to respond to the scene and those
personnel that come into direct contact with the released substance are required to have hazmat
technician level training. All McGregor emergency responders have completed this requirement.
An agreement between the Clayton County Emergency Management Agency and the Linn
County Hazardous Materials Response Team, headquartered in Cedar Rapids, improves the
capability of local responders to manage a hazardous materials incident.
Extreme Heat
Everyone in the city of McGregor is susceptible to the impacts of a heat wave or extreme heat
event. Those who have an elevated risk include the elderly, young children, chronic invalids,
those on certain medications or drugs, persons who are over their recommended weight,
alcoholics, and individuals who work outdoors or in confined spaces without air conditioning.
Furthermore, economic class can also figure into who is vulnerable. Those individuals or
families who cannot afford air conditioning or do not have access to air conditioning are also
more susceptible to the effects of elevated temperatures.
The level of vulnerability can be greatly reduced by taking certain precautionary steps. Such
measures include, but are not limited to, drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated, moving to air
conditioned areas, using sun block, reducing the amount of physical exertion normally expended,
etc.
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November, 2008
Dam Failure
The City of McGregor could be affected by failure of the Pikes Peak or Siegele Flood Control
Dams. Though there has been no instance of so much as an overflow of these dams since they
were built in 1938, both of these dams are considered high risk according to the National
Performance of Dams Program. Representatives of the Iowa DNR who inspect the dams consider
them ―hydrologically inadequate.‖ Property and infrastructure that could be affected by failure of
either of these dams lie within the floodplain area of the city. This includes 54 residential and 49
others including commercial, storage and public or municipal facilities. Among the public
facilities in the flood plain are: McGregor Municipal Utilities; McGregor Sewage Treatment
Plant; Well No. 6; McGregor City Hall; McGregor Fire Station; McGregor Public Library;
McGregor Museum and the Riverfront Park Shelter House. Total value of all these structures
from records provided by the City of McGregor in September, 2008 is estimated at $11,862,723.
Appendix 8, page 206 provides a map detailing the Dam Overflow Basins of the Pikes Peak and
Siegele Flood Control Dams.
The most glaring vulnerability to a terrorist act appears to be an act of conventional terrorism by
a renegade terrorist or organized group of terrorists targeting an area of mass assembly such as
the MFL MarMac Middle School in McGregor. The school has 350 students and staff. The
school has never incurred such an act of terrorism. The school has taken many steps to increase
security, but has surveillance and security needs.
Bio-terrorism
A major human welfare concern, given the many possible acts that can be perpetrated is
bioterrorism. The introduction of a human disease such as anthrax by a terrorist into a local
environment such as somewhere in the City of McGregor could have a range of consequences
from a small localized infection of a single individual to a sweeping pandemic affecting a large
portion of the city’s population. The City of McGregor has no plans in place to taken no
measures to address a biological terrorism event. The Clayton County Emergency Management
Agency and Clayton County Department of Public Health has developed broad-based plans for
such a situation, but nothing specific to the City of McGregor.
Another serious threat to the City of McGregor involving an act of bio-terrorism is
contamination of the city’s water supply. Water for the city is supplied by two active wells at 105
Eagle Drive and 118 Main Street. Some well field protection measures have been taken. The
city has an above ground covered bluff-top water reservoir which holds a maximum of 297,000
gallons of water. The city has a chlorination water treatment plant located at 118 Main Street.
The City of McGregor’s Water Operator manages and maintains the city’s water supply system.
Both of these facilities have minimal security.
An act of bio-terrorism involving the city’s water supply has the potential for affecting every
resident of the city.
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November, 2008
Landslide
The City of McGregor is located in a valley surrounded by moderate to steeply sloping hillsides.
This terrain feature has historically created small localized landslide problems that have caused
minimal damage. The potential exists for a larger and more devastating landslide that could
damage structures and infrastructure in the City of McGregor. There are 40 residential and 25
commercial properties with an assessed value of $2.2 million in the City of McGregor that are
located in areas at the base of hills or on hillsides that could be affected by a landslide.
97
November, 2008
HAZARD PRIORITIZATION
Once the City of McGregor Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee had identified and scored the
hazards, they examined each hazard in relation to the risk that hazard presented to the
community. All of the identified hazards were then given a priority state. The Committee defined
high-risk hazards to be those hazards that caused substantial damage to the community in the
past, have a high probability of occurring in the future, and have the potential to affect a large
proportion of the community. High-risk hazards were also considered to be the hazards for which
immediate planning and mitigation activities are to be focused.
The Committee considered medium-risk hazards to be those hazards that should be addressed by
the community in the future; however, the need for mitigation activities for these hazards was not
considered to be as immediate. Finally, the Committee defined low risk hazards as hazards that,
at present time, have an acceptable level of risk. The hazards are listed below by priority.
High Risk
(Priority 1)
Medium Risk
(Priority 2)
Low Risk
(Priority 3)
River Flood
Severe Winter Storm
Windstorm
Tornado
Energy Failure
Flash Flood
Dam Failure
Levee Failure
Landslide
Extreme Heat
Bio-terrorism
Thunderstorm and lightning
Structural Fire
98
November, 2008
HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN GOALS
The City of McGregor Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee set as a priority the development
of broad-based goals that would address a multitude of hazards and encompass a variety of
mitigation activities. By identifying these goals the Committee was able to develop mitigation
action steps that would work toward the broader goal. The hazard mitigation planning goals
developed by the Committee are identified are as follows:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Improve the quality of life by mitigating potential hazards.
Take steps to mitigate the probable negative consequences that may occur as a
result of natural and human caused/combination disasters.
Identify potential funding sources needed to accomplish identified mitigation
projects.
Protect the health and welfare of the entire community by enhancing the training
and capabilities of all first responder organizations.
Return to pre-disaster or improved conditions as soon as possible after a disaster
occurs.
Protect businesses and industries by reducing the impact of hazards in order to
ensure economic viability of the city.
Continued compliance with NFIP requirements.
Each of the mitigation activities identified as a ―Future Hazard Mitigation Activity‖ in the
following section can be related to at least one of the hazard mitigation plan goals.
99
November, 2008
FUTURE HAZARD MITIGATION ACTIVITIES
While the mitigation activities discussed previously in this plan detail the City of McGregor’s
efforts to mitigate hazards when possible, and to respond to hazards in a timely and efficient
manner, the City also recognizes that there are many more mitigation activities and projects that
would benefit the residents of the community. The Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee
recognized this fact and developed a list of future hazard mitigation activities that, if
accomplished, would serve to further reduce the risk of hazards to the community. The list
includes a combination of projects the McGregor Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee feels
the community should try to accomplish. In addition, this list includes mitigation efforts that are
ongoing that the Committee view as vital to the continued well-being of the public. The final list
of future hazard mitigation activities was developed by the committee by first reviewing a list of
252 potential mitigation measures that any community could consider. After discussion and
review and incorporation of other mitigation measure concerns expressed by committee
members, this list was narrowed to the final list of future hazard mitigation projects accepted by
the Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee for inclusion in this plan and adoption by the
McGregor City Council. The entire list of 252 potential mitigation measures presented to the
hazard mitigation planning committee for consideration is found in Appendix 5, page 185.
Future hazard mitigation activities determined by the McGregor Hazard Mitigation planning
committee are as follows. Hazards are presented in the order from the ranking determined by the
composite scoring worksheet.
1.
2.
Continue HAZMAT agreements and support regional HAZMAT teams
Conduct training seminars on HAZMAT railroad spills
Structural Fire
1.
2.
3.
4,
5.
6.
Establish ordinance to require fire extinguishers in multi-family units
Encourage citizen purchase/use of smoke detectors
Fire department training
Purchase new pagers for fire departments
Purchase fire pumper truck
Maintain well equipped and well trained fire departments capable of appropriate
and effective response
100
November, 2008
Flash Flood
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
Promote NOAA weather radio use
Limit development in flood plain areas
Continue membership in the National Flood Insurance Program
Update flood maps
Establish storm watershed district
Purchase portable pumps
Hydrology study for storm sewer system
Elevate levees
Build drainage culverts
Flood protection for Main Street City Well and McGregor Public Library
Purchase portable barricades
Training for Floodplain Manager
Construct additional retention basin dams
River Flood
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
Update flood maps
Elevate levees
Construction of additional retention basin dams
Tornado
1.
2.
3.
4.
Bury utility lines
Encourage construction of tornado safe rooms in homes, businesses, etc.
Educate the public on proper steps to be taken in the event of a tornado or high
wind event, and how to prepare for a possible event
101
November, 2008
1.
2.
3.
Wireless internet capability for law enforcement vehicles
Purchase portable gas or diesel powered electric generators
1.
2.
3.
Prepare/Implement mass casualty incident plans
Purchase new ambulance
Windstorm
1.
2.
3.
4.
Bury utility lines
Educate the public on proper steps to be taken in the event of a tornado or high
wind event, and how to prepare for a possible event
Energy Failure
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Designate & Develop Community Shelters
Develop plans to address utility outages and emergencies
Develop alternative energy sources
1.
2.
Severe Winter Storm
1.
2.
3.
4.
Establish Good Neighbor programs for winter storms
102
November, 2008
Levee Failure
1.
2.
3.
Elevate levees
Continue to work with United State Army Corps of Engineers to ensure levee
inspections are completed and the necessary repairs are made
1.
Encourage communities to continue HAZMAT agreements and support regional
HAZMAT teams
Extreme Heat
1.
2.
3.
4.
Maintain a list of sites that could be used as cooling shelters for public retreats
during extreme heat events
Dam Failure
1.
2.
3.
Develop System for Monitoring Dams During Heavy Rains
Develop Evacuation Plans for Threatened Areas
Establish Concrete Spillways On Top of Dams
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Review and improve security at critical facilities in the city
Develop and enhance response plans for terrorism incidents
Maintain a well-trained and viable Police Department in order to identify and
respond to potential threats and events
Maintain well trained and equipped fire department in order to provide proper
response in the event of a terrorist event
Develop city evacuation plans
Educate the public about terrorism
103
November, 2008
Bio-terrorism
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Develop/maintain security at water treatment plant
Maintain a well-trained and viable Police Department in order to identify and
respond to potential threats and events
Maintain well trained and equipped fire department in order to provide proper
response in the event of a terrorist event
Landslide
1.
2.
Adopt building codes that regulate construction in landslide areas
Develop soil erosion stabilization projects
Other Measures
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Complete local mitigation plan
Improve public awareness of hazard risks
Support EMS training
Train key county and community leaders
Develop local emergency operations plan
Install PVC to replace existing clay sewer lines
Develop county-wide building code/inspector services
Encourage McGregor residents to have Disaster Supply Kits on hand to be used in
a disaster event
Emergency/disaster response training
104
November, 2008
ANALYSIS OF MITIGATION ACTIVITIES—STAPLEE CRITERIA
The City of McGregor Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee used the STAPLEE evaluation
criteria (Social, Technical, Administrative, Political, Legal, Economic and Environmental) in
narrowing the list of potential mitigation measures to the 93 future hazard mitigation activities
accepted by the committee and adopted by the McGregor City Council. The Committee
identified a time line for each activity, identified the responsible party or parties for each activity
and finally related each activity to at least one of the five Hazard Mitigation Plan Goals.
Below is a summary of the STAPLEE evaluation criteria applied to each mitigation activity:
Social
Evaluates public support of the overall implementation strategy and specific mitigation actions.
Factors the Committee considered were:

Will the action adversely affect one segment of the population?

Will the action disrupt established neighborhoods or cause the relocation of lower
income people?

Is the action compatible with present and future community values?
Technical
Evaluates the technical feasibility of the proposed action. Factors the Committee considered
were:

How effective is the action in avoiding or reducing future losses?

Will it create more problems than it solves?

Does it solve the problem?
Administrative
Evaluates the community's staffing, funding, and maintenance capabilities. Factors the
Committee considered were:

Does the community have the staff, technical experts, and/or funding to
implement the action?

Can the community provide the necessary maintenance?

Can it be accomplished in a timely manner?
Political.
Evaluates the political acceptability of the action. Factors the Committee considered were:

Is there political support to implement and maintain the action?

Have political leaders participated in the planning process?

Have all stakeholders been provided with an opportunity to participate in the
planning process?
105
November, 2008
Legal
Evaluates the community's legal authority to implement the action. Factors the Committee
considered were:


Does the city have authority to implement the action?
Are the proper laws, ordinances and resolution in place to implement the action?
NOTE: The City has the legal authority to implement all alternatives selected for consideration.
Economic
Evaluates economic feasibility and cost-effectiveness of the action. Factors the Committee
considered were:

Are there current sources of funds to implement the action?

What benefits will the action provide?

Does the cost seem reasonable for the size of the problem and likely benefits?

What burden will be placed on the tax base or local economy to implement the
action?

Does the action contribute to other community economic goals?

What proposed actions should be considered but be "tabled" for implementation
until outside sources of funding are available?
Environmental
Evaluates the impact on the environment. Factors the Committee considered were:


How will the action affect the environment (land, water, endangered species)?
Will the action comply with local, state, and federal environmental laws or
regulations?
Each activity was also given a priority ranking of 1, 2 or 3: Following is the criteria applied to
ranking the mitigation activities.
1: Those mitigation activities that are ongoing in the community and need to be sustained. Those
activities that would have the largest and most immediate mitigation impact on threats to
the lives of McGregor residents and property in the City of McGregor. Mitigation
activities that the City of McGregor can undertake with the resources the city has
available. Mitigation activities that are required in order to satisfy regulation or
compliancy issues.
2: Those mitigation activities that are beyond the resources of the city of McGregor and are only
achievable with an infusion of resources such as a grant.
3: Those mitigation activities that are of the lowest impact. Mitigation activities that address
hazards that are of the remotest nature in their possibility of occurrence.
106
November, 2008
Action Step 1
Analysis
Timeline
Mitigation Measure
Category
Estimated Cost:
Responsible Party
Related Goal
Priority
Action Step 2
Analysis
Timeline
Estimated Cost
Responsible Party
Clayton County maintains a 28E agreement with the Linn County Hazardous
Material Response Team for response assistance anywhere in Clayton County. It
is incumbent that the agreement be maintained.
Indefinite, the agreement can be discontinued only upon the agreement of both
parties, Clayton County and the Linn County HazMat. Team.
Emergency Services
$3,500 annually
Clayton County Board of Supervisors
1, 2, 5
1
A significant hazard confronting the City of McGregor is the large
quantities of hazardous materials that pass through the city daily on the
Canadian Pacific Railroad. Successful, safe management of an incident
involving a train and its load of hazardous materials can only be
accomplished with adequate training of emergency response personnel.
Ongoing
$1,000 for instructor fees per class
City of McGregor, McGregor Hook and Ladder Co. No. 1 Fire
Department, MarMac Rescue, MarMac Unified Law Enforcement
District, and Clayton County EMA
Mitigation Measures
Emergency Services
Category
Related Goal #:
1,2,4,6
Priority
1
Structural Fire
Action Step 1
Analysis
Timeline
Estimated Cost
Responsible Party
Mitigation
Measures Category
Related Goal
Priority
Establish ordinance to require fire extinguishers in multi-family units
Having a functional fire extinguisher readily available is an important
fire safety measure that allows a citizen to extinguish a fire while it is in
its incipient phase before it grows. Currently the City of McGregor has
no legal recourse requiring citizens to have a functional fire extinguisher
in their residencies. By requiring extinguishers in residencies the threat
of devastating fires will be significantly reduced.
Establish ordinance by December 31, 2011
Administrative costs of establishing the ordinance
City of McGregor, McGregor Hook and Ladder Co. No. 1 Fire
Department
Prevention
1, 2
1
107
November, 2008
Action Step 2
Analysis
Encourage citizen use/purchase of smoke detectors
Timeline
Estimated Cost
Establish program by December 31, 2011
Mitigation Measure
Categories
Responsible Party
Related Goal
Priority
Emergency Services
Action Step 3
The McGregor Hook and Ladder Co. No. 1 Fire Department is the initial
response agency for fires, explosions and disasters in the community.
Maintaining a competent level of response can be achieved only through
initial training at the FFI level and consistent training throughout the year.
Training can be secured through a variety of sources including contract
instructors, fire schools and other venues.
Ongoing
$2,000 annually
Analysis
Timeline
Estimated Cost
Mitigation Measure
Category
Responsible Party
Related Goal #:
Priority
An economical and efficient way of detecting a fire while it is still in its
incipient phase and providing a notice to building residents so that they can
exit and save their lives is use of working smoke detectors. Since their
invention, residential smoke detectors have saved millions of dollars in
property damage by fire and saved thousands of lives.
There is no ordinance in the City of McGregor that requires smoke detectors in
residencies except the state ordinance requiring smoke detector use in multifamily apartments. Estimates are that as high as one half the residencies in any
given community either lack smoke detectors or have smoke detectors that do
not function.
There are many measures that can be taken to encourage installation and
maintenance of smoke detectors by citizens. One method is a door-to-door
campaign by the Fire Department. Another is distribution of printed materials
such as those produced by the US Fire Administration that describe smoke
detector operation, maintenance and placement to City of McGregor residents.
The cost of this project can vary substantially based on what type of
educational effort is made. For purposes of this plan, the cost estimate will
assume that the City will contact every household by mail. According to the
2000 Census there are 518 households in the city. Assuming $1.00 cost per
household (copies, postage and handling) it would cost the City approximately
$518 annually for the educational effort.
McGregor Hook and Ladder Co. No. 1 Fire Department
1, 2
1
Emergency Services
1, 2, 4
1
108
Action Step 4
Analysis
Timeline
Estimated Cost
Responsible Party
Mitigation
Measures Category
Related Goal
Priority
Action Step 5
Analysis
Timeline
Estimated Cost
Responsible Party
Mitigation
Measures Category
Related to Goals
Priority
Action Step 6
Analysis
Timeline
Estimated Cost
Mitigation Measure
Category
Responsible Party
Related Goal#:
Priority
November, 2008
Purchase new pagers for fire department
The McGregor Hook and Ladder Co. No. 1 Fire Department relies upon
pagers for notification of fires and all emergencies it responds to.
Pagers currently in use by the department are five years old or older,
becoming difficult to maintain and do not provide reliable paging
capability. New pagers are needed by all 30 members of the department
in order to maintain reliable notification and an adequate response of the
department to all emergencies. The department’s budget does not
currently allow for this purchase.
December 31, 2011
$500 per firefighter
Emergency Services
1, 2
1
Purchase new pumper truck
The McGregor Hook and Ladder Co. No. 1 Fire Department’s current
pumpers are aging and becoming increasingly unreliable and are in need
of replacement. The department relies on the trucks for its firefighting
capabilities. The department’s budget does not allow for this purchase.
Delivery of new truck by December 31, 2011
$190,000
Emergency Services
1,2,4
2
Maintain a well equipped and well trained fire department capable of
appropriate and effective response
Because the McGregor Hook and Ladder Co. No. 1 Fire Department is the
primary response agency for fires and explosions in the community,
maintaining their personnel and equipment to operable levels is
considered a critical mitigation effort
Ongoing mitigation effort
The annual operating budget for the McGregor Hook and Ladder Co. No.
1 Fire Department Fire Department is $45,000.
Emergency Services
1,2,4
1
109
November, 2008
Flash Flood
Action Step 1
Analysis
Timeline
Estimated Cost
Responsible Party
Mitigation Measure
Category
Encourage purchase of NOAA weather radios by vulnerable populations
The purpose of NOAA weather radios is to increase the likelihood that the
general public is given sufficient warning of any impending hazard.
Unlike outdoor warning sirens, NOAA weather radios are intended to warn
people who are indoors and are loud enough to wake an individual even if they
are sleeping. Furthermore, the radios can follow a warning alert with
information on what the specific threat is and how one should react.
The Clayton County EMA has purchased NOAA weather radios and placed
them in areas of large population (i.e. nursing homes, schools, library, city hall
etc.).
The next step is to encourage citizens to install NOAA weather radios in
their home through such means as print media.
This is an ongoing mitigation effort.
Costs of the radios could be as high as $90 apiece.
City of McGregor, Clayton County EMA
Public Education and Awareness
Related Goal
Priority
1,2,3,4
1
Action Step 2
In order to prevent future damage and financial loss due to river or flash
flooding, the City of McGregor needs to discourage, by ordinance if
necessary, construction of dwellings or other structures and basic
infrastructure in areas of the city that are prone to flooding. Currently 103
structures that are vulnerable to flood damage are located within the 100
year flood plain of the city. In order to avert escalation of the number of
structures that could be damaged by floods the city needs to restrict or if
possible prohibit further development in the 100 year flood plain. This can
be accomplished through adding more restrictive language to the city’s
Flood Plain Regulations found in Chapter 160 of the City of McGregor
Code of Regulations.
December 31, 2011
$1,000 for administrative services
Prevention
Analysis
Timeline
Estimated Cost
Mitigation Measure
Category
Responsible Party
Related to Goals
Priority
City of McGregor
1, 2, 7
1
110
Action Step 3
Analysis
Timeline
Estimated Cost
Mitigation Measure
Category
Responsible Party
Related to Goals
Priority
Action Step 4
Analysis
Timeline
Estimated Cost
Mitigation Measure
Category
Responsible Party
Related to Goals
Priority
November, 2008
Continued membership in the National Flood Insurance Program is
necessary to enable property owners to purchase flood insurance. With
membership comes the responsibility for the City of McGregor to have
and enforce a local floodplain ordinance
This is an ongoing mitigation effort
No cost
Prevention
McGregor City Council
1, 2, 7
1
Update flood maps
FEMA is currently working on updating flood risk identification using
state of the art technology and through partnerships with communities,
through the Map Modernization Initiative. The products of this effort are
called Digital Flood Insurance Rate Maps (DFIRMs). As is the case with
all Flood Insurance Rate Maps, these new DFIRMS are used to calculate
the cost of insurance premiums, to establish flood risk zones and base
flood elevations to mitigate against potential future flood damages to
properties. Insurable buildings located in high-risk areas, called Special
Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs), secured by a Federally backed loans, are
required to purchase flood insurance.
The floods of 2008 and previous floods which impacted the City of
McGregor, have demonstrated a need for the updated maps as properties
that are shown as being out of the 100 year floodplain according to current
maps have indeed incurred damage. The current FEMA flood map, dated
10/17/1975, as can be seen in Appendix 6, page 192, is inadequate and
incomplete.
As per FEMA schedule for completing Map Modernization efforts and
development of DFIRM’s.
Costs for this initiative will be born by the U.S. Government.
Prevention
FEMA
1, 2, 7
1
111
November, 2008
Action Step 5
Analysis
Effective management of flooding and excess water situations for the City of
McGregor involves management of storm water influencing the City. The City of
McGregor is influenced by runoff water from a large network of hills and valleys
surrounding the city that are beyond the corporate limits of the city. In order to
effectively manage the storm water influencing the City of McGregor, these
surrounding rural areas must be managed as well. In order to accomplish this, a
united effort must be achieved that includes private, commercial and
governmental property owners surrounding the City of McGregor as well as City
of McGregor representatives and other interests such as the Iowa DNR. The
means of accomplishing this is by establishing a storm watershed district with
representation of all interests as detailed above in order to establish common
goals and objectives for effective storm watershed management and to provide
incentives for undertaking storm water management measures.
Timeline
Estimated Cost
Mitigation Measure
Category
Responsible Party
Related to Goals
Priority
Creating of the district by December 31, 2011
Administrative costs of creating the district and administering meetings
Prevention
Action Step 6
Analysis
Timeline
Estimated Cost
Mitigation Measure
Category
Responsible Party
Related Goal
Priority
3 years contingent on funding
$45,000 for both pumps
Prevention
Action Step 7
Analysis
Timeline
Estimated Cost
Mitigation Measure
Category
Responsible Party
Related Goal
Priority
$20,000 for engineering hydrology study
Prevention
McGregor City Council, McGregor area citizens and businesses
1, 2, 7
2
The City of McGregor has two portable trash pumps but is in need of an
additional six inch and eight inch high volume pumps in order to have the
water flow capacity it needs in order to remove water from its storm sewers,
facilities and flooded areas when there are flood problems.
City of McGregor, McGregor Public Works Department
1, 2, 5, 7
2
The City of McGregor was constructed without any type of storm water
collection system. This has led to repeated problems, particularly in the
downtown area with street and basement flooding. An engineering hydrology
study needs to be conducted in order to determine what needs to be done in
order to divert or channel storm water away from the city.
1, 2, 5, 7
2
112
Action Step 8
Analysis
Timeline
Estimated Cost
Mitigation Measure
Category
Responsible Party
Related to Goals
Priority
November, 2008
Elevate levees
Some flood prone areas of the City of McGregor are protected by a 1,500
feet levee system built by the US Army Corps of Engineers. This levee is
designed to withstand a 100 year recurrent flood, but it has settled one to
one and half feet since its construction in 1969. The levee needs to be
elevated to its current level or higher in order to assure protection of flood
prone areas of the City of McGregor from flood waters.
December 31, 2011 contingent on funding
$2 million
Property protection
US Army Corps of Engineers, FEMA, City of McGregor
1, 2, 6, 7
2
113
Action Step 9
Analysis
Timeline
Estimated Cost
Mitigation Measure
Category
Responsible Party
Related to Goals
Priority
Action Step 10
Analysis
Timeline
Estimated Cost
Mitigation Measure
Category
Responsible Party
Related to Goals
Priority
Action Step 11
Analysis
Timeline
Estimated Cost
Mitigation Measure
Category
Responsible Party
Related to Goals
Priority
November, 2008
Construct Drainage Culverts
The City of McGregor does not have an effective system for draining
storm and flood water away from the city. A system of drainage culverts
at key locations will enhance the removal of storm and flood waters from
the city.
$750,000
Property protection
1, 2, 6, 7
2
The two critical facilities in the City of McGregor needing additional
flood protection the most are the Main Street City Well and McGregor
Public Library. Cement barriers are needed in order to provide flood
protection for these facilities.
$10,000 per facility
Property protection
City of McGregor
1, 2, 6, 7
2
The MarMac Unified Law Enforcement District has no means of rapidly
blocking off streets and highways in order to prevent pedestrian traffic
into flooded areas. The most efficient means of accomplishing this is with
the use of portable barricades that can be set up rapidly across highways
and streets.
December 31, 2010
$10,000
Emergency Services
MarMac Unified Law Enforcement District, City of McGregor
1, 2, 6, 7
2
114
Action Step 12
Analysis
Timeline
Estimated Cost
Mitigation Measure
Category
Responsible Party
Related to Goals
Priority
Action Step 13
Analysis
Timeline
Estimated Cost
Mitigation Measure
Category
Responsible Party
Related to Goals
Priority
November, 2008
The City Administrator/Clerk for the City of McGregor is designated as
the city’s Floodplain Manager. The current Floodplain Manager has had
no formal training in conducting the job. Formal training is necessary in
order for the Floodplain manager to fully understand all of the regulations
and intricacies of floodplain management.
Complete by December 31, 2010.
$3,000
Prevention
FEMA, City of McGregor, McGregor City Administrator/Clerk
1,2,6,7
1
The City of McGregor is located in a low lying area with many valleys
leading to it that channel storm water towards the city. To help control
these waters and flood waters, five retention dams have been built: the
Siegel Dam, Pike Peek Dam and Slaughter Dam built in 1939 and two
additional dams recently built by the City of McGregor in Methodist
Hollow. Six additional retention basin dams are needed in valleys leading
to the City of McGregor in order to gain full control of the flood and
storm waters valleys leading to the city.
$6,000 per retention basin dam
Property protection
City of McGregor
1, 2, 6, 7
2
115
November, 2008
River Flood
Action Step 1
Analysis
Timeline
Estimated Cost
Responsible Party
Mitigation Measure
Category
etc.).
Related Goal
Priority
1,2,3,4
1
Action Step 2
In order to prevent future damage and financial loss due to river or flash
flooding, the City of McGregor needs to discourage, by ordinance if
necessary, construction of dwellings or other structures and basic
infrastructure in areas of the city that are prone to flooding. Currently 103
structures that are vulnerable to flood damage are located within the 100
year flood plain of the city. In order to avert escalation of the number of
structures that could be damaged by floods the city needs to restrict or if
possible prohibit further development in the 100 year flood plain. This can
be accomplished through adding more restrictive language to the city’s
Flood Plain Regulations found in Chapter 160 of the City of McGregor
Code of Regulations.
December 31, 2011
Prevention
Analysis
Timeline
Estimated Cost
Mitigation Measure
Category
Responsible Party
Related to Goals
Priority
City of McGregor
1, 2, 7
1
116
Action Step 3
Analysis
Timeline
Estimated Cost
Mitigation Measure
Category
Responsible Party
Related to Goals
Priority
Action Step 4
Analysis
Timeline
Estimated Cost
Mitigation Measure
Category
Responsible Party
Related to Goals
Priority
November, 2008
Continued membership in the National Flood Insurance Program is
necessary to enable property owners to purchase flood insurance. With
membership comes the responsibility for the City of McGregor to have
and enforce a local floodplain ordinance
No cost
Prevention
McGregor City Council
1, 2, 7
1
Update flood maps
FEMA is currently working on updating flood risk identification using
state of the art technology and through partnerships with communities,
through the Map Modernization Initiative. The products of this effort are
called Digital Flood Insurance Rate Maps (DFIRMs). As is the case with
all Flood Insurance Rate Maps, these new DFIRMS are used to calculate
the cost of insurance premiums, to establish flood risk zones and base
flood elevations to mitigate against potential future flood damages to
properties. Insurable buildings located in high-risk areas, called Special
Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs), secured by a Federally backed loans, are
required to purchase flood insurance.
The floods of 2008 and previous floods which impacted the City of
McGregor, have demonstrated a need for the updated maps as properties
that are shown as being out of the 100 year floodplain according to current
maps have indeed incurred damage.
As per FEMA schedule for completing Map Modernization efforts and
development of DFIRM’s.
Costs for this initiative will be born by the U.S. Government.
Prevention
FEMA
1, 2, 7
1
117
November, 2008
Action Step 5
Analysis
Effective management of flooding and excess water situations for the City of
McGregor involves management of storm water influencing the City. The City of
McGregor is influenced by runoff water from a large network of hills and valleys
surrounding the city that are beyond the corporate limits of the city. In order to
effectively manage the storm water influencing the City of McGregor, these
surrounding rural areas must be managed as well. In order to accomplish this, a
united effort must be achieved that includes private, commercial and
governmental property owners surrounding the City of McGregor as well as City
of McGregor representatives and other interests such as the Iowa DNR. The
means of accomplishing this is by establishing a storm watershed district with
representation of all interests as detailed above in order to establish common
goals and objectives for effective storm watershed management and to provide
incentives for undertaking storm water management measures.
Timeline
Estimated Cost
Mitigation Measure
Category
Responsible Party
Related to Goals
Priority
Creating of the district by December 31, 2011
Administrative costs of creating the district and administering meetings
Prevention
Action Step 6
Analysis
The City of McGregor has two portable trash pumps but is in need of an
additional six inch and eight inch high volume pumps in order to have
the water flow capacity it needs in order to remove water from its storm
sewers, facilities and flooded areas when there are flood problems.
$45,000 for both pumps
Prevention
Timeline
Estimated Cost
Mitigation Measure
Category
Responsible Party
Related Goal
Priority
McGregor City Council, McGregor area citizens and businesses
1, 2, 7
2
1, 2, 5
2
Action Step 7
Analysis
Timeline
Estimated Cost
Mitigation Measure
Category
Responsible Party
Related Goal
Priority
$20,000 for engineering hydrology study
Prevention
The City of McGregor was constructed without any type of storm water
collection system. This has led to repeated problems, particularly in the
downtown area with street and basement flooding. An engineering hydrology
study needs to be conducted in order to determine what needs to be done in
order to divert or channel storm water away from the city.
1, 2, 5, 7
2
118
Action Step 8
Analysis
Timeline
Estimated Cost
Mitigation Measure
Category
Responsible Party
Related to Goals
Priority
Action Step 9
Analysis
Timeline
Estimated Cost
Mitigation Measure
Category
Responsible Party
Related to Goals
Priority
Action Step 10
Analysis
Timeline
Estimated Cost
Mitigation Measure
Category
Responsible Party
Related to Goals
Priority
November, 2008
Elevate levees
$2 million
Property protection
1, 2, 6, 7
2
Construct Drainage Culverts
The City of McGregor does not have an effective system for draining
storm and flood water away from the city. A system of drainage culverts
at key locations will enhance the removal of storm and flood waters from
the city.
$750,000
Property protection
1, 2, 6, 7
2
The two critical facilities in the City of McGregor needing additional
flood protection the most are the Main Street City Well and McGregor
Public Library. Cement barriers are needed in order to provide flood
protection for these facilities.
Property protection
City of McGregor
1, 2, 6, 7
2
119
Action Step 11
Analysis
Timeline
Estimated Cost
Mitigation Measure
Category
Responsible Party
Related to Goals
Priority
Action Step 12
Analysis
Timeline
Estimated Cost
Mitigation Measure
Category
Responsible Party
Related to Goals
Priority
Action Step 13
Analysis
Timeline
Estimated Cost
Mitigation Measure
Category
Responsible Party
Related to Goals
Priority
November, 2008
blocking off streets and highways in order to prevent pedestrian traffic
into flooded areas. The most efficient means of accomplishing this is with
the use of portable barricades that can be set up rapidly acrod highways
and streets.
December 31, 2010
$10,000
Emergency Services
1, 2, 6, 7
2
The City Administrator/Clerk for the City of McGregor is designated as
the city’s Floodplain Manager. The current Floodplain Manager has had
no formal training in conducting the job. Formal training is necessary in
order for the Floodplain manager to fully understand all of the regulations
and intricacies of floodplain management.
Complete by December 31, 2010.
$3,000
Prevention
FEMA, City of McGregor, McGregor City Administrator/Clerk
1,2,6,7
1
The City of McGregor is located in a low lying area with many valleys
leading to it that channel storm water towards the city. To help control
these waters and flood waters, five retention dams have been built: the
Siegel Dam, Pike Peek Dam and Slaughter Dam built in 1939 and two
additional dams recently built by the City of McGregor in Methodist
Hollow. Six additional retention basin dams are needed in valleys leading
to the City of McGregor in order to gain full control of the flood and
storm waters valleys leading to the city.
$6,000 per retention basin dam
Property protection
City of McGregor
1, 2, 6, 7
2
120
November, 2008
Tornado
Action Step 1
Analysis
Timeline
Estimated Cost
Responsible Party
Mitigation Measure
Category
Related Goal
Priority
Action Step 2
Analysis
Timeline
Estimated Cost
Mitigation Measure
Category
Responsible Party
Related Goal
Priority
Action Step 3
Analysis
Timeline
Mitigation Measure
Category
Estimated Cost
Responsible Party
Related Goal
Priority
etc.).
The next step is to encourage citizens to install NOAA weather radios in their
home through such means as print media.
1,2,3,4
1
Bury utility lines
The City of McGregor has several miles of above ground utility lines. In
tornado and high wind situations these lines are vulnerable to being broke or
knocked down, thereby causing power outages and safety concerns. The only
sure way of alleviating this problem is to bury the power lines underground.
$10 per foot for materials and contractor work
Prevention
City of McGregor, McGregor Municipal Utility, Dairyland Power
1, 2, 5
2
The construction of tornado safe rooms in private residences would likely be
nothing more than an educational process as far as the City of McGregor is
concerned. The City would work with private property owners to help them
identify potential resources to help them successfully complete the
construction of a safe room.
Tornado safe rooms are, like tornado shelters, intended to provide a place of
retreat for those individuals in a structure. The rooms are constructed to
withstand very severe tornadic winds.
There is no timeline established for this particular action step. However,
private property owners are encouraged to consider incorporating a room like
this in any new construction.
Structural Projects
Cost would vary based on size, location, and construction circumstances (i.e.
new construction or retrofitting older structure).
Private property owners.
1,2.
2
121
Action Step 4
Analysis
Timeline
Estimated Cost
Mitigation Measure
Categoty
Responsible Party
Related to Goals
Priority
November, 2008
Educate the public on proper steps to be taken in the event of a tornado/high
wind event and methods of preparation before an event occurs.
The City of McGregor views the education of the public as an essential step in
mitigating any hazard. While a comprehensive list of every possible topic of
education is not listed, a few items deemed of substantial importance for the
mitigation of a tornado or high wind event are as follows:
 What does the siren indicate?
 Where to find timely information regarding severe weather?
 Where is the safest place to take cover?
 What options are available to me (shelters, under bed cages,
basements, ete.)?
 What is the difference between a tornado watch and a tornado
warning?
This step can be implemented in a number of ways, but specific issues that will
need to be addressed include ensuring that educational material be offered in
mufti-lingual formats in order to ensure that most, if not all, individuals in the
community are able to understand the information.
Furthermore, for successful implementation of this action step, the City is
advised to continue to cooperate with service organizations in the area.
Specifically, the American Red Cross and the Clayton County Emergency
Management Agency are excellent resources for educational materials on
many of the hazards addressed in this plan.
This action step is an ongoing activity.
2000 Census there is 518 households in the city. Assuming $1.00 cost per
Prevention
City of McGregor, McGregor Hook and Ladder Co. No 1 Fire Department,
American Red Cross, Clayton County EMA.
1,2
1
122
November, 2008
Action Step 1
Analysis
Timeline
Estimated Cost
Responsible Party
Mitigation Measure
Category
etc.).
Related Goal
Priority
1,2,3,4
1
Action Step 2
Analysis
Timeline
Estimated Cost
Responsible Party
Operational by December 31, 2010
$150 per month
City of McGregor, MarMac Unified Law Enforcement District
Emergency Services
Mitigation Measure
Category
Wireless internet presents another communications capability to use when
other means of communication have failed. With wireless internet capability
the MarMac Unified Law Enforcement District would be able to continue law
enforcement operations and receive critical communications concerning
disasters and emergencies when all other communications systems are
inoperative or unavailable.
Related Goal
Priority
1,2,3,4
1
Action Step 3
Purchase portable gas or diesel electric generators
Even with the emergency electrical power generating capability of the McGregor
Municipal Utility, situations and needs will occur when additional or another
alternative source of emergency electrical power is needed. Having the
capabilities of a portable gas or diesel electric generator will enhance the City of
McGregor’s capability of responding to an electrical energy failure or to provide
emergency electrical power in remote areas.
As funding becomes available
$5,000 to $75,000 depending upon generator capabilities
Prevention and Property Protection
Analysis
Timeline
Estimated Cost
Mitigation Measure
Category
Responsible Party
Related to Goals
Priority
City of McGregor
1,2,5,6
2
123
November, 2008
Action Step 1
Analysis
Prepare/Implement mass casualty incident plans
Timeline
Estimated Cost
Mitigation Measure
Category
Responsible Party
On demand
No cost
Emergency Services
Mass Casualty Incident (MCI) plans have a variety of applications in disaster
and emergency situations. Having an MCI provides the guidelines for incident
organization and securing the necessary resources to manage the large number
of victims involved in a MCI. The Clayton County Office of Emergency
Management and MarMac Unified Law Enforcement District has MCI plans
that can be applied to any situation by any entity. McGregor emergency
responders need to orient themselves to the plans and incorporate them into
their policies, procedures and training routines.
Related Goal
Priority 1
McGregor Hook and Ladder Co. No. 1 Fire Department, MarMac
Rescue Squad and MarMac Unified Law Enforcement District
1, 2, 4
1
Action Step 2
Analysis
Purchase new ambulance
The MarMac Rescue Squad is the most immediate emergency medical care
provider for residents of the City of McGregor and the surrounding rural area.
The service responds to medical emergencies as well as trauma incidents such
as those created by transportation accidents. The current ambulance used by
the service is in need of replacement, has became costly to maintain and
unreliable, thereby jeopardizing the safety and well being of McGregor
residents experiencing medical emergencies and people involved in
transportation accidents.
Timeline
Estimated Cost
Mitigation Measure
Category
Responsible Party
Related Goal
Priority
Replacement by December 31, 2010
$165,000
Emergency Services
Action Step 3
blocking off streets and highways in order to control vehicular and
pedestrian traffic at accident scenes. The most efficient means of
accomplishing this is with the use of portable barricades that can be set up
rapidly across highways and streets.
December 31, 2010
$10,000
Emergency Services
Analysis
Timeline
Estimated Cost
Mitigation Measure
Category
Responsible Party
Related to Goals
Priority
MarMac Rescue Squad, City of McGregor
1, 2, 4
2
1, 2, 6, 7
2
124
November, 2008
Windstorm
Action Step 1
Analysis
Timeline
Estimated Cost
Responsible Party
Mitigation Measure
Category
Related Goal
Priority
Action Step 2
Analysis
Timeline
Estimated Cost
Mitigation Measure
Category
Responsible Party
Related Goal
Priority
Action Step 3
Analysis
Timeline
Mitigation Measure
Category
Estimated Cost
Responsible Party
Related Goal
Priority
etc.).
The next step is to encourage citizens to install NOAA weather radios in their
home through such means as print media.
1,2,3,4
1
Bury utility lines
The City of McGregor has several miles of above ground utility lines. In
tornado and high wind situations these lines are vulnerable to being broke or
knocked down, thereby causing power outages and safety concerns. The only
sure way of alleviating this problem is to bury the power lines underground.
$10 per foot for materials and contractor work
Prevention
City of McGregor, McGregor Municipal Utility, Dairyland Power
1, 2, 5
2
The construction of tornado safe rooms in private residences would likely be
nothing more than an educational process as far as the City of McGregor is
concerned. The City would work with private property owners to help them
identify potential resources to help them successfully complete the
construction of a safe room.
Tornado safe rooms are, like tornado shelters, intended to provide a place of
retreat for those individuals in a structure. The rooms are constructed to
withstand very severe tornadic winds.
There is no timeline established for this particular action step. However,
private property owners are encouraged to consider incorporating a room like
this in any new construction.
Structural Projects
Cost would vary based on size, location, and construction circumstances (i.e.
new construction or retrofitting older structure).
Private property owners.
1,2.
2
125
Action Step 4
Analysis
Timeline
Estimated Cost
Mitigation Measure
Categoty
Responsible Party
Related to Goals
Priority
November, 2008
Educate the public on proper steps to be taken in the event of a tornado/high
wind event and methods of preparation before an event occurs.
The City of McGregor views the education of the public as an essential step in
mitigating any hazard. While a comprehensive list of every possible topic of
education is not listed, a few items deemed of substantial importance for the
mitigation of a tornado or high wind event are as follows:
 What does the siren indicate?
 Where to find timely information regarding severe weather?
 Where is the safest place to take cover?
 What options are available to me (shelters, under bed cages,
basements, ete.)?
 What is the difference between a tornado watch and a tornado
warning?
This step can be implemented in a number of ways, but specific issues that will
need to be addressed include ensuring that educational material be offered in
mufti-lingual formats in order to ensure that most, if not all, individuals in the
community are able to understand the information.
Furthermore, for successful implementation of this action step, the City is
advised to continue to cooperate with service organizations in the area.
Specifically, the American Red Cross and the Clayton County Emergency
Management Agency are excellent resources for educational materials on
many of the hazards addressed in this plan.
This action step is an ongoing activity.
2000 Census there is 518 households in the city. Assuming $1.00 cost per
Prevention
City of McGregor, McGregor Hook and Ladder Co. No 1 Fire Department,
American Red Cross, Clayton County EMA.
1,2
1
126
November, 2008
Energy Failure
Action Step 1
Analysis
Timeline
Estimated Cost
Responsible Party
Mitigation Measure
Category
etc.).
Related Goal
Priority
1,2,3,4
1
Action Step 2
The City of McGregor has not officially designated any facilities in the city that
have the necessary requirements for use as an emergency shelter. The
designation of such facilities is necessary in order to provide for the health,
safety and sustenance needs of people displaced by disasters or suffering from
such incidents as extreme heat, severe winter weather or energy disruption
situations. Shelters may also need to be equipped with emergency power
generators and provisions for feeding and the comfort needs of those who seek
shelter. The City of McGregor has no budget for generator purchases or shelter
supply and must rely on grants.
As funding becomes available from each entity designated as a primary shelter,
or as funding becomes available through grant or other sources.
This will be determined by the specific shelter. Costs could be as high as $50,000
per shelter if generators and equipment are needed and $20,000 or more for
supplies.
Prevention
Analysis
Timeline
Estimated Cost
Mitigation Measure
Category
Responsible Party
Related to Goals
Priority
City of McGregor, Clayton County EMA, American Red Cross
1,2,5,6
2
127
Action Step 3
Analysis
Timeline
Estimated Cost
Mitigation Measure
Category
Responsible Party
Related to Goals
Priority
November, 2008
alternative source of emergency electrical power is needed. Having the
capabilities of a portable gas or diesel electric generator will enhance the City of
McGregor’s capability of responding to an electrical energy failure or to provide
emergency electrical power in remote areas.
City of McGregor
1,2,5,6
2
Action Step 4
Analysis
Develop plans to address utility outages and emergencies
Timeline
Estimated Cost
Mitigation Measure
Category
Responsible Party
Related Goal
Priority
December 31, 2011 contingent on funding.
$3,000 for a contractual planner
Emergency Services
Action Step 5
Some alternative energy sources such as solar energy continue to provide
electrical power and heat energy when power form other generating
sources is disrupted. Having the capability to generate heat and electricity
from alternative sources will help to provide heat and electrical sustenance
needs for the City of McGregor.
As provided by technology and opportunity
This is dependent upon the magnitude of the particular project, the
alternative energy source selected and technology involved.
Prevention
Analysis
Timeline
Estimated Cost
Mitigation Measure
Category
Responsible Party
Related to Goals
Priority
Documentation of procedures to follow in the event of a power outage that will
insure continuation of necessary services is a critical component in addressing
the situation in a timely and effective manner.
The City of McGregor has no plan for addressing a power outage situation.
The only plans in existence are those at the county level as maintained by the
Clayton County Office of Emergency Management. A locally developed plan
will be more pertinent to local details that need to be addressed in a power
outage situation.
City of McGregor, Blackhills Utilities, Clayton County EMA
1, 2
1
City of McGregor, local energy providers, community citizens
1, 2 6
2
128
November, 2008
Action Step 1
Analysis
Timeline
Estimated Cost
Responsible Party
Mitigation Measure
Category
etc.).
Related Goal
Priority
1,2,3,4
1
Action Step 2
alternative source of emergency electrical power is needed, such as a power
outage caused by a thunderstorm or lightning. Having the capabilities of a
portable gas or diesel electric generator will enhance the City of McGregor’s
capability of responding to an electrical energy failure or to provide emergency
electrical power in remote areas.
Analysis
Timeline
Estimated Cost
Mitigation Measure
Category
Responsible Party
Related to Goals
Priority
City of McGregor
1,2,5,6
2
129
November, 2008
Severe Winter Storm
Action Step 1
Analysis
Timeline
Estimated Cost
Responsible Party
Mitigation Measure
Category
etc.).
Related Goal
Priority
1,2,3,4
1
Action Step 2
supplies.
Prevention
Analysis
Timeline
Estimated Cost
Mitigation Measure
Category
Responsible Party
Related to Goals
Priority
1,2,5,6
2
130
Action Step 3
Analysis
Timeline
Estimated Cost
Mitigation Measure
Category
Responsible Party
Related to Goals
Priority
Action Step 4
Analysis
Timeline
Estimated Cost
Mitigation Measure
Category
Responsible Party
Related Goal
Priority
November, 2008
alternative source of emergency electrical power is needed, such as a power
outage caused by a severe winter storm. Having the capabilities of a portable gas
or diesel electric generator will enhance the City of McGregor’s capability of
responding to an electrical energy failure or to provide emergency electrical
power in remote areas.
City of McGregor
1,2,5,6
2
Establish good neighborhood programs for winter storms
People helping people is the backbone of survival efforts in all disaster
and emergency situations. Having a good neighborhood program in
effect that provides shelter to those in need as well as food and any
other assistance that people may need will increase the likelihood of
survival and providing the human sustenance necessary in winter storm.
No timeline, this is an ongoing program
The only costs associated with this program are those that might be
associated with publicity making people aware of the need to assist
others in their neighborhood during a winter storm or snow emergency.
City of McGregor residents
2
1
131
November, 2008
Levee Failure
Action Step 1
Analysis
Timeline
Estimated Cost
Responsible Party
Mitigation Measure
Category
Related Goal
Priority
Action Step 2
Analysis
Timeline
Estimated Cost
Mitigation Measure
Category
Responsible Party
Related to Goals
Priority
The purpose of NOAA weather radios is to increase the likelihood that
the general public is given sufficient warning of any impending hazard.
Unlike outdoor warning sirens, NOAA weather radios are intended to
warn people who are indoors and are loud enough to wake an individual
even if they are sleeping. Furthermore, the radios can follow a warning
alert with information on what the specific threat is and how one should
react.
The Clayton County EMA has purchased NOAA weather radios and
placed them in areas of large population (i.e. nursing homes, schools,
library, city hall etc.).
1,2,3,4
1
Elevate levees
$2 million
Property protection
1, 2, 6, 7
2
132
Action Step 3
Analysis
Timeline
Estimated Cost
Mitigation Measure
Category
Responsible Party
Related to Goals
Priority
November, 2008
Continue to work with United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE)
to ensure levee inspections are completed and the necessary repairs are
made
Levees require constant care and upkeep in order for them to maintain
their effectiveness against flood waters. USACE is responsible for annual
inspections of levees to determine maintenance needs. The City of
McGregor is provided copies of the USACE inspection reports and
recommendations and takes action on the recommendations as funding is
available. It is essential that this program continue in order to ensure the
safety and well being of McGregor residents and their property from the
affects of flood waters.
Costs for the inspections will be born by the U.S. Government. Repairs
and maintenance costs are born by the City of McGregor with the help of
other outside sources such as FEMA and the State of Iowa
Prevention
USACE, City of McGregor, other collaborating entities
1, 2, 7
1
Action Step 1
Analysis
Timeline
Mitigation Measure
Category
Estimated Cost:
Responsible Party
Related Goal
Priority
Clayton County maintains a 28E agreement with the Linn County
Hazardous Material Response Team for response assistance anywhere in
Clayton County. It is incumbent that the agreement be maintained.
Indefinite, the agreement can be discontinued only upon the agreement of
both parties, Clayton County and the Linn County HazMat. Team.
Emergency Services
$3,500 annually
Clayton County Board of Supervisors
1, 2, 5
1
133
November, 2008
Extreme Heat
Action Step 1
Analysis
Timeline
Estimated Cost
Responsible Party
Mitigation Measure
Category
etc.).
Related Goal
Priority
1,2,3,4
1
Action Step 2
supplies.
Prevention
Analysis
Timeline
Estimated Cost
Mitigation Measure
Category
Responsible Party
Related to Goals
Priority
1,2,5,6
2
134
Action Step 3
Analysis
Timeline
Estimated Cost
Mitigation Measure
Category
Responsible Party
Related to Goals
Priority
Action Step 4
Analysis
Timeline
Estimated Cost
Mitigation Measure
Category
Responsible Party
Related Goal
Priority
November, 2008
alternative source of emergency electrical power is needed such as power outages
during extreme heat situations. Having the capabilities of a portable gas or diesel
electric generator will enhance the City of McGregor’s capability of responding
to an electrical energy failure or to provide emergency electrical power in remote
areas.
City of McGregor
1,2,5,6
2
Maintain a list of sites that could be used as public cooling shelters during
extreme heat events.
The American Red Cross would if requested open cooling shelters to be used by
the general public in the event of a severe heat wave or extreme heat event.
These locations would act as retreats for individuals throughout the community
who do not have personal access to any other cool location. Identification of all
facilities that could function as shelters during heat wave and extreme heat events
is necessary in order to fulfill this action step.
Completion by December 31, 2011
Costs will be minimal, involving only the times and efforts of city and county
employees to establish the capabilities of businesses and institutions to sustain
people during a heat wave/extreme heat situation.
Prevention
American Red Cross, City of McGregor, Clayton County EMA
1, 2
1
Dam Failure
Action Step 1
Analysis
Timeline
Estimated Cost
Responsible Party
Related to Goals
Priority
The threat posed to the personal safety and property of residents and other people
in the path of flood waters that would be created by the failure of the Pikes Peak
or Siegele Dams can be minimized, possibly eliminated, if a system is in place to
monitor the dams and their condition during times of extreme rainfall, or other
conditions that would cause a threatening accumulation of water behind the
dams. Such a system will require the development of plans, policies and
procedures that determine conditions that warrant monitoring, who is responsible
for the monitoring, how monitoring is to occur.
Completion of policies and procedures and any necessary agreements by
December 31, 2010.
$3,000 for a contractual planner.
1,2,7
1
135
Action Step 2
Analysis
Timeline
Estimated Cost
Responsible Party
Related to Goals
Priority
Action Step 3
Analysis
Timeline
Estimated Cost
Responsible Party
Related to Goals
Priority
November, 2008
The threat posed to the personal safety and property of residents and other
people in the path of flood waters that would be created by the failure of
the Pikes Peak or Siegele Dams can be minimized, possibly eliminated,
with development of an evacuation plan that can be implemented during
threatening situations. Areas threatened by a potential failure of either
dam include both unincorporated areas of the county as well as the City of
McGregor. Hence, the development of an efficient evacuation plan must
be a collaborative effort involving both Clayton County officials and
officials of the City of McGregor.
Completion by December 31, 2010.
$3,000 for a contractual planner.
1,2,7
1
The current spillways of the Pikes Peak and Siegele dams are compacted
soil, making each dam susceptible to soil erosion. Erosion of the spillways
would be enhanced during a dam overflow, thereby making the dam more
susceptible to weakening and failure. To prevent erosion form occurring,
the US Army Corps of Engineers has suggested placing a concrete
spillway on the sides of each dam to take away rising water should water
overflow one or both of the dams. Construction of concrete spillways will
enhance resistance of the spillways to erosion and reduce the potential for
dam failure. The dams currently have overflow structures approximately
4/5 of the way up the down face. Should these structures not be adequate
to handle water within the storage basins, the concrete overflows will
allow water to leave without damaging the dam structure.
Completion by December 31, 2010 contingent of funding.
$100,000 per dam structure
City of McGregor, Clayton County
1,2,7
2
136
November, 2008
Action Step 1
Analysis
Timeline
Estimated Cost
Mitigation Measure
Category
Responsible Party
Related to Goals
Priority
Action Step 2
Analysis
Timeline
Estimated Cost
Responsible Party
Mitigation Measure
Category
Related Goal
Priority
Action Step 3
Analysis
Timeline
Estimated Cost
Mitigation Measure
Category
Responsible Party
Related Goal
Priority
The City of McGregor has no method of monitoring human activity
24/7, at the city’s water treatment plant, wastewater treatment facility,
city hall, fire station and McGregor Municipal Utility. This makes it
possible for an intruder to enter the premises and do malicious activity.
Resolution of the problem lies in a 24 hour security surveillance system.
Installation of systems by December 31, 2011
Prevention
City of McGregor
1,2
2
Plans that exist at the county and local level for response to terrorism events
need to be reviewed in order to make certain they are current and
comprehensive. Where applicable, planning needs endemic to the City of
McGregor need to be incorporated.
City of McGregor Hook and Ladder Co. No 1 Fire Department, MarMac
Rescue Squad and MarMac Unified Law Enforcement District, Clayton
County EMA
Emergency Services
1, 2
2
Maintain a well trained and viable Police Department in order to
identify and respond to potential threats and events
The Police Department is a critical first responder organization in many
terrorism scenarios. Therefore, having and maintaining a well-trained
and well-equipped police department is paramount in ensuring that this
information is received, understood, and implemented when action is
necessary.
The City of McGregor has and maintains a local Police Department.
Therefore, this is an ongoing mitigation effort.
Estimated costs of maintaining the MarMac Unified Law Enforcement
District are the department’s current operating and capital improvement
budget. An estimated annual expense of $235,000.
Emergency Services
1, 2, 3, 4
1
137
Action Step 4
Analysis
Timeline
Estimated Cost
Mitigation Measure
Category
Responsible Party
Related Goal#:
Priority
Action Step 5
Analysis
Timeline
Estimated Cost
Mitigation Measure
Category
Responsible Party
Related Goal
Priority
Action Step 6
Analysis
November, 2008
Maintain a well equipped and well trained fire department in order to
provide proper response in the event of a terrorist event
primary response agency for fires and explosions in the community that
may be the result of terrorism, maintaining their personnel and equipment
to operable levels is considered a critical mitigation effort
1 Fire Department in 2008 is $45,000.
Emergency Services
McGregor City Council and McGregor Hook and Ladder Co. No. 1 Fire
Department
1,2,4
1
Documentation of procedures to follow in the event that an evacuation
of the City of McGregor needs to be conducted is critical to an orderly
and thorough evacuation. The plan needs to be modified to meet a broad
range of potential emergencies or disasters and distributed to every
household in the City of McGregor.
Emergency Services
City of McGregor, Clayton County Emergency Management
1, 2
2
As with the other educational action steps identified in this plan, the act of
educating the public is viewed as essential, cost effective, and an obligation by
the County and the service organizations that serve the City’s residents. Some
examples of the types of educational topics needed include how the public can
prepare itself for an event. This would include informing people how to prepare
their own personal Emergency Disaster Plan, how to find information regarding
an event, how to recognize and where to report suspicious activities, how to
shelter in place, knowing what items to keep on hand, etc.
The purpose of this action step is to help the public prepare themselves and to
respond should a terrorist event occur in or near their community. By
maintaining an informed public, the County believes that the severity and cost of
a terrorist attack can be significantly reduced. Furthermore, much of the
education and preparation encouraged to mitigate terrorism also has benefits that
will help people prepare and respond to other hazards.
This action step is not exclusive to the City of McGregor. Rather, the education
of the public on this subject is a cooperative effort between the city and several
local, State and Federal organizations, both public and private.
138
Timeline
Estimated Cost
Education of the public is an ongoing effort.
Mitigation Measure
Category
Responsible Party
Related Goal
Priority
November, 2008
The cost of this project can vary substantially based on what type of educational
effort is made. For the purpose of this plan, the cost estimate will assume that
the city and the McGregor Hook and Ladder Co. No. 1 Fire Department will
contact every household by mail. According to the 2000 Census there are 518
households in the city. Assuming $1.00 cost per household (i.e., copies, postage
and handling) it would cost the County approximately $518 annually for this
educational effort.
City of McGregor, Clayton County EMA, Iowa Department of Homeland
Security Emergency Management, U.S. Department of Homeland
Security, FEMA, Red Cross, Private entities and organizations
1, 2
1
Bio-terrorism
Action Step 1
Analysis
Timeline
Estimated Cost
Mitigation Measure
Category
Responsible Party
Related to Goals
Priority
Action Step 2
Analysis
Timeline
Estimated Cost
Mitigation Measure
Category
Responsible Party
Related to Goals
Priority
Develop/maintain security at water treatment plants
The City of McGregor’s water treatment plant has no method of
monitoring who is entering the premises, making it possible for an
intruder to enter the premises and do some malicious activity.
Resolution of the problem lies in a 24 hour security surveillance system
and a fence around the premises.
Installation of a surveillance and alarm system and fence by December
31, 2011
$20,000
Prevention
City of McGregor
1, 2
1
The City of McGregor has no method of monitoring human activity
24/7, at the city’s water treatment plant, wastewater treatment facility,
city hall, fire station and McGregor Municipal Utility. This makes it
possible for an intruder to enter the premises and do malicious activity.
Resolution of the problem lies in a 24 hour security surveillance system.
Installation of systems by December 31, 2011
Prevention
City of McGregor
1,2
2
139
Action Step 3
Analysis
Timeline
Estimated Cost
Responsible Party
Mitigation Measure
Category
Related Goal
Priority
Action Step 4
Analysis
Timeline
Estimated Cost
Mitigation Measure
Category
Responsible Party
Related Goal
Priority
Action Step 5
Analysis
Timeline
Estimated Cost
Mitigation Measure
Category
Responsible Party
Related Goal#:
Priority
November, 2008
Plans that exist at the county and local level for response to terrorism events
need to be reviewed in order to make certain they are current and
comprehensive. Where applicable, planning needs endemic to the City of
McGregor need to be incorporated.
County EMA
Emergency Services
1, 2
2
Maintain a well trained and viable Police Department in order to
identify and respond to potential threats and events
The Police Department is a critical first responder organization in many
terrorism scenarios. Therefore, having and maintaining a well-trained
and well-equipped police department is paramount in ensuring that this
information is received, understood, and implemented when action is
necessary.
The City of McGregor has and maintains a local Police Department.
Therefore, this is an ongoing mitigation effort.
Estimated costs of maintaining the MarMac Unified Law Enforcement
District are the department’s current operating and capital improvement
budget. An estimated annual expense of $235,000.
Emergency Services
1, 2, 3, 4
1
Maintain a well equipped and well trained fire department in order to
provide proper response in the event of a terrorist event
primary response agency for fires and explosions in the community that
may be the result of terrorism, maintaining their personnel and equipment
to operable levels is considered a critical mitigation effort
1 Fire Department in 2008 is $45,000.
Emergency Services
McGregor City Council and McGregor Hook and Ladder Co. No. 1 Fire
Department
1,2,4
1
140
Action Step 6
Analysis
November, 2008
As with the other educational action steps identified in this plan, the act of
educating the public is viewed as essential, cost effective, and an obligation by
the County and the service organizations that serve the City’s residents. Some
examples of the types of educational topics needed include how the public can
prepare itself for an event. This would include informing people how to prepare
their own personal Emergency Disaster Plan, how to find information regarding
an event, how to recognize and where to report suspicious activities, how to
shelter in place, knowing what items to keep on hand, etc.
The purpose of this action step is to help the public prepare themselves and to
respond should a terrorist event occur in or near their community. By
maintaining an informed public, the County believes that the severity and cost of
a terrorist attack can be significantly reduced. Furthermore, much of the
education and preparation encouraged to mitigate terrorism also has benefits that
will help people prepare and respond to other hazards.
This action step is not exclusive to the City of McGregor. Rather, the education
of the public on this subject is a cooperative effort between the city and several
local, State and Federal organizations, both public and private.
Timeline
Estimated Cost
Education of the public is an ongoing effort.
Mitigation Measure
Category
Responsible Party
Related Goal
Priority
The cost of this project can vary substantially based on what type of educational
effort is made. For the purpose of this plan, the cost estimate will assume that
the city and the McGregor Hook and Ladder Co. No. 1 Fire Department will
contact every household by mail. According to the 2000 Census there are 518
households in the city. Assuming $1.00 cost per household (i.e., copies, postage
and handling) it would cost the County approximately $518 annually for this
educational effort.
City of McGregor, Clayton County EMA, Iowa Department of Homeland
Security Emergency Management, U.S. Department of Homeland
Security, FEMA, Red Cross, Private entities and organizations
1, 2
1
Landslide
Action Step 1
Analysis
Timeline
Estimated Cost
Mitigation Measure
Category
Responsible Party
Related to Goals
Priority
In order to prevent future damage and financial loss due to landslides, the City of
McGregor needs to discourage, by ordinance if necessary, construction of
dwellings or other structures and basic infrastructure in areas of the city that are
prone the impact of landslides.
Ordinance in place by December 31, 2012
Prevention
City of McGregor
1, 2, 7
1
141
Action Step 2
Analysis
Timeline
Estimated Cost
Mitigation Measure
Category
Responsible Party
Related to Goals
Priority
November, 2008
The hilly terrain surrounding the City of McGregor and unstable nature of
some of the soils makes the area prone to soil erosion. The erosion in turn
affects storm water control measures such as retention basins. Soil erosion
stabilization measures will help alleviate these problems and promote
longevity and better usefulness of storm water projects as well as stability
of the slopes surrounding the City of McGregor.
Five years, with ongoing maintenance
$500,000
Prevention
City of McGregor, Storm Water District, Property Owners
1, 2
2
Other Measures
Action Step 1
Analysis
Timeline
Estimated Cost
Mitigation Measure
Category
Responsible Party
Related to Goals
Priority
The City of McGregor had never undertaken a thorough process of hazard
mitigation planning that resulted in a FEMA approved Hazard Mitigation
Plan until 2008 when a contractor was hired to do the necessary research,
conduct the necessary meetings with community officials and
stakeholders, and write a plan.. A previous Hazard Mitigation Plan that
was developed in 2002 did not receive FEMA approval.
$5,000 for contract planner
Emergency Services
City of McGregor, Consultant Steve Meyer
1, 2, 4
1
Action Step 2
Analysis
Improve public awareness of hazardous risks
Timeline
Estimated Cost
Education on this topic is an ongoing process
educational effort is made. For purposes of this plan, the cost estimate
will assume that the City will contact every household by mail.
According to the 2000 Census there are 518 households in the city.
Assuming $1.00 cost per household (copies, postage and handling) it
would cost the City approximately $518 annually for the educational
There are many measures that can be taken to prepare citizens for disaster. One
measure is awareness of what natural and manmade hazards they may be
confronted with. Several publications have been produced by such entities as
FEMA and the American Red Cross that describe the hazards and what people
can do to prepare themselves for disaster. Placing copies of this information in
the hands of City of McGregor residents and encouraging them to take the
necessary steps to prepare themselves is a critical step in community disaster
preparedness.
142
Mitigation Measure
Category
Responsible Party
November, 2008
effort.
Public Awareness and Education
County EMA
Related Goal
Priority
1, 2, 5
1
Action Step 3
The MarMac Rescue Squad is the initial response agency for medical
emergencies in the City of McGregor and surrounding rural area.
Maintaining a competent level of response can be achieved only through
initial training at the EMTA level and in accordance with annual
recertification training requirements for EMS personnel. Training can be
secured through a variety of sources including contract instructors, fire
schools and other venues.
Ongoing
EMTA training costs are currently $500 per EMS responder. Ongoing
recertification training is estimated at $5,000 per year for the entire
service.
Emergency Services
Analysis
Timeline
Estimated Cost
Mitigation Measure
Category
Responsible Party
Related to Goals
Priority
Action Step 4
Analysis
Timeline
Estimated Cost
Mitigation Measure
Category
Responsible Party
Related Goal
Priority
MarMac Rescue Squad, City of McGregor
1,2,4
1
Train key community leaders
City of McGregor community leaders and officials, both elected and
appointed, must have an understanding of the concepts of emergency
management in order to make appropriate decisions in a disaster or
emergency situation. Training and education are the keys. Such training
must include but is not limited to, all requirements relative to NIMS
(National Incident Management System); ICS (Incident Management
System) and anything relative to local disaster planning and response.
Ongoing
$2,000 annually. Much of the training can be obtained for free.
Emergency Services
City of McGregor elected officials and department heads, Clayton
County EMA
1,2,4
1
143
Action Step 5
Analysis
Timeline
Estimated Cost
Mitigation Measure
Category
Responsible Party
Related to Goals
Priority
Action Step 6
Analysis
Timeline
Estimated Cost
Mitigation Measure
Category
Responsible Party
Related to Goals
Priority
Action Step 7
Analysis
Timeline
Estimated Cost
Mitigation Measure
Category
Responsible Party
Related Goal
Priority
November, 2008
Develop local emergency operations plan
The City of McGregor does not have an Emergency Operations Plan. This
is intended to be a general plan for application in all emergency and
disaster situations. Development of such a plan is essential in order to
provide an organized local response to all disasters and to provide the
guidelines necessary for incident and resource management in disaster and
emergency situations that may influence the City of McGregor.
$3,000 for contract planner
Emergency Services
City of McGregor, McGregor Fire, EMS and Law Enforcement providers,
Clayton County EMA
1, 2, 4
1
Undetermined lengths of sanitary sewer lines in the City of McGregor are
old clay lines. These lines break frequently, causing environmental
contamination and potential health hazards to City of McGregor residents.
The city has been replacing these lines as it is financially feasible,
however the lines are deteriorating faster the fiscal resources of the city
will allow replacement with more durable PVC lines.
Dependent upon available local funding or grant sources
$150,000 per lineal city block
Structural Project
City of McGregor
1, 2
2
The purpose of having and maintaining building codes in the city is to directly
mitigate the occurrence of incidents such as building collapse due to inferior or
decaying construction. The City of McGregor does not have a building
inspector or a building code of its own beyond what is contained in the Code
of Iowa. Having such an individual on staff with the City of McGregor is
beyond the financial capabilities of the city. The best means of securing any
building inspection services for the city will be through the collaborative 28E
agreement of all cities in the county to hire a building inspector.
Implementation by December 31, 2012
$3,000 per year to cover contractual fees and costs of building inspector
Prevention
Clayton County Board of Supervisors, City of McGregor and all other
municipal jurisdictions of the county
1, 2, 4
2
144
November, 2008
Action Step 8
Encourage City of McGregor residents to have Disaster Supply Kits on
hand to be used in the event of a disaster event.
Analysis
Having Disaster Supply Kits on hand could help to speed recovery after a
disaster event occurs and may provide some peace of mind prior to and during
and event.
Generally, Disaster Supply Kits contain some combination of the following items
to be used in the wake of a disaster event:
Water
Food
First Aid Kit
Non Prescription Drugs
Tools and Supplies
Sanitation Equipment
Clothing and bedding
Special items
Entertainment items
Critical Family Documents
Disaster Preparedness Guides and Manuals
The American Red Cross maintains a more extensive list of what should be
included in a Disaster Supply Kit.
Timeline
Estimated Cost
Mitigation Measure
Category
Responsible Party
Related Goal
Priority
Action Step 9
Analysis
Timeline
Estimated Cost
Mitigation Measure
Category
Responsible Party
Related to Goals
Priority
$100-$500 per household depending on the quality and quantity of items
stored.
Prevention
1, 2, 5
1
Critical to effective response operations at a disaster or emergency
incident is the training and knowledge of the emergency responders,
governing body officials, and other expertise that might become involved.
This training covers many aspects, including NIMS, incident management
and actual strategic and tactical considerations. In Clayton County a great
deal of effort has already been expended in this area, but there is more to
be done, particularly in regards to training new people who come into the
system and in response to continuing NIMS compliance requirements.
Ongoing
Much of the training can be obtained for free. $5,000 annually countywide maximum.
Emergency Services
City of McGregor, McGregor Fire, EMS and Law Enforcement providers,
Clayton County EMA
1,2,4
1
145
November, 2008
PLAN MAINTENANCE, REVIEW, AMENDMENT, OTHER PLANS
Mitigation Prioritization
As shown in previous sections of the plan, there are a number of hazards that could potentially
affect the residents of the City of McGregor. In relation, as identified in this plan, there are also a
large number of activities that could be undertaken to mitigate the effects of these hazards.
Unfortunately, the City of McGregor does not have an unlimited amount of funds, funding
sources or human resources for mitigation projects. With this in mind, the City of McGregor
Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee prioritized the mitigation activities for each hazard, as
detailed in the above section of this plan.
In order to refine mitigation needs and priorities even further, the planning committee identified
and generalized the ten most attractive mitigation steps. These top mitigation steps were
determined by balancing the need for the project(s), the amount of good that it will accomplish,
the feasibility of the project, and the availability of outside (State and Federal) funding
assistance. The top mitigation objectives as identified by the planning committee are as follows:
1. Educate the Public on matters pertaining to hazard mitigation as discussed in this plan
(Continuing).
2. Seek out funding opportunities to help implement projects identified in this plan (Short
Term).
3. Continue all current mitigation efforts as identified in this plan (Continuing).
4. Make necessary updates and improvements to communications systems and capabilities
(Short Term).
5. Protect all public infrastructure from future hazard events (i.e. winter storms, security
concerns, etc.) (Long Term).
6. Improvement in security for critical facilities (Short Term).
7. Pursue training opportunities for first responders who serve the community (Short
Term).
8. Maintain viable law enforcement, fire protection and EMS capabilities (Continuing).
9. Identify facilities that can be used for mass care and sheltering and equip them for
managing large numbers of people (Short Term).
10. Improvement and maintenance of water shed and flood protection (Continuing).
Plan Adoption and Amendment
This plan and any major amendments to the plan shall occur only after an official Public Notice
has been posted in a local publication announcing a Public Hearing on the matter. After the
public has had the opportunity to review the proposed amendments the McGregor City Council
may, by resolution, choose to accept any amendment to the plan. Any and all amendments made
to this plan should be shared with the Clayton County Emergency Management Agency and the
Iowa Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management Division.
Continued Public Participation
In order to ensure that the public remains involved in the future implementation of this plan a file
shall remain on hand at the McGregor City Hall. Copies of this plan shall be made available to
any party who requests to see it. Furthermore, if the City intends to make amendments to the
plan, a posted public notice should be made available so that the public can be made aware.
Public notice should also be posted for any meetings that deal with the amendment of this plan.
Said meetings are to remain open to the public.
146
November, 2008
Evaluation And Review Process
The City of McGregor will do a formal Update of their Hazard Mitigation Plan for submission to
the Federal Emergency Management Agency for review every five years. In addition the City of
McGregor has developed a method to ensure that an annual review and update of the Local
Hazard Mitigation Plan occurs. The city has formed a plan evaluation committee that consists of
local agencies, elected officials, emergency management officials, local economic development
officials, McGregor Fire, Police and EMS Departments and local citizens who is responsible for
organizing the meetings. The meeting will be held annually in December. The plan evaluation
committee is responsible for monitoring and evaluating the progress of the mitigation strategies
in the plan as well as how to consider and integrate the plan into other plans.
Copies of the Plan and the Committee’s review will be available at the McGregor City Hall.
Following the Planning Committee’s completion of the review process, the findings of the
annual review and recommended changes, if applicable, will be presented during the City
Council meeting. A public meeting will be held at that time.
The evaluation and review process will be conducted in accordance with the guidelines of
Worksheets 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 of the FEMA Local Hazard Mitigation Review Crosswalk as found
in Appendix 7, page 196.
Other Plans and Planning Mechanisms
Where applicable, information and mitigation measures from this hazard mitigation plan shall be
incorporated into or referenced by other plans relative to the City of McGregor, Iowa, or other
concerns when these plans are reviewed, revised or considered. Specific to McGregor, Iowa,
plans that may be influenced by this Hazard Mitigation Plan include:








City of McGregor Floodplain Ordinance
City of McGregor Wellhead Protection Ordinance
City of McGregor building inspection procedures
City of McGregor land use plan
City of McGregor ordinances relative to building construction
McGregor Hook and Ladder Co. No. 1 Fire Department Policies and Procedures
MarMac Rescue Squad Policies and Procedures
Mar-Mac Unified Law Enforcement District Policies and Procedures
Specifically when the McGregor City Council meets with the regulatory and emergency
departments for review of building construction, wellhead protection and subdivision ordinances;
the Hazard Mitigation Committee will be included for possible incorporation of the Hazard
Mitigation Elements into the framework of these other ordinances and regulations. This is
necessary to secure high hazard areas for low risk usage and insure coordination of goals and
actions with these other planning mechanisms.
Other planning venues to which this plan may prove useful are the hazard mitigation plans of any
neighboring jurisdiction or any jurisdiction that may be influenced by the same hazards
identified in this plan. Agencies which may find this plan useful as they revise plans endemic to
147
November, 2008
their venues include but are not limited to: Clayton County Emergency Management Agency;
Clayton County Public Health; Central Community Hospital in Elkader; McGregor Hook and
Ladder Co. No. 1 Fire Department; MarMac Rescue Squad; Mar-Mac Unified Law Enforcement
District. Specific to these planning venues, plans that may be influenced by this Hazard
Mitigation Plan include:






Clayton County Emergency Management Agency disaster and recovery plans.
Quarantine and Isolation Ordinance adopted by Clayton County
Epidimiology plan was developed and adopted by the Clayton County Public
Health
The Clayton County Office of Emergency Management Mass Casualty/Mass
Fatality Plan
Clayton County Continuity of Government/Continuity of Operations Plans
Clayton Count Land Use Plan
In future activities regarding updates and revisions to this plan other plans promulgated by other
political subdivisions, Clayton County, associated agencies of the county and city and the State
of Iowa and Federal Government shall be consulted.
148
November, 2008
APPENDIX 1
Meeting Notice
Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee
Monday, June 16, 2008, 7:00 p.m.
To whom it may concern:
The City of McGregor is undertaking the process of developing a Hazard
Mitigation Plan. The purpose of a Hazard Mitigation Plan is to identify what
natural and man made disasters a community is vulnerable to and then to also
identify steps that may be taken to lessen the impact of such events upon the
citizens, their property and community resources.
As a neighboring community to the City of McGregor you may have a stake
and an interest in any actions decided upon by the Hazard Mitigation
Planning Committee established to develop the plan. You are therefore invited
to send a representative to the meetings that will be held in conjunction with
this planning process. The first of these meetings will be held the evening of
Monday, June 16, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. at the McGregor City Hall located at 416
Main Street in McGregor.
Thank you for your consideration, and we encourage representation from
your community. If you have any questions, you may contact me at 319-4775041.
Sincerely:
Steve Meyer
Consultant
149
November, 2008
Public Meeting Notice
McGregor Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee
Monday, June 16, 2008, 7:00 p.m.
As a resident of the City of McGregor you may have a stake and an interest in
any actions decided upon by the Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee
established to develop the plan. Any concerned resident of the City of
McGregor is therefore invited to attend the meetings that will be held in
conjunction with this planning process. The first of these meetings will be held
the evening of Monday, June 16, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. at the McGregor City Hall
at 416 Main Street.
If you have any questions, you may contact me at 319-477-5041.
Sincerely:
Steve Meyer
Consultant
150
November, 2008
Meeting Notice
Monday, June 16, 2008, 7:00 p.m.
As a person belonging to an organization or department or business and
industry with an interest in the City of McGregor you may have an interest in
established to develop the plan. You are therefore invited to send a
representative(s) to the meetings that will be held in conjunction with this
planning process. The first of these meetings will be held the evening of
Monday, June 16, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. at the McGregor City Hall located at 416
Sincerely:
Steve Meyer
Consultant
151
November, 2008
Agenda
McGregor Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee Meeting
Monday, June 16, 2008, 7:00 p.m.
I) Introductions
II) Overview of Hazard Mitigation Planning Process
III) Project Schedule
IV) Review of Community Profile Information
V) Selection of Hazards
VI) Prioritizing Hazards:
VII Current or historic Hazard Mitigation Efforts
VIII) Next Meeting: Hazard Mitigation Strategies
Date?
152
November, 2008
ATTENDANCE
Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee Meeting
Monday, June 16, 2008—7:00 PM
NAME
REPRESENTING
PHONE
E-MAIL
Norm Lincoln
City of McGregor
Maria Brummel
McGregor Park Board
Dan Bickel
McGregor/Marquette FD
Jerald Thornton
Burt Walters
MR-MAC EMS
Kris Eulberg
McGregor Utilities
Tom Sinclair McGregor Public Library
Beth Regan Planning & Zoning
Trudy Balcom
North Iowa Times
Don Smalley
Marquette Resident
Harold Brooks
AGRI-BUNGE
Larry Breuer
Rivertown Productions
Joe Chiaramonte
McGregor Resident
Kevin Kinley
Bituma Corp.
Rachel Morrisey Isle of Capri-Marquette
Henry Pete Kautman McGregor Resident
Randall A. Grady MAR-MAQ P.D.
Roger W. Knott
McGregor Resident
Marianne Trudo Marquette City Manager/Clerk
153
November, 2008
MINUTES OF JUNE 16, 2008
CITY OF MCGREGOR, IOWA
HAZARD MITIGATION PLANNING MEETING
Time: 1900-2100
Location: McGregor City Hall
MARQUETTE/MCGREGOR HMGP MEETING #1
16 JUNE 2008
MCGREGOR CITY HALL
The meeting began promptly at 7 p.m. Sign in sheets were explained and passed around as
introductions were made. Copies of the agenda were distributed to all present. Consultant Steve
Meyer advised the FEMA recommended guidelines include eight meetings in order to develop a
hazard mitigation plan, but the committee is only required to hold three. He has never needed to
conduct more than four meetings. Consultant Meyer followed that with the comment that once
the plan is complete it will be sent to FEMA and FEMA will send it back for changes before
their approval. Changes will be made and the plan will be resubmitted to FEMA for approval.
It was discussed that both cities (Marquette and McGregor) have mitigation plans but only to
state standards, not FEMA approved plans. Consultant Meyer comments that he is unsure why
the plans were not taken to the FEMA level. Consultant Meyer explains to the attendees that the
purpose of the planning process is to identify hazards in the community and identify mitigation
measures. In three cases, Consultant Meyer has taken the hazard mitigation planning process to
the next step, applying for and receiving grant funds for a community to complete a hazard
mitigation project following approval of their hazard mitigation plan. The plan itself will need
some background information including population information, number of fire calls, number of
EMS runs, etc. Some and those attending tonight may need to be contacted in order to get the
necessary information. The planning process is funded by federal grant with a 75% federal
match, 10% state match and 15% local match. The local match (15%) can be a soft match
consisting of attendance time and should not cost the community any money. All meeting time,
information gathering time, and review time will be documented and utilized. The contract for
planning services is $5,000.00.
Consultant Meyer began the process by first working with the attendees to identify hazards that
have impacted or could impact your community. The discussion followed the Hazard Analysis
Form provided by Consultant Meyer. Consultant Meyer advised that FEMA requires all 16
natural hazards be addressed but the others are voluntary. He recommends the group review and
discuss these additional hazards at minimum. There will be a compilation of hazards identified
and a scoring of those hazards. Some of the hazards discussed have historical links and others do
not. The group continued through the analysis process addressing only within the city corporate
limits. Once the hazards were identified, they were prioritized by high priority, medium priority,
low priority and not worth mentioning. Discussion was held throughout the identification and
prioritization process. It was noted in discussion that Marquette is in need of an evacuation plan
and potentially hazard mitigation project grant funds for bridging and roadways. Consultant
Meyer stated that he and Robyn Reese would complete the scoring/rating process. The next step
once the hazards are rated is to come up with possible mitigation measures for each hazard.
154
November, 2008
The group went through the mitigation measures included in their current mitigation plans. It
was noted which had been addressed and which still needed to be addressed since the plan was
completed. Consultant Meyer commented that if any studies had been conducted in the recent
past, those recommendations should be included in the hazard mitigation plan. It was noted that a
10x10 box culvert had been put in McGregor only. Back up generation was discussed for critical
services including city police and fire. McGregor has its own electric utility. Marquette does not
and is in need of generators.
In closing the first meeting, Consultant Meyer handed out a list of Mitigation Measures and
asked everyone to look over the list and mark any applicable ones. Once completed, each person
should submit their list to City Managers Norman Lincoln or Mary Anne Trudo within the next
two weeks. Norman and Mary Anne will submit those they collect to Consultant Meyer.
Consultant Meyer encouraged everyone to speak up if there are ideas that are not included in the
list as it could mean future grant funds for the community.
Consultant Meyer stated this planning process is on the fast track with scheduled completion by
the end of the calendar year. The next meeting will be held in August or September.
Minutes prepared by Robyn Reese, Emergency Management Planning & Consulting LLC
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November, 2008
APPENDIX 2
Agenda, Public Notice, Attendees, Minutes
October 15, 2008
City of McGregor Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee Meeting
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November, 2008
City of McGregor Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee
October 15, 2008: 7:00 p.m.
natural and man-made disasters a community is vulnerable to and then to
also identify steps that may be taken to lessen the impact of such events upon
the citizens, their property and community resources.
As a neighboring community to the City of McGregor you may have a stake
and an interest in any actions decided upon by the Hazard Mitigation
Planning Committee established to develop the plan. You are therefore invited
to send a representative to the meetings that will be held in conjunction with
this planning process. The second of these meetings will be held the evening of
Wednesday, October 15, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. at the McGregor City Hall located
at 416 Main Street in McGregor.
At this meeting the Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee members will
review the 18 hazards identified that could influence the City of McGregor.
Hazards identified are:
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Extreme Heat
Flash Flood
River Flood
Landslide
Severe Winter Storm
Tornado
Windstorm
Dam Failure
Levee Failure
Energy Failure
Bio-terrorism
Structural Fire
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November, 2008
We will also review potential strategies and objectives for mitigating the
hazards that have been determined by committee members. Those measures
follow this notice. The committee will make any changes it feels are necessary
in preparation for formal approval and adoption of the plan by the McGregor
City Council.
Sincerely:
Steve Meyer
Consultant
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November, 2008
PROPOSED CITY OF MCGREGOR MITIGATION MEASURES
Extreme Heat
Designate community shelters
Establish temporary housing shelters
Establish alert systems for vulnerable populations
Maintain a list of sites that could be used as cooling shelters for public retreats during
extreme heat events
Flash Flood
Discourage development in flood plain areas
Update flood maps
Develop and implement watershed studies and implement watershed plans
Purchase standby pumps
Survey flood prone areas within city limits
Elevate levees
Encourage watershed groups to develop/implement watershed plans
Flood protection for critical facilities—city well and library
River Flood
Update flood maps
Elevate levees
Flood protection for critical facilities—city well
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November, 2008
Landslide
Severe Winter Storm
Purchase/install backup power generators
Tornado
Bury utility lines
Educate the public on proper steps to be taken in the event of a tornado or high wind
event, and how to prepare for a possible event
Windstorm
Bury utility lines
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November, 2008
Dam Failure
Levee Failure
Elevate levees
Continue to work with United State Army Corps of Engineers to ensure levee inspections
are completed and the necessary repairs are made
HAZMAT teams
HAZMAT teams
Implement mass casualty incident plans
Purchase Ambulance
Energy Failure
Develop recovery plan for power failure
Bio-terrorism
Review security of critical facilities
Review security of potential target facilities
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November, 2008
Maintain a well-trained and viable Police Department in order to identify and respond to
potential threats and events
Maintain well trained and equipped fire department in order to provide proper response in
the event of a terrorist event
Purchase and install closed circuit security cameras at critical locations in the city.
Structural Fire
Implement housing codes to require fire extinguishers in multi-family units
Maintain well equipped and well trained fire departments capable of appropriate and
effective response
Other Measures
Assure plans are in place and current
Dispense educational materials to citizens about potential disasters
Review/update local emergency operations plan
Encourage McGregor residents to have Disaster Supply Kits on hand to be used in a
disaster event
Complete municipal mitigation plans
Purchase Ambulance
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November, 2008
October 15, 2008: 7:00 p.m.
As a resident of the City of McGregor you may have a stake and an interest in
established to develop the plan. Any concerned resident of the City of
McGregor is therefore invited to attend the meetings that will be held in
conjunction with this planning process. The second of these meetings will be
held the evening of Wednesday, October 15, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. at the
McGregor City Hall located at 416 Main Street in McGregor.
At this meeting the Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee members will
review the 18 hazards identified that could influence the City of McGregor.
Hazards identified and their ranking is:
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Extreme Heat
Flash Flood
River Flood
Landslide
Severe Winter Storm
Tornado
Windstorm
Dam Failure
Levee Failure
Energy Failure
Bio-terrorism
Structural Fire
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November, 2008
We will also review potential strategies and objectives for mitigating the
hazards that have been determined by committee members. Those measures
follow this notice. The committee will make and changes it feels are necessary
in preparation for formal approval and adoption of the plan by the McGregor
City Council.
Sincerely:
Steve Meyer
Consultant
164
November, 2008
Extreme Heat
extreme heat events
Flash Flood
Update flood maps
Elevate levees
River Flood
Update flood maps
Elevate levees
165
November, 2008
Landslide
Severe Winter Storm
Tornado
Bury utility lines
Windstorm
Bury utility lines
166
November, 2008
Dam Failure
Levee Failure
Elevate levees
HAZMAT teams
HAZMAT teams
Purchase Ambulance
Energy Failure
Bio-terrorism
167
November, 2008
Structural Fire
effective response
Other Measures
disaster event
Purchase Ambulance
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November, 2008
Meeting Notice
Wednesday October 15, 2008 at 7:00 p.m.
I have progressed far enough to allow the City of McGregor Hazard Mitigation Planning
Committee to progress to the next step of the planning process.
I will have a copy of the plan developed to date at our next meeting. There will also be a
copy of the plan available at the McGregor City Hall. At this meeting we will use
information and statistics that I have compiled to prioritize the 18 hazards identified that
could impact the city, review strategies and objectives for dealing with these hazards as
well as the Hazard Mitigation Measures proposed by the Committee. Finally, we will make
any revisions that are necessary to the plan before it is presented to the McGregor City
Council for approval.
Hazards identified and their ranking is:
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Extreme Heat
Flash Flood
River Flood
Landslide
Severe Winter Storm
Tornado
Windstorm
Dam Failure
Levee Failure
Energy Failure
Bio-terrorism
Structural Fire
At our last meeting I handed out a list of potential mitigation measures that could be taken.
I have already been provided a list of your responses and will have compiled a list of those
that were prioritized. We will discuss these measures plus any others you feel are
important at the meeting also. I have attached a list of the proposed mitigation measures
following this letter.
Hope to see everyone there, we had great participation at the first meeting.
Steve Meyer
Consultant
169
November, 2008
Extreme Heat
extreme heat events
Flash Flood
Update flood maps
Elevate levees
River Flood
Update flood maps
Elevate levees
170
November, 2008
Landslide
Severe Winter Storm
Tornado
Bury utility lines
Windstorm
Bury utility lines
171
November, 2008
Dam Failure
Levee Failure
Elevate levees
HAZMAT teams
HAZMAT teams
Purchase Ambulance
Energy Failure
Bio-terrorism
172
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Structural Fire
effective response
Other Measures
disaster event
Purchase Ambulance
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November, 2008
Agenda
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
I) Overview of planning work completed
II) Ranking of Hazards
III) Prioritizing Hazards—High, Medium, Low Threat
IV) Hazard Mitigation Goals & Objectives
V) Final Determination and Discussion of Future Hazard Mitigation activities
VI) Next Meeting: Review of Final Plan
Date?
Steve Meyer—Contract Planner/facilitator
319-477-5041
gfdchief@netins.net
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November, 2008
ATTENDANCE
Thursday, October 15, 2008
NAME
REPRESENTING
Thomas Sinclair McGregor Public Library
Trudy Balcom
North Iowa Times
Joshua Hundt
McGregor Resident
Kassandra Hamilton
Farmersburg
Norm Lincoln
City of McGregor
Taylor Rejcks
MarMac Schools
Justin Reardon
MarMac Schools
Jason Hein
MarMac Schools
Jerald Thornton
Burt Walters
MAR-MAC EMS
Dan Bickel
Randall A. Grady MAR-MAQ P.D.
Tom Meyer
City of McGregor
PHONE
E-MAIL
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November, 2008
MINUTES OF OCTOBER 15, 2008
CITY OF MCGREGOR HMP MEETING
Time: 1900-2000
Location: McGregor City Hall
The meeting began promptly at 7 p.m. Consultant Meyer passed around the sign in sheet and the
McGregor synopsis. He reviewed the process up to this point. Originally the plan was to be
completed by the end of the year. Five to six weeks ago, Consultant Meyer was contacted by
FEMA Hazard Mitigation Specialists in Des Moines asking if he could complete both Elkader
and McGregor plans in a hurry. Consultant Meyer advised, he got busy and presented the
Elkader plan September 18th. Following that, he committed himself fully to McGregor Hazard
Mitigation Plan and sent out a completed draft by email last week. The draft plan has 205 pages.
Consultant Meyer advised the committee that the goal tonight is to make sure that everything is
in the McGregor plan that the committee wants included. This draft, with committee
recommendation, will be presented to the City Council for approval tomorrow night. Once it is
approved there, it will be sent on to FEMA in Des Moines for review and then on to FEMA
Region VII for approval. Norm Lincoln inquired as to the status of the old plan. Consultant
Meyer replied it was completed but was not DMA 2000 compliant to meet FEMA approval.
Consultant Meyer informed the group there would be similarities between the McGregor plan
and the Marquette plan due to shared services and area. The major difference will be found in the
dam hazard identified in McGregor and the rail transportation incident hazard identified in
Marquette. Consultant Meyer passed around a hard copy of the McGregor Hazard Mitigation
Plan. He explained that the real focus of the plan is the mitigation measures with everything else
being background information. There are 91 mitigation measures identified in the McGregor
plan. Consultant Meyer had sent out an electronic copy by email to all committee members last
week. There is a lot of redundancy within the plan; however that is to be expected. Randy Grady
commented there is mention of barricades under Highway Transportation Incident however that
is not enough as they are needed to keep vehicular traffic out, not only pedestrians. Consultant
Meyer inquired as to whether the EMS section had been reviewed. Burt Walters replied he had
reviewed that section. Consultant Meyer asked Fire Chief Dan Bickel if he had reviewed the fire
section. Chief Dan Bickel replied he had not had time to review it. Norm Lincoln advised that on
page 94, referring to hazmat, Northern Ag Services is referenced and it should be Agri-Bunge.
Consultant Meyer commented that Kris Eulberg of McGregor Utilities had already advised him
of this and it had been changed. Consultant Meyer asked Norm Lincoln and Tom Meyer if
everything regarding storm water and flood control included that they wanted. Norm Lincoln
advised it looked like it was all there. Kris Eulberg had provided Consultant Meyer with general
edits that he appreciated very much. Trudy Balcom commented that the plan seems to focus on
single hazard events and does not look at multiple events or when one event causes another.
Consultant Meyer advised that during the hazard analysis process multiple events or events
causing other events are considered. This is caused the Cascading Events Matrix and is used to
score and rank hazards. Randy Grady commented that during discussion on communications
failure, backup generators for the fire station in McGregor and the police station in Marquette
were discussed. Consultant Meyer advised those are included under energy failure. Randy Grady
requested they be included under communications failure as well. Trudy Balcom inquired as to
whether the plan was a shopping list. Consultant Meyer explained there were benefits to having
identified needs in the hazard mitigation plan and this could help with other grants outside of
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November, 2008
FEMA. Norm Lincoln commented that FEMA grants are based on cost benefit analysis and the
trouble with McGregor is not enough structural damage expense to qualify for grant money. Dan
Bickle inquired as to if it is not in the plan then there is no chance of getting FEMA grant money.
Consultant Meyer replied that is a possibility or it may require a plan update. Consultant Meyer
added he is still unsure as to why FEMA wants the McGregor plan done so quickly. Norm
Lincoln advised McGregor filed for storm water expense reimbursement under Public Assistance
after the last disaster. That may be the reason. Dan Bickle asked if copies will be presented to all
committee members once the plan is approved by city council. Consultant Meyer replied once
the plan is approved by FEMA, he will provide one hard copy and 1 electronic copy to the city.
Dan Bickle inquired as to why tornado was ranked higher than communications failure.
Discussion was held on the scoring and rating process. Consultant Meyer reminded the
committee they are only required to include natural hazards so hazards such as communications
failure are not required and will not be evaluated by FEMA. However their inclusion makes for a
more well rounded plan. It helps to raise awareness and to help lend credibility to other grant
requests such as Assistance to Firefighter Grants. Norm Lincoln asked if this was addressed in
the county plan and at what ranking. Consultant Meyer replied it is addressed in the county plan
but he does not remember the ranking. He did write a communications project application for the
county and is awaiting approval.
Consultant Meyer requested approval of the committee of the plan as drafted if he includes the
changes discussed to present to the city council. A motion of approval was made by Dan Bickel.
Tom Sinclair seconded the motion and it was carried with all ayes.
Consultant Meyer advised the committee that the FEMA Hazard Mitigation Specialists placed in
Des Moines are there to review the plans before they are sent to FEMA Region VII. They may
push the plan back if they find any issues with it.
The plan presented and approved tonight is on the McGregor City Council Meeting agenda for
Thursday, October 16, 2008 at 8:00 pm.
Consultant Meyer asked the committee if this had been a worthwhile process. Dan Bickle replied
it had been eye opening and made him think. Consultant Meyer asked if there were
improvements that could be made in the process he uses to develop a hazard mitigation plan.
Norm Lincoln commented that they have plans but they don’t necessarily use them when the
event happens at 3am. Consultant Meyer advised the planning process is often more worthwhile
than the final plan itself. Randy Grady commented the situation often dictates as it goes. Burt
Walters commented there is a lot of diversity for a small town and he has all volunteer
responders. Dan Bickle added this has been a smooth process. Consultant Meyer stated he
appreciates all of the feedback and all of the work people in the community have done to provide
information for the hazard mitigation measures and hazard profiles. The assistance really helps to
narrow down and extract the information to build the plan. He can put together 95% of the plan
without the meetings however the most important fst 5% of the plan requires the meetings and
interviews.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:00 pm.
Minutes taken and prepared by Consultant Robyn Reese
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November, 2008
APPENDIX 3
Agenda & Public Notice
Thursday, October 16, 2008
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November, 2008
Meeting Notice
McGregor Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee
Thursday, October 16, 2008, 8:00 p.m.
To the City of McGregor Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee
We have progressed far enough with the City of McGregor Hazard Mitigation
Plan that following our meeting on October 15 we will have a draft copy for
presentation to the McGregor City Council at a meeting of the council to be
held on Thursday October 16 at 8:00 p.m. at the McGregor City Hall at 416
Because of the situation with regards to McGregor’s plan, FEMA officials
have an express interest in having this plan approved ASAP. For that reason,
we have put a rush on this particular plan. Any necessary changes
recommended by the Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee or the
McGregor City Council will be incorporated into the plan immediately.
Thank you for your assistance and I hope to see many of you on the 16th.
Steve Meyer
Consultant
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November, 2008
Thursday, October 16, 2008 8:00 p.m.
The City of McGregor, Iowa has undertaken the process of developing a
Hazard Mitigation Plan. The purpose of a Hazard Mitigation Plan is to
identify what natural and man made disasters a community is vulnerable to
and then to also identify steps that may be taken to lessen the impact of such
events upon the citizens, their property and community resources.
On Thursday, October 16, 2008 at 8:00 p.m. Emergency Management
Consultants Steve Meyer and Robyn Reese will present a final version of the
plan to the McGregor City Council for approval by resolution.
All citizens are invited to attend the meeting and provide comment about the
plan. A copy of the plan is available for review at the McGregor City Hall
located at 416 Main Street in McGregor.
Steve Meyer
Consultant
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November, 2008
ATTENDANCE
McGregor Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee Meeting
October 16, 2008
Ryan Johnson
City of McGregor
Jason Solberg
City of McGregor
Joe Muehlbauer
City of McGregor
Norman Lincoln
City of McGregor
Gordon Tustin
Outlook Newspaper
Trudy Balcom
North Iowa Times
Rogeta Halvorson City of McGregor
Gaylinda Hallberg City of McGregor
Tom Meyer
City of McGregor
Charles Palucci
McGregor Business Owner
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November, 2008
Minutes of McGregor City Council & Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee
Meeting
October 16, 2008, McGregor City Hall
The McGregor City Council met October 16, 2008, at 6:30 p.m. in City Hall. Mayor Pro
Tem Johnson presided with council members Hallberg, Halvorson, Muehlbauer, and Solberg
present. Mayor Knott was absent.
Public hearing was held on proposed sale of Lot 1 of Lot 7 and Lot 1 of Lot 8 and Lot 1
of Lot 9 of Block 2 in the City of McGregor to Kwik-Trip. No comments were offered. On
motion of Hallberg and second of Halvorson Resolution 1-10-2008 authorizing disposal of
interest in real property-Kwik-Trip lot sale was approved. All members present voted aye.
On motion of Hallberg and second of Halvorson the council approved the consent agenda
that included the minutes of previous meetings, payment of monthly bills ($153,163.90),
Treasurer’s report, monthly financial report, liquor license renewal for Kwik Star, and Planning
and Zoning appointments Beth Regan and Neil Dodgen. All members present voted aye.
Bill Nelson, Engineer with Vierbicher Associates, gave a update on the Ohmer Ridge
street project with completion anticipated in November. The council agreed to offer a finders fee
for lot sales at Ohmer Ridge, and the sewer system for Lot 19 was discussed.
Nuisance properties were reviewed , and the November 2, 2008, deadline for removal of
the Holiday Shores building was confirmed by the council as established by the court.
On motion of Halvorson and second of Solberg Resolution 4-10-2008 Authorizing the
Grant of a Temporary Use Permit to Construct Outdoor Smoking Area adjacent to the
Silver Dollar Saloon was approved. Hallberg, Halvorson, Solberg, and Johnson voted
aye. Muehlbauer voted nay.
The Council decided to procede with the proposal from Northway Well and Pump Co. to
properly seal the artesian well referred to as well #2.
On motion of Hallberg second of Muehlbauer the first reading of Ordinance 10-01-2008
Increasing Sewer Rates for the City of McGregor was approved by the council. All members
present voted aye. On motion of Muehlbauer second of Hallberg the Council
agreed to waive the three readings requirement. All members present voted aye. On
motion of Hallberg second of Halvorson the council approved final passage of Ordinance 10-012008. All members present voted aye. The ordinance will be in effect upon publication.
Sewer plant replacement of control panel was put on hold to be rebid in spring of 2009.
On motion of Halvorson second of Solberg Resolution 2-10-2008 Approving the City of
McGregor Hazard Mitigation Plan was approved. All members present voted aye.
The monthly financial report for June 2008 was reviewed and on motion of Halvorson
and second of Muehlbauer the Annual Financial Report for FYE 6-30-08 was approved.
On motion of Halvorson second of Muehlbauer Resolution 3-10-2008 Authorizing the
Grant of a Temporary Use Permit for Craig and Terri Strutt was approved. All members
present voted aye. This permitted the placement of their LP tank on the City Fourth Street
right-a-way.
The council acknowledged a proclamation from Police Chief Grady concerning domestic
abuse.
On motion of Hallberg second of Halvorson the Council favored sending a letter of
support that McGregor be considered as a host city for Ragbrai in 2009. All members present
voted aye.
The council supported the idea of contributing to a shared Park and Rec Director for the
MFL Mar Mac District.
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November, 2008
On motion of Hallberg second of Muehlbauer the council approved a audit bid from
Dietz, Donald & Company for fiscal year 2007-2008 in the amount of $4,150. All members
present voted aye.
Meyer reported on health insurance premium rate change, Letter to Governor Culver RE
MRT, 28E Agreement-Dr. Smith Center, and North Iowa Times request to be newspaper of
record.
With business concluded, on motion of Hallberg and second of Halvorson the meeting
was adjourned.
Tom Meyer, City Clerk
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November, 2008
Appendix 4
Resolution by McGregor City Council
Adopting
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November, 2008
APPENDIX 5
POTENTIAL MITIGATION MEASURES
Prevention
1. Develop metro area HAZMAT transportation routes
2. Develop/maintain hazardous materials inventories
3. Enforce OSHA's regulations on hazardous materials
4. Complete local mitigation plans
5. Assure plans are in place and current
6. Inspect railroad tracks
7. Install speed limit signs
8. Enforce burning restrictions
9. Encourage the development of wellhead protection ordinances
10. Identify locations for new fire stations
11. Determine level of fire suppression needed
12. Investigate alternative water sources for fire suppression
13. Identify critical facilities that contain hazardous
materials
14. Map past chemical contamination sites
15. Update anti-virus software
16. Develop/maintain security at water plants (also under
Property Protection)
17. Conduct engineering studies on water plants
18. Support legislation increasing shelter standards
19. Encourage adoption of manufactured home development storm
shelter ordinances
20. Promote legislation for satellite dish owners’ access to
weather advisories
21. Designate community shelters
22. Encourage housing codes to require fire extinguishers in
multi-family units
23. Limit Development in flood plain areas
24. Formulate partnerships to gain legislation
25. Update flood maps
26. Develop and implement watershed studies and implement
watershed plans
27. Survey flood prone areas within city limits
28. Complete FIRM maps
29. Develop study of river channels
30. Develop engineering feasibility studies for treatment
lagoons
31. Establish temporary housing shelters
32. Encourage communities to adopt tree trimming ordinances
33. Maintain, enforce, and update zoning ordinances
34. Review security of critical facilities (also under Property
Protection)
35. Establish multi-jurisdictional partnerships to reduce runoff
36. Conduct sanitary sewer system study
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November, 2008
37. Conduct retention pond study
38. Subdivision ordinance on retention basins
39. Conduct hydrology studies
40. Conduct study on use of sump pumps
41. Encourage communities to participate in the National Flood
Insurance Program
42. Check and test wells
43. Inspect water lines
44. Annual levee inspections-reports to USACE
45. Coordinate with FEMA on earthquake program
46. Develop earthquake evacuation plans
47. Develop electronic resource directory of local resources
48. Inspect dams
49. Study of groundwater problems
50. Enforce snow removal policies
51. Maintain list of people on oxygen
52. Backup city files and records-store in alternate locations
53. Landfill closure (also under Natural Resources Protection)
54. Storm water quality sampling
55. Re-evaluate Community Rating System
56. Determine population trends to project future services
57. Refuge area evaluation
58. Review security of potential target facilities
59. Install buffer strips against river/flash flooding (also
under Natural Resources Protection)
60. Provide Ce11ified Flood Manager training
61. Encourage communities in areas vulnerable to earthquake to
adopt current building codes for seismic retrofitting-to make
structures earthquake resistant
62. Encourage watershed groups to develop/implement watershed
plans
63. Encourage communities to adopt building codes regarding
expansive soils
64. Encourage communities to adopt building codes that regulate
construction in landslide areas
65. Place law enforcement officers in middle schools (also under
66. Feasibility study to protect high service pump station
67. Special Needs registration program
68. Install hazard signs in county campgrounds
69. Promote landscaping practices
70. Install flood gauge (also under Property Protection and
Emergency Services)
71. Purchase equipment for chlorination (also under Structural
Projects)
72. Flush dead end mains (also under Property Protection)
73. Purchase/install backup power generators (also under
74. Purchase standby pumps (also under Property Protection)
75. Wheelchair ramp for community centers
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November, 2008
76. Install signalized railroad crossings (also under Structural
Projects)
77. Increase lighting at city facilities (also under Property
Protection)
78. Install surveillance cameras (also under Property
Protection)
79. Install chain link fences around propane tanks (also under
Property Protection
1. Remove asbestos from schools
2. Remove underground fuel storage tanks
3. Develop debris disposal sites (also under Natural Resources
Protection)
4. Develop/maintain security at water plants (also under
Prevention)
5. Review security of critical facilities (also under
Prevention)
6. Non-structural retrofit of public structures
7. Integrate safe room retrofits into schools and day care
centers
8. Install bulletproof court and magistrate benches
9. Acquire property through purchase for demolition, relocation,
or elevation
10. Repair structurally weak homes
11. Install large filters for water treatment
12. Relocate airport for flood protection
13. Tree trimming
14. Increase lighting at city facilities (also under Prevention)
15. Tree Windbreak wave dissipation project
16. Place law enforcement officers in middle schools (also under
Prevention)
17. Install riprap (also under Natural Resources Protection)
18. Install flood gauge (also under Prevention and Emergency
Services)
19. Flush dead end mains (also under Prevention)
20. Purchase/install backup power generators (also under
Prevention)
21. Establish storm shelters for mobile home parks (also under
Structural Projects)
22. Establish recreational area storm shelters (also under
23. Construct safe rooms for schools (also under Structural
Projects)
24. Purchase standby pumps (also under Prevention)
25. Increase lighting at city facilities (also under Prevention)
26. Install surveillance cameras (also under Prevention)
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November, 2008
27. Install chain link fences around propane tanks (also under
Prevention)
1. Require/provide safe room education for builders and
developers
2. Promote NOAA weather radio, including citizen purchase of
receivers and rebate program
3. Improve public awareness of hazard risks
4. Operation Life Saver Program-rail and highway
5. Encourage citizen purchase/use of smoke detectors
6. Increase public awareness on household hazardous materials
7. Dispense educational materials to citizens about potential
disasters
8. Establish Good Neighbor programs for winter storms
9. Educate the public on earthquake preparedness
10. Develop system to make data available to the public
Natural Resources Protection
1. Develop debris disposal sites (also under Property
Protection)
2. Landfill closure (also under Prevention)
3. Install buffer strips against river/flash flooding (also
under Prevention)
4. Develop soil erosion stabilization projects
5. Develop stream modification
6. Implement channel improvement project
7. Install riprap (also under Property Protection)
8. Remove unused chemical containers
9. Post "No Dumping" signs
10. Forestry improvements
11. Tree planting
12. Remove dead vegetation
13. Replace taps-waste water
14. New air quality monitor
Emergency Services
1. Encourage communities to continue HAZMAT agreements and
support regional HAZMAT teams
2. Establish HAZMAT decontamination sites
3. Adopt terrorism response plan/recovery plan
4. Implement bomb squad program
5. Enhance response plans for biological/chemical terrorism
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November, 2008
6. Develop recovery plan for power failure
7. Maintain/update plan to contact utility companies
8. Develop plans to address utility outages and emergencies
9. Implement mass casualty incident plans
10. Participate in nuclear power plant exercises
11. Develop heat recovery plan
12. Review/revise LEPC plans annually
13. Thermal imaging system
14. Smoke detectors/panic buttons/communications systems
15. Conduct training seminars on HAZMAT railroad spills
16. Train first responders
17. Train local emergency disaster responders
18. Support EMS training
19. Fire department training
20. Develop/train new firefighting units
21. Emergency/disaster response disaster training
22. Maintain list of shelters
23. Develop storm spotter training
24. Train key county and community leaders
25. Develop/update/publicize city evacuation plans
26. Install flood gauge (also under Prevention and Property
Protection)
27. Install NOAA towers
28. Review/update local emergency operations plan
29. Review/update hazardous materials emergency plan
30. Conduct assessment of public safety answering points (PSAP)
to include auxiliary power capabilities and disaster recovery
plans/business continuity plans
31. Purchase air packs (SCBA-self-contained breathing apparatus)
32. Purchase road closure barricades
33. Purchase vehicle extrication equipment and training
34. Inspect/purchase new fire trucks
35. Purchase new pagers for fire departments
36. Purchase fire pumper trucks
37. Install new fire hydrants (also under Structural Projects)
38. Add dry hydrants (also under Structural Projects)
39. Upgrade fire station alarm and egress systems (also under
40. Develop K-9 search and rescue teams
41. Establish alert systems for vulnerable populations
42. Create cable television weather advisories
43. Stock public shelters
44. Install siren warning systems
45. Establish mobile communications
46. Provide equipment/personnel for tornado cleanup
47. Develop neighborhood emergency response teams
48. Maintain Emergency Operations Center with 24-hour capability
49. Establish backup communications center
50. Purchase radios and cellular phones
51. Purchase snow trucks, plows, sanders
189
November, 2008
52. New air quality monitor (also under Natural Resources
Protection)
53. New fire fighting suits
54. Connect to regional water (also under Structural Projects)
55. GPS units in emergency vehicles
56. Install computers for vehicles
57. Purchase ambulance
58. Sheriff's office repeater system
59. Communications phone systems
60. Emergency response guidebooks in all emergency vehicles
61. Maintain sandbags
62. Purchase portable pumps
Structural Projects
1. Maintain intra-county roads
2. Establish sanitary sewer maintenance programs
3. Clean wells
4. Monitor existing floodgate
5. Tile project on catch basin
6. Clean agricultural drains
7. Install new fire hydrants (also under Emergency Services)
8. Add dry hydrants (also under Emergency Services)
9. Upgrade fire station alarm and egress systems
10. Purchase equipment for chlorination (also under Prevention)
11. Bury utility lines
12. Construct public safe rooms
13. Establish storm shelters for mobile home parks (also under
14. Establish recreational area storm shelters
15. Construct safe rooms for schools
16. Paint transmission tower
17. Connect to regional water (also under Emergency Services)
18. Build overpasses to reduce intersection accidents
19. Pave existing streets
20. Build airport consolidated fuel storage facilities
21. Construct airp0l1 drainage system
22. Construct storage facilities for pesticides, insecticides
23. Install signalized railroad crossings (also under
Prevention)
24. Increase throat capacity of bridges
25. Construct municipal water works flood protection projects
26. Build earthen floodwalls
27. Elevate levees
28. Install PVC to replace existing clay sewer lines
29. Develop reservoirs/lakes
30. Construct dams
31. Build drainage culverts
32. Construct storm sewer drainage
33. Install water impervious manhole covers
34. Replace sewer lines
190
35.
36.
37.
38.
39.
40.
41.
42.
43.
44.
45.
46.
47.
48.
49.
50.
November, 2008
Sewer separation projects
Construct and improve berms
Flood protection for critical facilities
Raise grade to eliminate backup flooding
Raise roads
Clear and deepen ditches
Clean sewage lagoons and install rock
Support siltation removal projects
Install curbs/gutters in areas of standing water
Construct/elevate wastewater lift station
Construct backup wells for water systems
Construct new wells
Pressure tank for potable water
Replace bridges and culve11s
Road bypass construction projects
Construct elevated walkway
191
November, 2008
APPENDIX 6
FIRMettes (2) of the McGregor Floodplain map
192
November, 2008
193
November, 2008
194
November, 2008
195
November, 2008
APPENDIX 7
Worksheets 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 of the FEMA Local Hazard Mitigation Review Crosswalk
196
November, 2008
Worksheet # 1: Progress Report
Progress Report Period:
to
(Date)
(Date)
Project Title:
Project ID#:
Responsible Agency:
Address:
City/County:
Contact Person:
Title:
Phone #(s):
e-mail address:
List Supporting Agencies and Contacts:
Total Project Cost: $
Date of Project Approval:
Anticipated Cost Overrun/Under run:
Start date of the project:
Anticipated completion date:
Description of the Project (include a description of each phase, if applicable, and the time frame
for completing each phase).
Milestones
Complete
Projected Date of
Completion
197
November, 2008
Plan Goal(s)/Objective(s) Addressed:
Goal:
Objective:
Indicator of Success (e.g., losses avoided as a result of the acquisition program):
In most cases, you will list losses avoided as the indicator. In cases where it is difficult to
quantify the benefits in dollar amounts, you will use other indicators, such as the number of
people who now know about mitigation or who are taking mitigation actions to reduce their
vulnerability to hazards.
Status (Please checks pertinent information and provide explanations for items with an asterisk. For completed or canceled
projects, see Worksheet #2 — to complete a project evaluation):
Project Status
Project Cost Status
(1)
Project on schedule
(1)
(2)
Project completed
(2)
Cost overrun*
*explain:
(3)
Project delayed*
*explain:
(4)
Cost unchanged
(3)
Cost under run*
*explain:
Project canceled
Summary of progress on project for this report:
A. What was accomplished during this reporting period?
B. What obstacles, problems, or delays did you encounter, if any?
C. How was each problem resolved?
198
November, 2008
Next Steps: What is/are the next step(s) to be accomplished over the next reporting period?
Other comments:
199
November, 2008
Worksheet #2: Evaluating Your Planning Team
When gearing up for the plan evaluation, the planning team should reassess its composition and ask the
following questions:
YES
Have there been local staffing changes that would warrant inviting different members to the planning team?
Comments/Proposed Action:
Are there organizations that have been invaluable to the planning process or to project implementation that should
be represented on the planning team?
Are there any representatives of essential organizations who have not fully participated in the planning and
implementation of actions? If so, can someone else from this organization commit to the planning team?
Are there procedures (e.g., signing of MOAs, commenting on submitted progress reports, distributing meeting
minutes, etc.) that can be done more efficiently?
Are there ways to gain more diverse and widespread cooperation?
Are there different or additional resources (financial, technical, and human) that are now available for mitigation
planning?
If the planning team determines the answer to any of these questions is ―yes,‖ some changes may
be necessary.
200
NO
November, 2008
Worksheet #3: Evaluate Your Project Results
Project Name and
Number:
Insert location map
Project Budget:
include before and after photos
Project Description:
if appropriate
Associated Goal and
Objective (s):
Indicator of Success
(e.g., losses avoided):
Was the action implemented?
IF YES
What were the results of
the implemented action?
IF NO
Why not?
Was there political support for the action?
YES
NO
Were enough funds available?
YES
NO
Were workloads equitably or realistically distributed?
YES
NO
Was new information discovered about the risks or community that made
implementation difficult or no longer sensible?
YES
NO
Was the estimated time of implementation reasonable?
YES
NO
Were sufficient resources (for example staff and technical assistance) available?
YES
NO
201
Were the outcomes as expected?
November, 2008
YES
NO
Did the results achieve the goal and
objective (s)?
Explain how:
YES
NO
Was the action cost-effective?
Explain how or how not:
YES
NO
Additional comments or other outcomes:
If No, please explain:
What were the losses avoided after having completed the
project?
If it was a structural project, how did it change the hazard
profile?
Date
Prepared by:
202
November, 2008
Worksheet #4: Revisit Your Risk Assessment
Risk
Assessment
Steps
Identify
hazards
Profile hazard
events
Inventory
assets
Estimate
losses
Questions
YES
NO
COMMENTS
Are there new hazards that can affect your
community?
Are new historical records available?
Are additional maps or new hazard studies
available?
Have chances of future events (along with their
magnitude, extent, etc.) changed?
Have recent and future development in the
community been checked for their effect on hazard
areas?
Have inventories of existing structures in hazard
areas been updated?
Are future developments foreseen and accounted
for in the inventories?
Are there any new special high-risk populations?
Have loss estimates been updated to account for
recent changes?
If you answered ―Yes‖ to any of the above questions, review your data and update your risk
assessment information accordingly
203
November, 2008
Worksheet #5: Revise the Plan
Prepare to update the plan.
When preparing to update the plan:
Check the box when addressed 
1. Gather information, including project evaluation worksheets, progress reports, studies, related plans, etc.
Comments:
2. Reconvene the planning team, making changes to the team composition as necessary (see results from Worksheet
#2).
Comments:
Consider the results of the evaluation and new strategies for the future.
When examining the community consider:
1. The results of the planning and outreach efforts.
Comments:
2. The results of the mitigation efforts.
Comments:
3. Shifts in development trends.
Comments:
4. Areas affected by recent disasters.
Comments:
5. The recent magnitude, location, and type of the most recent hazard or disaster.
Comments:
6. New studies or technologies.
Comments:
204
November, 2008
7. Changes in local, state, or federal laws, policies, plans, priorities, or funding.
Comments:
8. Changes in the socioeconomic fabric of the community.
Comments:
9. Other changing conditions.
Comments:
Incorporate your findings into the plan.
When examining the plan:
1. Revisit the risk assessment.
Comments:
2. Update your goals and strategies.
Comments:
3. Recalculate benefit-cost analyses of projects to prioritize action items.
Comments:
Use the following criteria to evaluate the plan:
Criteria
YES
NO
Solution
Are the goals still applicable?
Have any changes in the state or
community made the goals obsolete or
irrelevant?
Do existing actions need to be
reprioritized for implementation?
Do the plan’s priorities correspond with
state priorities?
Can actions be implemented with
available resources?
205
November, 2008
APPENDIX 8
Map showing overflow basins for the Pikes Peak and Siegele Flood Control
Dams.
206
November, 2008
APPENDIX 9
Public Meeting Notice from The Outlook, October 8, 2008
207

Appendix A - Upper Explorerland Regional Planning Commission

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