8/9/2019 June 8, 2010 - City of Thornton City Council Update on Emergency Weather Warning Options

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CITY OF THORNTON

COUNCIL UPDATE

June 8, 2010

ITEM TITLE: Emergency Weather Warning Options

ISSUE: This presentation will provide Council with information onweather warning options. Staff will review the current programs used to notify thepublic of severe weather events, the Federal Integrated Public Alert and WarningSystem that will be available in 2012, and examine the merits of other warningsystem programs and their relevance to the City.

Current Weather Warning Notification Systems Utilized

•

Emergency Alert System (EAS) is a recognized public warning system• Radio and television stations storm coverage

• Public Awareness Campaign• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Radio

Fastest way to receive weather information

• Free or minimal cost programs KMGH, Channel 7 WeatherBug WeatherCall, Channel 9

Future Weather Warning System

• Federal Integrated Public Alert and Warning System available in 2012 Goes beyond broadcasting on television and radio Severe weather notification would be available via

o Cell phoneo Computero Home phoneo Public signage

• Enhanced Public Awareness Campaign City Communications Department provides weather information to residents

through written, electronic and visual medias; to include City Web Site and

Channel 8 Spring weather education programs

Bridging the Gap until 2012

• Reverse 911 system• Third Party Subscription Services

City enters into contract with a subscription service Programs require residents to subscribe to notification system Examples include CodeRed and Everbridge

8/9/2019 June 8, 2010 - City of Thornton City Council Update on Emergency Weather Warning Options

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 Bridging the Gap until 2012 Con’t

• Outdoor Warning Sirens Limitations to notification system Cost associated with system

• Enhanced Public Awareness Campaign City Communications Department provides weather information to residents

through written, electronic and visual medias; to include City Web Site andChannel 8

Spring weather education programs

Evaluate Joint Partnership opportunities

Work in conjunction with neighboring cities on program development

RECOMMENDATION: Technology is changing so quickly that supporting a

single system would not be efficient. Staff’s recommendation is to encourageresidents and businesses to purchase a NOAA weather radio. In addition to theNOAA radio recommendation and the pending implementation of the IntegratedPublic Alert and Warning System in the next two years, staff recommends thedevelopment of a Weather Awareness Public Education Program that would beimplemented in the spring of each year.

BACKGROUND/HISTORY: 

Tornado history Adams County has experienced 151 tornadoes between 1950 – 2008 (58

years) Thornton has experienced four tornadoes during the 58-year period Six tornadoes have touched down within two miles of Thornton

Spring of 2009 severe weather outbreak City Manager directed the Emergency Manager to research weather warning

program options City Council requested a presentation

8/9/2019 June 8, 2010 - City of Thornton City Council Update on Emergency Weather Warning Options

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Weather Warnin O tionsWeather Warnin O tions

Current Warning SystemsCurrent Warning Systems

• Emer enc Alert S stem EAS• KOA Radio (8.50 A.M.)• KYGO Radio (98.5 F.M.) back-up• Local News Media• NOAA weather Radios

8/9/2019 June 8, 2010 - City of Thornton City Council Update on Emergency Weather Warning Options

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Federal Program On the HorizonFederal Program On the Horizon

Provide Timely Alert And Warning To The American 

People To Preserve Life And Property 

Television

Radio

Cell Phone

ComputerAlerting Authorities;Local, State, Federal

Home Phone

Public Signage

IPAWS Services

Integrated Public Alert andWarning System

HistoryHistory

8/9/2019 June 8, 2010 - City of Thornton City Council Update on Emergency Weather Warning Options

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Bridging the GapBridging the Gap

NOAA Weather Radio• National Weather Service Activated

Reverse 911• System in place• Limitations

Bridging the GapBridging the Gap

Programs Available at

• No Cost

• Minimal Cost

8/9/2019 June 8, 2010 - City of Thornton City Council Update on Emergency Weather Warning Options

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Bridging the GapBridging the Gap

Subscription Services• Program Availability

• Associated Costs• Residents Must Enroll

Bridging the GapBridging the Gap

• Limitation• Associated Costs

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Public EducationPublic Education

Spring Weather Educational Campaign• Thornton Web Site Information • Channel 8 Public Service Announcements• Weather Sites Flyers• Weather Information Documents

Partnership ProgramsPartnership Programs

Partner with Neighboring Agencies

Questions