2017 Spencer Comprehensive Land Use Plan

Spencer, Iowa  2017  Comprehensive Plan

response, mitigation, and recovery plans, it is important to consider them here when making the decision regarding the priority group in which the hazard belongs

Table 1 - Hazard Risk Assessment Results Spencer, Iowa Hazard Ranking Thunderstorm/Lightning 1 Severe Winter Storm 2 Windstorm 3 Hailstorm 4 River Flood 5 Tornado 6 Extreme Heat 7 Grass/Wildland Fire 8 Drought 9 Flash Flood 10 Levee Failure 11

HAZARD MITIGATION ACTIONS When the Spencer Planning Team met on June 21 st , 2011 and decided on the hazards that threaten the county, it was decided that specific mitigation actions needed to be discussed and compiled for the plan. The following are the mitigation actions that were identified by the local planning team: • Purchasing and encouraging the use of NOAA weather radios. • Education materials given out to the public to improve awareness of natural hazards. • Conducting a severe weather awareness week to educate the public about natural hazards. • Promote storm spotter training and recruit new or additional storm spotters. • Purchase and install backup generators. • Purchase and install mass notification devices to notify residents of severe weather. • Purchase, install and maintain warning sirens. • Designate shelter locations in the county and cities; and make that list available to the public. • Purchase equipment necessary to run shelters during disaster situations. • Establish an alert system for vulnerable populations during severe weather. • Special needs registration with the city to keep track of the most vulnerable populations. • Update floodplain maps. • Relocate critical facilities out of flood prone areas. • Encourage participation and remain compliant in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).

• Maintain and upgrade snow removal equipment. • Improved communication with power companies. • Purchasing equipment and personnel for cleanup after a disaster event.

• Underground burial of power lines. • Hiring personnel for road closures. • Purchasing and installing water pumps at critical facilities. • Purchasing portable high capacity water pumps. • Forming and equipping a flood task force. • Purchasing sandbags and equipment. • Perform a drainage study. • Installing rip rap.

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NW Iowa Planning & Development