Working as a team, answer the following questions:

• Why did the Coast Guard choose to use Area Command?

• How did the Coast Guard adapt the Area Command structure? Why?

• What are the lessons learned for your agency or jurisdiction?

Select a spokesperson and be prepared to present your analysis to the entire group in 45 minutes.

The Murkey River flows south through the Granite Mountain foothills and then through Prosperous Valley. Severe weather followed by flooding caused the emergency release of water from a weakened upstream dam has created several major incidents along the east bank of the river in Jackson County. More rain and wind are expected during the next several days.

• The county jail and the adjoining juvenile detention facility have suffered extensive damage. All electrical power and water are out. Population is 450 adult males, 175 females, and 250 male juveniles. Relocation may be required. Only cold meals and limited water are available. A county sheriff's captain is the Incident Commander.

• A 10-block area of Baytown has had extensive flooding. Search and rescue and evacuations are underway. There is no electrical power and the water and sewer systems have been damaged. An incident complex has been established to cover several incidents in this area. The Baytown Police Department has designated an Incident Commander from the department.

• A southbound train was derailed over the Murkey River due to a section of track being undermined. Several cars are overturned. A tank car with an unknown chemical is on its side in the river and leaking. This incident is operating under a Unified Command consisting now of the county fire and sheriff.

• In Fryville, a gas line ruptured and ignited, causing a fire in a major grocery chain warehouse. Several people have been injured and there is a danger of fire spreading to adjacent buildings. Water pressure is low. The Fryville Volunteer Fire Department Chief is the Incident Commander.

There is currently a major problem with allocating scarce resources among these incidents. There is only two uncommitted IMTs available within the next 12 hours. Only 1 law enforcement supervisor and 40 law enforcement with patrol vehicles are uncommitted. Only 4 engine companies and 2 type I water tenders are available

Many volunteers have come forward, and the Incident Commanders and the County EOC are looking for ways to organize and use them effectively. Several news media representatives are on the scene at the various incidents.

Objective: Design an Area Command organization and process for a simulated incident.

Instructions:

Present the following instructions:

1. Working as a group, review the scenario and map in your handouts.

2. Complete the following steps:

• Develop an Area Command organizational chart and staffing requirements.

• Describe Area Command facility and support needs.

• Develop guidance and procedures to be given to Incident Commanders.

• Analyze resource requirements, identify scarce critical resources, and establish priorities for allocating scarce critical resources amongst the incidents.

• Develop a list of questions you would like to ask agency officials at the next briefing.

3. Select a spokesperson and be prepared to present your work in 60 minutes.