Operation Concepts
Existing procedures in the form of department directives provide the basis for a law enforcement response in time of emergency. Such directives are in force for all types of natural disasters or technological hazards having been recently experienced to include flooding, hazardous materials incidents, transportation accidents, search and rescue operations, traffic control, and evacuation. The Strasburg Police Department has the authority and responsibility for evaluating the request for search and rescue operations throughout the town.
The County Communications Center is the point of contact for the receipt of all warnings and notification of actual or impending emergencies or disasters.
In the event of a state or federally-declared disaster, the Governor can provide National Guard personnel and equipment to support local law enforcement operations. They may be used only for low-risk duties such as security and traffic control. Operational control will be retained by the County Sheriff’s Department; typically a liaison officer will be assigned to each field unit.
A hazard or potential hazard situation could justify the need for evacuation for a short period of a few hours to several days or weeks, depending on the hazard and its severity. In order to limit access to the hazard area, various personnel and devices will be required, such as the following:
- Personnel to direct traffic and staff control points
- Signs to control or restrict traffic
- Two-way radios to communicate to personnel within and outside the secured area
- Control point(s)
- Adjacent highway markers indicating closure of area
- Markers on surface roads leading into the secured areas
- An established pass system for entry and exit of secured area(s)
The Virginia Department of Transportation Residency Shop has general responsibility for signing and marking.
The Emergency Services Coordinator and the Deputy Coordinator, in coordination with the Police Dept. and the fire and rescue depts., should delineate area which may need to be evacuated, such as the floodplain and areas within one-half mile of sites with a potential for a hazardous substance incident. Such sites should include industrial plants, highways and railroads upon which hazardous materials are transported, and warehouses or dump sites where such materials are stored or disposed of.
Should an evacuation become necessary, warning and evacuation instructions will be put out via radio and television. Also, the Police Dept. and the fire and rescue depts. Will use mobile loudspeakers to ensure that all the residents in the threatened areas have received the evacuation warning.
The Shenandoah County Public Schools are designated as the primary shelter centers although other schools, churches, or public facilities may also be designated and used as needed. Final selection and coordination of the shelter centers should be made at the time of the emergency.
Evacuees should be advised to take the following items if time and circumstances permit: one change of clothing, special medicines, baby food and supplies (if needed), and sleeping bags or blankets. They will also be advised to secure their homes and turn off utilities before leaving. It is recommended that pets remain at home. The Police Dept. will provide for the security of the evacuated area within the Town of Strasburg. VDOT Residency Shop personnel will assist in controlling access to the evacuated area by erecting traffic barriers at strategic points.