Tornadoes

The Purpose of Partnership

Our Mission

The mission of Jefferson County Project Impact is to reduce the human and economic costs of natural disasters to the communities of Jefferson County, West Virginia. The infrastructure, businesses, and neighborhoods of this county, have the potential threat of fires, floods, high winds, winter storms, tornados, hazardous materials spills and/or terrorism.

To respond to these threats, the leaders in local government and the private sector have established a voluntary public-private partnership to work to reduce the vulnerability of the entire community to the risks of natural and technological hazards. Jefferson County has committed to work within the framework provided by "Project Impact" and Disaster Resistant Communities Program of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) by implementing locally planned and coordinated programs and projects.

The potential for future hazardous events in the county has been clearly demonstrated by past disasters in the county and the events of 9-11-2001. While Jefferson County has already made significant progress in reducing many of the risks, but continuing and expanded efforts and an extensive public awareness program are needed to make the County resistant to future hazard events. Working within the "Project Impact" framework, the county intends to reduce the health, safety, economic, and environmental costs of natural and technological disasters through a comprehensive, coordinated mitigation program that will address the needs of both the public and private sector.

Known Disaster Risks:

Hazardous Materials/Transportation Issues: There are 47 SARA Title III regulated sites within Jefferson County, as identified by the Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC). Additionally, two major railroads travel through the County. These include CSX and Norfolk Southern, MARC and AMTRAC passenger trains. US Route 340 runs through the County and connects Interstates 70, 270, 81 and 66. High volume truck traffic takes these routes. A Hazard Analysis of the Hazardous Materials that travel through the county is scheduled to be completed by the Summer, 2002.

Fires: Single-family dwelling fire is one of the most common disasters in Jefferson County.

Flooding: Jefferson County has two major rivers: the Potomac and the Shenandoah. Major flooding occurred in 1877, 1889, 1896, 1897, 1902, 1924, 1936, 1937, 1942, 1972, 1985 and 2 times in 1996. The 1972, 1985 and 1996 floods were declared disasters for federal assistance.

Winter Storms: The County has experienced major snow storms in 1966, 1993 and 1996.

Terrorism: The events of 9-11-2001 have proven the need for protection from possible terrorist attacks.

Our Goals

The long-term goal of Jefferson County Project Impact is to achieve a fully disaster-resistant community in which:

· The human and economic costs of disasters are minimized,

· There is limited interruption of public services

· The economic vitality of the community is not threatened by disasters,

· The Community can return to pre-disaster conditions in a timely, orderly manner

· The existing high quality of the environment resources enjoyed by the citizens and; visitors of Jefferson County will not be degraded by disasters' impacts.

To achieve these objectives, Jefferson County Project Impact is in the process of formulating a detailed strategy to identify initiatives, and planning the priority and schedule for their implementation. This will reduce the vulnerability of the community in the pre-disaster time frame, and promote more disaster-resistant reconstruction in impacted areas following a disaster.

Benefits of Becoming a Partner

“Making the Effort to Make a Difference”

· Contributing as a Partner can generate excellent public relations for your company as a responsible and caring member of the community.

· The people, businesses and organizations together can make real difference to protect lives and property in Jefferson County.

· You have the opportunity to help to protect your most valued assets—your family, your customers and your employees by educating them on how to protect themselves.

· By creating a disaster resistant community we are reducing the possibilities of death, reducing risks to our emergency responders and rescue workers, reducing the hazards and risks of homes and personal property, and reducing the hazard and risks to our businesses, industries and economy.

What Kinds of Things Can I Do to Help?

This depends upon the kind of business that you are in and/or your level of expertise. Below is a list of some of the things that businesses around the country have provided to their Project Impact Partnership. Hopefully, these ideas will inspire you to assess what you can bring to the mix, and to come up with other ideas of your own to contribute!

· Contribute your Time to serve on local Project Impact Committees.

· Contribute Financially to the Initiative.

· Contribute your expertise to consult with the committees and work groups.

· Supply Building Materials at a free or reduced rate to families who are retrofitting their homes or to other businesses that are making an effort to reduce hazards.

· Offer a reduction in loans to families and businesses who are retrofitting.

· Donate graphic design work or printing to Project Impact or offer at your cost.

· Complete a Risk Assessment and Vulnerability Assessment of your Home and Business.

· Provide Media Coverage to Project Impact Events and Meetings.

· Provide Education to Students and Local Residents in your area of expertise.

· Volunteer to teach the FEMA for Kids Program to your youth group, church group, volunteer group, scout troops, etc.

· Donate Meeting Space for Project Impact Committee meetings.

· Donate items that make up a “Family Disaster Supply Kit”.

· Educate your employees on steps they can take to reduce damage and loss from natural disasters.

· Encourage elected officials to:

§ To remain members in good standing with the National Flood Insurance Program and the Community Rating System.

§ To continue to adopt and enforce building codes that will protect lives and property from future damages.

· Assist with mapping efforts.

· Promote the efforts of Jefferson County Project Impact! Tell your associates about Project Impact and its goals….Spread the Word!!

· Be Innovative and Share your Vision.

Project Impact was founded on the principle that local communities can solve their own problems. It will be through the creativity of our partners in business, individuals, organizations and all levels of government that we will make the sustainable and meaningful changes in our community that will protect us from future hazardous events. The preceding list is simply an example of what partners can do to become involved in the initiative. Accept the challenge to be innovative and develop your own company and personal strategy to make our County more disaster resistant.