Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan: 18. Risk Assessment

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Chapter IS:Risk Assessment • Assist with warning and evacuation of department personnel and the public. • Monitoring, communication, coordination • Provide the required liaison in the Civil Defense EOC with appropriate "round-the- clock" shifts. • Assist in damage control. Transmit vital information and requests to the Civil Defense EOC by timely spot and sit- uation reports;keep field teams informed. • Initiate and maintain interagency communication, coordination and cooperation with all Public Works engineering centers,base yards and work teams to facilitate operations. • Conduct radiological and other hazardous material monitoring and response as required ensuring the safety of the work crews. • Post-disaster • Prepare mass burial sites in coordination with the District Health Officer. • Assess disaster-related damage and operational requirements; report estimates to Hawaii Civil Defense EOC. • Assume other responsibilities as may be required by the situation or directed by compe- tent authority. The Department of Public Works has eight base yards which serve as their operational, storage and maintenance centers (see Figure 18-3). These base yards are situated in Kurtistown, Hilo, Honokaa, Waimea, Hawi, Honalo, Captain Cook and Waiohinu. None of these base yards are situated in areas highly susceptible to natural hazards. 18.1.6 Hospitals There are five hospitals on the island with emergency medical and intensive care facilities (see Figure 18-3). Because of the expansiveness of this island, it is important and fortunate that the State hospital system is able to subsidize the hospitals in the outlying rural districts. A 1993 study evaluated the seismic risk of hospitals.89 The study found that non-structural hazards at all the hospitals were severe. Typical non-structural hazards include: poorly se- cured emergency power generators; unsecured hot water heaters, boilers, and piping that jeopardize sterilization, kitchen, and laundry services; and unsecured laboratory equipment, medical supply cabinets, pharmaceuticals, toxic chemicals, patient records, x-ray equipment, hung ceilings, corridor lighting, sprinkler lines, and propane tanks. The study conducted a detailed structural evaluation only of the Kona Hospital. Similar evaluations should be done of all hospitals. The findings of the Kona Hospital indicate the level of concern and urgency to ensure that these essential facilities are able to remain functional after a major earthquake. 89 Wiss,Janney,Elstner Associates,Tnc.,June 1993. Potential Seismic Hazards and Emergency Response Pre- paredness of Essential Fire Stations and Hospitals in the County of Hawaii. Prepared for the State of Hawaii Office of Civil Defense and the Hawaii State Earthquake Advisory Board. 18-11 Hawaii County Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan