TRAFFIC INCIDENT MANAGEMENT

TRAFFIC INCIDENT MANAGEMENT APWA TIM-NIM 9-09 FINAL 1 The National Traffic Incident Management Coalition and Transportation/Public Works as Emergency Responders Dave Bergner Superintendent, Overland Park, KS Public Works APWA representative to FEMA NIMS Sub-Committee IMSA Representative to National Traffic Incident Management Coalition TRB Maintenance and Operations Personnel Committee APWA International Congress September 14, 2009 Columbus, OH APWA TIM-NIM 9-09 FINAL 2 Traffic Incident Management Overview: The Need for Traffic Incident Management Overview of the NTIMC and the National Unified Goal NIMS and the National Response Framework The Role of Public Works and Transportation Employees in Disasters, Emergency and Planned Events APWA TIM-NIM 9-09 FINAL 3 1

TRAFFIC INCIDENT MANAGEMENT The Need is Critical It s busier and more dangerous than ever APWA TIM-NIM 9-09 FINAL 4 Past and Current Problems Lack of coordination; each discipline tends to operate independently even when from same jurisdiction Confusion and conflict over who is in charge Communication between agencies and jurisdictions difficult; no interoperability of devices No national standards or guidelines for traffic control Responders often place themselves in great danger Secondary accidents often occur Delays and damage cost billions each year APWA TIM-NIM 9-09 FINAL 5 What Is a Traffic Incident? Any unplanned event or occurrence that disrupts, hinders or otherwise interferes with the normal flow of traffic and that usually requires response from public and private sources to mitigate. Duration is usually short-term (30-90 minutes) but major incidents can last several hours or longer. The typical causes are: Vehicle accidents Vehicle breakdowns and fires Non-accident related medical emergencies Debris or animals in roadway Flooding on roadway; heavy smoke or dust across roadway Pavement damage Bridge, overpass or tunnel failures Law enforcement activities APWA TIM-NIM 9-09 FINAL 6 2

Levels of Incidents per MUTCD Chapter 6-I, Control of Traffic Through Traffic Incident Management Areas, defines traffic incidents: minor----------- up to 30 minutes duration intermediate--- 30 minutes to 2 hours major------------ 2-24 hours (if the duration exceeds 24 hours than other chapters of Part 6 apply) Different and variable factors influence these determinations An incident can change level depending upon a particular discipline s involvement APWA TIM-NIM 9-09 FINAL 7 From 6-I of the MUTCD The primary functions of TTC at a traffic incident site are: to move road users reasonably safely and expeditiously past or around the traffic incident to reduce the likelihood of secondary traffic crashes to preclude unnecessary use of the surrounding local road system On-scene responders should be trained in safe practices Responders should always be aware of their visibility APWA TIM-NIM 9-09 FINAL 8 What is the NTIMC? Originated with the FHWA in 2003 as a forum where national organizations concerned with traffic incident response work together to promote multi-disciplinary, multi-jurisdictional Traffic Incident Management (TIM) programs. Membership from Law Enforcement, Fire and Rescue, Emergency Medical Services, Transportation, Towing, Trucking,, Emergency Management, Emergency Communications and others APWA TIM-NIM 9-09 FINAL 9 3

SOME NTIMC MEMBER ORGANIZATIONS Federal Highway Administration United States Fire Administration Emergency Responder Safety Institute American Association of State Transportation Officials American Trucking Association National Association of State Emergency Medical Services Officers Cumberland Valley Volunteer Fire Firefighters Association I-95 Corridor Coalition American Traffic Safety Services Association Institute of Traffic Engineers Intelligent Transportation Society of America International Municipal Signal Association Towing and Recovery Association of America National Emergency Number Association APWA TIM-NIM 9-09 FINAL 10 The National Unified Goal For Traffic Incident Management Developed by the NTIMC: Responder Safety Safe, Quick Clearance Prompt, p, Reliable, Interoperable Communications APWA TIM-NIM 9-09 FINAL 11 Achieving the National Unified Goal NTIMC will achieve the three major objectives of the National Unified Goal by implementing 18 strategies. 6 NUG Strategies are cross-cutting: 1. TIM Partnerships and Programs 2. Multidisciplinary NIMS and TIM Training 3. Goals for Performance and Progress 4. TIM Technology 5. Effective TIM Policies 6. Awareness and Education Partnerships APWA TIM-NIM 9-09 FINAL 12 4

Training NTIMC will develop recommendations for multidisciplinary training for traffic incident responders. Public Works/ Transportation employees very experienced with Work Zone Traffic Control; most other incident responders lack this knowledge. APWA TIM-NIM 9-09 FINAL 13 Multi-Disciplinary Core Competencies SCENE ARRIVAL ensure scene safety and efficient scene management. COMMAND responders function within a chain of command that supports the missions of all. Unified Command principles may be required. ONGOING SCENE SAFETY responders know how to correct unsafe conditions per MUTCD 6-I at an incident scene APWA TIM-NIM 9-09 FINAL 14 PW/ Transportation Operations- Specific Core Competencies Size up situation Traffic control Coordinate with TMC and police regarding g closures Coordinate with traffic information providers. Assist with vehicle and debris removal. Assist in quick clean-up of minor spills. Motorist assistance. APWA TIM-NIM 9-09 FINAL 15 5

Traffic Incident Responder Training Managing Traffic Incidents and Roadway Emergencies National Highway Institute for mid-level management and supervisory personnel from law enforcement, fire and rescue, emergency communications, transportation, towing and Other responders APWA TIM-NIM 9-09 FINAL 16 National Highway Institute Certificate The Certificate of Accomplishment in Incident Management features the following three NHI courses: FHWA-NHI-133048A Managing Traffic Incident and Roadway Emergencies (2 day) FHWA-NHI-133099 Managing Travel for Planned Special Events (2 day) FHWA-NHI-133101 Using the Incident Command System (ICS) at Highway Incidents (2 day) APWA TIM-NIM 9-09 FINAL 17 Practices Recommended by USFA layout of emergency vehicles and cones and signs for road incident (right) Fire Service Traffic Control Volunteers USFA and Cumberland Valley Volunteer Firemen's Association's (CVVFA) Emergency Responder Safety Institute APWA TIM-NIM 9-09 FINAL 18 6

Public Works/ Transportation Needed Police and Fire now required to provide better traffic control at incident scenes; may lack adequate resources for complete lane closures, detours PW/ DOT agencies have the equipment, vehicles and trained personnel to assist/augment A dump truck with a crash attenuator is a better barrier than a fire truck or police car! APWA TIM-NIM 9-09 FINAL 19 Major Incident Response Teams Comprised of high-ranking individuals from various disciplines (e.g., law enforcement, fire and rescue, transportation) NIMS enables responders at all levels from various agencies and jurisdictions to work together more effectively and efficiently. NIMS promotes proven incident management practices, standardized personnel training and certification, communications interoperability, ongoing performance evaluation, and more to enhance overall TIM operations. (From FHWA Best Practices in Traffic Incident Management ) APWA TIM-NIM 9-09 FINAL 20 Growing Recognition of Transportation Agencies in Incident Response Public safety agencies have principal incident command authority for incident response and emergency management procedures, on highways. Their priorities are on law enforcement, life safety, and property protection but there is an increased public safety understanding of the DOT role. AASHTO GUIDE FOR EMERGENCY TRANSPORTATION OPERATIONS Executive Guide: Institutions and Leadership (PROJECT 20-59(11), NCHRP) APWA TIM-NIM 9-09 FINAL 21 7

Traffic Management Centers Will have a more prominent role in traffic incident management As new technologies emerge, transportation-based emergency management systems add strong competencies in remote electronic monitoring systems, integrated communications systems, and coordinated quick-response systems. ITSAmerica Transportation Safety Advisory Group APWA TIM-NIM 9-09 FINAL 22 Domestic Emergency Preparedness When we work side-by-side every day to manage the routine incidents, we build the relationships and cooperative policies and procedures we need to manage the major incidents. APWA TIM-NIM 9-09 FINAL 23 What Has NTIMC Accomplished? High-visibility safety vest SLO-MO Laws Quick Clearance Laws TIM Community of Practice website Public Awareness Better communication among responders Interoperability issues Supporting training initiatives APWA TIM-NIM 9-09 FINAL 24 8

What Is NTIMC s Current Focus? Several Working Groups Communications and Training Practices and Procedures Research Needs Established the NTIMC Foundation for raising and disbursing grants Created the TIM Network of outside experts to assist with the Working Groups Collaborating on several TRB SHRP II and NCHRP programs APWA TIM-NIM 9-09 FINAL 25 NTIMC Web Site FOR MORE INFORMATION timcoalition.org Traffic Incident Management Community of Practice timexchange.org FHWA, Emergency Transportations Operations NHI ( National Highway Institute) ops.fhwa.dot.gov/eto_tim nhi.fhwa.dot.gov Emergency Responder Safety Institute IMSA respondersafety.com imsasafety.org APWA TIM-NIM 9-09 FINAL 26 Public Works Role In Emergency Response ANew Perspective APWA TIM-NIM 9-09 FINAL 27 9

Incidents Involving Public Works/ DOTs Typical major natural incidents, vary by locale: Flooding Tornadoes, hurricanes, windstorms Snow and ice storms, avalanches Wildfires Landslides, mudslides, cave-ins Earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic Extreme droughts, heat waves APWA TIM-NIM 9-09 FINAL 28 Public Works Incident Involvement Possible constructed-world incidents: Water, gas, oil pipeline ruptures electrical system black-outs Industrial fires, explosions Haz-mat spills/ leaks Transportation-system accidents (auto, rail, aviation, marine) Large structural failures (bridges, tunnels, towers, dams, buildings) APWA TIM-NIM 9-09 FINAL 29 Public Works Involvement Human events: Large planned special events (sports, entertainment, conventions, political demonstrations) Civil disturbances and major crimes Hostile acts (terrorism and war) Pandemics Swine and Avian Flu APWA TIM-NIM 9-09 FINAL 30 10

Traditional Role and Involvement of Public Works/Transportation Agencies Reactionary Usually little advance planning and preparation Respond after Police and Fire call Communication, command and control not coordinated d when involved with other departments/ agencies Lack of definition and direction Often independent, singular problems and actions. APWA TIM-NIM 9-09 FINAL 31 Our New Role and Perspective Proactive Public Works/ Transportation Now Considered as First Responders with Law Enforcement, Fire/Rescue: Participation; a seat at the table with Police, Fire Planning; develop policies, procedures, protocols Personnel; relevant training, drills; review staffing and classifications Preparation; pre-staging of equipment, materials, tools Partnerships; mutual aid agreements with other agencies, private firms APWA TIM-NIM 9-09 FINAL 32 APWA Position on Emergency Management the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recognized four first responder disciplines to any emergency: law enforcement, emergency medical services, the fire service, and public works. Homeland Security Presidential Directive 8 has again recognized public works as a first responder. APWA TIM-NIM 9-09 FINAL 33 11

What Public Works and Transportation Departments Can and May Handle Incident site; immediate Traffic control First-aid Fire suppression Rescue Evacuation Site Security / Control Material Containment Debris clearance/ removal Fatality removal General area; extended duration Detours Evacuation routes Perimeter security/ access Restoration of services Aid/ relief stations Transport supplies/ equipment Damage assessment/ repair Animal control Decontamination Shelters APWA TIM-NIM 9-09 FINAL 34 What to Anticipate Look at your community s history: What has occurred How was it handled What is likely to occur What would be role of your agency What would be needed to handle What are the resource gaps APWA TIM-NIM 9-09 FINAL 35 Each Public Works Agency Unique Varies by size and scope; comprised of different elements, responsibilities: streets, roads, highways Bridges, tunnels Storm-water drainage and detention Dams, levees, canals Traffic signs and signals; street lights Water and wastewater systems Solid waste collection and landfills Parks and recreation Street trees and right-of-way landscaping Public buildings Fleet maintenance ( including police, fire and ambulance vehicles) Mass transit Airports, marinas Electricity and natural gas distribution APWA TIM-NIM 9-09 FINAL 36 12

Public Works Takes Charge Each jurisdiction typically has different departments, agencies: Public Works Parks Water and Wastewater Fleet and Facilities Utilities PW may lead, include, coordinate the response of the others PW has long-term relationships with contractors for assistance PW has mutual-aid agreements with other jurisdictions APWA TIM-NIM 9-09 FINAL 37 Emergency Management Planning The Four Essential Elements of a Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan: Prevention eeto Preparedness Response Recovery APWA TIM-NIM 9-09 FINAL 38 Elements of Emergency Management Prevention/Mitigation Inventory of assets Assessment of strengths, weaknesses Enhancements and improvements APWA TIM-NIM 9-09 FINAL 39 13

Elements of Emergency Management Preparedness planning (typical and worst-case) Training Equippingq g logistical support (mutual aid, contractors) Staging Drilling Contingencies Continuity APWA TIM-NIM 9-09 FINAL 40 FEMA Preparedness Defined "a continuous cycle of planning, organizing, training, equipping, exercising, evaluating, and taking corrective action in an effort to ensure effective coordination during incident response." This is one element to prevent, respond to, recover from, and mitigate against natural disasters, acts of terrorism, and other man-made disasters. APWA TIM-NIM 9-09 FINAL 41 FEMA Comprehensive Preparedness Guides CPG 101 provides general guidelines on developing Emergency Operations Plans (EOPs). It promotes a common understanding di of the fundamentals of planning and decision making to help emergency planners examine a hazard and produce integrated, coordinated, and synchronized plans. APWA TIM-NIM 9-09 FINAL 42 14

Response Elements of Emergency Management Primary initial actions such as site safety and security, rescue, first-aid, fire suppression, traffic control Secondary- removal of victims, clearance of damaged d vehicles and debris, additional traffic control measures for extended periods, aid investigations Recovery Short-term (removal, restoration) Long-term (repair, rebuild) APWA TIM-NIM 9-09 FINAL 43 National Response Framework establishes a comprehensive, national, all-hazards approach to domestic incident response. describes how communities, States, the Federal Government and private-sector and nongovernmental partners apply these principles for a coordinated, effective national response. describes special circumstances where the Federal Government exercises a larger role. APWA TIM-NIM 9-09 FINAL 44 National Response Framework-Preparedness preparedness is critical for successful response. focus on the following activities: planning organizing training equipping exercising applying lessons learned APWA TIM-NIM 9-09 FINAL 45 15

National Response Framework The NRF is built on the following five principles: Engaged partnerships Tiered response Scalable, flexible and adaptable operational capabilities Unity of effort through unified command Readiness to act APWA TIM-NIM 9-09 FINAL 46 National Response Framework Emergency Support Function (ESF) #1 Transportation Provides support to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) by assisting Federal, State, tribal, and local governmental entities, voluntary organizations, nongovernmental organizations, and the private sector in the management of transportation systems and infrastructure during domestic threats or in response to incidents. Participates in prevention, preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation activities ensuring the safety and security of the national transportation system APWA TIM-NIM 9-09 FINAL 47 National Response Framework Emergency Support Function (ESF) #3 Public Works Provides public works and engineering support for domestic incident management to include: preparedness response se recovery actions State, Tribal, and Local Governments - responsible for their own public works and infrastructures have the primary responsibility for mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery. are fully and consistently integrated into ESF #3 activities. APWA TIM-NIM 9-09 FINAL 48 16

NIMS Components Built on the Incident Command System (ICS), NIMS creates a proactive system to assist those responding to incidents or planned events. NIMS focuses on five key components: Preparedness Communications and Information Management Resource Management Command and Management Ongoing Management and Maintenance APWA TIM-NIM 9-09 FINAL 49 Key Benefits of NIMS Enhances organizational and technological interoperability and cooperation Provides a scalable and flexible framework with universal applicability Promotes all-hazards preparedness Enables a wide variety of organizations to participate effectively in emergency management/incident response Institutionalizes professional emergency management/incident response practices APWA TIM-NIM 9-09 FINAL 50 What You Can Do Now Develop or update an Emergency Operations Plan Make training and preparation a priority, NIMS mandatory** Collaborate with other departments and agencies Include in budgets as a standard, recurring expense ** FHWA Simplified Guide to the Incident Command Structure for Transportation Professionals www.ops.fhwa.dot.gov/publications/ics guide APWA TIM-NIM 9-09 FINAL 51 17

What Overland Park PW has Done handled major wind and ice storms responded to aid calls in Kansas following tornadoes and flooding assisted with tornadoes in Kansas City area ramped-up to deploy to Gulf following Katrina Six week deployment to Greensburg, KS F-5 tornado Built Incident Response Unit trailer Established RED (Rapid Emergency Deployment) team APWA TIM-NIM 9-09 FINAL 52 APWA guidance on the development of publications pertinent to the field of emergency management APWA TIM-NIM 9-09 FINAL 53 Summary Traffic Incident Management is critical for improving safety of responders and motorists and for reducing excessive delays The National Traffic Incident Management Coalition promotes better training i of responders, education of the public, enhanced communications and new laws Responders use NIMS for effective coordination, control. The same protocols used by various disciplines for TIM are essential to other disasters and emergencies APWA TIM-NIM 9-09 FINAL 54 18

Summary Transportation/ Traffic and Public Works employees are considered first responders for all types of disasters as well as traffic incidents Usually in support of uniformed primary responders Have unique resources, skills and capabilities May become Incident Command for certain situations Training, equipping and planning for all likely events are vital Personnel should be versatile, flexible APWA TIM-NIM 9-09 FINAL 55 For More Information FEMA NIMS APWA Dave Bergner fema.gov fema.gov/emergency/ nims/nimstrainingcourses apwa.net dbergner@opkansas.org APWA TIM-NIM 9-09 FINAL 56 You re Ready To Roll! APWA TIM-NIM 9-09 FINAL 57 19

Postscript: Transportation Operations From Transportation Safety Advisory Group ( TSAG): Transportation operators have emerged as strong partners for incident prevention, preparedness, response, and management strategies. Applications supporting day-to-day operations, scheduled maintenance, planned events, incident response, and management can improve capacity and safety. Local and regional transportation operations and incident management programs are recognized and integrated with other transportation operators APWA TIM-NIM 9-09 FINAL 58 20