Latest news with #emergencyplan
CBC
4 days ago
- Climate
- CBC
Folk on the Rocks says its emergency plan worked great — despite close call with lightning strike
The festival shut down its Friday night show early last week as a storm rolled in. One participant had a close call with a lightning strike. Teresa Horosko, the festival's executive director, says the emergency plan worked as intended, but she wants to make sure it's updated with a detailed reopening plan in the future.
CNN
08-07-2025
- Health
- CNN
State inspection before floods found Camp Mystic had emergency plan in place
Two days before deadly Central Texas floods killed at least 27 people at Camp Mystic, a state inspector visited the youth camp and certified that it had an emergency plan in place and that its cabins and other buildings were safe, records obtained by CNN show. The inspector with the Texas Department of State Health Services confirmed on July 2 that the Christian camp on the banks of the Guadalupe River had a state-mandated plan 'for emergency shelter and for evacuation' in case of a disaster. In the wake of the devastation at the nearly 100-year-old summer camp, the state inspection report raises new questions about whether that emergency plan was adequate and how closely it was followed. The state health department does not maintain copies of youth camp emergency plans, but they are reviewed during each annual inspection, said Lara Anton, a spokesperson for the agency. Plans for disasters 'would include flooding,' she noted. Leaders at Camp Mystic did not respond to phone calls and an email from CNN about the disaster plan. 'Our hearts are broken alongside our families that are enduring this unimaginable tragedy,' a statement on the camp website read. 'We have been in communication with local and state authorities who are tirelessly deploying extensive resources to search for our missing girls.' Through a public records request, CNN obtained the most recent four years of annual inspections, which were first reported by KSAT. The inspections evaluated Camp Mystic on dozens of different safety and compliance rules on topics from water supply to bunk bed guardrails. Those also included state regulations requiring youth camps to formulate a written emergency plan 'in case of a disaster, serious accident, epidemic, or fatality,' and post it at a camp's office and 'in each permanent and semi-permanent occupied building.' Staff and volunteers must be made aware of the plan during trainings, and campers should be instructed about what to do in the event of a disaster or 'the need to evacuate.' The state inspector who visited Camp Mystic last week reported that it was complying with those requirements, confirming that a written emergency plan had been posted at the camp and staff and volunteers were made aware of it. The inspector also found that none of the camp's buildings or structures presented a safety hazard, all buildings complied with applicable building and safety codes, and all permanent structures were in 'good repair.' The camp passed the inspection with 'no deficiency/violation,' according to the records. The previous annual inspections over the last four years also found that Camp Mystic was following the rules on emergency planning. The camp had been hit with a few violations in recent years related to food preparation and insufficient documentation of experience or training for riflery and equine instructors, the records show. There were 386 campers and 64 staff members staying at the camp's Guadalupe River section, where the worst of the flooding happened, as well as 171 campers and 44 staff at the nearby Cypress Lake section of the camp, according to the July 2 inspection. When the floodwaters hit the camp in the early hours of July 4, counselors and staff helped young campers climb a hill to evacuate to higher ground, according to witness accounts. But waters rose so quickly that some campers and counselors, especially those in cabins on lower ground closest to the river, weren't able to make it out in time. Caroline Cutrona, a Camp Mystic counselor, told CNN that a power outage around 4 a.m. that morning meant that the camp's loudspeaker public address system wasn't working, and that she never received cell phone alerts about the flash flooding because counselors and campers weren't allowed to keep their phones with them. It's unclear whether the camp's emergency plan accounted for the communication breakdowns. Some of the cabins campers were staying in are located in the Guadalupe River's 'regulatory floodways' – the areas that flood first and are most dangerous – according to federal flood maps. Other cabins are located in an area that the federal government has determined has a 1% chance of flooding each year. But the Texas regulations for youth camps don't say anything about flood zones, and the state records don't show the annual inspections of Camp Mystic taking that into account.
CNN
08-07-2025
- Health
- CNN
State inspection before floods found Camp Mystic had emergency plan in place
Two days before deadly Central Texas floods killed at least 27 people at Camp Mystic, a state inspector visited the youth camp and certified that it had an emergency plan in place and that its cabins and other buildings were safe, records obtained by CNN show. The inspector with the Texas Department of State Health Services confirmed on July 2 that the Christian camp on the banks of the Guadalupe River had a state-mandated plan 'for emergency shelter and for evacuation' in case of a disaster. In the wake of the devastation at the nearly 100-year-old summer camp, the state inspection report raises new questions about whether that emergency plan was adequate and how closely it was followed. The state health department does not maintain copies of youth camp emergency plans, but they are reviewed during each annual inspection, said Lara Anton, a spokesperson for the agency. Plans for disasters 'would include flooding,' she noted. Leaders at Camp Mystic did not respond to phone calls and an email from CNN about the disaster plan. 'Our hearts are broken alongside our families that are enduring this unimaginable tragedy,' a statement on the camp website read. 'We have been in communication with local and state authorities who are tirelessly deploying extensive resources to search for our missing girls.' Through a public records request, CNN obtained the most recent four years of annual inspections, which were first reported by KSAT. The inspections evaluated Camp Mystic on dozens of different safety and compliance rules on topics from water supply to bunk bed guardrails. Those also included state regulations requiring youth camps to formulate a written emergency plan 'in case of a disaster, serious accident, epidemic, or fatality,' and post it at a camp's office and 'in each permanent and semi-permanent occupied building.' Staff and volunteers must be made aware of the plan during trainings, and campers should be instructed about what to do in the event of a disaster or 'the need to evacuate.' The state inspector who visited Camp Mystic last week reported that it was complying with those requirements, confirming that a written emergency plan had been posted at the camp and staff and volunteers were made aware of it. The inspector also found that none of the camp's buildings or structures presented a safety hazard, all buildings complied with applicable building and safety codes, and all permanent structures were in 'good repair.' The camp passed the inspection with 'no deficiency/violation,' according to the records. The previous annual inspections over the last four years also found that Camp Mystic was following the rules on emergency planning. The camp had been hit with a few violations in recent years related to food preparation and insufficient documentation of experience or training for riflery and equine instructors, the records show. There were 386 campers and 64 staff members staying at the camp's Guadalupe River section, where the worst of the flooding happened, as well as 171 campers and 44 staff at the nearby Cypress Lake section of the camp, according to the July 2 inspection. When the floodwaters hit the camp in the early hours of July 4, counselors and staff helped young campers climb a hill to evacuate to higher ground, according to witness accounts. But waters rose so quickly that some campers and counselors, especially those in cabins on lower ground closest to the river, weren't able to make it out in time. Caroline Cutrona, a Camp Mystic counselor, told CNN that a power outage around 4 a.m. that morning meant that the camp's loudspeaker public address system wasn't working, and that she never received cell phone alerts about the flash flooding because counselors and campers weren't allowed to keep their phones with them. It's unclear whether the camp's emergency plan accounted for the communication breakdowns. Some of the cabins campers were staying in are located in the Guadalupe River's 'regulatory floodways' – the areas that flood first and are most dangerous – according to federal flood maps. Other cabins are located in an area that the federal government has determined has a 1% chance of flooding each year. But the Texas regulations for youth camps don't say anything about flood zones, and the state records don't show the annual inspections of Camp Mystic taking that into account.
Arabian Business
17-06-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
UAE launches emergency airport plan amid travel disruption
The UAE has activated its emergency business continuity plan to maintain airport operations amid ongoing travel disruption amid regional tensions. The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP) confirmed it has taken all necessary steps to guarantee continuous airport operations across the UAE. This includes close coordination with all operational entities to address the fallout from recent regional and political developments that led to airspace closures in certain countries. UAE emergency airport plan The primary goal is to ensure the safety and smooth movement of passengers without compromising service quality. The ICP clarified that its approved emergency business continuity plan was immediately activated when these events unfolded. This ensures operational flexibility and minimises potential disruptions to travel, especially given the airspace closures by some nations. The plan encompassed precise operational and regulatory procedures, executed in collaboration with strategic partners. To maintain peak readiness and immediate responsiveness, the Authority has bolstered airport field teams with qualified personnel and robust operational capabilities, available 24/7. Furthermore, the ICP is coordinating with all relevant operational bodies to manage the situations of stranded passengers, ensuring they receive vital support such as temporary accommodation, logistical services, and accurate information. The ICP also stated that a streamlined system for passenger entry into UAE airports has been implemented, aligning with current operational needs. Direct guidance is being provided to passengers by support teams, with immediate coordination with airlines in the UAE for flight rescheduling. The Authority commended passengers for their cooperation and understanding during these exceptional regional circumstances. It reiterated its unwavering commitment to undertaking all necessary measures to guarantee the security and safety of all travellers under any conditions or emergencies. This support is rooted in authentic Emirati values, proactive service standards, and comprehensive crisis and emergency management plans, ultimately ensuring the seamless delivery of services for both arriving and departing passengers according to the highest international standards and practices.
CBS News
29-05-2025
- Climate
- CBS News
FPL shares its 2025 hurricane preparedness checklist to help Floridians get ready for the next big storm
With the official start to the Atlantic Hurricane Season just days away, Florida Power & Light is urging all customers to be prepared before the storm hits home. This week, FPL released its annual checklist of important details for Floridians to consider before, during and after a tropical storm or hurricane, saying that "safety is the cornerstone of our commitment to customers and employees." "It is not a matter of if, but when the next hurricane will hit our state, which is why it's important to be proactive in planning for the six-month-long hurricane season," the utility provider said. The consensus among hurricane forecasters is that the Atlantic Ocean, with generally warmer-than-normal water temperatures, is poised for another above-average season. The season will start Sunday and last through Nov. 30. With that in mind, here are FPL's tips on how to get ready before the storm strikes: Create an emergency plan with your family FPL said people should first determine if their home or business is in a flood and evacuation zone, and review their evacuation routes. Also, Floridians should determine their backup power source or make necessary arrangements to relocate themselves if a storm warning is issued. According to FPL, the Division of Emergency Management recommends keeping gas tanks at least half full during hurricane season, and electric vehicles need to maintain a 50%-80% charge at all times. Floridians should also contact their local emergency management office if they or anyone they know has special needs, in case of evacuations. FPL also recommends that Floridians apply for its Medically Essential Service if someone in their home is dependent on electric-powered, life-sustaining medical equipment. Build an emergency kit FPL also recommends that Floridians build an emergency kit for themselves and their families, as major storms could impact access to necessary services. The utility provider recommends that everyone have the following in their kits: Radio Flashlights Batteries Phone charger Power banks Car charger Non-perishable food Disposable dinnerware and utensils Medications and prescriptions Personal hygiene supplies Baby supplies Pet food Trash bags Toilet paper Soap Detergent Also, FPL recommends everyone to collect their important documents and place them inside waterproof containers, such as insurance policies, health cards, birth certificates, Social Security cards, phone number lists, medication lists and a copy of their FPL and other utility bills. Prepare your home Before the storm comes, FPL said people should store outside objects inside, fasten doors and windows, cover valuables and furniture with plastic, and move away from windows. Floridians should also turn off and unplug any unnecessary electrical equipment, including pool equipment. If your roof or windows leak, FPL said water in the walls and ceiling may come into contact with electrical wiring, so people should immediately turn off any circuit breakers, disconnect all electrical appliances and turn off all wall switches. Additionally, FPL said to never stand in water while operating and unplugging any electrical device. FPL said people should also set their refrigerators and freezers to their coldest settings ahead of time to keep food fresh longer in the event of a power outage. The utility provider also said people should never attempt to trim any vegetation growing on or near power lines. For more information on tree trimming policies, visit Additionally, FPL said everyone should look up and note the location of power lines before beginning work on a ladder, and stay at least 10 feet away from them. Stay safe and informed If anyone is using a portable generator, FPL recommends that people read and follow all the manufacturer's instructions before operating. Also, be sure to set it up outside your home, and connect appliances directly to it and do not wire the generator to your breaker or fuse box to prevent power surges and cause injuries. Additionally, FPL said everyone should stay far away from and do not touch downed power lines or flooded and debris-laden areas that may be hiding downed power lines. If you find any, call 911 and 1 (800) 4-OUTAGE (468-8243) to report them. To stay updated on any power outages, bookmark download the FPL app and save 1 (800) 4-OUTAGE in your phone to report and check restoration statuses. FPL added that people should also follow their local news outlets and @insideFPL for updates on storm conditions and heed all warnings. For more tips, visit
