2011 Wakefield Hazard Mitigation Plan

Town of Wakefield, New Hampshire

Multi- Hazard Mitigation Plan

Prepared by Town of Wakefield, New Hampshire Multi-Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee

in cooperation with Strafford Regional Planning Commission

Adopted by the Wakefield Board of Selectmen January 26, 2011

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Town of Wakefield

MULTI-H AZARD MITIGATION PLAN

Adopted January 26, 2011

Town of Wakefield 2 High Street Sanbornville, NH 03872 (603) 522-6205 http://www.wakefieldnh.com/

Strafford Regional Planning Commission 150 Wakefield Street, Suite 12 Rochester, NH 03867 http://www.strafford.org/

NH Department of Safety Division of Homeland Security & Emergency Management 33 Hazen Drive Concord, NH 03305 (800) 852-3792 http://www.nh.gov/safety/divisions/hsem/index.html

Federal Emergency Management Agency, Region I 99 High Street, 6th Floor Boston, Massachusetts 02110 (617) 223-9540 www.fema.gov

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TABLE OF CONTENTS Certificate of Adoption .....................................................................................................3 Table of Contents........................................................................................................................4 Tables .........................................................................................................................................5 Acknowledgements .....................................................................................................................6 Introduction................................................................................................................................7 Chapter 1. Planning Process .....................................................................................................11 Documentation of the Planning Process ................................................................................ 11 Chapter 2. Risk Assessment ......................................................................................................13 Identifying Hazards ............................................................................................................. 13 Profiling Hazards ................................................................................................................ 14 Assessing Vulnerability: Overview ....................................................................................... 22 Assessing Vulnerability: Addressing Repetitive Loss Properties ............................................. 27 Assessing Vulnerability: Identifying Structures ..................................................................... 27 Assessing Vulnerability: Estimating Potential Losses............................................................. 27 Assessing Vulnerability: Analyzing Development Trends ...................................................... 28 Chapter 3. Mitigation Strategy .................................................................................................29 Local Multi-Hazard Mitigation Goals ................................................................................... 29 Existing Hazard Mitigation programs in Wakefield ............................................................... 30 Identification and Analysis of Mitigation Actions .................................................................. 32 Implementation of Mitigation Actions .................................................................................. 33 Implementation of National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) ................................................ 37 Implementation of Mitigation Actions .................................................................................. 38 Chapter 4. Plan Maintenance Process.......................................................................................39 Annual Monitoring, Evaluating, and Updating the Plan.......................................................... 39 Continued Public Involvement ............................................................................................. 39 Implementing Strategy for Priority Mitigation Actions........................................................... 39 Incorporating into Existing Planning Mechanisms ................................................................. 40 Ongoing Plan Five Year Maintenance Process....................................................................... 40 Resources Used in the Preparation of This Plan........................................................................41 Maps of Hazards and Critical Facilities ....................................................................................42

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TABLES Table 1. Wakefield NH, Multi-Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee ........................................................9 Table 2. Wakefield, NH Hazard Assessment............................................................................................. 13 Table 3. Presidentially Declared Disasters & Emergency Declarations in Carroll County: 1982-2009........... 14 Table 4. Past Hazard Event Tables ........................................................................................................... 15 Table 5. 2009 Inventory of Wakefield, NH Critical Facilities..................................................................... 23 Table 6. Completed/In Process Hazard Mitigation Actions ........................................................................ 27 Table 7. 2005 Identified Mitigation Actions ............................................................................................. 32 Table 8. Progress Report on 2005 Mitigation Actions................................................................................ 33 Table 9. 2005 Hazard Mitigation Plan Actions.......................................................................................... 35 Table 10. 2010 Hazard Mitigation Plan Actions ........................................................................................ 36 Table 11. Wakefield, NH NFIP Data........................................................................................................ 37

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Town of Wakefield Multi-Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee

Name Robin Frost Ken Fifield Harriet Wilson Denis Mercer Kathy Menici Patricia Brackett Dave Schweitzer Dan Davis Todd Nason

Title/Affiliation Town Administrator Police Chief, Emergency Management Director Paul School Representative Police Officer – Town of Wakefield Town Planner Fire Department/EMS Administrator IBM - Retiree Road Agent Fire Department

Many thanks for all the hard work and effort from each and every one of you. This plan would not exist without your knowledge and experience. Thank you!

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INTRODUCTION Town Overview The Town of Wakefield is located in the southeastern portion of Carroll County, approximately 22 miles north of Rochester and 30 miles northwest of Concord. It is bordered by Ossipee to the north, Wolfeboro to the northwest, Effingham to the northeast, Parsonfield, Maine to the northeast, Newfield, Maine to the east, Milton to the south, Acton, Maine to the southeast, Middleton to the southwest, and Brookfield to the west. Wakefield contains 39.5 square miles of land area and 5.3 square miles of inland water area. Per the 2007 population estimate for the state of New Hampshire, the Town has a population of 4,836 residents with a population density of 122.4 persons per square mile of land area. 1 There is significant seasonal variability in the population. The seasonal camps located around and near the lakes are not counted in the Census population. However, these residences are full during the summer with owners and their guests, and also are occupied during fall and winter activities. Many of the owners, renters and their guests are unaware of their street address or location making policing and fire safety challenging.

The climate of Wakefield is moderate and is characterized by the even distribution of an average of approximately 40 inches of precipitation during the year. Wakefield experiences large temperature ranges both on a daily and an annual basis and a considerable variety of weather in short periods of time. The topography of Wakefield ranges from gently rolling terrain in the valleys to steep, hilly terrain in several upland areas. The land area of Wakefield consists mainly of well-drained, glacial, stratified drift in the valleys and glacial till and bedrock in the uplands.

The Salmon Falls River is the principal stream in Wakefield. The principal bodies of water are: Great East Lake, Province Lake, Belleau Lake, Lovell Lake, Pine River Pond, Ivanhoe Pond, Sandy Pond, Horn Pond, Balch Lake and Union Meadows. Continued development in these areas is expected and pressures leading to floodplain use will accompany such development as well as stormwater management and sedimentation and erosion control issues.

Floods in Wakefield have occurred in every season of the year. Spring floods are common and are caused by rainfall in combination with snowmelt. Floods in late summer and fall are usually the result of above normal precipitation. Winter floods result from occasional thaws, particularly in years of heavy snow cover.

Every major lake listed earlier has a dam. There is a 10-foot high earthfill dam with a steel and concrete spillway at the outlet of Stump Pond (referred to as Balch Pond in the Flood Insurance Study for Newfield, Maine). If adequately maintained, the dam provides safe passage of flood flows.

Union dam has been reclassified as a High Hazard due to capacity constraints. Lovell Lake dam is close to a population center and reaches capacity quickly in flood events.

Major floods of this century in Wakefield have occurred in March 1913, November 1927, March 1936, September 1928, July 1973, April 2006, and May 2007. The last two floods were 100-year events in successive years.

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Office of Energy and Planning, State Data Center: 2008 Population Estimates for Carroll County

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A three-member Board of Selectmen governs the Town of Wakefield. The Town maintains a full time Town Administrator, Police Department, Emergency Medical Service, Highway Department, Town Planner, and Sewer Department. The Town’s Water Department is a separate precinct and is not under Town management. The full-time Building Inspector serves as the Town’s Health Officer and Code Enforcement Officer. The Town has a full-time, volunteer Fire Chief, 4 paid EMT/fire fighters, and 34 volunteer/call firefighters. Huggins Hospital, located 14 miles away in Wolfeboro, is the closest hospital. White Mountain, operated by Frisbee Medical Center, is a walk-in care facility in town. The Wakefield Fire Department participates in the statewide mutual aid program.

Background In 2000 the Disaster Mitigation Act (DMA) was enacted requiring states and municipalities to have local hazard mitigation plans in place in order to be eligible for disaster funding. The disaster funding comes from a number of sources including: Pre-Disaster Mitigation Program (PDM), Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP), Flood Mitigation Assistance Program (FMAP), and Mitigation Assistance Program (MAP). New Hampshire is awarded funds based upon the completeness of its State Plan and upon the number of local plans in place.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has created state; municipal and tribal guidelines for plan creation. FEMA regulations were created under Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Title 44, Part 201. Wakefield used the document, Local Multi-Hazard Mitigation Planning Guidance to prepare the 2003 Plan. The purpose of this particular document is to provide guidance to local governments to meet the requirements of 44 CFR Part 201.6; Local Mitigation Plans.

On October 31, 2007 FEMA published amendments to the Title 44 CFR Part 201 at 72 Fed. l Reg. 61720 incorporating mitigation planning requirements. The amendments impacted 44 CFR §201.6, Local Mitigation Plans, as follows: • • • •

Combined the Local Mitigation Plan requirement for all hazard mitigation assistance Programs under 44 CFR §201.6 include the Flood Mitigation Assistance Program, Hazard Mitigation Grant Program Pre-Disaster Mitigation, and Severe Repetitive Loss programs, thus eliminating duplicative mitigation plan regulations Incorporated the requirement for communities with National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) insured properties that have been repetitively damaged from floods to address such properties in their risk assessment and mitigation strategy.

Incorporated the requirement for communities that participate in the NFIP to include a strategy for continued compliance with the NFIP.

As a result of the 2000 Disaster Mitigation Act, funding is provided to state offices of emergency management to produce local hazard mitigation plans. The NH Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management has provided funding to the nine regional planning commissions in New Hampshire to work with municipalities in their respective regions to produce hazard mitigation plans.

The Strafford Regional Planning Commission approached the Town of Wakefield, and both parties agreed jointly in 2009 to update the All Hazard Mitigation Plan to meet federal requirements for a Multi-Hazard Plan. Fully federally funded, there is no cost to the Town other than in-kind match to produce the Plan and any updates.

Purpose The Federal Emergency Management Agency has defined hazard mitigation as: any sustained action taken to reduce or eliminate long-term risk to people and property from natural and man-made hazards and their effects. The Wakefield Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan is intended to be a strategic planning tool to provide information in the event of a natural disaster; to raise awareness of the vulnerability of facilities and structures in Wakefield to such disasters; and, most importantly, to implement actions to mitigate potential damages from future disasters. It is designed for use by the Town, as well as by other municipalities, state and federal agencies and academic institutions in their cooperative and continuous efforts to reduce the effects from natural and man-made hazards.

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Authority This Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan was prepared in accordance with the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 (DMA), Section 322, Mitigation Planning. Accordingly, this Hazard Mitigation Plan will be referred to as the “Plan”.

Funding Source This 2010 update of the Wakefield Plan is funded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency through a contract with Strafford Regional Planning Commission (SRPC), and is a collaborative planning process with the Town of Wakefield. Local match is being provided by in-kind services from Town of Wakefield and local match from SRPC member communities.

Scope of the Plan The scope of this Plan includes the identification of potential natural hazards affecting the Town, as identified by the Multi-Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee; the analysis of risk with respect to those hazards; identification of goals for multi-hazard mitigation; and establishment of constructive mitigation actions to achieve the desired goals. The hazards were reviewed under the following categories as outlined in the State of New Hampshire’s Hazard Mitigation Plan: I. II. III. IV.

Flood, Drought, Extreme Heat and Wildfire Geological Hazards (Earthquake, Landslide, Subsidence, Tsunami, Volcanism, Geomagnetism and Radon) Severe Wind (Tornado, Hurricane, Thunderstorm, Downburst, and Lightning) Winter Weather (Snow, Ice Storm, Extreme Cold)

In addition, the Committee discussed issues related to man-made hazards.

Committee Members Committee Members consisted of a cross-section of Town officials and representatives. Police Chief and Emergency Management Director Ken Fifield as Committee Chairman led the effort.

Table 1. Wakefield NH, Multi-Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee Name Robin Frost Ken Fifield Jan Stanley Denis Mercer Kathy Menici Patricia Brackett Dave Schweitzer Dan Davis Todd Nason

Title/Affiliation Town Administrator Police Chief, Emergency Management Director Paul School Representative Police Officer – Town of Wakefield Town Planner Fire Department/EMS Administrator IBM - Retiree Road Agent Fire Department

Goals The Town of Wakefield’s overall goals with respect to Hazard Mitigation are as follows: 1.

Improve the protection of the general population, citizens of Wakefield and guests, from natural and man-made hazards.

2.

Reduce the potential impact of natural and man-made disasters on Wakefield’s:  Emergency response capability  Critical facilities 9

    

Infrastructure Private property Economy Natural environment.

Historic treasures

3.

Improve Wakefield’s: a. Emergency preparedness and communication network. b. Disaster response and recovery capability.

4.

Identify, introduce and implement cost effective Hazard Mitigation measures so as to accomplish Wakefield’s Goals and Objectives.

5.

Work in cooperation with federal and state Hazard Mitigation goals.

Adoption The Wakefield Multi-Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee members reviewed and edited the plan during its revision. After acceptance by the Committee members, the plan was submitted to the New Hampshire Office of Emergency Management and to the Federal Emergency Management Agency Region 1 for formal approval. At a public meeting, after a publicly noticed hearing, the Board of Selectmen formally approved the plan on January 26, 2011 as a statement of policy.

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CHAPTER 1. P LANNING P ROCESS

Documentation of the Planning Process The Multi-Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee with the assistance of the Strafford Regional Planning Committee developed the contents of this plan through a Multi-Hazard Mitigation planning process.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has mandated that all communities within the United States establish local multi-hazard mitigation plans as a means to reduce future losses from natural or man-made hazard events before they occur. In addition, communities were obligated to have locally adopted all hazard mitigation plans by November 1, 2003, in order to apply for PreDisaster Mitigation grants. Likewise, to continue funding, each plan must be updated every five years.

The Town of Wakefield’s original plan was adopted in 2005.

Wakefield’s plan was updated according to the guidelines laid out the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Local Multi-Hazard Mitigation Planning Guidance. The Local Multi-Hazard Mitigation Planning Guidance contains six sections and subsections. These sections are: 1) Introduction a. Adoption by the Local Governing Body 2) Chapter 1: Planning Process a. Documentation of the Planning Process 3) Chapter 2: Risk Assessment a. Identifying Multi-Hazards b. Profiling Multi-Hazards c. Assessing Vulnerability: Overview d. Assessing Vulnerability: Addressing Repetitive Loss Properties e. Assessing Vulnerability: Identifying Structures f. Assessing Vulnerability: Estimating Potential Losses g. Assessing Vulnerability: Analyzing Development Trends h. Multi-jurisdictional Risk Assessment 4) Chapter 3: Mitigation Strategy a. Local Hazard Mitigation Goals b. Identification and Analysis of Mitigation Actions c. Implementation of Mitigation Actions d. Implementation of National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) e. Multi-jurisdictional Mitigation Actions 5) Chapter 4: Plan Maintenance Process a. Monitoring, Evaluating, and Updating the Plan b. Incorporation into Existing Planning Mechanisms c. Continued Public Involvement 6) Local Mitigation Plan Review and Crosswalk Each section of the process was addressed during a series of meetings held between January and May 2009. An initial kick-off meeting between Chief Fifield, Officer Mercer, Town Administrator Robin Frost and a Representative of the Strafford Regional Planning Commission was held on Tuesday, January 27, 2009. It was here that a timeline and Committee was developed for the update process.

From there, a series of four Committee meetings were held as follows at the Wakefield Public Safety Building: 11

February 5th and February 24th April 7th and April 30th The six sections laid out in FEMA’s Local Multi-Hazard Mitigation Planning Guidance were organized within this planning process and each section or task was placed within the meeting timeline.

The first meeting began with a review of the update process and was then used to take the first steps of reviewing changes in critical facilities as well as documenting hazard events that may have occurred since the last plan had been adopted.

The second meeting focused on updating the goals of the previous plan, which led into actually creating a new action and implementation plan. This consisted of editing actions from the adopted plan, discarding those that had been fulfilled or were no longer applicable, and then adding new actions based on changes within the community.

Between the second and third meeting, a draft of the plan was sent to the Committee for review.

The third meeting was used to review the draft and note any edits and changes necessary.

The fourth meeting was used for discussion of mitigation measures, priorities, and further edits and reviews of the draft document If any sections or data were not updated it was because the facts, processes or events have not changed since adoption of the original plan. Key components of the plan and any significant changes within Wakefield’s infrastructure, event history and action plan were updated meticulously.

Public Involvement All meetings held throughout the update process were open to the public. A legal notice was published in the regional newspaper, Fosters Daily Democrat, to notify area residents, businesses, adjacent communities and academic institutions, of the meetings to encourage and solicit valuable input from the interested public. The general public was targeted as a resource in the planning process. The public notice not only invited local citizens, businesses and interested parties to the meetings, but also invited comments via phone calls and email to the Committee Chair, Chief Ken Fifield, and representatives from the SRPC. Each meeting was announced and posted on the SRPC website with the same message and a brief agenda for the meeting.

During the process, some steps of the process were concentrated on more than others. It was found that certain sections and data from the 2005 plan could easily be used in the update (Town background, goals). The 2009 Hazard Mitigation Committee did review the goals and objectives of the 2005 plan. It was decided that these goals and objectives reflected the same areas that the Town was working towards with the new update of the plan. Despite a new emphasis on resiliency and prehazard mitigation, the goals and objectives still represented a stepping-stone towards the new and modified actions that the Committee hoped to establish. In light of this, the Objectives section was not modified either and the process merely moved forward to updating the Action and Implementations.

An emphasis was placed on: • • •

Updating Critical Facilities Updating Recent Hazard Events and their Impact Updating the Actions and Implementation

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CHAPTER 2. RISK ASSESSMENT

Identifying Hazards Within the last five years, no new types of hazards have emerged that would threaten the Town of Wakefield. What has emerged is a greater threat from certain hazards that may not have been considered quite an issue in the past. Damaging floods and ice storms that crippled the entire town were certainly not hazards that were a focus in the last plan. How to prepare for such incidents has taken the forefront of this plan update.

Wakefield is prone to a variety of natural hazards. These include: flooding, dam breach, severe wind events (downbursts, hurricane residuals, and tornadic activity), wildfire, drought, earthquake, landslides, lightening strikes, extreme heat, severe winter weather and urban fire, in addition to manmade hazards. The following list of hazards was compiled during the 2005 Hazard Mitigation planning process. However, the probability of occurrence, vulnerability and risk assessments have been updated by 2009 Committee Table 2. Wakefield, New Hampshire Hazard Assessment Probability of Occurrence Hazard

Dam Failure Winter Weather Severe Wind Wildfire Drought Hurricane Urban Fire Earthquake (major) Flooding Lightning Extreme Heat Landslide Hail Avalanche Utility Interruption Haz Mat (Transport) Transportation Incident Terrorist Attack Radiological Release Haz Mat (Fixed) Civil Disorder

Likely (3)

Possible (2)

Unlikely (1)

2

Vulnerability High (3)

Moderate (2)

Risk Low (1)

3 3

3 3

2 2 2 2 2

2 2 2 2 2

1

3 3 3

3 3 2 2

1

3

2 1

1

3

3 2

3 1 2 2 1 13

Rating (Probability x Vulnerability)

6 9 6 4 4 4 4 2 9 9 6 2 6 1 9

2

4

2

6 1 1

1 2

1 1

2 1

Profiling Hazards Past hazard events have been updated to include Natural Disasters since 2005, specifically the 2006 and 2007 flooding events and the 2008 ice storm.

Table 3. Presidentially Declared Disasters & Emergency Declarations in Carroll County: 19822009 Date Declared

Event Type

Program(s)

Statewide $ Amount

April 16, 1987

Severe Storms/

PA/IA

4,888,889

Cheshire, Carroll, Grafton, Hillsborough, Merrimack, Rockingham & Sullivan

Flooding

Counties Declared

August 29, 1990

Severe Storms/Winds

PA

2,297,777

Belknap, Carroll, Cheshire, Coos, Grafton, Hillsborough, Merrimack & Sullivan

September 9, 1991

Hurricane

PA

2,293,449

Statewide

March 16, 1993

Heavy Snow

PA

832,396

Statewide

January 3, 1996

Storms/

PA

2,220,384

Carroll, Cheshire, Coos, Grafton, Merrimack & Sullivan

Floods January 15, 1998

Ice Storm

PA/IA

12,446,202

Belknap, Carroll, Cheshire, Coos, Grafton, Hillsborough, Merrimack, Strafford, Sullivan

July 2, 1998

Severe Storms

PA/IA

3,420,120

Belknap, Carroll, Grafton, Merrimack, Rockingham & Sullivan

January 15, 2004

Snow Emergency

PA

3,200,000

Belknap, Carroll, Cheshire, Coos, Grafton, Hillsborough, Merrimack &Sullivan

May 25, 2006

Severe Storms and Flooding

PA

7,375,764

Belknap, Carroll, Hillsborough, Merrimack, Rockingham, and Strafford and Grafton

April 27, 2007

Severe Storms and Flooding

PA

19,000,000

Belknap, Carroll, Cheshire, Grafton, Hillsborough, Merrimack, Rockingham, Strafford, Sullivan

August 11, 2008

Severe Storms, Tornado, and Flooding

PA

N/A

Belknap, Carroll, Merrimack, Rockingham, and Strafford

January 2, 2009

Severe Winter Storm

PA

1,200,000

Statewide

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Table 4. Past Hazard Event Tables

Flooding Location The 100-year floodplain, as identified by the Federal Emergency Management Agency – Flood Insurance Rate Maps, is shown on the Hazard Identification Map in this Plan.

Extent The extent of damage caused by any flood depends on the depth and duration of flooding, the topography of the area flooded, velocity of flow, rate of rise, and the amount and form of development in the floodplain.

Wakefield has more lakes than any other New Hampshire community but terrain is such that the floodplain area is small.

Deep floodwater carrying floating debris would create hazardous conditions for people and vehicles attempting to cross-flooded areas. In depths of greater than 3 feet or in areas where the flow attains faster velocity, an adult could be swept off balance creating the danger of injury or drowning. People could be trapped in their homes or prevented from reaching home because of flooded roadways. Water lines may be ruptured, creating the potential for contaminated drinking water supplies or the loss of fire flows at other locations in the Town.

Hazardous or toxic materials could be released, causing pollution or injury. The provision of emergency medical, fire or police assistance could be seriously restricted or delayed due to obstructed access routes.

There could be significant damage to buildings. Many utilities could be damaged, including gas, electric, drainage, telephone, sewer and water lines. Many people could be out of work as the result of damage to local businesses and industries. In general, a major flood could affect the whole Town, either directly or indirectly.

Previous Occurrence Date March 11-21, 1936

Area Affected Statewide

September 21, 1938

Statewide

July 1986 – August 10, 1986

Statewide

April 16, 1987

Seven counties

August 7-11, 1990

Statewide

August 19, 1991

Statewide

January 3, 1996 October 29, 1996 July 2, 1998 May 25, 2006 April 27, 2007

Six Six Six Six

Description of Flood Event Double flood; first due to rains and snowmelt; second, due to large rainfall.

Hurricane. Stream stages similar to those of March 1936 and exceeded 1936 stages in the Upper Contoocook River.

FEMA DR-771-NH: Severe summer storms with heavy rains, tornadoes; flash flood and severe winds.

Severe Storms & Flooding. FEMA DR-789-NH FEMA DR-876-NH: A series of storm events from August 711, 1990 with moderate to heavy rains produced widespread flooding in New Hampshire. High water went over the dam and caused minor flooding on Heathrow Road on Salmon Falls River FEMA DR-917-NH: Hurricane Bob struck New Hampshire causing extensive damage in Rockingham and Stafford counties, but the effects were felt statewide.

FEMA DR-1077-NH – Storms and flooding FEMA DR-1144-NH – Severe storms and flooding FEMA DR-1231-NH – Severe storms and flooding FEMA-DR-1643- NH - Severe Storms and Flooding

Counties Counties Counties Counties

Nine Counties

FEMA –DR-1695-NH – Severe Storms and Flooding

Probability Likely/Possible/Unlikely Likely

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Dam Failure Location There are Class B & C dams in and around Wakefield that would cause flooding beyond the 100year floodplain. Those dams are shown on the Critical Facilities map.  Balch Lake  Belleau Lake  Horn Pond  Great East Lake  Pine River Pond  Province Lake  Lovell Lake  Ivanhoe Pond  Sandy Pond  Two Dams in Union have an inundation pathway that would cause flood damage to several structures.  Beaver dams are also an issue: Leighton Corner Area caused flooding over the road.

Extent According to the NH Department of Environmental Services (Env-Wr 101.06) a Class C Structure means a dam with a high hazard potential, the failure of which would result in probable loss of life or major damage to interstate highways. There would be major structural damage to those buildings located in the inundation pathway as well as the possibility of loss of life. All of the Dams have an Emergency Action Plan that would help evacuate people from the affected area. All Class C Dams as shown on the Hazard Identification Map. 

Structures below Lovell Lake Dam flowing into Branch River would cause devastation into Union.

Previous Occurrence On 05/12/96 Dam# 241.20, Chick Dam was breached. Belleau Lake lost a splashboard, which caused Woodman dam to breach thus causing the Chick dam to breach.

Probability Likely/Possible/Unlikely

Likely

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Winter Weather Location Nor’easters (wind), Ice Storms, Heavy Snow Accumulations and Severe Cold can occur at any place within the Town and generally affect the entire Town when it happens. The higher elevations are more likely to experience snow or ice before the lower terrain.

Extent Heavy snow accumulations (generally considered one that deposits four or more inches of snow in a 12-hour period) especially those associated with nor’easters can have a significant affect on the Town, including extended power outages, road closures, collapsed roofs and increased snow removal costs. During ice storms, ice forms on cold surfaces, such as trees and power lines, and may continue to form until the ice is quite deep, as much as several inches thick. Ice damage results in power outages, road closures and forest damage. The elderly/assisted living and special needs populations are at a higher risk during severe winter weather that causes prolonged power outages.

Previous Occurrence January of 1923: Four storms within a week left over 30 inches of snow.

February 8-10, 1969: Event accumulations up to 27” in southeastern New Hampshire and up to 42” in northeastern New Hampshire. Regions with snow accumulations exceeding 50 cm: parts of New York and Boston metropolitan areas, western Connecticut, western and eastern Massachusetts, southern Vermont, northern Rhode Island, eastern New Hampshire, and southern Maine.

February 22-28, 1969: Events accumulations to 98” in Western Central New Hampshire, 34” in coastal areas and 2 to 3 feet across New Hampshire generally. The storm produced excessive amounts of snow across New England with accumulations of greater than 75 cm across large sections of eastern Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine.

January 20, 1978: 20 inch snowstorm leaving 20’ high snowdrifts February 5-7, 1978: Events accumulations to 28” in northeast New Hampshire, 25” in west central New Hampshire and 33” along coastal New Hampshire. Hurricane-force winds and record-breaking snowfall made this storm one of the more intense to occur this century across parts of the northeastern United States.

1998 Ice Storm Disaster: The 1998 Ice Storm had a devastating affect on the higher terrain of Wakefield. High winds downed ice laden trees causing power outages lasted for over a week in some places 2001 and 2003 Snow Emergencies: Carroll County was declared in the FEMA Snow Emergency Declarations in March 2001 and February 2003. The largest burden was the cost of snow removal.

Risk centers on the loss of electricity and the loss of heat with severe cold.

Severe Winter Storm/Ice Storm: FEMA-1812-DR, New Hampshire: Incident Period December 11-23, 2008, State Wide Ice Storm. Risk centers on the loss of electricity and the loss of heat with severe cold.

Probability Likely/Possible/Unlikely Likely

Lightning Location The entire town is at moderate risk to lightning hazard. The higher elevation areas have an increased probability; however lightning strikes can occur anywhere in Wakefield.

Extent Residents and visitors to the New Hampshire area are more vulnerable to being struck by lightning because of the activities with which they are involved, particularly on warm summer days when lightning is most likely to occur. Often, people are outside enjoying the variety of recreational activities that attract people to New England during the summer when the vulnerability to lightning strike is highest. More likely to be affected are structures and utilities, often resulting in structure fires and power outages.

Previous Occurrence Numerous lightning events take place, but many go unrecorded. There is currently no official record 17

of lightning strikes in Wakefield. However, Wakefield experiences regular occurrences of lightening strikes particularly in the summer. Utilities are disrupted on a regular basis due to lightning strikes and there have been several structures damaged from fire.

Probability Likely/Possible/Unlikely Likely

Severe Wind Location Severe wind events (downburst, tornadoes or high winds associated with thunderstorms) can occur anywhere in Wakefield. Generally the higher elevations are more susceptible and vulnerable due to the fact that they are the location of communication towers, including emergency response/mutual aid towers. Due to the sporadic nature of tornados, they could occur anywhere in Wakefield.

Extent Depending on the size and location of these events, the destruction to property may be devastating.

Several of the more significant and recent events within southern New Hampshire have caused several millions of dollars in damage and at least five fatalities. An F-2 Tornado, according to the Fujita scale, maintains wind speeds from 13-157 mph. A tornado occurring in Wakefield would cause considerable damage. Roofs could be torn off frame houses; mobile homes demolished; large trees snapped or uprooted; and light object missiles would be generated as a result of an F-2 Tornado. Utility interruption is also a common result of severe winds.

Previous Occurrence Severe wind events occur frequently in spring and summer. These are mostly microbursts associated with severe thunderstorms. In 1994 a microburst in nearby Moultonborough downed trees, utility poles and wires; and damaged 50 – 60 houses. There has been one recorded tornado in Carroll County measuring F2 on the Fujita scale. On July 24, 2008 there was a tornado that affected five counties in New Hampshire.

Probability Likely/Possible/Unlikely Likely

Drought Location Droughts are difficult to define geographically. Due to their widespread nature a drought would affect the entire town. A drought can affect fire suppression in those areas that do not have access to the public water system.

Extent Droughts are not as damaging to Wakefield as floods or winter weather. However a severe drought can affect public water supply, increase the probability of fires, and impede fire suppression.

Previous Occurrence According to the NH State Hazard Mitigation Plan (2004), five droughts of significant extent and duration are evident: 1929-36, 1939-44, 1947-50, 1960-69 and 2001-2002. The 2001-02 drought was the third worst on record, exceeded only by the droughts of 1965-1966 and 1941-1942. All of these droughts were statewide in extent and had recurrence intervals from 10 to 25+ years.

Probability Likely/Possible/Unlikely Possible

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Hurricane Location When hurricane events occur in Wakefield they affect the entire town. Certainly, the heavy rainfall associated with hurricanes will impact the 100-year floodplain but the high winds can have an impact on the entire town.

Extent New Hampshire’s exposure to direct and indirect impacts from hurricanes is real, but modest, as compared to other states in the region. That being said, the probability of hurricanes occurring in Wakefield is possible. The largest impact is on the floodplain areas due to heavy rains. High winds cause trees to fall down thereby causing power outages, structural damage to buildings, road closures and debris management issues.

Previous Occurrence  The Great New England Hurricane of September 21, 1938 in Southern New England resulted in 13 Deaths and 1363 families received assistance, Electric and telephone services were disrupted for weeks. 2 billion feet of marketable lumber were blown down. Total Direct Losses $12,337,643.  Hurricane Carol in August 31, 1954 in Southern New England resulted in extensive amount of trees blown down and property damage. Large crop loss. Localized flooding.  Hurricane Donna in September12, 1960 in Southern and Central NH caused heavy flooding in Massachusetts and Southern New Hampshire  Tropical Storm Daisy in October7, 1962, in Southern and Central NH caused extreme ocean swells and coastal flooding.  Tropical Storm Doria in August 28, 1971in Southern and Central NH resulted in heavy rain and damaging winds.  Tropical Storm Floyd in September 16-18, 1999 affected the entire state. This was originally a hurricane that heavily impacted North Carolina and dumped heavy rains on New England resulting in a Presidential Declaration of Disaster in NH; FEMA DR-1305-NH in Belknap, Grafton and Cheshire Counties Probability Likely/Possible/Unlikely Possible

Wildfire Location The outer perimeters of Wakefield and the surrounding communities are heavily forested and are therefore vulnerable to this hazard, particularly during periods of drought.

Extent The Ice Storm of 1998 left a significant amount of woody debris in the forests of the region and may fuel future wildfires similar to the debris caused by the Hurricane of 1938. Fires in New Hampshire are predominantly human-caused, and roughly half of the total fire activity is in the most populous three southern counties. The proximity of many populated areas to the local and state forested lands exposes these areas and their populations to the potential impact of Wildfire. Those areas with increased risk to wildfire include:  Areas with high fuel loads are at high risk  All rural areas outside of the hydrant system are vulnerable  Homes in forested areas are at higher risk  Vegetation surrounding railroad beds at risk due to sparks from trains  Minimal fire protection areas Previous Occurrence Large Wildfires occurred in 1947 that covered most of York County Main and southeastern New Hampshire. Wakefield has only experienced frequent but small occurrences.

Probability Likely/Possible/Unlikely Possible 19

Extreme Heat Location Extreme heat events are difficult to define geographically. Due to their widespread nature a period of extreme heat would affect the entire town.

Extent Extreme heat conditions may impact the health of residents and visitors. Facilities without generators and air-conditioners that house the elderly and disabled are very susceptible to human health issues. Roads, bridges, railroads etc. may be damaged due to extreme heat. Utilities are also vulnerable as the demand for air-condition rises. Prolonged high temperature has also been associated with civil unrest.

Areas at Risk:  Elderly/Assisted Living Housing Populations  Special needs populations at home  Populations in Schools/Daycare Facilities  High Population Concentrations  No shelter designated specifically for extreme heat at this time Previous Occurrence The summer of 1999 was one of the hottest summers on record. As of 7/27/99, there had been 13 days with temperatures recorded above 90 degrees, 5 days above 95 degrees and 2 above 97 degrees.

There was a large increase in emergency response calls, however there were no deaths associated with this event. Wakefield has not experienced any major long-term heat events.

Probability Likely/Possible/Unlikely Unlikely

Earthquake Location According to the NH State Hazard Mitigation Plan, New Hampshire is considered to lie in an area of Moderate seismic activity with respect to other areas of the United States and is bordered to the North and Southwest by areas of Major activity. There are no identified fault lines for the entire state, therefore an earthquake could occur and/or affect any location in the town.

Extent It is assumed that all buildings in the town have not been designed to withstand seismic activity.

More specifically, older historic buildings constructed of non-reinforced masonry are especially vulnerable to any moderate sized earthquake. Those include:  Un-reinforced masonry buildings in the historic district.  Public infrastructure  Wakefield Town Hall In addition, utilities (sewer, water, gas, etc) are susceptible to earthquake damage. Wakefield has experienced the effect of small to moderate earthquakes that had a minor effect on the Town’s infrastructure. However, if a large (6+ on the Richter Scale) occurred in or around the town, it is assumed that structural damage would be moderate to severe.

Previous Occurrence On December 20, 1940, an earthquake of 5.5 on the Richter Scale occurred in Ossipee 30 miles away. The 2002 Plattsburg NY quake, like many larger tri-state area earthquakes, caused several water leaks, cracked a wall in the fire station as well as other buildings. Frequent and very minor earthquakes occur in Wakefield all of the time, but never anything large enough to cause structural damage.

Probability Likely/Possible/Unlikely Unlikely 20

Landslide Location Slopes in excess of 25% are susceptible to landslides, especially where soils are thin or highly erodible. These areas are generally located near mountain peaks and along the sides of ridges. In addition, the increase of single residential homes on steep slopes will create a higher risk Extent The extent of landslides in Wakefield is going to impact a very limited area. Roads are likely to experience erosion during heavy rain events and a large-scale landslide could damage only a limited amount of structures.

Previous Occurrence The Hurricane of 1938 caused some minor landslides due to the heavy amounts of rain. Damage potential is very minimal and only affects the immediate area, which are usually roads.

Probability Likely/Possible/Unlikely Unlikely

Avalanche Description Due to no history of avalanche as well as the lack of avalanche conditions within the Town of Wakefield, the Committee chose not to recognize the risk of Avalanche in this Plan.

Hail Description Due to no significant history of hail in the Town of Wakefield, the Committee chose not to recognize the risk of Hail in this Plan.

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Man Made Hazards Man Made Hazard Vulnerability Score

Visibility

Target

Access

Mobility

Haz.Mat.

Collateral Damage

Site Population

TOTAL

Critical Facility

Paul School (Grades 1-8), 60 Taylor Way, Sanbornville

3

5

5

5

5

4

3

30

Wakefield Public Safety Building, 2017 Wakefield Rd. (Police,Fire,EOC,EM S), Sanbornville

4

5

5

5

1

2

1

23

Wakefield Town Hall, 2 High Street, Sanbornville

4

3

5

5

0

2

1

20

State DOT –backup power for fuel, 1542 Wakefield Road

3

1

5

5

3

1

1

19

Union School (K), 80 Chapel Street, Union

2

5

5

5

0

1

1

19

Greater Wakefield Resource Center, 254 Main Street, Union

3

3

5

5

0

2

1

19

Union Fire Station, 236 Main Street, Union

3

2

4

5

0

2

1

17

Highway Department, 2058 Wakefield Road

3

1

5

5

1

1

1

17

East Wakefield Fire St., 21 Sanborn Road, East Wakefield

3

2

4

5

0

1

1

16

History: No major human caused events. Most likely to happen are multiple vehicle accidents.

Sources and Areas at Risk: • All gas stations • Above ground fuel storage tanks: Paul School • Propane storage facilities: Paul School • Facilities that house chemicals • Hazardous materials on Route 16 or the railroads • Terrorism or civil disturbance • Ten unguarded railroad crossings in Wakefield • Boston, MA – 2nd largest financial system in the US. From a receiving input, Wakefield should consider the influx of people. There needs to be a regional wide response plan in collaboration with the State.

Assessing Vulnerability: Overview Types of Structures Affected The 2005 Hazard Mitigation Committee created the Critical Facilities categories. This list was considered as a template for the 2009 update and newly edited Critical Facilities were assigned to the same categories.

The list is divided into three sections: facilities needed for emergency response (Category 1); facilities not necessary for emergency response (Category 2); and populations and facilities to protect in the 22

event of a disaster (Category 3). The Critical Facilities Map identifies the Category 1 facilities. In addition, Table 5, Inventory of Critical Facilities, assesses the value of these structures.

CATEGORY 1 (Facilities needed for Emergency Response)  Fire  Emergency Medical Services (EMS)  Police  Hospital  Shelter  Town Hall / Emergency Operations Center (EOC)  Public Works  Water Supply/Treatment  Sewer Treatment  Emergency Fuel CATEGORY 2 (Facilities NOT necessary during an emergency event)  Public Utilities  Communications  Transportation  Evacuation Routes CATEGORY 3 (Populations & Places to Protect)  Schools  Daycares  High Concentration Populations  Elderly Facilities  Healthcare Facilities  Recreation areas  Historic Resources Critical Facilities in Hazard Areas The Critical Facilities were reviewed in the 2009-update process by removing facilities that were not operational, adding new facilities, and editing names and addresses.

Table 5. 2009 Inventory of Wakefield, NH Critical Facilities Facility

Name/Location

Category 1

Municipal

X

Wakefield Public Safety Building Municipal 2017 Wakefield Rd.

X

EOC Primary

Wakefield Public Safety Building Municipal 2017 Wakefield Rd.

X

Police Station

Wakefield Public Safety Building Municipal 2017 Wakefield Rd.

X

Town Hall

Wakefield Town Hall 2 High St.

Owner

Fire Station/EMS East Wakefield Fire Station 21 Sanborn Rd.

Municipal

X

Union Fire Station in Union 236 Main St.

Municipal

X

23

Category Category 3 2

Facility

Hospital/Clinic

Name/Location

Owner

Category 1

No Hospital in Wakefield.

Huggins Hospital (Wolfeboro) Frisbie Memorial Hospital (Rochester) White Mountain (Frisbee Medical Center)

Private

X

Private

X

Wakefield Family Care 131 Meadow Street

Private

X

Town Food Pantry Municipal Wakefield Public Safety Building Municipal 2017 Wakefield Rd. Paul School (Grades 1-8) 60 Taylor Way

X X

SAU

X

St. Anthony's Catholic Church, Rt. 109 Meadow St. Shelter Saint John the Baptist (None are Red 118 High Street Cross Approved) First Congregational Church of Wakefield 2718 Wakefield Rd. East Wakefield Fire Station 21 Sanborn Road

Private

X

Private

X

Private

X

Municipal

X

Greater Wakefield Resource Center 254 Main Street Irving Gas Wakefield Road Dunn Deal Emergency Fuel 3365 Province Lake Road East Wakefield

Municipal/Private

X

Private

X

Mobil Gas Station Meadow Street Highway Department 1488 Wakefield Road Public Works

Public Utilities

Private X Private Municipal

Time Warner Cable Fairpoint w/ a switching station and small central office in town

X X

State DOT has backup power for State fuel 1542 Wakefield Rd.

Transfer Station 330 Rines Road Sanbornville Village Sewer Sewer Disposal Pump Lift Station 2 Meadow Street Sanbornville Village has a Water Supply & hydrant system Treatment 6 other dry hydrants in town

Category Category 3 2

Municipal

X X

Municipal X Municipal X Private Private

24

X X

Facility

Name/Location

Owner

Repeater on Long Mountain for Private all Town departments.

Fire/EMS use Carroll County for dispatch Police use state police in Tamworth 5 cell phone towers in town Private PSNH NH Electric Cooperative

Transportation

Schools

Private Private

Category 1

Category Category 3 2

X

X X X

Wakefield School District Bus w/ Municipal handicapped accessibility

X

NH North Coast Rail Road for movement of supplies

Private X

Paul School (Grades1-8)\ 60 Taylor Way

SAU 64

Union School (K) SAU 64 80 Chapel St. Hazel McBrian Nursery School, Private Meadow St. Pine River Pond Country Day Care, Pine River Road

Private

Wakefield Child Care Center, 145 School Street

Private

Saint John the Baptist (infant – 12) 118 High Street St. Anthony's Catholic Church, Route 109

Private

First Congregational Church of Wakefield 2718 Wakefield Road Sanbornville United Methodist Church 173 Meadow Street Faith Fellowship Church of the Nazarene 3363 White Mt. Highway Michawanic Village –48 condos High Population Michawanic Road Areas Wakefield Opera House @ Town Hall

X X X X X

Private

X

Private X Private X Private X Private Private

Union Congregational Church Private Union First Faith Church Private Route 153, Province Lake Road Wakefield Acres, 20 apartments Private Greater Wakefield Resource Center 254 Main Street.

Province Lake Camps: Levit Field Campground, Butler Field Campground, Happy Hollow Campground, Don’ville Campground

X

X X X X X

Private X Private X

25

Facility

Name/Location

Sanbornville Village – Retail/Business Davis Hill Farm Davis Road Elderly Facilities Branch River Commons 341 Meadow Street

Recreation areas

Historic

Food Supply

Owner Mixed

Category 1

Category Category 3 2 X X

Private X

Lake Forest Campground

Private

Ivanhoe Campground

Private

Woodman Campground

Private

Sunshine Acres Campground Brackett Road District No. 2 Schoolhouse Route 153

Private

St. John’s Church Rectory and Parish Hall High Street Union Hotel Main Street at Chapel Street

Private

Historic Wakefield Public Library, Mountain Laurel Road Wakefield Village Historic District off Route 153 Paul School Town Food Pantry Seven Lakes Provisions

Private

Woodman Store Route 110 and 153

Private

Lovell Lake Market

Private

USDA Warehouse Tamworth, NH

Federal

X X X X

Mixed Use X X Private

X X

Private X SAU 64 Municipal Private

X X X X X X

Table 6 on the following page lists Actions from the 2005 plan that have either been completed or that are in process in order to decrease the Town of Wakefield’s vulnerability in the event of a disaster, specifically focused on the Critical Facilities listed above.

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Table 6. Completed and/or In Process Hazard Mitigation Actions from 2005 2005 MITIGATION ACTIONS COMPLETED IN RELATION TO CRITICAL FACILITIES • • • • •

Inspection of the Propane Tanks Located Outside of the Paul School Install Security Measures to Prevent Accidental Explosion via chain link fencing and curbing Implemented automatic call system at Paul School Trust fund for generator at Paul School established Resource List of Supplies and Locations completed

•

Updated the Emergency Operations Plan in 2007

•

Ongoing training for Incident Command System for EOC staff

•

In process of establishing a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Program

•

Planning for the Equipment needed for the Primary EOC at the Public Safety building with Communication, Phones, Jacks, Tables, Computers, etc.

Assessing Vulnerability: Addressing Repetitive Loss Properties Repetitive loss properties are those for which two or more losses of at least $1,000 each have been paid under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) within any 10-year period since 1978 (FEMA, 2008). Local governments may obtain information on repetitive loss properties within their jurisdiction by contacting their State NFIP Coordinator at the New Hampshire Office of Energy and Planning (NH OEP).

The Town of Wakefield currently has no properties that can be defined as a repetitive loss structure.

Assessing Vulnerability: Identifying Structures While there are no repetitive loss structures in Wakefield, this is not to say that structures are not vulnerable to hazards. Hazard areas may include the floodplain, dam inundation, high wind areas or areas prone to wildfires to name a few. An inventory of building and infrastructure located within these areas was not done for the 2005 plan.

The 2001 Master Plan indicates that the Town has participated in the NFIP since 1991. There were eighteen properties located within an A-Zone with a total of 26 households in town participating in the NFIP. The Town’s zoning ordinance prevents construction within flood zone areas and conforms to the requirements of the federal program.

Assessing Vulnerability: Estimating Potential Losses Assessing potential losses to structures in Wakefield was difficult to accomplish with no repetitive loss properties located within the Town.

However, the repetitive loss properties may not take into consideration other structures like campsites or vacation mobile homes, which are vulnerable to severe storm events during the summer months.

27

Assessing Vulnerability: Analyzing Development Trends Recent Trends Since the 2001 Master Plan revision there has been a significant amount of new development in Wakefield. Most of this development has been the construction of residential units, resulting in a population increase of over 10% since 2000. This growth includes a substantial redevelopment of the shorefront areas, wherein seasonal units have been converted to year round use.

Existing Land Use Wakefield’s existing Master Plan Land Use map indicates that the developed land in town consists primarily of residential uses. Due to the number of lakes and ponds in Wakefield, much of the housing is seasonal.

Commercial and industrial areas cover a relatively small portion of Wakefield’s developed land area, and are concentrated at Woodman’s Corner and in the villages of Wakefield, Sanbornville and Union.

Sanbornville, the largest village, has a business district that covers 65 acres. It includes the Town Hall, Gafney Library, Public Safety Building, Parks and Recreation Building, Paul School, and grocery, hardware, gas station, day care facilities and personal services. Union is located along the Branch River with intact historic buildings derived from its past agricultural and railroad economies.

Woodman’s Corner has been more recently developed with a post office, hardware, and gas station and other services.

Wakefield also has a large amount of forested land, including a small pocket of the more hazardous fuel type of oak-pine forest habitat, located close to Route 16. This is interrupted by open and farm lands throughout the town. The largest open areas are located near Sanbornville and south of Lovell Lake.

Future Land Use The community survey identified the fact that most residents of Wakefield wish to retain the rural character of the community, while providing an opportunity for appropriately scaled commercial and industrial development.

The natural environment and scenic beauty are also special characteristics, which should be maintained. Open space and the secluded nature of the town were also mentioned as favorable aspects of life in Wakefield.

Lakes make up a significant portion (12.6 percent) of Wakefield’s total area. They provide recreational opportunities, including swimming, boating, fishing and ice-skating, for the residents and visitors of the town. Most of Wakefield’s secondary residences (90 percent) are located on one of Wakefield’s many lakes or ponds. Future development patterns should take into account the public and recreational nature of the lakes. They should be sensitive to the location of private development, as well as to possible sources of water pollution, in order to keep Wakefield’s lakes and ponds open and usable.

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CHAPTER 3. MITIG ATION STRATEG Y

Local Multi-Hazard Mitigation Goals The 2009 Hazard Mitigation Committee reviewed the goals and objectives of the 2005 plan. It was decided that these goals and objectives reflected similar, ongoing concerns that the Town was working towards with the update of the plan. Despite a new emphasis on resiliency and pre-hazard mitigation, the goals and objectives still represent a stepping-stone towards new and modified actions that the Committee hopes to establish.

The following mitigation goals, established by the 2005 Hazard Mitigation Committee were taken with minimal modification from the State of New Hampshire Hazard Mitigation Plan. The 2005 Hazard Mitigation Committee used the State Plan and felt that the broad goals presented therein were adequate and would serve as a criterion against which mitigation actions could be judged. The 2005 Committee found the NH state goals to be helpful as a list of guiding principles throughout the process.

The overall mitigation goals of Wakefield with respect to hazard mitigation are as follows: 1. Improve the protection of the general population, citizens of Wakefield and guests, from natural and man-made hazards.

2. Reduce the potential impact of natural and man-made disasters on Wakefield’s: • Emergency response capability • Critical facilities • Infrastructure • Private property • Economy • Natural environment • Historic treasures 3. Improve Wakefield’s: • Emergency preparedness and communication network • Disaster response and recovery capability 4. Identify, introduce and implement cost effective Hazard Mitigation measures so as to accomplish the Wakefield’s goals and objectives.

5. Work in cooperation with federal and state Hazard Mitigation goals.

Though many of the 2005 plan actions still remain in progress, the goals of the plan established a framework for what is needed in Wakefield, as well as how to approach hazard mitigation. The goals and objectives serve as a reminder of what the plan is designed to achieve. Though it was less emphasized during the 2005 planning process, the idea of resiliency reverberates with the goals established at that time. Those goals remain unchanged and certainly lead to new mitigation actions that are applicable to Wakefield in 2009 and on.

Since the 2005 plan, Wakefield’s Emergency Operations Center at the Public Safety Building is planned and designed with future date for construction and implementation. The Emergency Operations Center will include new phones, computers, communications equipment and other equipment and resources. In addition, a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program has been established regionally, though not locally. Wakefield is part of a collaborative grant to update the Carroll County Dispatch functions. Also, measures have been taken to inspect the propane tanks located outside the Paul School on a regular basis.

All of these changes are steps towards a safer, more resilient community and help to decrease Wakefield’s vulnerability during a disaster event.

29

Existing Hazard Mitigation programs in Wakefield Existing Program or Activity

Description

Area of Town Covered

Hazard

Status

Building Code / Permits

Requires builder to obtain all permits prior to action.

Town wide IBC BOCA code

All

Ongoing

Life Safety Codes

NFPA 1 and 101 2003 Edition

State adopted standards

All

Ongoing

Fire Standards

NFPA 1 and 101 2003 Edition

State adopted standards

All

Ongoing

Elevation Certificates

Required for Individual applications on case by case basis

Potential Flood Areas Part of flood insurance program.

Potential Flood Areas Part of Flood Insurance program

Ongoing

Flood Hazard District

Requires compliance with ordinance and regulations

Potential Flood Areas per FIRM maps

Potential Flood Areas for FIRM maps Allows for elevated construction within floodplain

Ongoing

Wetlands Conservation District

Protection of vegetation and soil that provide flood protection

Wetlands

Defined by Town

Ongoing

Comprehensive Shoreland Protection Act

State standards Referenced in ordinances

State Statutes Town definition whichever more restrictive

Ponds and Lakes subject to state statutes

Ongoing

Zoning Ordinance and Site and Subdivision Regulations

M inimum lot area definition excludes constrained lands, such as steep slopes

Town wide

All

Ongoing

Best M anagement Practices

Required by State for stormwater management, sedimentation erosion control, site alteration, timber management, etc

Town wide

All

Ongoing

Road Design Standards

State minimum standards with additional subdivision and site plan regulations.

Town wide

All

Ongoing

M anufactured Homes

State standards Town standard of full foundation

M anufactured Homes

All

Ongoing

30

Existing Program or Activity

Description

Area of Town Covered

Hazard

Status

M utual Aid

M utual aid system for police

1.

All

Ongoing

2.

3.

4.

5.

Carroll County Dispatch Carroll Co. M utual Aid Agreement Carroll Co. Technical Accident Reconstruction Team State Police Units Surrounding towns -all abutting towns, plus more

M utual Aid

M utual aid system for highway

NH Public Works Association

All

Ongoing

M utual Aid

M utual aid system for fire

Ossipee Valley M utual Aid Association

All

Ongoing

M utual aid with all abutting towns Emergency Operations Plan

Describes actions and responsible parties, for various emergency events

Town wide

All

Ongoing

Evacuation and Notification

Radio station, TV notification, website Government cable access;

Town wide

All

Ongoing

Fire apparatus, School buses Emergency Backup Power

Generators located at Public Safety and Pump Station

Town wide

All

Need for generator at School, Resource Center, East Wakefield Fire station

Emergency Shelter

Public Safety Building With backup at Paul Street School

Town wide

All

Building renovations to add capacity

Tree maintenance in Right of Way

Public Service of New Hampshire, NH Electric Cooperative to remove diseased, dead, and/or dangerous trees as needed.

Town wide

Ice storms, severe storms, tornados, wild fire, flooding

Ongoing

Storm Drain M aintenance

Open & closed channels as needed.

Town wide

Flooding, severe storms

Ongoing regular maintenance

31

Existing Program or Activity

Description

Area of Town Covered

Hazard

Status

State Dam Program

Inspected by State

At dams

Flooding, severe storms

Ongoing

Public Education

Website, government access channel

Town wide

All

Ongoing

Identification and Analysis of Mitigation Actions Table 7. 2005 Identified Mitigation Actions 2005 IDENT IFIED MIT IGAT ION ACT IONS

Update Emergency Operations Plan to Meet the State Standard Emergency Support Function ESF Format Purchase and Implement Reverse 911 for a Community Emergency Warning System Inspection of the Propane Tanks Located Outside of the Paul School Install Security Measures to Prevent Accidental Explosion Establish a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Program Incident Command System (ICS) Training for EOC Staff Request that the State Consider a Regional Response Plan to Prepare for a Mass Evacuation from Boston/Southern New England Purchase and Install Generators at Resource Center, Paul School and the East Wakefield Fire Station Purchase a Base Station and Portable Radios (Digital/Analog) for Town Hall Equip the Primary EOC at the Public Safety Building with Communication, Phones, Jacks, Tables, Computers

32

Table 8. Progress Report on 2005 Mitigation Actions PROGRESS REPORT ON 2005 IDENTIFIED MITIGATION ACTIONS COMMUNICATIONS: Update Emergency Operations Plan in 2007 to Meet the State Standard Emergency Support Function ESF Format Completed COMMUNICATIONS: Purchase and Implement a Community Emergency Warning System Still in Planning Phase COMMUNICATIONS: Create a Local Communications Network Between all Local Residents with Access to Communications, Emergency Officials and Contacts for Critical Facilities CERT Still in process COMMUNICATIONS: Resource List of Supplies and Location (Medical, Food, etc.)

Completed with assistance of Volunteers Incident Command System (ICS) Training for EOC Staff Completed and Ongoing Request that the State Consider a Regional Response Plan to Prepare for a Mass Evacuation from Boston/Southern New England Still in Planning Phase COMMUNCATIONS: Automatic call system available at Paul School for calling families with school age children Implemented Inspection of the Propane Tanks Located Outside of the Paul School Completed Purchase and Install Generators at Resource Center in Union, Paul School and the East Wakefield Fire Station Trust fund established at Paul School to fund purchase still need generators at Resource Center and East Wakefield Fire Station Purchase a Base Station and Portable Radios (Digital/Analog) for Town Hall Purchased an Analog system and working on digital system for future Repair or Removal of Aged Dams DES responsible agency; smaller dam in Union breached Improved Dam Operations During Floods Ongoing Equipment: Automatic Sandbag Filler / Flood Pumps for Fire Department Still needed Strengthen Stormwater Ordinances Still needed

Implementation of Mitigation Actions Plan Objectives The 2005 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee used a consensus-based brainstorming session to identify mitigation projects. The 2009 Committee reviewed the Goals established in the original 2005 plan. To focus the discussion they used a list of seven objectives, listed below, pertaining to the hazards affecting the Town of Wakefield. These same objectives formed the foundation of the 2009 plan update using the same consensus-based decision making process.

The objectives are as follows: Prevention: Government administrative or regulatory actions or processes that influence the way land and buildings are developed and built. These actions also include public activities to reduce hazard losses. Examples include planning and zoning, building codes, capital improvement programs, open space preservation, and storm water management regulations .

33

Property Protection: Actions that involve the modification of existing buildings or structures to protect them from a hazard, or removal from the hazard area. Examples include acquisition, elevation, relocation, structural retrofits, storm shutters and shatter resistant glass.

Public Education and Awareness: Actions to inform and educate citizens, elected officials, and property owners about the hazards potential ways to mitigate them. Such actions include outreach projects, real estate disclosure, hazard information centers, and school age and adult education programs.

Natural Resource Protection: Actions that, in addition to minimizing hazard loss, also preserve or restore the functions of natural systems. These actions include sediment and erosion control, stream corridor restoration, watershed management, forest and vegetation management, and wetland restoration and preservation.

Emergency Services: Actions that protect people and property during and immediately after a disaster or hazard event. Services include warning systems, emergency response services and protection of critical facilities.

Structural Projects: Actions that involve the construction of structures to reduce the impact of a hazard. Such structures include dams, levees, floodwalls, seawalls, retaining walls, and safe rooms.

Equipment: Purchase of equipment that aids in the reduction of damages from natural and man-made hazards.

34

Table 9. 2005 Hazard Mitigation Plan Actions MITIGATION ACTION Update Emergency Operations Plan to Meet the State Standard Emergency Support Function ESF Format Purchase and Implement Reverse 911 for a Community Emergency Warning System Inspection of the Propane Tanks Located Outside of the Paul School Install Security Measures to Prevent Accidental Explosion Establish a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Program Incident Command System (ICS) Training for EOC Staff Request that the State Consider a Regional Response Plan to Prepare for a Mass Evacuation from Boston/Southern New England Purchase and Install Generators at Resource Center, Paul School and the East Wakefield Fire Station Purchase a Base Station and Portable Radios (Digital/ Analog) for Town Hall Equip the Primary EOC at the Public Safety building with Communication, Phones, Jacks, Tables, Computers, Etc…

WHO (LEADERS HIP)

WHEN (DEADLINE)

HOW (FUNDING SOURCE)

EMD

1 Year

EMPG Grant / Town Match

Police Chief / Fire Chief

2 – 3 Years

Homeland Security Grant Program / Town Match

School Board / Fire Chief

Within 6 Months

EMPG / Town Match

Police Chief / Fire Chief

1 – 2 Years

Citizen Corps

EMD/Town Administrator; Road Agent; and Key Town Hall Personnel

Annually

Bureau of Emergency Management

Dave Schweitzer

1 Year

Bureau of Emergency Management

1 – 2 Years

Department of Homeland Security Grant / Town Match

Town Administrator

1 - 2 Years

Department of Homeland Security Grant / Town Match

EMD

2 Years

Department of Homeland Security Grant / Town Match

EMD

35

Table 10. 2010 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan Actions WHO (LEADERS HIP)

WHEN (DEADLINE)

HOW (FUNDING SOURCE)

EMD

COMPLETED in 2005

EMPG Grant / Town Match

EMD / Fire Chief

2 – 3 Years

Homeland Security Grant Program / Town Match

Volunteer Citizen

2 Years

Town of Wakefield

Volunteer Citizen

Annually

Town of Wakefield

EMD / Town Administrator/ Road Agent and Key Town Hall Personnel

Annually

Bureau of Emergency Management

Town and Volunteer Citizen

1 Year

Bureau of Emergency Management

EMD

1 – 2 Years

EMPG

Purchase and Install Generator at Paul School

School Board

2 – 3 Years

Trust Fund

Purchase a Digital/Analog Base Station for Town Hall

Town Administrator

1 - 2 Years

EMPG

Removal of Aged Dams

DES / Private Party / Owner

1 – 2 Years

PDM HMGP

Improved Dam Operations During Floods

DES Private Owners

1 – 2 Years

PDM HMGP

EMD

1-2 years

Reserve Town fund

Road Agent Board of Selectmen

1-5 years

PDM HMGP

MITIGATION ACTION COMMUNICATIONS: Update Emergency Operations Plan to Meet the State Standard Emergency Support Function ESF Format COMMUNICATIONS: Purchase and Implement a Community Emergency Warning System COMMUNICATIONS: Create a Local Communications Network for Local Residents with Access to Communications, Emergency Officials and Contacts for Critical Facilities COMMUNICATIONS: Resource List of Supplies and Location (Medical, Food, etc.)

Incident Command System (ICS) Training for EOC Staff Request that the State Consider a Regional Response Plan to Prepare for a Mass Evacuation from Boston/Southern New England Purchase and Install Generators at Resource Center in Union and the East Wakefield Fire Station

Equipment: Automatic Sandbag Filler / Flood Pumps for Fire Department Replace culverts on roadways with documented history of

36

WHO (LEADERS HIP)

MITIGATION ACTION storm and flooding damage*

WHEN (DEADLINE)

HOW (FUNDING SOURCE)

NHDOT

Strengthen Stormwater Ordinances

Planning Board

Medical Reserve Corps with Carroll County

EMD Carroll County Town

1 –2 Year

1 year

UNH Model Ordinances Town County Coalition for Public Health

* Brackett Road, 2-30” culverts, 6-8’ box culverts @ Map 185 between lots 16 and17 Pine River Road Map culverts 40T between Lots 3 and 5 North Wakefield Road, replace bridge @15 tons Map 55 Lots 1,2,12,13 Old Farm Road North, replace bridge Map 55 Lots 6,7,8,9 Union Village, replace bridge Map 241 Lots 6, 38

Implementation of National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) The Town of Wakefield has been participating in the National Flood Insurance Program since June 1991.

Flood Insurance Rate Maps and the Flood Boundary and Floodway Map, all bearing the effective date of July 17, 2006 are used for flood insurance purposes and are on file with the Town Planner and Building Inspector at Town Hall. As of December 31, 2003 there are 34 flood insurance policies in force. Flood insurance program statistics show there are no repetitive loss properties. There have been two claims made since 1978 for a total of $14,291 in insured losses.

The Town participates in the National Flood Insurance Program and is in compliance with its regulations and practices. Town staff is trained to assist members of the public with enquiries and requests. The Town Planner and Building Inspector will work with the NFIP staff at the NH Office of Energy and Planning in responding to requests from the public, providing new sources of information on flooding and insurance of properties, responding to Community Assisted Visit checklists, and working with applicants for building permits, site plans and subdivisions to ensure that the applicants and public understand the flood hazard district regulations and zoning.

Table 11. Wakefield, NH NFIP Data Wakefield, NH National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) Policy Data Total Number of Policies: Total Premiums:

34 $23,401

Insurance in Force:

$4,265,200

Total Number of Closed Paid Losses: $ Of Closed Paid Losses:

2 $14,292

The NH Geologic Survey and Department of Environmental Services staff is receiving FEMA funds to inventory and map the fluvial erosion hazard using the Vermont protocols, modified to New Hampshire. In 2010 they will be inventorying the Cocheco River, and Strafford Regional Planning Commission staff will be participating in this education process. Depending upon state priorities for mapping, the Salmon Falls River may also be inventories and mapped in the next five-year cycle. The Town Planner will be able to provide information to the Town Planning Board, Conservation Commission, and public regarding fluvial erosion hazards in Wakefield and their role in mitigation of future flooding within the flood hazard areas in Wakefield.

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Additionally, the Piscataqua Regional Estuaries Partnership is steer heading the development of a Collaborative Study of the Salmon Falls River watershed that is getting underway in 2010. This will bring additional studies and projects to the Salmon Falls River watershed.

Implementation of Mitigation Actions The Town of Wakefield understands that the Multi-Hazard Plan also provides guidance in support of operational and maintenance activities in the Town as well as implementation of mitigation actions listed in Table 10. The Town, with the adoption of the Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan Update for 2010, commits to ongoing integration of its hazard mitigation and emergency management functions within the daily tasks of operating a town government. The 2010 mitigation actions are derived by a consensus decision-making process that incorporates cost benefits. By selection to the priority listing, the Town of Wakefield commits to implementing these actions to the best of their abilities given known circumstances.

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CHAPTER 4. P LAN MAINTENANCE P ROCESS Annual Monitoring, Evaluating, and Updating the Plan There were over a dozen mitigation projects proposed by the Committee. For each project the Committee identified whom, when and how they would be implemented. It will be the responsibility of the Emergency Management Director to ensure the implementation of these projects.

The completion of a planning document is merely the first step. The Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee will meet annually to evaluate goals and effectiveness of the mitigation strategies. The Committee will review the events of the past year and analyze the effectiveness of the strategies defined in the plan. Any changes or recommendations will be incorporated into a new draft plan to be posted at the Town Hall for public review.

Continued Public Involvement The public, members of the Committee and State and non-profit agencies as well as any interested parties will continue to be invited and involved during the annual plan review and update plan process. Availability of draft documents and findings will be announced through the usual communication channels used by the Town for announcing public review materials.

In keeping with the process of adopting the updated 2010 Wakefield Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan, a public hearing to receive public comment should be held during the annual review. This will require the posting of two public notices and where appropriate by posting a notice on the Town’s website. Next, the Committee will present the plan in an appropriately advertised public meeting or forum such as a Board of Selectmen meeting for comment. The Committee will then address comments and issue an updated plan, available to the public at the Town Hall and ready for reauthorization by the Board of Selectmen. Updates to the Plan may be adopted subsequent to a public meeting or hearing by the Wakefield Planning Board.

The Multi-Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee may change in membership from one year to the next depending on the availability of its members. The Emergency Management Director and the Town Administrator or Board of Selectmen will be responsible for annual Committee review and recruitment of new or replacement members. As always, citizens are welcome and encouraged to serve on the Multi-Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee. Outreach to encourage citizen involvement and participation will be made.

Implementing Strategy for Priority Mitigation Actions The regulations governing the mitigation planning requirements for local mitigation plans are published under 44 CFR §201.6. Under 44 CFR §201.6, local governments must have a FEMA-approved Local MultiMitigation Plan in order to apply for and/or receive project grants under the following hazard mitigation assistance programs: • Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) • Pre-Disaster Mitigation (PDM) • Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) • Severe Repetitive Loss (SRL) The Wakefield Multi-Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee created the following prioritized schedule for implementation: A. Updates annually or after a disaster The Wakefield Multi-Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee and the Board of Selectmen should review the Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan annually, or after a disaster, to track its progress.

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B. Emergency Management Director Initiates Plan Review It will be the responsibility of the Emergency Management Director to ensure the review of the plan is initiated. Plan review will include both updates and monitoring. Updates to the Plan will follow from a review of each chapter of the Plan for any changes in mitigation goals, critical facility identification or status, vulnerability/risk analysis, existing mitigation policies or regulations, or demonstrated need for mitigation action. Monitoring of the current Plan will involve evaluation of the proposed mitigation actions to determine the progress of each action. The entity or entities responsible for the implementation of each action (as listed in the Mitigation Strategy, Chapter 3) will be contacted by the reviewing team and asked to provide a summary of the status of the action(s).

C. Adoption by Board of Selectmen The Wakefield Board of Selectmen may adopt updates to the Plan subsequent to a public hearing.

Incorporating into Existing Planning Mechanisms Throughout the 2009-2010 Wakefield Multi-Hazard Mitigation planning process, discussion included the integration of this plan with current and future planning tools, staffing, and Town infrastructure projects, such as culvert and dam replacement and road repair of flood damaged structures. This would require the time and resources of Town officials, staff, consultants, businesses, citizen volunteers, state and regional agencies as well as federal agencies. The actions in this plan become part of the Town budget and capital improvement plan, grant applications, master plan, zoning ordinance, subdivision and site plan regulations, building codes and other Town ordinances and ongoing communications. Together these actions are a means to strengthen a community’s resiliency.

These actions will assist Town departments, citizens and businesses on a daily basis as well as unplanned for hazard events.

Ongoing Plan Five Year Maintenance Process The Plan will undergo a formal review and update at least every five years. The Town will receive approval from FEMA prior to adoption by the Town of any update.

The Emergency Management Director is the responsible party for initiating the five-year formal review and will consult with members of the Multi-Hazard Committee identified in this plan.

The public will be encouraged to participate in the five year formal review through public notification in local newspapers, use of website, postings at Town Hall and Library and other venues used to inform the public and businesses in the town. A formal public hearing will be held by the Board of Selectmen prior to adoption of a revision to the plan or major updates.

Changes will be made to the plan to accommodate projects that have been completed, failed, or are no longer feasible after a review for their consistency with factors such as, timing, financial resources, priorities, and consensus. Priorities that were not ranked high, but were identified as potential mitigation strategies will be reviewed as well during the monitoring and update of the Plan to determine feasibility of future implementation.

In keeping with the process of adopting the Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan, a public hearing to receive public comment on plan maintenance and updating will be held before the Board of Selectmen adopts the final product.

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RESOURCES USED IN THE P REPARATION OF THIS P LAN Town of Wakefield: Emergency Management Plan (2005) Town of Wakefield, NH: Master Plan (2001, 2004) Town of Wakefield, Zoning Ordinance (with amendments through March 10, 2009) Federal Emergency Management Agency: Community Based Hazard Mitigation Planning: Lowering the Risks and Costs of Disasters (August 1998) Federal Emergency Management Agency: Local Multi-Hazard Mitigation Planning Guidance (July 2008) NH Bureau of Emergency Management: State of New Hampshire Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan (October 2007) NH Bureau of Emergency Management: Hazard Mitigation Plan for New Hampshire Communities (December 2002) NH Flood Management Needs & Recommendation as Documented in NH House Bill 648 Chapter 179 Laws of 2007, Comprehensive Flood Management Study Commission Final Report (September 2008) NH Office of Energy and Planning: Flood Insurance Handbook (November 2006) Southwest Regional Planning Commission: Hazard Mitigation Planning for New Hampshire Communities (July 1999) USACoE: Flood Emergency Plan for Surry Mountain Lake (1994) USACoE: Flood Emergency Plan for Otter Brook (1994 update)

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MAPS OF HAZARDS AND CRITICAL F ACILITIES

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