AGENDA DATE: 4/6/2022
TITLE:
Title
January 2022 Winter Storm After Action Review
BODY
SUBJECT/PROPOSAL/REQUEST: Report summarizing findings of the after-action review
ITEM TYPE: Consent Information Item
STAFF CONTACT(S): Richardson, Walker, Eggleston, Oprandy
PRESENTER (S): Oprandy
LEGAL REVIEW: Not Required
REVIEWED BY: Jeffrey B. Richardson
BACKGROUND: On January 3rd, 2022, Albemarle County was impacted by a significant snowstorm that produced approximately 6 to 8 inches of heavy, wet snow throughout the region accompanied by high winds. The heavy, wet snow acted more like a thick ice coating, clinging to power lines and tree limbs, weighing them down considerably. The extra weight, coupled with the high winds, brought trees and power lines down in the region by the thousands. Within the first 24 hours of the storm, 70% of customers (residents and businesses) in Albemarle lost power. 72 hours later, nearly 40% of customers were still without power. The wide-spread impacts of the storm, inconsistent data from power companies, and telecommunication gaps in service limited reliable information.
STRATEGIC PLAN: Mission - To enhance the well-being and quality of life for all community members through the provision of the highest level of public service consistent with the prudent use of public funds.
DISCUSSION: In the aftermath of the storm, the County Incident Management Team (IMT) worked both internally and at a regional level (City of Charlottesville and University of Virginia) to provide public information, stand up warming and charging centers, provide access to water, answer questions from the public, and guide residents to necessary resources and services. Ultimately on Monday, January 10th, County staff conducted a search and rescue-style welfare check on residents presumed to be still without power one week after the storm. In addition to what was considered a very significant event, the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic added challenges...
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