ORDER N0. ~80~3
AF~F~ROVE I',ERR COUNTY EMERGENCY
MANAGEMENT HAZARD ANALYSIS
On this the E4th day of March, LQ~Q~3, ~_ipon motion made by
Commissioner, Let z, seconded by Commissioner Williams, the
Co~_~rt unanimously appt^oved by a vote of 4-~--0, the lier,r~ Co~_tri~ty
Management Hazard Analysis and a~_ithari e the signat~_ir~e of the
Co~_mty J~_~dge.
~~~;~
COMMISSIONERS' COURT AGENDA REQUEST
PLEASE FURNISH ONE ORIGINAL AND NINE COPIES OF THIS REQUEST AND DOCUMENTS TO BE
REVIEWED BY THE COURT.
MADE BY: Pat Tinley OFFICE: County Judge
MEETING DATE: March 24 2003 TIME PREFERRED:
SUBJECT: (PLEASE BE SPECIFIC)
Consider and discuss approval of the Kerr County Emergency Management Hazard
Analysis.
EXECUTIVE SESSION REQUESTED: (PLEASE STATE REASON)
NAME OF PERSON ADDRESSING THE COURT:
ESTIMATED LENGTH OF PRESENTATION:
IF PERSONNEL MATTER -NAME OF EMPLOYEE:
County Judge/Keith Spenrath
Time for submitting this request for Court to assure that the matter is posted in accordance with Title 5, Chapter
551 and 552, Government Code, is as follows:
Meeting scheduled for Mondays:
THIS REQUEST RECEIVED BY:
THIS REQUEST RECEIVED ON:

All Agenda Requests will be screened by the County Judge's Office to determine if adequate information has been
prepazed for the Court's formal consideration and action at time of Court Meetings. Your cooperation will be
appreciated and contribute towards you request being addressed at the earliest opportunity. See Agenda Request Rules
Adopted by Commissioners' Court.
5:00 P.M. previous Tuesday.
INGRAM/KERRVILLE/KERR COUNTY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
HAZARD ANALYSIS
FEBRUARY- 2003
PURPOSE
The purpose of this document is to identify and prioritize the hazards, which are
most likely to occur and cause loss of life, personal injury and/or property damage or loss
in Ingram, Kerrville and Kerr County. This Hazard Analysis is an integral part of the
Hazard Mitigation Annex (Annex P) of the Emergency Operations Plan.
OVERVIEW
There are several natural and technological hazards that pose a risk to the cities of
Ingram, Kerrville and Kerr County. Although the possibility exists for any of the listed
hazards to occur, they are prioritized based on the probability of occurrence and the
potential impact to the communities. Identification of the hazards, which pose the most
significant threat, cannot transpire without looking at the area and communities that
would be affected. A profile of this area is included to help better illustrate the
vulnerability to the prioritized hazards.
GENERAL AREA DESCRIPTION
Kerr County is located in the Hill Country of South Central Texas, twenty-eight
(28) road miles northwest of Bexar County. The County contains 1101 square miles and
has a population of approximately 43,653 according to the 2000 U. S. Census. This
represents an increase of 20.2% since 1990. The Texas Water Development Board
estimates the population in 2020 for Kerrville at 28,000 and Kerr County at 65,000. Kerr
County, with it's rolling hills, Guadalupe River and moderate climate, has many
camping, vacation and retirement opportunities. Coupled with convention facilities and
unique cultural aspects, the area draws many visitors. Over one million non-residents
spend the night in Kerr County annually.
The County contains two (2} incorporated cities and four (4} unincorporated
towns/communities. The incorporated cities are: Kerrville (population 20,425); Ingram
(population 1,701); and}. The unincorporated communities are: Camp Verde (41), Hunt
(708), and Mountain Home (96). Center Point (population 1250)
GOVERNMENT
County government consists of an elected County Judge, four county
commissioners, Sheriff, district judge, county attorney and road engineer. The City of
Kerrville has aCouncil-Manager form of government. Elected every other year for
Page 2
Two-year terms, the Council consists of five people, one of whom serves as Mayor. The
City Manager is appointed by Council members. The City of Ingram has aCouncil-
Mayor form of government with five (5) Council members in addition to the Mayor, a
City Marshal appointed by Council every two (2) years and a Public Works/Floodplain
Manager/On-site Sewage Officer, who is also appointed.
TRANSPORTATION
Kerr County is serviced by U.S., State and Interstate Highways. These are: IH-
10, Texas 27, 39, 41, & 534 (East-West); U.S. 87, U.S. 83,Texas 16 & 173 (North-
South).
The local airport, Louis Schreiner Field, has a runway length of 6,000 ft. The
nearest commercial airline service is in San Antonio, b2 miles to the Southeast of
Kerrville. Aircraft rental and leasing is available at Louis Schreiner Field from two
entities: Dugosh aircraft Service and Kerrville Aviation.
Kerrville Bus Company serves the area with approximately 13 arrivals and
departures per day with terminal points in San Antonio and San Angelo. The Bus
Company connects with Greyhound and Texas New Mexico Coaches thereby giving
nationwide service. Charters are available.
Motor freight consists of Basse Truck Lines, Inc. who is certified to stop in city
and terminal points. U-Haul and Ryder provide truck rental and leasing.
Automobile rentaUleasing obtained through Enterprise Rent-A-Car, National Car Rental,
and Ken Stoepel Ford. Taxicab and limousine service provided by Easy Rider Taxi and
Hill Country Limousine.
LABOR/WORKFORCE
Major employers are in health care, jewelry, aircraft, plastics, financial services,
tourism and recreation. The workforce is drawn from the incorporated and
unincorporated communities (see "General Area Description"), which help make up Ken
County's approximate population of 43,653. The labor force for Kerr County is
estimated at approximately 18,641 with a current average unemployment rate of 2.6%.
Part of the labor force is drawn from the surrounding counties of Bandera (17,645),
Gillespie (20,814), Kendall (23,743), Real (3,047) and Kimble (4,468). The collective
population of these counties is approximately 113,370.
MAJOR EMPLOYERS (30+~ PRODUCT #EMPLOYEES
AUTO DEALERS
Cecil Atkission Motors New/LJsed Cars & Trucks 55
Crenwelge Motors New/Used Cars & Trucks 40
Ken Stoepel Ford-Lincoln-Merc New/LTsed Cars & Trucks 41
Page 3
B.A:NKING
Bank of the Hills, N.A.
Security State Bank & Trust
Wells Fargo Bank
BUILDING TR4DES - DEI~'F.L(
Carpenter Shop
Comanche Trace Ranch & Golf
Foxworth-Galbraith Lumber Co.
Huser Construction Company
Lowe's
Home Depot
Whelan Plumbing
Banking Services
Banking & Trust Services
Banking Services
)PMENT
Cabinetry
Development
Building Materials
General Contractor
Home Improvement Warehouse
Home Improvement Center
Plumbing & Plumbing Supplies
DISTRIBUTING
Carson Distributing Co. Beer Distributor
EDUCATION
Center Point ISD	Public School System
Ingram ISD	Public School System
Kerrville ISD	Public School System
Notre Dame Catholic Church/School Church & School
Schreiner University	4-Yr Liberal Arts University
Hunt ISD	Public School System
GOVERNMENT
City of Kerrville
Kerr County
Ken Co Juvenile Center
U. S. Dept of Agriculture, ARS
Knipling-Bushland US
Livestock Insects Laboratory
U. S. Post Office
HF,ALTH CARE
Alpine Terrace Retirement &
Convalescent Center
AmeriPark in Kerrville
Edgewater Care Center
Haven, The
Hill Country Community Mental
Health Mental Retardation Center
Hilltop Village
Home Health Services
City Government
County Government
Juvenile Detention
Livestock Insect Research Lab
Postal Service
35
34
70
42
SO
39
35
135
107
40
34
95
249
877
30
222
30
275
310
45
36
78
Assisted Living/Convalescent (120 beds) 63
Independent/Assisted Living/Nursing 92
Convalescent/Alzheimer's (144 beds) 119
Alzheimer's/Assisted Living (46 beds) 36
Ml-IlvIlZ Community Services 142
Convalescent Care (150 beds) 135
Home Health Services 30
Page 4
HE9LTH C<9RE (Continued)
Kerrville State Hospital
La Hacienda
Northhaven Care Center
Sid Peterson Memorial Hospital
So. Texas Veteran's Health
Care System, Kerrville Division
Tri County Home Health Agency
Vista Care
Psychiatric Care (176 beds)
Drug/Alcohol Rehabilitation
Assisted Care (46 beds)
Hospital (148 beds)
565
16l
45
620
Hospital (286 Med/Surg; 154 Nursing}
Home Health Services
Hospice Care
HOTELS CONFF_RENCE
Inn of the Hills River Resort Hotel/Restaurant/Conventions
YO Ranch Resort & Conf Center Hotel/Restaurant/Conventions
MO Ranch Restaurant/Conference Center
MANUFACTURING
Acrotech
Arisan Group, Inc.
James Avery Craftsman, Inc.
Diversified Fabricators, Insulators
& Constructors, Inc.
Mooney Airplane Company, Inc.
Vintage Granite & Millwork Corp.
Plastics Injection Molding
Architectural/Furniture Manufacturing
Jewelry
Furnace Manufacturing & Constr.
for Petrochemical Industry
Airplane Manufacturing
Countertops/Cabinets
NEWSPAPERS
Kerrville Daily Times
RESTAURANTS
Acapulco Mexican Restaurant
Chili's Grill & Bar
Culver's
Lakehouse Restaurant, Inc.
Luby's Cafeterias, Inc.
Mamacita' s
McDonald's of Kerrville
RETAIL- SALES
Albertson's
Gibson Discount Center
HEB
JCPenney Co., Inc.
Schreiner's Dept Store
Wal-Mart Super Center
Daily Newspaper
Restaurant
Restaurant
Restaurant
Restaurant
Restaurant
Restaurant
Restaurant (3 locations)
Retail Grocery
Retail Dept Store
Retail Grocery
Retail Dept Store
Retail Dept Store
Discount Store
538
36
40
130
75
71
100
40
356
50
166
60
47
37
75
30
30
53
73
55
66
35
275
70
30
350
Page 5
SER I~7CES
Durrin's Cleaners Dry Cleaners/Laundry 45
Kerrville Bus Company Bus Transportation 350
Riverhill Country Club, Inc. Golf Course/Country Club 74
TRC Engineering Services, Inc. Engineering 47
UTILITIES
Hill Country Telephone Coop, Inc. Telephone Services 66
Kerrville Public Utility Board Electric Services 57
Kerrville Telephone Company Telephone/Internet Services 145
YOUTH HOMES
Hill Country Youth Ranch Children's Home 75
Medina Children's Home, Inc. Youth Shelter 60
Star Ranch Treatment Center & Summer Camp 45
HEALTH CARE FACILITIES
(See MAJOR EMPLOYERS -HEALTH CARE)
DAY CARE FACILITIES
NAME ADDRESS ENROLLMENT
Building Blocks Day Care
Children's Ark
Children's Corner
First Assembly of God
First Baptist Church Pre-School
Holy Cross Day Care
Hosanna Lutheran
Kerr County Day Care
Lakeview Day Care
Miss Marna Day Care
Perfect Praise Pre-School
St. Peter's Day School
Sunshine Inn Day Care
Sunshine Inn On-Campus Care
1028 E. Main	58
321 Thompson	119
828 Jefferson	115
901 Jefferson	60
625 Washington	55
204 Spence	50
2015 Singing Wind Dr.	3 S
1220 Jefferson	66
721 Thompson	75
1104 Monroe	12
120-B W. Davis	29
926 Main	125
1117 Jefferson	101
Nimitz Elementary	47
Starkey Elementary	47
Tom Daniels Elementary	65
Tivy Upper Elementary	38
Page 6
DAY CARE FACILITIES (Continued)
Tivy Child Development Center 1607 Sidney Baker 51
Wee Care 611 Florence 12
YMCA Kerrville 605 Tivy 51
Zion Lutheran Children's Center 600 Barnett 147
EDUCATIONAL
NAME/DISTRICT ELEM MID HIGH ENROLLMENT
Center Point I.S.D.	1	1	1	669
Christ King Christian	I	1(7`")		32
Divide School (Mt. Home)	1			27
Grace Christian School	1	1	1	92
Hunt I.S.D.	1			147
Ingram I.S.D.	1	1	1	1,348
Kerrville I.S.D.	4	1	1	4,655
Notre Dame Parochial	1	1		256
Our Lady of the Hills				
Catholic High School			1	19
Schreiner University				654
Star Ranch Charter School	1	1	1	50
3H Charter School		1	1	10
POTENTIAL HAZARDS
Ken County has many potential hazards, as do most jurisdictions throughout the
State of Texas. These potential hazards are outlined and discussed below.
FLASH FLOODING
Flash flooding on and along the Guadalupe River and associated creeks from the
far west end of Ken County, through and along the entire eastern City limits of Ingram,
through downtown Kerrville, and east to the Kerr County line, involving the smaller
communities of Center Point and Comfort, poses the greatest hazard to this area and is
highly probable and likely during heavy rain storms.
Warning of impending flash flooding within the County is accomplished through
the computerized flood warning system, installed in 1989, which is comprised of
numerous river level and rainfall gauges. This system primarily monitors the Guadalupe
River and larger creeks. In conjunction with the flood warning system, several other
methods combine to enhance warning capability. These other methods include: a
Page 7
weather alert paging system, National Weather Service Broadcasts, including the NOAA
Weather Radio broadcasts, and communication between the Kerrville Fire Department,
DOT, DPS, Kerr County Sherii~s Office, Ingram City Marshal's Department, the Upper
Guadalupe River Authority, and local radio stations.
Frequency of flooding is likely once a year, with major flooding occurring
approximately every five (5) years, based on past history.
Controllability of flood damage is limited to mitigation measures of land-use
management and elevation criteria's.
Duration of actual onslaught is from several hours to several days, with clean up
lasting months later from debris.
Intensity of impact ranges from a few houses with water damage to several
hundred houses and commercial buildings, including road and bridge washout and/or
damage.
Catastrophic flooding occurred in the summer of 2002 when parts of Kerr County
received >35 inches of rain between June 30 and July 5. Some of the most severe
flooding involved Quinlan Creek. The headwaters of Quinlan Creek are located on the
north side of the City of Kerrville. The creek passes through the central, easterly section
of the City of Kerrville and empties into the Guadalupe River on the south side of the
City.
Light flooding of Quinlan Creek lasting for about one (1) to three (3) hours occurs
about three (3) times a year. Light flooding usually results only in minimal clean up of
debris affecting mostly residential back yards.
More severe flooding is rare with the last such incident occurring in 2002 and
approximately fifty (50) years prior. More severe flooding in this area occurs when rain
concentrates for several hours directly over the catch basin located up in the hilly region
north of the City. Run-off is then directed down to the creek and through the city.
During the flood of 2002, approximately 13 inches of rain fell on the headwaters area of
Quinlan Creek within three (3) hours on already saturated ground. In the City of
Kerrville along a wide swath along and near the creek, heavy flooding destroyed twenty
(20) homes, inflicted major damage on approximately one hundred-twelve (112) homes
and caused minor damage on approximately ninety-nine (99) homes. The City of
Kerrville also suffered approximately 8.7 million dollars of infrastructure damage.
Damage in the City of Ingram and throughout Kerr County was more limited.
Increasing early warning capability to this area by adding rain sensors on the
headwaters of the creek is an option to help mitigate this problem. Currently, Planning
and Zoning, as well as Building codes, have been changed to limit replacement and new
construction in those areas damaged by recent flooding.
In 1932, flooding occurred in Ingram at which time the area of Old Ingram Loop
had approximately four (4) feet of water inside all buildings located in this area. The
severity of this flooding was primarily due to both the Guadalupe River and the Johnson
Creek rises converging in Ingram at the same time. Johnson Creek is a primary
watershed from the Mt. Home headwaters area. In 1959, along the Guadalupe River in
the Cypress Falls area near the southern City limits of Ingram, similar flooding occurred.
Page 8
The City of Ingram has an ordinance dealing with building in the floodplain and
has appointed a floodplain administrator to assist with these issues.
SEVERE WEATHER
Severe weather such as thunderstorms, lightning, hail and high winds occur in the
Central Texas area frequently. Most of the thunderstorms and associated hazards are in
the spring, although thunderstorms can occur at anytime of year because of cool air from
the north combining with moisture brought in from the Pacific across Mexico or the Gulf
of Mexico.
Most of the severe weather associated with thunderstorms occurs in the afternoon
or evening hours. Lightning is one of the most dangerous hazards associated with severe
thunderstorms. It is responsible for more deaths annually than tornadoes or humcanes.
These storms and associated hazards are generally of short duration, but the intensity and
damage can vary significantly depending on the size of the storms. Warning of severe
storms is limited to local radio, National Weather Service broadcasts including NOAA
weather radio and local news services.
Predictability of tornadoes in Ken County relies on weather bulletins and
broadcasts by the National Weather Service, including NOAA Weather Radio, and other
media such as the Weather Channel and local news services. It is known that tornadoes
in Kerr County are most frequent in May and June between the hours of 4 p.m. and 9
p.m. (CST}.
Frequency of tornadoes in Kerr County based on history is one (1) every four (4)
years, ranging from `FO' to `F2" on the F-Scale. National Weather Service records on
tornado death go back to 1916 and show none for Kerr County.
Controllability of tornado damage is limited to warning plans, public awareness
and building construction.
Duration of actual onslaught is relatively short, but long-term effects may felt for
some time by those directly or indirectly involved with the incident. Critical Incident
Stress Management would be implemented to assist those in dealing with these long-term
effects.
Scope of damage ranges with the severity of the tornado, varying from limited
damage to total destruction.
Ice and/or winter storms occur much less frequently. Measurable snowfall occurs
approximately every five (5) years. Icy road conditions occur annually and are quickly
mitigated by City, County and State Street, RoadBridge and Highway departments.
Snow and/or icy conditions generally are of short duration as ground temperatures warm
quickly.
Page 9
MASS CASUALTY ACCIDENTS
Predictability of an accident involving a large number of injured persons is
difficult, but highly possible at any given moment in Kerr County. The potential for a
major transportation disaster exists throughout the Kerrville area with the large number of
people being transported by bus to and from local schools each morning and in late
afternoons, as well as people transported in and out of the County by commercial bus
lines.
Frequency of incidents involving large numbers of people implicated in such
accidents have been minimal over the past year, but still considered likely in Kerr
County.
Controllability is limited to factors preceding the incident and human error.
Duration of the incident is usually short-term; however, long-term effects may be
felt for some time after the incident by those directly or indirectly involved. Critical
Incident Stress Management would be implemented to assist in dealing with these long-
term effects.
Incidents, which could cause mass casualties within Kerr County, are: bus
accident, structural collapse of building, aircraft crash, explosion, tornado, and the like.
Predictability of an accident involving an aircraft is based upon increased air
traffic, weather conditions, pilot error, mechanical failure and the like.
Frequencies of aircraft accidents in Kerr County have been steadily increasing
over the past ten (10) years due to the growth of the Municipal Airport. However, the
number of incidents with injuries and/or death has been small, as the airport does not
serve any scheduled or unscheduled air carrier passenger operations with aircraft having a
seating capacity of more than thirty (30) passengers.
Controllability of aircraft accidents is limited to mitigation measures regarding
airport maintenance, land-use management of take-off and approach corridors, and
readiness of local response services.
Duration of an incident can range from as short as a few minutes, to as long as
several days or weeks, with long-term effects on persons directly or indirectly involved
with the incident. Critical Incident Stress Management would be implemented to assist
with these long-term effects.
Scope of damage will range with the severity of the accident, but is usually
localized.
Transportation accidents involving large vehicles such as buses, the structural
collapse of a building and accidental explosions, which might cause mass casualties,
could be severe depending on the nature of the incident. Predictability of events such as
these is not possible, as they may occur at any time. Local emergency responders
complimented by personnel and resources from jurisdictions in the surrounding counties
would increase local response. This is accomplished through existing mutual aid
agreements.
Page 10
WII.,DFIRES. HEAT & DROUGHT
Predictability of a large range or wildfire is moderately possible during most
times of the year with late fall and early spring being the most critical periods of time.
Kerr County, due to its size and large open areas is highly susceptible to major brush
fires.
Frequencies of wildfires in Kerr County are based upon weather conditions and
the amount of dry brush and grass, with minor, easily controlled fires occurring monthly.
A major fire occurs once every four (4) years based on past history.
Controllability of such fires is limited to public awareness, burn-bans imposed by
the County Commissioner's and proper care of outdoor burning, when allowed, during
the dry seasons.
Duration of wildfires may last from a few hours to a few days, depending upon
geographical and weather conditions.
Excessive heat exposure causes more deaths nationwide than hurricanes,
lightning, tornadoes, floods and earthquakes combined. The elderly and the very young
are most susceptible to heat-related illnesses and are at greatest risk. Air conditioning is
the number one protective factor against heat-related illness and death. Public awareness
via the news media regarding heat-related illness prevention measures is an important
part in reducing this risk.
Severe drought conditions from excessive heat and lack of measurable rainfall
can be expected to occur every few years. These conditions, caused by cyclic climate
changes, can last from a few months to several years. Although harvesting crops still
plays a part in Kerr County's agricultural community, raising livestock is the dominant
agricultural activity in the County.
Depending on the length and severity of the event, the scope of damage from lack
of rainfall ranges from minor damage of ranch land, to severe property and agricultural
damage aiTecting livestock and vegetation.
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
Predictability of a hazardous material (haz/mat) accident is uncertain. However,
hazardous materials aze commonly used, transported through, and stored in Ken County
in such quantities from which an accident could be harmful or injurious to humans,
domestic animals, wildlife, the economy, or property.
Frequency of haz/mat transportation accidents range from one (1}, to several
minor incidents each year. However, due to Interstate 10 running through part of Kerr
County transportation accidents involving dangerous hazardous materials are highly
possible.
Some low-level radiological materials are used locally in the health and medical
fields, but the amount and type of these radiological materials is limited and doesn't pose
a significant risk to the community. High-level radiological materials transported on
Highways are packaged in containers able to sustain high-speed, catastrophic accidents
Page 11
without container failure. Although, the possibility of a significant radiological release is
possible, the probability and frequency of such an event is very low.
Controllability of a hazardous material disaster is limited to the local plan covered
in Annex `P' and Annex `Q' of Kerr County's Emergency Operations Plan, training for
Kemrille Fire Personnel, and the use of HazlMat Teams from nearby San Antonio.
Duration of an accident can be for as little as a few minutes to as long as several
weeks for clean up.
The scope of damage ranges with the severity of the incident, but is generally
localized.
ENERGY AND WATER SHORTAGE
Growth and development continues in the communities of Ingram and Kerrville,
and the rural azeas of Kerr County. With this growth and development water
conservation becomes vital to the area.
The Guadalupe River and Trinity Aquifers aze the sole sources of water for
residents of Kerr County. Protecting the surface and groundwater of Ken County is
accomplished by several entities, including the Upper Guadalupe River Authority,
Headwaters Underground Conservation District and the City of Kerrville. This
protection is accomplished by monitoring development and land use practices, as well as
limiting pumping of groundwater.
The City of Kerrville is actively engaged in water storage and recovery through
an innovative program called Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR). ASR is a means of
taking treated surface water and injecting it into the Lower Trinity Aquifer where it is
stored for future use. ASR injection takes place seven to nine months each year and is
recovered or pumped back out into the distribution system during peak demand summer
months. There are two operational ASR wells within the water production system of the
City of Kerrville.
Another program designed to get the most use from azea water resources is the
use of treated effluent. Treated effluent from the City of Kerrville wastewater treatment
plant is pumped to local golf courses for irrigation purposes. This water re-use is another
way to wisely use this precious resource.
The City of Kerrville also limits certain business development near the Guadalupe
River in an effort to protect this resource from contamination.
Efforts to mitigate the risk of water shortage to this area need to be continued and
further options need to be explored to ensure an adequate supply of this vital resource.
Without an adequate water supply the local economy would be irreparably damaged and
the quality of life affected to the point where some county residents may be forced to
relocate.
Obviously, oil is the single most important source of energy in the United States.
Our Country's dependence on foreign oil sources continues to grow and because of this,
fluctuations in price and uncertainty of supply continue to create risks with regard to the
production of electricity, heating and cooling homes, transportation, the economy and
Page 12
National security. Because of this risk, the United States government is researching
alternative fuel and energy sources, such as clean, emission-free hydrogen-powered fuel
cells.
Duration of oil shortages can vary greatly from several weeks to several years. At
the local level, State and Federal public education programs assist in increasing public
awareness with regard to energy conservation.
EPIDEMIC
Citing global reports, Texas Department of Health officials have indicated the
possibility of an increase in epidemics. The Journal of the American Medical
Association cites the following as contributing factors in the likelihood of widespread
epidemics: global climate changes, population growth and mass international travel.
Vital factors in preventing possible outbreaks of disease with high morbidity and
mortality rates are the U. S. requirement for the quarantine of imported animals, to
continue to make progress with the State's immunization rate for children and the need
for more resources for the Texas Department of Health to continue efforts in preventing
the spread of infectious diseases through research and innovation. In an effort to mitigate
the possible effects of a terrorist attack using a biological agent such as the smallpox
virus to create an epidemic, a nationwide effort is currently underway to vaccinate
military, healthcare and emergency response personnel.
ENEMY ATTACK AND TERRORISM
By far, the greatest risk regarding enemy attack would be that of domestic or
international terrorism. It is well documented that terrorists aze working to obtain
chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosive (CBRNE) weapons. Several of
these terrorist organizations have publicly named United States' citizens and properties as
targets. The Federal government, through the Department of Homeland Security, is
working to strengthen the Nation's security. Likewise, State, local governments and
emergency response agencies are following suit, cooperating in an effort to prepare to
respond to an attack.
Prevention of such an attack rests with the United States Government and State
and local law enforcement agencies. Although the possibility exists for a terrorist attack
to occur anywhere and at anytime, the probability of such an attack in Kerr County is
low, at this time. The Department of Homeland Security has implemented an advisory
system indicating the current nation-wide threat level regazding a terrorist attack. The
stages of alert are as follows: green -low risk; blue -general risk; yellow -elevated or
significant risk; orange -high risk; and, red -severe risk.
While there is no way to predict what will happen or where an attack will occur,
the general public can do some simple things to prepaze for such an event. This includes
developing a family emergency plan and assembling a supply kit. These plans and kits
Page 13
can be used for both natural and man-made emergencies. Suggestions for these plans and
supplies can be found through organizations such as the Department of Homeland
Security, FEMA, State or local emergency management offices, or the American Red
Cross.
CIVIL UNREST
Civil unrest generally is caused by religious, racial, political or labor
disagreements. Rioting and looting can be related to sports activities or occur in the wake
of a natural or man-made disaster. Property damage from. civil unrest and rioting can be
significant, as can injury to by-standers and citizens of the affected community. Past
history has shown the frequency of riots and large-scale civil unrest occurring in the
communities of Ingram, Kerrville and Kerr County is negligible.
EARTHQUAKE
According to the University of Texas Institute for Geophysics, only one (1) Texas
earthquake ever took a human life, and the death occurred in Mexico. Since 1847, no
earthquakes have occurred in Kerr County and only a few minor earthquakes have
occurred in the Austin/San Antonio azea, mainly to the south and east of those
communities.
HAZARD SUIVIlVIARY
The following Hazard Summary/Risk Assessment is a prioritized listing of the most
likely potential hazard situations and their possible impact on Ingram/Kerrville/Kerr
County.
HAZARD LIKELIHOOD SEVERITY LIFESAFETY
1.	Flash Flooding	High	High	Nigh
2.	Severe Weather/Tornado	High	High	Moderate
3.	Mass Casualty Accidents	High	High	Moderate
4.	Wild Fires/Drought	High	High	Low
5.	Hazardous Materials	Moderate	High	Low
6.	Energy/Water Crisis	Moderate	High	Low
7.	Epidemic	Moderate	Moderate	Moderate
8.	Enemy Attack/Terrorism	Low	Moderate	Moderate
9.	Civil Unrest	Low	Low	Low
10.	Earthquake	Low	Low	Low
HAZARD ANALYSIS
2003
INGRAM/I~ERRVILLE/KERR COUNTY
Signs a Emergency Management Coor ' ator
~d~~
Signature Mayor City of Ingram
Signature Mayor City of Kerrville
rr ounty Judge
3~ K~ rVJ
Date
3 /~-~ 3
Date
Date
~' ~-Q3
Date