NEW ALBANY POLICE DEPARTMENT - New Albany, Ohio

18.1.1 Planning Responsibility
NEW ALBANY POLICE DEPARTMENT
Directive 18.1 - Unusual Occurrences
The on-duty Sergeant is responsible for the development of the unusual occurrence plans and
general oversight of all field operations during any unusual occurrence. In the absence of a
Sergeant, these tasks will be assumed by the on-duty officer in charge. In cases of unusual
occurrences, the Sergeant will serve as an advisor to the Chief of Police and have the primary
responsibility of expediting manpower and resources to address the occurrence.
18.1.2 Natural/Man-made Disasters
Natural disasters such as tornadoes or floods and man-made disasters such as a plane crash,
will be handled on a case-by-case basis due to the numerous factors that may influence the
response. The highest-ranking Fire Department official will have overall command at a disaster
scene. A major disaster scene may be divided into geographic units, each commanded by a Fire
Department official. The Police Department will provide support services and implement
evacuation when necessary. Potential disasters as a result of weather can often be anticipated
before their occurrence.
A. Weather Alerts
When a severe weather watch is issued, the Dispatcher will periodically air this
information to all on-duty police personnel.
All on-duty personnel should remain aware of weather conditions and notify the
radio room if a tornado or other dangerous weather condition is observed.
B. Tornado Warning Procedure
When a tornado warning is sounded, the dispatcher shall remain in the secured
Dispatch Center. The dispatcher shall instruct any visitors in the lobby area to
take shelter in Interview Room B.
All on-duty officers will patrol the area to observe weather conditions. All patrol
vehicles should stay in separate areas and apart from Fire Department vehicles.
Once weather conditions are safe, the dispatcher will advise all Police
Department employees to resume normal activity.
The following are guidelines to help determine when severe weather or tornados
are imminent:
a) Tornados, funnel clouds or wall clouds.
b) Any persistent rotation in the clouds.
c) Damage that is a result of hazardous weather such as straight-line
winds, tornados, flooding/flash-flooding, or winter storms.
d) Occurrence of hail, half of inch or larger.
e) More than one tree uprooted or blown down/or more than one large limb.
f) An inch or more of rain in an hour.
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