EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT PLAN




GENERAL EMERGENCY RESPONSE GUIDANCE

The Republic of Molossia is a sovereign nation, however the territory and resources of our nation are limited. Molossia is scattered over a wide area of the western United States, primarily in three exclaves, Harmony Province (also known as the Molossian Home Territory), located near Dayton, Nevada, USA, Desert Homestead Province located near Joshua Tree, California, USA and Farfalla Colony, located near Alturas, California, USA. In addition, a large number of Molossian citizens live outside the sovereign territory of our nation within the US, in such diverse areas as Southern California, Texas, Washington State, New Hampshire and nearer to the Home Territory, in Carson City and Dayton, Nevada.

This plan is intended to provide general guidance in emergency and disaster situations. Due to the small size of our nation and our limited resources, disaster response may need to rely upon or at least be augmented by police, fire and emergency services from the neighboring United States. In no case should our citizens decline such assistance, when needed and offered, as this may result in worsening the situation and even possible fatalities.

General Response Guidelines to Wildfire Incidents

Forest fires and wildfires are a serious threat to the Republic of Molossian in general. High winds can feed fires that travel over five to ten kilometers or more within an hour. In steep terrain, chances of outrunning and surviving an active fire are very low. In such events, communities or residents may have to be evacuated to safer locations; this may result in citizens leaving Molossian sovereign territory. Due to the small size of our nation and its scattered exclaves, combating forest and wildfires will usually involve local law enforcement, fire and emergency services, the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management, and other community service efforts. It is critical that, upon the arrival of professional emergency personnel, such as firefighters, sheriffs, or law enforcement officers, those professionals be in charge during a wildfire incident. These professionals have the training and capability to more adequately respond to emergency situations. The Republic of Molossia has a small volunteer Fire Brigade which is equipped to handle minor fires. Individual citizens should also be willing and able to assist in minor fire suppression within our territories; larger conflagrations should definitely be handled with the assistance of local US fire departments.

Fire In The Desert Near Molossia


General Response Guidelines to Flood Incidents

As with any emergency, it is critical that professional emergency personnel, such as firefighters, sheriffs, and law enforcement officers be in charge. However, the Molossian Government will coordinate immediate emergency response activities when possible, given the fact that warning and response times are often limited. The Government should act immediately and in coordination with local emergency services as needed. In flood situations the counties local to our various exclaves will likely play an important role as well. Additionally, the Government will have its own evacuation response team ensure that our citizens and families are safe and their possessions protected.

Flooding In Molossia

Flood response guidelines include:

A Flood Watch is issued when conditions exist for flooding.
When a Flood Watch is issued:
--Tune to local (US) radio or television stations for emergency information and instructions from local authorities.
--Move valuable possessions to upper floors.
--Fill your car’s gas tank in the event an evacuation order is issued.
--Watch for signs of flooding and be ready to evacuate on a moment’s notice.

A Flood Warning is issued when flooding is imminent or is already occurring.
When a Flood Warning is issued:
--Tune to local radio or television stations for emergency information and instructions from local authorities.
--When told to evacuate, do so as quickly as possible. Move to a safe area before access is cut off by flood water. Avoid areas that are subject to sudden flooding.
--Before leaving, disconnect all electrical appliances, and, if advised by your local utility, shut off electric circuits at the fuse panel and gas service at the meter.
--Do not try to cross a flowing stream where water is above your knees. Water as low as 15 centimeters deep may cause you to be swept away by strong currents.
--Do not try to drive over a flooded road. This may cause you to be trapped and stranded. If your car stalls, abandon it IMMEDIATELY and seek higher ground. Many deaths have resulted from attempts to move stalled vehicles.
--Avoid unnecessary trips. If you must travel during the storm, dress in warm, loose layers of clothing. Advise others of your destination.
--Do not sightsee in flooded areas or try to enter areas blocked off by local authorities.
--Use the telephone ONLY for emergency needs or to report dangerous conditions.
--If you believe flooding has begun, evacuate immediately as you may have only seconds to escape.


General Response Guidelines to Air Quality Incidents

The primary adverse impact to air quality in the region is smoke from wildfires. Particulate matter created by intense wildfires is an ongoing health and safety threat. Even small wildfires burning under inversion conditions can have a significant impact on air quality and large scale fires may affect air quality hundreds of miles from the fire for weeks at a time. The resulting smoke from these fires and the related suppression activities of the US Forest Service can contribute to the unhealthy and often hazardous air quality conditions that occur in the Republic of Molossia. Unhealthy levels of particulate matter from smoke can cause throat irritation, coughing, chest pain, shortness of breath, increased susceptibility to respiratory infection and aggravation of asthma and other respiratory ailments. These symptoms are worsened by exercise and heavy activity. The children, elderly and people who have underlying lung diseases, such as asthma, are at particular risk of suffering from these effects. As particulate matter levels increase, the number of people affected and the severity of the health effects also increase.

Air Quality Alert Mitigation Actions

--Limit time outdoor activities when heavy smoke is present.
--Stay indoors with air conditioner and air purifiers on. Avoid using evaporative coolers. Consider leaving the area until particulate matter fall to a healthy level.

Smoky Air Over Molossia


General Response Guidelines to Volcanic Incidents

The majority of the Republic of Molossia and its many exclaves do not lie in the immediate vicinity of a volcanic area. The exception might be Farfalla Colony, which lies in a historically volcanic area and is equidistant from both the Mount Lassen and Mount Shasta volcanos. Furthermore, the Molossian Home Territory lies east of both Mount Lassen and Mammoth Mountain, both recently active volcanic areas. An eruption at either location would likely, due to prevailing winds, send volcanic ash east over the Home Territory and further, evacuees from an eruption may travel to our area to escape the volcanic zone.

Cinder Cone, Lassen Volcanic Park
As with any emergency, it is critical that professional emergency personnel, such as firefighters, sheriffs, and law enforcement officers be in charge. However, the Molossian Government will coordinate emergency response activities when possible, given the fact that warning and response times are often limited. The Government will act immediately under the supervision of the Molossian Office of Emergency Services. In a volcanic event the local US law enforcement and state agencies will likely play an important role as well. Additionally, the Molossian Government will need to have its own evacuation response team ensure that Molossian citizens are safe and their possessions protected.

There are four different volcano alert levels to monitor to prepare for the impacts.

Volcano alerts are as follows:

--NORMAL Volcano is in typical background, non-eruptive state or, after a change from a higher level, volcanic activity has ceased and volcano has returned to noneruptive background state.
--ADVISORY Volcano is exhibiting signs of elevated unrest above known background level or, after a change from a higher level; volcanic activity has decreased significantly but continues to be closely monitored for possible renewed increase.
--WATCH Volcano is exhibiting heightened or escalating unrest with increased potential of eruption, timeframe uncertain, OR eruption is underway but poses limited hazards.
--WARNING Hazardous eruption is imminent, underway, or suspected.

Listen to (US) radio and/or television broadcasts for alert levels in your area. If you are told to evacuate, follow authorities’ instructions if they tell you to leave the area. Though it may seem safe to stay at home and wait out an eruption, doing so could be very dangerous. Volcanoes spew hot, dangerous gases, ash, lava, and rock that are powerfully destructive.

Preparing to evacuate:
--Tune in the radio or television for volcano updates.
--Listen for disaster sirens and warning signals.
--Review your emergency plan and gather your emergency supplies. Be sure to pack at least a 1-week supply of prescription medications.
--Prepare an emergency kit for your vehicle with food, flares, booster cables, maps, tools, a first aid kit, a fire extinguisher, sleeping bags, a flashlight, batteries, etc.
--Fill your vehicle’s gas tank.

As you evacuate:
--Take only essential items with you, including at least a 1-week supply of prescription medications.
--If you have time, turn off the gas, electricity, and water.

If you are told to take shelter where you are:
--Keep listening to your radio or television until you are told all is safe or you are told to evacuate. Local authorities may evacuate specific areas at greatest risk in your community.
--Close and lock all windows and outside doors.
--Turn off all heating and air conditioning systems and fans.
--Close the fireplace damper.
--Organize your emergency supplies and make sure household members know where the supplies are.
--Make sure the radio is working.
--Go to an interior room without windows that is above ground level.
--Bring your pets with you, and be sure to bring additional food and water supplies for them.

General Response Guidelines to Epidemic/Pandemic Incidents

An epidemic occurs when an infectious disease spreads rapidly to many people. A pandemic is a global disease outbreak.

Precautions to take for Epidemic/Pandemic
--Wash hands frequently with soap and water (alcohol-based sanitizer gels are a good alternative when water is not available).
--Use tissues to cover coughs and sneezes.
--When sick, stay away from others as much as possible.



General Response Guidelines Response to Earthquake Incidents

Earthquakes come with little to no warning. Most of Molossia and its exclaves sit on various earthquake faults, including the Carson Lineament Fault, which runs along the foothills less than a kilometer north of the Molossian Home Territory. Because of the heavy seismic activity in the Nevada and California areas the potential for an earthquake throughout most of Molossia is high.

Earthquake Faults Near Molossia
Earthquake Safety Guidelines:
During the Earthquake Inside:
--Duck, Cover and Hold! If you are indoors, stay there. Quickly move to a safe location in the room such as under a strong desk, a strong table, or along an interior wall. The goal is to protect you from falling objects and be located near the structural strong points of the room.
--Remain calm. If inside, stay inside. Do not rush to exits.
--If you are cooking, turn off the stove and take cover.
--Avoid taking cover near windows, large mirrors, hanging objects, heavy furniture, heavy appliances, fireplaces or objects that are likely to fall.
--Give whatever assistance you can to injured or disabled people. Use common sense and keep safety as a top priority when attempting search and rescue.
During the Earthquake Outside:
--When you are outdoors, move to an open area where falling objects are unlikely to strike you. Move away from buildings, powerlines and trees.
--Move away from fire and smoke.
--If you are driving, slow down smoothly and stop on the side of the road. Avoid stopping on or under bridges and overpasses, or under power lines, trees and large signs.
Stay in your car.
After the Earthquake:
--Check for injuries; attend to injuries if needed, help ensure the safety of people around you.
--Check for damage. If your building is badly damaged you should leave it until it has been inspected by a safety professional.
--If you smell or hear a gas leak, get everyone outside and open windows and doors. If you can do it safely, turn off the gas at the meter. Report the leak to the Gas Company and fire department. Do not use any electrical appliances because a tiny spark could ignite the gas.
--If the power is out, unplug major appliances to prevent possible damage when the power is turned back on. If you see sparks, frayed wires, or smell hot insulation turn off electricity at the main fuse box or breaker. If you will have to step in water to turn off the electricity you should call a professional to turn it off for you.

Recovery

The final phase of an incident encompasses activities taken to assess, manage, and coordinate recovery following an emergency event. Post-event assessments of the emergency areas aid in determining the extent of damages and what resources need repair or replacement. The Molossian Government seeks to restore services as quickly as possible; if necessary, functions in facilities needing repair will be relocated to a new or temporary location. As quickly as is practicably possible, damaged equipment and buildings will be repaired and structural inspections completed so that facilities may re-open. The Government will complete a needs assessment of damages and take actions to recover all aspects of Molossian infrastructure and return life to normal as soon as possible.