Howard County Fair Fair Emergency Action Plan – Developed 2023
Howard County Fair Emergency Management Action Plan (FEAP)
This Emergency Management Plan establishes guidelines for the Howard County Fair patrons, participants, board members, workers, fire services, EMS service and law Enforcement personnel.
Chapter 1, page 1 Purpose
Chapter 2, page 2 Incident command post
Chapter 3, page 2 Immediate Board response to catastrophic events
Chapter 4, page 5 Summary
Chapter 1: Purpose
- The purpose of the FEAP is to provide the Fair Board and any Emergency Personnel with guidelines to follow in any emergency situation to reduce the possibility of human injury or property damage. This Plan is not a substitute for responsible persons using their best judgement in actions surrounding an emergency situation.
- This Plan is not intended to replace proper training and communication.
- This Plan is an attempt to reduce the chance of injury, loss of life, and or property damage in any emergency. To accomplish this, certain individuals are assigned responsibilities, which will augment and assist emergency service responders in their response to an emergency situation. In all cases, all responsible Fair Board members and their assignees will support the emergency responders with information and resources as requested.
- All individuals involved with the Fair are provided the opportunity to review this guide and ask questions for clarification of responsibilities as this FEAP is a part of the Howard County Fair website, hocomofair.com. Answers to questions or reference for further clarification will be directed to the Howard County Board President.
Chapter 2: Incident Command Post (CP)
If, during the Fair or other times that Fair related activities are being held, a situation or incident occurs that needs the onsite coordination of Fair Board Members and Emergency Personnel to meet in a secure location, a command post (CP) will be established in the 4-H Building at the Howard County Fair Grounds.
Chapter 3: Board Response to Catastrophic Events
In the case of a catastrophic event, such as a natural disaster, major accident or act of civil unrest the following guidelines will be followed:
- a) The Fair Board President will be contacted by whichever board member is present and aware of the situation. In the event the president is not available, whichever board member is present will assume the responsibility and duties of the president in dealing with the current event.
- b) The President will have the responsibility of contacting the appropriate emergency responders to call them on-site. (In no way should any board member or responsible person hesitate to contact emergency personnel if in their opinion it is needed.) The president will act as the point of contact for other Fair Board Members and any emergency responders.
- c) Upon declaration of an emergency event, all board members possible and prudent will be called to the CP for a briefing of the situation along with the emergency personnel present.
- d) At this time a decision will be made as to the status of Fair operations (closure or limited operations).
- e) A public envoy from this committee will be appointed to disseminate information to fair goers and the general public. The extent of the broadcast will be dependent on the situation as decided by the board and emergency responders. This person will also be the contact for all incoming phone calls, especially news media.
- f) If an evacuation is required, it will be coordinated with law enforcement. This action will include orderly traffic flow out of the fairgrounds. Fair board members will be assigned to help law enforcement with the effort.
- g) A fair board member will be selected to gather all monies from parking attendants if the fair is to be closed. This person will be responsible to secure the money until after the situation subsides.
- h) If immediate shelter is required due to a thunderstorm or tornado, board members will go to designated areas on the fair grounds to direct the fairgoers to the concrete 4-H building or other Emergency Responder approved storm safe structures.
Chapter 3: Special Considerations that will be a call to action for the Board
- Severe Weather
With the possibility of severe weather, the Fair Board president will monitor the weather forecast and be in communications with the Howard County Emergency Management Service to evaluate the possibility of endangering storms. If a threatening storm is a definite possibility, it will trigger a call to action for the Fair Board and result in a Board Response.
- Bomb Threat
The Howard County Fair Board President will determine if evacuations are warranted and will notify all key individuals as time and the situation allows. Following are several considerations for the person receiving the threat:
- Note the time of the call and write down “exactly” what was said. Try to pull details from the caller such as type of bomb, location, and time of detonation.
- Note if the caller was male or female. Did they have an accent, was there background noise.
- If possible, advise the caller that innocent people could get hurt.
- Call law enforcement immediately.
- Active Shooter or Disorderly Conduct
The Fair is a gathering of many different persons and activities. There are also many persons with different opinions. If a situation gets out of control, contact another Fair Board Member. If necessary, contact Law Enforcement. Following the incident, write down all you can remember. Include the location, the time, what was said, and who was a witness.
- Missing Person on the Fair Grounds
In the case of a missing person (adult or child) a Fair Board Member should escort he reporting party to the CP. A detailed description should be secured including age, race, gender, clothing description, and last known location. The Fair Board President shall inform law enforcement and other Fair Board members to initiate a search. Once the missing person is located, they should be escorted to the CP and all involved searchers notified.
- First Aid
If any Fair Board Member discovers a person in need of first aid, the severity of the injury should be evaluated. If necessary, encourage the injured party to remain still and dial 9-1-1. Be sure to inform 9-1-1 exactly where on the fairgrounds the injured person is located.
- Fire Emergency
In the event of a fire, all persons in the area should be evacuated. Call 9-1-1 immediately. Be sure to inform 9-1-1 exactly where on the fairgrounds the fire is located.
Chapter 3: General Security and Safety Considerations
Following are general considerations all Fair Board members should be aware of:
- The Howard County Fair Board and the Howard County Emergency Management Agency have taken and continue to take a proactive stance in preparing for any and all emergencies. Both entities are open to suggestions that enhance and prepare for any potential situation.
- It is accepted that any public gathering point has the potential of attracting domestic terrorists and or organizations looking for recognition, including animal rights.
- Fair Board Members are empowered within their areas of responsibility to take preventative measures to assist the professional staff. These measures should be passed on to assistants, exhibitors, and parents.
- Each Fair Board member should inspect their area of responsibility and take preventative measures to ensure the safety to fair goers. If something seems out of place, if there are dangerous items present, trip hazards, fire hazards, and or any other safety related problems these should be reported to Fair Board president and/or Emergency Services personnel as appropriate.
- Any found items should be turned over to a Fair Board member for safe keeping. If the item has value, it should be turned over to law enforcement. Any items that are stolen should be reported to Law Enforcement
Chapter 4: Summary
- This guide is provided for all personal. Nothing should take the place of good judgement.
- The Howard County Fair Board’s primary objective is to provide a safe environment that allows for a successful showcase for both children and adults in Howard County to exhibit their livestock, crafts, and other talents. This Fair is open to all persons regardless of race, creed or beliefs.