HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-13-19-2e - Resolution - 05/13/2019RESOLUTION NO. 05-13-19-2e
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLLEGE STATION,
TEXAS, ADOPTING AND APPROVING THE COLLEGE STATION PORTION OF
“MITIGATING RISK: PROTECTING THE BRAZOS VALLEY FROM ALL HAZARDS,
2019-2024 PLAN” (PLAN).
WHEREAS, certain areas of College Station are subject to periodic flooding and other natural
hazards with the potential to cause damages to people and properties within the area; and
WHEREAS, under the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000, the United States Federal Emergency
Management Agency (FEMA) requires that local jurisdictions have in place a FEMA-approved
Hazard Mitigation Action Plan as a condition of receipt of certain future Federal mitigation
funding after November 1, 2004; and
WHEREAS, This Plan, a five-year blueprint for the future, aimed at making communities in
Brazos County disaster resistant by reducing or eliminating the long-term risk of loss of life and
property from the full range of natural disasters; and
WHEREAS, This Plan meets the requirements of the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 (P.L. 106-
390); Section 44 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 201.6 and Part 206; and State of Texas
Division of Emergency Management standards.
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLL EGE STATION,
TEXAS:
PART 1: That the City Council hereby adopts and approves those portions of the Plan
entitled, Mitigating Risk: Protecting the Brazos Valley from All Hazards, 2019-
2024, that pertain to the City of College Station attached as Exhibit A.
PART 2: That the City Council hereby approves and authorizes Brian Hilton, Emergency
Management Coordinator with the responsibility, authority, and the means to:
a. Inform all concerned parties of this action.
b. Develop an addendum to this Hazard Mitigation Plan if College Station’s
unique situation warrants such an addendum.
PART 3: That the City Council hereby appoints the Emergency Management Coordinator to
assure the Hazard Mitigation Plan is reviewed at least annually and that
amendments to the City of College Station addendum to the Hazard Mitigation Plan
be developed and presented to the City Council for consideration and approval
PART 4: That this Resolution shall take effect immediately from and after its passage.
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 2 of 184
ADOPTED this 13th day of May, 2019.
ATTEST: APPROVED:
City Secretary Mayor
APPROVED:
City Attorney
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 3 of 184
EXHIBIT A
MITIGATING RISK:
PROTECTING THE BRAZOS VALLEY FROM ALL HAZARDS
2019-2024 PLAN
Brazos County
Hazard Mitigation
Mitigating Risk: Protecting Brazos County from All Hazards
2019-2024
Department of Emergency Management
110 N. Main Street Suite 100
Bryan, Texas 77803
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 4 of 184
2
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
PURPOSE AND PROCESS OF DEVELOPMENT
This updated document, “Mitigating Risk: Protecting Brazos County from All Hazards, 2019 –
2024,” was prepared by the jurisdictions within Brazos County. The participating entities in the
planning area of the Brazos County Hazard Mitigation Plan include Brazos County, the Cities of
Bryan, College Station, Kurten, Wixon Valley and Texas A&M University. These will be referred
to as “Brazos County and participating entities”, “participating entities” or the “planning area”.
This plan is a five-year blueprint for the future, aimed at making communities in Brazos County,
to include all of the planning area; disaster resistant by reducing or eliminating the long-term
risk of loss of life and property from the full range of natural disasters. It meets the
requirements of the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 (P.L. 106-390); Section 44 of the Code of
Federal Regulations, Part 201.6 and Part 206; and State of Texas Division of Emergency
Management standards. An open public process was established to provide multiple
opportunities for all sectors in Brazos County and participating entities to be involved in the
planning process and provide input during its drafting stage.
HAZARDS FACING THE PLANNING AREA
The plan identifies and assesses the potential impact of nine natural hazards that threaten
Brazos County and participating entities. Hazards were identified based on a review of historical
records, national data sources, existing plans and reports, and discussions with local, regional,
and national experts. The list of hazards that may threaten Brazos County and the participating
entities are:
Floods
Droughts
Fires
Severe Winter Storms
Tornadoes
Hail
Thunderstorms
Dam failures
Excessive Heat
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 5 of 184
3
MITIGATION VISION
A vision statement, 6 goals, and 21 objectives were developed to guide the participating entities
in the planning area in reducing or eliminating the long-term risk of loss of life and property
from the full range of natural disasters. The mitigation vision for Brazos County and
participating entities incorporates:
An informed citizenry aware of the risks they face and the measures that can be taken to protect
their families, homes, workplaces, communities and livelihoods from the impact of disasters.
Local governments and regional entities that are capable of hazard-mitigation planning and
project implementation, and of leveraging state, federal, and private resources for investments
in mitigation.
Intergovernmental coordination and cooperation on mutual issues of concern related to
floodplain management and hazard mitigation.
A commitment to locate buildings outside hazardous areas and to promote building methods
that result in structures able to withstand the natural hazards that threaten them.
The integration of mitigation into routine budgetary decisions and planning for future growth
and development in the planning area, making disaster resistance an integral part of the
livability and sustainability of the county.
GOALS, OBJECTIVES AND ACTIONS
The overall goal of this plan is to reduce or eliminate the long-term risk of loss of life and
property damage in Brazos County and participating entities from the full range of disasters.
Individual goals are:
GOAL 1. Develop new, and upgrade existing capabilities for identifying the need for and
implementing hazard mitigation activities.
GOAL 2. Generate support for and increase public awareness of the need for hazard
mitigation.
GOAL 3. Increase awareness of public officials, community and business leaders of the
need for hazard mitigation, and support actions to protect public health and safety.
GOAL 4. Promote resource-sharing and increase coordination and cooperation among
governmental entities in conducting hazard mitigation activities.
GOAL 5. Mitigate damage to and losses of new and existing real property.
GOAL 6. Promote sustainable growth.
Twenty-one objectives in support of these goals are presented in Section 3.
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 6 of 184
4
Mitigation Actions
This plan sets forth mitigation actions and action plans to be carried out by Brazos County and
the participating entities to reduce the risks to these hazards facing the planning area. Each
action statement includes a description of the action, estimated costs, benefits, the responsible
organization for implementing the action, an implementation schedule, priority, and potential
funding sources. Some actions are directed at reducing the risk from a single hazard, such as
flooding. Others pertain to multiple hazards or all nine hazards. The hazards differ in important
ways, such as in their predictability, length of warning time, speed of onset, magnitude, scope,
duration of impact, and the possibilities of secondary impacts.
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 7 of 184
5
TABLE OF CONTENTS
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY .................................................................................................................. 2
Purpose and Process of Development ......................................................................................................... 2
Hazards Facing the Planning Area ............................................................................................................... 2
Mitigation Vision ............................................................................................................................................ 3
Goals, Objectives and Actions ...................................................................................................................... 3
SECTION 1: PURPOSE AND ORGANIZATION OF THE PLAN ............................................................... 8
Purpose ......................................................................................................................................................... 8
Organization .................................................................................................................................................. 9
SECTION 2: THE PLANNING PROCESS .........................................................................................10
Preparation of the Plan ............................................................................................................................... 10
Public Involvement ...................................................................................................................................... 13
Partners in Planning .................................................................................................................................... 14
SECTION 3: MITIGATION VISION, GOALS, AND OBJECTIVES ...........................................................17
Vision ........................................................................................................................................................... 17
Goals and Objectives .................................................................................................................................. 17
SECTION 4: BRAZOS COUNTY PLANNING AREA AT A GLANCE .......................................................19
Geography................................................................................................................................................... 19
Population ................................................................................................................................................... 20
Higher Education ......................................................................................................................................... 22
Land Use ..................................................................................................................................................... 23
Development Trends ................................................................................................................................... 23
Communities Designated for Special Consideration .................................................................................. 25
SECTION 5: HAZARDS THE PLANNING AREA FACES AND WHAT'S AT RISK ..................................26
Risk Assessment Methodologies ................................................................................................................ 26
People and Property at Risk ....................................................................................................................... 26
Hazards of Concern .................................................................................................................................... 34
Historical Disaster Declarations .................................................................................................................. 35
Economic and Social Losses ...................................................................................................................... 35
Hazard Ranking .......................................................................................................................................... 36
Unique Hazards .......................................................................................................................................... 37
Conclusions ................................................................................................................................................. 37
SECTION 6: FLOOD.....................................................................................................................42
Why Floods Are a Threat ............................................................................................................................ 42
Hazard Profile ............................................................................................................................................. 43
History of Flooding ...................................................................................................................................... 44
Location of Hazardous Areas ...................................................................................................................... 46
NFIP Program Participation ........................................................................................................................ 48
People and Property at Risk ....................................................................................................................... 49
Potential Damages and Losses .................................................................................................................. 50
Repetitive Losses ........................................................................................................................................ 50
SECTION 7: DROUGHT ................................................................................................................52
Why Drought Is a Threat ............................................................................................................................. 52
Hazard Profile ............................................................................................................................................. 53
History of Drought ....................................................................................................................................... 57
People and Property at Risk ....................................................................................................................... 58
Potential Damages and Losses .................................................................................................................. 58
SECTION 8: URBAN AND WILDLAND FIRES ...................................................................................59
Why Urban and Wildland Fires Are a Threat .............................................................................................. 59
Hazard Profile ............................................................................................................................................. 61
History of Wildfire in the Planning Area ...................................................................................................... 61
Location of Hazardous Areas ...................................................................................................................... 62
History of Fire .............................................................................................................................................. 68
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 8 of 184
6
People and Property at Risk ....................................................................................................................... 68
Potential Damages and Losses .................................................................................................................. 69
SECTION 9: WINTER STORMS .....................................................................................................70
Why Winter Storms Are a Threat ................................................................................................................ 70
Hazard Profile ............................................................................................................................................. 70
History of Severe Winter Storms ................................................................................................................. 71
People and Property at Risk ....................................................................................................................... 72
Potential Damages and Losses .................................................................................................................. 73
SECTION 10: TORNADOES ..........................................................................................................74
Why Tornadoes Are a Threat ...................................................................................................................... 74
Hazard Profile ............................................................................................................................................. 75
History of Tornadoes ................................................................................................................................... 77
People and Property at Risk ....................................................................................................................... 79
Potential Damages and Losses .................................................................................................................. 79
SECTION 11: HAIL ......................................................................................................................80
Why Hailstorms Are a Threat ...................................................................................................................... 80
Hazard Profile ............................................................................................................................................. 80
History of Hailstorms ................................................................................................................................... 81
People and Property at Risk ....................................................................................................................... 82
Potential Damages and Losses .................................................................................................................. 83
SECTION 12: THUNDERSTORMS ..................................................................................................84
Why Thunderstorms are a Threat ............................................................................................................... 84
Hazard Profile ............................................................................................................................................. 84
History of thunderstorms ............................................................................................................................. 85
People and Property at Risk ....................................................................................................................... 87
SECTION 13: DAM FAILURE .........................................................................................................88
Why Dam Failure Is a Threat ...................................................................................................................... 88
Hazard Profile ............................................................................................................................................. 88
People and Property at Risk ....................................................................................................................... 89
Potential Damages and Losses .................................................................................................................. 92
SECTION 14: EXCESSIVE HEAT ...................................................................................................95
Why Excessive Heat Is a Threat ................................................................................................................. 95
Hazard Profile ............................................................................................................................................. 95
History of Excessive Heat in the Planning Area.......................................................................................... 96
Location of Hazardous Areas ...................................................................................................................... 96
People and Property at Risk ....................................................................................................................... 96
Potential Damages and Losses .................................................................................................................. 97
SECTION 15: PREVIOUS MITIGATION ACTIONS .............................................................................98
Federal Emergency Management Agency Programs ................................................................................. 98
Previous Planning Efforts ............................................................................................................................ 98
Building and Fire Codes ............................................................................................................................ 100
Fire Codes ................................................................................................................................................. 102
Inspection and Permitting Processes ........................................................................................................ 103
Building Code Effectiveness Grading Schedules and Fire Ratings .......................................................... 104
Floodplain Management Ordinances ........................................................................................................ 104
FEMA Community Assistance Program Involvement ............................................................................... 105
Previous Action Items ............................................................................................................................... 107
SECTION 16: MITIGATION ACTIONS ........................................................................................... 116
SECTION 17: PLAN IMPLEMENTATION AND MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES ..................................... 135
Implementation .......................................................................................................................................... 135
Evaluation and Enhancement ................................................................................................................... 136
Continued Public Involvement .................................................................................................................. 138
APPENDIX A: ACRONYMS .......................................................................................................... 139
APPENDIX C: LOCAL HAZARD MITIGATION TEAM ........................................................................ 174
APPENDIX D: CRITICAL FACILITIES IN BRAZOS COUNTY AND PARTICIPATING ENTITIES .................. 176
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 9 of 184
7
APPENDIX E: LOCAL ADOPTION RESOLUTIONS ........................................................................... 181
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 10 of 184
8
SECTION 1: PURPOSE AND ORGANIZATION OF THE PLAN
PURPOSE
The Brazos Valley Council of Governments (BVCOG) is made up of the seven-county Brazos
Valley region that consists of Brazos, Burleson, Grimes, Leon, Madison, Robertson and
Washington Counties, as well as incorporated cities and several unincorporated communities in
those counties. Its boundaries are based on geographic features, economic market areas, labor
markets, commuting patterns and media coverage areas. The BVCOG was established in 1966
and is charged by the Texas legislature with addressing regional issues and opportunities.
BVCOG’s goal is to create and enhance partnerships among local governments, private
businesses and service organizations to collaboratively plan for and maintain the highest quality
of life in the Brazos Valley. The organization provides, in consultation with and through the
cooperation of the local elected officials, housing, health, workforce, and senior services
programs throughout the Brazos Valley. The council also administers the regional 9-1-1 plan,
community and economic development programs, criminal justice planning and grants,
Homeland Security planning and grants, and solid waste planning and grants.
Brazos County and participating entities developed the update to the comprehensive Hazard
Mitigation Plan for planning area.
Entities participating in this Hazard Mitigation Action Plan include Brazos County, Texas A&M
University, and the cities of Bryan, College Station, Wixon Valley, and Kurten.
Role of this Plan
This Hazard Mitigation Action Plan was prepared by the Hazard Mitigation Team, on behalf of
the six participating entities. It is intended as a blueprint for future hazard mitigation, defined as
“any sustained action taken to reduce or eliminate the long-term risk to human life and property
from all hazards.” The plan is designed to help build sustainable communities that, when
confronted by natural disasters, will sustain fewer losses and recover more quickly. It is also
intended to:
Minimize disruption to Brazos County communities following a disaster;
Streamline disaster recovery by articulating actions to be taken before a disaster strikes, to
reduce or eliminate future damage;
Serve as a basis for future funding that may become available through grants and technical
assistance programs offered by state or federal governments. The plan will enable Brazos
County and participating entities to take advantage of rapidly developing mitigation grant
opportunities as they arise; and ensure that Brazos County and participating entities maintain
their eligibility for the full range of future federal disaster relief. Certain forms of federal
mitigation assistance for projects will be available only to cities and counties that have a FEMA-
approved hazard mitigation plan in place.
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 11 of 184
9
ORGANIZATION
The executive summary is at the beginning of the plan. Sections 1 and 2 of this plan address
how it was prepared and who was involved in planning. Section 3 articulates the vision,
mitigation goals, and objectives that guided the development of the plan. The goals are general
guidelines that articulate a desired end state. They are expressed as policy statements of global
visions. Objectives are specific, measurable, and define the strategies or implementation steps
to attain the identified goals. Section 4 profiles the planning area’s geography, population, land
use and development trends in the planning area. Section 5 identifies the major natural hazards
that have affected and may again affect planning area and describes the people and property at
risk from these hazards.
Sections 6 through 14 discuss each of the natural hazards that affect the planning area. The
plan addresses why each hazard is a threat and profiles each hazard in terms of its severity of
impact, frequency of occurrence, hours of warning time, and existing warning systems. If the
hazard has a geographic boundary, it is identified and mapped if possible. Data on the property
and number of people at risk from each hazard are presented, along with the history of hazard
events in Brazos County and participating entities.
Section 15 discusses previously implemented mitigation actions. These include federal projects
such as the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Public Assistance projects, Hazard
Mitigation Grant Program projects, and other federal mitigation projects; and the U.S. Army
Corps of Engineers’ (USACE) studies, plans, and projects. It also includes plans, studies and
projects of the Texas Water Development Board, and local plans, ordinances, and inspection and
permitting processes.
Section 16 contains actions to be undertaken by each participating entity to mitigate the
hazards identified in Sections 6 to 14. Mitigation action plans describe each mitigation action,
the hazard addressed, the estimated costs, benefits, organization responsible for overseeing
implementation, implementation schedule, objectives the action is designed to achieve, priority,
and potential funding sources. Section 17 discusses plan maintenance procedures, including
how the plan is to implemented, maintained and evaluated, and how the public will continue to
be involved.
Appendix A defines acronyms used in this plan. Appendix B reports the results of a web-based
hazard survey to elicit information from the public on issues of concern about hazard mitigation.
Appendix C identifies members of the local hazard mitigation team who updated this plan.
Appendix D identifies the critical facilities in the planning area. Appendix E will contain the
resolutions adopted by jurisdictional authorities when the plan is approved and the resolutions
are adopted.
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 12 of 184
10
SECTION 2: THE PLANNING PROCESS
PREPARATION OF THE PLAN
This document was prepared by the Hazard Mitigation Team, in coordination with Brazos
County and the participating entities. It was developed in accordance with the provisions of the
Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 (Public Law 106-390), the Pre-Disaster Mitigation Grant Program,
Federal Regulations (44 CFR 206), and the planning standards adopted by the Texas Division of
Emergency Management. The hazard mitigation planning process for Brazos County and
participating entities was started in January 2016 and a draft was completed for submission to
the State in March 2018.
Entity Participation
This updated plan covers Brazos County, Cities Bryan, College Station, Kurten, Wixon Valley and
Texas A&M University. The entities all participated during the update process. Each entity
contributed during the update process by:
Forming a new local Hazard Mitigation Team (HMT) with representatives from their jurisdiction,
including numerous local Emergency Management Coordinators.
Attended kick-off meetings, mitigation workshops and public meetings.
Reviewed and analyzed the existing plan and updated each section, as necessary.
Provided an updated risk assessment for their jurisdiction.
Discussed the status of previous action items and provided new mitigation actions.
Devised a way to keep the plan maintained from 2019-2024.
Open Public Process
An open public process was established to give Brazos County and the participating entities an
opportunity to become involved in the planning process and make their views known.
Neighboring jurisdictions, federal and state agencies, businesses, Texas A&M University, non-
profit organizations and the public participated in the process.
Each participating entity, established a Hazard Mitigation Team composed of broad-based
representatives of cities and the county. A list of team members is provided at Appendix C. The
Hazard Mitigation Team members from each jurisdiction participated actively throughout the
planning process. They attended a kick-off workshop in the county, attended additional
mitigation workshops in the county, updated mitigation actions and devised a way to keep the
plan current from 2019-2024. Non-participating jurisdictions were notified about the planning
effort and invited to participate. They were given the opportunity to attend a kick-off meeting,
public meetings and the mitigation workshops and to fill out the Hazard Mitigation Survey
Form.
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 13 of 184
11
A mitigation workshop was held November 2nd and 4th, 2015, and a kick-off meeting was held in
Brazos Community Operations Center (CEOC) on July 28, 2016. A stakeholders meeting was
held December 11, 2017. County commissioners, mayors, city council members, academia,
elected officials, city managers, floodplain managers, emergency management coordinators, fire
marshals, police chiefs, sheriffs, county engineers, building officials and inspectors, and other
interested officials were invited to the kick-off meeting and subsequent workshops.
At the workshop, TDEM provided a briefing on the FEMA hazard mitigation planning
requirements and the respective roles and responsibilities of the local jurisdictions. An
opportunity was provided for Brazos County and participating entities officials to discuss how
they would like to approach the planning process throughout the county.
A public meeting was held November 8, 2018 to inform the public about the planning process
and solicit their ideas and recommendations. A second public meeting for Brazos County and
participating entities will be held after FEMA’s review of the draft plan.
A Hazard Survey was developed to solicit opinions from the public about hazards of concern.
The Hazard Surveys were distributed to the public during public outreach opportunities, via
jurisdictional websites, local media partners, and social media. The survey provided a
mechanism to gain input from agencies, businesses, academia, non-profit organizations, and
other interested parties. A total of 653 responses were received. The responses are summarized
in Appendix B.
Identify Hazards
Profiles of hazards were prepared to show their severity of impact, frequency of occurrence,
seasonal patterns, warning time, cascading potential, and applicable warning systems.
Assess Risks
The characteristics and potential consequences of each hazard were assessed to determine how
much of the planning area could be affected and the potential effects on local assets.
An inventory was taken of “at risk” populations, buildings, infrastructure and lifelines, and
commercial facilities in the planning area classified as “critical” or “special” or housing hazardous
materials. A list of critical facilities is provided in Appendix D.
The Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment sections were revised continually throughout the
update process to ensure completeness. Nine hazards that have the potential or probability to
affect Brazos County and participating entities were identified based on a review of historical
records, national data sources, existing plans and reports, and discussions with local, regional,
state, federal and national experts.
Develop Mitigation Strategies
Based on a review of the vision statement, goals, and priorities of the previous plan with the
local elected officials and the Hazard Mitigation Team, it was determined that the vision
statement, goals, and objectives are still relevant and should remain the same. These goals and
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 14 of 184
12
objectives will reduce or eliminate the long-term risk to life and property from hazards. The
goals are general guidelines that articulate a desired end state. They are expressed as policy
statements of global visions. Objectives are specific, measurable, and define the strategies or
implementation steps necessary to attain the identified goals. The vision statement, goals, and
objectives are presented in Section 3 of this plan.
Hazard Mitigation Team (HMT) members reviewed various documents, reports and plans,
including Capital Improvement Plans for Bryan and College Station, Brazos County Emergency
Operations Plans, Building Codes and Floodplain Maps. Additionally, a hazard survey was
circulated throughout the county through city and county websites. Citizens were asked to rank
hazards and propose mitigation projects based on their observations. Some surveys were
returned to the Emergency Operations Center for review and discussion by the Hazard
Mitigation Team.
In addition, local floodplain ordinances from participating jurisdictions were studied and the
HMT discussed whether local floodplain management could be strengthened in an effort to
improve mitigation. The HMT discussed if safety would be improved with the addition of
freeboard requirements for building permits. Freeboard is defined as the additional amount of
height above a flood elevation at which a structures’ lowest floor must be elevated to. The HMT
also reviewed local building codes to determine if stronger ordinances would help strengthen
new buildings from some hazards, such as tornadoes. Section 15 and the hazard-specific
sections of the plan summarize the findings from the studies, plans, reports and technical
information. Other sources of the information included the Federal Emergency Management
Agency, USACE, the Insurance Services Office, the U.S. Fire Administration, the National Oceanic
and Atmospheric Administration, the Texas Water Development Board, the Texas Commission
on Environmental Quality, the State Comptroller, the Texas State Data Center, and the Texas
Division of Emergency Management. Section 15 and the hazard-specific sections of the plan
summarize the findings from the studies, plans, reports and technical information.
An inclusive and structured process was used to develop and prioritize mitigation actions for
this Hazard Mitigation Plan. It included the following steps:
A vision statement, mitigation goals and objectives were formulated to reduce or eliminate the
long-term risk to human life and property from each hazard.
Mitigation team members considered the benefits that would result from the mitigation actions
versus the cost of those projects. For those actions in which the benefits could be quantified, an
economic evaluation was one factor that helped team member’s select one mitigation action
from among many competing ones. Cost-effectiveness of actions was considered as each team
member developed their final list of mitigation actions. Economic considerations were part of
the community’s analysis of the comprehensive range of specific mitigation actions and projects
being considered.
Each participating entity did a review of benefits and costs for the mitigation actions/projects.
The review of benefits and costs considered: 1) how many people will be affected; 2) what size of
an area will be affected; and 3) which critical facilities will be affected. Then, the following
questions were answered:
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 15 of 184
13
Are costs reasonable compared with the size of the problem and probable benefits?
Does the project make sense for the overall community?
Each mitigation action/project was ranked based on the following criteria:
Does this project address multiple goals and objectives outlined in this plan?
Does this project impact a large percentage of the population or involve multiple participating
entities?
Will project result in life safety and/or property protection?
Does the project address multiple hazards?
Is funding available?
Is the project cost effective (future benefits exceed cost)?
Each criteria was given a score between 0 to 4 and the overall mitigation action/project score
was a summation of criteria scores. Each mitigation action/project was categorized as low (0 –
8), medium (9 – 16), or high (17 – 24) based on its overall score.
Participants received a briefing on the risk assessment results and identified any unique hazards
for the entity’s planning area that varied from those hazards affecting the planning area as a
whole. Participants discussed potential mitigation actions to identify any that might be relevant
to the risks they face in jurisdiction and to solicit ideas.
Implement the Plan and Monitor Progress
A formal process was established at the workshops to ensure that the plan is implemented and
remains an active and relevant document. Plan maintenance is addressed in Section 17.
PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT
Because public involvement is critical to the success of hazard-mitigation planning, public input
was sought in several ways. Public input was solicited during the drafting stage, upon
development of the draft, and prior to adoption of the plan. The public also was given the
opportunity to provide comments, input into the planning process, and discuss other issues of
concern to the entire planning area.
A public meeting was held at the CEOC November 8, 2018 to inform the public about the
planning process and solicit their ideas and recommendations. Announcements of the public
meeting were distributed to the media and civic organizations, as well as being posted to
Facebook, Twitter, jurisdictional websites, and displayed in public places. Members of the
general public, residents, local businesses, community leaders, educators, representatives of
neighboring jurisdictions and private and non-profit groups were invited to attend and
participate. A second public meeting for Brazos County and participating entities will be held
after FEMA’s review of the draft plan.
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 16 of 184
14
The county-wide public meetings provided an opportunity for the public to give input in the
planning process during the drafting stage. The public was also provided an opportunity to
comment on the draft plan prior to its submission to the Texas Division of Emergency
Management and FEMA.
A Hazard Survey was made available to the public and was distributed at the public meetings.
The survey sought information from citizens about hazards that have affected them and
recommendations for action to reduce future risks. A total of 653 responses were received. The
survey results provided an important source of information for use in formulating mitigation
actions. Survey results appear in Appendix B.
Finally, the draft of this plan was made available on the Brazos County Department of
Emergency Management website (www.bcdem.org/plans ) for public review and comment. Each
participating jurisdiction made a copy of the plan available for public inspection and review and
formally solicited public review and comment prior to their governing bodies’ adoption of the
plan. A copy of each resolution adopting the plan will be in Appendix E after the participating
jurisdictions each adopt the plan.
PARTNERS IN PLANNING
Hazard Mitigation Teams
The Hazard Mitigation Team (HMT), which had a central role throughout the planning process,
was composed of local officials throughout Brazos County and participating entities. For a
complete list of the HMT, see Appendix C.
The local Hazard Mitigation Team (HMT) was comprised of various members of the communities
and local government with wide-ranging expertise. In addition to Emergency Managers,
membership included Floodplain Administrators, Risk Managers, Public Works Supervisors, Code
Enforcement Agents, Public Health Officers and Urban/Regional Planners. Mitigation projects
were discussed and weighted, then considered for inclusion in the Mitigation Action Plan.
Members attended planning meetings as well as public meetings to discuss hazards in the
planning area.
The HMT was chaired by the Emergency Management Coordinator for Brazos County.
Representatives were invited from the participating entities by the Emergency Management
Coordinators for each entity, to meet in a central location to discuss the mitigation plan and the
update process. Talking points, slide shows and hand-out materials were provided during the
meetings. Discussions were held on mitigation planning, the update process, and what hazards
impact each of the participating entities. The HMT discussed which new hazards, if any, should
be included in the plan and if any hazards should be removed from the plan. Mitigation actions
for the 2012-2017 update needed to be reviewed and updates given on each action. The HMT
then discussed ideas for new mitigation projects which will need to be included in the updated
plan.
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 17 of 184
15
The HMT laid the groundwork for the plan, examined risk in county jurisdictions, sought the
participation of stakeholders and the public, and articulated the mitigation actions and action
plans presented in the document. The team, in short, served as the primary vehicle through
which to share information, invite active participation, and coordinate the plan’s development,
implementation, and maintenance within participating jurisdictions.
Federal and state agencies guidance and data were utilized in the planning process. These
included the Federal Emergency Management Agency of the Department of Homeland Security,
the USACE, the Texas Division of Emergency Management, the Texas Water Development Board,
the Texas Department of Transportation, and the Texas A&M Forest Service. Weather event
data were provided by the National Weather Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Association (NOAA). The Mitigation Section of the Texas Department of Emergency
Management reviewed the plan and provided input and guidance, which assisted the team in
developing the plan.
Hazard mitigation team members assessed their capabilities, examined previous mitigation
efforts, and developed mitigation actions. Throughout the process, they reached out to police
and fire departments, emergency medical services, code enforcement entities, floodplain
managers, neighboring jurisdictions, local businesses, community leaders, educators and other
private and non-profit organizations to inform them of the planning process and seek their
views.
Updated Plan Participation
This Hazard Mitigation Action Plan was created in 2005 and updated in 2012. This 2019 update
covers Brazos County and the participating entities.
As part of the update process, a local Hazard Mitigation Team (HMT) was formed and tasked
with reviewing and updating each section of the plan, as necessary.
The process by which the HMT undertook to determine whether a section warranted an update
began with the HMT reviewing the 2012 version of the plan. Local team members were then
tasked to review and analyze the information that pertained to their local planning area. The
HMT would then determine if that data needed to be updated based on whether it contained
outdated information or, in the case of mitigation actions, had already been accomplished.
Likewise, sections of the 2012 plan that did not warrant an update were not revised in this 2019
version.
The following is a summary of the sections that were updated by the Hazard Mitigation Team:
The Executive Summary and Section 1: Purpose and Organization of the Plan was updated to
reflect changes in the plans development. In keeping with the 2012 Version, this update reflects
a continuing focus on Brazos County and participating entities.
Section 2: The Planning Process was updated to reflect the local planning process undertaken
by Brazos County and participating entities. This includes the formation of the local Hazard
Mitigation Team to review and analyze each section of the plan.
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 18 of 184
16
Section 3: Mitigation Vision, Goals, and Objectives were not revised by the Hazard Mitigation
Team (HMT). The HMT discussed the vision, goals, and objectives of the original version of the
plan and felt they were still valid. The team voted to keep the vision, goals and objectives the
same for this version of the plan.
Section 4: Brazos County Planning Area at a Glance reflects a focus on the planning area.
Section 5: Hazards the Planning Area Faces and What’s at Risk reflects a focus on Brazos County
and the participating entities.
Sections 6-14 contain the risk assessment for each of the nine hazards listed in the plan and was
revised as necessary to reflect any changes to the risks that can affect the planning area. The
HMT discussed the hazards listed in the original plan and decided not to include the chapter on
hurricanes. The hazards the participating entities experience during hurricanes is covered in the
chapters for flood, tornadoes, hail, and thunderstorms. The chapter on thunderstorms includes
information on windstorms and lightning hazards. The team then discussed the man-made
hazards listed in the plan and voted again to eliminate the four (4) man-made hazards of energy
pipeline failures, hazardous materials incidents, nuclear power plant accidents and terrorism.
These four man-made hazards were eliminated because they are difficult to mitigate with the
available federal mitigation funds, and because they are not required by Section 44 of the Code
of Federal Regulations, Part 201.6(c)(2)(i), which requires a risk assessment for all natural hazards
that can affect the participating entities.
Section 15: Previous Mitigation Actions discusses mitigation actions supported by federal and
state agencies, and local programs relating to building and fire codes and floodplain
management ordinances. This section was revised to reflect any updated building and fire
codes, and floodplain ordinances that were re-adopted since the original version of the plan.
Section 16: Mitigation Actions contains actions to be undertaken by each of the participating
entities to mitigate the hazards identified in Sections 6 through 14. This section was reviewed
and analyzed by the HMT to review previous actions, identify any previous actions items from
the original plan that could be deferred to this updated plan, and to include new action items to
help achieve the vision, goals and objectives listed in Section 3.
Section 17: Plan Implementation and Maintenance Procedures discusses the plan maintenance
procedures and was revised to reflect how Brazos County and the participating entities will
maintain, update and evaluate the plan during the next five years.
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 19 of 184
17
SECTION 3: MITIGATION VISION, GOALS, AND OBJECTIVES
VISION
The mitigation vision for the planning area is:
Intergovernmental coordination and cooperation on mutual issues of concern related to hazard
mitigation and disaster preparedness;
Local governments and regional entities with high levels of capability for hazard mitigation
planning and project implementation, leveraging state, federal and private resources for
investments in mitigation;
An informed citizenry aware of the risks they face and the measures that can be taken to protect
their families, homes, workplaces, communities and livelihoods from the impact of disasters;
Build structures outside of hazardous areas and ensure built to withstand the natural hazards
that threaten them;
Communities integrating hazard mitigation concerns into routine planning and budgetary
decisions and plans for future growth and development; with disaster resistance an integral part
of the livability and sustainability of the region.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
Overall Goal: To reduce or eliminate the long-term risk of loss of life and property
damage in the planning area from the full range of natural disasters.
The following mitigation goals and objectives, from the previous version of this plan, were re-
evaluated by the Hazard Mitigation Team in 2012 and determined to remain valid and effective.
GOAL 1. Build the capability for carrying out hazard mitigation activities.
Objective 1.1 Encourage education and training for personnel involved in hazard mitigation to
develop high levels of expertise.
Objective 1.2 Ensure, to the extent feasible, adequate levels of staffing for hazard mitigation
activities.
Objective 1.3 Create and foster partnerships to help communities reduce their exposure to
hazards.
Objective 1.4 Focus on identifying and obtaining federal, state, and private-sector funds
available for hazard mitigation.
Objective 1.5 Upgrade operational systems and facilities that support hazard mitigation.
GOAL 2. Heighten public awareness and support for hazard mitigation.
Objective 2.1 Ensure that communication between disaster personnel and the public in
advance of and during hazard events is adequate in content and coverage.
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 20 of 184
18
Objective 2.2 Inform area citizens about the full range of natural and man-made hazards they
face, and the need for guarding against injury and loss of life caused by those hazards.
Objective 2.3 Devise programs to educate the public about how to prevent or reduce the loss
of life or property from all hazards, including specific actions that can be taken.
GOAL 3. Increase awareness of public officials, community and business leaders of
the need for hazard mitigation, and support actions to protect public health and safety.
Objective 3.1 Encourage the adoption of appropriate hazard mitigation measures by local
governments, businesses, institutions, and individuals, and communicate information about
specific, effective actions they can take.
Objective 3.2 Ensure that communication among disaster personnel and public officials in
advance of and during hazard events is adequate in content and coverage.
Objective 3.3 Focus on protecting particularly vulnerable areas during hazard events (e.g.,
hospitals, nuclear reactors, areas crossed by fuel transmission lines).
GOAL 4. Promote resource-sharing and increase coordination and cooperation
among governmental entities in conducting hazard-mitigation activities.
Objective 4.1 Improve and expand communication and coordination within and among federal,
state, and local governments and the Brazos Valley Council of Governments in mitigating
hazards.
Objective 4.2 Identify and map critical facilities and take action to ensure that critical facilities
and services can continue to operate in disaster situations.
Objective 4.3 Create hazard-specific and general hazard-mitigation partnerships among
Brazos Valley counties, cities, the Brazos Valley Council of Governments and other
stakeholders.
GOAL 5. Mitigate damage to and losses of new and existing real property.
Objective 5.1 Protect public infrastructure and private buildings from known hazards.
Objective 5.2 Support methods, codes, and ordinances that reduce threats to existing and new
development and ensure that citizens are not unnecessarily exposed to potential hazards.
Objective 5.3 Reduce repetitive losses to the NFIP.
Objective 5.4 Protect against financial losses caused by hazard events through liberal
application of insurance coverage.
GOAL 6. Promote sustainable growth.
Objective 6.1 Promote beneficial uses of hazardous areas while expanding open space and
recreational opportunities.
Objective 6.2 Incorporate hazard mitigation into long-range planning, budgeting and
development activities.
Objective 6.3 Prevent creation of future hazards to life and property.
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 21 of 184
19
SECTION 4: BRAZOS COUNTY PLANNING AREA AT A GLANCE
GEOGRAPHY
The planning area claims 588 square miles of southeast central Texas between the Navasota
River and the Brazos River for which it was named. Brazos County includes four incorporated
cities: Bryan, College Station, Kurten, and Wixon Valley. Rolling prairie and woodlands that rise
200 to 350 feet above sea level characterize the county. Businesses throughout the county are
involved in higher education, defense electronics, research, medical, agriculture, and varied
manufacturing. Information is included in this section about the population and demographics
of the county, as well as information about businesses in the county (higher education,
agriculture, minerals, housing, economic development, and tourism).
Figure 4-1. Brazos County in the Brazos Valley Region
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 22 of 184
20
Figure 4-2. Planning area
POPULATION
The population of Brazos County and participating entities in 2010 was 194,851 people. It is
now currently estimated to be 209,896, with the largest cities in the planning area being College
Station (93,857) and Bryan (80,552).
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 23 of 184
21
Table 4-1. Demographics of planning area
General Demographics
Totals Percent
Total Population 209,896
Male 106,391 50.69%
Female 103,505 49.31%
White Only 155,512 74.09%
Black/African American 22,208 10.58%
American Indian/Alaskan Native 874 0.42%
Asian 12,608 6.01%
Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander 71 0.03%
Other Race 12,507 5.96%
Two or More Races 6,116 2.91%
Figure 4-3. Gender Composition of Planning area
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 24 of 184
22
Figure 4-4. Racial Composition of Planning area
HIGHER EDUCATION
Texas A&M University, located in College Station, was the state’s first public institution of higher
education. It was opened on Oct. 4, 1876 as the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas.
The school owes its origin to the Morrill Act of 1862, which established the nation’s land-grant
college system. The initials "A" and "M" are a link to the university’s past; they no longer
represent any specific words as the school’s curriculum has grown to include not only
agriculture and engineering, but architecture, business, education, geosciences, liberal arts,
medicine, science, and veterinary medicine. The university’s enrollment includes 66,425
students.
Blinn College is a two-year institution with its main campus in Brenham. It is the oldest county
owned junior college in Texas and began in Washington County. Blinn College serves a 13
county service area and also has campuses in Bryan and Schulenburg in Fayette County.
Table 4-2. Higher Education Institutions
Institution Location Enrollment Fall 2016 Number of Faculty
Texas A&M University College Station 66,425 3,995*
Blinn College Bryan** 12,338 ~750
*Faculty includes professors, associate professors, assistant professors, other faculty, and teaching
assistants.
Source: Texas A&M University
**Main campus in Brenham (Washington County)
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 25 of 184
23
LAND USE
The U.S. Department of Agriculture conducts a census of agricultural uses of land. The 1,412
farms in the planning area averaged about 212 acres in size. Of this about 62,733 acres of the
total farmland, were devoted to harvested crops. Of the harvested cropland, about 5,563 acres
were irrigated.
Table 4-3. Agricultural Land Use in Brazos County, 2012
County Number of
Farms
Ave. Size of
Farm (acres)
Harvested
Cropland
(acres)
Irrigated Land
(acres)
Brazos 1,412 212 62,733 5,563
Source: US Department of Agriculture, Census of Agriculture
Farms in the area covered by the planning area produce a wide variety of agricultural products
with cattle being the most common.
Table 4-4. Agricultural Products in Brazos County
County Agricultural Products Annual Value
Brazos Cattle, poultry, cotton, hay, horses and horticulture. $95 million
Source: Texas Almanac
In terms of minerals, oil is produced in each of the seven counties making up the BVCOG. Table
4-4 lists the chief minerals found in the planning area.
Table 4-5. Minerals in Brazos County
County Minerals
Brazos Sand, gravel, lignite, gas, oil
DEVELOPMENT TRENDS
Although building of new structures will continue throughout the planning area, primary focus
of construction will be the Bryan/College Station Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) which
includes all of planning area and which accounts for about 57 percent of the population in the
BVCOG region. Pressure on the housing stock is greater in Brazos County and participating
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 26 of 184
24
entities, than in the other counties because of the very high percentage of housing units that are
occupied.
Table 4-6. Housing Units in Brazos County, as of 2016
County Total Housing Units Percent of Housing Units
Occupied
Brazos 83,504 91 %
Source: U.S. Census
The primary impetus for development is, of course, population growth. The Texas State Data
Center projects continued moderate growth for the Bryan/College Station MSA, 8.6 percent
between 2002 and 2010 and 10.9 percent between 2010 and 2020. However, the Texas Water
Development Board forecasts a much steeper climb in population, 24.7 percent and 14.2 percent
over the same two periods. If the Water Board’s numbers are closer to what actually occurs,
residential development will pose an especially difficult challenge for the two adjoining cities.
Since the previous plan approval, the population within Brazos County has increased by
approximately 7% and the number housing units have increased by nearly 30%. There has also
been an increase in commercial structures and roadways to support the growing population.
While the completion of some mitigation actions from the previous plan have reduced the
vulnerability for each jurisdiction, such continued growth will put pressure on using land in high
hazard areas in each jurisdiction. Thus, such growth may increase the vulnerability within each
jurisdiction.
Local governments are also working to develop the economic potential of the area and bring
high quality jobs to the MSA. They are working hard to develop commercial research
opportunities. Table 4-8 contains the name, telephone number and e-mail address of the
economic development organization for Brazos County.
Table 4-7. Number and Value by Property Type in Planning Area, as of 2016
Residential Rental Commercial Industrial
Number Value
($1,000)
Number Value
($1,000)
Number Value
($1,000)
Number Value
($1,000)
Bryan 18,653 $2,682,007 1,2722 $778,219 1,804 $1,957,137 81 $120,778
College
Station
19,909 $4,564,110 1,947 $2,183,466 994 $2,532,657 5 $36,052
Kurten 112 $9,642 0 0 10 $3,979 0 0
Wixon
Valley
59 $8,007 0 0 22 $8,067 0 0
Unincor
porated
45,516 $8,961,868 3,280 $2,975,321 3,238 $4,688,558 119 $201,834
Source: Brazos County Appraisal District
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 27 of 184
25
Table 4-8. Regional Economic Development Organization
County Organization Name Telephone
Number
E-Mail Address
Brazos Brazos Valley Economic Development
Corp*
979-260-1755 mprochaska@researchvalley.org
*website: www.researchvalley.org
Although all of the communities in the planning area are projected to grow in population, the
cities of Bryan/College Station are the only metropolitan areas in the planning area and hence
will face the most severe development challenges and thus pressure will increase to build in
areas that are hazard-prone. Several of the smaller towns and communities will, however, deal
with similar problems of maintaining the quality of life during periods of growth and paying for
new schools, roads, and other types of infrastructure.
As part of the five-year plan update, depending upon resource availability, a review will be
undertaken of development trends in each jurisdiction and vulnerability. Also as part of the five-
year plan update, depending upon resource availability, a review will be undertaken for each
hazard of the type and number of existing and future buildings, infrastructure and critical
facilities within each hazard area, and an estimate will be undertaken of the vulnerability of
critical facilities and infrastructure in terms of potential dollar losses from each hazard. Also
depending upon resource availability, land uses and development trends will also be re-
examined, including the types of development occurring, location, expected intensity, and pace
by land use for each jurisdiction. This will help complete and improve future vulnerability
assessment efforts. Based on the analysis, a summary of vulnerability will be provided for the
participating entities.
COMMUNITIES DESIGNATED FOR SPECIAL CONSIDERATION
The State of Texas requires that hazard mitigation plans identify any Small and Impoverished
Communities in the planning area. These communities may receive special consideration in
some federal and state grant programs.
According to the established criteria, Small and Impoverished Communities 1) have a population
less than 3,000 and are not a remote area within the corporate boundaries of a larger city and 2)
are economically disadvantaged, with residents having an average per capita annual income not
exceeding 80 percent of the national per capita income and a local unemployment rate that
exceeds by one percentage point or more the most recently reported national unemployment
rate.
At this time, there are no small and impoverished communities within the planning area.
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 28 of 184
26
SECTION 5: HAZARDS THE PLANNING AREA FACES AND
WHAT'S AT RISK
RISK ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGIES
A risk assessment evaluated the probability of occurrence of a hazard event and the potential
associated losses in Brazos County and participating entities. The resulting loss estimates are a
starting point from which to evaluate mitigation measures if a real hazard event occurs. The loss
estimates also are intended to support mitigation decision-making. It is important to note,
however, that loss estimates calculated during the risk assessment used available data and
methodologies and are approximate. The estimates should be used to understand relative risks
from hazards and potential losses and are not intended to predict precise results. Uncertainties
are inherent in any loss-estimation methodology and arise, in part, from incomplete scientific
knowledge about natural hazards and their effects on the built environment. Uncertainties also
result from approximations and simplifications (such as incomplete or outdated inventory,
demographic, or economic parameter data) that are necessarily used during a comprehensive
analysis. These data can result in a range of uncertainty in loss estimates, perhaps at a factor of
two or more. In addition, a variety of previous studies and reports were reviewed for additional
risk data.
PEOPLE AND PROPERTY AT RISK
Hazard identification consists of defining the study area in terms of scale and coverage and
collecting and compiling a list of prevalent hazards in the planning area to help narrow the focus
of the analysis.
Figure 5-1 below shows the extent of the planning area, as well as the population density
distribution at the county level (based on Census 2010). Table 5-1 provides the types of critical
facilities. Figure 5-2 is a map of critical facilities in the planning area. Detailed lists of critical
facilities, identified by county, can be found in Appendix D.
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 29 of 184
27
Figure 5-1. Population Density Distribution Map for the Planning Area
Table 5-1. Social Vulnerability Indicators for the Planning Area
Social Vulnerability Indicators
Totals Percent
Under 5 13,235 6.31%
65 and Over 17,225 8.21%
Non-White 48,268 23.00%
Persons in Poverty1 52,652 26.98%
Persons over 25: Less than High School2 15,385 14.36%
Single Parent Households with Children3 11,551 15.24%
Vacant Housing Units4 5,408 6.48%
Mobile Homes, RVs, Boats, Etc4 7,707 9.23%
1 Persons in poverty is based on persons whose income-to-poverty threshold ration is 0.99 and below. The percentage is
based on the total population for whom poverty status has been determined.
2 The percentage of persons with less than a high school education is based on the total population of persons over the
age of 25.
3 Single parent households with children are the total households with only a male or female parent. The percentage is
based on the total number of households.
4 The percentage of vacant housing units and mobile homes/recreational vehicles/boats/etc. are based on the total
housing units.
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 30 of 184
28
The maps that follow are representative of the geographical locations that have populations
with higher vulnerabilities. For instance, educating all county residents about multiple ways into
and out of their residence. This is particularly important when Brazos County and the entire
planning area experiences heavy rain incidents with localized flooding.
Figure 5-2. Social Vulnerability Map for the Planning Area
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 31 of 184
29
Figure 5-3. Total Population Map for the Planning Area
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 32 of 184
30
Figure 5-4. Population 65 and Over Map for the Planning Area
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 33 of 184
31
Figure 5-5. Population of Persons in Poverty Map for the Planning Area
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 34 of 184
32
Figure 5-5. Persons Living in Mobile or Other Homes Map for the Planning Area
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 35 of 184
33
Table 5-2. Critical Facilities by Type in the Planning Area
Jurisdiction Infrastructure and Lifelines
Oil
Pipe
(km)
Gas Pipe
(km)
Highway
(km)
Railroad (km)
Brazos 375.9 1,819.9 216.4 113.2
Brazos
County Bryan
College
Station
Texas A&M
University
Wixon
Valley
Airport 1 1
Bus 2 1
City Hall 1 1 1
Communication 6 1 1
Courthouse 1
Electric 1 1 2
Emergency 1 1
Fire Station 12 5 6
Highway 6 2
Medical 2 3 1
Police Station 1 2 1 1
School 1 32 16
Wastewater 3 2 2
Multiple
Jurisdictions
Highway 14
Railway Bridge 2
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 36 of 184
34
Figure 5-6. Critical Facilities Distribution Map for the Planning Area
HAZARDS OF CONCERN
Based on input such as historical data, public perception, and technical requirements, the
following hazards (listed alphabetically) were considered for analysis:
Dam failures
Drought
Excessive Heat
Fires
Floods
Hail
Severe Winter Storms
Thunderstorms
Tornados
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 37 of 184
35
HISTORICAL DISASTER DECLARATIONS
Of the 1,037 major disaster declarations in the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and nine U.S.
territories between 1972 and 2010, the State of Texas, at 84, claims the highest number of
presidential disaster declarations for any state or territory. Presidential disaster declarations and
Small Business Administration declarations for Brazos County and participating entities are
identified in Table 5-3. Since 1965, there have been five Presidential Disaster and five Small
Business Administration Declarations for Brazos County and the participating entities.
Table 5-3. Disaster Declarations in the Planning Area
County Year Disaster
Number
Primary
Incident
Type
Presidential
Declaration
SBA
Declaration
Brazos 1991 930 DR Flood Yes Yes
Brazos 1994 1041 DR Flood Yes Yes
Brazos 2005 1606 DR Hurricane Yes Yes
Brazos 2008 1791 DR Hurricane Yes Yes
Brazos 2016 4272 DR Flood/Tornado Yes Yes
ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL LOSSES
Risk (vulnerability) assessments are presented, whenever possible, in terms of annualized losses.
The annualized data are useful for three reasons:
Contribution of potential losses from all future disasters is accounted for with this approach.
Results in this form from different hazards are readily comparable and, hence, easier to rank.
For purposes of evaluating mitigation alternatives, use of annualized losses is the most objective
approach.
Annualized losses for hazards where the parametric approach is used are computed in a three-
step process:
Compute / estimate losses for a number of scenario events with different return periods (e.g.,
10-year, 100-year, 200-year, 500-year)
Approximate the probability versus loss curve through curve fitting
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 38 of 184
36
Calculate the area under the fitted curve to obtain annualized losses.
Computations of loss predictions from the other hazards that used a statistical approach are
based primarily on observed historical losses.
Impact on Critical and Essential Facilities
Hazard mitigation plans often focus on critical facilities vulnerable to hazards simply because it
is usually most cost-effective to mitigate the assets that are the most important to the
community. These could be facilities critical to emergency operations, or ones that house
important government functions or vulnerable populations, or ones simply deemed important
to the community for their economic or cultural value. Consequently, these facilities are
considered high-priority when evaluating structures for the purpose of increasing their disaster
resistance.
Critical and essential facilities include:
Facilities critical to normal and emergency response operations in the planning area (fire
stations, police stations, and the EOC)
Infrastructure and facilities critical to community survivability or continuity of community
services (transportation facilities; post offices; radio station and other communication facilities;
electrical transmission and distribution; water and wastewater treatment),
Facilities needed to assist vulnerable populations during and after a disaster (schools, hospitals,
residential care facilities), and
Facilities in which key government functions take place (sheriff’s office, county courthouse, town
halls).
In general, for most of the hazards addressed in this study, the potential for significant damage
exists primarily at critical facilities located in flood-prone areas. Critical facilities that happen to
be in the tornado path or nearby energy pipelines where incidents could occur also may sustain
considerable damage.
HAZARD RANKING
Based on the priority risk index in Table 5-4 below, the hazards in the planning area are:
Floods
Thunderstorms
Drought
Urban and Wildland Fire
Dam Failure – except Wixon Valley and Kurten
Hail
Excessive Heat
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 39 of 184
37
Winter Storm
Tornado
UNIQUE HAZARDS
This plan is a multi-jurisdictional plan developed to address common risks faced by Brazos
County and the participating entities. Members of the Hazard Mitigation Team conducted an
assessment of risks their entity faces in comparison to the other communities in the planning
area.
CONCLUSIONS
Tables 5-4 and 5-5 on the following page provides an overall summary of the planning area’s
vulnerability to hazards. Table 5-4 provides the definitions utilized in the priority risk index (PRI).
Table 5-5 provides the ratings of the priority risk index. The PRI as a function of probability,
special extent, impact, duration of incident, and warning time. For each participating entity, each
hazard was given a rating of 1 to 4 (with 1 being the lowest) within each area.
Section 201.6(c)(2)(iii) of FEMA regulations indicate that for multi-jurisdictional plans, the risk
assessment must assess each participating entity’s risks where they vary from the risks facing the
entire planning area. These ratings were developed based on the best acceptable data and will
be updated during the five-year plan review and update process.
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 40 of 184
38
Table 5-4. Definitions for the Priority Risk Index
PRI
Category
Degree of Risk Assigned
Weighting
Factor Level Criteria Index
Value
Probability Unlikely Less than 1% annual probability 1 30%
Possible Between 1 and 10% annual probability 2
Likely Between 10 and 100% annual probability 3
Highly Likely 100% annual probability 4
Impact
(Impact is
subdivided
into 3
categories:
social
impact,
property
impact, and
CIKR impact)
Minor Very few injuries, if any. Only minor property
damage and minimal disruption on quality of
life. Temporary shutdown of critical facilities.
1 30%
Limited Minor injuries only. More than 10% of
property in affected area damaged or
destroyed. Complete shutdown of critical
facilities for more than one day.
2
Critical Multiple deaths/injuries possible. More than
25% of property in affected area damaged or
destroyed. Complete shutdown of critical
facilities for more than one week.
3
Catastrophic High number of deaths/injuries possible.
More than 50% of property in affected area
damaged or destroyed. Complete shutdown
of critical facilities for 30 days or more
4
Spatial
extent
Negligible Less than 1% of area affected 1 20%
Small Between 1 and 10% of area affected 2
Moderate Between 10 and 50% of area affected 3
Large Between 50 and 100% of area affected 4
Warning
Time
More than 24
hours
Self-explanatory 1 10%
12 to 24
hours
Self-explanatory 2
6 to 24 hours Self-explanatory 3
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 41 of 184
39
Less than 6
hours
Self-explanatory 4
Duration Less than 6
hours
Self-explanatory 1 10%
Less than 24
hours
Self-explanatory 2
Less than one
week
Self-explanatory 3
More than
one week
Self-explanatory 4
Source: Brazos County Hazard Mitigation Team (adapted from North Caroline Emergency Management Division)
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 42 of 184
40
Table 5-5. Priority Risk Index by Planning Entity
PROBABILITY EXTENT DURATION
WARNING
TIME PRI
Property
Impact CIKR Impact
Incident
Exposure
Probability
Spatial
Extent
Historical
Human
Possible
Human
Extent of
Damage
Duration of
Shutdown
Average
Impact
Duration of
Exposure
Warning
Time
Priority
Risk
Index
Weights 0.3 0.2 0.3 0.1 0.1
Brazos County P1: Prob S1: Extent H1: Extent H2: Number Pr1: Extent CI1: Shutdown Severity D1: Duration W1: Warning PRI
Flood 3 3 2 4 4 2 3.00 3 3 3
Drought 3 4 1 1 2 1 1.25 4 1 2.575
Urban and Wildland Fires 4 1 1 1 2 1 1.25 1 4 2.275
Winter Storms 1 4 2 1 1 1 1.25 2 3 1.975
Tornados 1 2 1 3 3 3 2.50 1 4 1.95
Hail 3 2 1 1 2 1 1.25 1 4 2.175
Thunderstorms 4 3 1 1 2 1 1.25 2 3 2.675
Dam Failure 1 2 1 4 4 4 3.25 3 3 2.275
Excessive Heat 1 4 2 2 1 1 1.50 4 1 2.05
City of Bryan P1: Prob S1: Extent H1: Extent H2: Number Pr1: Extent CI1: Shutdown Severity D1: Duration W1: Warning PRI
Flood 3 3 2 4 4 2 3.00 3 3 3
Drought 3 4 1 1 2 1 1.25 4 1 2.575
Urban and Wildland Fires 4 1 1 1 2 1 1.25 1 4 2.275
Winter Storms 1 4 2 1 1 1 1.25 2 3 1.975
Tornados 1 2 1 3 3 3 2.50 1 4 1.95
Hail 3 2 1 1 2 1 1.25 1 4 2.175
Thunderstorms 4 3 1 1 2 1 1.25 2 3 2.675
Dam Failure 1 2 1 4 4 4 3.25 3 3 2.275
Excessive Heat 1 4 2 2 1 1 1.50 4 1 2.05
City of College Station P1: Prob S1: Extent H1: Extent H2: Number Pr1: Extent CI1: Shutdown Severity D1: Duration W1: Warning PRI
Flood 3 3 2 4 4 2 3.00 3 3 3
Drought 3 4 1 1 2 1 1.25 4 1 2.575
Urban and Wildland Fires 4 1 1 1 2 1 1.25 1 4 2.275
Winter Storms 1 4 2 1 1 1 1.25 2 3 1.975
Tornados 1 2 1 3 3 3 2.50 1 4 1.95
Hail 3 2 1 1 2 1 1.25 1 4 2.175
Thunderstorms 4 3 1 1 2 1 1.25 2 3 2.675
Dam Failure 1 2 1 4 4 4 3.25 3 3 2.275
Excessive Heat 1 4 2 2 1 1 1.50 4 1 2.05
City of Kurten P1: Prob S1: Extent H1: Extent H2: Number Pr1: Extent CI1: Shutdown Severity D1: Duration W1: Warning PRI
Flood 3 3 2 4 4 2 3.00 3 3 3
Drought 3 4 1 1 2 1 1.25 4 1 2.575
Urban and Wildland Fires 4 1 1 1 2 1 1.25 1 4 2.275
Winter Storms 1 4 2 1 1 1 1.25 2 3 1.975
Tornados 1 2 1 3 3 3 2.50 1 4 1.95
Hail 3 2 1 1 2 1 1.25 1 4 2.175
Thunderstorms 4 3 1 1 2 1 1.25 2 3 2.675
Dam Failure 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.00 0 0 0
Excessive Heat 1 4 2 2 1 1 1.50 4 1 2.05
City of Wixon Valley P1: Prob S1: Extent H1: Extent H2: Number Pr1: Extent CI1: Shutdown Severity D1: Duration W1: Warning PRI
Flood 3 3 2 4 4 2 3.00 3 3 3
Drought 3 4 1 1 2 1 1.25 4 1 2.575
Urban and Wildland Fires 4 1 1 1 2 1 1.25 1 4 2.275
Winter Storms 1 4 2 1 1 1 1.25 2 3 1.975
Tornados 1 2 1 3 3 3 2.50 1 4 1.95
Hail 3 2 1 1 2 1 1.25 1 4 2.175
Thunderstorms 4 3 1 1 2 1 1.25 2 3 2.675
Dam Failure 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.00 0 0 0
Excessive Heat 1 4 2 2 1 1 1.50 4 1 2.05
TAMU P1: Prob S1: Extent H1: Extent H2: Number Pr1: Extent CI1: Shutdown Severity D1: Duration W1: Warning PRI
Flood 3 1 1 4 4 4 3.25 2 2 2.475
Drought 1 4 1 1 1 1 1.00 4 1 1.9
Urban and Wildland Fires 2 1 1 1 1 1 1.00 1 1 1.3
Winter Storms 1 4 1 1 1 1 1.00 2 1 1.7
Tornados 1 3 1 3 3 3 2.50 2 4 2.25
Hail 2 3 1 1 1 1 1.00 1 3 1.9
Thunderstorms 3 4 1 1 1 1 1.00 1 3 2.4
Dam Failure 1 1 1 4 4 4 3.25 1 1 1.675
Excessive Heat 1 4 1 1 1 1 1.00 4 1 1.9
Social Impact
IMPACT
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 43 of 184
41
The hazard-event profiles relevant to Brazos County and the participating entities reveal historic
hazard trends and provide a reference point for understanding the potential effects of future
hazard events. A review of historic data helps to evaluate hazard-event profiles and answer
questions: How often may a particular disaster occur? Who and where are most likely to be
affected? How bad can it get?
Sections 6 through 14 of this plan contain reviews of the historical frequency of occurrence
and/or loss and damage estimates, by hazard, in the planning area.
Each section discusses why the hazard is a threat, profiles the hazard, identifies areas at risk to
hazards that have distinct geographic boundaries, identifies the people and property at risk, and
summarizes the history of hazard events and potential damages and losses.
The results of this study are useful in at least three ways:
Improving our understanding of the risk associated with the natural hazards in the planning area
through better understanding of the complexities and dynamics of risk, how levels of risk can be
measured and compared, and the myriad factors that influence risk. An understanding of these
relationships is critical in making balanced and informed decisions on managing the risk.
Providing a baseline for policy development and comparison of mitigation alternatives. The data
used for this analysis present a current picture of risk in the planning area. Updating this risk
“snapshot” with future data will enable comparison of the changes in risk with time. Baselines of
this type can support the objective analysis of policy and program options for risk reduction in
the region.
Comparing the risk among the natural hazards addressed. The ability to quantify the risk to all
these hazards relative to one another helps in a balanced, multi-hazard approach to risk
management at each level of governing authority. This ranking provides a systematic
framework to compare and prioritize the very disparate natural hazards that are present in the
planning area. This final step in the risk assessment provides the necessary information for the
Mitigation Planning Committee to craft a mitigation strategy to focus resources on only those
hazards that pose the most threat to the region.
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 44 of 184
42
SECTION 6: FLOOD
WHY FLOODS ARE A THREAT
Unique Geographic and Atmospheric Conditions
Texas, according to American Hazardscapes: The Regionalization of Hazards and Disasters
published by the National Academy Press, consistently outranks other states in deaths and
damage from floods. This is due to the location and size of the state. Texas is second in
casualties and damages from hurricanes and tropical storms.
The state’s vulnerability is the result of several factors: miles of Gulf of Mexico coastline;
proximity to the Pacific Ocean off the west coast of Mexico; geographical location near the
Rocky Mountains of Colorado and Arizona; the high-altitude jet stream; and nearness to the
unique West Texas “dry line,” a shifting, invisible atmospheric separation of dry desert air from
the moist Gulf air. These factors create a breeding ground for the big storms of spring and fall
that spawn tornadoes and suck up Gulf or Pacific moisture that feed the heavy rains that cause
flash flooding. All these geographic factors cause Texas to experience extensive, annual storms.
Figure 6-1 shows the state’s vulnerability to damaging storms. Flooding takes many forms in
the planning area.
Figure 6-1. Texas Sources of Moisture
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 45 of 184
43
Flash Flooding
Most flash flooding is caused by slow-moving thunderstorms, by thunderstorms repeatedly
moving over the same area, or by heavy rains from hurricanes and tropical storms. Flash floods
can occur within a few minutes or after hours of excessive rainfall. Often there is no warning
that flash floods are coming.
Flash flooding can pose a deadly danger to residents of the planning area. A number of roads
run through low-lying areas that are prone to sudden and frequent flooding during heavy rains.
Motorists often attempt to drive through barricaded or flooded roadways. It takes only 18-to-
24-inches of water moving across a roadway to carry away most vehicles. Floating cars easily
get swept downstream, making rescues difficult and dangerous.
Riverine Flooding
Riverine flooding is natural and inevitable. It is the overbank flooding of rivers and streams,
typically resulting from large-scale weather systems that generate prolonged rainfall over a wide
geographic area. Some river floods occur seasonally when winter or spring rainfalls fill river
basins with too much water, too quickly. Torrential rains from decaying hurricanes or tropical
systems can also produce river flooding.
Urban Flooding
Urban flooding occurs as land is converted from fields or woodlands to roads, buildings and
parking lots and when the natural land loses its ability to absorb rainfall. Urbanization changes
the natural hydrologic systems of a basin, increasing runoff two to six times over what would
occur on natural terrain. During periods of urban flooding, streets can become swift moving
rivers, while highway underpasses and underground parking garages can become death traps as
they fill with water.
HAZARD PROFILE
Major flooding and flash flooding events can have a substantial severity of impact to the Brazos
County and the participating entities. They can cause multiple deaths, completely shut down
facilities for thirty days or more, and cause more than fifty percent of affected properties to be
destroyed or suffer major damage.
The frequency of occurrence of flooding in the planning area is likely.
The extent of flooding in Brazos County and participating entities, can be water depths from
between one and four feet deep in structures located in the identified flood hazard area.
Brazos County and participating entities have infrastructure and critical facilities that are
vulnerable to floods. There are also residential structures that are vulnerable to flooding, and
mitigation actions regarding those structures are addressed in Section 16 of this plan.
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 46 of 184
44
Flooding occurs in seasonal patterns. Thunderstorms form when warm, moist air collides with
cooler, drier air. Since these masses tend to come together during the transition from summer
to winter, most thunderstorms and resulting flooding occur during the spring (April, May and
June) and fall (October, November, and December).
HISTORY OF FLOODING
Flood events in the planning area reported to the National Weather Service are listed in Table 6-
1.
Table 6-1. Reported Flood Events, January 1, 1994, to September 1, 2017
Type Location Date Deaths Injuries Property
Damage
($)
Crop
Damage
($)
Flash flooding Brazos 10/16/1994 0 0 $5.0M $50K
Flash flooding/
flood
Brazos 12/15/1994 0 0 50K 5K
Flash flood Bryan/ College
Station
09/21/1995 0 0 5K 0
Flash flood Countywide 02/20/1997 0 0 5K 0
Flash flood North Portion 10/13/1997 0 0 5K 0
Flash flood College Station 01/06/1998 0 0 5K 0
Flash flood College Station 10/17/1998 0 0 5K 0
Flooding,
riverine
County 10/17/1998 1 0 0 0
Flash flood College Station 10/18/1998 0 0 2K 0
Flash flood Countywide 10/18/1998 0 0 15K 0
Flooding,
riverine
County 11/12/1998 0 0 0 0
Flash flood Countywide 11/02/2000 0 0 1.0M 0
Flash flood Countywide 11/03/2000 0 0 25K 0
Flash flood Countywide 11/03/2000 0 0 25K 0
Flash flood Countywide 11/03/2000 0 0 1.0M 0
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 47 of 184
45
Flash flood Countywide 09/09/2001 0 0 50K 0
Flash flood Bryan 07/14/2002 0 0 20K 0
Flash flood Countywide 11/04/2002 0 0 95K 0
Flash flood Countywide 02/20/2003 0 0 8K 0
Flash flood Bryan 05/13/2004 0 0 250K 0
Flash flood College Station 06/15/2004 0 0 55K 0
Flash flood Bryan 06/30/2004 0 0 15K 0
Flash flood Countywide 11/22/2004 0 0 0 0
Flash flood Bryan 05/01/2007 0 0 130K 0
Flash flood Countywide 12/15/2007 0 0 5K 0
Flash flood Bryan 04/25/2009 0 0 1K 0
Flash flood Bryan 06/09/2010 0 0 1K 0
Flash flood College Station 06/09/2010 0 0 0 0
Flash flood College Station 06/09/2010 0 0 0 0
Flash flood College Station 06/09/2010 0 0 0 0
Flash flood College Station 06/09/2010 0 0 0 0
Flash flood College Station 02/03/2012 0 0 100K 0
Flash flood Bryan (Edge) 02/03/2012 0 0 2K 2K
Flash flood Bryan 05/09/2013 0 0 10K 0
Flash flood College Station 09/28/2013 0 0 0 0
Flash flood Bryan 06/25/2014 0 0 0 0
Flash flood College Station 07/17/2014 0 0 50K 0
Flash flood Bryan 09/12/2014 0 0 3K 0
Flash flood Bryan 05/25/2015 0 0 5K 0
Flash flood Bryan 10/24/2015 0 0 0 0
Flash flood College Station 12/27/2015 0 0 0 0
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 48 of 184
46
Flash flood County Wide 05/26/2016 0 0 100K 0
Flood County Wide 08/24/2017-
08/28/2017
0 0 TBD 0
LOCATION OF HAZARDOUS AREAS
Flood-hazard areas are determined using statistical analyses of records of riverflow, storm tides,
and rainfall; information obtained through consultation with communities; floodplain
topographic surveys; and hydrological and hydraulic analyses. FEMA’s Flood Insurance Rate
Maps (FIRMs) identify areas subject to flood hazard. These include Special Flood Hazard Areas,
which are defined as areas that will be inundated by a flood event having a one-percent chance
of being equaled or exceeded in any given year. The one-percent-annual-chance flood is also
referred to as the base flood or 100-year flood. Moderate flood-hazard areas are also shown on
the FIRM, and are the areas between the limits of the base flood and the two-tenths of a
percent-annual-chance (or 500-year) flood.
The location of flood hazard areas for Brazos County and participating entities are shown in
Figure 6-2. Flooding is primarily located along the Brazos River on the west side of the county
and along the Navasota River on the east side of the county. Depths of flood waters can range
from one to four feet deep along the Brazos River and one to three feet deep along the
Navasota River.
Figure 6-2 on the following page depicts the flood zones throughout the planning area, where
there is potential for damage to property and loss of life.
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 49 of 184
47
Figure 6-2. Riverine Flooding Potential for the Planning Area
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 50 of 184
48
NFIP PROGRAM PARTICIPATION
Flood insurance offered through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) is the best way
for home and business owners to protect themselves financially against the ravages of flooding.
According to FEMA, jurisdictions participate in the NFIP by adopting and enforcing floodplain
management ordinances to reduce future flood damage. In exchange, the NFIP makes federally
backed flood insurance available to homeowners, renters, and business owners in these
communities. Community participation in the NFIP is voluntary.
Brazos County, cities of Bryan, College Station, and Wixon Valley are currently the jurisdictions
within the county that participate in the NFIP. It should be noted that Wixon Valley participates
in the NFIP but has no floodplain within the city limits. There is no floodplain within the city
limits of Kurten that would require participation in the NFIP. However, the City of Kurten has
identified the desire to participate in the NFIP as one of their projects to mitigate for flooding.
These jurisdictions maintain their continued NFIP compliance in several ways, including:
Requiring all new development in the identified flood hazard area to be permitted
Requiring revisions to existing structures in the identified flood hazard area to be permitted
Requiring Elevation Certificates to be submitted as part of the permitting process
Persons looking to purchase flood prone property are being advised of the flood hazard area
through credited hazard disclosure measures
Continued preservation of open space in the floodplain
Acquisition of existing structures from the floodplain
Keeping track of building improvements and repairs to structures located in the identified flood
hazard area
Continued enforcement of stream dumping regulations
The cities of Bryan, College Station, and Wixon Valley participate in the NFIP’s Community
Rating System (CRS). This voluntary incentive program recognizes and encourages community
floodplain management activities that exceed the minimum NFIP requirements. Additional
activities are verified annually and community success is translated into ratings which equal
policy holder discounts.
For more information regarding the floodplain management ordinance of each community, see
Section 15.
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 51 of 184
49
Table 6-2. National Flood Insurance Program, Policies and Losses for the Planning Area (as of
(5/31/2018)
Community Policies in
Effect
Total
Coverage in
Thousands
Total Losses Dollars
Paid,
Historical
Brazos County 236 $68,635 34 $1,155,567
Bryan 673 $168,691 280 $4,406,382
College Station 641 $202,581 185 $1,082,188
PEOPLE AND PROPERTY AT RISK
To assess flood risk, flood areas were modeled for 100-year and 500-year events. Flood depth
was estimated at the pixel level for affected areas, along with proportion of the area affected
within the census block. Table 6-3 shows the estimated buildings and people at risk to flooding.
Because detailed information was not available to calculate potential losses due to flood, it is
assumed that in a worst-case-scenario event, all exposed areas would be impacted and the
exposed values would equal the potential losses.
Table 6-3. Potential Wet Exposure for 100-Year Flood (Riverine Flooding)
Residential Rental Commercial Industrial
Number
of
Parcels
Value
($1,000)
Number
of
Parcels
Value
($1,000)
Number
of Parcels
Value
($1,000)
Number
of
Parcels
Value
($1,000)
Bryan 1192 $204,781 104 $96,394 179 $445,253 14 $40,561
College
Station
564 $189,914 78 $530,835 108 $506,456 2 $29,990
Kurten 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Wixon
Valley
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Unincorpo
rated
520 $127,312 4 $2,443 56 $78,095 6 $2,541
Brazos
County -
TOTAL
2276 $522,006 186 $629,672 343 $1,029,804 22 $95,956
Market Value: $3,494,789,179
Land Value: $1,585,952,326
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 52 of 184
50
Improvement Value: $1,908,836,853
POTENTIAL DAMAGES AND LOSSES
To estimate annualized losses due to flood, the exposed values were multiplied by the
probability of the occurrence of a 100-year flood event (1 percent) to calculate the estimated
annualized losses. Annualized losses by county are shown in Table 6-4. Potential impacts to
critical facilities and infrastructure are provided in Table 6-5. Repetitive losses are provided in
Table 6-6.
Table 6-4. Potential Annualized Losses (Riverine Flooding)
Planning
Entity
Total
Exposure
($1,000)
Annualized
Loss
(Residential)
Annualized
Loss
(Commercial)
Annualized
Loss
(Industrial)
Total
Annualized
Loss
Annualized
Loss
Percentage
Ratio
Brazos
County $210,391 $69,920.00 $249,728.86 $303,325.74 $622,974.60 0.30%
City of
Bryan $786,989 $431,794.18 $284,055.76 $224,273.04 $940,122.98 0.12%
City of
College
Station $1,257,195 $77,627.34 $43,801.11 $19,002.26 $140,430.71 0.01%
Table 6-5. Critical Facilities and Infrastructure Potentially Damaged, Brazos County
County Critical Facilities and Infrastructure
Total Number Number Inside the
100-year Floodplain
Percentage Susceptible to
Flooding
Brazos 298 129 43.29
REPETITIVE LOSSES
Brazos County has four (4) structures on FEMA’s Repetitive Loss (RL) list and no Severe
Repetitive Loss (SRL) structures.
The City of Bryan has twenty-eight (28) structures on FEMA’s RL list and seven (7) structures on
the SRL list.
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 53 of 184
51
The City of College Station has four (4) structures on FEMA’s RL list and one (1) structure on the
SRL list.
Forty-one (41) structures are residential, and three (3) are commercial. They are primarily
constructed of brick and mortar on concrete slab foundations.
None of the other participating entities within this plan have either RL or SRL structures listed by
FEMA.
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 54 of 184
52
SECTION 7: DROUGHT
WHY DROUGHT IS A THREAT
According to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, “Drought is one of the most complex,
and least understood, of all natural hazards, affecting more people than do other natural
hazards, but differing from them in important ways. Unlike earthquakes, hurricanes and
tornadoes, drought unfolds at an almost imperceptible pace with beginning and ending times
that are difficult to determine, and with effects that often are spread over vast regions. Drought
is a period of time without substantial rainfall that persists from one year to the next.
Drought is a normal part of virtually all-climatic regimes, including areas with high and low
average rainfall. Drought is the consequence of a natural reduction in the amount of
precipitation expected over an extended period of time, usually a season or more in length.
Droughts can be classified as meteorological, hydrologic, agricultural, and socioeconomic. Table
7-1 shows the drought classification definitions.
Table 7-1. Drought Classification Definitions
Meteorological
Drought
The degree of dryness or departure of actual precipitation from an
expected average or normal amount based on monthly, seasonal, or
annual time scales.
Hydrologic Drought The effects of precipitation shortfalls on stream flows and reservoir,
lake, and groundwater levels.
Agricultural Drought Soil moisture deficiencies relative to water demands of plant life,
usually crops.
Socioeconomic Drought The effect of demands for water exceeding the supply as a result of
a weather-related supply shortfall.
Source: Multi-Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment: A Cornerstone of the National Mitigation
Strategy, FEMA
Over time, droughts can have very damaging effects on crops, municipal water supplies,
recreational uses, and wildlife. If droughts extend over a number of years, the direct and indirect
economic impact can be significant.
Droughts can affect a large area and range in size from a couple of counties to several states.
Their impact on wildlife and area farming is enormous. Droughts can kill crops, grazing land,
edible plants and even in severe cases, trees. The historic Texas drought of 2011 led to a record
$5.2 billion in agricultural losses, making it the most costly drought on record, according to
Texas AgriLife Extension Service economists. The $5.2 billion in losses exceeds the previous
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 55 of 184
53
record of $4.1 billion during the 2006 drought. Additionally dying vegetation also serves as a
prime ignition source for wildland fires.
The following is a list of economic drought losses from 1998 through 2011 compiled by
AgriLife Extension economists:
2011– $5.2 billion
2009 – $3.6 billion
2008 – $1.4 billion
2006 – $4.1 billion
2002 – $316 million
2000 – $1.1 billion
1999 – $223 million
1998 – $2.4 billion
A heat wave combined with a drought is a very dangerous situation. Although drought can
occur in any season, when extreme heat combines with drought conditions, the result can be a
community disaster.
Droughts occur regularly in Texas and are a normal condition. They can vary greatly, however,
in their intensity and duration. On average, a yearlong drought takes place somewhere in Texas
once every 3 years and a major drought every 20 years. Major droughts can last for years. In
2011, the planning area experienced a severe drought event.
HAZARD PROFILE
The potential severity of impact of droughts is substantial, especially taking into consideration
the economic losses that may result.
The frequency of occurrence of drought in the planning area is likely.
The planning area has critical facilities or infrastructure that are vulnerable to drought. The
participating entities in this plan all have back-up water supply systems in place to provide water
to commercial and residential structures should a drought affect the water supply system. Most
residences in the planning area rely on water from underground wells. Livestock and agriculture
losses could occur in the county during periods of drought. Additionally, drought increases the
risk of wildfires due to lack of soil and plant moisture. The risk of wildfires is address in the
subsequent section.
Droughts are slow onset hazards. Warning time for drought is long, since drought events take
place over long periods of time. Drought warnings are issued by the state Drought Preparedness
Council, as directed by H.B. 2660, based upon input from NOAA, the Office of the State
Climatologist, the U.S. Geological Service, the Texas Water Development Board, Texas
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 56 of 184
54
Commission on Environmental Quality, and the Texas Agricultural Statistics Service. Warnings
utilize five “levels of concern” and take into account assessments of climatology, agriculture, and
water availability for each of 10 climatic regions of the state.
According to the Palmer Drought Index, shown in Table 7.2 on the next page, the extent of
droughts can range from minor or moderate to extreme or exceptional. The maximum extent of
drought that can affect the planning area would be exceptional, as shown in Figure 7.1. This
occurred during the summer and fall of 2011. The minimum extent of drought that can affect
Brazos County and the participating entities would be moderate, as shown in Figure 7.2. This
occurred during the spring of 2017 after some much needed rain.
Table 7-2. Palmer Drought Index
Figure 7-1. Extent of Drought for the United States during 2011
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 57 of 184
55
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 58 of 184
56
Figure 7-2. Extent of Drought Specific to the State of Texas during 2011
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 59 of 184
57
HISTORY OF DROUGHT
The data collected for this hazard is from the National Weather Service and provides estimates
of historical losses for property and crop damages (see Table 7-3).
Table 7-3. Exposure to Droughts in the Planning Area as Reported to the National Weather
Service, 01/01/1996 to 11/30/2017
Date Death Injury Property
Damage
Crop
Damage Notes
4/1/1996 0 0 0 0 Entire county affected
5/1/1996 0 0 0 0 Entire county affected
6/1/1996 0 0 0 0 Entire county affected
5/1/1998 0 0 0 0 Entire county affected
6/1/1998 0 0 0 0 Entire county affected
7/1/1998 0 0 0 0 Entire county affected
8/1/1998 0 0 23.0M 167.9M
Entire county affected
No data to separate damages
within area
8/1/2000 0 0 0 0 Entire county affected
9/1/2000 0 0 0 102.3M
Entire county affected
No data to separate damages
within area
7/1/2011 0 0 0 TBD Entire county affected
8/1/2011 0 0 0 TBD Entire county affected
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 60 of 184
58
PEOPLE AND PROPERTY AT RISK
Droughts have the potential to impact large geographical areas, thus all the agricultural
property, population, and built environment are considered exposed to the hazard and could
potentially be impacted. In the planning area, drought does not have specific location.
Drought has the ability to adversely affect agriculture such as reduced crop productivity as well
as harm to livestock through reduced water levels, additional stress, and reduced forage.
Economic impacts to agriculture can be found in “Potential Damages and Losses” below.
Vulnerable populations due to drought are the elderly (ages 65 and above) and the young (ages
5 and below) as well as populations living at or below poverty level. The elderly are more
vulnerable to drought possibly due to underlying health conditions as well as to possible limited
access to potable water.
Through the reduction of soil moisture, drought can impact the built environment through the
shrinking of soils. This could affect building foundations, bridge construction, and dam
construction.
POTENTIAL DAMAGES AND LOSSES
In order to analyze the risk of Brazos County and participating entities to drought and estimate
potential losses, 100 years of statistical data from the University of Nebraska was used (this data
was developed by the University based on Palmer Drought and Crop Severity Indices) as well as
1997 USDA agriculture data. A drought event frequency-impact was then developed to
determine a drought impact profile on non-irrigated agriculture products and estimate potential
losses due to drought in the area. Table 7-4 shows annualized expected exposure for the
planning area.
Table 7-4. Annualized Expected Agricultural Product Market Value Exposed to Drought in the
Planning Area in 2017
County Annualized Expected Exposure ($1000)
Brazos 24,856.7
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 61 of 184
59
SECTION 8: URBAN AND WILDLAND FIRES
WHY URBAN AND WILDLAND FIRES ARE A THREAT
The fire problem in the United States on a per capita basis is one of the worst in the industrial
world. Thousands of Americans die each year from fire, tens of thousands of people are injured,
and property losses reach billions of dollars. To put these figures in context, the annual losses
from floods, tornadoes, earthquakes and other natural disasters combined in the United States
average just a fraction of the losses from fire.
According to the National Fire Data Center of the U.S. Fire Administration, recent trends show a
decline in the numbers of fires, deaths, injuries, and dollar loss to property. However, despite
these encouraging trends, an average of over 3,000 deaths and 16,000 injuries to civilians, and
over 85 firefighter deaths occurred annually over the 10–year period from 2005-2015. The fire
death rate, by state, is shown in Figure 8-1.
This plan addresses both wildland fires and major urban fires. For purposes of this plan, major
wildland fire events are those that were greater than or equal to two-alarm fires. Major urban
fires are defined as those structure fires that were greater than or equal to three-alarm fires.
Figure 8-1. Fire Death Rate by State
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 62 of 184
60
Major Urban Fires
The leading causes of fires nationally are arson, open flames, and cooking. Urban fires cause
most fire deaths and injuries. The leading causes of fire deaths are smoking, arson, and heating.
Between 70 and 80 percent of deaths result from residential fires. People under age 5 and over
age 55 have a much higher death rate than the average population. These two age groups
account for more than one-third of all deaths nationally.
Wildland Fires
A wildland fire is any fire occurring on grassland, forest, or prairie, regardless of ignition source,
damages, or benefits. According to the National Fire Plan, 2000, the wildland fire risk is now
considered by authorities as “the most significant fire service problem of the century.”
The National Fire Plan was issued by the U.S. Departments of Agriculture and Interior. It defines
the urban/wildland interface as “the line, area, or zone where structures and other human
development meet or intermingle with undeveloped wildland or vegetative fuels.” The interface
problem has grown dramatically over the last twenty years, spawned by increases in population,
urban expansion, land-management decisions that place neighborhoods adjacent to wildland
preserves, parks, and greenbelts, and the ever-present desire to intermingle with nature. The
marriage between humans and their property and wildland areas has significantly increased
human exposure to wildfires.
More and more people are building their homes in woodland settings in or near forests, rural
areas, or remote mountain sites. Many of these homes are nestled along ridgelines, cliff-edges,
and other classic fire-interface hazard zones. There, homeowners enjoy the beauty of the
environment but they also face the very real danger of wildfire.
Years of fire suppression have significantly disturbed natural fire occurrences—nature’s renewal
process. The result has been the gradual accumulation of understory and canopy fuels to levels
of density that can feed high-energy, intense wildfires and further increase the hazards from and
exposure to interface problems.
Multiple devastating interface-area fires over the past several years have demonstrated the
disastrous potential inherent in the interface.
Wildland fires can occur at any time of the year. Climatic conditions such as severe freezes and
drought can significantly increase the intensity of wildland fires since these conditions kill
vegetation, creating a prime fuel source for these types of fires. The intensity of fires and the
rate at which they spread are directly related to wind speed, temperature, and relative humidity.
Three different classes of wildfires exist. A “surface fire” is the most common type and burns
along the floor of a forest, moving slowly and killing or damaging trees. A “ground fire” is
usually started by lightning and burns on or below the forest floor in the humus layer down to
the mineral soil. “Crown fires” spread rapidly by wind and move quickly by jumping along the
tops of trees.
Humans start about 90 percent of wildfires (cigarettes thrown from cars, burning of refuse, etc.);
lightning starts the other 10 percent.
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 63 of 184
61
HAZARD PROFILE
The extent of both urban and wildland fires in the planning area is major; fires can completely
shut down facilities for at least two weeks and cause more than 25 percent of affected
properties to be destroyed or incur major damage.
The frequency of occurrence of urban and wildland fire events in the planning area is likely.
Winter is the peak period for major urban fires and fire deaths. The wildland fire risk varies
considerably by month.
Warning time for urban and wildland fire events is minimal or none.
HISTORY OF WILDFIRE IN THE PLANNING AREA
Table 8-1 shows the number of voluntarily reported incidents by Precinct in Brazos County and
participating entities during 2005 through 2017. It is likely that more fire incidents occurred
during this timeframe that were not reported. Reporting is voluntary and thus not consistent.
Table 8-1. Wildland Fire Incidents and Losses in the Planning Area, 2005-2017 (over 25 acres)
Fire Dept. Name Date Type Acres Cause Agencies
Responding
Brazos County Pct. 4 VFD 10/6/2005 Wildfire 320 Debris burning 8
Brazos County Pct. 4 VFD 12/3/2005 Wildfire 375 Equipment use 6
Brazos Co. Dist. 2 VFD 12/24/2005 Wildfire 300 Miscellaneous 5
Brazos County Pct. 3 VFD 12/24/2005 Wildfire 500 Miscellaneous 7
Brazos Co. Dist. 2 VFD 1/3/2006 Wildfire 500 Incendiary 7
Brazos Co. Dist. 2 VFD 1/7/2006 Wildfire 300 Incendiary 7
Brazos Co. Dist. 2 VFD 2/27/2006 Wildfire 40 Debris burning 2
Brazos County Pct. 3 VFD 2/27/2006 Wildfire 30 Debris burning 2
Brazos Co. Dist. 2 VFD 3/31/2006 Wildfire 30 Debris burning 2
Brazos County Pct. 3 VFD 9/2/2006 Wildfire 148 Miscellaneous 3
South Brazos County FD 7/11/2008 Wildfire 25 Miscellaneous 5
Brazos County Pct. 3 VFD 7/11/2008 Wildfire 50 Debris burning 5
Brazos County Pct. 3 VFD 11/5/2008 Wildfire 25 Debris burning 6
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 64 of 184
62
Brazos County Pct. 3 VFD 12/7/2008 Wildfire 50 Debris burning 3
Brazos County Pct. 3 VFD 1/7/2009 Wildfire 35 Debris burning 3
Brazos County Pct. 3 VFD 1/21/2009 Wildfire 40 Debris burning 4
Brazos County Pct. 3 VFD 1/31/2009 Wildfire 145 Debris burning 3
Brazos County District 2
VFD
5/9/2011 Wildfire 100 Unknown 8
Brazos County District 2
VFD
11/04/2017 Wildfire 40 Debris burning 5
LOCATION OF HAZARDOUS AREAS
There is no defined geographic hazard boundary for urban and wildland fires in the planning
area. Due to the recent droughts of 2009 and 2011, along with the excessive heat of the
summer months during those years, most people, buildings, critical facilities, infrastructure and
lifelines are considered exposed to the urban and wildland fire hazard and could potentially
affect the planning area.
Figure 8-2 on the following page shows wildfire risk locations across Brazos County and the
participating entities, as determined by the Texas Forest Service. The map represents the
cumulative weights of (1) the risks associated with fuel complexes, (2) the risks associated with
population, and (3) the weighted factors of population growth. These combined variables
determine the following risk categories:
Low risk: Areas are primarily those that have little population or population densities that are
not located near or in a hazardous fuel complex.
Moderate risk: Areas that may have a high population but are located near or in a moderate- or
low-hazard fuel complex. Also, areas that have a low population but have significant growth
located near or in a high-hazard fuel complex are included in this category.
High risk: Areas that have a moderate population and a high growth rate and are located near
or in a high- or moderate-hazard fuel complex.
Very High risk: Areas that have high population numbers and moderate-to-high growth rates
and are located near or in a high-hazard fuel complex area.
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 65 of 184
63
Figure 8-2. Areas at Risk to Wildfire in the Planning Area
From Texas Wildfire Risk Assessment Summary Report for Brazos County (11/13/2017)
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 66 of 184
64
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 67 of 184
65
The majority of Texas A&M University campus is within the City of College Station; however,
some portions are in the City of Bryan. Regardless, Texas A&M University falls under the
category of “low” when considering the risk of wildfire.
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 68 of 184
66
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 69 of 184
67
This overall hazard rating by the Texas Forest Service is descriptive and not predictive, based on
wide-ranging parameters. In most cases, the interface risk in a county will change based on the
distribution of hazardous wildland fuels and population and growth within the county. Keeping
this in mind, counties that have an overall low-hazard rating may have isolated areas within the
county that are at high risk, just as counties identified as high risk may have isolated areas within
the county that are at low risk.
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 70 of 184
68
A major component of the risk assessment was the relation of population and urban
development to hazardous wildland fuels. To achieve a rating, the fuels model map for Texas
was categorized in to fuel complexes that represented low, moderate and high hazard fuels.
This correlation was developed under the direction of Karen Allender and the UWI division of
the Texas Forest Service. Fuels were grouped by NFDRS and Anderson Fuel Model ratings and
the resulting descriptors of low to high hazard were assigned. These descriptors were based on
the fuel complexes potential for spread rates, heat output (BTUs) and duration of output,
difficulty of control and potential for fire movement in the canopy of the vegetation. Fuels that
had the highest potential for crowning, difficulty in control and heat output for duration posed
the most hazards.
Any structure is exposed to the urban fire risk. The wildland fire risk is a function of the
following:
the climate (patterns over time);
fuel complexes (vegetation);
topography (slope, aspect and elevation);
human factors (structures and infrastructure).
HISTORY OF FIRE
Table 8-2 shows the number of voluntarily reported incidents and the total dollar losses by
Brazos County and the participating entities. It is likely that more fire incidents occurred during
this timeframe that were not reported. Reporting is voluntary and thus not consistent.
Table 8-2. Urban Fire Incidents and Losses in the Planning Area, 1989-2017
County Incidents Total Dollar Loss ($)
Brazos 4,272 14,570,651
PEOPLE AND PROPERTY AT RISK
The urban fire hazard can occur throughout the entire planning area. Historically most urban
fires have been in residential facilities. Table 8-3 below shows the total number of residential
facilities by participating entity.
Table 8-3. Total Number of Residential Facilities by Participating Entity
Participating Entity Number of Residential Facilities
City of Bryan 19,925
City of College Station 21,856
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 71 of 184
69
City of Kurten 112
City of Wixon Valley 59
Texas A&M University ~40
Unincorporated Brazos County 48,796
For a breakdown of residential types per entity, refer to Chapter/Section 5.
The potential for wildland fires will be limited to the rural areas of the planning area. These
areas are identified in Table 8-4 below:
Table 8-4. Total Number of Facilities by Participating Entity
Area
(Sq Mi)
Residential
(Structures)
Commercial/Industrial
(Number of Facilities)
Critical Infrastructure
Kurten 4.60 112 10 Post Office/VFD/Church
Unincorporated 490.49 48,796 3,357 BISD Campus off
Mumford/VFDs/Churches/
Post Offices
Wixon Valley 1.81 59 22 City Hall, Industrial
Complex
POTENTIAL DAMAGES AND LOSSES
Table 8-3 shows potential annualized losses for Brazos County and the participating entities due
to urban fire, which were calculated using the statistical risk assessment methodology. The
general steps used in the statistical risk assessment methodology are; to compile data from local
and national sources, clean up the data by removing duplication, identify patterns in frequency
and vulnerability, extrapolate the statistical patterns, and produce meaningful results with the
development of annualized loss estimates.
Table 8-5. Potential Annualized Losses to Urban Fire in the Planning Area
County Annualized Expected Property Losses ($)
Brazos 1,553,605
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 72 of 184
70
SECTION 9: WINTER STORMS
WHY WINTER STORMS ARE A THREAT
A severe winter storm event includes a storm with snow, ice or freezing rain—all of which can
cause significant problems for area residents. Winter storms that threaten Texas usually start
out as powerful cold fronts that push south from central Canada.
Most of the precipitation seen in the planning area from severe winter storms takes the form of
ice or sleet. Freezing rain occurs when rain developing in a relatively warm (above freezing) layer
of air falls through a layer of air that is below freezing (25-32° F). The rain is “supercooled” as it
falls through the cold layer near the surface of the earth. When the supercooled but still liquid
raindrops strike the ground or an object already below freezing, they freeze on contact. The
resulting coating of ice is commonly known as glaze.
A heavy accumulation of ice can topple power and telephone lines, television towers, and trees.
Highways become impossible to travel on, and even stepping outdoors can be extremely risky.
The severity of an ice storm and the amount of damage caused by the storm depends on the
amount of rain and thus the amount of icing taking place, the strength of the wind, and whether
or not the storm strikes an urban or rural area. Urban areas tend to suffer more damage than
rural areas because of the concentration of utilities and transportation systems (aircraft, trains,
buses, trucks, and cars), all of which may be affected to a great degree by the icing.
HAZARD PROFILE
The severity of impact of winter storms is generally minor. Winter storms can cause injuries and
completely shut down facilities for more than one week, and cause more than ten percent of
affected properties to be destroyed or suffer major damage.
The extent of winter storms on the planning area can extend from something as minor as winter
weather advisory’s or as major as freezing temperatures with sleet, snow and wind chill. The
maximum extent of winter storms for Brazos County and participating entities include low
temperatures below 32 degrees, freezing rain and sleet, and/or snow amounts up to 6-10
inches.
The frequency of occurrence of winter storms in the planning area is unlikely.
Warning time for winter storms is generally six to twelve hours.
Table 10.1 shows the definitions for winter weather alerts.
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 73 of 184
71
Table 9-1. Winter Weather Alerts
Winter
weather
advisory
This alert may be issued for a variety of severe conditions. Weather advisories
may be announced for snow, blowing or drifting snow, freezing drizzle,
freezing rain, or a combination of weather events.
Winter storm
watch
Severe winter weather conditions may affect your area (freezing rain, sleet or
heavy snow may occur separately or in combination).
Winter storm
warning
Severe winter weather conditions are imminent.
Freezing rain
or freezing
drizzle
Rain or drizzle is likely to freeze upon impact, resulting in a coating of ice
glaze on roads and all other exposed objects.
Sleet Small particles of ice, usually mixed with rain. If enough sleet accumulates on
the ground, it makes travel hazardous.
Blizzard
warning
Sustained wind speeds of at least 35 mph are accompanied by considerable
falling or blowing snow. This alert is the most perilous winter storm with
visibility dangerously restricted.
Frost/freeze
warning
Below freezing temperatures are expected and may cause significant damage
to plants, crops and fruit trees.
Wind chill A strong wind combined with a temperature slightly below freezing can have
the same chilling effect as a temperature nearly 50 degrees lower in a calm
atmosphere. The combined cooling power of the wind and temperature on
exposed flesh is called the wind-chill factor.
HISTORY OF SEVERE WINTER STORMS
Winter storm events that have occurred in the Planning Area from 1997 to 2017 are presented in
Table 9-2, along with reported injuries, deaths and damages.
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 74 of 184
72
Table 9-2. Severe Winter Storms for the Planning Area, 1997–2017
Type Location Date Deaths Injuries Property
Damage
Crop Damage
Winter storm (ice) County 01/12/1997 0 0 0 0
Winter Storm County 12/23/1998 0 0 75K 0
Winter storm (ice) County 12/13/2000 0 0 1.0M 0
Ice Storm County 12/07/2005 1 2 70K 0
Ice Storm County 1/16/2007 0 0 1K 0K
Ice Storm County 2/04/2011 0 0 0K 0K
Winter Storm County 2/04/2011 0 0 0K 0K
Winter Weather (Ice) County 12/07/2013 0 0 0 0
Winter Weather (Ice) County 01/28/2014 0 0 0 0
Winter Weather (Ice) County 01/28/2014 0 0 0 0
Winter Weather (Ice) County 02/06/2014 0 0 50K 0
Winter Weather (Ice) County 03/02/2014 0 0 0 0
Winter Storm County 03/03/2014 0 0 0 0
Heavy Snow County 12/07/2017 0 0 0 0
PEOPLE AND PROPERTY AT RISK
Winter storms usually impact large geographical areas; thus, all the population, buildings, critical
facilities, infrastructure and lifelines, and hazardous materials facilities in the Planning Area are
considered exposed to the hazard and could potentially be impacted.
Winter storms impact large geographical areas of the planning area, thus the entire population,
buildings, identified critical infrastructure, lifelines, and hazardous materials facilities are
considered exposed to the hazard and could potentially be impacted. In the planning area,
winter storms do not have a specific location. However, all participating entities are at risk and
could be affected by this hazard. It is understood, however, that there are populations
throughout the planning area that are more vulnerable than others. Information is provided in
Chapter 5 – Hazards the Region Faces and What’s at Risk on the different populations found
within the planning area. In analyzing the relative risks from hazards, potential losses and ability
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 75 of 184
73
to recover from losses, it is understood that the more vulnerable populations are those that are
in the lower socio-economic levels.
POTENTIAL DAMAGES AND LOSSES
Table 9-3 presents annualized expected property losses due to winter storms in Brazos County
and participating entities, which were calculated using the statistical risk assessment
methodology. The general steps used in the statistical risk assessment methodology are; to
compile data from local and national sources, clean up the data by removing duplication,
identify patterns in frequency and vulnerability, extrapolate the statistical patterns, and produce
meaningful results with the development of annualized loss estimates.
Table 9-3. Potential Annualized Losses due to Winter Storms in the Planning Area
County Annualized Expected Property Losses ($)
Brazos 66,249
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 76 of 184
74
SECTION 10: TORNADOES
WHY TORNADOES ARE A THREAT
Tornadoes are unquestionably the most violent storms on the planet. A tornado is a violently
rotating column of air extending between, and in contact with, a cloud and the surface of the
earth. The most violent tornadoes are capable of tremendous destruction with wind speeds of
250 miles per hour or more.
The most powerful tornadoes are spawned by “super-cell thunderstorms.” These storms are
affected by horizontal wind shears (winds moving in different directions at different altitudes)
that begin to rotate the storm. This horizontal rotation can be tilted vertically by violent
updrafts, and the rotation radius can shrink, forming a vertical column of very quickly swirling
air. This rotating air can eventually reach the ground, forming a tornado.
Table 10-1. Enhanced Fujita Tornado Scale implemented February 1, 2007
EF-Scale
Number
Intensity Wind Speed
(mph)
Type of Damage Done
EF0 Gale tornado 65-85 Some damage to chimneys; breaks branches off trees;
pushes over shallow-rooted trees; damages sign boards.
EF1 Moderate tornado 86-110 The lower limit is the beginning of hurricane wind speed;
peels surface off roofs; mobile homes pushed off
foundations or overturned; moving autos pushed off
roads; attached garages may be destroyed.
EF2 Significant tornado 111-135 Considerable damage. Roofs torn off frame houses;
mobile homes demolished; boxcars pushed over; large
trees snapped or uprooted; light object missiles
generated.
EF3 Severe tornado 136-165 Roof and some walls torn off well-constructed houses;
trains overturned; most trees in forest uprooted.
EF4 Devastating tornado 166-200 Well-constructed homes leveled; structures with weak
foundations blown off some distance; cars thrown and
large missiles generated.
EF5 Incredible tornado Over 200 Strong frame houses lifted off foundations and carried
considerable distances to disintegrate; automobile sized
missiles flying through the air in excess of 100 meters;
trees debarked; steel reinforced concrete badly damaged.
The planning area is affected by frequent severe weather and thunderstorms. Thunderstorms
form when warm, moist air collides with cooler, drier air. Since these masses tend to come
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 77 of 184
75
together during the transition from summer to winter, most thunderstorms occur during the
spring and fall months. Severe thunderstorms can produce tornadoes, high winds, and hail—
any of which can cause extensive property damage and loss of life.
Tornadoes occasionally accompany tropical storms and hurricanes that move over land.
Tornadoes are the most common to the right and ahead of the path of the storm center as it
comes ashore.
Tornadoes vary in terms of duration, wind speed and the toll that they take, as shown in Table
10-2.
Table 10-2. Variations Among Tornadoes
Weak Tornadoes Strong Tornadoes Violent Tornadoes
69% of all tornadoes
Less than 5% of tornado deaths
Lifetime 1-10+ minutes
Winds less than 110 mph
29% of all tornadoes
Nearly 30% of all tornado deaths
May last 20 minutes or longer
Winds 110 – 205 mph
2% of all tornadoes
70% of all tornado deaths
Lifetime can exceed one hour
Winds greater than 205 mph
HAZARD PROFILE
The impact of tornadoes can be substantial. They can cause multiple deaths, completely shut
down facilities for thirty days or more, and cause more than fifty percent of affected properties
to be destroyed or suffer major damage.
The maximum extent of tornadoes that can affect Brazos County and the participating entities is
an EF5, which according to the Enhanced Fujita Scale, would be an incredibly strong tornado
with winds speeds over 200 miles per hour.
While the frequency of occurrence of tornadoes in the planning area is less than 1% per year,
millions of dollars of damage has occurred within the planning area.
Seasonal patterns are relevant to tornadoes. Thunderstorms form when warm, moist air collides
with cooler, drier air. Since these masses tend to come together during the transition from
summer to winter, most thunderstorms and resulting tornadoes occur during the spring (March,
April, May and June) and, at a lesser intensity, during the fall (September, October, and
November). Warning time for tornadoes is minimal.
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 78 of 184
76
Figure 10-1. Occurrence of Texas Tornadoes, by Month
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 79 of 184
77
HISTORY OF TORNADOES
Historical evidence, as reflected in Table 10-3, shows that most of the planning area is
vulnerable to tornado activity. There is no defined hazard boundary for tornadoes.
Since the Enhanced Fujita Scale was not implemented until 2007, the original Fujita Scale is
included here to help understand the History of Tornado Events scale in Table 10-3.
Table 10-3 identifies reported tornado events in the planning area, and Table 10-4 gives the
total number of tornadoes in the Planning Area.
Table 10-3. History of Tornado Events in the Planning Area as Reported to the National Weather
Service, 01/01/1950 to 08/26/2017
Type Date Time Magnitude Death Injury Property
Damage
Crop
Damage
Tornado 12/2/1953 1530 F2 0 0 25K 0
Tornado 4/30/1954 0730 F2 0 0 0K 0
Tornado 4/5/1956 1515 F3 0 0 250K 0
Tornado 3/31/1957 1610 F0 0 0 3K 0
Tornado 5/20/1960 0615 F0 0 0 0K 0
Tornado 5/17/1965 1456 F0 0 0 0K 0
Tornado 2/10/1981 0245 F1 0 1 25K 0
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 80 of 184
78
Tornado 11/19/1983 0910 F2 0 0 2.5M 0
Tornado 4/27/1990 1758 F0 0 0 0K 0
Tornado 5/13/1994 1525 F0 0 0 0 0
Tornado 5/18/1995 0230 F0 0 0 60K 0
Tornado 5/18/1995 0230 F0 0 0 60K 0
Tornado 1/21/1998 1644 F0 0 0 35K 0
Tornado 10/17/1998 1540 F1 0 0 20K 0
Tornado 10/12/2001 1150 F1 0 0 60K 0
Tornado 12/23/2002 1120 F0 0 0 5K 0
Tornado 6/13/2003 1500 F0 0 0 1K 0
Tornado 10/5/2003 1705 F1 0 1 750K 0
Tornado 10/5/2003 1730 F0 0 0 3K 0
Tornado 2/24/2004 2110 F0 0 0 25K 0
Tornado 3/17/2004 0040 F0 0 0 3K 0
Tornado 5/13/2004 0545 F1 0 0 515K 0
Tornado 12/29/2006 1523 F1 0 3 2.8M 0K
Tornado 4/28/2009 1441 F0 0 0 0K 0K
Tornado 05/26/2016 1130 EF1 0 0 7M 0K
Tornado 08/26/2017 0705 EF0 0 0 0M 0K
Table 10-4. Overall Historical Impact of Tornadoes in the Planning Area
County Number of events Maximum
EF-Scale
Brazos 26 EF3
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 81 of 184
79
PEOPLE AND PROPERTY AT RISK
Tornadoes can occur throughout the entire planning area. Because it cannot be predicted
where a tornado will touch down, almost all of the buildings and facilities in the Planning Area
are considered to be vulnerable to tornadoes. Greater losses would be expected in areas where
there is substandard housing. Infrastructure such as power poles and lines could be downed
during a strong tornado. Critical facilities within the Planning Area that have back-up generators
could continue to operate. It is understood, however, that there are populations throughout the
planning area that are more vulnerable than others. Information is provided in Chapter 5 –
Hazards the Region Faces and What’s at Risk on the different populations found within the
planning area. In analyzing relative risks from tornadoes, potential losses and the ability to
recover from losses, it is understood that the more vulnerable populations are those that are in
the lower socio-economic levels. They are more likely to suffer greater losses due to damages to
substandard housing. They may also lack resources, such as insurance, to recover from losses.
Of note, mobile and manufactured homes are especially vulnerable to tornadoes. There are a
total of 5,255 mobile or manufactured homes within the entire planning area, as of 2016 (2016
5-year ACS survey).
POTENTIAL DAMAGES AND LOSSES
Table 10-5 shows potential annualized expected property losses for the Planning Area, which
were calculated using the statistical risk assessment methodology. The general steps used in the
statistical risk assessment methodology are; to compile data from local and national sources,
determine the average exposed value based on likely tornado intensity and path area, and
calculate annualized loss estimates.
Table 10-5. Potential Annualized Losses from Tornadoes in the Planning Area
Jurisdiction Exposed Value Annualized Loss
Annualized Loss
Percentage
Bryan $5,538,141,000.00 $3,488,846.54 0.06%
College Station $9,316,285,000.00 $6,628,623.26 0.07%
Kurten $13,621,000.00 $35,994.79 0.26%
Wixon Valley $16,074,000.00 $107,952.79 0.67%
Unincorporated $16,827,581,000.00 $420,384.81 0.00%
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 82 of 184
80
SECTION 11: HAIL
WHY H AILSTORMS ARE A THREAT
Large hail results in nearly $1 billion in damage annually to property and crops in the United
States. Hail is made up of spherical balls of ice. It is a product of thunderstorms or intense
showers. It is generally white and translucent, consisting of liquid or snow particles encased with
layers of ice. Hail is formed within the high tops of a well-organized thunderstorm. An updraft
will sometimes throw rain droplets high up into the tops of a cloud, where the temperature is
well below freezing. The droplet freezes, then falls and can become caught in another updraft.
This time, a second coating of ice is added, making the hail stone larger. This cycle continues
until the hailstone is too heavy to be lifted again and falls to the ground as hail. The stronger the
updraft, the longer the hail develops and the bigger the hailstone is when it falls.
Hail is not to be confused with sleet, which consists of frozen raindrops that fall during winter
storms. Hail can be smaller than a pea or as large as a softball and can be very destructive to
plants, cars, homes, buildings and crops.
The development and maturation of hailstones are very complex processes. Numerous factors
impact the size of the hailstone including updraft strength, storm scale wind profile, height of
the freezing level, and the mean temperature and relative humidity of downdraft air. The
complexities of hail formation and sub-cloud processes make utilizing Doppler radar data to
forecast the occurrence of large hail difficult. Verification of hail events is also important, but is a
cumbersome process due to the limited temporal and spatial distribution of the event.
Large hailstones fall at speeds faster than 100 mph. Large falling balls of ice can be very
dangerous. Large hail can do significant damage to automobiles, windows, roofs, crops and
animals. When caught in a hailstorm, it is important to seek shelter immediately. Pets and
livestock are particularly vulnerable to hail, and should be brought into a shelter.
HAZARD PROFILE
Hailstorms are generally localized and their impact is considered limited since the injuries they
cause are generally treatable with first aid, they shut down critical facilities and services for 24
hours or less, and less than ten percent of affected properties are destroyed or suffer major
damage.
Hail events in the planning area are likely. Most hailstorms occur during the spring (March, April
and May) and the fall, during the month of September.
Warning time for a hailstorm is generally minimal to no warning. The National Weather Service
classifies a storm as severe if hail of ¾ of an inch in diameter (approximately the size of a penny)
or greater is imminent based on radar intensities or observed by a spotter or other people.
The extent of hail in the Planning Area can range from ¾ of an inch up to 1.75 inches. The
frequency of occurrence of hail in planning area is approximately 2 incidents per year.
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 83 of 184
81
HISTORY OF HAILSTORMS
Table 11-1 shows the historical hail events that hit the planning area. Historical hail events with
hailstone size one inch or greater are listed in Table 12-1 below. Table 12-2 aggregates
historical hail events by jurisdiction.
Table 11-1. Overall Historical Hail Impact for Brazos County
(National Climatic Data Center), 2005-2017
Location or
County
Date Tim
e
Type Magnitude Death Injury Property
Damage
Crop
Damage
Bryan 3/19/2005 5:50
PM
Hail 1.75 in. 0 0 30K 0
Bryan 3/19/2005 6:02
PM
Hail 1.75 in. 0 0 30K 0
College Station 3/19/2005 6:02
PM
Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 4K 0
College Station 3/19/2005 6:08
PM
Hail 0.88 in. 0 0 5K 0
College Station 3/19/2005 6:25
PM
Hail 1.75 in. 0 0 30K 0
College Station 3/19/2005 6:35
PM
Hail 1.75 in. 0 0 30K 0
Bryan 4/5/2005 8:45
PM
Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 6K 0
College Station 10/31/2005 3:05
PM
Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 2K 0
College Station 4/25/2006 11:30
PM
Hail 1.75 in. 0 0 20K 0
Bryan 5/1/2007 16:06
PM
Hail 0.88 in. 0 0 0K 0K
Bryan Coulter
Airport
4/4/2008 8:03
AM
Hail 1.00 in. 0 0 1K 0K
Bryan Coulter
Airport
4/4/2008 8:29
AM
Hail 1.25 in. 0 0 1K 0K
College Station 7/19/2009 17:55
PM
Hail 1.75 in. 0 0 5K 0K
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 84 of 184
82
College Station 7/19/2009 17:57
PM
Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 0K 0K
College Station 7/20/2009 18:25
PM
Hail 1.00 in. 0 0 0K 0K
College Station 8/12/2009 16:15
PM
Hail 0.88 in. 0 0 0K 0K
College Station 4/07/2010 16:58
PM
Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 0K 0K
College Station 2/03/2012 19:15 Hail 1.00 in 0 0 5K 0K
College Station 2/03/2012 19:35 Hail 2.25 in 0 0 30K 0K
College Station 12/09/2012 18:30 Hail .75 in 0 0 0K 0K
College Station 05/09/2013 16:48 Hail 1.00 in 0 0 0K 0K
Millican 05/09/2014 19:50 Hail 1.00 in 0 0 0K 0K
Bryan 04/16/2015 16:09 Hail 1.50 in 0 0 0K 0K
Bryan 04/19/2015 14:40 Hail .88 in 0 0 0K 0K
Bryan 04/19/2015 15:02 Hail 1.00 in 0 0 0K 0K
Bryan 03/27/2017 01:20 Hail 1.25 in 0 0 0K 0K
Table 11-2. Overall Historical Hail Impact by County (National Climatic Data Center)
County Number of Events Maximum Diameter
(inches)
Brazos 26 1.75
PEOPLE AND PROPERTY AT RISK
Hail may impact large geographical areas of the planning area, thus the entire population,
buildings, identified critical infrastructure, lifelines, and hazardous materials facilities are
considered exposed to the hazard and could potentially be impacted. In the planning area, hail
does not have a specific location. However, all participating entities are at risk and could be
affected by this hazard. It is understood, however, that there are populations throughout the
planning area that are more vulnerable than others. Information is provided in Chapter 5 –
Hazards the Region Faces and What’s at Risk on the different populations found within the
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 85 of 184
83
planning area. In analyzing the relative risks from hazards, potential losses and ability to recover
from losses, it is understood that the more vulnerable populations are those that are in the
lower socio-economic levels.
POTENTIAL DAMAGES AND LOSSES
To estimate losses due to hail, PBS&J used NOAA historical hail loss data to develop a hail
stochastic model. In this model:
Losses were scaled to account for inflation;
Average historic hail damageability was used to generate losses for historical hail events where
losses were not reported;
Expected annualized losses were calculated through a non-linear regression of historical data;
and
Probabilistic losses were scaled to account for would-be losses where no exposure/instrument
was present at the time of the event.
Table 11-3 shows potential annualized losses in the Planning Area.
Table 11-3. Overall Historical Hail Impact for the Planning Area (National Climatic Data Center)
County Annualized Expected Property Damage ($)
Brazos 281, 565
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 86 of 184
84
SECTION 12: THUNDERSTORMS
WHY THUNDERSTORMS ARE A THREAT
A thunderstorm is defined as a storm of heavy rain accompanied by lightning, thunder, wind,
and sometimes hail.
Damaging winds are often called “straight-line” winds to differentiate the damage they cause
from tornado damage. Strong thunderstorm winds can come from a number of different
processes. Most thunderstorm winds that cause damage at the ground are a result of outflow
generated by a thunderstorm downdraft. Damaging winds are classified as those exceeding 50-
60 mph.
Damage from severe thunderstorm winds account for half of all severe reports in the lower 48
states and is more common than damage from tornadoes. Wind speeds can reach up to 100
mph and can produce a damage path extending for hundreds of miles.
Since most thunderstorms produce some straight-line winds as a result of outflow generated by
the thunderstorm downdraft, anyone living in thunderstorm-prone areas of the world is at risk
for experiencing this hazard.
People living in mobile homes are especially at risk for injury and death. Even anchored mobile
homes can be seriously damaged when winds gust over 80 mph.
Lightning is a massive electrostatic discharge between electrically charged regions within clouds,
or between a cloud and the Earth’s surface.
Thunderstorms occasionally accompany tropical storms and hurricanes that move over land
which may produce damaging winds and dangerous lightning.
HAZARD PROFILE
Thunderstorms are generally localized events. The severity of impact of thunderstorms is
considered to be limited since they generally result in injuries treatable with first aid, shut down
critical facilities and services for 24 hours or less, and less than ten percent of affected properties
are destroyed or suffer major damage.
Most thunderstorms occur during the spring (March, April and May) and the fall, during the
month of September.
Warning time for thunderstorms is generally minimal to no warning.
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 87 of 184
85
The maximum extent of thunderstorm winds in the planning area can reach 78 knots. Some
minor localized flooding may also occur if the thunderstorms bring substantial rain amounts.
The frequency of occurrence of thunderstorms in the planning area is between 1 and 2 per year.
HISTORY OF THUNDERSTORMS
Table 12-1 gives aggregated historical thunderstorm information for the planning area.
Historical thunderstorm events are detailed in Table 13-2. It is important to note that only
thunderstorms that have been reported are recorded in these tables. It is likely that a higher
number of occurrences have not been reported.
Table 12-1. Thunderstorms in Brazos County, 2000-2017
http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~storms
County Number of Events
Brazos 23
Table 12-2. Thunderstorms in Brazos County, 2000-2017
Type Location or
County
Date Time Magnitude Death Injury Property
Damage
Crop
Damage
Thunderstorm
Winds
Brazos 02/10/2009 2325 52 kts. 0 0 8K 0
Thunderstorm
Winds
Kurten 03/31/2009 0445 50 kts. 0 0 3K 0
Thunderstorm
Winds
Bryan 05/03/2009 0454 55 kts. 0 0 2K 0
Thunderstorm
Winds
Kurten 05/03/2009 0454 55 kts. 0 0 2K 0
Thunderstorm
Winds
Bryan 05/03/2009 0500 55 kts. 0 0 5K 0
Thunderstorm
Winds
College Station 07/19/2009 1800 56 kts. 0 0 1K 0
Thunderstorm
Winds
Bryan 02/01/2011 0440 52 kts. 0 0 5K 0
Thunderstorm
Winds
Bryan 05/12/2001 1030 58 kts 0 0 0 0
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 88 of 184
86
Thunderstorm
Winds
Kurten 06/06/2011 1735 52 kts 0 0 1K 0
Thunderstorm
Winds
Bryan 08/24/2011 1829 52 kts 0 0 0 0
Thunderstorm
Winds
Bryan 01/09/2012 0412 52 kts 0 0 3K 0
Thunderstorm
Winds
Bryan 01/25/2012 0715 50 kts 0 0 6K 0
Thunderstorm
Winds
College Station 01/25/2012 0724 55 kts 0 0 15K 0
Thunderstorm
Winds
Bryan 02/03/2012 1938 65 kts 0 0 5K 0
Thunderstorm
Winds
Bryan 08/07/2012 1645 50 kts 0 0 0 0
Thunderstorm
Wind
College Station 10/13/2013 0158 52 kts 0 0 15K 0
Thunderstorm
Wind
Bryan 05/23/2015 2230 55 kts 0 0 0 0
Thunderstorm
Winds
Bryan 08/25/2015 1115 55 kts 0 0 0 0
Thunderstorm
Winds
College Station 08/25/2015 1128 59 kts 0 0 0 0
Thunderstorm
Winds
Bryan 04/27/2016 0136 60 kts 0 0 0 0
Thunderstorm
Winds
College Station 04/27/2016 0140 60 kts 0 0 0 0
Thunderstorm
Wind
Edge 01/02/2017 0635 52 kts 0 0 0 0
Thunderstorm
Wind
Smetana 03/27/2017 0120 51 kts 0 0 0 1K
Thunderstorm
Wind
Millican 05/21/2017 0008 60kts 0 0 0 0
Thunderstorm
Wind
Bryan 05/28/52017 1853 53kts 0 0 0 0
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 89 of 184
87
Thunderstorm
Wind
Smetana 05/28/2017 1853 52kts 0 0 0 0
Table 12-3. Lightning in Brazos County, 2000-2017
Type Location or
County
Date Time Magnitude Death Injury Property
Damage
Crop
Damage
Lightning Bryan 7/8/2009 1515 0 2 0 0
Lightning College Station 5/15/2010 445 0 0 2000 0
Lightning College Station 6/9/2010 855 0 0 5000 0
Lightning College Station 5/12/2011 1030 0 0 5000 0
Lightning Wellborn 5/12/2011 1400 0 0 5000 0
Lightning Bryan 5/27/2014 2305 0 0 35000 0
Lightning College Station 4/11/2017 1030 0 0 300 0
PEOPLE AND PROPERTY AT RISK
Thunderstorms impact large geographical areas of the planning area, thus the entire population,
buildings, identified critical infrastructure, lifelines, and hazardous materials facilities are
considered exposed to the hazard and could potentially be impacted. In the planning area,
thunderstorms do not have a specific location. However, all participating entities are at risk and
could be affected by this hazard. It is understood, however, that there are populations
throughout the planning area that are more vulnerable than others. Information is provided in
Chapter 5 – Hazards the Region Faces and What’s at Risk on the different populations found
within the planning area. In analyzing the relative risks from hazards, potential losses and ability
to recover from losses, it is understood that the more vulnerable populations are those that are
in the lower socio-economic levels.
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 90 of 184
88
SECTION 13: DAM FAILURE
WHY D AM FAILURE IS A THREAT
Dams are water storage, control, or diversion barriers that impound water upstream in
reservoirs. Dams provide many benefits and are an important part of our public works
infrastructure. They are built for a variety of reasons, including maintenance of lake levels, flood
control, power production, and water supply.
Although dams have many benefits, the risk that a dam could fail still exists. Dams can pose a
risk to communities if not designed, operated and maintained properly. Dam failure is a
collapse or breach in the structure. While most dams have storage volumes small enough that
failures have little or no repercussions, dams with large storage amounts can cause significant
flooding downstream. Dam failures can result from any one or a combination of the following
causes:
Prolonged periods of rainfall and flooding, which cause most failures;
Inadequate spillway capacity, resulting in excess overtopping flows;
Internal erosion caused by embankment or foundation leakage or piping;
Improper maintenance, including failure to remove trees, repair internal problems, or maintain
gates, valves, and other operational components;
Improper design, such as use of improper construction materials;
Failure of upstream dams in the same drainage basin;
Landslides into reservoirs, which cause surges that result in overtopping;
High winds, which can cause significant wave action and result in substantial erosion;
Earthquakes, which typically cause longitudinal cracks at the tops of the embankments, leading
to structural failure.
The nation’s infrastructure of dams is aging. Old age and neglect can intensify vulnerability to
these same influences. Furthermore, the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, have brought
an increased focus on infrastructure protection nationwide, including the safety of dams.
Dam failures may result in the quick release of all the water in the lake. In the event of a dam
failure, the energy of the water stored behind the dam is capable of causing rapid and
unexpected flooding downstream, resulting in loss of life and great property damage
downstream of the dam.
HAZARD PROFILE
The frequency of occurrence of a major dam failure in the planning area is a highly unlikely
event. If a major dam should fail, however, the severity of impact could be substantial. It could
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 91 of 184
89
cause multiple deaths, completely shut down facilities for thirty days or more, and cause more
than fifty percent of affected properties to be destroyed or severely damaged.
The extent of a major dam failure in our planning area is that several thousand gallons of water
could be released at a sudden and unexpected rate. Over 2,000 people could be affected, 700
buildings could be flooded and several million dollars in damages could occur.
A flooding-related dam failure would most likely occur in months when floods are most likely --
during the spring (April, May and June) and fall (October, November, and December). Warning
time for dam failure, or the potential speed of onset, varies with the causes but is estimated to
be three to six hours.
There are about 80,000 dams in the United States today. Catastrophic dam failures have
occurred frequently throughout the past century. Between 1918 and 1958, 33 major dam
failures in the United States caused 1,680 deaths—an average of 42 deaths a year. According to
information from damsafety.org and damfailures.org, there were sixty-six major dam failures
worldwide from 1959 - 2018. There have been 3 dam failures in the planning area – Leisure Lake
in 2009, Bryan Utilities Lake in 2016, and Clifty Creek Lake (spillway breech) in 2017.
PEOPLE AND PROPERTY AT RISK
High-hazard-potential dams are those at which failure or misoperation would probably cause
loss of human life. Significant-hazard-potential dams are those at which failure or misoperation
probably would not result in loss of human life but could cause economic loss, environmental
damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or other significant damage. Significant-hazard-potential
dams often are located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be located in
populated areas having significant infrastructure. Low-hazard-potential dams are those at which
failure or misoperation probably would not result in loss of human life but might cause limited
economic and/or environmental losses. Losses would be limited mainly to the owner’s property.
Table 13-1. Dam Failure Hazard-Potential Classifications, FEMA
Hazard Potential
Classification
Loss of Human Life Economic, Environmental, and
Lifeline Losses
Low None expected Low and generally limited to owner
Significant None expected Some local damages
High Probable. One or more expected Yes (but not necessary for this classification)
Low hazard dams pose no threat to the communities participating in this plan, and thus, will not
be profiled further. Significant hazard dams do pose some threat to property damage and high
hazard dams, pose a threat to human life as well as property damage for the participating
entities and are profiled in this plan.
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 92 of 184
90
LOCATION OF HAZARDOUS AREAS
Figure 13-1 shows the location of dams in planning area. Detailed maps of dam failure
inundation areas are not currently available for all dams. This is noted as a data deficiency and a
hydrology study to address this data deficiency is included for Brazos County in the list of
mitigation projects for 2019-2024. It is assumed that dam breaks happen most likely at the time
of maximum capacity of the lake and that the location of the released water would inundate a
downstream quarter-circle buffer proportional to the maximum capacity of the dam to represent
the maximum impact area.
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 93 of 184
91
Table 13-2. Summary Status of Dams in Brazos County
County High
Significant Low Undetermined Total
Brazos 7 5 26 0 38
Legislation was passed on September of 2013 allowed for some dams to be designated as
exempt if they met all of the following five criteria:
Privately owned
Less than 500 acre foot maximum capacity
Located in a county with population of less than 350,000 (per 2010 census)
Located outside the city limits
Low or significant hazard rating
While owners are still required to do maintenance on those dams, TCEQ is not required to do
the every 5 year inspection on those dams. For those dams that are non-exempt (see Table 13-
3), the owners must continue the maintenance of the dams, schedule inspections every 5 years
with TCEQ, and if they are high and significant hazard dams, they must also produce an
emergency action plan. As part of the emergency action plan, the owners need to do a tabletop
exercise every five years and submit an annual update or a letter stating there were no updates
necessary.
Table 13-3. High and Significant/Exempt and Non-ExemptDams in Brazos County
Dam Name Exemption Status Latitude/Longitude Dam
Height
(Ft.)
Maximum
Storage
(acre
feet)
Normal
Storage
(acre
feet)
Has
Available
Data
BRYAN
UTILITIES
LAKE DAM
Non-Exempt 30.710067 / -
96.453721
59 20763 13647 Data
Deficient
CARTER
LAKE DAM
Non-Exempt 30.594992 / -
96.248677
32 2196 481 Data
Deficient
COUNTRY
CLUB LAKE
DAM
Non-Exempt 30.639827 / -
96.358982
10 128 42 Yes
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 94 of 184
92
CSISD AT
ANDERSON
ST
DETENTION
STRUCTURE
NO 3
Non-Exempt 30.613940 / -
96.327372
11.7 9 0 Data
Deficient
FIN-
FEATHER
LAKE DAM
Non-Exempt 30.649868 / -
96.371041
16.1 300 156 Data
Deficient
LAKE
ARAPAHO
DAM
Non-Exempt 30.510553 / -
96.250460
37 924 436 Data
Deficient
LEISURE
LAKE DAM
Non-Exempt 30.633847 / -
96.411916
25 322 175 Data
Deficient
NANTUCKET
DAM
Non-Exempt 30.543651 / -
96.243367
20 428 140 Data
Deficient
OAKLAND
LAKE DAM
Non-Exempt 30.776483 / -
96.235630
32 550 272 Data
Deficient
TAMU
DETENTION
DAM NO 8
Non-Exempt 30.621050 / -
96.333642
8.2 140 0 Yes
THOUSAND
OAKS DAM
NO 11
Non-Exempt 30.544471 / -
96.231595
22 120 58 Data
Deficient
TERRY LAKE Exempt 30.6211 / -96.334 17.5 21 18 Data
Deficient
POTENTIAL DAMAGES AND LOSSES
Tables 13-4 & 5 show the risk to people and buildings of failure of Country Club Lake (Figure
13-2) and TAMU Detention Dam #8 (Figure 13-3), respectively. It was assumed that dam breaks
happen most likely at the time of maximum capacity and that a downstream quarter-circle
buffer proportional to the maximum capacity of dams represents the maximum impact area.
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 95 of 184
93
Figure 13-2. Country Club Lake
Table 13-4. Exposure of People and Buildings to Country Club Lake
Parcels Value Structures Value Population
Residential 54 $4,904,587 44 $4,624,447 ~180
Commercial 40 $12,358,400 36 $12,211,670
Additionally, Villa Maria and College Avenue are highly trafficked roadways. So, there could be
numerous motorists within the inundation area depending on the time of day.
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 96 of 184
94
Figure 13-3. TAMU Detention Dam #8
Table 13-5. Exposure of People and Buildings toTAMU Detention Dam #8
Parcels Value Structures Value Population
Residential 73 $20,926,630 66 $19,451,270 769
Commercial 19 $48,037,109 18 $44,322,719
Rural Land –
not defined
1 $1,020,000
Additionally, Texas Avenue and George Bush Drive are highly trafficked roadways. So, there
could be numerous motorists within the inundation area depending on the time of day.
Vulnerabilities and impacts can not be determined for the other dams due to data deficiencies.
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 97 of 184
95
SECTION 14: EXCESSIVE HEAT
WHY EXCESSIVE HEAT IS A THREAT
Texas is known for its long hot summers. These conditions can pose problems for those not
accustomed to the climate or who are outside for prolonged periods of time. Excessive heat is
defined as temperatures that hover 10 degrees or more above the high average temperature for
a particular region and last for several weeks.
Excessive heat can pose a threat even to individuals and communities that are accustomed to
high temperatures. Heat disorders can occur when victims are overexposed to heat or have
over-exercised for their age and physical condition. Heat kills by pushing the body beyond its
limits. Under normal conditions an internal thermostat produces perspiration that evaporates
and cools the body. In excessive heat and high humidity, however, evaporation is slowed, and
the body must work extra hard to maintain a normal temperature.
Excessive heat kills more people nationally than any other natural disaster. According to the
Center for Climatic Research at the University of Delaware, an average of 1,500 American city
dwellers die every year from the effects of excessive heat. Elderly residents, young children,
those who are overweight, and people suffering from serious illnesses are especially prone to
heat-related problems. Excessive heat disorders include sunburn, heat cramps, heat exhaustion,
and heat stroke. Heat stroke is a severe medical emergency.
Table 14-1. Urban Heat Deaths
City Duration of heat
wave
Heat-related deaths % Increase in deaths over
norm
Chicago 7 days in 1995 739 147
New York 7 days in 1972 891 62
Los Angeles 9 days in 1955 946 122
Kansas City 1 month in 1980 236 65
St. Louis 1 month in 1980 308 57
HAZARD PROFILE
Excessive heat waves usually come on subtly, raising summer temperatures higher than normal,
leaving casualties in their wake. Excessive heat can have a major impact, causing multiple
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 98 of 184
96
deaths, but sparing property. With excessive heat, there is little physical destruction, although
roads can buckle, trains derail, and livestock die.
The frequency of occurrence of excessive heat in the Planning Area is likely. There are seasonal
patterns to excessive heat waves, with an event most likely to occur in the summer months.
Warning time is long with a slow speed of onset.
Excessive heat can also cause utility outages due to an increased demand for electricity. Utility
outages can severely cripple a city’s ability to provide services. Facilities can become inoperable
and have to be closed without power or water.
Local warning systems that may be utilized for excessive heat events include local television and
radio stations and the Internet.
HISTORY OF EXCESSIVE HEAT IN THE PLANNING AREA
There have been no reported excessive heat events in the planning area from 01/01/1950 to
present.
Source: https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov
LOCATION OF HAZARDOUS AREAS
The entire planning area is subject to excessive heat.
PEOPLE AND PROPERTY AT RISK
The entire population of the planning area is at risk from excessive heat, but those at highest
risk are the poor, the elderly, those who live alone, and those who lack access to transportation
and air-conditioning. People living in urban areas may be at greater risk from the effects of a
prolonged heat wave than people living in rural regions. An increased health problem can occur
when stagnant atmospheric conditions trap pollutants in urban areas, thus adding contaminants
to excessively hot temperatures. Excessive heat generally affects people rather than property.
The extent of excessive heat in the planning area can be temperatures above 100 degrees for
several days or weeks in a row. During the summer of 2011, temperatures above 100 degrees
were recorded for over 30 days in the planning area.
Based on the Heat Index Chart, the extent of excessive heat in Brazos County can be placed in
the Danger Range when the conditions are present of high temperatures and high relative
humidity.
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 99 of 184
97
Source: https://www.weather.gov/safety/heat-index
POTENTIAL DAMAGES AND LOSSES
Potential dollar loss estimates for excessive heat are not available. The potential impact of
excessive heat on Brazos County is the possible deaths of the poor, the elderly, those who live
alone, and those who lack access to transportation and air conditioning.
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 100 of 184
98
SECTION 15: PREVIOUS MITIGATION ACTIONS
FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY PROGRAMS
The effectiveness of previously implemented hazard mitigation measures was examined as part
of the hazard mitigation planning process. The effectiveness of each previously implemented
mitigation program was evaluated based on its effect on overall risk to life and property, ease of
implementation and political and community support.
A total of five Presidential and five Small Business Administration Disaster Declarations have
been issued since 1965 for Brazos County and participating entities, paving the way for
assistance by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and other federal agencies. FEMA’s
Individual Assistance Program helps disaster victims to secure temporary housing, low-interest
loans, unemployment assistance, and legal aid; makes grants to low-income individuals;
conducts crisis counseling; and assists victims with income tax, Social Security, and veteran’s
benefits issues.
“Public Assistance” is aid to state or local governments and certain private non-profit entities to
pay part of the approved costs (generally 75 percent) of rebuilding a community’s damaged
infrastructure. Public assistance may include debris removal; emergency protective measures;
repair, replacement, or restoration of damaged public property; loans needed by communities
to restore essential government functions; and grants for public schools.
Through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP), FEMA has financially helped the state to
permanently reduce or eliminate future damages and losses due to natural hazards. HMGP
funds promote safer building practices that improve existing structures and supporting
infrastructure. The HMGP currently provides post-disaster funds, which can be used anywhere
in the state, equal to 7.5 percent of obligations for individual and public assistance. Grants are
for planning and projects, including acquisition of real property, relocation and demolition of
structures, seismic retrofitting, strengthening of existing structures, initial implementation of
vegetative management programs, elevation of residential structures, elevation or dry flood-
proofing of non-residential structures, and other activities that bring a structure into compliance
with the floodplain management requirements of the National Flood Insurance Program. A
review of the state’s HMGP records reveals no hazard mitigation projects conducted within the
BVCOG jurisdictions. There were also no Project Impact, Pre-Disaster Mitigation, or Hurricane
Property Protection Mitigation Projects.
PREVIOUS PLANNING EFFORTS
All participating entities in the planning area have performed numerous planning activities. As
shown in Table 15-1, Brazos County has received Emergency Management Performance Grants
(EMPG) from FEMA. These grants are intended to help develop comprehensive, all-hazards
emergency management and improve local capabilities for emergency planning, preparedness,
mitigation, response, and recovery. Assistance includes grant funding covering 13 key
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 101 of 184
99
functional areas, including laws and authorities; hazard identification and risk assessment;
hazard management; resource management; planning; direction, control, and coordination;
communications and warning; operations and procedures; logistics and facilities; training;
exercises; public education and information; and finance and administration.
The previous hazard mitigation action plans have been utilized in the updating of our
Interjurisdictional Emergency Management Plan and associated annexes, the threat and risk
assessment (THIRA), drainage and stormwater plans, and flood mitigation plans.
Brazos County and participating entities have undertaken previous planning efforts that have
complemented the region-wide planning conducted during the development of this Hazard
Mitigation Action Plan. These other related planning efforts include development of hazard
analyses, Annex P, comprehensive plans, capital improvement plans, drainage and stormwater
plans, long-range growth plans and flood mitigation plans. Table 15-1 details these previous
planning efforts.
Table 15-1. Previous Planning Efforts for Brazos County and participating entities
Participating
Entities
Received
EM Grant
Funds?
Y(es), N(o)
Planning Documents
Completed for State
Department of Emergency
Management
Other Planning Efforts
Undertaken (list)
Basic Plan Annexes*
All participating
entities are covered
under one plan
(Brazos County, City
of College Station,
City of Bryan, City of
Kurten, City of Wixon
Valley, Texas A&M
University)
Y Y All
* Annexes
Annex A Warning
Annex B Communications
Annex C Shelter and Mass Care
Annex D Radiological Protection
Annex E Evacuation
Annex F Firefighting
Annex G Law Enforcement
Annex H Health and Medical Services
Annex I Public Information
Annex J Recovery
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 102 of 184
100
Annex K Public Works and Engineering
Annex L Utilities
Annex M Resource Management
Annex N Direction and Control
Annex O Human Services
Annex P Hazard Mitigation
Annex Q Hazardous Materials and Oil
Spill Response
Annex R Search and Rescue
Annex S Transportation
Annex T Donations Management
Annex U Legal
Annex V Terrorist Incident Response
Texas A&M University is largely located within College Station city limits within Brazos County,
Texas. Because Texas A&M University is a state entity, it is subject to code regulations that are
required by the State of Texas. The university has staff that includes emergency management,
police, environmental health & safety, facilities, and engineers that meet regularly to discuss
safety, security, and mitigation action items for current and future buildings. In the event of an
opportunity to apply for a hazard mitigation grant key people from each department would be
assigned, creating a team to manage the hazard mitigation project. The assigned department, in
conjunction with emergency management, would be the lead department on each respective
hazard mitigation projects. Texas A&M University would consult with the City of College Station
and/or Brazos County if beneficial or if necessary.
The planning team reviewed existing regulatory capabilities and opportunities for establishing
new capabilities and enhancing existing ones. All jurisdicitons can improve their capabilities by:
budgeting for mitigation actions and support, passing policies and procedures to implement
mitigation actions, adopting and implementing stricter building regulations, approving the
hiring and training of staff for mitigation activities, and approving mitigation action updates and
additions to existing plans as new needs are recognized.
BUILDING AND FIRE CODES
Building codes are laws, ordinances, or government regulations that set forth standards and
requirements for the construction, maintenance, operation, occupancy, use, or appearance of
buildings, premises, and dwelling units. Building codes are an effective way to ensure that
development is built to withstand natural hazards. Building codes apply primarily to new
construction.
Adherence to existing building codes and standards is essential to maintain public safety and
promote an effective local mitigation program—so much so that the insurance industry has
moved to rate communities according to their ability to enforce the building code and by the
qualifications and training of their staff.
There are four principal types of building codes, promulgated by various code organizations:
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 103 of 184
101
Uniform Building Code, promulgated by the International Conference of Building officials (ICBO),
National Building Code, promulgated by the Building Officials and Code Administrators
International, Inc. (BOCA),
Standard Building Code, promulgated by the Southern Building Code Congress, International
(SBCCI), and
International Building Codes, promulgated by the International Code Council (ICC).
The building codes are periodically reviewed by the respective organizations and revised, as
appropriate, when new requirements and materials are introduced. In the past, local
governments have adopted these codes either in their entirety or as amended to adapt them to
their local conditions. Legislation passed by the Texas Legislature in 2001, however, now requires
communities to adopt the International Building Code.
Table 15-2 shows the effective date of each jurisdiction’s building code, the name of the code,
the type of code on which it is based, and whether any amendments have been made.
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 104 of 184
102
Table 15-2. Building Codes
Jurisdiction Current Building Code
Effective
Date
Name Type Amend-
ments
made
(Y /N)
UBC NBC SBC IBC Other
Brazos County September
2009
2003 International
Residential Code
and 2002 National
Electrical Code
N
City of College
Station
December
2009
International
Building Codes
X Y
City of Bryan October 2010
and June 2011
International
Building Codes
X Y
FIRE CODES
Fire codes are laws, ordinances, or government regulations that set forth standards and
requirements for the construction, maintenance, operation, occupancy, use, or appearance of
buildings, premises, and dwelling units in order to prevent damage and loss of life from fire
hazards.
There are three principal types of fire codes, promulgated by various code organizations. They
are:
Uniform Fire Code (UFC), published by the International Fire Code Institute,
International Fire Code (IFC), published by the International Code Council, and
Standard Fire Code (SFC), published by the SBCC.
The fire codes are periodically reviewed and revised by the relevant organizations, as
appropriate, when new requirements and materials are introduced. Local governments have
adopted these codes either in their entirety or amended them as appropriate to their local
conditions.
Table 15-3 shows the effective date of each jurisdiction’s fire code, the name of the code, the
type of code on which it is based, and whether any amendments have been made.
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 105 of 184
103
Table 15-3. Fire Codes for Brazos County and Participating Entities
Jurisdiction Current Fire Code
Effective
Date
Name Type
UFC IFC SFC Other
Brazos County N/A
City of College
Station
December
2009
International Fire Code X
City of Bryan November 9,
2010
International Fire Code X
INSPECTION AND PERMITTING PROCESSES
Adherence to existing building and fire codes and standards is essential to maintaining public
safety and promoting an effective local mitigation program. New buildings can fail in a disaster
if builders or inspectors do not adequately observe the code. Studies of the damage caused by
Hurricane Andrew in 1992 attributed one-quarter of the storm’s total damages to “shoddy
workmanship and poor enforcement of building codes.”
Well-trained inspectors are more likely to recognize building practices that are suspect with
regard to hazard resilience than are poorly trained or untrained inspectors. Training is critical to
the inspection and permitting process.
Table 15-4 shows the number of building inspectors and their average years of experience in
each jurisdiction and, of those, the number certified. It also shows the number of building starts
and inspections conducted in the last twelve months.
Table 15-4. Building Inspections and Permitting
Jurisdiction Number of:
Building
Inspectors
(FTEs)
Inspectors
Certified
Yrs.
Experience
(Average)
Building
Starts (last
12 months)
Inspections
(last 12
months)
Brazos County N/A
College Station 6 6 5 782 11,067
Bryan 5 5 11 700 17,094
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 106 of 184
104
A vigorous fire inspection process and well-trained inspectors are critical to saving lives and
property from fire hazards. It also gives the number certified and number having received the
Texas State Certification course.
BUILDING CODE EFFECTIVENESS GRADING SCHEDULES AND FIRE
RATINGS
The Insurance Services Office maintains Building Code Effectiveness Grading (BCEG) ratings and
Public Protection Classification (PPC) ratings. The latter gauge the capacity of the local fire
department to respond if flames engulf a property. PPC ratings are recorded for each individual
street address in Texas.
There are 10 classes of ratings in BCEG schedule. Class 1 is the best rating, i.e., strongest
program of building code enforcement, and 10 is the lowest rating. The date identified is the
date of the rating by ISO. This rating applies to all structures built after that date and can lead
to lower insurance rates.
Table 15-5. Community Mitigation Classifications
Community PPC Fire
Grading
Classification
BCEGS (Building
Code
Effectiveness
Grading
Schedule) for
Personal
Property (Single
Family
Dwelling)
BCEGS (Building
Code
Effectiveness
Grading
Schedule) for
Commercial
Property
Date of Rating
Bryan 2 03 03 2017
College Station 3 04 04 2002
FLOODPLAIN M ANAGEMENT ORDINANCES
Table 15-6 below describes the floodplain management ordinances currently in use in the
planning area, while Table 15-7 provides information regarding floodplain administration. This
includes the number of: people on the administrator’s staff; certified managers; inspections in
the past month; and variances.
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 107 of 184
105
Table 15-6. Floodplain Management Ordinances in Brazos County
Jurisdiction Current Flood Ordinance
Effective Date Description
Brazos County May 2012 Each newly built or installed structure requires permit; structures not in
floodplain receive exemption; structures in floodplain must be at least
one foot above BFE and have special septic system; enforced by spot
inspections.
College Station November 2009 All work in or near floodplains is required to obtain a Drainage
Development Permit. Applications are reviewed for effects to
surrounding areas, as well as meeting requirements for publicly
maintained drainage facilities.
Bryan November 2010 All work in or near floodplains is required to obtain a Drainage
Development Permit. Applications are reviewed for effects to
surrounding areas, as well as meeting requirements for publicly
maintained drainage facilities.
Wixon Valley May 2012 Each newly built or installed structure in a floodplain requires a permit;
structures not in a floodplain receive an exemption; structures in a
floodplain must be at or above BFE.
Table 15-7. Jurisdictional Floodplain Administration Process
Jurisdiction Number of:
Floodplain
administration
professional
staff
Certified
floodplain
managers
Average years
of experience
of
professional
staff
Inspections
in last
twelve
months
Floodplain
variances in
last twelve
months
Brazos County 3 3 15 Not Applicable 0
College Station 2 2 10 40 0
Bryan 3 7 15 144 0
Wixon Valley 1 0 0 Not Applicable 0
FEMA COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM INVOLVEMENT
The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Community Assistance Program (CAP) is a
product-oriented financial assistance program directly related to the flood loss reduction
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 108 of 184
106
objectives of the NFIP. States and communities that are participating in the NFIP are eligible for
this assistance. The CAP is intended to identify, prevent, and resolve floodplain management
issues in participating communities before they develop into problems requiring enforcement
action. The program involves Community Assistance Contacts (CACs) and Community Assistance
Visits (CAVs). During CACs and CAVs, officials discuss current local ordinances, the number of
floodplain insurance policies in the community, floodplain administration, permitting, and
annexation issues. Table 15-8 shows the dates of CACs and CAVs according to FEMA records.
Table 15-8. Community Assistance Contacts and Community Assistance Visits from FEMA,
2004 - 2018
Jurisdiction CAC CAV
Brazos County 05/14/2018
12/03/2015
11/03/2014
06/27/2012
02/20/2012
07/07/2008
05/22/2007
05/02/2007
02/20/2004
None
Bryan 07/15/2014
02/22/2012
08/09/2011
07/09/2008
06/22/2006
5/14/2004
11/18/2013
College Station 10/27/2014
02/20/2012
07/09/2008
07/11/2006
07/27/2016
08/18/2008
Wixon Valley 11/03/2014
02/22/2012
07/07/2008
None
Kurten 02/20/2012
07/07/2008
None
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 109 of 184
107
PREVIOUS ACTION ITEMS
The following items submitted from the previous 2012 plan have been addressed.
Projects - 2012 -2017
Jurisdiction Mitigation Action 2012 -
2017
Completed? If not, why not?
Brazos County Enhance the County's ring-
down notification system and
increase public education in
the role of 2-1-1.
Project is on-
going
A new emergency
notification system
(ENS) was
implemented in
2017 with plans to
further upgrade the
system in 2018.
Brazos County Enhance Emergency Alert
System (EAS) and expand
capability to other counties in
the region to activate EAS.
Project is was
not
completed
and will not
be carried
forward
Work on the
project was ceased
due to lack of
technical expertise
and loss of
institutional
knowledge need to
expand the system
into other counties
in the region.
Brazos County Place NOAA weather radios in
existing critical facilities such as
churches, schools, and high
population buildings.
Project is not
complete
Lack of funding
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 110 of 184
108
Brazos County Increase public awareness of
flood hazards, as related to
continued NFIP compliance.
Many NWS campaigns, such as
"Turn around, don't drown"
have increased awareness of
these dangers. On the local
level, we will broadcast public
awareness spots on local
government channels and local
network television if funds are
available. Also, the Floodplain
Administrator's Office
distributes public awareness
material to the public on a
limited basis.
Project is on-
going
Project is on-going
Brazos County Purchase generators to power
existing emergency
communications. Two
BVWACS tower sites do not
have back-up generators but
do currently have battery back-
up power systems. We plan
for all sites to eventually have a
generator.
Project is not
complete
Lack of funding
Brazos County Back-up power generators for
existing critical facilities.
Assess and install "quick-
connect for emergency
generator hook-ups at critical
facilities. The EOC and the
Courthouse Administration
Building now have (partial)
back-up power generators and
the County has purchased (4)
large generators for use at
critical facilities as needed.
Project is on-
going
Purchase and
installation of
generator for the
Brazos Center
planned for 2018.
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 111 of 184
109
Brazos County Eliminate burning of hazardous
materials and/or non-
hazardous materials.
Project is on-
going
Brazos County
Sheriff's Office has
created a position
for an
environmental
enforcement. This
individual works to
educate the
citizens about how
to handle
hazardous
materials and the
laws that dictate
guidelines for
outdoor burning.
Brazos County Identify possible funding for
the purchase of thermal energy
scanners, floating pumps, and
eight new electronic
defibrillators. Some VFDs have
been equipped with thermal
scanners and all have been
equipped with electronic
defibrillators.
Not
completed
using hazard
mitigation
funds.
The VFDs were able
to purchase this
equipment either
with money own
budgets or by
using Texas A&M
Forest Service
grants.
Brazos County Partner with Texas Forest
Service (TFS) and their Firewise
program to develop public
awareness information and
Public Service Announcements
about fire risks and steps that
homeowners can take to
protect themselves and their
existing homes against fire,
including wildfires.
Project is on-
going
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 112 of 184
110
Brazos County Create a data layer of FEMA
repetitive loss claims for our
web GIS. This will help the
County prioritize the purchase
of existing repetitive loss
properties throughout the
County, and possibly prevent
new structures from being
built in the flood hazard area.
Project is on-
going
Brazos County Provide "fan drives" for people
in the County who do not have
the means to keep themselves
cool.
Project not
completed.
Utilize 2-1-1 to
provide
information
regarding
availability of fans
through local non-
for- profits for
individuals that
need them and
provide
information on
places for
individuals to go if
they need to
escape the heat.
Brazos County Determine the flood
inundation areas for Bryan
Utilities Lake and acquire
structures located in the
identified hazard area.
Project not
completed.
Lack of funding.
Brazos Valley COG Stand-by Electric Generator for
the existing COG Building.
Yes; action
completed.
Generator
has been in
service for
over four
years and
tested on a
routine
bases.
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 113 of 184
111
Brazos Valley COG Purchase and install new
individual safe rooms
throughout the County.
Yes; action
completed.
BVCOG
managed a
regional
Individual
Safe Room
grant. The
grant closed
December 6,
2014. Only
36 citizens
took
advantage of
the grant.
City of Bryan Implement a new Records
Management System for the
Fire and Police Departments.
Fire
Department
completed,
Police
Department
on-going
City of Bryan Improve EOC software so that
all governmental agencies can
communicate better.
On-going
City of Bryan Create a map showing low
water crossings in the City of
Bryan. The results of the flood
mapping will be used to
determine which low water
crossings should be eliminated
first with the building of a
bridge with 404 Mitigation
Funds.
Mapping
completed
(although
continuously
updated).
Results used
to prioritize
bridge
replacements
City of Bryan Improve new shelter
capabilities.
On-going
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 114 of 184
112
City of Bryan Provide "cooling center" for
people in the City who do not
have the means to keep
themselves cool during periods
of excessive heat.
On-going,
continually
working with
College
Station and
Brazos
County
utilizing GIS
to coordinate
“shelters”
that could be
used in times
of excessive
heat
City of Bryan Purchase NOAA Radios. No The advent of
technology has
made weather
radios more
accessible to a
wide range of
residents. No
funding at this time
City of Bryan Obtain updated low level aerial
photography and topographic
mapping within the city limits
and ETJ.
Completed,
on-going
City of Bryan Perform detailed studies of
areas prone to flooding to
determine the most cost
effective means to reduce
potential loss. The flood
studies will be used to prevent
new buildings from being built
in the flood hazard area, and
studies will be used to
determine which existing
Repetitive Loss properties
should be purchased first.
Completed,
on-going
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 115 of 184
113
City of Bryan Purchase or elevate existing
properties subject to repetitive
loss or severe repetitive
floodplain losses.
On-going,
received
HMGP grant
to purchase 4
(with 1
alternate)
SRL
properties
City of Bryan Replace drainage culverts
identified in Stormwater
Master Plan to improve their
efficiency. This will also have a
positive effect on new
buildings.
Completed,
on-going
City of Bryan As related to continued
compliance with the NFIP,
install paired rain and stream
gauge units with the major
watersheds of the City of Bryan
to better calibrate rainfall and
flooding projections. This will
result in more accurate Base
Flood Elevations (BFE), which in
turn will allow for new
buildings to be built higher
above the floodplain.
No Annual
maintenance too
costly. Water
Services installed
rain gauges to
monitor
infiltration/inflows,
data is being used
to
monitor/calibrate
hydrologic and
hydraulic models.
City of Bryan This Project was listed under
City of College Station. These
dams are not in City of College
Station - this project should be
on City of Bryan's list.
Determine the flood
inundation areas for Country
Club Lake and Finfeather Lake
and acquire structures located
in the identified hazard area.
Partially
completed,
emergency
action plan
has been
completed
for Country
Club Lake
Finfeather Lake will
be removed since it
is not in the City’s
control. Acquisition
of structures
located in the
hazard area is
unlikely to occur.
City of College Station Offer tree pruning education
classes to the public to reduce
debris caused by limbs failing due
to excessive snow or ice.
Project is on-
going
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 116 of 184
114
City of College Station Increase public awareness of
the effects of hail and
mitigation activities that can
lessen damage.
Project is on-
going
City of College Station Purchase existing flood-prone
properties to remove
structures subject to chronic
flooding and to facilitate
stream restoration project in
the Wolf Pen Creek basin.
Project is not
complete
Funding is not
available to
purchase the
property or
properties and
the/one of the
owners is unwilling
to sell.
City of College Station Mitigate existing structures
with Repetitive Loss flood
insurance claims by either
elevating them above the base
flood elevation, or purchase
and demolish them to remove
them from the floodplain.
Project is not
complete
Funding is not
available
City of College Station Purchase existing flood-prone
properties, remove structures
subject to chronic flooding,
and construct a regional flood
control/detention pond project
in the Bee Creek basin.
Project is
90%
complete
1 homeowner is
unwilling to sell
City of College Station Educate and purchase NOAA
weather radios for the citizens
of College Station.
Project is
complete
City of College Station Maintain/enhance public
education programs regarding
fire dangers for identified risk
areas and population groups.
Enhance fire hydrant
maintenance program.
Provide adequate/required-
staffing levels. Provide
optimum resource distribution.
Project is
complete
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 117 of 184
115
City of College Station Improve outdated Emergency
Operations Center
technological capabilities for
monitoring, recording, and
responding to disasters.
Project is
complete
City of College Station Implement a water
conservation program.
Project is
complete
City of College Station Create a hurricane hazard
information center to better
inform the public. Continue to
recruit and certify shelter
facilities.
Project is on-
going
City of Kurten Public education and
awareness about floods,
droughts, excessive heat, and
tornadoes
Project is on-
going
City of Kurten To buyout, relocate or elevate
any existing repetitive loss
flood properties located within
the floodplain.
No such
properties
known to
exist in the
city limits
City of Kurten Purchase and install a
generator on the existing City
of Kurten Municipal Building.
Project not
completed
No funding
City of Wixon Valley Public education and
awareness about floods,
droughts, excessive heat, and
tornadoes
Project is on-
going
City of Wixon Valley To buyout, relocate or elevate
any existing repetitive loss
flood properties located within
the floodplain.
No such
properties
known to
exist in the
city limits
City of Wixon Valley Purchase and install a generator
on the existing City of Wixon
Valley Municipal Building.
Project is on-
going
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 118 of 184
116
SECTION 16: MITIGATION ACTIONS
NEW PROJECTS 2019-2024
Jurisdictions All participating entities (Brazos County; Cities of Bryan, College Station, Kurten,
and Wixon Valley; and TAMU)
Action: Develop an annual public workshop or expo for all residents to educate them on
all the hazards, NFIP, and develop methods to mitigate damage to personal
properties from all the hazards. Additionally, educate residents about the need
for and creation of preparedness kits.
Hazard Flood, Drought, Wildfire, Winter Storm, Tornadoes, Hail, Thunderstorms, Dam
Failure and Excessive Heat
Priority High
Estimated Cost $2,000
Responsible
Organization
All participating entities
Target Completion
Date
2019
Funding Sources General funds and corporate donations
Jurisdictions All participating entities (Brazos County; Cities of Bryan, College Station, Kurten,
and Wixon Valley; and TAMU)
Action: Purchase generators for critical facilities
Hazard Flood, Drought, Wildfire, Winter Storm, Tornadoes, Hail, Thunderstorms, Dam
Failure and Excessive Heat
Priority High
Estimated Cost Up to $150,000 per generator
Responsible
Organization
All participating entities
Target Completion
Date
2023
Funding Sources Grant and General Funds
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 119 of 184
117
Jurisdictions All participating entities (Brazos County; Cities of College Station, Kurten, and
Wixon Valley; and TAMU)
Action: Build, renovate, rehabilitate or convert a building or buildings for use as
emergency shelters for individuals and families.
Hazard Flood, Wildfire, Winter Storm, Tornadoes, Hail, Thunderstorms, Dam Failure and
Excessive Heat
Priority Medium
Estimated Cost $1million
Responsible
Organization
Brazos County
Target Completion
Date
2021
Funding Sources Grant monies and general funds
Jurisdictions City of Bryan
Action: Create 2D “rain on mesh” model to better identify flooding hazards outside of
riverine areas (local flooding hazards)
Hazard Flood
Priority Medium
Estimated Cost $100k
Responsible
Organization
City of Bryan
Target Completion
Date
2023
Funding Sources Drainage and general funds
Jurisdictions Brazos County
Action: Do a hydrology study of the watersheds that exist in Brazos County that
contribute to flooding during heavy rain incidents
Hazard Flood
Priority Medium
Estimated Cost $25,000
Responsible
Organization
Brazos County
Target Completion
Date
2023
Funding Sources Grant monies and general funds
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 120 of 184
118
Jurisdictions City of Bryan
Action: Create a map showing low water crossings in the City of Bryan. The results of the
flood mapping will be used to prioritize low water crossing
replacements/improvements
Hazard Flood
Priority High
Estimated Cost $10k
Responsible
Organization
City of Bryan
Target Completion
Date
2020
Funding Sources Drainage and general funds
Jurisdictions City of Bryan
Action: Perform detailed studies of areas prone to flooding to determine the most cost
effective means to reduce potential loss. The flood studies will be used to
prevent new buildings from being built in the flood hazard area.
Hazard Flood
Priority Medium
Estimated Cost $250k
Responsible
Organization
City of Bryan
Target Completion
Date
2023
Funding Sources Drainage and general funds
Jurisdictions City of Bryan
Action: Purchase or elevate existing properties subject to repetitive loss or severe
repetitive losses
Hazard Flood
Priority Medium
Estimated Cost $7M
Responsible
Organization
City of Bryan
Target Completion
Date
2023
Funding Sources Drainage and general funds
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 121 of 184
119
Jurisdictions City of Bryan
Action: Replace drainage culverts identified in the Stormwater Master Plan to improve
efficiency.
Hazard Flood
Priority Medium
Estimated Cost $5M
Responsible
Organization
City of Bryan
Target Completion
Date
2023
Funding Sources Drainage and general funds
Jurisdictions City of College Station
Action: Improve flood risk assessment
Hazard Flood
Priority Medium
Estimated Cost $50k
Responsible
Organization
City of College Station
Target Completion
Date
2021
Funding Sources General funds
Jurisdictions Texas A&M University
Action: Design and construct detention ponds to control runoff of rainwater from Texas
A&M University property.
Hazard Flood
Priority Medium
Estimated Cost $12M
Responsible
Organization
Texas A&M University
Target Completion
Date
2023
Funding Sources Grand and local funds
Jurisdictions City of College Station
Action: Continue to enforce building codes and STP’s
Hazard Flood
Priority High
Estimated Cost $6k
Responsible
Organization
City of College Station
Target Completion
Date
2020
Funding Sources General funds
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 122 of 184
120
Jurisdictions City of Kurten
Action: Join the National Flood Insurance Program so residents can be eligible for flood
insurance
Hazard Flood
Priority High
Estimated Cost N/A
Responsible
Organization
City of Kurten
Target Completion
Date
High
Funding Sources N/A
Jurisdictions City of Wixon Valley
Action: Include space for a Shelter in the new City Hall
Hazard Flood
Priority High
Estimated Cost $3M
Responsible
Organization
City of Wixon Valley
Target Completion
Date
2023
Funding Sources Grant and general funds
Jurisdictions All participating entities (Brazos County; Cities of Bryan, College Station, Kurten,
and Wixon Valley; and TAMU)
Action: Create a series of PSA’s/outreach for topics such as Burn Bans, foundation
watering how to’s, water conservation in times of drought
Hazard Drought
Priority High
Estimated Cost $1k
Responsible
Organization
All participating entities
Target Completion
Date
2019
Funding Sources General funds
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 123 of 184
121
Jurisdictions City of Bryan
Action: Aquifer storage & recovery (ASR)
Hazard Drought
Priority High
Estimated Cost $24M
Responsible
Organization
City of Bryan
Target Completion
Date
2023
Funding Sources SWIFT
Jurisdictions City of College Station
Action: Monitor water supply
Hazard Drought
Priority Medium
Estimated Cost $5k
Responsible
Organization
City of College Station
Target Completion
Date
2019
Funding Sources General funds
Jurisdictions City of College Station
Action: Educate residents on water saving techniques
Hazard Drought
Priority Medium
Estimated Cost $5k
Responsible
Organization
City of College Station
Target Completion
Date
2019
Funding Sources General funds
Jurisdictions Texas A&M University
Action: Incorporate drought tolerant practices into landscaping of current and new open
spaces to reduce dependence on irrigation
Hazard Drought
Priority Medium
Estimated Cost $500k
Responsible
Organization
Texas A&M University
Target Completion
Date
2021
Funding Sources Grant and local funds
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 124 of 184
122
Jurisdictions Brazos County, Cities of Kurten and Wixon Valley
Action: Develop wildfire plan for the unincorporated areas of Brazos County, to include
cities of Kurten and Wixon Valley
Hazard Urban & Wildfires
Priority High
Estimated Cost $1k
Responsible
Organization
Brazos County, Cities of Kurten and Wixon Valley
Target Completion
Date
2020
Funding Sources Grant
Jurisdictions City of Bryan
Action: Obtain updated low level aerial photography and topographic maps within the
city limits and ETJ. Imagery can be used to delineate areas susceptible to
urban/wildland fire hazards
Hazard Urban & Wildfires
Priority High
Estimated Cost $250k
Responsible
Organization
City of Bryan
Target Completion
Date
2019
Funding Sources General funds
Jurisdictions City of Bryan
Action: Update/maintain wildfire plan
Hazard Urban & Wildfires
Priority High
Estimated Cost $5k
Responsible
Organization
City of Bryan
Target Completion
Date
2019
Funding Sources Grant funds
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 125 of 184
123
Jurisdictions City of Bryan
Action: Work with Red Cross to initiate a smoke alarm program.
Hazard Urban & Wildfires
Priority High
Estimated Cost $2k
Responsible
Organization
City of Bryan
Target Completion
Date
2020
Funding Sources General funds
Jurisdictions City of College Station
Action: Map and assess vulnerability to wildfire
Hazard Urban & Wildfires
Priority Medium
Estimated Cost $5k
Responsible
Organization
City of College Station
Target Completion
Date
2019
Funding Sources General Funds
Jurisdictions City of College Station
Action: Increase wildfire risk awareness
Hazard Urban & Wildfires
Priority Medium
Estimated Cost $3k
Responsible
Organization
City of College Station
Target Completion
Date
2019
Funding Sources General funds
Jurisdictions Texas A&M University
Action: Continue to enhance and improve the fire inspection program
Hazard Urban & Wildfires
Priority Medium
Estimated Cost $45k
Responsible
Organization
Texas A&M University
Target Completion
Date
2022
Funding Sources General funds
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 126 of 184
124
Jurisdictions City of Wixon Valley
Action: Purchase and install flag pole and burn ban warning flags.
Hazard Urban & Wildfires
Priority High
Estimated Cost $1,500
Responsible
Organization
City of Wixon Valley
Target Completion
Date
2019
Funding Sources General funds
Jurisdictions City of Wixon Valley
Action: Install/expand City of Wixon Valley hydrant coverage.
Hazard Urban & Wildfires
Priority Medium
Estimated Cost $15k
Responsible
Organization
City of Wixon Valley
Target Completion
Date
2019
Funding Sources General funds
Jurisdictions City of Bryan
Action: Create an SOP for winter storm events including roadway safety, power outages,
etc.
Hazard Winter Storm
Priority High
Estimated Cost $10k
Responsible
Organization
City of Bryan
Target Completion
Date
2019
Funding Sources General funds
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 127 of 184
125
Jurisdictions City of Bryan
Action: Maintain weather condition information on the city’s website, including
closures, safety tips, etc.
Hazard Winter Storm
Priority High
Estimated Cost $50k
Responsible
Organization
City of Bryan
Target Completion
Date
2019
Funding Sources General funds
Jurisdictions City of College Station
Action: Conduct winter weather risk awareness activities.
Hazard Winter Storm
Priority Medium
Estimated Cost $1k
Responsible
Organization
City of College Station
Target Completion
Date
2019
Funding Sources General funds
Jurisdictions City of College Station
Action: Assist vulnerable populations
Hazard Winter Storm
Priority Medium
Estimated Cost $1k
Responsible
Organization
City of College Station
Target Completion
Date
2020
Funding Sources General funds
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 128 of 184
126
Jurisdictions Texas A&M University
Action: Planning for and maintaining adequate road/sidewalk and debris clearing
capabilities
Hazard Winter Storm
Priority Medium
Estimated Cost $10k
Responsible
Organization
Texas A&M University
Target Completion
Date
2023
Funding Sources General funds
Jurisdictions City of Bryan
Action: Maintain hazardous weather condition information on the city’s website and
PSA’s, including closures, safety tips, etc.
Hazard Tornado
Priority High
Estimated Cost $50k
Responsible
Organization
City of Bryan
Target Completion
Date
2019
Funding Sources General funds
Jurisdictions City of Bryan
Action: Create PSA’s, procedures to provide residents regarding cleanup/permit
requirements after events, and choosing contractors
Hazard Tornado
Priority High
Estimated Cost $10k
Responsible
Organization
City of Bryan
Target Completion
Date
2019
Funding Sources General funds
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 129 of 184
127
Jurisdictions City of College Station
Action: Encourage construction of safety rooms
Hazard Tornado
Priority Medium
Estimated Cost $1k
Responsible
Organization
City of College Station
Target Completion
Date
2021
Funding Sources Grant and general funds
Jurisdictions City of College Station
Action: Conduct tornado awareness activities
Hazard Tornado
Priority Medium
Estimated Cost $1k
Responsible
Organization
City of College Station
Target Completion
Date
2021
Funding Sources General funds
Jurisdictions Texas A&M University
Action: Enhance building emergency plans to include “areas of refuge”
Hazard Tornado, hailstorms, thunderstorms (to include lightning and wind storms)
Priority Medium
Estimated Cost $45,500
Responsible
Organization
Texas A&M University
Target Completion
Date
2021
Funding Sources General funds
Jurisdictions City of Bryan
Action: Maintain hazardous weather condition information on the city's website and
PSA's, including closures, safety tips, etc.
Hazard Hail Storms
Priority High
Estimated Cost $50,000
Responsible
Organization
City of Bryan
Target Completion
Date
2019
Funding Sources General Funds
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 130 of 184
128
Jurisdictions City of Bryan
Action: Create PSA's, procedures to provide to residents regarding cleanup/permit
requirements after events, and choosing contractors
Hazard Hail Storms
Priority High
Estimated Cost Less than $10,000
Responsible
Organization
City of Bryan
Target Completion
Date
2019
Funding Sources General Funds
Jurisdictions City of College Station
Action: Locate safe rooms to minimize damage
Hazard Hail Storms
Priority Medium
Estimated Cost $1,000
Responsible
Organization
City of College Station
Target Completion
Date
2021
Funding Sources General Funds
Jurisdictions City of College Station
Action: Increase hail awareness
Hazard Hail Storms
Priority Medium
Estimated Cost $1,000
Responsible
Organization
City of College Station
Target Completion
Date
2021
Funding Sources General Funds
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 131 of 184
129
Jurisdictions City of Kurten
Action: Create mailouts and/or social media messages that provide information to
residents regarding the use of weather radios, teach residents about the dangers
of lightning and safety precautions to take when severe weather and lightning
threatens
Hazard Hail Storms
Priority High
Estimated Cost $250
Responsible
Organization
City of Kurten
Target Completion
Date
2020
Funding Sources General Funds
Jurisdictions City of Bryan
Action: Maintain hazardous weather condition information on the city's website and
PSA's, including closures, safety tips, etc.
Hazard Thunderstorms (to include lightning and wind storms)
Priority High
Estimated Cost $50,000
Responsible
Organization
City of Bryan
Target Completion
Date
2019
Funding Sources General Funds
Jurisdictions City of Bryan
Action: Install lightning detectors in areas where there may be significant numbers of
residents congregating outside (pools, parks, etc.)
Hazard Thunderstorms (to include lightning and wind storms)
Priority High
Estimated Cost $150,000
Responsible
Organization
City of Bryan
Target Completion
Date
2023
Funding Sources Grants
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 132 of 184
130
Jurisdictions City of Bryan
Action: Create/maintain tree trimming program (BTU)
Hazard Thunderstorms (to include lightning and wind storms)
Priority High
Estimated Cost $2 million
Responsible
Organization
City of Bryan
Target Completion
Date
2019
Funding Sources Enterprise Funds
Jurisdictions City of College Station
Action: Conduct lightning awareness programs.
Hazard Thunderstorms (to include lightning and wind storms)
Priority Medium
Estimated Cost $1,000
Responsible
Organization
City of College Station
Target Completion
Date
2021
Funding Sources Grants
Jurisdictions City of College Station
Action: Create and mail lightning safety brochures with COCS water bills.
Hazard Thunderstorms (to include lightning and wind storms)
Priority Medium
Estimated Cost $2,500
Responsible
Organization
City of College Station
Target Completion 2021
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 133 of 184
131
Date
Funding Sources General Funds
Jurisdictions City of Kurten
Action: Create mailouts and/or social media messages that provide information to
residents regarding the use of weather radios, teach residents about the dangers
of thunderstorms and safety precautions to take when severe weather
threatens.
Hazard Thunderstorms (to include lightning and wind storms)
Benefits
Priority High
Estimated Cost $250
Responsible
Organization
City of Kurten
Target Completion
Date
2020
Funding Sources General Funds
Jurisdictions City of Wixon Valley
Action: Install surge & strike reduction rods/system in the new City Hall.
Hazard Thunderstorms (to include lightning and wind storms)
Priority High
Estimated Cost $10,000
Responsible
Organization
City of Wixon Valley
Target Completion
Date
2023
Funding Sources General and Grant Funds
Jurisdictions Brazos County, Bryan, College Station
Action: Conduct hydrology studies to identify the extent for each dam on the list for
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 134 of 184
132
which there is no current information. The extent will be stated in the form of
water depth in the inundation area for each dam. This project is to address data
deficiencies identified in Section 13
Hazard Dam Failure (and levee failure)
Priority Medium
Estimated Cost $50,000
Responsible
Organization
Brazos County
Target Completion
Date
2021
Funding Sources Grant monies
Jurisdictions City of Bryan
Action: Maintain/update Emergency Action Plans for Country Club Lake and Lake Bryan
Hazard Dam Failure (and levee failure)
Priority Medium
Estimated Cost $100,000
Responsible
Organization
City of Bryan
Target Completion
Date
2020
Funding Sources Drainage/General Funds
Jurisdictions City of Bryan
Action: Update development regulations within the hazard areas identified with the
EAP's.
Hazard Dam Failure (and levee failure)
Priority Medium
Estimated Cost Less than $10,000
Responsible
Organization
City of Bryan
Target Completion
Date
2020
Funding Sources General Funds
Jurisdictions City of College Station
Action: Conduct a study estimating economic consequences for dam failure scenarios.
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 135 of 184
133
Hazard Dam Failure (and levee failure)
Priority Medium
Estimated Cost $40,000
Responsible
Organization
City of College Station
Target Completion
Date
2021
Funding Sources Grants Funds
Jurisdictions City of College Station
Action: Conduct a study estimating loss of life for dam sector for dam failure scenarios.
Hazard Dam Failure (and levee failure)
Priority Medium
Estimated Cost $40,000
Responsible
Organization
City of College Station
Target Completion
Date
2021
Funding Sources Grants Funds
Jurisdictions Texas A&M University
Action: Enhance routine dam maintenance to include vegetation evaluation and removal
(as appropriate) annually.
Hazard Dam Failure (and levee failure)
Priority Medium
Estimated Cost $10,000
Responsible
Organization
Texas A&M University
Target Completion
Date
2021
Funding Sources General Funds
Jurisdictions All participating entities (Brazos County, Cities of Bryan, College Station, Kurten,
Wixon Valley, and TAMU)
Action: Provide information to the public on where they can go to stay cool during
periods of excessive heat
Hazard Excessive Heat
Priority High
Estimated Cost $1,500
Responsible
Organization
All participating entities
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 136 of 184
134
Target Completion
Date
2019
Funding Sources General Funds
Jurisdictions All participating entities (Brazos County, Cities of Bryan, College Station, Kurten,
Wixon Valley, and TAMU)
Action: Educate vulnerable populations about sources of fans and sources of programs
that can assist citizens having trouble paying utility bills.
Hazard Excessive Heat
Priority High
Estimated Cost $1,500
Responsible
Organization
All participating entities
Target Completion
Date
2019
Funding Sources General Funds
Jurisdictions City of Bryan
Action: Study and quantify possible urban heat island effects in Bryan and subsequently
assess a possible need for a mitigation program.
Hazard Excessive Heat
Priority Low
Estimated Cost $200,000
Responsible
Organization
All participating entities
Target Completion
Date
2023
Funding Sources Grants and General Funds
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 137 of 184
135
SECTION 17: PLAN IMPLEMENTATION AND MAINTENANCE
PROCEDURES
IMPLEMENTATION
This section discusses how this Hazard Mitigation Plan will be implemented by Brazos County
and the participating entities listed in this plan. It also addresses how the plan will be evaluated
and improved over time and how the public will continue to be involved in the hazard
mitigation planning process.
Brazos County and participating entities will be responsible for implementing its own mitigation
action plans contained in Section 17. Each action has been assigned to a specific person or local
government office that is responsible for implementing it. The governing bodies of each
participating jurisdiction have adopted the mitigation action plan for their jurisdictions. Copies
of the governing body resolutions are contained in Appendix E.
A funding source has been listed for each identified action. This source may be used when the
jurisdiction begins to seek funds to implement the action. An implementation time period or a
specific implementation date also has been assigned to each action as an incentive for seeing
the action through to completion and to gauge whether actions are timely implemented.
Participating jurisdictions will integrate implementation of their mitigation action plans with
other, existing planning mechanisms such as capital improvement plans, long range growth
plans, master stormwater and drainage plans, and regional planning efforts. Jurisdictions will
ensure that the actions contained in the mitigation action plans are reflected in these other
planning efforts. These other planning efforts will be used to advance the mitigation strategies
of the jurisdictions.
Each participating entity will conduct periodic reviews of their comprehensive and land use plans
and policies and analyze the need for any amendments in light of the approved hazard
mitigation plan. Participating entities will ensure that comprehensive or capital improvement
planning in the future will also be integrated into this hazard mitigation plan to reduce the long-
term risk to life and property from all hazards. Within one year of formal adoption of the hazard
mitigation plan, existing planning mechanisms will be reviewed by each participating entities
and incorporated into the plan, as necessary. The process to be used to integrate any plans into
this mitigation plan will be for the local jurisdictions to amend their portion of the mitigation
plan by including any action items from other planning mechanisms that are relevant to
mitigation. Likewise, any mitigation actions that are relevant to comprehensive planning will be
incorporated from the mitigation plan into those comprehensive plans.
Upon formal adoption of the plan, hazard mitigation team members from each jurisdiction will
review all comprehensive land use plans, capital improvement plans, transportation plans, and
any building codes to guide and control development. The hazard mitigation team members
will work to integrate the hazard mitigation strategies into these other plans and codes. Each
jurisdiction will conduct periodic reviews of their comprehensive and land use plans and policies
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 138 of 184
136
and analyze the need for any amendments in light of the approved hazard mitigation plan.
Participating jurisdictions will ensure that capital improvement planning in the future will also
contribute to the goals of this hazard mitigation plan to reduce the long-term risk to life and
property from all hazards. Within one year of formal adoption of the hazard mitigation plan,
existing planning mechanisms will be reviewed by each jurisdiction.
EVALUATION AND ENHANCEMENT
Periodic revisions and updates of the plan are required to ensure that the goals, objectives, and
mitigation action plans for the Brazos County and participating entities are kept current. More
importantly, revisions may be necessary to ensure that the plan is in full compliance with federal
regulations and state statutes. This portion of the plan outlines the procedures for completing
such revisions and updates.
Monitoring and Five-Year Plan Review and Update
The Brazos County Hazard Mitigation Plan will be monitored and evaluated for any updates,
input and planning for the next revision due in the year 2024. Brazos County Emergency
Management and City of Bryan Emergency Management will coordinate the monitoring and
maintenance of the 2019 through 2024 plan, including all four elements and serve as the plan
contacts. The Brazos County Hazard Mitigation Team (BCHMT) will be notified of the status of
the plan upon approval. On the third Thursday in April of 2020 and 2021, a request for updates
will be sent to the BCHMT along with any updates that have been added to the plan during the
last three years. This will be followed up with a meeting two weeks later to review the planning
process and review the plan. The plan contacts will work with the TDEM Hazard Mitigation
Section Staff to keep up to date on requirements and will attend any appropriate training
needed. January of 2022, the plan contacts will arrange and hold a Hazard Mitigation Team
Meeting and continue the process to evaluate, update and submit the new HMP as required for
approval through the State of Texas and FEMA. This will allow plenty of time for proper
involvement from the HMPT, all stakeholders and the public as outlined in our plan and
sufficient time to have the plan revised and approved before the expiration date occurs in 2024.
Hazard mitigation team members from each jurisdiction (see Appendix C) are responsible for
continual monitoring those components of the hazard mitigation plan that pertains to their
entity on an annual basis. As part of the monitoring process, team members will assess any
changes in risk; determine whether implementation of mitigation actions is on schedule or if
there are any implementation problems, such as technical, political, legal or coordination issues;
and reflect changes in land development or programs that affect mitigation priorities or actions.
This mitigation action plan will be formally reviewed and updated every five years to determine
whether significant changes may have occurred in Brazos County and participating entities that
could affect the plan. Increased development, increased exposure to certain hazards, the
development of new mitigation capabilities or techniques, and revisions to federal or state
legislation are examples of changes that may affect the currency of the plan. Criteria to be
included in the evaluation will include, at a minimum:
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 139 of 184
137
· The goals and objectives address current and expected conditions;
· The nature, magnitude, and/or type of risks has changed;
· The current resources are appropriate for implementing the plan;
· There are implementation problems, such as technical, political, legal, or coordination
issues with other agencies;
· The outcomes have occurred as expected; and,
· The agencies and other partners participated as originally proposed.
The review also will give community officials an opportunity to evaluate successful actions and
to explore the possibility of documenting losses avoided because of actions taken. The plan
also will need to be revised to reflect lessons learned following a disaster declaration or to
address specific circumstances arising from changing conditions surrounding disaster events.
As part of the plan review process, participating jurisdictions will be asked to review each goal
and objective to determine their continued relevance; review the risk assessment portion of the
plan to determine if the information should be updated or modified; report on the status of
each of their mitigation actions; report on which implementation processes worked well, any
difficulties encountered, how coordination efforts are proceeding, and which mitigation actions
should be revised; and evaluate the effectiveness of their mitigation action plans and
recommend changes or amendments.
As part of the five-year plan update, depending upon resource availability, a review will be
undertaken of development trends in each jurisdiction and vulnerability. Also as part of the five-
year plan update, depending upon resource availability, a review will be undertaken for each
hazard of the type and number of existing and future buildings, infrastructure and critical
facilities within each hazard area, and an estimate will be undertaken of the vulnerability of
critical facilities and infrastructure in terms of potential dollar losses from each hazard. Also
depending upon resource availability, land uses and development trends will also be re-
examined, including the types of development occurring, location, expected intensity, and pace
by land use for each jurisdiction. This will help complete and improve future vulnerability
assessment efforts. Based on the analysis, a summary of vulnerability will be provided for
participating jurisdictions below the county level.
Plan Amendments and Updates
At any time, minor technical changes may be made to the plan to keep it up to date. However,
any changes to the mitigation actions or major changes in the overall direction of the plan or
the policies contained within it must be subject to formal adoption by the participating
jurisdictions.
After initial adoption, any amendment to the mitigation action plan contained in Section 18
must also be approved by the governing body of the participating city or county for inclusion in
an amended plan.
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 140 of 184
138
At the end of the comment period, the proposed amendment and all comments will be
forwarded to the governing body of the proposing jurisdiction for consideration. If no
comments are received from the reviewing parties within the specified review period, this will
also be noted. The governing body will then review the proposed amendment and comments
received, and vote to accept, reject, or amend the proposed change. The public will have an
opportunity to provide input during the governing body meeting at which the request is
considered. Upon ratification, the amendment will be included in the plan and forwarded to the
Texas Division of Emergency Management.
In determining whether to recommend approval or denial of a plan amendment request, the
following factors will be considered:
· Errors or omissions made in the identification of issues or needs during the preparation
of the plan;
· New issues or needs that were not adequately addressed in the plan;
· Changes in information, data, or assumptions from those on which the plan was based.
CONTINUED PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT
Public input was an integral part of the preparation of this plan and will continue to be essential
as the plan grows and changes. As with any officially adopted plan or ordinance, a significant
change to this plan shall require an opportunity for the public to make its views known.
This Hazard Mitigation Action Plan will be posted continuously on the website of the Brazos
County Department of Emergency Management, where the public is invited to provide ongoing
feedback. The public will be notified that the plan is available on the website and social media
through the participating entities. For more information, contact the CEOC at 979-821-1000.
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 141 of 184
139
APPENDIX A: ACRONYMS
AL Annualized Loss
ALR Annualized Loss Ratio
BCEG Building Code Effectiveness Grading
BCEGS Building Code Effectiveness Grading Schedule
BOCA Building Officials and Code Administrators
BTU British Thermal Unit
BVCOG Brazos Valley Council of Governments
CAC Community Assistance Contact
CAP Community Assistance Program
CAV Community Assistance Visit
CDBG Community Development Block Grant
CERT Community Emergency Response Team
CFS Cubic feet per second
CHER-CAP Comprehensive Hazardous Materials Emergency Response –
Capability Assessment Program
CHEMTREC Chemical Transportation Emergency Center
COG Council of Governments
COOP Continuity of Operations Plan
COPS Community Oriented Police Services
CTP Cooperating Technical Partner
DEM Texas Division of Emergency Management
DFIRM Digital Flood Insurance Rate Map
DOD Department of Defense
EAS Emergency Alert System
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 142 of 184
140
EM Emergency Management
EMP Emergency Management Plan
EMPG Emergency Management Performance Grants
EMS Emergency Medical Services
EO Emergency Operations
EOC Emergency Operations Center
EP Exceeding Probability
EPA United States Environmental Protection Agency
FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency
FIRM Flood Insurance Rate Maps
GIS Geographic Information System
HAZUS Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Hazards U.S.
HMT Hazard Mitigation Team
IFC International Fire Code
ISO International Organization for Standardization
NFDS National Fire Danger Rating System
NFIP National Flood Insurance Program
NHC National Hurricane Center
NOAA National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
PPC Public Protection Classification
SFC Standard Fire Code
TEEX Texas Engineering Extension Service
UFC Uniform Fire Code
USACE U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
USDA United States Department of Agriculture
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 143 of 184
141
APPENDIX B: PUBLIC SURVEY RESULTS
(2017)
Introduction:
The public survey collects information from the citizens of Brazos County and the
participating entities on their knowledge of local natural hazards. One goal of the survey is
to gauge impacts to the citizens of the planning area from previous natural disasters.
Another purpose of this survey is to provide information to the citizens about local hazards
and convey strategies to reduce loss of life and property from future disasters. The Federal
Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) requires community involvement in the creation
of a hazard mitigation plan to:
· Increase education and awareness around threats, hazards, and vulnerabilities;
· Build partnerships for risk reduction involving government, organizations,
businesses, and the public;
· Identify long-term, broadly-supported strategies for risk reduction;
· Align risk reduction with other state, tribal, or community objectives;
· Identify implementation approaches that focus resources on the greatest risks and
vulnerabilities; and
· Communicate priorities to potential sources of funding.
The ‘Public Survey for the Brazos County and Participating Entities Hazard Mitigation Plan
Update – 2017’ (Community Survey) was designed for citizens to share their opinions and
participate in the mitigation planning process. Responses to the Community Survey give
emergency managers, hazard mitigation planning committee members, and elected
officials a snap shot of information about the survey respondents and their concerns as
well as provide an opportunity to compare this information to Brazos County and
participating entities as a whole. Community involvement in the Brazos County Hazard
Mitigation Plan Update is a requirement for a FEMA approved-hazard mitigation plan. A
FEMA-approved hazard mitigation plan enables Brazos County and participating entities to
receive certain types of non-emergency disaster assistance. This funding is used to
complete hazard mitigation projects to reduce the loss of life and property and reduce the
impacts of disasters within the planning area.
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 144 of 184
142
Information to be collected:
The Community Survey includes questions to gather information on public perception of
hazard risks within the Brazos County and participating entities. Other questions in the
survey aim to identify previous citizen experiences from disaster impacts. Brazos County
and participating entities officials requested that a particular focus be given to floods and
flooding hazards. Officials also requested information on how citizens receive warnings
regarding severe weather events. In regard to these requests, the survey included
questions directed at collecting these types of data from the respondents. Basic
information, such as the respondent’s zip code and simple demographics, was collected to
help officials better understand who was received the survey. Officials will then better
understand which populations are underrepresented or missing from the survey
responses. As a result, future distribution channels and methods of data collection will
have an opportunity for improvement and encourage a greater and more diverse sample of
the population of the planning area.
Development of the survey instrument:
In order to develop the survey instrument, several activities were undertaken. First,
examples of past hazard mitigation survey instruments were collected from a variety of
sources including Galveston, Texas, San Leandro, California, and Fort Bend County, Texas.
Once the initial draft was developed the survey was distributed to emergency managers
and other city and county officials for review and comments. Two separate meetings were
held with emergency managers and officials to review the survey and make revisions.
Concern with the difference between perceived risk by the public and the actual risk to the
public was expressed by the survey developers therefore, questions to help understand this
paradigm were created and included in the survey. The thought behind this was, for
example, to identify respondents that might not perceive flooding as a risk yet they reside
in a flood zone. Consequently, these findings would be used to target areas within the
County where officials will provide public education on actual local risks and deliver
information about achievable mitigation strategies aimed to help reduce the loss of life and
property from future disasters. Questions were designed to help guide the respondent in
giving comprehensive answers yet stay within measurable bounds. This was done in an
effort to help quantify the various responses and later visualize the percentages of the
answers given. By providing charts and graphs depicting survey responses, officials and
the public will have the opportunity to quickly assess where they stand on perceived risks
and recognize what actual risks exist within the County. The visuals also aid in identifying
areas within the County where public outreach will be directed and where additional
mitigation strategies need to be applied.
The survey as distributed to the public follows on the next 11 pages.
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 145 of 184
143
Page 1 – Brazos County Hazard
Mitigation Plan Update –
Community Survey
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 146 of 184
144
Page 2 – Brazos County Hazard
Mitigation Plan Update –
Community Survey
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 147 of 184
145
Page 3 – Brazos County Hazard
Mitigation Plan Update –
Community Survey
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 148 of 184
146
Page 4 – Brazos County Hazard
Mitigation Plan Update –
Community Survey
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 149 of 184
147
Page 5 – Brazos County Hazard
Mitigation Plan Update –
Community Survey
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 150 of 184
148
Page 6 – Brazos County Hazard
Mitigation Plan Update –
Community Survey
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 151 of 184
149
Page 7 – Brazos County Hazard
Mitigation Plan Update –
Community Survey
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 152 of 184
150
Page 8 – Brazos County Hazard
Mitigation Plan Update –
Community Survey
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 153 of 184
151
Page 9 – Brazos County Hazard
Mitigation Plan Update –
Community Survey
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 154 of 184
152
Page 10 – Brazos County Hazard
Mitigation Plan Update –
Community Survey
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 155 of 184
153
Page 11 – Brazos County Hazard
Mitigation Plan Update –
Community Survey
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 156 of 184
154
How the Survey was conducted:
Survey Distribution
The Community Survey was distributed to the citizens of Brazos County and participating
entities through a variety of means including paper copies distributed at public meetings
and events, in public locations such as libraries and City Halls, and digitally through an
online form available by hyperlink located on publically-accessible websites. This
hyperlink to the online survey was also sent via email to Brazos County employees and
employees of the City of Bryan and the City of College Station. The table below indicates
the form of distribution used throughout the planning area.
County-wide Brazos
County
City of
Bryan
City of College
Station
Texas A&M
University
Paper Copies at
Public Locations x
Paper Copies at
Public Meetings
x
Paper Copies at
Public Events
x
Digital Copy via
Website
x x x x
Digital Copy via
Email
x x x x
A digital copy of the survey was available by following the hyperlink -
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BCHMPUpdate from either an email sent to a city or
county employee or by visiting one of the websites listed below:
- brazosceoc.org
- www.cstx.gov
- www.bryantx.gov
- www.tamu.edu
Survey Data Entry
Responses to the survey submitted via digital means (hyperlinks available on websites and
through email) were captured and recorded through the SurveyMonkey website
(www.surveymonkey.com). Responses to the survey submitted via printed means were
entered into the digital format of the survey and added to the SurveyMonkey website
totals. By the closing date of the survey there were a total of 653 responses (digital and
print combined) which were recorded and saved for analysis.
Survey results for questions 1 through 15 are detailed on the following pages.
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 157 of 184
155
Community Survey Results:
1. How concerned are you about your area being impacted by a natural disaster?
Concern about
being affected by a
natural disaster?
Frequency Percent Cumulative
Not Concerned 128 19.72% 19.72%
Somewhat
Concerned
419 64.56% 84.28%
Extremely
Concerned
102 15.72% 100.00%
Total 649 100.00%
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 158 of 184
156
2. Have you ever experienced a natural disaster?
Have you ever
experienced a
natural disaster?
Frequency Percent Cumulative
No 265 40.58% 40.58%
Yes 388 59.42% 100.00%
Total 653 100.00%
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 159 of 184
157
3. Which of the following natural hazard(s) have you experienced while living in
Brazos County that have resulted in structural damage, personal
displacement, loss of utility services for more than 24 hours, or other issues?
Respondents were asked to indicate which of the following natural hazards they have
“experienced” – with quite detail examples of experience, to frame their answers. The
responses were simple yes (1) or no (0) answers. So, if a mean or average is calculated, that
indicates the proportion of respondents experiencing a particular natural hazard. The
following table rank orders the responses, indicating the most likely to least likely natural
hazards experienced by the respondents to this survey.
Natural Hazard Percent
Wind or Thunder Storm 29.1%
Hail 28.3%
Drought 25.7%
Flooding 24.3%
Extreme Heat 22.4%
Tornado 20.4%
Lightning 19.6%
Hurricane 14.5%
Winter Storm 13.9%
Expansive Soils 9.6%
Urban Wildfire 2.0%
Dam Failure .3%
Please see chart of results on following page.
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 160 of 184
158
As can be seen from the chart below, the highest proportion of nearly 30% reported having
experienced a wind/thunder storm, 28.3% hail, 25.7% drought, etc. Dam failure was the
hazard least experienced by the respondents at .3%.
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 161 of 184
159
4. Do you rent or own the place where you live?
Do you own or rent
the place where
you live?
Frequency Percent Cumulative
Own 600 91.88% 91.88%
Rent 48 7.35% 99.23%
Other 5 0.77% 100.00%
Total 653 100.00%
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 162 of 184
160
5. Please select the housing type that best describes your dwelling.
Type of Home Frequency Percent Cumulative
Single Family 601 92.18% 92.18%
Duplex 5 0.77% 92.94%
Apartment 12 1.84% 94.79%
Condo/Townhome 9 1.38% 96.17%
Manufactured Home 25 3.83% 100.00%
Total 652 100.00%
Tenure by Ownership:
Do you own or rent the place where you
live?
Type of Home Own Rent Other Total
Single Family 574 22 5 601
Row Percentage 95.51% 3.66% 0.83% 100.00%
Column Percentage 95.83% 45.83% 100.00% 92.18%
Duplex 1 4 0 5
Row Percentage 20.00% 80.00% 0.00% 100.00%
Column Percentage 0.17% 8.33% 0.00% 0.77%
Apartment 0 12 0 12
Row Percentage 0.00% 100.00% 0.00% 100.00%
Column Percentage 0.00% 25.00% 0.00% 1.84%
Condo/Townhome 5 4 0 9
Row Percentage 55.56% 44.44% 0.00% 100.00%
Column Percentage 0.83% 8.33% 0.00% 1.38%
Manufactured Home 19 6 0 25
Row Percentage 76.00% 24.00% 0.00% 100.00%
Column Percentage 3.17% 12.50% 0.00% 3.83%
Total 599 48 5 652
91.87% 7.36% 0.77% 100.00%
100.00% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00%
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 163 of 184
161
6. Is your home in a floodplain? Floodplains are areas that are vulnerable to
flooding and are identified by the Federal Emergency Management Agency
(FEMA) through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
Is your home
located in a
floodplain?
Frequency Percent Cumulative
Not Sure 87 13.36 13.36
No, not in a
floodplain
527 80.95 94.32
Yes, in a floodplain 37 5.68 100.00
Total 651 100.00
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 164 of 184
162
7. Do you have flood insurance? Flood insurance is not included in a standard
home owner's insurance policy/renter's insurance policy and must be
purchased separately.
Do you have flood
insurance? Frequency Percentage Cumulative
Not Sure 49 7.55% 7.55%
No Flood Insurance 512 78.89% 86.44%
Yes, I have Flood
Insurance
88 13.56% 100.00%
Total 649 100.00%
7.1 Flood insurance by owning and renting:
This table suggests that both renters and homeowners that responded to the survey are
carrying flood insurance.
Do you own or rent the place where you
live?
Do you have flood
insurance? Own Rent Other Total
Not Sure 41 7 1 49
% 6.88% 14.58% 20.00% 7.55%
No Flood Insurance 477 31 4 512
% 80.03% 64.58% 80.00% 78.89%
Yes, I have Flood
Insurance
78 10 0 88
% 13.09% 20.83% 0.00% 13.56%
Total 596 48 5 649
% 100% 100% 100% 100%
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 165 of 184
163
7.2 How about the relationship between having (and not having) flood insurance
when the respondent says their home is location in a floodplain?
This table is specific to the people indicating that they are in a floodplain:
Do you own or rent the place where you
live?
Do you have flood
insurance? Own Rent Other Total
Not Sure 2 1 0 3
% 6.67% 16.67% 0.00% 8.11%
No Flood Insurance 11 3 1 15
% 36.67% 50.00% 100.00% 40.54%
Yes, I have Flood
Insurance
17 2 0 19
% 56.67% 33.33% 0.00% 51.35%
Total 30 6 1 37
% 100% 100% 100% 100%
* Note - There are 15 of the 37 respondents (51.4%) that report knowing they are in a floodplain but, DO NOT
have flood insurance.
* Note - This includes 17 of 30 homeowners (56.7%) and 2 of 6 (33.3%) renters.
* Again, be cautious, since this is not a random sample, it is unknown if these figures hold true for the full
population of Brazos County and participating entities.
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 166 of 184
164
8. If you do not have flood insurance, why?
The following table summarizes the detail tables below – it presents the proportion of
respondents that indicated specific reasons for not having flood insurance. This is for both
homeowners and renters.
The highest proportion of respondents, reported that they did not have flood insurance
because they do not think they are located in a floodplain. This may or may not be
technically correct, but they believe they are not in a floodplain, and that is the main reason
they report not having flood insurance.
Reason For No Flood Insurance? Percent
Not in a floodplain 58.8%
Not required by mortgage 18.2%
Never considered 17.5%
Too expensive 12.9%
No flooding in my area 12.1%
Home is elevated or protected 9.3%
Some other reason 5.4%
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 167 of 184
165
9. Please indicate how concerned you are that your neighborhood would be
impacted by these natural hazards.
***Respondents were asked to rate between Not Concerned (1) at all to Extremely concerned (3).
However, a variable number of respondents did not rate some of these at all such as the 19 that did not rate
tornados and 50 that did not rate wildfires.
These were left in with a value of 0, which would deflate the ratings, perhaps better capturing the overall
concern of this group of respondents.
In general, therefore, the higher the rating, the greater the concern over each of these natural hazards for this
particular group of respondents.
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 168 of 184
166
10. Natural hazards can have significant impacts, but planning for these impacts
can help to reduce them. The following statements will help determine citizen
priorities regarding planning for natural hazards. Thinking about the
community as a whole, how important are the following priorities?
For this set of questions, respondents were asks to rate how important different criteria or
principles were for them when it comes to planning for natural hazards and hazard
mitigation. These ranged from private property rights to preserving the environment.
Ratings ranged from very important (3) to not very important (1). Again a few (9 to 7)
people did not answer some, they were coded with a 0 and left in this analysis. So the table
below presents the average importance scoring for each of the criteria or principle rated by
these respondents. The closer the value is to 3, the more important the priority when
planning for natural hazards.
Interestingly protecting critical facilities (hospitals, fire station, etc.) and lifeline
infrastructure (utilities) were rated the highest priorities. These were followed by critical
infrastructure (bridges, roads, etc.) and emergency response services. Even more
interesting, to me, was the virtual tie between protecting private property rights and
environmental features such as wetlands. These two are often in conflict – and here they
are tied in terms of priorities. The least, but still in the somewhat important range, was
protecting cultural and historic landmarks. It is worth noting that signage was a somewhat
important priority – something that many in the development community do not want to
necessarily see prominently displayed.
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 169 of 184
167
11. Disasters occur at different times of the day. Are you aware of local school,
business or religious organization emergency plans?
In general there does not appear to be much solid familiarity, but perhaps limited only
familiarity with the emergency planning efforts of other organizations in the community
among the respondents to this survey.
Familiarity with
Emergency Plans
of Schools and
Religious
Organizations?
Frequency Percent Cumulative
Not Familiar 313 48.30% 48.30%
Somewhat Familiar 236 36.42% 84.72%
Familiar 99 15.28% 100.00%
Total 648 100.00%
***In general there does not appear to be much solid familiarity, but perhaps limited only familiarity with the
emergency planning efforts of other organizations in the community among the respondents to this survey.
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 170 of 184
168
12. Families may want to have household plans for a variety of events. Which of
the following has your family planned for?
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 171 of 184
169
13. How do you receive warnings regarding severe weather events?
Respondent were asked to indicated how they received sever weather warnings for a
specific set of media types. The responses were codes yes (1) or no (0). The following table
indicates the percentage of respondents indicating that they receive warnings from each
media source. Cell phone and television far surpass other media forms when considering
this group of respondents.
Source Percent
Cell Phone 74.45%
Television 72.90%
Radio 55.30%
Social Media 37.70%
Code Maroon 38.60%
Brazos County Emergency Management 34.20%
NOAA Radio 21.90%
Cable TV 17.00%
Other 4.00%
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 172 of 184
170
14. What would be the most effective way for you to receive information about
how to make your home and neighborhood more aware and better prepared
for natural hazards?
Communication Sources Percent
Emergency Notification System 63.70%
Emails 53.10%
Television 42.40%
Social Media 39.80%
Direct Mailing 36.90%
Utility Bills 32.60%
Radio 29.40%
Roadside Notification Boards 24.30%
Newspapers 22.70%
Website 22.10%
Meetings 8.10%
Schools 7.50%
Library 3.80%
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 173 of 184
171
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 174 of 184
172
15. Zip code
The map below shows a breakdown of the number of survey responses received from each
zip code within Brazos County.
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 175 of 184
173
Strengths and limitations of the survey:
As with any data collection method there are advantages and disadvantages to the process
and the results. The ‘Public Survey for the Brazos County Hazard Mitigation Plan Update –
2017’ proved to garner more information from public participation than the previous
survey conducted in 2012. Although over 650 community members responded to the
survey, it must be noted that the data presented reflects only the responses of the survey-
takers and may not accurately reflect the County as a whole. The survey results have
helped local officials better understand some of the community’s perceived risks and in
turn, this information will help to provide education to the residents that will create better
preparedness and assist in the implementation of mitigation actions.
Conclusions:
Public participation during the drafting stage of the planning process is required in the
guidelines laid out by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as part of an
acceptable Plan. At the same time, the intent of the survey is to provide the citizens of
Brazos County and participating entities an opportunity to offer input on community
vulnerabilities and mitigation activities and for officials to inform the citizens as to what
the community is doing on their behalf.
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 176 of 184
174
APPENDIX C: LOCAL HAZARD MITIGATION TEAM
Michele Meade EMC, Emergency Management, Brazos County
Jason Ware Deputy EMC, Emergency Management, Brazos County
Kim Hinton Floodplain Coordinator, Road & Bridge Department, Brazos
County
Megan Lott GIS Coordinator, Road & Bridge Department, Brazos County
James Hall Environmental Deputy, Sheriff’s Office, Brazos County
Mike Paulus Emergency Preparedness and Response Coordinator, Brazos
County
Roger Sheridan Manager, Public Safety Planning, Brazos Valley Council of
Governments
Robert Santarsiero Homeland Security Senior Planner, Public Safety Planning,
Brazos Valley Council of Governments
Jerry Henry EMC, Emergency Management, City of Bryan
Johnnie Price Engineering, Development Services, City of Bryan
Cody Cravatt Development Manager, Development Services, City of Bryan
Brian Hilton EMC, Emergency Management, City of College Station
Monica Martinez EMC, Office of Safety & Security, Texas A&M University
Leslie Lutz Assistant EMC, Office of Safety & Security, Texas A&M
University
Jeff Truss Assistant Director, EHS, Texas A&M University
Ralph Davila Director, Facilities, Texas A&M University
Valerie Hadley Assistant Director, Facilities and Dining Administration, Texas
A&M University
Rob Meyer Supervisor, UES, Texas A&M University
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 177 of 184
175
Robert Meyer Assistant Chief of Police, University PD, Texas A&M University
Shannon Van Zandt Professor & Interim Head, Landscape Architecture & Urban
Planning, Texas A&M University
Walter Peacock Professor, Landscape Architecture & Urban Planning, Texas
A&M University
John T. Cooper Associate Professor of Practice, Landscape Architecture &
Urban Planning, Texas A&M University
Kelly Trietsch-Hall Graduate Student, Master’s Level, Texas A&M University
Jim Soefje Mayor, City of Wixon Valley
Philip Mundine Mayor, City of Kurten
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 178 of 184
176
APPENDIX D: CRITICAL FACILITIES IN BRAZOS COUNTY AND
PARTICIPATING ENTITIES
Name Type Jurisdiction
Coulter Field Airport COB
Easterwood Field Airport COCS, TAMU
Brazos Transit District Bus COB
Greyhound Bus Station Bus COB
Transportation Services Bus TAMU
City of Bryan City Hall City Hall COB
City of College Station City Hall City Hall COCS
City of Wixon Valley City Hall City Hall WV
KYLE Communication COB
WTAW Communication COCS
KEOS Communication COB
KNFX-FM Communication COB
KKYS Communication COB
KORA Communication COB
KAMU Communication TAMU
KBTX Communication COB
Brazos County Courthouse Courthouse BC
Bryan Texas Utilities Electric COB
College Station Utilities Electric COCS
Central Utilities Plant Electric TAMU
West Campus Cogeneration Company Electric TAMU
Community Emergency Operations Center Emergency COB
Kyle Field Command Emergency TAMU
College Station Fire Department Station #1 Fire Station COCS
College Station Fire Department Station #2 Fire Station COCS
College Station Fire Department Station #3 Fire Station COCS
College Station Fire Department Station #4 Fire Station COCS
College Station Fire Department Station #5 Fire Station COCS
College Station Fire Department Station #6 Fire Station COCS
Bryan Fire Department Station #1 Fire Station COB
Bryan Fire Department Station #2 Fire Station COB
Bryan Fire Department Station #3 Fire Station COB
Bryan Fire Department Station #4 Fire Station COB
Bryan Fire Department Station #5 Fire Station COB
Brazos County District 2 VFD Station #1 Fire Station BC
Brazos County District 2 VFD Station #2 Fire Station BC
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 179 of 184
177
Brazos County Precinct 3 VFD Station #1 Fire Station BC
Brazos County Precinct 3 VFD Station #2 Fire Station BC
Brazos County Precinct 3 VFD Station #3 Fire Station BC
Brazos County Precinct 4 VFD Station #1 Fire Station BC
Brazos County Precinct 4 VFD Station #2 Fire Station BC
Brazos county Precinct 4 VFD Station #3 Fire Station BC
South Brazos County FD Station #1 Fire Station BC
South Brazos County FD Station #2 Fire Station BC
South Brazos County FD Station #3 Fire Station BC
South Brazos County FD Station #4 Fire Station BC
Business 6/ Texas Avenue Highway BC, COB, COCS
Earl Rudder Freeway/ State Highway 6 Highway BC, COB, COCS
Farm to Market 50 Highway BC
Farm to Market 60 (Raymond
Stotzer/University Dr)
Highway BC, COB, COCS
Farm to Market 158 (Boonville Road/ William
J. Bryan Parkway)
Highway COB, BC
Farm to Market 159 Highway BC
Farm to Market 974 (Tabor Road) Highway BC, COB
Farm to Market 1179 (Briarcrest/ Villa Maria) Highway COB, BC
Farm to Market 1687 (Sandy Point Road) Highway COB, BC
Farm to Market 1688 (Leonard Road) Highway COB, BC
Farm to Market 2038 Highway BC
Farm to Market 2154 (Wellborn Road) Highway BC, COB, COCS
Farm to Market 2223 (Old Cameron Ranch
Road)
Highway BC
Farm to Market 2347 (George Bush Dr) Highway COCS
Farm to Market 2776 Highway BC, WV
Farm to Market 2818 (Harvey Mitchell
Parkway)
Highway BC, COB, COCS
Old San Antonio Road (OSR) Highway BC
State Highway 21 Highway BC, COB, WV,
Kurten
State Highway 30 (Harvey Road) Highway BC, COB, COCS
State Highway 40 Highway COCS
State Highway 47 Highway COCS, COB, BC
State Highway 105 Highway BC
College Station Medical Center Medical COCS
St Joseph Regional Health Ctr Medical COB
Scott and White Medical COCS
The Physician Center Medical COB
Rock Prairie Behavioral Health Medical COCS
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 180 of 184
178
University Emergency Medical Service Medical TAMU
City of Bryan Police Department Police Station COB
City of College Station Police Police Station COCS
Brazos County Sheriff’s Office Police Station BC
Texas Department of Public Safety Police Station COB
University Police Department Police Station TAMU
Union Pacific Railroad Railway bridge BC, COB, COCS
Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway bridge BC,COB, COCS
A & M Consolidated High School School COCS
A&M Consolidated Middle School School COCS
Aggieland Country School School COCS
Allen Academy School COB
Anson Jones Elementary School COB
Arthur Davila Middle School School COB
Ben Milam Elementary School COB
Bonham Elementary School COB
Brazos Christian School School COB
Bryan Collegiate High School School COB
Bryan High School School COB
Center For Alternative Learning School COCS
College Hills Elementary School COCS
College Station High School School COCS
College Station Middle School School COCS
Cornerstone Christian Academy School COB
Creekview Elementary School School COCS
Crockett Elementary School COB
Cypress Grove Intermediate School COCS
Disciplinary Alternative Educational Program School COB
Fannin Elementary School COB
Forest Ridge Elementary School School COCS
Greens Prairie Elementary School School COCS
Harmony Science Academy School COB
Harvey Mitchell Elementary School COB
Henderson Elementary School COB
Jane Long Middle School COB
Johnson Elementary School COB
Kemp Elementary School COB
Keystone Montessori School School COB
Mary Branch Elementary School COB
Mary Catherine Harris School of Choice High
School
School COB
Montessori School House School COB
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 181 of 184
179
Navarro Elementary School COB
Neal Elementary School COB
Oakwood Intermediate School COCS
Pebble Creek Elementary School COCS
Rock Prairie Elementary School COCS
Rudder High School School COB
Sam Houston Elementary School COB
Sam Rayburn Middle School COB
South Knoll Elementary School COCS
Southwood Valley Elementary School COCS
Special Opportunity School School COB
St. Michaels Academy School COB
St. Joseph Catholic School School COB
Stephen F Austin Middle School COB
Still Creek Christian School School BC
Sul Ross Elementary School COB
Burton Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant Wastewater COB
City of Bryan Thompsons Creek Wastewater
Treatment Plant
Wastewater COB
Texas A&M University Wastewater TAMU
Carter Creek Wastewater Treatment Wastewater COCS
Lick Creek Wastewater Treatment Wastewater COCS
City of Bryan Still Creek Wastewater
Treatment
Wastewater COB
Utilities and Energy Services Wastewater TAMU
Legend: COB - City of Bryan, COCS - City of College
Station, BC - Brazos County, TAMU - Texas A&M
University, WV - City of Wixon Valley, and Kurten -
City of Kurten
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 182 of 184
180
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 183 of 184
181
APPENDIX E: LOCAL ADOPTION RESOLUTIONS
To be included after FEMA issues the “Approvable Pending Adoption Letter”
Resolution No. 05-13-19-2e Page 184 of 184