Phase One – Emergency Roadway Clearance 6.1.1.1 Following a disaster, the top priority is the clear major roads and routes providing access to key population support facilities such as hospitals, to allow for the movement of emergency vehicles, resumption of critical services, and damage assessment. Emergency roadway clearance also facilitates the deployment of external response elements and delivery of emergency equipment and supplies. 6.1.1.2 Local governments are responsible for clearing city streets, County & City roads, and their right of ways. Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT) is responsible for clearing state and federal highways and the right of ways for such highways along with debris disposal resulting from the clearing process. 6.1.1.3 In this phase, crews equipped with chain saws will generally be required to cut up downed trees and heavy equipment will be needed to move the remains. If possible, heavy equipment used for moving debris should be equipped with protective cabs and all personnel should wear protective equipment. Fire hydrants, driveway cutouts, and utility valves should be left unobstructed. 6.1.1.4 Electrical systems are often damaged by the same hazards that create substantial debris, public works and engineering crews may need to coordinate their efforts to remove debris with utility crews. 6.1.2 Phase II – Debris Removal and Disposal 6.1.2.1 Debris Removal from Public Property.
