The University of Houston Children’s Learning Centers

Local Hazard Mitigation Plan

2015

Project Number: DR-4029-002

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Section Number Topic

Section I INTRODUCTION

Section II PLANNING PROCESS

Section III RISK ASSESSMENT A. Hazard Identification B. Hazard Analysis

1. Flood 2. High Winds 3. Extreme Heat and Severe Winter Weather 4. Drought and Expansive Soils 5. Hail

C. Vulnerability Assessment

Section IV CAPABILITY ASSESSMENT A. Emergency Management B. General Planning C. Technical D. Administrative/Institutional

Section V MITIGATION STRATEGY AND INITIATIVES

Section I: INTRODUCTION

Founded in 1927, the University of Houston is the leading public research university in the vibrant international city of Houston. Each year, we educate more than 40,750 students in more than 300 undergraduate and graduate academic programs, on campus and online. UH awards more than 8,000 degrees annually, with more than 230,000 alumni.

The University of Houston Children’s Learning Centers (CLC), located on the University of Houston main campus, opened 6 classrooms in February 1975 in response to the increasing demands of the UH community for child care services. The Center expanded in 1989, adding 4 classrooms. Then in 2010, five additional classrooms were opened at the Isabel C. Cameron building in replacement of the UH Human Development Lab School. Today, the University of Houston Children's Learning Centers, formally UH Child Care Center, now has two convenient locations (CLC 1 & CLC 2) on campus with a combined enrollment capacity of 221 children.

CLC provides a nationally accredited exemplary early childhood program that supports the student, staff, faculty and alumni of UH while at the same time, encourages UH student success by offering opportunities for learning, discovery and engagement. The quality services help to support UH student retention/graduation rates as well as faculty and staff recruitment/retention.

Buildings and Population:

The University of Houston Children's Learning Centers (CLC 1) is a 14,506 square foot facility that was opened in 1975 in three temporary metal-sided modular buildings with metal roofs, single pane aluminum framed windows, and on concrete foundations (see Photo 1). In 1989, two additional temporary metal-sided modular buildings, designed just as the first three, were added (see Exhibit 1).

Photo 1- CLC 1

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Exhibit 1- CLC 1 Floor Plan. Buildings outlined in purple were constructed in 1975. Buildings outlined in green were constructed in 1989.

In 2010, five additional CLC classrooms were opened in the vacant UH Human Development Laboratory School which closed permanently in July 2009 (see Exhibit 2). The classrooms are located on the first floor of the Isabel C. Cameron Building (CLC 2), a 34,136 gross square foot two-story steel-framed masonry facility built in 1970, which the Center operates as an Annex located across the street from the original location (see Photo 2). The building is divided into two areas of activity; on the south side of the first floor is the Children’s Learning Center and the north section of the first floor is used by the University as a teaching kitchen, classrooms, and some general administrative offices. CLC 2 occupies approximately 25% of the Isabel C. Cameron building.

Exhibit 2- CLC 2 Floor Plan. CLC 2 replaced the Human Development Lab School

Currently CLC 2

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Photo 2- CLC 2 (Annex) located in the Isabel C. Cameron building

Now, in 2015, CLC operates at both locations with a total of 14 classrooms and an enrollment capacity of 221 children, ages 3 months to 5 years (see Table 1). The overall program serves children of University of Houston students (38%), staff (24%), faculty (28%), and alumni (11%). There are 34 fulltime staff and approximately 50 part time University of Houston student staff that cover the hours of operation from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, year-round.

Table 1- CLC Population by Site

Site Programs Classrooms Capacity

CLC 1 Infants (3 months-1 year) 1 10

CLC 1 Toddlers (1-3 years) 3 48

CLC 1 Preschool (3-5 years) 5 95

Total 3 9 153

CLC 2 (Annex) Infants (3 months-1 year) 2 20

CLC 2 (Annex) Toddlers (1-3 years) 3 48

Total 2 5 68

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Section II: PLANNING PROCESS

Located in Harris County, CLC is vulnerable to many natural hazards and has experienced a number of natural disasters, including flooding from severe thunderstorms, which has resulted in multiple damage events. CLC is located within a flood plain and the first floor elevations are well below what is required by current code. CLC developed a mitigation action plan in order to protect the safety and welfare of the children/staff and facilities during any future disasters or routine storms. It has been demonstrated that hazard mitigation can be most effective when based on an inclusive comprehensive plan that is developed before a disaster occurs.

The Children’s Learning Centers submitted a Notice of Interest (NOI), regarding DR- 4029 (Texas Wildfires), on November 24, 2011 for the Texas Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP). In January 2012, the NOI submitted by CLC was assessed as likely to receive funding; thus, CLC submitted an official application to the Texas Department of Public Safety/Texas Division of Emergency Management. The application included support letters from the following University of Houston stakeholders: Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Services, Assistant Vice President of Student Affairs, Director of University Centers Facilities and Operations, Chair of the Children’s Learning Centers Advisory Board, Division of Student Affairs Financial Administrator, and the Director of Emergency Management.

In November 2012, CLC received notification that The University of Houston’s funding request to develop a Mitigation Plan under the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) 97-039 Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) was selected by the State of Texas and approved by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Once notification was received, CLC informed the aforementioned stakeholders via phone and/or email. In December 2012, CLC began the course of preparing a Request for Proposal (RFP) and selecting a consultant to assist with identifying hazards, assessing vulnerabilities, and understanding the significant risks. This selection process included the assistance of UH Facilities Planning and Construction as well as UH Contract Administration. Texas Mitigation Quarterly reporting began in January 2013 and in September 2014 a Mitigation Plan Project Extension Request was submitted. The request was approved in October 2014 with a new Period of Performance completion date of October 23, 2015.

This document is a new/first time hazard mitigation plan. There are two major objectives in developing this hazard mitigation action plan for CLC; first, to identify the natural hazards that could impact the facilities, as well as, the children and staff, and second, to allow opportunities for grant funds for existing or future mitigation projects specified in the plan. Many of the hazards that are likely to affect the area encompassed by Harris County may also affect the University of Houston campus and CLC. As such, CLC requested of, and received authorization from, the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to adopt by reference the Hazard Identification contained in the All Hazard Mitigation Plan, Harris County, Texas, June 2010.

During the drafting of the plan, UH Facilities Planning and Construction, UH Planning Services, UIT E-Communications Center and UH Risk Management were instrumental in providing records/illustrations included in the document. In addition, the consultant and personnel from UH Facilities Planning and Construction participated in drafting the mitigation actions. Stakeholders such as The Division of Student Affairs and Enrollment Services, The University Centers, The University

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Commission on Women, The CLC Advisory Board, and CLC parents and staff have been kept abreast of the plan’s development over the two year process.

The draft plan was available on the CLC website for public viewing and comments in July 2015. The CLC community (families and staff) was notified via email inviting them to become further involved and active participants in the planning process. Guidance for public feedback included instructions on how to submit comments, identification of community assets, as well as suggestions for the prioritization of the mitigation actions. Individual email invitations were delivered to: UH Vice President/Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and Enrollment Services, UH Associate Vice President/Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and Enrollment Services, UH Assistant Vice President of Student Affairs-Student Life, UH Assistant Vice Chancellor/Vice President for Public Safety and Security, UH Emergency Management Specialists, UH Assistant Director of Risk Management, UH Assistant Director for Capital Planning and UH Senior Construction Project Manager, Harris County Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Management, and the City of Houston Mayor's Office of Emergency Management.

This plan serves as a stand-alone document to facilitate identification and analysis of risks as well as strategies and projects to mitigate those risks. It is anticipated that this document will undergo changes in future years as the CLC mitigation process develops and matures. The plan will remain on the CLC website for public viewing and comments after it has been approved and during the plan’s implementation, monitoring and evaluation. After adoption of the plan, community outreach and public participation efforts will continue through discussions/documentation about hazards and risks, building support for implementation of mitigation activities, and plans for the next update process. CLC and members of the planning team will utilize the Mitigation Action Progress Report Form to monitor individual project status on an annual basis for the duration of the 5 year cycle. After annual evaluation, plan adjustments may be necessary to maintain its relevance of which the public will be informed.

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Section II Appendix

Planning Process:

November 2012 Notification that CLC’s funding request to develop a Mitigation Plan was selected/approved

December 2012 CLC began Request for Proposal Process for selecting a consultant

January 2013 Texas Mitigation Quarterly Reporting began

September 2014 Mitigation Plan Project Extension was requested

October 2014 Request was approved

July 2015 Plan was made available for public comments

September 2015 Final draft submitted to State of Texas and FEMA

October 2015 Period of Performance completion date

Planning Team:

Children’s Learning Centers Staff

Rydan & Associates LLC

UH Assistant Vice President of Student Affairs-Student Life

UH Facilities Planning and Construction

UH Planning Services

UH Risk Management

UH Vice President/Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and Enrollment Services

UIT E-Communications Center

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Section III: RISK ASSESSMENT

The purpose of the risk assessment is to identify and profile natural hazards that may affect the planning area and to evaluate the potential impact of those hazards on persons and structures. The CLC Risk Assessment is presented in three parts: A. Hazard Identification, B. Hazard Profile, and C. Vulnerability Assessment.

A. Hazard Identification

The purpose of the Hazard Identification is to identify and describe the hazards likely to affect the CLC planning area. CLC is located on the campus of the University of Houston within the city limits of Houston in Harris County. The Harris County All Hazard Mitigation Plan provides general information from a “national perspective” on thirteen natural hazards that could potentially impact the Harris County geographic area: Dam/Levee Failure, Drought, Erosion, Extreme Heat, Flood, Hail, Hurricanes and Coastal Storms, Severe Thunderstorms, Tornadoes, Tsunami, Wildfires, Winter Storms and Freezes, Earthquakes, Sinkholes, Subsidence and Landslides.

B. Hazard Analysis

The Hazard Analysis is prepared to develop information on the locations within the community where a hazard event may occur. In addition, the analysis provides information on the extent (magnitude or severity) and the probability of occurrence of a potential hazard event. Documentation of past events is also presented. In general, the Harris County plan includes an excellent analysis of hazards that may impact this planning area and is adopted by reference for use in this document. Based on the risk assessment methodology employed for the Harris County plan, the county (population and buildings) as a whole was deemed to be at high risk for riverine flooding, hurricane winds and coastal flooding (storm surge). Tornadoes, thunderstorms, hail, drought and extreme heat were determined to pose a moderate risk to the county.

The State of Texas 2013 Mitigation Plan Update identified fifteen natural hazards of concern to all or part of the state of Texas. In the Update, the state is divided into seven geographic regions based on commonality of hazards of concern. Of those hazards identified in the 2010 Harris County plan, the State plan discusses four hazards as major concerns for the Southeast Texas Region 2 based on vulnerability, impact and frequency: flood, hurricanes, severe winter weather and drought. Interestingly, although the State plan utilized the County plan to determine which hazards are of most concern to the region, the State plan suggests that severe winter weather is of major concern while ignoring the impacts of extreme heat, while the County plan does not identify severe winter weather as either a major or moderate risk for the planning area.

As aptly stated in the Harris County plan, “Some hazards are interrelated (i.e., hurricanes can cause flooding and tornadoes), and some contain elements that are not listed separately (i.e., severe thunderstorms can cause lightning; hurricanes can cause coastal erosion). It should also be noted that some hazards, such as severe winter storms, may impact a large area yet cause little damage, while other hazards, such as a tornado, may impact a small area yet cause extensive damage.” Exhibit 3 shows the impact of lighting on CLC during a severe thunderstorm.

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Exhibit 3- UIT E-Communications Center Power Outage Announcement

Based on the conclusions contained in the Harris County Plan Hazard Analysis and the State Mitigation Plan Update, the CLC plan presents an examination of those hazards of greatest potential impact to the CLC facilities: 1. Flood; 2. High Winds; 3. Extreme Heat and Severe Winter Storms; 4. Drought and Expansive Soils; and 5. Hail on the population and facilities associated with CLC and provide a history of events that have impacted the facilities during their existence.

1. Flood

Flooding is a consequence of a climatic event where the rainfall intensity and duration is of sufficient magnitude to overwhelm the natural and/or manmade drainage system. Flooding may result from extreme rainfall events such as those associated with severe thunderstorms, hurricanes, and coastal storms. Flooding is also caused by storm surge from hurricanes. Localized flooding may occur in areas with poor stormwater drainage systems, even if such areas are beyond the extents of the FEMA regulatory floodplain. When discussing risk and vulnerability relative to the flood hazard, it is significant to note that approximately 70% of the structures damaged by flooding caused by Tropical Storm Allison in 2001 were located beyond the extents of the FEMA 100-year regulatory floodplain. When examining the vulnerability of CLC to rainfall-related flooding, this plan will look at actual and potential events linked to riverine flooding and ponding regardless of the nature of the rainfall event.

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The historic and potential impact of riverine flooding is addressed by reviewing the source of such flooding. The University of Houston campus lies within the Brays Bayou Watershed which is drained by Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD) channel D100-00-00. Exhibit 4 illustrates the location of the 100-year (1%) and 500-year (0.2%) floodplain boundaries relative to the UH campus and CLC facilities.

Exhibit 4 - Location of the 100- year & 500-year floodplain boundaries

In Exhibit 4, the regulatory floodway is delineated by red diagonal lines, the 100-year floodplain appears as light blue, and the 500-year floodplain is colored a light brown. The 100-year base flood elevation at cross-section AA is 35.2 feet above mean sea level. The data used in this exhibit was obtained from FEMA’s National Flood Hazard Layer (NFHL) as of September 27, 2013. The NFHL is based on the FEMA Flood Insurance Study (FIS) data for Harris County, effective June 18, 2007, updated for any Letter of Map Change (LOMC) data approved by FEMA since the FIS effective date.

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Exhibit 5 shows the ground surface elevations in the vicinity of the CLC facilities derived from the 2008 LiDAR data provided by the Harris County Flood Control District. Based on the LiDAR data, the ground elevation in the immediate vicinity of CLC 1 and CLC 2 buildings varies from 38 to 39 feet above mean sea level. While the ground surface elevation is substantially higher than the 100-year base flood elevation of 35.2 feet, the differential between the ground and the 500-year flood elevation of 37.5 feet is much less.

Exhibit 5 - Ground Surface Elevations

Historically, the facilities were victim to flooding in 2001 when Tropical Storm (TS) Allison hit the southeastern coast of Texas in early June and dumped up to 36 inches of rain over some areas of Harris County during a five-day period, as reported in Off the Charts: Tropical Storm Allison Public Report published by FEMA and HCFCD. Flooding was extensive in the Brays Bayou Watershed.

One of the hardest hit areas was the University of Houston where CLC is located. Out of 105 buildings located on the main campus, 90 sustained water damage, and 55 of these buildings were substantially affected. CLC 1 was one of the severely damaged sites and was closed for three months while repairs were made to return the facilities to operational condition. The closure resulted in a loss of revenue for CLC since families were forced to seek child care elsewhere. (See Photo 3).

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Photo 3- Tropical Storm (TS) Allison - CLC 1

The damages to all facilities on the main campus from TS Allison totaled approximately $76 million in FEMA Public Assistance project applications, as documented by the UH Division of Administration and Finance, Risk Management. Of that amount, almost $528,000 in flood damage was sustained by structures located at 3859 Wheeler (CLC 1) while an additional $10,118 in flood damage was reported for the Cameron Building (CLC 2).

In September of 2008, Hurricane Ike made landfall over Galveston, Texas as a large Category 2 hurricane. The University of Houston campus incurred approximately $19.8 million in damages caused by wind and flooding related to the storm, as recorded in FEMA Public Assistance applications. None of the flooding in this area was caused by storm surge. Structures located at CLC 1 incurred approximately $11,500 in flood damage, while no damage was reported for the Cameron Building (CLC 2).

The CLC facilities, particularly those buildings at CLC 1, are vulnerable to flooding caused by ponding of runoff from rainfall events. Flooding from ponding differs from riverine flooding in that the source of the floodwaters is runoff rather than overbank flooding from a drainage channel such as Brays Bayou. Ponding occurs when the local drainage network is incapable of accepting and transmitting the accumulating runoff to the drainage channel.

The City of Houston Public Works and Engineering Department has examined and classified stormwater drainage areas throughout the city according to the capability of each network to transmit runoff resulting from a 2-year storm event. While the methodology employed by the City in assessing these areas is too involved to describe in this planning document, a detailed description may be accessed at Houston Storm Water Management Program. All of the drainage areas in the vicinity of the CLC buildings were deemed to be inadequate to transmit runoff from a 2-year event with the exception of one area that could not be assessed due to lack of information. Additionally, reports of structural flooding and street flooding in these areas were documented as a component of the assessment of the drainage areas.

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Exhibit 6 shows areas of potential ponding in the general vicinity of CLC. The ponding areas and depths are not associated with a specific rainfall event, such as the 100-year event, but reflect a minimum depth necessary to produce overland flow when the rainfall event exceeds the designed capacity of the storm sewer system. Although the overland flow paths do not appear in the exhibit, the hypothetical flow follows eastward along Wheeler and then north on Cullen. The darker areas of blue signify greater depths of ponding. Since a minimum rainfall event is utilized to initiate overland flow, more extreme events would produce greater depths and wider areas of ponding than those shown in this exhibit. The ponding and overland flow analysis was conducted using the 2008 LiDAR elevation data that appears in Exhibit 5. The Harris County Flood Control District, HCFCD, includes this information in their Web-based Flood Education Mapping Tool so that the public may gain information about the flood risk that exists beyond that which is determined on the FEMA FIRM.

Exhibit 6 - CLC Vicinity Potential Ponding

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Exhibit 7- UIT E-Communications Street Flooding

The CLC buildings located at CLC 1 are vulnerable to flooding from ponding related to overland flow. The minimum rainfall event necessary to initiate overland flow results in ponding along Wheeler in the area of CLC 1 as illustrated in Exhibit 7. In more extreme events, these ponding areas would grow in extent and depth, and would encompass the areas occupied by the structures. Given a large magnitude event, structural flooding will result. In conclusion, riverine flooding from Brays Bayou is not necessary for structural flooding to occur at CLC 1.

The Harris County plan includes an analysis of storm surge flooding from hypothetical hurricane events. The highest elevation of potential storm surge employed in the plan to determine areas vulnerable to flooding from this type of event is 30 feet. Under the assumptions used for the analysis, and since the elevation of the CLC buildings is significantly higher than this elevation, the facilities are not vulnerable to flooding from hurricane-related storm surge.

2. High Winds

High winds are associated with hurricanes, tornadoes and severe thunderstorms. The facilities and population of CLC are vulnerable to the impacts of high winds. Photo 4 shows a portion of a tree uprooted by high wind at CLC 1. Fortunately, the tree fell away from the classroom structure pictured in the background. The photo does indicate that the CLC facilities are at risk from the effects of high winds.

Photo 4- Hurricane Ike – CLC 1

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According to the Harris County Plan, the probability of the county being affected by a hurricane wind event is once every 4.21 years based on historical data. Although Category 1 (minimal damage) and Category 2 (moderate damage) hurricanes account for the vast majority of events making landfall, the potential damage from such events, such as damage to trees, roofs and windows, is enough to cause concern for CLC.

The potential impacts from even the most moderate tornadoes (EF0 and EF1) are also sufficient to be of concern for CLC. Although these events tend to be very localized in terms of impact as compared with hurricanes, the damage that may result can be extreme and warning times are minimal. According to the Harris County Plan, the frequency of occurrence of a tornado impacting the county is once every three months based on historical records. Tornadoes may also occur as a product of hurricanes. The occurrence of conditions favorable to tornado formation in the vicinity of CLC is demonstrated by Exhibit 8.

Exhibit 8- UIT E-Communications Center Tornado Warning Announcements

Damaging straight-line winds are not specifically addressed as such in the Harris County Plan, although such winds may frequently be associated with severe thunderstorms. According to the Harris County Plan, the probability of the county being impacted by a thunderstorm is once every 40 days.

As stated by the National Weather Service (NWS), straight-line winds refer to any wind that is not associated with rotation, or tornadic winds, although the damage that may be caused by such winds is indistinguishable. As with tornadoes, warning times may be minimal. The NWS further states that “Straight-line winds are often responsible for most of the wind damage associated with a thunderstorm. These winds are often confused with tornadoes because of similar damage and wind speeds.”

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“Down-bursts are one example of damaging straight-line winds. A down-burst is a small area of rapidly descending rain and rain-cooled air beneath a thunderstorm. Wind speeds in some of the stronger down-bursts can reach 100 to 150 miles per hour which is similar to that of a strong tornado.”

The facilities, staff and children served by CLC are all vulnerable to the potential damaging effects of high winds regardless of the meteorological event. In addition to the primary damage that may be caused to the buildings, a loss of power resulting from downed power lines may render the facilities unsuitable for use. The staff and children present at the facilities are at risk to the effects of high winds related to tornadoes and thunderstorms since there is typically insufficient warning time to allow evacuation to a secure location. Exhibit 9 illustrates a loss of power to CLC 2 (Cameron-586) resulting from a thunderstorm.

Exhibit 9- UH Email Notification of Building Power Outages

3. Extreme Heat and Severe Winter Weather

These two hazards are considered together since they both have the potential for power interruption or loss for the facilities. Neither event poses a substantial risk for damage to the facilities. The Harris County plan reports the likely incidence of extreme heat at once per year while the probability of severe winter weather is once every 6.5 years. Exhibit 10 demonstrates the frequent occurrences of Winter Weather Storms affecting the University of Houston.

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Exhibit 10- UIT E-Communications Center Inclement Weather Warning Announcements

During extremely high temperatures, electrical demand on the power grid may exceed capacity leading to “rolling brown-outs” and a temporary loss of power. This same condition may occur during instances of extreme cold. Ice and sleet storms possess the potential for downing power lines directly, or may produce power line damage indirectly when tree limbs overcome with the weight of ice break off and knock down power lines.

In any event, the resulting loss of power for any significant duration during temperature extremes will render the facilities unsuitable for use in caring for infants and small children.

4. Drought and Expansive Soils

The potential impacts of drought on the facilities is considered in conjunction with the presence of expansive soils since the drought hazard directly impacts the soils, and hence, the facilities.

At the time of writing, Harris County was entering another period of drought. The February 18, 2014 edition of the Houston Chronicle reported this most recent period of drought to be part of a much longer period of drought conditions which has left the area at a deficit of 56 inches of rain since Hurricane Ike impacted the region in September 2008. This amount of rainfall is equivalent to more than one full year of the average rainfall of 50 inches.

Drought conditions shrink the expansive clay soils present throughout the Houston/Harris County area. When sufficient precipitation is received, the soils expand as the water content increases. This shrink-swell cycle is detrimental to the integrity of slab-on-grade foundations such as those that support the buildings at CLC. The foundation of two classroom buildings at CLC 1 are displaying signs of foundation damage as evidenced by cracks in the concrete floor combined with an uneven surface.

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Exhibit 11 contains a description of the scope of work included in a Draft Proposal for Consulting Engineering Services for CLC 1 classrooms. Classrooms at CLC 2 are showing signs of foundation damage through visible cracks along the walls and ceilings as illustrated in Exhibit 12.

Exhibit 11- Draft Proposal for Consulting Engineering Services for CLC 1 Classrooms

Exhibit 12- Foundation Damage to CLC 2 Classrooms

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Although the buildings are vulnerable to the effects of drought and expansive soils, these hazards do not pose an immediate risk for the staff or children.

5. Hail

The Hazard Analysis contained in the Harris County plan provides sufficient information to address the potential threat of hailstorms. According to the plan, the probability of a hail event occurring somewhere in Harris County is once every 49.6 days.

C. Vulnerability Assessment

While the Hazard Analysis focuses on the severity and likelihood of occurrences of potential natural hazards and provides a history of such events, the Vulnerability Assessment examines how the building inventory and population of the CLC might be impacted by the hazards. The hazards of greatest concern are flooding and high winds since such events offer the highest potential for damage to the facilities and injury to staff and children.

According to The University of Houston Facilities Planning and Construction Department, the five CLC 1 structures carry a replacement value of approximately $2.6 million as of December 2011. The Cameron Building, CLC 2, is valued at over $6.8 million on the same basis. Since the CLC utilizes approximately 25% of the area of the Cameron Building, the replacement value attributable to the CLC would be about $1.7 million. Therefore, the total replacement value of the CLC facilities, as of the end of 2011, is valued at $4.3 million.

The potential effects of extreme heat and severe winter weather do not pose a significant risk to the structures or population, but a potential loss of power related to these events would render the facilities unfit for use until power is restored. Such a loss of use has economic impacts for the CLC, staff, and parents.

Drought and expansive soils pose a risk to the integrity of the foundations of the buildings. While a cracking foundation may not endanger staff or children, it does represent damage to the facilities, and given sufficient severity, may eventually render a structure inadequate.

A “severe” hailstorm poses a risk of damage to building glass and vehicles parked at the CLC. In addition, a “destructive” hailstorm could damage the roofs and structural components of the buildings.

Of greater concern than property damage is the potential threat to the safety of staff and children who may be present at CLC during an event. The INTRODUCTION to this plan provides information on the numbers and ages of children who may be present at the facility in addition to the student and full-time staff. Given the nature of the child population, CLC may properly be considered to be a critical facility. To prepare for an unanticipated hazard event, CLC maintains a Business Continuity Plan and has developed the following procedures:

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Emergency Operations-

The population served by CLC is an extremely vulnerable one; over half of the children are limited in their mobility. If a natural event were to occur without prior warning (i.e. tornado, hail, high winds, flash flooding), the children and staff do not have time to evacuate the buildings and are trained to seek shelter in the classrooms/building. Emergency kits and supplies are kept stocked and readily available for use. Systems are in place to keep the lines of communication open between:

• CLC 1 facility and CLC 2 facility • Individual classrooms • CLC staff and UH personnel/Emergency responders • CLC staff and CLC parents

After the occurrence, if the buildings are deemed unsafe and an evacuation order has been

declared, CLC has designated evacuation sites for each building (one on campus and one off campus). During this type of evacuation, staff and children will walk to the designated area since CLC does not provide transportation. Evacuation cribs will be used for infants and toddlers with limited mobility. Along with the children, CLC staff will bring children/staff files and emergency supplies (food, first aid kits, medications, diapers, etc.). After the necessary actions are taken, CLC staff will inform parents of the status of the children and the situation.

It should be noted that the structures occupied by the CLC have not been evaluated for resistance to the potential impacts of high winds; however, a casual examination of the buildings indicates that openings (doors and windows) are not protected from projectile impact. Given the use of these buildings, the need for integrity assessments will be discussed in the Mitigation Strategy.

Long-term Impacts-

If the buildings are damaged, CLC administrators would report the occurrence that renders all or part of the center unsafe/unsanitary to their regulatory agency, the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services. This would also include the long-term loss of power, running water, and/or grounds and equipment in a state of disrepair that threaten the health and safety of the children. If after further evaluation, the buildings were to close long-term, CLC and the University of Houston would be widely impacted:

CLC Operation: During this time, CLC would lose revenue from families utilizing their services. Administrators have to perform an assessment of all damages incurred to buildings and secure funding for repairs needed to the facilities. Bids for repair work need be collected and restoration/renovation services are contracted out. Replacement items for damaged classroom materials and equipment are ordered and funded through CLC.

CLC Staff: During this time, CLC staff are at risk of losing income as well as insurance coverage for benefits eligible employees. CLC teachers and staff are employees of the University of Houston, with a comprehensive choice of insurance plans including medical, dental, life, accident, short-term disability, long-term disability, and short-term disability, long-term care insurance and flexible spending accounts. Medical coverage is provided at no cost to full-time benefits eligible faculty and staff.

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Parents and Children: During this time, CLC children would be displaced. When parents have reliable care for their children, with quality they trust, they are able to concentrate more on their school and work. Finding alternate placement for children of UH students, staff, faculty and alumni can be challenging. While conducting a review of surrounding child care centers comparable to CLC in 2013, the following factors were considered: location, NAEYC accreditation, and serve children ranging from ages 3 months to 5 years. Only one, excluding CLC, of the fourteen comparable centers in the surrounding area, zip codes 77004 & 77002, is NAEYC accredited. (NAEYC is the National Association for the Education of Young Children, a mark of quality in the field of early childhood education.)

UH: During this time, UH student retention and engagement as well as faculty/staff absenteeism would be affected. As noted in the INTRODUCTION, UH student retention and graduation is a priority. The educational engagement opportunities CLC provides through academic partnerships, student employment, and child care accessibility for student parents is fundamental to this initiative. In addition, CLC contributes to the “family-friendly” environment UH provides. According to the UH Child Care Task Force Report (2009), research and experience indicate that on-site child care promotes less absenteeism, higher productivity, and higher retention rates among employees.

The University of Houston System, which includes the CLC, does not participate in the National Flood Insurance Program, and therefore, has no NFIP repetitive loss structures. The UH System currently maintains property insurance which includes damage due to flood, wind and/or hail and a retention fund that provides financial assistance to help colleges and divisions with replacement of such items. The program only responds to insurable losses, not mechanical breakage or wear and tear according to the UH Administrative Memorandum.

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Section III Appendix

Existing Information Reviewed/Incorporated:

2008 LiDAR Data: Harris County Flood Control District

All Hazard Mitigation Plan

FEMA’s National Flood Hazard Layer (NFHL) (9/27/2013)

Flood Education Mapping Tool

Houston Chronicle

Houston Storm Water Management Program

Image: Draft Proposal for Consulting Engineering Services for CLC 1 Classrooms

National Weather Service

Off the Charts: Tropical Storm Allison Public Report

Photo: Foundation Damage to CLC 2 Classrooms

Photo: Hurricane Ike – CLC 1

Photo: Tropical Storm (TS) Allison

The Master Specifications and Campus Design Guidelines

The State of Texas 2013 Mitigation Plan Update

The University of Houston Facilities Planning and Construction Department

UH Administrative Memorandum

UH Email Notification of Building Power Outages (8/1/2014)

UIT E-Communications Center Inclement Weather Warning Announcements (1/2014)

UIT E-Communications Center Power Outage Announcement (10/9/2013)

UIT E-Communications Center Tornado Warning Announcements (1/2012)

UIT E-Communications Street Flooding (1/9/2012)

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Section IV: CAPABILITY ASSESSMENT

The purpose of conducting a capability assessment is to determine the ability of a given organization to implement a mitigation strategy. As in any planning process, it is important to try to figure out what actions are feasible, based on an understanding of those departments tasked with their implementation. More specifically, the capability assessment helps to determine what mitigation actions are likely to be implemented over time given the fiscal, technical, administrative, and political framework of the community. It also provides an opportunity to assess existing plans, policies, and processes in place.

Capabilities addressed in this section include: A. Emergency Management, B. General Planning, C. Technical, and D. Administrative/Institutional. The purpose of this assessment is to identify any existing gaps, weaknesses or conflicts in programs or activities that may hinder mitigation efforts, or to identify those activities that can further the overall mitigation strategy.

A. Emergency Management

Hazard mitigation is widely recognized as one of the four primary “phases” of emergency management. Other phases include preparedness, response and recovery. In reality, each phase is interconnected with hazard mitigation. Planning for each phase is a critical part of a comprehensive emergency management program and a key to the successful implementation of hazard mitigation actions.

The Emergency Management Bureau (EMB) at University of Houston is a function of the UH Department of Public Safety. Its primary responsibility is to continually enhance and improve the university's preparedness for emergency situations and to coordinate emergency response to all major emergencies.

The Bureau works closely with all university departments, directs the Emergency Management Team (EMT), and is responsible for managing university-wide emergency preparedness and business continuity programs, including management of the university’s Emergency Management Plan (EMP), guidance and training related to incident- and site-specific response plans, continual impact analysis and planning, assisting the university community with strategic and emergency planning, assessment of response efforts, and providing training in emergency response and business continuity planning to the university community.

The Emergency Management Bureau emphasizes a cross-departmental, multi-disciplinary approach to emergency management to help ensure that the campus community identifies opportunities to mitigate risk and prevent loss, as well as establish recovery and continuity strategies for all types of events. This is embodied within the Emergency Management Team, which is comprised of personnel across the university and is charged with, among others, advising on preparedness plans. Engaging in such a coordinated, 24 hour emergency management approach provides the campus with a number of benefits, including: Reduced vulnerability to future crisis and disaster incidents; Campus-wide comprehensive protection of life, property, essential services, and critical facilities; Diminished post-disaster economic hardship for the campus; Reduced short-term and long-term recovery to potential campus interruptions; and Quicker resumption of all UH operations.

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The UIT E-Communications Center works closely with UH Marketing & Communication and the UH Department of Public Safety to support the campus at several levels during emergency situations. The university currently uses (3) PIER web sites to handle very specific duties for emergency management.

• Emergency Operations Center- The University of Houston Emergency Operations Center is the single resource for up-to-the-minute information about campus emergency incidents including school closures or announcements about unfavorable weather conditions around the area.

• Check-in Center- The UH Emergency Check-in Center enables communication via a number of tools including text messaging, the web and email. In an emergency, UH leadership can be reached by texting the University of Houston emergency check-in site at short code address 847911.

• Information Technology Availability Center- The UH Information Technology Availability Center's primary function is to distribute announcements and status updates of campus computing and network services across the campus. This may include notifications about system availability and/or downtime, weather-affected facilities, and service continuity policies and procedures. The center also monitors UH's enterprise computing system to ensure 24-hour a day availability.

B. General Planning

The implementation of hazard mitigation activities often involves individuals other than the emergency management profession. Stakeholders may include local planners, public works officials, economic development specialists and others. Similarly, hazard mitigation planning cuts across multiple disciplines.

The University of Houston Facilities Planning and Construction Department consist of both Project Management and Planning Services. Project Management is a team within Plant Operations Facilities Planning & Construction (FPC) led by Principal Project Managers. Collaborating with other teams in Plant Operations, Project Management plans, manages and builds construction and renovation projects.

Planning Services is responsible for the following: Adept Program & Blueprint Archives, Campus Design Guidelines & Master Specifications, Campus Maps, Capital Improvement & Planning, Geographic Standards, Plant Operations IT, Space Inventory, Planning & Programming, and Special Project Planning.

The University of Houston Office of Facilities Planning & Construction publishes two major reference documents relating to the design of its facilities. The first is a set of “Master Specifications” intended for utilization in the development of design and construction documents for new, expanded, or renovated facilities at the University. The second is a set of “Campus Design Guidelines” relating to design principles, campus materials, and building component performance expectations; these guidelines will assist the design professional in understanding what the University requires and desires in its buildings.

The Master Specifications and Campus Design Guidelines are continuously updated; the version of a specification section or guideline posted at the time the Design Development Phase begins shall be the version on which the construction documents and material/product purchases are based. In particular, Section 12: Construction Systems and Assemblies Standards and Guidelines includes

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provisions regarding flooding hazard general design principles, fire resistive construction requirements, security planning, and other life-safety elements.

C. Technical

Technical capability can be defined as possessing the skills and tools needed to improve decision making, including the development of sound mitigation actions.

The University of Houston Risk Management function manages the property and liability insurance program for all campuses in the University of Houston System. The department allocates insurance expenses to the appropriate campuses and departments for several of the insurance policies.

The University of Houston Contract Administration, a department of the Office of the General Counsel, provides legal and administrative services regarding contracts and contract related issues to the University of Houston System and its component universities. The office provides many services intended to help ensure that contracts entered into on behalf of the university comply with university policies and applicable federal and state laws and regulations. These services include developing and maintaining standard contract forms, reviewing and negotiating agreements, providing contracts training and assisting in the resolution of contract disputes.

The University of Houston Office of Contracts and Grants (OCG) is established under the Division of Research (DOR) to assist faculty in obtaining external funding to support their creative and scholarly activities. Pre-Award, provides faculty assistance in identifying sponsors and funding opportunities, and in proposal preparation and submission. The Post-Award office of OCG is tasked with the management of awards, including technical reporting.

D. Administrative/Institutional

Administrative and institutional capability was evaluated by reviewing existing organizational structures found across the university to assist with implementing mitigation strategies.

The University of Houston System Office of the General Counsel provides legal advice and related services to the University of Houston System and its component institutions. The types of matters for which the Office of the General Counsel provides legal services include, but are not limited to, contracts and conveyances, student/faculty/staff matters, Texas Public Information Act requests, subpoenas, intellectual property, employment law, real estate, tax and gifts, acquisitions, legislation and other matters applicable to higher education law.

The University of Houston Division of Student Affairs and Enrollment Services, (DSAES) comprised of 24 departments and programs, supports the university's mission by providing a comprehensive array of services, programs, and activities that enhance the learning environment and development of the whole student. DSAES has a Director of Advancement and a Marketing and Communications Manager that supports CLC.

• DSAES Director of Advancement- His primary role for the Division is to solicit major gifts to support the various programs and departments that focus on providing an impactful experience for students. He also manages all annual fund, corporate and foundation activity as a liaison between University Advancement and the Division.

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• DSAES Marketing and Communications Manager- She is responsible for marketing the programs and services of the departments and programs within the Division, in addition to implementing campus-wide communications for students. She also coordinates the content and distribution of CoogNews, the weekly student eblast.

The University of Houston Student Centers enrich the campus life experience by providing quality programs, services and facilities focused on student involvement, student learning and student success.

The University Commission on Women is responsible for informing and advising the President and other senior administrative leaders, as well as the general university community, on issues and concerns that have an impact on women at the University of Houston. The Commission reports to the President of the University of Houston. Two priority objectives adopted by the Commission are (1) to retain strong faculty and (2) to create a family-friendly environment.

The University of Houston Children’s Learning Centers Advisory Board (CLCAB) serves in an advisory capacity to provide support and guidance to the director and to help CLC fulfill its goals. As a result of CLC being founded as a student service, students have and will continue to play a significant role in the policies, procedures and development of the Center through involvement in CLCAB.

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Section V: MITIGATION STRATEGY AND INITIATIVES

A mitigation strategy provides the Children’s Learning Centers (CLC) and the University of Houston (UH) with the basis for action. Based on the findings of the RISK ASSESSMENT and the CAPABILITIES ASSESSMENT, the mission statement, goals and actions that follow are intended to guide both the day-to-day operations and the long-term approach taken by CLC to reduce the impacts of hazards.

In order to guide the actions of those charged with implementation, the plan follows a traditional planning approach, beginning with a mission statement that provides the overall guiding principle. Goals are intended to meet the intent of the mission statement. Finally, mitigation actions are identified.

Mission Statement:

The purpose of the Children’s Learning Centers Hazard Mitigation Plan is to protect life and assist the UH Office of Emergency Management (OEM) in achieving its mission to build, sustain, and improve their capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards. To fulfill this mission, CLC must be able to provide a safe environment for Center staff and the children of UH students, staff, faculty, and alumni and must be able to recover quickly from any disaster that might jeopardize its functioning.

Goals:

The goal of the plan is to identify projects that can reduce damages from future natural hazards. The primary hazards at CLC are flooding and high winds, but other potential hazards that were analyzed included extreme heat and severe winter storms; drought and expansive soils; and hail.

CLC Mitigation Goals Goal 1: Protect Life Objective A- Reduce the impacts of profiled hazards on

vulnerable populations. Goal 2: Protect Property Objective B - Utilize the most effective approaches to protect

buildings from profiled hazards, including relocation where warranted. Objective C - Allow for mitigation reconstruction to protect buildings from profiled hazards, when feasible.

Goal 3: Increase Resiliency Objective D- Enhance emergency preparedness, recovery capabilities and the continuity of operations.

Goal 4: Public Education & Awareness Objective E- Inform CLC stakeholders about potential risks from hazards and potentials ways to mitigate them.

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Mitigation Actions:

Mitigation actions are specific actions/projects that can be taken to reduce or eliminate long-term risk to people and property from hazards and their impacts. CLC’s Mitigation Actions, outlined below, are intended to lessen or eliminate the need for preparedness or response resources in the future. Members of the Planning Committee, including the UH Assistant Vice President of Student Affairs-Student Life, UH Assistant Director for Capital Planning and UH Senior Construction Project Manager, met with CLC director to develop and prioritize the following mitigation actions. The estimated cost of each item was assessed compared to the benefit estimated. The implementation of these actions will help CLC achieve the plan’s mission and goals.

CLC Mitigation Actions NO.1: Inform the CLC and UH community about the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) through the CLC website and handouts.

Goal 4: Public Education & Awareness

NO. 2: Conduct annual Tree Assessment/Thinning at CLC 1 and CLC 2 to reduce the impacts of high winds and severe winter weather on vulnerable population and property.

Goal 1: Protect Life Goal 2: Protect Property

NO. 3: Conduct Building Integrity Assessment at CLC 1 and CLC 2 to reduce the impacts of profiled hazards on vulnerable population and property.

Goal 1: Protect Life Goal 2: Protect Property Goal 3: Increase Resiliency Goal 4: Public Education & Awareness

NO. 4: Purchase and install protective window storm film on all exterior classroom windows at CLC 1 & CLC 2.

Goal 1: Protect Life Goal 2: Protect Property Goal 3: Increase Resiliency

NO. 5: Build a new structure on a new UH location that is not prone to flooding (or existing CLC 1 site that has been graded for flooding) that can house both CLC 1 and CLC 2. The new facility will meet current code, have a back-up generator, and a Safe Room.

Goal 1: Protect Life Goal 2: Protect Property Goal 3: Increase Resiliency

NO. 6: Purchase and install back-up generators at CLC 1 & CLC 2 to restore electricity to vulnerable population.

Goal 1: Protect Life Goal 3: Increase Resiliency

NO. 7: Build a 2,046 SF Safe Room with generator at CLC 1 to protect vulnerable population against hazards that provide little to no warning time and flash flooding.

Goal 1: Protect Life Goal 3: Increase Resiliency

NO. 8: Mitigation reconstruction of temporary building structures at CLC 1. Rebuilding the structures, at existing location, to meet current building codes that has a 48 kW standby generator, a 2,046 SF Safe Room, and new roof.

Goal 1: Protect Life Goal 2: Protect Property Goal 3: Increase Resiliency

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Mitigation Action Plan for Implementation:

A prioritized listing of actions, including a categorization of mitigation technique, hazards addressed, department/organization responsible for implementation, estimated timeline for completion, and potential funding source* are outlined below.

*Funding Sources: CLC- Children’s Learning Centers; HMGP- Hazard Mitigation Grant Programs; DSAES- Division of Student Affairs & Enrollment Services

CLC MITIGATION ACTION NO. 1: Inform the CLC and UH community about the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) through the CLC website and handouts. Mitigation Action Goal(s): Public Education and Awareness Hazard(s) Addressed: Flood, High Winds, Extreme Heat and Severe Winter Storms, Drought

and Expansive Soils, and Hail Responsible Party: CLC Priority: High Estimated Cost: None Funding Source(s): N/A Timeframe: Ongoing Benefits: (Losses Avoided)

Increasing public awareness of local hazards and disaster preparedness.

Discussion: This action was prioritized as NO. 1 because of the low cost and high benefit analysis. CLC will post information on the website informing the public of current Local Hazard Mitigation Plans and links to the FEMA website with educational materials to build awareness of hazards and risks as well as potential ways to mitigate them.

CLC MITIGATION ACTION NO. 2: Conduct annual Tree Assessment/Thinning at CLC 1 and CLC 2 to reduce the impacts of high winds and severe winter weather on vulnerable population and property. Mitigation Action Goal(s): Protect Life, Protect Property Hazard(s) Addressed: High Winds, Extreme Heat and Severe Winter Storms Responsible Party: CLC Priority: High Estimated Cost: $5,000.00 Funding Source(s): CLC, HMGP Timeframe: Annually; every March before the start of hurricane season Benefits: (Losses Avoided)

Protect the buildings from potential damage (and vulnerable population onsite) from falling tree branches (within 100 feet around structures) during high winds, thunderstorms, and severe winter weather.

Discussion: This action was prioritized as action NO. 2 because the timeframe on this action can begin immediately with minimal cost. The benefit of the tree thinning will protect the structures and vulnerable population from the potential hazard of falling tree branches.

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CLC MITIGATION ACTION NO. 3: Conduct Building Integrity Assessment at CLC 1 and CLC 2 to reduce the impacts of profiled hazards on vulnerable population and property. Mitigation Action Goal(s): Protect Life, Protect Property, Increase Resiliency, Public Awareness Hazard(s) Addressed: Flood, High Winds, Extreme Heat and Severe Winter Storms, Drought

and Expansive Soils, and Hail

Responsible Party: CLC, UH Facilities Planning and Construction

Priority: High

Estimated Cost: $10,000.00 Funding Source(s): CLC, HMGP Timeframe: Every 5 years Benefits: (Losses Avoided)

Protect the buildings from potential damages and increase resiliency by acting on recommendations provided in the report.

Discussion: This action was prioritized as action NO. 3 because having structural engineering assessments of the overall integrity of buildings will inform CLC if signs of structural deterioration or defects are present and what the recommend appropriate actions to be taken are. This information will guide the next steps in the mitigation action plan.

CLC MITIGATION ACTION NO. 4: Purchase and install protective window storm film on all exterior classroom windows at CLC 1 & CLC 2. Mitigation Action Goal(s): Protect Life, Protect Property, Increase Resiliency Hazard(s) Addressed: High Winds, Hail

Responsible Party: CLC, UH Facilities Planning and Construction

Priority: High

Estimated Cost: $20,000.00 Funding Source(s): CLC, HMGP Timeframe: 3 months from start of project to completion Benefits: (Losses Avoided)

Decrease the impacts of potential hazards on the classroom windows during high winds and hail.

Discussion: This action was prioritized as action NO. 4 because of the timeframe the project will take to complete once the funds are secured. This action was selected over double-pane or storm grade exterior window replacement due to the high costs involved (estimated to cost $200,000.00) and the current age and condition of the CLC facilities.

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CLC MITIGATION ACTION NO. 5: Build a new structure on a vacant UH location that is not prone to flooding (or existing CLC 1 site that has been graded for flooding) that can house both CLC 1 and CLC 2. The new facility will meet current code, have a back-up generator, and a Safe Room. Mitigation Action Goal(s): Protect Life, Protect Property, and Increase Resiliency Hazard(s) Addressed: Flood, High Winds, Extreme Heat and Severe Winter Storms, Drought

and Expansive Soils, and Hail Responsible Party: CLC, UH Facilities

Planning and Construction, UH Planning Services

Priority: High

Estimated Cost: $10.2 million Funding Source(s): CLC, DSAES, HMGP Timeframe: 2 years from start to completion Benefits: (Losses Avoided)

Building would be equipped to reduce the impacts of profiled hazards on vulnerable population with enhanced emergency preparedness and recovery capabilities. CLC would operate from one location in an area that is not prone to flooding.

Discussion: This action item was prioritized as NO. 5 because it is in the best interest of the Center to have one location rather than operate from two sites. Consolidating CLC 1 and CLC 2 would increase efficiency as well as emergency preparedness processes. With a building life expectancy of 50-75 years, building a new structure to house the entire CLC population is more cost effective than Mitigation reconstruction of CLC 1, as outlined in Action Item NO 8.

CLC MITIGATION ACTION NO. 6: Purchase and install back-up generators at CLC 1 & CLC 2 to restore electricity to vulnerable population. Mitigation Action Goal(s): Protect Life, Increase Resiliency Hazard(s) Addressed: High Winds, Extreme Heat and Severe Winter Storms, and Hail Responsible Party: CLC, UH Facilities

Planning and Construction, UH Planning Services

Priority: High

Estimated Cost: $100,000.00 Funding Source(s): CLC, HMGP Timeframe: 1 year from start to completion Benefits: (Losses Avoided)

The CLC facilities will be equipped with back-up electricity needed during power outages to maintain operations for the vulnerable population served.

Discussion: This action was prioritized as action NO. 6 because it is more cost effective and timely than building new structures with back-up generators. This action will mitigate against power outages in the current CLC facilities, keeping the vulnerable population comfortable, food storage safe, and allowing operations to continue.

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CLC MITIGATION ACTION NO. 7: Build a 2,046 SF Safe Room with generator at CLC 1 to protect vulnerable population against hazards that provide little to no warning time and flash flooding. Mitigation Action Goal(s): Protect Life, Increase Resiliency Hazard(s) Addressed: Flood, High Winds, Hail Responsible Party: CLC, UH Facilities

Planning and Construction, UH Planning Services

Priority: High

Estimated Cost: $1.175 million Funding Source(s): CLC, HMGP Timeframe: 2 years from start to completion Benefits: (Losses Avoided)

CLC 1 will have increased emergency preparedness with an easily accessible onsite evacuation structure that can withstand the impact of high wind, hail and flash flooding.

Discussion: This action was prioritized as NO. 7 because the cost of building a Safe Room with a Generator costs less than replacing the structures completely and will protect the vulnerable population at CLC 1 from hazards caused by flooding, high winds, and hail.

CLC MITIGATION ACTION NO. 8: Mitigation reconstruction of temporary building structures at CLC 1. Rebuilding the structures, at existing location, to meet current building codes that has a 48 kW standby generator, a 2,046 SF Safe Room, and new roof. Mitigation Action Goal(s): Protect Life, Protect Property, and Increase Resiliency Hazard(s) Addressed: Flood, High Winds, Extreme Heat and Severe Winter Storms, Drought

and Expansive Soils, and Hail Responsible Party: CLC, UH Facilities

Planning and Construction, UH Planning Services

Priority: High

Estimated Cost: $5.16 million Funding Source(s): CLC, DSAES, HMGP Timeframe: 2 years from start to completion Benefits: (Losses Avoided)

Buildings would be equipped to reduce the impacts of profiled hazards on vulnerable population with enhanced emergency preparedness and recovery capabilities.

Discussion: This action item was prioritized as NO. 8 because with a building life expectancy of 50-75 years, building a new structure to house the entire CLC population is more cost effective than Mitigation reconstruction of CLC 1; however, this action would reduce the impacts of profiled hazards on vulnerable population with enhanced emergency preparedness and recovery capabilities.

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The University of Houston is a state agency and acts as Authority Having Jurisdiction on all campus-owned property. It works cooperatively however with the City of Houston on building code issues and with the Harris County Flood Control Authority on issues of storm water management. Over the last several months, architectural and engineering planners from the University’s Facilities Planning & Construction and Facilities Operations office have participated in planning sessions with the City of Houston with the goal of designing stormwater management on campus holistically.

In addition, The University of Houston Facilities Planning and Construction Department has a Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) and a Physical Recovery Emergency Planning (PREP) Subcommittee which are both existing planning mechanisms where CLC’s hazard mitigation information and actions may be incorporated:

• The Capital Improvement Plan is a five-year plan that identifies planned capital projects and land acquisitions, including a schedule and financing structure for each project. The plan provides a link between campus strategic plans and the University’s capital budget. A Capital Improvement Plan is submitted each year to the University Of Houston Board Of Regents. This plan establishes a short-range outlook identifying specific Capital Improvement Projects related to the academic plan and facility needs and condition assessments. One third of the campus buildings are evaluated approximately every 3 years so that every 10 years a condition assessment of the entire campus is complete. These evaluations determine the adequacy of facilities to house or support their intended functions. The Children’s Learning Centers was evaluated in 2011 and discussed in the 2012 report.

• The Physical Recovery Emergency Planning Subcommittee supports university emergency planning through the utilization of an aligned and integrated Physical Response Model. The Physical Recovery Team is charged with the coordination of physical infrastructure response and recovery efforts, to partner with the university and community to effectively and efficiently prepare for, prevent, respond to, and recover from any and all emergency situations impacting the campus.

This Hazard Mitigation Plan advances community objectives such as collegiate student academic success and quality early childhood education. The plan aligns with the University’s capital renewal planning, emergency management plan, and master land use plan.

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