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Master Plan Nashua Fire Rescue, NH

Figure 19. Projected Extreme Heat Days: 90 Degrees Fahrenheit or Greater (2020-2084)*°

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High Wind Events/Tornadoes

Tornadoes form when warm rotating columns of air extending from a thunderstorm create a vortex and a
spiraling funnel of wind. Classified by the Enhanced Fujita Scale (EF-Scale 2007), tornados are categorized by
a numeric score of zero to five based on observed damage severity. Tornadoes are rare in New Hampshire,
but mainly occur from April through September, and are mainly low intensity of EF-2 or lower. If a tornado
occurs, damage can be caused to roofs or siding, can cause complete destruction of buildings, or down trees.

10 National Environmental Public Health Tracking Network Query Tool (cdc. gov).

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EF-0 65-85
EF-1 86-110
EF-2 111-135
EF-3 136-165
EF-4 166-200
EF-5 > 200

Nashua Fire Rescue, NH

Figure 20. Tornado Intensity, Enhanced Fujita Scale

Wind Speed,

Typical Damage

Minor or no damage. Peels surface off some roofs; some damage to
gutters or siding; branches broken off trees; shallow-rooted trees pushed over.
Confirmed tornadoes with no reported damage {i.e., those that remain in
open fields) are always rated EF-0.

Moderate damage. Roofs severely stripped; mobile homes overturned or
badly damaged: loss of exterior doors; windows and other glass broken.
Considerable damage. Roofs torn off well-constructed houses; foundations
of frame homes shifted; mobile homes completely destroyed; large trees
snapped or uprooted; light-object missiles generated; cars lifted off ground.
Severe damage. Entire stories of well-constructed houses destroyed; severe
damage to large buildings such as shopping malls; trains overturned; trees
debarked; heavy cars lifted off the ground and thrown; structures with weak
foundations are badly damaged.

Devastating damage. Well-constructed and whole frame houses
completely leveled; cars and other large objects thrown and small missiles
generated.

Extreme damage. Strong-framed, well-built houses leveled off foundations
are swept away; steel-reinforced concrete structures are critically damaged;
tall buildings collapse or have severe structural deformations; some cars,
trucks, and train cars can be thrown approximately 1 mile (1.6 km).

Since 1956, NOAA reports that 19 tornados have touched down in Hillsborough County. The dates and

Enhanced Fujita Scale Classification are as follows.

ESC

Figure 21. Tornado Touchdowns in Hillsborough County, 1956-2019

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| Date | Enhanced Fujita Scale

6/27/1956 Data Not Available
7/2/1961 EF-2
7/21/1961 EF-1
5/9/1963 EF-1
5/20/1963 EF-1
6/9/1963 EF-2
8/28/1965 EF-1
7119/1966 EF-1
7117/1968 EF-2
8/20/1968 EF-1
8/20/1968 EF-3
7/16/1970 Data Not Available
7/19/1972 EF-1
6/19/1978 EF-O
7/5/1984 EF-1
7/5/1984 EF-1
6/16/1986 EF-1
7[3/1997 EF-2
5/31/1998 EF-2

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Master Plan Nashua Fire Rescue, NH

Infectious Diseases/Pandemic

A communicable disease is an illness caused by an infectious agent or its toxic products that develops when
the agent or its product is transmitted from an infected person, animal(s), or arthropod to a susceptible host.
To develop a successful communicable disease control program, pertinent information should be provided
to families and communities as well as recommendations for implementation measures that control the
spread of the disease. Resource management will be difficult to accomplish, especially ifthe disease outbreak
is prolonged. New Hampshire has been impacted economically and financially during the 2019 Novel
Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, with conditions having an ongoing impact on a local and state level.

Landslides
FEMA defines landslides as “rocks, earth, or other materials moving down a slope.” A mudflow is a landslide
that is combined with up to 60% water. The various types of landslides can be differentiated by the kinds of

material involved and the mode of movement. The following figure illustrates the most common types of
landslides.

Figure 22. Most Common Types of Landslides

Slides Mass movements, along zones of weakness separating the slide material
from more stable underlying material.

Falls Abrupt movements of rocks or boulders that become detached from steep
slopes or cliffs.

Debris Flows Rapid mass movement of a combination of loose soil, rock, organic matter,

air, and water that flow downslope as a slurry. These are most often caused
by heavy precipitation and intense surface water runoff in steep gullies.

Mudflows Earthflow consisting of material that is wet enough to flow rapidly and
contains at least 50% sand, silt, and clay. Mudflows can travel at speeds of
35 mph or greater.

Creep Imperceptibly slow, steady, downward movement of soil or rock. Coastal bluff
erosion: The collapse of coastal bluffs due to undercutting erosive forces of
wave action.

Landslides often happen after wildfires, because the brush that slows rain runoff has burned away and the
soil can be less porous, making it harder for the land to soak up the rain. Prolonged heavy rain could cause
this soil to fail and trigger a landslide. Their mass and speed make them particularly destructive: landslides
can strip vegetation, block drainages, damage structures, and endanger human life. Heavy rainfall can trigger
landslides for up to two years following a fire.

Lightning
In the United States, an average of 300 people are injured and 80 people are killed each year by lightning.

Although most lightning victims survive, people struck by lightning often report a variety of long-term,
debilitating symptoms.

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ESSSeoy sa" —-~—|

EXISTING LOCKERS TO REMAIN

AOD ELECTRICAL ONLY

Womens Supervisors

Add Power Strip to each
Unit,

MH6 te drill hole in top
of unit and attach Power
Strip with Double Sided
Adhesive Tape.

No Slope Tops Required
for this room
See Pictures

No slope tops are present
in this room

www. mathand.com

20 Downeast Or * Yarmouin, ME 04096
1 *800°458 41870

Master Plan Nashua Fire Rescue, NH

Severe Winter Weather

Winter storms include blizzards, snowstorms, ice, sleet, freezing rain, and extremely cold temperatures. A
Nor’easter is the biggest threat for winter weather, usually from November through April, causing significant
snowstorms and mixed frozen precipitation. Strong winds are produced that cause coastal flooding and
erosion.

The impacts of winter storms are primarily measured in financial costs associated with management and
recovery from the disaster. House fires and carbon monoxide poisoning pose higher risks as people use
supplemental heating devices to combat the cold temperatures. Power outages and downed trees have a
significant impact on residents.

NOAA reports that since 1950, there have been two blizzards in Hillsborough County—in 2013 and 2015.
NOAA defines a blizzard as a storm with sustained wind or frequent gusts to 35 miles an hour or greater; and
considerable falling and/or blowing snow (i.e., reducing visibility frequently to less than a quarter-mile. There
were an additional 149 heavy snow events during that time period. Heavy snow is defined as snowfall
accumulating to 4" or more in depth in 12 hours or less; or snowfall accumulating to 6" or more in depth in 24
hours or less.

Solar Storms and Space Weather

FEMA defines space weather events as solar flares, solar energetic particles, and geomagnetic disturbances
that occur regularly and could have measurable effects on critical Earth-based infrastructure, such as the
Global Positioning System (GPS), satellite operations, communications, aviation, and the electrical power
grid. Space weather events of extreme intensity have the potential to disable large portions of the electrical
power grid, resulting in cascading failures that would affect key services such as water supply, healthcare,
and transportation.

In recognition of this threat, the President issued Executive Order (EO) 13744, “Coordinating Efforts to
Prepare the Nation for Space Weather Events.” The creation of this document, the Federal Operating
Concept for Impending Space Weather Events, was directed by section 5f of EO 13744 “to coordinate federal
assets and activities to respond to notification of, and protect against, impending space weather events.
Departments and agencies (D/As) shall develop their own operational plans that document their procedures
and responsibilities to prepare for, protect against, and mitigate the effects of impending space weather
events. Such operational plans will be developed to support the Federal operating concept, be compatible
with the National Preparedness System, and ensure continuity of D/A’s Mission Essential Functions (MEF).”*

Tropical Storms and Hurricanes

Tropical storms are extremely low-pressure areas over the ocean with a cyclonic rotation of winds. They can
be considered very strong thunderstorms. The tropical storms are called tropical storms because they usually
develop in the tropics. A tropical storm is classified according to its speed. When the wind speed is between
39 mph to 73 mph, the tropical depression developed is classified as a tropical storm. Those storms that form
in the middle latitudes are often called extratropical storms.

11 Federal Operating Concept for Impending Space Weather Events (fema. gov).

fj Emergency Services
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Master Plan Nashua Fire Rescue, NH

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Admiration (NOAA) reports three recorded tropical and extratropical
storms in Nashua dating back to the 1800s.

Figure 23. Tropical and Extratropical Storms*?

@ UNNAMED 1945
Sep 12,1945 to Sep 20, 1945

HURRICANE
UNNAMED 1874

Sep 25, 1874 to

Nashua

x
2
a
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Q =
=
Ss

Mg,
US

Y%
Vp,

9?

When the wind speed exceeds 74 miles per hour, the storm becomes a hurricane. Nashua is subject to the
impacts of tropical storms and hurricanes. The high winds associated with these storms can result in
widespread damage to buildings, downed trees, and power outages.

The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Damage Scale describes tropical storms and hurricanes based on wind speeds.

12 Historical Hurricane Tracks (noaa.gov).

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Nashua Fire Rescue, NH

Figure 24. Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Damage Scale

Wind Estimate Typical Damage

Cat 1 74-95 mph

Cat 2 96-110 mph

Cat 3 (Major) 111-129 mph

Cat 4 (Major) 130-156 mph

157 mph or

Cat 5 (Major) Higher

Very dangerous winds will produce some damage: Well-
constructed frame homes could have damage to roof,
shingles, vinyl siding and gutters. Large branches of trees will
snap and shallowly rooted trees may be toppled. Extensive
damage to power lines and poles likely will result in power
outages that could last a few to several days.

Extremely dangerous winds will cause extensive damage: Well-
constructed frame homes could sustain major roof and siding
damage. Many shallowly rooted trees will be snapped or
uprooted and block numerous roads. Near-total power
Devastating damage will occur: Well-built framed homes may
incur major damage or removal of roof decking and gable
ends. Many trees will be snapped or uprooted, blocking
numerous roads. Electricity and water will be Unavailable for
several days to weeks after the storm passes.

Catastrophic damage will occur: Well-built framed homes can
sustain severe damage with loss of most of the roof structure
and/or some exterior walls. Most trees will be snapped or
Uprooted and power poles downed. Fallen trees and power
poles will isolate residential areas. Power outages will last weeks
to possibly months. Most of the area will be uninhabitable for
weeks or months.

Catastrophic damage will occur: A high percentage of framed
homes will be destroyed, with total roof failure and wall
collapse. Fallen trees and power poles will isolate residential
areas. Power outages will last for weeks to possibly months. Most
of the area will be uninhabitable for weeks or months.

Strong winds can damage power, telephone, and satellite communications for energy pipelines in the area.

Commercial and residential occupancies can also lose power and communications. Severe damage can be

caused to structures, power lines, and critical infrastructure. NOAA reports that one recorded hurricane

passed through Nashua in 1954.

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Master Plan Nashua Fire Rescue, NH

Figure 25. Hurricanes*3

© CAROL 1954

Wildfires

The Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) is the contact zone between undeveloped forested areas and urban
areas. This transitional environment is most susceptible to fire. As people and wildlands come into contact,
conflict arises from the threat of wildfire or from emergency services inadequate to protect rural populations.

Though wildfires are more common in rural communities, small wildfires impacting areas up to 10 acres are
a concern in wooded areas in the outskirts of Nashua, particularly in the northwest and southwest quadrants
of the city as well as in Mine Falls Park. Wildfires can encroach the urban interface creating the potential for

structure fires in homes or businesses.

Damage to structures and services, as well as the magnitude of the wildfire event, can all have a devastating
impact on the City. Economic and financial impacts could be long-term.

Human-Caused Hazards

Technological or human-caused hazards result from accidents or failures of systems and structures; or the
actions of people, either accidental or intentional. Human-caused incidents result from the intentional
actions of an adversary, such as a threatened or actual chemical attack, biological attack, or cyber incident.
Intentional acts are always deliberate, with varying levels of intent. Accidental acts are careless or reckless,
or poorly planned or executed, with the outcome having unintended consequences.

*3 Historical Hurricane Tracks (noaa.gov).

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Land Use

Nashua Fire Rescue, NH

Risk classification begins with documenting the types of activities occurring within a building or on a

property. Activities occurring within a structure or on an undeveloped property can be used to begin the

process of risk classification. The Nashua Land Use Code establishes the following zoning districts within the

city.

Figure 26. Zoning District Purpose Statements

Rural Residence
(R-40)

A Suburban Residence
(R-30)

B Suburban Residence
(R-18)

C Suburban Residence
(R-9)

A Urban Residence
(R-A)

B Urban Residence
(R-B)

The Rural Residential District has a minimum lot size requirement of
40,000 square feet (or approximately one acre). This district is reserved
primarily for the southwest quadrant of the City and other areas with
limited infrastructure capacity and environmental or topographical
restrictions. The R-40 District is also the primary district where individual
wells and septic systems are in use, although sewer and water
extensions have been made to some parts of the district.

The R-30 District is similar to R-40, with a slightly smaller minimum lot size
of 30,000 square feet. Most of the R-30 Districts provide a buffer
between the R-40 District and suburban areas, such as the southwest
quadrant and the northwest quadrant near the Hollis border west of
the airport.

These districts are more evenly distributed throughout the City,
although the majority of the R-18 and R-9 land is found in the southwest
quadrant. This district provides suburban densities and intensities for
primarily residential neighborhoods, with conservation subdivisions
permitted as an option in order to encourage the preservation of
natural resources.

These districts are more evenly distributed throughout the City,
although the majority of the R-18 and R-9 land is found in the southwest
quadrant. This district provides suburban densities and intensities for
primarily residential neighborhoods, with conservation subdivisions
permitted as an option in order to encourage the preservation of
natural resources.

This district is appropriate for the older residential sections of Nashua
surrounding the urban core. R-A is predominantly single family,
although duplexes are allowed subject to special standards.

This district is appropriate for the older residential sections of Nashua
surrounding the urban core. The R-B District permits duplexes by right
and multifamily dwellings with three or more units subject to special
standards.

4 https://ecode360.com/8730634.

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C Urban Residence
(R-C)

Local Business

(LB)

Highway Business
(HB)

General Business
(GB)

Downtown
(D-1 and D-3)

Park Industrial

a)

General Industrial
(Gl)
[Amended 2-26-2008 by
Ord. No. 0-08-07]

Airport Industrial
(Al)

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This district is appropriate for the more well-established residential
sections of Nashua that include areas immediately surrounding the
urban core and neighborhoods throughout the urban area. The R-C
District permits all residential types by right, provided all dimensional
requirements are met.

Local Business (LB) Districts are commercial areas primarily located
adjacent to or within established residential neighborhoods. They are
intended as convenience commercial districts that support adjacent
neighborhoods. The LB District is pedestrian-oriented as opposed to
automobile-oriented.

Highway Business (HB) Districts are commercial areas located primarily
adjacent to heavily traveled arterial roads, such as Amherst Street and
the Daniel Webster Highway.

General Business (GB) Districts are similar to the HB Districts in purpose,
function, and appearance, but require a smaller minimum lot size. The
GB Districts are generally found in close proximity to the HB Districts, but
tend to be developed as shopping centers with large parking areas
(including the malls), rather than for "strip" commercial development,
which characterizes development in the HB Districts.

The D Districts consist of the downtown and the surrounding business
area. These are mixed-used districts, which permit some apartment
and multifamily uses as well as commercial and institutional uses. The D
Districts are pedestrian-oriented as opposed to automobile-oriented.
These districts include many of Nashua's historic structures.

The Park Industrial (Pl) Districts are industrial areas that, for the most
part, abut the major turnpike interchanges, and are adjacent to
residential zones. The PI District provides locations for light industry and
industrial parks. This district implements the Master Plan
recommendation to provide adequate zoning for industrial park-type
development.

The General Industrial (Gl) Districts are the older, traditional industrial
areas of the inner City. They are often in close proximity to the Nashua
or Merrimack Rivers and are generally accessible by railroad and/or
local roads. Most of Nashua's heavy industries are located in the Gl
Districts. This district implements the Master Plan recommendation to
provide a reasonable amount of space for heavy industrial uses,
provided they are environmentally sound and do not detract from
neighboring land uses.

This district includes the Boire Field Airport and the surrounding
industrially zoned land. It supports the airport's operations by providing
an area for airport-related and airport-compatible uses.

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