![]() With just a 5-10% reduction of body fluids, the human body will suffer multiple detrimental effects up to and including death. While water is one of three essentials of life (Water, Fire & Shelter), one could make the argument that water is the most important during a survival scenario. In a survival situation it is critical to provide a means for continuous, clean drinking water. Murphy, the author, is a researcher and writer for At Your Pace Online, an online provider through. Monitor water quality, develop a sampling plan and adjust treatment as necessaryįor more on this from the EPA, go to the Water Sector Incident Action checklist here. Isolate and control leaks in water transmission and distribution piping Inspect utility and service areas for damage due to debris, downed trees, and flood watersĮnsure proper pressure is maintained throughout the system and isolate those sections where it isn't Identify possible staging areas for mutual aid crews if needed in the response, and the availability of local facilities to house the crewsĪctions to Respond to a Hurricane: Post-Landfall (Drinking Water Utilities, partial list): Protect exposed lines or pipes that may become vulnerable due to streambank erosionĬonsider how evacuations or limited staffing due to transportation issues will impact response procedures Secure equipment move electronics, equipment, and important data to watertight facility or out of flood-prone areas Identify priority customers (hospitals, assisted living centers, schools, etc.)Ĭonduct joint tabletop or full-scale exercisesĮstablish communication protocols and equipment to reduce potential miscues during the actual eventĪctions to Respond to a Hurricane: Pre-Landfall Activities (partial list): Review and update emergency response plans (ERP) Have a list of emergency contact phone numbers handy (waterproofed/laminated), including resources such as:Īctions to prepare for hurricane season, including (partial listing): Here are some of the key steps that can be taken to help prepare your local water system for tough times and disasters: When Water systems aren't functioning, neither are toilets, showers, washers, dryers, etc But much more than drinking water is affected. More than 690 drinking water and wastewater utilities across 11 states and Washington, D.C., experienced impacts from the storm. Loss of water quality testing capability during the storm due to restricted facility and laboratory access and damage to utility equipmentĭuring what EPA calls "Superstorm" Sandy in October 2012 utilities from Florida to Maine were very active in monitoring and preparing for its landfall. Restricted access to facilities and collection and distribution system assets due to debris and flood waters Loss of power and communication infrastructure due to high windsĬombined sewer overflows (CSOs) due to flooding Pipe breaks due to washouts, up-rooted trees, etc., which could result in sewage spills or low water pressure throughout the service area Some of the hazards posed to water systems leading to service interruptions, the EPA points out, include: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in the aftermaths of Hurricanes Sandy and Katrina, have performed extensive studies and compiled some disaster-preparedness recommendations and an " Incident Action Checklist " specifically for the protection of water systems. As millions dig out in Texas and Florida from Hurricanes Harvey and Irma, respectively, the nation needs to pull together to help them out and to re-examine our own situations in case we're the next in line for some form of climatic chaos. Nothing brings this into focus like the recent spate of monster-sized storms battering the southeast corner of our nation. At times when the woes of the ancient mariner wash ashore and the streets are inundated with undrinkable water deep enough to navigate rescue boats, the water management system is at both its most vulnerable and valuable. While water is always among our most precious and sensitive natural resources, its value is never more apparent than when you don't have it, such as during hurricanes, flooding, and other disasters. ![]() The Rime of the Ancient Mariner, Samuel Taylor Coleridge
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