TOP 10 List
        Pandemic &
     Natural Disasters
         Notebook
Updating Emergency Response
Plans fERPJ for Drinking Water
   & Wastewater Systems
                   r1
                   i
                   i

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      TOP 10 List
        Pandemic &
     Natural Disasters
         Notebook
Updating Emergency Response
Plans fERPJ for Drinking Water
   & Wastewater Systems

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  THE MOST IMPORTANT STEP IS TO
      UPDATE YOUR EMERGENCY
           RESPONSE PLAN
  During a natural disaster or pandemic emergency*
 it should be assumed that water systems could have
  severe shortages in staffing and disruptions in the
supply chain. There is also potential for disruption of
    communications* transportation* services*
          utilities and Public safety.

   Refer to these tips and make notes to
  update your Emergency Response Plan.

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        Review
      Vour ERP
             ,0
     Review and update your
 emergency response Plan* including
identification of critical functions and
  supplies* that will need coverage.
   Plan for operating with severe
    staff shortages f40-60%J.

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        Prepare
       yourself
               ^_

               9
   Prepare yourself, your family and
 your home first fsee "Are You Ready?**
        guide and CDC guide:
www.cdc.gov/flu/pandemic/healthtips.htmj,
    Have policies in Place that allow
 workers to take care of families, but still
      provide adequate staffing.

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Examine Workforce
      Alternatives
               8
  Examine workforce alternatives: mutual
  aid agreements with area communities,
 contingency plans with contract operators,
 and cross training within town departments
  and utilities. Evaluate and test safe and
  secure use of automation. fe.g., SCADAJ

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      Collect  Utility
       Information
  Create and maintain both an on-site and
 off-site emergency kit. Compile emergency
contacts, updated utility diagrams/maps of the
 system, O&M manuals, standard operating
procedures, and critical customer information.
 Also, maintain extra sets of facility keys at
        multiple secure locations.

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       Conduct a
    Walk Through
               6
  Conduct a "walk through" tour of your
facility with your local emergency responders
 and alternate operators to familiarize them.
  Make sure all valves and equipment are
     clearly and accurately labeled.

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          Have a
  Communications
        Strategy
              ^_
              5
Have a communications strategy. Include ways
 to communicate emergency updates with the
  state and customers. Develop standard
language for various public notices, including:
   Do Not Drink, Boil Water Notices, etc.

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   Stock Supplies
 Stock supplies and chemicals safely and
securely. If space is an issue, have backup
vendor contact information up-to-date and
   available. Ensure that all applicable
   regulations are complied with when
       storing chemicals on-site.

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       Exercise
     Generators
Exercise emergency generators under load,
  Also, have plans in Place for receiving
       fuel in an emergency.

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     Employee
   Preparations
            ^^^
            2
 Consider preparations for employees
remaining at work for extended periods.
 This could include adequate sleeping
  arrangements, food, water, medical
  supplies, communication links, etc.

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    Practice
Practice, practice, practice your
  Emergency Response Plan!
   ..and wash your hands!

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         Other Links:
    www.epa.gov/naturalevents/
www.epa.2ov/safewater/watersecurity/
     www.cdc.gov/flu/pandemic/
       www.pandemicflu.gov
      www.dhs.gov/dhspublic/
          www.fema.gov/
 www.redcross.org/services/disaster/
         www.waterisac.org
         www.watersc.org

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  This especially durable synthetic sub-
 straight enters the waste stream at a far
  slower rate than conventional papers.
    A category 5 polypropylene (PP)
 plastic film, it is  fully recyclable and will
  remain inert in any approved landfill.
Safely incinerated in a modern incinerator
 with an atmosphere of excess oxygen,
      it will yield  only water, carbon
           dioxide, and ash.

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       TOP 10  List •  At-a-Glance
      10. Review Your ERP
       9. Prepare Yourself
       8. Examine Workforce Alternatives
       7. Collect Utility Information
       6. Conduct a "Walk Through"
       5. Have a Communications Strategy
       4. Stock Supplies
       3. Exercise Generators
       2. Employee Preparations
       I. Practice
EPA-901-E-06-001
April 2006
    United States
    Environmental Protection
    Agency New England
Drinking
Water
Security
       www.epa.gov/ne/eco/drinkwater/

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