We never know when an emergency situation might strike that will interfere with the normal water treatment operations a city has in place. Whether the emergency is caused by a storm, a disease epidemic, large-scale industrial spills, or terrorist activities, the need for healthy drinking water will still be of prime importance. Having emergency response plans on hand in order to handle any emergency situation that might happen will be critical in saving lives and will be of vital importance in recovery efforts. You need to make provision for emergency water filters before you ever need them.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has training and planning materials for city preparedness available on the Internet: www.fema.gov/plan/index.shtm. The Department of Homeland Security also has information available which includes a number of downloadable brochures, family emergency plans, and check lists. In addition, National Incident Management Systems information needs to be provided for all municipal employees who could be involved in any widespread disaster. Information regarding this training can be found at: www.dhs.gov/xnews/releases/press_release_0363.shtm.
If a large-scale emergency should happen, there will be a lot of responsibilities which may fall on the shoulders of municipal water treatment workers. These could include getting rid of large amounts of hazardous wastes that taint water supplies, dealing with inadequate back-up power, and utilizing preparedness plans that no one has ever completely tested. The health and well-being of the populace of the community are going to be in the hands of these people, so their preparatory training is important to the success of any relief efforts.
While a city is getting ready for possible emergency situations, there are a number of things directly related to the maintenance of healthy drinking water which they should take care of including:
* Identify facilities within flood plains that contain hazardous materials so that they can be protected and not end up in the water system.
* Make plans for alternative drinking water.
* Identify municipal buildings that house oil and dangerous materials.
You’ve no doubt heard the news broadcasts telling about the deficiency of clean drinking water in cities where disasters have occurred, and you know that it’s important for every community to plan for exactly what they will do, such as providing for a portable water purification system, if they ever are facing a situation that is similar. Preparing emergency water treatment plans prior to them being needed will stand you in good stead if your city is struck with a disaster situation any time in the future.