All is quiet now, but the start of hurricane season is just around the corner and CWS teams throughout the coastal states are preparing now ahead of the storms.
“As a water and wastewater service provider, protecting public health and safety is critical – especially in times of disaster. Service interruptions can create serious risks like contamination or flooding, so our teams must be sure that plans and processes are in place to limit any disruption,” advised Bryce Mendenhall, Chief Operating Officer for CWS. “Our teams are already working with vendors to make sure that supplies, extra parts, critical treatment chemicals, and generators are ready and in place ahead of any storms. “Right now we have the time and clarity to think about what we need to do. We can’t wait until the last minute to scramble,” he added.
While gathering supplies is certainly an important piece of the planning process, reviewing the Emergency Response Plan (ERP) is also essential. This plan identifies essential personnel and their responsibilities, outlines communication procedures with emergency management agencies, prioritizes critical infrastructure (pump stations, treatment plants, etc.), and defines backup supply and service restoration strategies.
Of course, it’s important to remember that no two storms are the same. They may hit a different area, they may follow a different path, they may bring more rain than wind or vice versa. We have to be prepared for the worst and hope for the best.
