Hurricane Preparedness for Drinking Water Utilities

3/30/2021 (Permalink)

Reading time: 1 min 41 sec

Hurricane Preparedness for Drinking Water Utilities from SERVPRO of College Park/Hyattsville and SERVPRO of District Heights / Landover

Drinking water services must be proactive. Public water suppliers in the storm's path should brace themselves for

• high winds 
• storm surge
• torrential rain
• flooding
• prolonged power outages. 

SERVPRO understands how imperative drinking water utilities for the Prince George's County community. They must continue to provide their services before, during, and after the storm. Below are suggested hurricane preparedness tips for Drinking Water Utilities 

Hurricane Preparedness Tips for Drinking Water Utilities

Water Storage 

Fill the storage tanks to meet demand during a power outage. This will help anchor the tanks during high winds and flooding.

Back-Up Power 

Refuel the generators' fuel tanks. Test each generator under load to ensure that they are operating. Also, check that power transmission is secure, in case of a prolonged power outage. Estimate how long it will take to meet demand using the backup power, fuel, and water storage on hand. Count the number of alternative fuel sources in case the main supplier is unable to supply them.

Continuity of Operation

Contact all-important workers and put them on high alert. Ensure that enough resources will be on duty for the duration of the predicted storm. Provide adequate food and clean water for employees who work long hours. Employees should bring extra dry clothing. Also, they should arrange their sleeping quarter so that extended duty staff does not get too tired.

Chemical and Fuel Storage 

Check the tanks to ensure there are critical chemicals (e.g., disinfectant) to last the storm. Check that the tanks are anchoring to ensure that it is safe from wind damage and forces (floating or overturning) if it becomes submerged.

Water Sources 

Determine which sources can become overburdened. Prepare to remove any sources that may be vulnerable to damage from a flood. This includes intrusion by flood-borne pathogens or saltwater before the flood.

Emergency Communications 

Make sure the emergency communications equipment is in good working order. Both batteries should be changed or replaced. Distribute relevant communication equipment to the appropriate personnel.

Public Communications 

Prepare to make public information available as appropriate. Check with local radio and television stations for contact information. If there isn't adequate storage and/or dedicated backup power for three days, consider pre-planning water conservation alert notices that can be released if necessary.

Vehicles 

Fill vehicle fuel tanks to ensure that they are ready for use in the event of a storm. Provide necessary equipment (radios, instruments, tools, safety equipment, lights, ropes, etc.).

SERVPRO is Here to Help

If recent storms have caused flooding or a pipe has burst, our highly trained technicians are ready 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to respond immediately to flood or water damage at your Prince George's property. 

Learn more about our Water Damage Repair and Restoration >

Facts provided by EPA.gov