Hurricane Scenario Office of Water (4608T) EPA 817-R September

Hurricane (insert name) Scenario NOAA and the NWS have been monitoring a storm system during the last two weeks in August NOAA and NWS predict that the storm will develop into a Category 3 hurricane and will make landfall at (insert detail here) over Labor Day weekend Office of Water (4608T) EPA 817-R September

Hurricane gathers strength and approaches the region as a Category 3 storm Expect Winds of mph with a 9-12 ft. storm surge Coastal area flooding (up to 8-mile radius from coast) Moderate-to-severe structural damage to poorly constructed homes Flying debris and falling trees will knock out power lines NOAA and NWS expect hurricane to make landfall on the evening of Labor Day Office of Water (4608T) EPA 817-R September

WARN member utilities may be in the path of the storm Member utilities will be affected by the flooding of coastal areas and power loss Utilities are short-staffed due to the holiday weekend work schedule Water utilities begin calling in staff who have scheduled vacation for the holiday weekend However, many staff have left the area and will not be able to return before the storm makes landfall in the evening Office of Water (4608T) EPA 817-R September

Governor requests voluntary evacuation Asks citizens within 15 miles of the coast and tourists visiting the region for the holiday weekend to evacuate Hotels and local businesses begin boarding up their windows and placing sandbags around their properties Office of Water (4608T) EPA 817-R September

As predicted, the hurricane hits the area in early evening Hurricane dumps heavy rains (4-8 inches) High tides and tidal surge cause local flooding 4-5 miles inland Winds of mph cause trees to topple and limbs to break windows and damage buildings Office of Water (4608T) EPA 817-R September

Hurricane leaves the area quickly, but leaves a trail of damage High rate of forward speed pushes storm through the area in 3 hours and begins to lose strength as it hits surrounding states and travels offshore around midnight Hurricane affects the areas surrounding (insert detail here), so responders have to focus their resources on their areas Office of Water (4608T) EPA 817-R September

There is significant damage from storm surge and wind, including flooding, downed power lines, and debris Debris blocks roads and inhibits emergency work and delivery of supplies Emergency responders focus on rescuing many survivors from flooded areas and collapsed housing Hospitals are flooded with water and overwhelmed by injured survivors Power companies expect electricity to be out for at least 72 hours Office of Water (4608T) EPA 817-R September

Drinking water utilities experience significant challenges Shortage of personnel due to displaced staff Damaged infrastructure Cross contamination of water supply (compromising 60 percent of the drinking water) Electrical outages Utilities contact State to help find qualified professionals to aid in assessment of water damage and begin cleanup and restoration of water supply Office of Water (4608T) EPA 817-R September

Wastewater utilities also face several challenges Backup generators work for 10 hours, but then fail Generator parts need replacement, but due to blocked roads, it may take several days for parts to arrive Equalization tanks start to fill and plant may divert and discharge sewage in area rivers Pipe rupture underneath a major roadway Office of Water (4608T) EPA 817-R September

Area medical center, which is at capacity for patients, is losing water pressure at a rapid rate Storm surge washed contaminants into many water sources Chlorine is running low and next shipment was supposed to arrive day after Labor Day Due to storm, suppliers unable to deliver chemicals Wastewater utilities also face several challenges Office of Water (4608T) EPA 817-R September

Facilitated Discussion Office of Water (4608T) EPA 817-R September

Facilitated Discussion At what point in this scenario would your resources be fully or overcommitted? (pre-landfall) Office of Water (4608T) EPA 817-R September

Facilitated Discussion What options are available to you to get outside help? (pre-landfall) Office of Water (4608T) EPA 817-R September

Facilitated Discussion How will you activate your WARN in response to this situation and how will you notify other WARN members that you need help? (pre-landfall) Office of Water (4608T) EPA 817-R September

Facilitated Discussion Identify and define processes that might need to be included in your WARN agreement. (pre-landfall) Office of Water (4608T) EPA 817-R September

Facilitated Discussion At what point in this scenario would your resources be fully or overcommitted? Office of Water (4608T) EPA 817-R September

Facilitated Discussion Identify and define processes that might need to be included in your WARN agreement. Office of Water (4608T) EPA 817-R September

Facilitated Discussion How will outside assistance be managed within your organization? Office of Water (4608T) EPA 817-R September

Facilitated Discussion How will outside resources be managed in the field? Identify and define processes that might need to be included in your own WARN agreement. Office of Water (4608T) EPA 817-R September

Facilitated Discussion How will support to these resources be managed. How will these elements be included in your WARN agreement? Office of Water (4608T) EPA 817-R September

Facilitated Discussion How will expenses be handled and should this be addressed in your WARN agreement? Office of Water (4608T) EPA 817-R September

Facilitated Discussion When will you know that demands from the disaster have lessened and you no longer need support? Office of Water (4608T) EPA 817-R September

Facilitated Discussion How are you going to manage demands for long-term recovery. How will these needs be addressed in your WARN agreement? Office of Water (4608T) EPA 817-R September

Post Exercise Session (“Hot Wash”) Discussion Points Office of Water (4608T) EPA 817-R September

Verify Exercise Objectives Were Met: Validate how WARN members work together during a significant water sector incident Facilitate an understanding of WARN concepts Identify strengths and areas of improvement Identify recommendations for changing approach Office of Water (4608T) EPA 817-R September

Conclusion Please turn in your participant evaluation form Compile all written and verbal comments Create an After Action Report with a Corrective Action Plan Next WARN meeting Thanks for participating Office of Water (4608T) EPA 817-R September