Utility Data Collection and Use for Disaster Response Steve Henderson GIS Coordinator City of Gulf Shores

Typical Hurricane Initial Post Disaster Issues ► Sand and debris removal after a hurricane results in damage to buried utilities. ► Communications and Resource Management Mapping critical facilities can help with communication to send resources such as generators to critical facilities or to help secure them.

Critical Facility Information

Gulf Shores Jurisdiction Utility Providers

Other Utility Providers ► Various Orange Beach, Dauphin Island, and Bayou La Batre Utility Providers

► Located visible utilities in R.O.W.’s and input their location into the GPS unit Student Field Work

Pilot Study Area Results ► E. Beach Blvd. and W. Beach Blvd. to W. 6 th St. ► 509 Utility points located in 1.7 miles of R.O.W.  27 Electric meters or transformers (should have collected power poles)  29 Cable or Fiber optic accesses  19 Gas valves  73 Phone pedestals  77 Sewer manholes or laterals  33 Fire hydrants  241 Water meters or valves The remainder of W. Beach Blvd. was inventoried later in the year.

Pilot Study Area Results

Data Sharing Options – City GIS Viewer

Data Viewing Options – Google Earth

Long Term Plans ► Develop data sharing agreements with City, County, State and Utility representatives. ► Coordinate with Alabama Homeland Security’s Virtual Alabama Program ► Input from other agencies…..