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Preparing for an Emergency

Flood and Disaster Related Information

It is imperative that individuals with contaminated private wells and springs contact their local health departments for more information and assistance.

To aid those affected by disaster, the National Environmental Services Center (NESC), offers numerous free and low-cost products to help individuals and communities learn more about emergency preparedness, emergency response, and potential health effects of water contamination. These documents can be viewed and downloaded for free, or order a hard-copy by using the product number and calling the NESC toll-free at (800) 624-8301, e-mail info@mail.nesc.wvu.edu or fax to (304) 293-3161.

Hurricane Ike, floods, FEMA Photo
Sabine Pass, TX, September 14, 2008 --
A member of Indiana Task Force 1 walks through the streets looking for residents who need help following Hurricane Ike. Photo by Jocelyn Augustino/FEMA

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Drinking Water Resources:

The product below is only available in hard copy.

To order hardcopy publications or for help with your water and wastewater needs, call the NESC toll-free at (800) 624-8301, e-mail info@mail.nesc.wvu.edu or fax to (304) 293-3161.

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Wastewater Resources:

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Training/Emergency Response Resources:

The items below are only available in hard copy.

To order hardcopy publications or for help with your water and wastewater needs, call the NESC toll-free at (800) 624-8301, e-mail info@mail.nesc.wvu.edu or fax to (304) 293-3161.

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Links to Federal Agency Help

The NESC also recommends the following information available from federal agencies:

From the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA):

1) What to Do after the Flood
http://www.epa.gov/safewater/privatewells/whatdo.html

This is an EPA guide to well and pump inspection and emergency disinfection of wells that have been flooded (with illustrated instructions), including PDF documents in English, Spanish, and Vietnamese.  Drilled, driven, or bored wells are best disinfected by a well or pump contractor because it is difficult for the private owner to thoroughly disinfect these wells.

2) Septic Systems - What to Do after the Flood
http://www.epa.gov/safewater/faq/emergency_septic.html

Detailed information on septic systems that have been flooded, including PDF documents in English, Spanish, and Vietnamese.

3) Suggested Post-hurricane Activities for Water and Wastewater Facilities
http://www.epa.gov/safewater/hurricane/post-hurricane.htm

EPA's Water Security Division developed this checklist to assist drinking water and wastewater facilities recover from hurricanes. Recognizing that water utilities will want to restore operations (e.g., regaining adequate pressure and disinfection) as quickly as possible, water facilities can refer to the listed steps in recovering from severe weather conditions.

4) Preparing Water Utilities to Respond to Disasters
http://cfpub.epa.gov/safewater/watersecurity/home.cfm?program_id=8

EPA has been working with stakeholders to ensure that drinking water and wastewater utilities are prepared to respond to disasters both natural and man-made.  To encourage utilities to provide mutual aid and assistance to one another, The Agency is providing training on Incident Command System (ICS) basics and the National Incident Management System (NIMS).

5) Water/Wastewater Agency Response Network Practice Guide
http://cfpub.epa.gov/safewater/watersecurity/home.cfm?program_id=8#maa

EPA has also developed a tabletop exercise facilitator guide to help Water/Wastewater Agency Response Networks (WARNs) practice and exercise their operational plans and procedures.  The guide includes instructions for planning, organizing, and conducting an exercise and includes sample materials, such as scenarios (flood, hurricane, and earthquake), discussion questions, and presentation slides.

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From the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):

1) Drinking Water Safety After a Flood - A Prevention Guide to Promote Personal Health and Safety
http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/floods/index.asp

During the flood and its aftermath, some basic practices will help protect your personal health and safety. The guide includes general disease and injury prevention guidelines to follow during and immediately after a flood and may vary slightly from state to state. If in doubt, contact your local or state health departments, which will issue health advisories or recommendations particular to local conditions.

2) Disinfecting Wells Following an Emergency
http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/wellsdisinfect.asp

A CDC disinfection guide for drilled, bored, or dug wells that have been flooded, including PDF documents in English, Spanish, and Vietnamese.