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.
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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On this page: - . Drinking Water Emergency Resources
- . Wastewater Emergency Resources
- . Training/Emergency Response Resources
- . Links to Federal Agency Help
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Drinking Water Resources:- Emergency Disinfection
of Water Supplies [pdf 120KB]
Product # DWFSPE57, hard copy price: $0.15 - Shock Chlorination
of Wells and Springs [pdf 1.04MB]
Product # DWBLOM05, hard copy price: $0.60 - Water for Emergency
Use [pdf 279KB]
Product # DWFSPE204 - Not Available in hard copy. - Water Testing
[pdf 991KB]
Product # DWBLPE58, hard copy price: $0.45 - Water Testing
Scams [pdf 624KB]
Product # DWBLPE97, hard copy price: $0.45 - Bacteriological
Contamination of Drinking Water [pdf 1.55MB]
Product # DWFSPE140, hard copy price: Free - Mycobacteria:
Drinking Water Fact Sheet [pdf 637KB]
Product # DWBLPE183, hard copy price: $0.60 - Response Protocol
Toolbox: Planning and responding to drinking water contamination threats
and incidents [pdf 2.59MB]
Product # DWBLMG69, hard copy price: $12.30 - Emergency
Response Tabletop Exercises for Drinking Water and Wastewater Systems
Product # WWCDTR09, hard copy price: Free
[this link opens a new browser into the EPA website]
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.
- Interpreting Drinking Water Quality Analysis: What do the numbers
mean?
Product # DWBLPE112, hard copy price: Free
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Wastewater Resources:- First Aid for
Flooded Septic Systems [pdf 196KB]
Product # SFPLNL46, hard copy price: $0.40 - How to Keep Your
Water "Well" [pdf 596KB]
Product # SFPLNL30, hard copy price: $0.40 - Wastewater Treatment
Protects Small Community Life, Health [pdf 211KB]
Product # SFPLNL06, hard copy price: $0.40 - Basic Wastewater
Characteristics [pdf 281KB]
Product # SFPLNL11, hard copy price: $0.40 - Community-based Environmental Protection-A Resource Book for
Protecting Ecosystems and Communities (Book on CD-Rom) - Product
# GNBKGN12, hard copy price: $10.00
Download # GNBKGN12: < Cover | < Chapter 1 | < Chapter 2 | < Chapter 3 | < Chapter 4 | < Chapter 5
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Training/Emergency Response Resources:- Emergency Response
Planning Resources for Small Water and Wastewater Utilities [pdf 2.52MB]
Product # TRBLGN25, hard copy price: $2.60 - Emergency Response
Plan Guidance for Small and Medium Community Systems [pdf 7.46MB]
Product # TRBLGN26, hard copy price: $8.00
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.
- Due Diligence-Small Water System Security
Product # TRPMCD62, hard copy price: $32.00 - Preparing for the Unexpected: Security for Small Water Systems
Product # TRPMCD56, hard copy price: $39.80 - Protecting Your Community's Assets: A Guide for Small Wastewater
Systems
Product # TRBKMG03, hard copy price: $15.00
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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.