Tools for Resiliency
September is National Preparedness Month, which means states and utilities are reminded to be proactive and prepare for disasters or emergencies that pose a risk to health or the environment.
EPA has released and updated several tools that assess states’ ability to prepare and respond to an emergency.
- The Table Top Exercise Tool has been updated for 2018 and includes hazard mitigation activities aimed at improving emergency response.
- States, utilities, and laboratories can also use the Analytical Preparedness Full-Scale Exercise Toolkit, which was designed to enhance coordination with laboratories during a contamination event.
- To better respond to drinking water contamination emergencies, users can access the Guidance for Building Field Capabilities to Respond to Drinking Water Contamination. This guide assists states and utilities in the implementation of field activities related to sampling.
- Finally, to better inform and prepare customers during and before an emergency, use the Water Utility Public Awareness Kit.
States are encouraged to promote these recently updated tools, so utilities may improve existing response plans, better prepare for contamination emergencies, and build resiliency.
