Finally emergency planning is one of the core topics in our educational courses for both municipal and small public water system operators. Some emergencies are preventable. To address these kinds of preventable situations, a vulnerability assessment should be made of the overall water system. Vulnerable facilities should be identified, engineering improvements planned, and funding appropriated to correct or strengthen each deficient area. Reducing the system's vulnerability is a key element in any emergency plan.
Some emergency plans specify a precise set of actions for each specific failure scenario.
The utility should provide critical hardware such as pagers for these staff. Maintain a list of specialized equipment, or staff, available from other utilities or area contractors. Designate a media coordinator for disseminating information to the press and water system users. Maintain an adequate in-house supply of spare parts and backup equipment. Identify and make provisions for safe and adequate water to special needs customers such as hospitals, nursing homes etc.