Hurricane ScenarioHurricane Scenario

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Hurricane (insert name) Scenario

NOAA and the NWS have been monitoring a storm system during the last two weeks in August

NOAA and NWS predict that the storm will develop into a Category 3 hurricane and will make landfall at (insert detail here) over Labor Day weekend

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Hurricane gathers strength and approaches the region as a Category 3 stormExpect

Winds of 111-130 mph with a 9-12 ft. storm surge

Coastal area flooding (up to 8-mile radius from coast)

Moderate-to-severe structural damage to poorly constructed homes

Flying debris and falling trees will knock out power lines

NOAA and NWS expect hurricane to make landfall on the evening of Labor Day

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WARN member utilities may be in the path of the stormMember utilities will be affected by the flooding

of coastal areas and power loss Utilities are short-staffed due to the holiday

weekend work schedule Water utilities begin calling in staff who have

scheduled vacation for the holiday weekendHowever, many staff have left the area and will

not be able to return before the storm makes landfall in the evening

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Governor requests voluntary evacuationAsks citizens within 15 miles of the coast and

tourists visiting the region for the holiday weekend to evacuate

Hotels and local businesses begin boarding up their windows and placing sandbags around their properties

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As predicted, the hurricane hits the area in early evening

Hurricane dumps heavy rains (4-8 inches)

High tides and tidal surge cause local flooding 4-5 miles inland

Winds of 50-65 mph cause trees to topple and limbs to break windows and damage buildings

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Hurricane leaves the area quickly, but leaves a trail of damage

High rate of forward speed pushes storm through the area in 3 hours and begins to lose strength as it hits surrounding states and travels offshore around midnight

Hurricane affects the areas surrounding (insert detail here), so responders have to focus their resources on their areas

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There is significant damage from storm surge and wind, including flooding, downed power lines, and debrisDebris blocks roads and inhibits emergency work

and delivery of supplies

Emergency responders focus on rescuing many survivors from flooded areas and collapsed housing

Hospitals are flooded with water and overwhelmed by injured survivors

Power companies expect electricity to be out for at least 72 hours

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Drinking water utilities experience significant challenges

Shortage of personnel due to displaced staff

Damaged infrastructureCross contamination of water

supply (compromising 60 percent of the drinking water)

Electrical outagesUtilities contact State to help

find qualified professionals to aid in assessment of water damage and begin cleanup and restoration of water supply

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Wastewater utilities also face several challengesBackup generators work for 10

hours, but then fail

Generator parts need replacement, but due to blocked roads, it may take several days for parts to arrive

Equalization tanks start to fill and plant may divert and discharge sewage in area rivers

Pipe rupture underneath a major roadway

Office of Water (4608T) EPA 817-R-08-005 September 2008 www.epa.gov/watersecurity

Area medical center, which is at capacity for patients, is losing water pressure at a rapid rate

Storm surge washed contaminants into many water sources

Chlorine is running low and next shipment was supposed to arrive day after Labor Day

Due to storm, suppliers unable to deliver chemicals

Wastewater utilities also face several challenges

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Facilitated DiscussionFacilitated Discussion

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Facilitated DiscussionAt what point in this scenario would your

resources be fully or overcommitted? (pre-landfall)

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Facilitated DiscussionWhat options are available to you to get

outside help? (pre-landfall)

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Facilitated DiscussionHow will you activate your WARN in response

to this situation and how will you notify other WARN members that you need help? (pre-landfall)

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Facilitated DiscussionIdentify and define processes that might need

to be included in your WARN agreement. (pre-landfall)

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Facilitated DiscussionAt what point in this scenario would your

resources be fully or overcommitted?

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Facilitated DiscussionIdentify and define processes that might need

to be included in your WARN agreement.

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Facilitated DiscussionHow will outside assistance be managed

within your organization?

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Facilitated DiscussionHow will outside resources be managed in

the field? Identify and define processes that might need to be included in your own WARN agreement.

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Facilitated DiscussionHow will support to these resources be

managed. How will these elements be included in your WARN agreement?

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Facilitated DiscussionHow will expenses be handled and should

this be addressed in your WARN agreement?

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Facilitated DiscussionWhen will you know that demands from the

disaster have lessened and you no longer need support?

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Facilitated DiscussionHow are you going to manage demands for

long-term recovery. How will these needs be addressed in your WARN agreement?

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Post Exercise SessionPost Exercise Session

(“Hot Wash”)(“Hot Wash”)

Discussion PointsDiscussion Points

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Verify Exercise Objectives Were Met:Validate how WARN members work

together during a significant water sector incident

Facilitate an understanding of WARN concepts

Identify strengths and areas of improvement

Identify recommendations for changing approach

Office of Water (4608T) EPA 817-R-08-005 September 2008 www.epa.gov/watersecurity

ConclusionPlease turn in your participant evaluation

formCompile all written and verbal commentsCreate an After Action Report with a

Corrective Action PlanNext WARN meeting

Thanks for participating

Office of Water (4608T) EPA 817-R-08-005 September 2008 www.epa.gov/watersecurity