AWWA JAW71380

Interruption of water supply during naturaldisasters or other emergencies canseverely compromise operation of healthcarefacilities, as demonstrated by hospitals' experiencesin the aftermath of HurricaneKatrina. Although accredited and equippedwith emergency plans, many hospitals areill-prepared to meet their water supply needsduring a crisis.A first step in effective planning for emergencywater supplies is an audit of the healthcarefacility to quantify water use and classifyindividual uses as essential for critical functionsversus those needed for normal operation.The hospital will then have a betterunderstanding of its core water requirementsduring an emergency.This work, part of a larger study todevelop implementable operational plansshould the public water distribution networkfail, underscores the key role playedby water utilities in these efforts. Waterprofessionals can best serve their communitiesby reaching out to their local emergencymanagement agencies and hospitalassociations and work with them tocreate successful and cost-effectiveemergency plans. Includes 22 references, table, figures.

Product Details

Edition:

Vol. 102 - No. 1

Published:

01/01/2010

Number of Pages:

11

File Size:

1 file , 1.1 MB