Earthquake Scenario Office of Water (4608T) EPA 817-R September

An earthquake brings the (insert detail here) to a shaking stop Local seismologists measured the earthquake at (insert detail here) on the Richter scale for a duration of 30 seconds Within an hour after the initial earthquake, two sizeable aftershocks measuring (insert detail here) and (insert detail here) occurred Over next hours, more aftershocks are expected to continue but with lessening severity U.S. Geological Survey located the epicenter along the _______ Fault Zone, near (or in) the City of __________ Office of Water (4608T) EPA 817-R September

Emergency sirens can be heard all over the area Media broadcasts “breaking news” across radio, TV, and the Internet Initial reports indicate the earthquake has done serious damage and fear is that there will be numerous human casualties Many power and phone lines are down and 60 percent of the area is without electricity and phone service, including cell coverage Office of Water (4608T) EPA 817-R September

There is severe structural damage along portions of the interstates and highways Interstates and highways overpasses collapsed disrupting the major transportation routes in and out of the area Emergency vehicles coming from outside the impact zone will have to use secondary roads Numerous gas leaks caused explosions and fires in various locations Office of Water (4608T) EPA 817-R September

Residents are exhausted, stressed, and worried about where they will find the information they need to ensure their safety People gather at churches, schools, and parking lots seeking food and shelter for the evening and waiting for instruction on where to go and how to seek help Police struggle to limit looting Concern about drinking water from the tap and complaints about discoloration and floating particles Office of Water (4608T) EPA 817-R September

At least twenty drinking water and wastewater utilities have been impacted Many utilities have broken mains causing localized flooding, especially in basements and low-level structures Reduced pressure in the system limits fire-fighting capabilities Most utilities had full storage tanks with finished water, but losing water quickly due to main breaks Drinking water and wastewater utilities experience significant challenges Office of Water (4608T) EPA 817-R September

Many cities will be without drinking water service and water pressure will be low in serviceable areas Communications and transportation damage cause problems for responding utility personnel A number of utilities access the WARN website or other WARN members and request any spare resources Raw sewage is flowing in many streets and may cause cross contamination due to broken water mains Drinking water and wastewater utilities experience significant challenges Office of Water (4608T) EPA 817-R September

Facilitated Discussion Office of Water (4608T) EPA 817-R September

Facilitated Discussion At what point in this scenario would your resources be fully or overcommitted? Office of Water (4608T) EPA 817-R September

Facilitated Discussion What options are available to you to get outside help? Office of Water (4608T) EPA 817-R September

Facilitated Discussion How will you activate your WARN in response to this situation and how will you notify other WARN members that you need help? Office of Water (4608T) EPA 817-R September

Facilitated Discussion Identify and define processes that might need to be included in your WARN agreement. Office of Water (4608T) EPA 817-R September

Facilitated Discussion At what point in this scenario would your resources be fully or overcommitted? Office of Water (4608T) EPA 817-R September

Facilitated Discussion Identify and define processes that might need to be included in your WARN agreement. Office of Water (4608T) EPA 817-R September

Facilitated Discussion How will outside assistance be managed within your organization? Office of Water (4608T) EPA 817-R September

Facilitated Discussion How will outside resources be managed in the field? Identify and define processes that might need to be included in your own WARN agreement. Office of Water (4608T) EPA 817-R September

Facilitated Discussion How will support to these resources be managed. How will these elements be included in your WARN agreement? Office of Water (4608T) EPA 817-R September

Facilitated Discussion How will expenses be handled and should this be addressed in your WARN agreement? Office of Water (4608T) EPA 817-R September

Facilitated Discussion When will you know that demands from the disaster have lessened and you no longer need support? Office of Water (4608T) EPA 817-R September

Facilitated Discussion How are you going to manage demands for long-term recovery. How will these needs be addressed in your WARN agreement? Office of Water (4608T) EPA 817-R September

Post Exercise Session (“Hot Wash”) Discussion Points Office of Water (4608T) EPA 817-R September

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 September

Conclusion Please turn in your participant evaluation form Compile all written and verbal comments Create an After Action Report with a Corrective Action Plan Next WARN meeting Thanks for participating Office of Water (4608T) EPA 817-R September