earthquake scenario office of water (4608t) epa 817-r-08-005 september 2008

Earthquake ScenarioEarthquake Scenario

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

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 24-48 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 __________


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


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


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


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


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


Facilitated DiscussionFacilitated Discussion


Facilitated DiscussionAt what point in this scenario would your

resources be fully or overcommitted?


Facilitated DiscussionWhat options are available to you to get

outside help?


Facilitated DiscussionHow will you activate your WARN in response

to this situation and how will you notify other WARN members that you need help?


Facilitated DiscussionIdentify and define processes that might need

to be included in your WARN agreement.


Facilitated DiscussionAt what point in this scenario would your

resources be fully or overcommitted?


Facilitated DiscussionIdentify and define processes that might need

to be included in your WARN agreement.


Facilitated DiscussionHow will outside assistance be managed

within your organization?


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.


Facilitated DiscussionHow will support to these resources be

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


Facilitated DiscussionHow will expenses be handled and should

this be addressed in your WARN agreement?


Facilitated DiscussionWhen will you know that demands from the

disaster have lessened and you no longer need support?


Facilitated DiscussionHow are you going to manage demands for

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


Post Exercise SessionPost Exercise Session

(“Hot Wash”)(“Hot Wash”)

Discussion PointsDiscussion Points


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


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


earthquake scenario office of water (4608t) epa 817-r-08-005 september 2008

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