Once protection is in place for the physical structure and equipment, managers must make sure reliable sources of power and water will be available during recovery. This process includes ensuring the presence of emergency generators that can power key areas and operations of the facility during recovery until reliable public utility power returns.
Managers should make plans in anticipation of the emergency that will enable them to quickly obtain and connect rental generators, fuel supplies and logistics. Accurate drawings and records of mechanical and electrical systems should be easily accessible and updated to allow quick decisions on equipment and areas that require support from temporary and rental equipment, as well as staffing levels.
Planning for security and traffic or pedestrian flow around the campus should include accounting for additional emergency-response vehicles, helicopters and increased supply deliveries, including rental generators and water trucks.
If facing a storm or weather emergency, an option for most engineering departments is to obtain additional quantities of fuel, water and other supplies and then temporarily maintain them onsite. Each organization also should have an agreement in place with its normal suppliers for priority service during those times, as well as contacts for suppliers from areas outside the immediate region. Managers should consider using satellite phones for communication to those outside the immediate region.
Maintenance's Role in Emergency Management
Emergency Preparedness: Develop an Operations Matrix
Emergency Preparedness: Securing Water and Power Supplies
