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Incident Response | EMBCP

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5.2.11 Utility Outage – Electrical

Outage of Short Duration (less than 15 minutes)

Expected Impact

  • Most lighting and HVAC shut down.
  • Little immediate danger.
  • Little panic.
  • Fire detection, notification, and suppression systems may be affected.

Expected Consequences

  • College operations in the affected areas are shutdown.

Suggested Action Steps

  • EMBCP not activated
  • IRT not contacted
  • EMT not notified
  • Utility authorities contacted
  • This situation does not meet the definition of a disaster
  • Facilities needs to monitor
  • Most Critical Plans / Resources:
    • Facilities

Outage of Moderate Duration (greater than 15 minutes, but less than 4 hours)

Expected Impact

  • Most lighting and HVAC shut down.
  • Little immediate danger.
  • Little panic.
  • Fire detection, notification, and suppression systems may be affected.

Expected Consequences

  • College operations in the affected areas are shutdown.
  • Research assets could be in jeopardy.

Suggested Action Steps

  • EMBCP may be activated
  • IRT may be contacted
  • EMT notified at a later date
  • Utility authorities contacted
  • Affected areas are evacuated
  • Some rescheduling of classes likely
  • Most Critical Plans / Resources:
    • Facilities
    • Security
    • Public Relations

Outage of Extended Duration (greater than 4 hours)

Expected Impact

  • Most lighting and HVAC shut down.
  • Little immediate danger.
  • Little panic.
  • Fire detection, notification, and suppression systems may be affected.

Expected Consequences

  • College operations in the affected areas are shutdown.
  • Research assets could be in jeopardy.
  • Building air quality issues may prevent immediate re-occupancy.

Suggested Action Steps

  • EMBCP activated
  • IRT contacted
  • EMT notified
  • Activate the EOC
  • Utility authorities contacted
  • Affected areas are evacuated
  • Rescheduling of classes will be necessary
  • If the outage is widespread:
    • Classes canceled
    • Entrances closed
  • Most Critical Plans / Resources:
    • Facilities
    • Security
    • Public Relations
    • Student Services

Notes:

  • Probably the most critical factor – and the most difficult to determine – is the expected duration of the outage.
  • Generators will supply power to several critical operations.
  • UPS units will supply temporary power and electrical-spike suppression to central data centers.

Utility Outage – Water & Sewer

Water Contamination

Expected Impact

  • Immediate danger.
  • Probable panic.
  • Clear life-threatening hazard.

Expected Consequences

  • College activities suspended until the situation stabilizes.
  • Threat could go undetected initially.
  • Law suits.
  • Severe PR exposure.

Suggested Action Steps

  • EMBCP activated
  • IRT contacted
  • EMT notified
  • Activate the EOC
  • Water system shut down
  • Water authorities contacted
  • Determine if this is a terror-related event. If necessary, follow “Terror Activity” guidelines.
  • Arrange for medical evaluations
  • Immediately communicate this information utilizing:
    • Telephone
    • Speaker systems
    • Loud speakers
    • Printed warnings at water consumption areas
    • Close the College
  • Most Critical Plans / Resources:
    • Public Relations
    • Facilities
    • Security
    • EH&S
    • Student Services
    • Student Health Services

Water Unavailable

Expected Impact

  • Little immediate danger.
  • Little panic.

Expected Consequences

  • Certain College operations are affected.
  • Most College operations can continue for a few hours.

Suggested Action Steps

  • EMBCP activated
  • IRT contacted
  • EMT notified
  • The EOC may be activated
  • Water authorities contacted
  • Consider impact on resident students
  • If the outage extends beyond a few hours, consider:
    • Portable toilets
    • Bottled water
    • Temporarily closing the College
  • Most Critical Plans / Resources:
    • Facilities
    • Public Relations

Sewer

Expected Impact

  • Health hazard.
  • Little panic.

Expected Consequences

  • Certain College operations are affected.
  • Most College operations can continue for a few hours.

Suggested Action Steps

  • EMBCP activated
  • IRT contacted
  • EMT notified
  • The EOC may be activated
  • Shut down system
  • Sewer authorities contacted
  • Cordon off the affected area
  • Arrange for medical evaluations
  • Most Critical Plans / Resources:
    • Public Relations
    • Facilities
    • Security
    • EH&S
    • Student Health Services

Next Steps

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