DENVER, Sept. 21, 2005 -- With the nation focused on the aftermath of Katrina and preparation for Hurricane Rita, utilities across the country are revisiting their emergency preparedness plans. The American Water Works Association (AWWA) announces a free webcast to help utilities review their plans and ensure they are fully prepared for a catastrophic disaster.
The webcast, "Disaster Recovery and the Aftermath of Katrina" will be held Oct. 12 at 1:00 p.m. EST, 10:00 a.m. PST.
In this upcoming AWWA Webcast, Ray Riordan, acting Executive Director of the California Utilities Emergency Association, will present how the National Response Plan works and highlight evolving changes being implemented as a result of Katrina. Additionally, attendees will hear from two utilities whose 20/20 hindsight vision has reshaped the emergency response plan for their utilities.
• L.D. McMullen from De Moines Water Works will present lessons learned from flooding that shut down the treatment plant and distribution system.
• Christine Owen from Tampa Bay Water will share her experience in revamping the emergency preparedness plan in the midst of an ongoing disaster to create a useable plan for extreme conditions.
The webcast will conclude with an opportunity for questions and answers and an update on the Katrina disaster recovery.
The deadline to register for this AWWA webcast is 12 pm MT on Tuesday, October 11. Participants can register online at www.awwa.org/education/webcasts/. For question, e-mail [email protected] or call 1.800.926.7337 and select Option 3.
Established in 1881, AWWA (www.awwa.org) is the oldest and largest nonprofit scientific and educational organization dedicated to safe water in North America. AWWA has over 57,000 members worldwide and its 4,700 utility members serve 80% of America's population. It's one of the most authoritative resources for knowledge, information, and advocacy to improve the quality and supply of water in North America and beyond. The largest organization of water professionals in the world, AWWA advances public health, safety and welfare by uniting the efforts of the full spectrum of the entire water community.
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