Utility companies work to address disaster's aftermath | 09.11.2007 | 06:07:10 | Views: 5556 | ID: September 11 '07: An article in Underground Construction recently looked at how utility companies work to respond to the logistical hurdles faced immediately after a disaster strikes. Many times, the companies are charged with restoring essential services so that other recovery efforts can progress. "The multiple problems faced by residents of the Gulf Coast and New Orleans after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, and the flooding that followed, emphasized the importance of disaster planning, but amid the chaos, the amazing quick restoration of vital utilities stands out as one of the few bright spots in the recovery efforts." Officials from companies like Southern Diversified Technologies (SDT) said they have learned from the past storms ways to keep response operations nimble and able to evolve. James Ezell, the president of SDT told Underground Construction, "During the 2005 season, there was a period when we were covering three storms simultaneously, and that gave us new experience and insight in meeting network infrastructure disaster recovery needs." "We understand how things like multiple access routes to facilities, standardized water couplings, and access to remote building turn into big problems if a proactive plan is not utilized," Ezell said. Other companies say they have agreements with service contractors on a 24/7 basis that allows them to call upon resources if they should need them. Additionally, other considerations include having a non-local response operation system in place to ease the burden on those who should need to take care of families; and credentials for those in the field to help coordinate with federal, state and local officials.
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