WCEC Emergency Operations Plan
Posted by Admin on August 18 2009 08:14:30
WCEC EMERGENCY OPERATIONS PLAN - We Are Ready!
By: Wesley Lange, Electric System Manager
Another hurricane season is upon us and WCEC stands ready. We have always been diligent and prepared for natural disasters but when Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans followed by Hurricane Rita in east Texas in 2005 we decided to re-examine our Emergency Plan.
The underlying question with any emergency plan is simply what worked and what didn’t work when the emergency occurred? We analyzed the effectiveness of the emergency plan from a cooperative hit by Rita and used these results to revise our Plan.
So what does our revised Plan include? Our Plan identifies specific needs of our Members, the general public, our employees, law enforcement, EMS, the news media, and government. It identifies methods to restore power as quickly and as safely as possible. Every WCEC employee has specific responsibilities and duties. Our Plan is routinely reviewed and revised.
An adequate supply of qualified power line construction workers will be required. All electric cooperatives have standing agreements to render aid to each other in times of need. Texas Electric Cooperatives (TEC), the statewide organization in Austin, is responsible for the coordination of these activities. In addition to this resource, we have agreements with several power line contractors and tree trimming contractors.
We have a new concrete-steel reinforced bunker at WCEC. This facility is completely self sufficient and can house up to (12) employees. This facility will be the nerve center for all local operations; all dispatching and information will originate from here. It will be staffed 24-7 until the emergency has passed.
A “staging area” will be needed so we reached an agreement with the Wharton County Youth Fair & Exposition folks to use their property to house and feed up to (150) emergency workers. If their facilities are damaged and cannot be used, we have a plan in place that will provide a “tent-city” that is completely self sufficient. Our logistical plans to care and provide for these workers includes shelter, food, water, restrooms, showers, laundry service, garbage pickup, medical service and supplies, communications, parking, space for materials and supplies, gasoline and diesel supplies, vehicle and aerial device mechanics, backup electric generation, and security.
An adequate inventory of pole line materials ranging from bolts to transformers are maintained at WCEC. Additional emergency supplies can easily be obtained from the Utility Supply & Service a division of TEC in Austin. Other material vendors are also available.
In the financial arena, WCEC has established lines of credit so funds needed for a disaster can quickly be obtained. We also have experience and expertise in dealing with FEMA.
Of utmost importance, WCEC has well trained and dedicated employees who are ready to serve our Member-Owners. Most of our employees have been involved in large outage restorations and some are veterans of Hurricane restoration efforts.
In closing, this article is intended to enlighten you about your Cooperative’s Emergency Plan. Please let me know if you have questions, concerns, or suggestions.
Extended News
WCEC EMERGENCY OPERATIONS PLAN - We Are Ready!
By: Wesley Lange, Electric System Manager
Another hurricane season is upon us and WCEC stands ready. We have always been diligent and prepared for natural disasters but when Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans followed by Hurricane Rita in east Texas in 2005 we decided to re-examine our Emergency Plan.
The underlying question with any emergency plan is simply what worked and what didn’t work when the emergency occurred? We analyzed the effectiveness of the emergency plan from a cooperative hit by Rita and used these results to revise our Plan.
So what does our revised Plan include? Our Plan identifies specific needs of our Members, the general public, our employees, law enforcement, EMS, the news media, and government. It identifies methods to restore power as quickly and as safely as possible. Every WCEC employee has specific responsibilities and duties. Our Plan is routinely reviewed and revised.
An adequate supply of qualified power line construction workers will be required. All electric cooperatives have standing agreements to render aid to each other in times of need. Texas Electric Cooperatives (TEC), the statewide organization in Austin, is responsible for the coordination of these activities. In addition to this resource, we have agreements with several power line contractors and tree trimming contractors.
We have a new concrete-steel reinforced bunker at WCEC. This facility is completely self sufficient and can house up to (12) employees. This facility will be the nerve center for all local operations; all dispatching and information will originate from here. It will be staffed 24-7 until the emergency has passed.
A “staging area” will be needed so we reached an agreement with the Wharton County Youth Fair & Exposition folks to use their property to house and feed up to (150) emergency workers. If their facilities are damaged and cannot be used, we have a plan in place that will provide a “tent-city” that is completely self sufficient. Our logistical plans to care and provide for these workers includes shelter, food, water, restrooms, showers, laundry service, garbage pickup, medical service and supplies, communications, parking, space for materials and supplies, gasoline and diesel supplies, vehicle and aerial device mechanics, backup electric generation, and security.
An adequate inventory of pole line materials ranging from bolts to transformers are maintained at WCEC. Additional emergency supplies can easily be obtained from the Utility Supply & Service a division of TEC in Austin. Other material vendors are also available.
In the financial arena, WCEC has established lines of credit so funds needed for a disaster can quickly be obtained. We also have experience and expertise in dealing with FEMA.
Of utmost importance, WCEC has well trained and dedicated employees who are ready to serve our Member-Owners. Most of our employees have been involved in large outage restorations and some are veterans of Hurricane restoration efforts.
In closing, this article is intended to enlighten you about your Cooperative’s Emergency Plan. Please let me know if you have questions, concerns, or suggestions.