Water-related Emergencies & Outbreaks

Disaster Preparedness Training

A single Disaster Preparedness Links page featuring the links found on all three pages within the Disaster Preparedness Toolkit (links for Before An Event, After An Event, and Disaster Preparedness Training) is also available.

Disaster Preparedness Training for Responders and Healthcare Professionals

Environmental Health Emergency Response Guide (The Twin Cities Metro Advanced Practice Center) [PDF - 671 kb]. A guide for responding to environmental health issues associated with disasters. Water, sanitation, and hygiene information can be found in Chapters 1, 2, 4, 5, 13.
Water Security (EPA). The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Emergency/Incident Planning enables responders from a variety of jurisdictions to work together effectively when responding to an emergency.
- Vulnerability Assessments. Tools and training to aid water utilities in assessing their vulnerabilities to adversarial actions.
- Emergency/Incident Planning. Tools and training to help water utilities develop a plan to respond to emergencies.
- Security Enhancements, Research and Technology. Latest scientific advances to protect drinking water and wastewater systems.
- Emergency Response Plan Guidance for Small and Medium Community Water Systems [PDF - 416 kb]
- Tools and Technical Assistance
  - Water Contaminant Information Tool. A secure, online database developed by the U.S. EPA that provides information on contaminants of concern for water security. As a planning tool, WCIT can be used to help create and update emergency response plans and site-specific response guidelines. As a response tool, WCIT can be used to provide real-time data on water contaminants to help utilities make decisions if contamination occurs.
  - Emergency Response Tabletop CD-ROM Exercises for Drinking Water and Wastewater Systems. Exercises to train water and wastewater utility workers and health officials in preparing and carrying out emergency response plans.
National Response Framework (FEMA) [PDF - 1.06 mb]. An extensive consultation guidebook for practitioners and policymakers at all levels. The guidebook includes operational planning for specific types of incidents.
Response Protocol Toolbox (EPA) [PDF - 1.43 mb]. An updated manual to help the water sector effectively and appropriately plan for and respond to contamination threats and incidents
Public Health and Environment (World Health Organization - WHO)
- Environmental Health in Emergencies and Disasters: A Practical Guide
  - Chapter 7 - Water Supply [PDF - 988 kb]
  - Chapter 8 – Sanitation [PDF - 640 kb]
- 2005 Hurricane Response for Public Water Systems (NEHA)
- Establishing Partnerships with Water Utilities: Responding to Emergencies (NEHA)

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Non-federal Sites

Linking Public Health and Water Utilities to Improve Emergency Response (Journal of Contemporary Water Research and Technology) [PDF - 105 kb]. Journal article about how water utilities and the public health system must work together in response to contamination of drinking water supplies
Environmental Health Training in Emergency Response (National Environmental Health Association - NEHA). Introductory level training developed and sponsored by CDC addresses a range of environmental health topics commonly faced in response to emergency events. The training helps prepare practitioners with the skills and knowledge to effectively respond to environmental health issues. The training includes a combination of lecture, hands-on, and demonstration components. You will learn about emergency response aspects such as assessing shelter operations, food, water, wastewater, building environments, and vector control. The training is intended for environmental health, safety, or industrial hygiene professionals from federal, state, and local programs with the responsibility to perform one or a combination of the following functions in an emergency response: food services / sanitation / vector control / drinking water / wastewater / institutional sanitation / safety inspections. The course is free but you must first register on the NEHA website by following the "Register Here" link at NEHA E-Learning: CDC Sponsored Programs.
Recognizing Waterborne Disease and the Health Effects of Water Pollution (Water Health Connection). Resources and educational tools to assist physicians in the recognition of waterborne disease and the health effects of water pollution (for example, evaluation and management of disease resulting from waterborne pathogens, chemical contaminants, etc and health risk communication.
- Physician Preparedness for Acts of Water Terrorism. A guide for physicians to recognize and treat waterborne disease and health effects of exposure to water contamination.

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