Elements of Preparedness

The severity of an event isn’t the only factor that determines how long restoration will be – how robust a utility’s preparedness program is also can translate to how smooth the process goes. The All-Hazards Guidebook details how utilities can build a culture of preparedness through planning, organizing, training and exercising, and evaluating their programs.

PLAN Define expectations Identify potential risks, clear activation triggers, and notification protocols Identify organizational capabilities and needs Define roles & responsibilities – including response leadership Develop communications plans for public and other stakeholder notification

ORGANIZE Identify the skill sets, equipment, technology, and other resources needed to execute plans Secure equipment and technology necessary for response Maintain contacts for – and relationships with – other entities involved in response Line up contracts for potential vendors/service providers (e.g., debris, accounting, logistics) Enter mutual aid agreements Ensure availability of extra supplies

TRAIN AND EXERCISE Build and test response capabilities Provide awareness and education on potential threats and hazards to the utility Train all individuals involved in response on their roles and functions Test capabilities, equipment, and processes to find gaps in plans, skills, or resources

EVALUATE Continually improve Develop and review after-action reports, including after exercises, to identify areas for improvement or potential gaps Make improvements to address gaps, risks, and changing stakeholder expectations. Benchmark your utility’s response