Item 09 - Emergency Management Presentation — original pdf

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Austin Water Emergency Management & Preparedness Water & Wastewater Commission February 18, 2026 Agenda  All Hazards Emergency Management Richard Beaman Emergency Management Division Manager, Austin Water  Emergency Communications Amy Petri Interim Chief of Staff, Austin Water  Winter Preparedness Activities Stephanie Sue Water Treatment Operations Manager, Austin Water 2 All Hazards Emergency Management Richard Beaman Emergency Management Division Manager, Austin Water Continuous Emergency Management  VEOCI software used for daily reporting, as well as routine and emergency incident tracking.  AW pioneered use of VEOCI and is now used by other City departments.  Facility all-hazards check-lists and Continuity of Operations Plans posted and accessible in VEOCI. 4 Continuous Emergency Management  Multiple emergency tabletop exercises are organized and held in partnership with other City departments and agencies.  Monthly emergency notification, life safety plan, shelter in place and/or emergency evacuation drills are conducted throughout our system.  Department Operations Center emergency activation thresholds are set and monitored continuously. 5 Incident Management Team Incident Management Team  Three rotating shifts during emergency activations; designated staff on call 24/7 during normal operations.  34 positions can be filled by 196 trained staff.  Clearly defined roles for all positions. Incident Command System Training  Online and in-person  Role specific  Hosting and instructing FEMA ICS-300 (Intermediate ICS for Expanding Incidents) classes in February, April, and July 6 Operational Readiness  Water treatment plants maintain a baseline capacity of 235 MGD for operational and system readiness.  Equipment, materials, and people staged ahead of incoming weather.  Generators are in place at critical facilities, with emergency backup generator contracts that can be called in immediately.  Plans, supplies and equipment are in place for community-wide potable water distribution.  Pre-designation of critical and essential personnel; emergency operations procedures and schedules in place. 7 Emergency Supplies Hub Warehouse Equipped for Incidents and Emergencies  Shelter in place supplies for staff: cots, blankets, meals ready to eat, bottled water, and hygiene kits  Emergency water distribution supplies for customers: bottled water, water totes, fire hydrant adaptors Two Potable Water Trucks Bottled Water Contracts Ready  Local vendor with supply on hand  Second vendor for multiple truck load shipments 8 Employee Preparedness  All hazard training and safety briefings  Personal protective equipment provided - coats, gloves, head cover, and other durable clothing  Warming and cooling stations  Weather forecast monitoring (VEOCI)  Supplies for driving on ice (chains for tires and spikes for boots)  Shelter and bottled water supplies at plants for staff 9 Emergency Communications Amy Petri Interim Chief of Staff, Austin Water Communications Preparedness Messaging for potential water impacts prepared in advance and reviewed annually:  Boil water notice  Sanitary sewer overflow  Do not drink advisory  Winter preparedness Emergency materials prepared for:  Website pages  Videos  Frequently asked questions  Media releases  Portal notifications  Social media posts All emergency materials are available in 15 languages 11 Communications During Service Impacts  Real-time outage map (always active): AW Leak & Outage Map  Customer communication before and during unplanned, emerging events using My ATX Water portal  Coordination with CMO for News Flash updates to Mayor and Council  Coordination with 3-1-1 and COA Utilities 12 Communications During Emergencies Deputy Incident Commander oversees communications and messaging activities for:  AW Public Information Office  AW Key Accounts and Wholesale Customers  AW Customer Services Contact Center (24-7 emergency call center) Based on OPCON level, Deputy Incident Commander sets cadence for the following:  Media Releases  My ATX Water Portal Notifications  Social Media Posts  Outbound Calls  Internal AW Employee Communications Deputy Incident Commander provides regular situational updates to CMO Liaison Officer, ACE and AEM. 13 Winter Preparedness Community Outreach Winter Weather Preparedness messaging:  locating your water shutoff  weatherizing your home and pipes  properly dripping home faucets to prevent freezing  staying informed Tips are available in 15 languages and include written and video instructions: AW Cold Weather Tips Distributing tip sheets, hose bib covers and meter keys at AW and Citywide preparedness events 14 Winter Preparedness Activities Stephanie Sue Water Treatment Operations Manager, Austin Water Facility Winterization Preparation Water and Wastewater Treatment Plants  Insulation or heat-tracing of weather-exposed critical components; inspection and repairs completed each Fall.  Cold weather strategy for solids processing and management.  Heaters installed in sludge hopper facilities at water treatment plants.  Alternative routes identified for critical chemical delivery.  Tie-in, commissioning and utilization of new 15 kV substation at Ullrich WTP Low Service Pump Station complete.  Coordination with AE to complete maintenance activities on critical power infrastructure prior to winter season. 16 Facility Winterization Preparation Distribution & Collection System (Pipelines)  Monitoring leak trends and weather patterns to ensure preparation ahead of any expected weather event.  100% pressure monitoring points insulated and/or installed below-ground and waterproofed; pressure monitoring points that cannot be buried are either insulated or have heaters installed.  Confirmation of repair parts on hand and auxiliary water tankers and totes ready for deployment ahead of winter season.  Enhanced internal communication and awareness using VEOCI software for leak repairs that directly impact customers. 17 Facility Winterization Preparation Pump & Lift Stations  90 fixed and portable generators for lift stations to maintain the wastewater collection system.  Fixed generators installed at five remote, high-risk pump stations; generators staged at three critical pump stations, including Davis Lane Pump Station.  15 Docking Stations purchased and installed for expedited generator hook up at additional pump and lift stations.  Controllers installed on fixed generators to allow for remote monitoring and operation.  Generators fueled prior to winter season.  Citywide rental generator contract used as a supplement when needed. 18 Building Austin’s water future, together. Water & Wastewater Commission February 18, 2026