EMERGENCY PLANNING AND DISASTER PREPAREDNESS
The call to 'batten down' when disasters strike, takes on special significance at WASA. It fact, we are required to be in a constant state of readiness. Chlorine cylinders are always strapped or chained to walls to prevent them from falling and releasing toxic chlorine gas in the event of an earthquake or other disturbance.
Warning systems for chlorine automatically set off an alarm once concentrations of the gas rise above a certain level. This allows workers and nearby residents to evacuate quickly if necessary. Workers (and nearby neighbours who are at risk) must be trained in evacuation procedures. In such an event, operators would immediately spring into action to contain leaking cylinders.
The quality of our pipe-borne water supply can be compromised when disasters strike. At those times, warnings are issued to boil water supplies before drinking. In fact, throughout the year, other precautions are recommended through WASA's public education programme.
In the event of power disruptions that occur when disasters strike, generators supply our major sewer works with power so that automatic pumps continue working to ensure that sewage does not flood streets. Some water treatment plants are also provided with generators. In the event that a plant is unable to supply water that is safe under the prevailing conditions, it is shut down. Operations are only resumed when the plant can again produce safe water once.