Storms swirled off Hurricane Joaquin in early October,
dumping historic levels of rainfall on South Carolina, flash-flooding populated
areas, and overwhelming dams. On Oct. 3, Charleston recorded rainfall that
ranged from 10 to 13 inches – record levels, according to the National Weather
Service. The state is facing a possible $1 billion in cleanup and will be
receiving federal disaster aid.
The storm’s death toll reached 17 in South Carolina, where 250
roads and 100 bridges are still closed. Coastal areas of North Carolina were
also affected by the devastating storm.
The evening news covers these storm stories in detail. But
the intricate planning and preparation that goes into such emergency responses
often gets scant coverage. Behind the scenes is the unfolding of a process,
carefully crafted to ensure minimal disruption and loss of life.
The key is preparedness
When states, counties and communities are faced with natural
or manmade disasters, preparation is essential. That’s why these governing
entities have supplies and equipment in advance of the storm. It better enables
emergency personnel to enter harm’s way and respond to the profuse human needs
in the disaster’s wake.
Items that help safeguard infrastructure from floating
debris, water contamination and other storm hazards are already in storage long
before the event’s forecast. Planning allows emergency personnel to help
survivors, keep infrastructure in place, and pave the way to recovery.
Water storage
Among the first considerations is ensuring that potable
water is available when a storm fouls existing supplies. One solution is to
bring in a reservoir or tank for setup in an easily accessible area. Open-top
or self-contained flexible tanks are a popular option among many emergency
response teams because of their compact storage, lightness and small number of
moving parts. The onion tank, named for its shape, is an open-top tank. Flexible
and collapsible, the tank stores easily. When emergency response teams send in
tanker trucks of potable water, the hose connects to a fitting on the onion
tank. Its walls rise automatically to contain the water as the tank fills. Once
drained of water, the tank’s PVC material won’t rot or grow mildew, and can be returned
to storage safely.
The drinking bladder water tank is another option. These
flexible “pillow” tanks lie flat and can store up to 210,000 gallons of
drinking water. Because both the bladder and onion tanks are collapsible, they
require only minimal space for storage, making them an optimal choice for
disaster preparedness.
Booms and absorbents
Floating booms are also important for the control of debris
headed into flooded areas, water intakes and bodies of water. Debris booms are
an effective means of either deflecting or containing buoyant trash. Absorbent booms are deployed to control the spread of hydrocarbons or chemicals that can
be released during a flood, further minimizing the negative impact on the
environment.
Dealing with the aftermath
Once the flood waters recede, a host of challenges remain.
Low-lying areas where pooling remains will need to be pumped out. But simply
pumping stormwater runoff into storm sewers or area waterways can introduce
contaminants and high sediment content. This creates turbidity and other
pollution problems that disrupt fragile ecosystems. Cleanup teams can pump
large dewatering bags full of the sediment-laden water. These bags are made of
a filtering geotextile that permits water to escape, leaving the suspended
materials in the bag for disposal. Dewatering tubes function in the same manner
but can accommodate much greater quantities.
Geotextile filters protect grates and stormwater drains from
contaminants that are all-too-easily transferable into surrounding waterways.
These best-management practices are another critical component of environmental
protection after a storm.
Planning makes the difference
So be sure to consider exactly what your region might need
in case of a disastrously “rainy day.” Prepare yourself and get a jump on the
event so you can help lessen its catastrophic impact before it strikes. Call
the experts at GEI Works for more information. Call (+1) 772-646-0597 or toll
free at (888) 701-9889.
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