Strategies for protecting water during an emergency

摘要

When a disaster hits, even countries with the safest water supplies can become vulnerable to a myriad of problems. Proactive planning is necessary to properly prepare for an emergency because during the event responses must often be enacted quickly. As climate change increases the frequency of extreme weather, emergency preparedness grows even more important. According to David Flinton, senior vice president and president of Xylem Dewatering, two questions arise first when a disaster hits: 1. Will we continue to have running water? 2. Are we going to have a health crisis to manage? "The dual challenge of delivering clean water to citizens and removing wastewater safely become top priorities when disasters strike," Flinton said. Critical infrastructure may be tested during these times, adding to the need for many municipalities to upgrade their systems in preparation for potential emergencies.