(TLP:CLEAR) CISA – Dams Sector Crisis Management Handbook

Summary: CISA has published the “Dams Sector Crisis Management Handbook.” This guide offers dam owners and operators an introduction to crisis management concepts, explains how crisis management measures are an important component of an overall risk management framework, and highlights guidelines to apply these concepts to dams and related infrastructure.

Analyst Note: Although the guide is geared towards dam owners and operators, water and wastewater utilities could benefit from the guidance offered by the report. According to the guide, dam owners can enhance the overall resilience of their facilities through the development of a crisis management program inclusive of plans and exercises to guide emergency response, crisis communication, rapid restoration, and continuity of operations.

Crisis management is the ability for an organization to manage incidents that have the potential to cause significant impacts. Crucial to the success of crisis management is planning for an event, or series of events, that have the potential to severely impact operations, their ability to do business, relationships with key stakeholders, and damage its brand/reputation. Accordingly, throughout the guide, listed resources provide owners and operators additional information to continue to learn about and apply crisis management planning principles.

Original Source: https://www.cisa.gov/resources-tools/resources/dams-sector-crisis-management-handbook  

Additional Reading:

• EPA – Emergency Response for Drinking Water and Wastewater Utilities

Related WaterISAC PIRs: 1, 2, 3, 4, & 5