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Rural Communities are sometimes underserved in the world of utility providers. Communications coverage, water and wastewater services, electrical providers, and natural gas providers work diligently to provide uninterrupted connectivity to their customers, but this can sometimes be monumental.
Rural areas consist of small towns, farmers, ranchers, and sparsely populated areas that may not get all the information on safe excavation practices and 811 services. This has been an issue since most of your main arteries of utilities run through the rural areas before they enter larger populated areas. These areas may also have limited emergency response processes and personnel. That is why it is vital that the protection of these utilities is of the utmost importance to the companies and counties.
How can companies and counties work together to the benefit of all?
First counties and companies can come together to review any emergency situations that pose a threat to both, wildfires, natural disasters, and unauthorized excavations are just a few.
Companies and counties can explore what each other’s needs are to protect the public.
Local Emergency Planning Committees (LEPC) are a great start to begin communications. Companies should get involved in the LEPCs that their assets operate in. They
are the first responders and support organizations that can provide needed support that companies have not considered. I always use the example of the most important need about 6 hours into emergency response....Port-A Johns! LEPCS have plans built to provide such support for their communities.
...most of your main arteries of utilities run through the rural areas before they enter larger populated areas.
Companies can provide critical information and support during emergencies such as restoring service to critical facilities, and providing training and funding to support
the needs of the emergency responders in the community. Companies have created emergency plans for every area they operate in and should be included in the LEPCs plans.
This past disaster in the Panhandle of Texas proved that these disasters happen in underserved communities that may not have the resources to support such events. Companies can provide support to those areas with funding for training, equipment, and sustainment. While at the same time providing needed personnel to man shelters, evacuation centers, and places where evacuees are being housed.
Take a look around and see what each company that has assets in your community can provide for the unexpected events.
2024, Issue 3
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