Emergency Preparedness

Lakewood Water District has prepared both general emergency response and specific emergency response procedures based on the nature and extent of a particular event. These plans and procedures are examined and updated every five years.  All plans and procedures are based on ICS (Incident Command System) and NIMS (National Incident Management System) planning protocols.  Response procedures have been developed for a variety of emergencies including:  Earthquake, volcanic eruptions, extreme weather event, water contamination, pandemic disease, terrorism, vandalism, sabotage (insider/outsider), workplace violence/active shooter, and cyberthreat. 

Since a major seismic event potentially has the greatest negative impact on District infrastructure, the District has focused much of its planning efforts developing procedures for dealing with the aftermath of earthquakes. Therefore, the District has taken active roles in such area wide exercises as The Great Shakeout, Operation Pinecone, and Cascadia Rising as well as numerous tabletop and practical in-house trainings. The District has developed the following priorities listed from highest to lowest for its response to a seismic event:

1. Damage assessment and triage of storage tanks and reservoirs.
2. Damage assessment and triage of well sites.
3. Damage assessment and triage of booster pump stations.
4. Damage assessment and triage of PRV stations.
5. Damage assessment and triage of transmission mains.
6. Damage assessment and triage of distribution mains.
7. Restoration of at least partial service to hospitals and/or emergency triage centers.
8. Restoration of service to designated emergency shelters.
9. Establish location(s) for emergency water allocation station(s).
10. Restoration of service to First Responder Emergency Operations Center(s).
11. Restoration of fire service.
12. Restoration of service to essential service providers such as Pierce County Sewer.
13. Restoration of service to multi-family and single family residences.

Essentially, in case of a major earthquake, the District’s system is designed to shut-down and maintain as much water in the reservoirs and tanks as possible.  Having water in the tanks increases the structural integrity and ride through capability during the initial event as well as subsequent aftershocks.  Maintaining water in the tanks is also essential for potential lifesaving procedures especially if the greater Puget Sound area is facing extensive and prolonged power outages.  Unfortunately, shutting down the system will result in limited pressure and volume throughout the distribution system. 

The overwhelming lesson learned from these exercises is individual households must take action to prepare for their survival.  If practical, each household should have a minimum of 72 hours of water and non-perishable food stored in case of an event.  Rule of thumb is one gallon per person per day for drinking and food preparation.  To preserve water in hot water tanks, toilets, etc., know where the water shutoff valve is and how to use it.  Install a valve somewhere near or in the house for easy access.  The shutoff valve in the meter box may be covered by downed trees, or worse, downed power lines.  District personnel will be busy with priorities 1-12 and will not be available to assist you.  For more information or to become a member of a CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) you can contact West Pierce Fire and Rescue.