Training & EAP Exercises

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Simply possessing an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) does not ensure that communities downstream will be protected in the event of dam failure. In order to increase the chance of averting disastrous consequences during dam failure, EAPs must be understood and routinely practiced by all those involved. First, copies of the EAP should be distributed by the dam owner to anyone involved in its implementation. In order to present, simulate, and practice the information contained within the EAP document, orientation and emergency simulation exercises should be executed in the presence of dam operators and first responders.

Dam owners "should exercise the EAP in coordination with state, local and tribal emergency management authorities, including, but not limited to, entities listed on the Notification Flowchart. Exercises promote prevention, preparedness, and response to incidents and emergencies, and may also be extended to include recovery operations. Exercising also demonstrates the EAP’s effectiveness in an actual situation and demonstrates the readiness levels of key personnel. Periodic exercises result in an improved EAP as lessons learned are incorporated into the updated EAP document."

Types of Exercises

• Orientation Seminar
• Drill
• Tabletop Exercise
• Functional Exercise
• Full Scale Exercise

Examples

Learn more about the importance of timely warning and response during an emergency at DamFailures.org

Best Practices Resources

Engineering Guidelines for the Evaluation of Hydropower Projects: Chapter 6- Emergency Action Plans, FERC

Emergency Action Planning for Dams (FEMA P-64), FEMA

Trainings

On-Demand Webinar: Responding to Dam Emergencies

Citations:

Revision ID: 7342
Revision Date: 07/21/2023