Identification of essential functions

Essential functions and the essential personnel to carry out the functions are primarily those related to the safe storage or release of water. These functions and personnel might include:

• Controls and systems that open or close gates and valves;
• Personnel who manipulate those systems and controls;
• Personnel who decide when and how much to adjust release of water;
• Dam safety engineers authorized to make decisions on the safety of the dam;
• Collection of data that forms the basis of such decisions; and
• Communication between those operating the controls and those deciding on releases.

Interoperable communications

Continuity of communications could become an issue during a crisis for a number of reasons. Phone systems (land line and cell) have occasionally experienced various degrees of disruption and disruptions have been even more prevalent during certain emergency situations. The crisis-related relocation of certain functions to alternate facilities can contribute to disruptions in communications systems and computer networks at a time when reliable communication is most needed. Continuity plans should focus on maintaining critical communications capabilities and what to do when that is not possible.

Delegations of authority

Certain types of emergency situations might result in the temporary or permanent loss or incapacitation of key personnel. This could also result in loss of communications between key personnel and others in the organization. Continuity plans should clarify what decisionmaking authority will be transferred in various circumstances. For example, if communications with the chief hydrologist are disrupted, will an onsite supervisor be expected to open gates after a heavy rain? It is also necessary to clarify, prior to an actual event, who has authority to commit resources or to sign emergency contracts.

Alternate facilities

Some continuity plans address relocation of essential functions if the primary location has been disrupted. In the Dams Sector, there is no possibility of relocation of the actual dam infrastructure, but relocation might apply to some of the functions that support onsite operations.

Alternate facilities

Some continuity plans address relocation of essential functions if the primary location has been disrupted. In the Dams Sector, there is no possibility of relocation of the actual dam infrastructure, but relocation might apply to some of the functions that support onsite operations.

Human capital

Any organization is dependent upon its staff for successful operation. Continuity plans should describe how to maintain essential functions in case of serious disruption to staff. Planning should identify the staff needed to support essential functions, including the number of people and the skills required. These requirements should be matched against potential availability of others within the organization who might be able to fill in during emergency situations. It might even be necessary to develop plans for use of temporary staff from outside the organization, such as mutual aid agreements or contracts for line crews after extensive electrical power outages due to severe storms.

Computer disruptions

In the modern automated workplace, disruption of an organization’s information technology (IT) system could bring operations to a standstill or lead to a dangerous lack of control over sensitive records or over physical processes (e.g., operational control over dam releases or power generation). Considering the potential serious consequences of an IT disruption, it is important that this topic be specifically addressed during continuity planning. While plans for disruption of an organization’s IT systems might be considered to belong in discussions on interoperable communications, alternate facilities, or vital records, it might also be appropriate to include an additional, separate category.