Developing Dam Emergency Action Plans (EAPs)

Developing an emergency action plan

An emergency action plan is a formal but simple plan that identifies potential emergency conditions that could occur at a dam, and prescribes procedures to follow to minimize loss of life and the potential for property damage.

Ideally, a dam's design, construction, operation, maintenance, and inspection are all intended to minimize the risk of failure. Despite the adequacy of these programs, unique situations sometimes develop that may result in dam failure. Dam owners need to develop and maintain a plan so emergency measures can be initiated that could prevent or minimize the consequences to life and property.

• Guidelines for developing an emergency action plan — This document is required for any "significant hazard" or "high hazard" dam; it provides detailed instructions on what is required in a dam emergency action plan.
• Simplified emergency action plan form — This form should suffice for most dam owners in planning a response to a dam-related emergency.
• Emergency action plan form — This form is provided if the simplified version is inadequate to detail the response to a dam-related emergency.

In addition, dam owners should be prepared by:

• Making a list of those who need to know if the dam is in distress.
• Taking preventive action.
• Knowing their resources.