On March 1st and 2nd the API sponsored a Hurricane Preparedness Conference in Houston, Texas. Attended by representatives from dozens of pipeline and energy companies, the purpose of the conference was to gather and share the “lessons learned” after the unprecedented hurricane season of 2005 in order to better prepare for the possibility of another active season beginning in June, 2006.
Along with some innovative new ideas presented by both government and industry personnel, there were several themes that recurred in all presentations – preparing for family needs, redundant communication systems, the possibility of a “mutual assistance” or equipment co-op between various companies, locating your response center and sourcing material needs far from the expected storm activity, and the need to become familiar with and exercise your storm plan prior to the start of hurricane season. For more information, please call Jessica Roger at (713) 655-8080.