We are now two weeks away from the WEAT Operational Preparedness Symposium in Addison, TX. This is a biennial event that brings together subject matter experts in the fields of safety, security, electrical, and instrumentation to discuss pressing issues in the water/wastewater industry. As Co-Chair of the WEAT Safety & Security Committee, Rick Hidalgo, PE, has been spearheading the symposium planning efforts since October 2017. Several other committee members among the Signature Automation staff have also been instrumental in coordinating the program, including our E&I Design Manager, Andy Paulson, PE, who will be participating in panel discussions.

This is the third Operational Preparedness symposium presented by the Safety & Security Committee, and the second produced in collaboration with the Electrical & Instrumentation Committee. This year’s focus will be on the impact of the various weather related events we have seen in Texas over the last few years, including floods in the North Texas area in 2015 and Hurricane Harvey in the Coastal areas of the state in 2017. Presentations and panel discussions will be provided regarding the planning that took place prior to the events and the lessons learned after these events to help us better prepare for the future. Additionally, several state agencies will be in attendance to provide information on the programs that are available to utilities should they need additional assistance. There will also be a table top exercise for a cyber event to help utilities understand the importance of a multi-departmental approach to cybersecurity awareness and preparation.

Registration and sponsorship information is available on the WEAT website.