47.5 MB - The Whole Building Design Guide

occupants can have bottled water providedinstead.If water is needed for cooling towers, the independentwater supply should be sized toaccommodate the system. It is recommendedthat the well or onsite storage be capable ofproviding an adequate water supply for firesprinklers. Alternatively, it is recommendedthat the building designer should advise thebuilding owner to implement a continual fire-watch and provideadditional fire extinguishers until the municipal water service isrestored. For hospitals, it is recommended that the well or onsitewater storage be capable of providing a minimum of 100 gallonsof potable water per day per patient bed for four days (the 100 gallonsincludes water for cooling towers). 12For critical facilities with boilers, it isrecommended to store fuel onsite for aminimum of 96 hours (4 days). Storagetanks, piping, and pumps should be insidewind-borne debris resistant buildings or beplaced underground (if site is susceptibleto flooding, refer to Chapter 2).It is recommended that pumps for wells oronsite storage be connected to an emergencypower circuit, that a valve be providedon the municipal service line, and that onsitewater treatment capability be providedwhere appropriate.For hospitals and nursing homes, it isrecommended that onsite storage ofmedical gases be sized to provide aminimum of 96 hours (4 days) of service.3.4.5.3 Sewer ServiceIt is recommended that critical facilities that rely on sewer servicefor continuity of operations (especially hospitals andnursing homes) be provided with an alternative means of wastedisposal, such as a temporary storage tank which can be pumpedout by a local contractor. For facilities such as EOCs, fire and policestations, and shelters, portable toilets can be placed insidethe facility before the onset of a hurricane. It is recommendedthat all critical facilities be provided with back-flow preventors.12. This recommendation is based on the Department of Veterans Affairs criteria.MAKING CRITICAL FACILITIES SAFE FROM High Wind3-123