On Thursday, APGA staff and members participated in a webinar hosted by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). The Atlantic hurricane season officially starts on June 1, so this event brought together federal, state, local, and private sector stakeholders and decisionmakers interested in better understanding the risks involved with critical infrastructure systems and interdependencies.
The webinar specifically addressed how the COVID-19 pandemic may still affect disaster preparedness and recovery, and what engaged parties need to consider to keep themselves, others, and America’s critical infrastructure safe and secure. Representatives from CISA’s National Risk Management Center (NRMC), National Coordinating Center for Communications, Cross Sector for Business and Infrastructure, presented along with sharing from the National Business Emergency Operations Center (NBEOC) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). All these groups highlighted the capabilities and plans for this coming hurricane season.
Last year was exceptionally busy, with several named storms, so it is important to prepare in case this year has an equal number of hurricanes. Throughout the storms of last year, though, natural gas utilities were able to maintain their operations with very limited outages, a testament to the reliability of public gas infrastructure. That same vigilance of the workforce will be needed this year to ensure all the customers of APGA members continue their service during this hurricane season.
Pertinent information from federal government partners will be shared with members by APGA staff, as it becomes available. However, public gas utilities are encouraged to ensure steps are taken to prepare for this year’s hurricane season.
For questions on this article, please contact Stuart Saulters of APGA staff by phone at 202-544-1334 or by email at
ssaulters@apga.org.