Storm Recovery Support: How Utilities Can Prepare and How AWP Can Help

 

Q: Why is traffic management essential to recovery after storms and other natural disasters?

When an area is hit by a weather or natural event, a traffic management strategy shouldn’t start when the call for assistance comes in. You should start early by integrating a full and detailed execution plan when the skies are still clear.

Everything moves more efficiently and quickly with a solid traffic control plan and pre-planning, coordination and good communication among stakeholders.

Q: How Should Utilities Prepare for DIsaster Scenarios?

Key checklist items include setting up staging areas for food and resource distribution, establishing communication and logistic strategies and mobilizing thousands of people and trucks with the necessary direction and supplies.

Additionally, every fleet should know which roads are critical for evacuation and emergency response, where to position vehicles and how to reroute first responders and members of the community when necessary. Of course, all of that information should be shared with a traffic control partner and other vendors to improve the response.

Q: What Challenges Can Arise if Traffic Control Isn’t Part of a Utility Company’s Storm Response Plan?

Here are just a few: bottlenecks at evacuation points, delays in debris removal, risk of individuals coming into contact with downed power lines and slower response time for utility crews and first responders. While no traffic control plan can anticipate everything, a good one gives your teams the flexibility to adapt and serve.

Q: What Tools and Technologies Help MAnage Traffic During and AFter a Disaster?

We use tools like Automated Flagger Assistance Devices (AFADs) that allow intersections to be managed remotely, which is a safer option for both crews and drivers. Portable Changeable Message Signs (PCMS) share real-time updates with the community, while vehicle telematics offer fleet visibility and radio systems ensure communication even if cell towers fail. Direct and regular interactions between a traffic control partner and a utility’s emergency response team can also be a helpful strategy.

Knowing how, when and by whom these tools are deployed are what makes them effective. That’s why we emphasize training ahead of the season — because during an emergency isn’t the right time to ask who has the back-up radios.

Q: What Does a Well Executed Response Look LIke?

Say a hurricane is 72 hours out. Thanks to your pre-planning, traffic control teams and utility crews are deployed to critical areas, AFADs and message boards are staged and there’s a plan if conditions shift. When the storm hits, teams are executing rather than improvising.

After the event moves through, there’s immediate coordination on debris clearing to re-open access roads and field teams move quickly to document conditions, report hazards and secure key supply lines. By thinking ahead, you didn’t just keep traffic moving, you kept your teams, your community and your company moving forward safely, too.

Q: How does AWP Safety support utilities during and after weather events?

We’re on the ground before the storm hits, often sending crews from multiple states into the expected impact zone to get ready. We design traffic control plans, stage equipment and deploy crews. During a storm response, we help keep roads clear and safe for utility workers and emergency responders. Afterward, we support debris removal, manage road closures and help restore normalcy.

Utilities are essential infrastructure. Our role is to ensure they can move safely and effectively, because recovery depends on it.

Q: What’s Your Advice for IMproving Storm Readiness?

Don’t wait. Work with traffic safety professionals now to evaluate your routes, communication systems and training gaps. That’s what positions your team to lead, not react.

AWP Safety works in all terrain and conditions, rain, snow or shine. Check out our insights for safely preparing work zones for the elements, from the coast to the desert.