One cause for concern to consider when traveling is on the horizon, the more that people begin to think about the safety and reliability of their cars and trucks. This same idea is what drives many companies to begin installing solar panels or another energy efficient means of cost saving  And just as these themes have spread across the globe, the environmentally conscious have begun looking at ways to protect water supplies from oil spills and other natural disasters.

As the remnants of BP’s major oil spill from last year begin to dissipate, more groups and organizations are looking at emergency procedures that can help cleanup in the aftermath. An article from The Dickinson Press in North Dakota discusses the possible contingency plans for a local lake following a spill in the area:

“One month after an oil and saltwater spill flowed into Lake Sakakawea, officials said they are making efforts to be better prepared in the case of lake emergencies. On April 2 about 100 barrels of saltwater and five barrels of oil spilled about a mile from the reservoir after a Petro-Hunt LLC pipe ruptured and the substances trickled into the lake through a small creek, according to a previous Press article.”

Fortunately, there were no damages caused and the water is fine, but it put all issues concerning emergency preparedness on alert. Thankfully, local town officials and petroleum representatives have formed a number of committees that will work to maintain safety in these situations:

“The spill was completely cleaned up quickly and there are no damages North Dakota Department of Health Division of Water Quality Director Dennis Fewless said Tuesday from Bismarck. However, he said it was an eye-opener and precautions need to be made to prevent problems with future spills. Fewless added that meetings are scheduled with state and federal agencies as well as representatives from the petroleum industry to workshop quick and responsive cleanup programs within the next month. “

Emergency preparedness in the face of potential disasters takes a lot of time and brainpower to think through and develop. It is important for town officials – and families alike – to understand preparedness and what to do in case of an emergency.