API Releases Updated Oil and Natural Gas Industry Preparedness Handbook

The American Petroleum Institute, with support from members and other organizations like the American Gas Association and American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturers, has published the "Oil and Natural Gas Industry Preparedness Handbook" to illustrate how local responses can be aided by local, State and regional associations, established relationships with governments and communities, and how corporate and federal capabilities can facilitate efficient response and recovery at the local level. While resources and information are often collected at the regional or national level, it is the facility operators and those on the ground who will have the best ability to assess their systems, identify needs, and execute the work needed to restore services.

This document was created to ensure that roles, responsibilities and needs are clearly identified prior to any events that may affect the integrity of oil and natural gas systems. The O&G industry has long maintained and been acknowledged for its serious commitment to the safety of infrastructure, workers and processes. Disruptive events, whether manmade or natural, should be approached with the same commitment to safety, resilience, and the needs of the community. 

This Handbook provides a common sense approach for oil and gas owner/operators, local and State industry associations, and public sector partners to build the necessary capabilities to effectively manage the information flow that so often becomes congested during disruptive events. The Handbook is not a play book for response, but rather a guide to understand how the information flows, between and among levels of the government and industry, and how that flow can be managed and utilized to facilitate, rather than hinder, an appropriate and effective response.

Click here to access the O&G Industry Preparedness Handbook