When disasters happen, it is critical to begin the recovery process as soon as safely possible. One of the major needs of disaster recovery projects is housing and supporting the recovery crew working the project. The conventional infrastructure used to provide accommodations, which includes renting hotel or motel rooms, may not be in a condition to support the crew of a disaster recovery unit. Those leading the recovery must make alternative arrangements. 

Offshore modules are uniquely designed to provide accommodation and support packages for disaster recovery projects. Armoda has provided modules for disaster recovery projects around the country. This article discusses the top four benefits of utilizing various modules for disaster recovery projects. 

Rapid Deployment 

When responding to a disaster, the quicker a package can be set up, the quicker the recovery project can be completed. Because of the quick turnarounds that come with working within the modular industry, modules are kept in a rent-ready state that allows them to be checked and deployed quickly. The ability to deploy rapidly makes them ideal for providing aid to disaster recovery projects. The module company's support and service teams are trained to promptly and efficiently hook-up and install the modules and auxiliary equipment, including:

• Expedited delivery of modules. (Can be available to be shipped out the same or next day)
• Installation of interconnecting piping for water and sewer to tanks and modules.
• Installation and commissioning of power to each module
• System checks to ensure functional operation of the entire package.
• Available for service calls if any issues arise or the customer has any additional requests. 

Smaller Footprint, More Accommodations

When housing crews work on repairing infrastructure after a disaster, the physical space available for the buildings can become a critical factor in deciding what types of housing can be used. The area where the buildings need to be placed may not have all the space necessary to deploy larger 12-person trailers, which can be as large as 74' long and 14' wide. In contrast, accommodation modules, at their largest, are 42' long and 12' wide, while providing bunks for 12 people. This size allows the module to house as many people as a trailer, while reducing the footprint necessary to install the units at the location. Modules also allow for the housing package to go vertical when available space is at a premium. The modules can be stacked upon each other, up to three high. Stacking allows a package to sleep up to three times the number of people in the same footprint, with stairs and platforms to support the access to the modules above ground level. 

Offshore Modules Are Self-Supporting

Following a disaster, critical infrastructure can be damaged or unavailable for long periods. This includes power, sewer, and water, all necessities needed to set up a recovery camp. Industry modules that have typically been used on offshore platforms are designed to be interconnected to various water, power, and sewer hook-ups, which provides great versatility when using them on land for disaster relief efforts. This auxiliary equipment can include:

• Generators / Distribution Racks / Transformers
• Water Tanks
• Water Pumps
• Sewage Tanks
• Sewage Pumps

Customizable Packages

After a disaster, hotel vacancy is often limited, unavailable or the supporting infrastructure doesn’t allow these places to operate. This limitation makes finding a place to house crew members difficult. Nearby restaurants and groceries might be closed or have limited amounts of food available. The modular aspect allows them to be customized in packages specific to the customer's needs. In areas where hotel occupancy is full, packages can be constructed to provide the necessary number of beds needed. In areas where with little to no access to hotels and restaurants, packages can be constructed with galleys and dinner modules to allow for food to be brought in and prepared on-site. Office space can also be added to the package allowing for meeting rooms and desk areas if needed. Module packages are also scalable to meet the changing needs of the recovery project. The package can be comprised of separate camps, and as the need for additional housing and office space is reduced, the unused camps can be removed. 

Modules come in various options to house, support, and protect employees and assets, including:

• Accommodation Modules
• Laundry Modules
• Galley/Dining Modules
• Office Modules
• Rec Room Modules
• Shower Modules
• Customizable Modules to meet specific requirements

We recognize a variety of needs when it comes to disaster recovery. That might be a fleet of modules ready for deployment, modules that take up less space, or are completely self-supporting, or you might have very project-specific needs that call for custom solutions. Offshore modules are uniquely qualified for providing accommodation packages to disaster recovery projects.

Have questions about deploying offshore modules for disaster recovery projects?

Armoda has a team of experts who can answer your questions about the capabilities of offshore equipment and how they can be implemented into your disaster recovery plans.