The catastrophe in Maui caused by fire, the hurricane in the southeastern United States, and similar events threaten everyone — including those trying to help. When severe weather or fire threatens your community, a nonprofit leader’s first thought is likely how to help others impacted by disaster. It’s who you are; it’s what you do. To ensure you’re able to respond to those in need, you must first make sure there is a plan prepared to protect the organization’s people and property.
According to Eric Spacek, assistant vice president – risk control at the Church Mutual Insurance Company, catastrophic weather events are occurring with greater frequency and severity across the country. It is expected that the trend will continue, if not worsen. Severe weather often contributes to another significant threat – fire. Lightning strikes are the most common cause of fire and high winds can bring down power lines, putting structures in peril.
As part of your Business Continuity Management (BCM) efforts, it’s important to cover the basics of severe weather preparedness. Here are nine ideas:
- List all the potential weather-related risks for your geographic location.
- Develop a severe weather preparedness and response plan. Review the plan at least annually, updating as necessary. Include how you will communicate with people in your organization in the event of a disaster.
- Assess your facility to designate emergency shelter spaces.
- Everyone in your organization needs to know the plan and their role in executing it.
- Conduct regular training and drills to ensure you can effectively put your plan into action.
- Engage local emergency responders and provide them with a facility map and a copy of your plan.
- Keep emergency supplies on hand, including first aid kits, flashlights, weather radio, batteries, and blankets.
- Make sure your facility is well maintained so it’s better able to withstand severe weather events.
- Know where your utility shut offs are and how to safely shut off service in an emergency.
Many of the above tips can be adapted to address the risk of fire. Year after year, fires are one of the leading causes of property loss. Here are some additional tips for when a fire of external origin threatens your location:
- Always heed evacuation notifications. However, if you believe it is unsafe to stay at any time, don’t wait to receive an official notification. Have a plan for where you will go and follow routes recommended by local authorities.
- Download the FEMA App and receive real-time alerts from the National Weather Service for up to five locations nationwide.
- Before leaving your building, turn off the air conditioning to prevent smoke from entering the building. Close all doors and windows so embers can’t get in and burn down your building from the inside out.
If you have time:
- Move flammable outdoor items into your building and move any portable propane tanks at least 30 feet away from your building.
- Remove debris from your roof and gutters.
- Remove all debris buildup in any attic or crawlspace vent screens. If you don’t have screens, block the vents with duct tape, metal, or plywood. Seal dryer vents and air openings for furnaces with metal tape or duct tape.
One more thing to keep in mind: Insurance companies are becoming increasingly proactive. That might include sending notifications to customers when severe weather threatens. Remember to keep your organization’s contact information current with your insurance provider to ensure you receive critical notifications that could help you reduce damage and disruption.
