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Prepare and Protect: Natural Disaster Preparedness for Businesses
Learn about the growing impact of weather and climate events and how to safeguard your business with the right natural disaster preparedness plan.Byline: BTB Editor
October 30, 2024 / Time to read: 5 minNatural disasters are occurring more frequently — and with greater impact — than ever. After they face a natural disaster, most businesses have no choice but to close down at least temporarily. And some have to shut their doors for good. In
Natural-disaster-related shutdowns — coupled with supply chain disruptions, shifting market trends and other consequences related to natural disasters — led to an estimated
And don’t forget about the problems that are common to all kinds of disasters: Hurricanes, wildfires, floods and earthquakes can leave businesses in the lurch not only from service outages and significant property and equipment damage, but also from the economic impact of each missed workday.
By investing some resources into a well-executed natural disaster plan now, you can help decrease damage and operational impact later. Continue reading to learn more about shifts in natural disaster trends plus how to minimize their impact on your business.
Natural Disasters on the Rise
The U.S. has experienced nearly
Natural Disaster Impact Quick Facts:
- Category 5 hurricanes produce winds of 157 mph or more and are the
most catastrophic . The most recent category 5, hurricane Beryl, led to an estimated$28 to $32 billion in total damages and economic losses. - In 2023, U.S. wildfires burned over
2.6 million acres , and the 10 years with thelargest U.S. acreage burned all occurred in the last two decades. Each year, wildfires cost the U.S. between$394 and $893 billion in economic costs and damages. - Flash floods can bring walls of water
30 feet high , and cars can be swept away in as little as2 feet of floodwater . Flash floods and rising waters cost the U.S. an estimated$179 to $496 billion every year. Nearly 75% of the U.S. is at risk of experiencing the effects of damaging earthquakes. Losses from earthquakes in the U.S. range from$1.5 to $3 billion annually.
Investing in Disaster Preparedness Goes a Long Way
All businesses, even in places where risk has been low historically, should consider disaster preparedness. When you invest in a natural disaster preparedness plan, you can help protect lives and livelihoods. Instead of your business completely shutting down to recover for weeks or months, you could be back up and running sooner.
By not having to close your doors for an extended period, you can retain your employees and help boost morale during a challenging time. Meanwhile, staying open can also help your community recover by upholding supply chains and putting you in a position to provide resources and aid like donations to cleanup efforts and team volunteer days.
Minimize Your Operational Impact
To prepare for a disaster, start by understanding your risks. FEMA’s
Once you know what to expect, schedule routine inspections to manage any vulnerabilities before a natural disaster hits. Risk assessments and regular check-ins are a crucial component of a business’s long-term risk reduction strategy.
Opt for Customized Emergency Response Solutions
Preparing for a natural disaster can feel pretty daunting. When you partner with an experienced full-service emergency response provider, you’ll be set up for disaster response and each and every step along the way — including risk assessment and a tailored preparedness strategy.
With
Pre-disaster assistance
We can help you prepare for the worst with services such as:
- Disaster response preparedness plans
- Personnel and equipment staging
- Health and safety plan preparation
- Logistical support
- Spill kits and equipment rental
Fast mobilization
Our
Efficient cleanup, plus compliant removal and disposal
We have all the necessary approvals and licensing in place for cleanup of virtually any kind of waste after a disaster. We can handle the full chain of cleanup, removal and disposal with established work crews, transportation and disposal facilities.
We can help your business with:
- Flood water management and mobile treatment
- Construction and demolition (C&D) waste
- Asbestos-containing material and PCBs
- Compressed gas cylinders and other volatile hazards
- Biological material and biohazardous waste
- Hazardous waste disaster cleanup
- Hazardous and non-hazardous waste transportation and disposal
- Hazmat disaster cleanup
Gain Peace of Mind by Entrusting the Pioneers in Disaster Response
Republic Services has a successful response track record, and we’re experienced in all kinds of natural disasters. We’re poised to help you prepare for severe weather events and respond quickly when they occur. When your business, staff and community are on the line, make sure you have the best resources at your disposal.
