![Debris on the road after a hurricane](/cms/sites/default/files/shutterstock_308741828.jpg)
The Imperative of Natural Disaster Preparedness for Businesses
Destructive weather events can greatly impact the health of your business. That’s why it is critical to put emergency response protocols in place beforehand.Byline: BTB Editor
April 26, 2024 / Time to read: 5 minNatural disasters are occurring more frequently than ever, often in places that never experienced them before. Most businesses (
Of the businesses that do reopen, 64% of small businesses lose assets when natural disasters hit, and 19% of small businesses lose more than $25,000 of assets, according to
Hurricanes, wildfires, floods and earthquakes can be disastrous to your business. So why not spend a smaller amount now to prevent damage and operational impact later?
Be Prepared: It’s Not a Matter of If, but When
The US has experienced
Natural Disaster Quick Facts:
- Category 5 hurricanes produce winds of 157 mph or more and are the
most damaging natural disasters. (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) - Wildfires burn an average of
6.7 million acres annually. Before 1993, that average was2.7 million acres. (National Interagency Fire Center, Our World in Data) - Flash floods can bring walls of water
30 feet high , and cars can be swept away in as little as2 feet of floodwater . (National Weather Service)
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Investment in Disaster Preparedness Goes a Long Way
If you invest in disaster preparedness, you can save a ton when disaster hits. Instead of your business completely shutting down to recover, you could see continued revenue. But that’s not the only benefit.
The added safety and continued income for employees helps you retain a productive, experienced workforce. Meanwhile, staying open also helps your community recover by upholding supply chains and putting you in a position to provide other aid, like encouraging your staff to volunteer or donating to cleanup efforts.
Minimizing your Operational Impact is Key to a Faster Recovery
To prepare for a disaster, start by understanding your risks. What disasters are most likely to occur in your area, and how might they affect your business? As you answer these questions, seek federal guidance for prevention and mitigation.
And don’t forget about the problems that are common to all kinds of disasters:
- Supply chain issues
- Loss of power, water and other services
- Stranded workforce or equipment
- Possible evacuations
Once you know what to expect, have a plan and share it throughout your company. Consider disseminating it around your community to help others get ready too.
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Tailored Emergency Response Solutions with Republic Services
We can help with every part of disaster preparedness.
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 already have all the necessary approvals and licensing for cleanup of virtually any kind of waste after a disaster. We can handle the full chain of cleanup, removal and disposal with work crews, transportation and disposal facilities already in place.
When Disaster Strikes, Trust the Pioneers in Disaster Response
Republic Services has a successful response track record, and we’re experienced in all kinds of disasters. NRC, a Republic Services company specializing in
We’ve tackled:
Biohazardous decontamination - Waste packaging, storage and disposal
- Lab pack and hazardous waste management
- Debris and water removal resulting from any kind of disaster, including wildfires and earthquakes
- Land-based and off-shore oil spills
When your business, staff and community are on the line, make sure you have the best resources at your disposal: ours.