Emergency Preparedness Planning

The Rule of Threes (in survival): Shelter — Three hours Water — Three days Food — Three weeks In other words, you should assume you can survive without shelter for three hours, without water for three days, and without food for three weeks. In an urban environment, the Rule of Threes still applies. The solutions are just easier to find, probably as close as your nearest Costco. At the very least, go out and purchase the following: Emergency blankets and sleeping bags. Make sure they’re rated for the lowest recorded temperature in your area. In a home robbed of power, “shelter” equals warmth. If you have a chimney, get seasoned wood; if not, get a vent-free gas stove. Don’t forget the fuel. Two weeks’ worth of water. Budget at least one gallon per person per day, and backup water purification tablets are a good idea. If you live close to the ocean, you could also buy a desalinator for turning salt water into potable water. Two weeks’ worth of food with a long shelf life. Lentils, rice, beans, canned vegetables, etc. Protein bars are a good supplement and provide some variety, as do military MREs. Emergency lighting, including a few headlamps, and a ton of batteries. First-aid kit and (for the ambitious) extra antibiotics. Ciprofloxacin (Cipro) and Azithromycin (Z-Paks), while imperfect, are good broad-spectrum antibiotics. This basic prep might seem crazy if you’ve never been caught in a disaster. No one in SF expected the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake, either, but it left thousands without running water for 10 days, and without power for four days.

For the first time, the National Hurricane Center has issued a tropical storm watch for California, EVER. Many people are worried about what this means for their lives, the people they love, and their property as Hurricane Hilary is projected to be a significant rain event for Southern California. Here are some recommendations related to #health : 1. **Medications and Prescriptions:** - Stock up on a minimum of a two-week supply. - Keep a list of all your medications, dosages, and any allergies. 2. **Clean Water:** - Store at least one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days. - Use bottled water for drinking and cleaning wounds. 3. **Non-perishable Food:** - Stock up on items like canned goods, protein bars, and dried fruits. - Ensure you have a manual can opener. 4. **First Aid Kit:** - Include bandages, antiseptics, tweezers, scissors, pain relievers, and any special medical equipment or supplies. 5. **Hygiene Supplies:** - Stock up on hand sanitizers, wet wipes, feminine hygiene products, and other personal hygiene items. 6. **Chronic Health Conditions:** - Plan for power outages if you rely on electric-powered health devices. - Have backup supplies for diabetes, respiratory problems, etc. 7. **Protect Against Contaminants:** - Have a supply of face masks and latex or nitrile gloves to protect against flood water contaminants. 8. **Special Needs and Elderly:** - Plan for mobility and healthcare needs, like wheelchairs or oxygen tanks. 9. **Communication:** - Have a battery-operated radio or NOAA Weather Radio. - Inform loved ones of your plan and whereabouts. 10. **Evacuation Plan:** - Know the local evacuation routes. - Ensure your car has a full tank of gas. 11. **Mental Health:** - Pack comforting items or activities to reduce stress. - Stay connected with loved ones or neighbors for support. 12. **Important Documents:** - Keep copies of health insurance, identification, medical records, and bank account records in a waterproof container. 13. **Mosquito Protection:** - Standing water from a hurricane can breed mosquitoes. Have repellents and nets if necessary. 14. **Pets:** - Stock up on their medications, food, and water. - Plan for their evacuation and sheltering. 15. **Stay Informed:** - Follow updates from local authorities and the National Hurricane Center. - Adhere to warnings and advisories. Remember, these are general recommendations. Tailor your preparations to your unique health needs and local guidelines. Safety is paramount. If local authorities advise evacuation, do so promptly. #bestadvice #california #hurricanepreparedness

Hope is not a plan. Don’t plan for what’s easy—plan for what will break you. When it comes to emergency management, my philosophy is simple: Think Big. Go Big. Go Fast. Be Smart About It. This isn’t theory. It’s what works when everything else is falling apart. 1. Think Big Plan for the disaster you can’t handle—not the one you can. Too many plans are written for the expected. You’ve got to plan for the event that could crush you. If you only plan for the average storm, the big one will wipe you out. But if you plan for the worst, you can always scale back. Example: If a Category 5 hurricane is possible, don’t base your plan on a Cat 2. Assume the power's out, roads are gone, comms are down, and you’re on your own for days. Can you still operate? 2. Go Big Lead with overwhelming force. Don’t wait to be asked. Disasters move faster than bureaucracy. By the time the official request comes in, it may already be too late. Don’t wait to assess. If it’s bad, move. You can always scale down. You can’t recover lost time. Example: If there’s a fast-moving wildfire or flash flood, surge fire crews, helicopters, trucks—before the paperwork. You can send them home later. But you can't rewind the clock. 3. Go Fast Speed beats perfection. Move now—adjust later. You’re never going to have perfect situational awareness. Waiting for full clarity gives the disaster time to grow. In a crisis, the biggest risk is moving too slow—not making the wrong move. Example: Don’t wait for a confirmed casualty list before launching search-and-rescue. If people are trapped, get boots on the ground. Speed is life. 4. Be Smart About It Use your experience, your partners, and your data. Throwing resources blindly isn’t leadership. You’ve got to think while you move—use what you know and who you trust. You don’t have unlimited fuel, people, or equipment. Make every action count. Example: Tap mutual aid early. Bring in the private sector. Use volunteer networks. This isn’t about control—it’s about coordination and impact. Putting It into Practice Exercises: Don’t run easy drills. Stress the system. Break it. That’s how you find the gaps. Policy: Build in logistics and authority for early action. If you’re waiting for approvals, you’re already behind. Messaging: Be clear. Be fast. No sugarcoating. Culture: Build teams that move fast, take initiative, and trust each other. Bureaucracy kills momentum. Bottom Line Disasters don’t care about your process. They don’t wait for consensus. You either act—or people die. So: Think Big. Go Big. Go Fast. Be Smart About It. That’s how you save lives.

Let’s get real: decentralizing emergency management isn’t about abandoning federal support, it’s about retooling it. Local governments are best positioned to act quickly, but they need robust backing to do more than just “make do.” Shifting FEMA’s role is not just a theory, it’s a direction supported by GAO findings and emerging policy recommendations. Modernize Information Technology Systems: GAO Report GAO-20-480 (2020) noted that “FEMA has not fully implemented an enterprise-wide strategy for modernizing its IT systems,” underscoring that outdated infrastructure “impedes real-time data sharing and coordination.” Transitioning to unified, cloud-based platforms is critical to overcoming these barriers and ensuring rapid, coordinated disaster response. Create a Combined Grants Management System: GAO Report GAO-21-127 (2021) highlights that “FEMA’s grant management processes remain fragmented and inconsistent,” which contributes to delays in distributing recovery funds. The report emphasized that consolidating these processes “would simplify workflows for state and local governments and improve oversight,” supporting a shift toward more efficient disaster recovery operations. Utilize DI Modeling and Simulations: GAO-20-480 highlights that current data analytics are “insufficient for real-time decision-making.” By replacing manual planning with decision intelligence (DI) tools, FEMA can identify bottlenecks, predict outcomes, and optimize resource allocation, shifting its focus to strategic coordination. Enhance Cross-Communication: Legacy systems IMS still cannot communicate effectively. As DHS S&T’s Enhancing Data Interoperability for Emergency Management (2023) report notes, “Integrated communications platforms are essential” for seamless data sharing. Upgrading interoperability is crucial in today’s environment. Scale EMAC and EMAP: Strengthening frameworks like EMAC and EMAP is vital. These programs facilitate state-to-state aid and standardize local practices, ensuring consistent quality in disaster response. Establish a National Resilience Agency: Proposals have emerged for creating a new agency housed in the White House under the Chief of Staff—tentatively named the National Resilience Agency or Federal Emergency Management and Resilience Agency (FEMRA). This agency would assume a strategic role in coordinating national disaster management while empowering local agencies.

As Hurricane Helene approaches Florida, employers should be continuing preparations for landfall and the aftermath. The Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Act and OSHA standards require employers to take certain actions to ensure a safe and healthy workplace and make preparations for potential risks, including with regard to events like hurricanes and other natural disasters. Here are some key requirements: General Duty Clause: The OSH Act requires that employers provide a workplace free from recognized hazards that could cause death or serious harm, including preparing for and responding to hurricanes and their related hazards. Employers are further required to protect employees from anticipated hazards associated with the response and recovery efforts employees are expected to perform. Emergency Action Plans (EAPs): Under OSHA standards, many employers must develop and implement EAPs, covering evacuation procedures, emergency contact information, and roles for employees during emergencies, such as hurricanes. Training: Employers are also required to provide training with employees on emergency procedures, including evacuation and shelter-in-place protocols, to ensure they know what to do during a hurricane. Hazard Communication: Employers must inform employees about potential hazards, such as chemical spills or structural damage, that could occur during or after a hurricane. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Employers may need to provide necessary PPE for employees involved in clean-up and recovery efforts following the hurricane. Post-Event Safety: Employers may be required to conduct hazard assessments and ensure the workplace is safe before employees return to work after a hurricane. Stay safe everyone!

HURRICANE PSA: Turns out all those years of working in media through hurricanes gave me a pretty unique extra skill set. Yesterday, while helping a client with disaster preparedness, I realized how much info I take for granted. Here is my personal storm prep cheat sheet I share with friends. Hope for the best and prepare for the worst. Hope your find it helpful. See you on the other side. Fingers crossed it was all for naught my friends. Francine looks like she may at least do a drive by. Power outages/boil water advisories/street flooding/closures may be a thing. My friendly annual hurricane reminder to do list. Don’t forget to: Pay your bills in advance Wash all your laundry. Run your dishwasher right before storm comes. Charge your devices and external batteries. (Old devices with usb ports can serve as backup batteries too) Make sure you have food, water, batteries, cash. Get gas (and stabilizer) for your generator if you have one. Fill your car. Fill prescriptions. Get propane for your grill. Fill a cooler with some ice. Cut your grass and clear your yard (easier to clean up leaves after). Trim limbs away from your gutters if you can. Secure lawn stuff, Clear your catch basins and around your downspouts Move your car to higher ground. Walk the dog - like a lot before it starts raining - wear them out. Gather arts and crafts, puzzles, board games - for kids. Things that occupy your kid and don’t need power. (Candy is also your friend during a storm.) If you can’t find ice, freeze some bottles of water - the bigger the better. It stays frozen longer in a cooler or a non-powered freezer. Pack your freezer with them. If evacuating put water in a cup and freeze it, place a quarter on the top, when you come home how deep the quarter is in the cup is a good gauge for how thawed your food got while you were gone. Once charged unplug computers and other sensitive equipment in case of power surges right before. If you can’t cover windows from the outside, move anything important away from them to an interior area. Put blankets and pillows in your safe shelter spot inside the house and gather your flashlights and storm radios backup batteries, etc to one easy to find spot. Cook a good lunch or dinner today - you might be eating sandwiches tomorrow or the next several days. Bonus points cook the most expensive thing in your freezer instead of risking it spoiling. Take Pictures of your house inside and out before and after the storm because you will need to document when damage occurred in order to fight hurricane deductibles with insurance. Take a shower, then fill your tubs and whatever you have on hand (buckets or pots) with water, water in pots/pans can be used for cooking/drinking. Water in buckets and trashcans can be used to flush toilets. If you lose power, outdoor solar lights are a great way to illuminate inside. #DisasterPreparedness #Hurricane #Francine

Fostering Safety, Resilience, and Compassion in the Face of Tragedy In the wake of the tragic domestic terrorism incidents in Las Vegas and New Orleans, our hearts go out to everyone affected—families, workers, and entire communities shaken by these senseless acts. To the business owners and employees grappling with the unsettling reality of these incidents, please know that your concerns are valid, and you are not alone in facing them. Public places and public workspaces, once symbols of connection and collaboration, can understandably feel uncertain during times like these. As leaders, colleagues, and community members, we have a responsibility to prioritize safety and well-being while fostering environments of trust and support. Here are some actionable steps to move forward together: 1️⃣ Prioritize Safety: Evaluate your workplace security measures, ensure emergency protocols are clear, and provide training to help employees feel empowered and prepared. 2️⃣ Open Communication: Create spaces where employees feel comfortable sharing concerns or anxieties. Encourage honest conversations while offering support, whether through leadership check-ins or professional counseling resources. 3️⃣ Focus on Well-Being: Consider ways to lighten the load during difficult times—adjust workloads, provide flexibility, or simply take a moment to check in with your team on a human level. 4️⃣ Strengthen Emergency Response Plans: Develop and regularly update workplace emergency protocols tailored to potential terrorism-related incidents. This includes clear evacuation plans, designated safety check-in points or processes, validating emergency contacts, and procedures for rapid communication during an emergency. Conduct regular drills so all team members feel confident and informed. 5️⃣ Support Victims as a Team: Come together as a team to make a positive impact on those affected by these tragedies. Whether it’s organizing a fundraiser, donating to trusted relief organizations, or volunteering time and resources, collective efforts not only provide meaningful support to victims but also strengthen bonds within your team through shared purpose and compassion. Times like these remind us of the strength we find in community. By standing together, looking out for one another, and taking proactive steps, we can foster resilience and rebuild a sense of security. Let’s continue to support each other, not just in words but in actions that make a difference. Together, we can create workplaces where safety and compassion prevail, even in the most challenging moments. While we can’t control the actions of others, we can find healing and strength in coming together—sharing experiences, fostering open dialogue, and engaging in thoughtful planning. If you have advice, resources, or words of encouragement to share, I encourage you to add them below. Let’s use this space to inspire and uplift one another. #CommunityStrength #WorkplaceSafety #PopUpTalent #Leadership #SHRM

"Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth." — Mike Tyson In complex business management, the unexpected is inevitable. Challenges will arise when navigating a major transition, market shift, or critical carveout. While you can’t predict every issue, you can prepare for them with strategic contingency planning. Contingency planning is more than just a safety net; it’s essential for mitigating risks and ensuring resilience. The process begins with identifying critical processes—those functions that must continue regardless of circumstances. This includes operations like payroll, IT systems, and customer service. Next, assemble a planning team with diverse expertise from finance, operations, HR, and IT to ensure a comprehensive approach to risk management. Assess your business's most significant risks and develop targeted strategies to address them. This might involve creating backup systems, cross-training employees, securing alternative suppliers, or establishing clear communication protocols for crises. Once your plans are in place, you can rigorously test them through simulations and drills to identify weaknesses. Update and review your contingency plans regularly to keep them relevant. Adjust your strategies to reflect new risks or priorities. In high-stakes situations like corporate carveouts, where continuity is crucial, robust contingency plans are vital. Ensuring that critical operations are covered gives you peace of mind and prepares you to face the unexpected confidently. No plan can account for every scenario, but by focusing on what can be controlled and preparing for likely risks, you position your organization to handle surprises with agility. So, what events would cause you the most concern? How prepared is your business to navigate them? Solid contingency planning will mitigate risks and build a more resilient organization. #RiskManagement #BusinessStrategy #Leadership #ContingencyPlanning #CrisisManagement #Execution

I moved my family to the beach after 26 years of living in metro Atlanta where we typically didn't plan for hurricanes. As I was preparing for #hurricanehelene, here are some key steps I've been taking that are similar to a business preparing for a natural disaster. Is your business ready for #hurricanehelene? Preparing for a #hurricane is crucial to ensuring safety and minimizing damage. Here's a step-by-step guide: 1. Stay Informed/Keep employees and clients informed 2. Monitor Weather Alerts: Follow the National Hurricane Center or local weather channels for updates, while communicating to clients and loved ones 3. Sign Up for Alerts: Enable emergency notifications on your phone or radio. 4. Create an Emergency Plan/DR plan - where and when to failover, #RPO and #RTO requirements defined and tested 5. Evacuation Routes/ #DR plan: Know your area’s evacuation routes and shelter locations. 6. Family/Company Communication Plan: Agree on a meeting place and ensure everyone knows how to contact each other. 7. Employee Pet Safety: Include plans for your pets, identifying pet-friendly shelters if needed for our furry friends 8. Prepare an Emergency Kit Essentials: Pack enough food, water, and supplies to last at least 3 days. Supplies: Bottled water (1 gallon per person per day) Non-perishable food Flashlights and extra batteries First aid kit Medications and prescriptions Personal hygiene items Important documents (IDs, insurance papers) in waterproof containers Portable phone chargers Cash (in case ATMs or card services are down) Tools and basic repair supplies Whistle (to signal for help) Face masks and hand sanitizer 9. Protect Your Home Windows and Doors: Board up windows with plywood or install hurricane shutters. Outdoor Items: Secure loose outdoor items (e.g., lawn furniture, grills, etc.) or bring them indoors. Roof and Gutters: Check for loose tiles or shingles and clear gutters to prevent flooding. Emergency Generator: If you have one, ensure it’s operational and has enough fuel. Flood Proofing: Elevate electrical appliances and utilities. Use sandbags to protect your property if in a flood zone. 11. Follow Evacuation Orders If local authorities advise evacuation, leave early to avoid being trapped by flooding or road closures. Secure your home before leaving—turn off water, gas, and electricity if advised. 12. Stay Indoors During the Storm Stay in a safe room or an interior space away from windows. Use flashlights instead of candles to avoid fire hazards. Keep listening to updates and stay informed about the storm's progress. 13. After the Storm Wait for official confirmation that it's safe to go outside. Be cautious of hazards such as downed power lines or flooded areas. Avoid driving in flooded streets and be cautious of weakened structures. #apnproud #apnpartners #naturaldisaster #dot #aws #cloud

We are in the midst of hurricane season, and Hurricane Beryl recently caused significant damage and disruption across the Caribbean, Mexico, and the United States, particularly Texas. It had significant impacts on logistics operations in Houston with multiple ports closing, including The Port of Houston, a critical hub for US gasoline and imports. Although we cannot plan around Mother Nature, we can prepare for future weather disruptions. Running from June 1st through November 30th, Hurricane Season coincides with peak shipping volumes for back-to-school, fall harvest, and holiday preparations. The convergence of increased demand and extreme weather creates unique challenges for the logistics industry. Be prepared and ensure minimal disruption by following these steps: 🦺 First and foremost - Prioritize Driver Safety: Encourage carriers to avoid driving through hazardous conditions and to seek shelter if needed. 🗂️ Review Insurance Coverage: Ensure your cargo insurance covers potential hurricane-related damages and delays. ☎️ Develop Emergency Communication Plan: Establish protocols for communicating with drivers and carriers in case of evacuation or operational changes. 🌧️ Monitor Weather Alerts: Stay informed about hurricane forecasts and potential impact zones to adjust shipment schedules. 🗺️ Implement Contingency Plans: Develop alternative routing plans and secure backup carriers to handle rerouted shipments. ⛓️ Check Equipment Readiness: Ensure all trucks and trailers are in good condition and have necessary supplies (chains, tarps, etc.) for secure transport of loads. 📍 Monitor Load Status: Continuously track shipments using real-time visibility tools to anticipate delays. 💬 Stay in Communication: Keep open lines of communication with drivers, carriers, and customers to provide updates on changing weather conditions and schedules. 🚧 Prepare for Post-Storm Recovery: Have a plan to quickly resume operations, including assessing damages, arranging repairs, and prioritizing critical shipments. What did I miss? How have you stayed nimble throughout hurricane season?