The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is predicting an above-normal Atlantic Hurricane season.

The NOAA is forecasting an above normal hurricane season - which runs from June 1 to November 30 each year – in the Atlantic with 14-21 named storms projected including 3-6 categorized as major hurricanes. It’s important for everyone to understand their risk and take proactive steps to get ready now. Testing your plan can be a sure-fire way to find the gaps in your disaster preparedness and business resiliency plan prior to an interruption.

Reviewing and testing plans and procedures can be considered a disruptive, tedious and therefore dreaded activity. However, generating buy-in and getting proper engagement can go a long way in helping to ease the burden.

Get the Whole Team Involved. Start by Answering These Questions:

• How should we coordinate actions around this situation? Are the roles and responsibilities in response to this event clear?
• What is our strategy for sharing information and advice with personnel? How will this be operationalized?
• What policies or directives can be put in place to enable alternate work arrangements? Can remote workers perform their work as multiple disaster events occur simultaneously?
• Which key functions might be impacted in the short-term (2-3 weeks) and how?
• Have we thoroughly conducted an evaluation of third-party service providers that contribute to critical business services?

Ways to Lower Risk

• Consider changes such as new locations opened, employee work arrangements including those working new hours or with flexible/remote work arrangements; and new third parties or suppliers providing materials and services for preparation and clean-up.
• Ensure updates are made to your contact list for both employees and third parties. Be sure to fill positions on your disaster team due to staff turnover or retirements.
• Prepare your employees by reinforcing roles and communications related to your plans.