The summer months signal a swell of activity for nonprofits. Camps are in session, group trips are embarking, and gatherings and festivals are in full swing. But summer also signals the start of storm season for much of the country.
When severe weather strikes, a nonprofit leader’s first instinct is to help others impacted by disaster, according to Eric Spacek, assistant vice president – risk control at Church Mutual Insurance Company. But, to ensure you’re able to respond to those in need, you must first make sure your organization is prepared to protect your own people and property.
Start by understanding the basics of severe weather preparedness. Here are just a few tips to get you thinking about your own prep plan:
For Severe Storms
* If there is time, consider hiring a professional to trim any tree branches overhanging the building and any dead limbs or branches that might cause damage during a storm.
* Make sure that gutters, downspouts and drains are free from any debris.
* Move any chairs, portable tables, equipment and materials to a secure location so they do not become airborne during the storm and cause damage to the building.
* Close all exterior doors and windows.
For Hurricanes
* Your shutters serve as the first line of defense against heavy winds and flying debris, protecting your windows and doors and, by extension, everything inside your facility. Use metal or polycarbonate plastic shutters and avoid plywood if possible.
For Flooding
* Sign up to receive alerts when flood conditions are possible in your area. You can receive these notifications from the Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Service or often through your local news and weather forecast provider.
* If advanced warning of a flood is given, you may have time to protect your building with sandbags or other materials designed to prevent water intrusion.
* When the sun is shining is the best time to spot cracks, and damaged weather stripping and paint. Ensure all cracks are caulked or filled with foam expansion. Repair and repaint any damaged surfaces and replace any torn or eroded weather stripping before severe weather strikes.
For All Weather Incidents
* Document everything you can with pictures and videos, and store copies off-site. In the case of loss, it will be helpful to be able to show what you had when you make your claim.
* Have a communications plan in place that includes contact persons, safe meeting locations and other important phone numbers to help reduce confusion in the event of severe weather.
* Have an emergency kit stocked and ready for a natural disaster. Include items such as first aid supplies, blankets, batteries, a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather radio and enough food and water to last at least three days.
* Often, well-meaning organizations that offer their facility as a shelter have found themselves in over their head. As a result, shelter guests became victims of theft and assault. If you are considering serving as a weather shelter, have a plan in place ahead of time. If you do not have enough space to provide private quarters for all guests, staff up volunteers at the facility to provide around the clock protection.
When you have a plan in place, and your facilities and grounds are secure, you are free to enjoy the good people and good times that help move your mission forward.