September is National Preparedness Month, a federal initiative aimed at raising awareness and equipping individuals, businesses, and communities with the necessary tools to prepare for disasters. The Federal Emergency Management Agency has designated this year’s theme as “Start a Conversation” to encourage discussions about preparedness measures early and openly to ensure safety and build resilience before disaster strikes.
For builders and those in the residential building industry, these conversations present an opportunity to cultivate a culture of preparedness within their organizations.
By integrating preparedness and mitigation throughout their business operations, companies can transform disaster readiness from an annual checklist into a core function that drives business continuity regardless of potential disasters.
The following strategies are recommended for initiating conversations and fostering a culture of preparedness in businesses:
1. Review any current emergency action, continuity of operations (COOP), or disaster recovery plans. Update existing plans to account for changes in organizational structure, personnel, location, or asset specifics.
2. Set aside dedicated time to engage employees, subcontractors, and suppliers in discussions regarding disaster preparedness and safety plans. Ensure all jobsite personnel understand the plans, know where they can be found, and how they are implemented during a disaster.
3. Solicit feedback from stakeholders at all levels of the organization. Encourage them to share insights, ask questions, discuss potential risks, and offer suggestions.
4. Conduct consistent training on disaster plans throughout the year to promote familiarity with procedures and identify areas needing further measures.
5. Proactively reach out to local networks or home builders associations before imminent threats arise to discuss potential synergies, strengthen local capacities, or provide needed information and resources.
For more information, guides, and resources on preparing for natural disasters, visit nahb.org/disaster.