2020 has been an unpredictable year for businesses. With the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, business owners and employers have embraced a new normal and are implementing strategies to protect workers and consumers against infection. This year, some U.S. areas have faced additional hazards, including wildfires, hurricanes, tropical storms, and tornados. What businesses can take away from such an unpredictable and devastating turn of events this year is to have a plan in place for when emergencies and disasters strike.
It may seem challenging to determine what it means to be “prepared” when it seems that each day presents the possibility of new hazards occurring on the job. However, there are concrete steps business owners and employers can take to ensure that when the unexpected occurs, the response can be quick, efficient and not compromised by confusion. As we recently honored National Preparedness Month, which is recognized each September to promote family and community disaster and emergency planning, it serves as a reminder to acknowledge the importance of being prepared for all emergencies.