ENTERPRISE VOLATILITY

1. Those who respond following a disaster need to understand the emotional impact of such event.

“You have to take into account the emotions of clients and co-workers. As insurance adjusters, we’re not formally trained on how to deal with the psychological impact of a disaster. People need to be prepared to pull together and support one another by understanding not just their physical or financial needs but emotional ones as well during trying times.”

2. Ensure you have back up communications systems and processes in place before a disaster.

“During Hurricane Katrina we weren’t able to communicate with our on-site managers. Land lines, cell phones, and internet weren’t available for weeks. We had to send a satellite phone to our lead manager for us to communicate with her. She was directed to tell our employees to call our 1-800 number, give us a contact number and address, and follow our website for further information.”

3. Have your emergency plan in place and test it to ensure that it works and that employees are clear on protocols.

“We delayed getting our associates out of our facility, thinking that they could help those who were taking refuge. That was a huge mistake as their lives were put in danger by those they were trying to help. Eventually our company had to make arrangements to airlift our associates out of the building, which compromised the safety of more people. While taking care of the needs of others during a natural catastrophe is important, it’s equally important to keep our associates safe.”