The Importance of Collaborating During a Natural Disaster

Working in today’s global economy means we can all be impacted by a natural disaster at a moment’s notice. The latest reports regarding Hurricane Florence, for example, show that over 400,000 homes in the U.S. are without electricity. Forecasters emphasize that freshwater flooding is expected -  well inland – and could last for days or longer. Meanwhile, in southern China, three million people have been moved to safety due to Typhoon Mangkhut, which made its way through southern China. The storm has torn roofs off of houses and shaken high rise buildings. Waves almost 10-feet high battered the coast.  

Managing the relocation of hundreds of employees during these circumstances can present significant  challenges to employees and the companies that employ them, which is why collaboration between all parties is key. Below are a few tips on the best ways to support this collaboration – before and during such a difficult time.

Employees:

• Have a plan before disaster strikes. There’s precious little time to prepare during a natural disaster. Having necessary items stored in one place before things reach an urgent state allows employees to focus on their families and getting them to safety. In addition to gathering water, canned goods and first aid kits as part of emergency preparations, employees would also benefit from gathering copies of all important documents (health insurance, home-related, and identification), and keeping them with pictures of their homes (inside and out). Having all of these documents in one place will save valuable time during an evacuation, and also ensure that paperwork will be easily accessible in case of a medical emergency or should an assessment of home damage be needed when the emergency passes.
• Get tips for preparedness from the Red Cross. The Red Cross has compiled extensive information on typical emergencies that can occur all around the world. Visit their website to learn the difference between a “watch” and a “warning,” how to prepare for emergencies of all kinds, what to do during these emergencies, and how to repair and rebuild afterward.

Employers:

• Know where your employees are at all times. Always keep a list of where your employees are living and where they are traveling to and from. Having quick and easy access to a list of employees that will be impacted by a disaster will be crucial when it comes to proactively warning, preparing or evacuating them in a timely manner.
• Determine available resources. Because some recently relocated employees may not be familiar with their new areas or neighborhoods, they may also be unaware of where they can turn for help. Before a disaster hits, company representatives can provide crucial information about government approved evacuation routes, shelter and resources for necessities. After a disaster, they can leverage the help of their relocation management company or vendors to secure temporary housing, if needed.

Relocation Management Companies (RMCs):

• Coordinate with both clients and employees. Because they have access to resources all over the globe, RMCs are uniquely positioned to offer guidance to clients with employees who are in the path of a natural disaster – and expertise when implementing mutually outlined disaster recovery plans.In addition to advising on temporary housing following a catastrophic event, RMCs are also able to partner with their clients to verify employee safety beforehand, create a plan of action and to provide any necessary support and guidance until the event passes. When mortgaged directly by the RMC, employees can also look to them for much-needed guidance on assessments and repairs, if needed.

Following a natural disaster, it’s common to feel overwhelmed and unsure about what to do. However, through collaboration, employees, clients and RMCs can work together to minimize some of the impact that an event of such magnitude brings. Our thoughts are with all of the individuals currently impacted by Hurricane Florence and Typhoon Mangkhut. We send our hopes for their speedy recovery from the effects of these disasters – and for their safety.