The Storm Has Arrived...What Does That Mean for Me?

The Storm Has Arrived...What Does That Mean for Me?

Hurricane Harvey and Irma have devastated many in the last few weeks. It is all over the news, it comes up in most conversations and it has affected many. The hurricanes have changed the lives of many and continue to affect homes, neighborhoods, cities, lives, companies and more. The Public Relations Society of America on September 8, 2017 released a Storm Resource Center on their website. The society states, “members have been asking how they might reach out and help” As many people are, this is many people’s first response. However, the Public Relations Society of America also recognized that many were also requesting, “for practical tips on how you can prepare and make sure processes are in place If a storm is heading your way.” This resource location is in its beginning stages, however it creates a place for suggestions on updating your own crisis plan if a storm were ever planned to come your way.

Companies and organizations can suffer in all types of ways from natural events. As the communications department, you must be ready with a plan before the event even happens. What I like about this resource center is the different types of resources all on one page. The resources include things to add to your crisis plan, accounting for safety, articles from the archives and even links to resources that can help when preparing, in the middle of or after a storm.

You can’t always prepare for when a natural disaster. However, you can do your best to prepare a plan if one would occur. Whether you are in a hurricane zone or not, what does your companies crisis plan look like? I bet this hurricane made a lot of communication professionals go back and think more clearly about what their current plan includes and doesn’t include. Does your office have a plan if you would need to relocate your office? Who would they call? What is your plan to help your employees and make sure they are safe?

I would challenge you to think about this a little more. I am always a fan of planning. However, I think this type of planning could help more than we even know if we do it before time. A big thank you to the Public Relations Society of America for making this an available resource!