After the storm

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Constant communication

During Hurricane Harvey, Worden was working for a health care system and wrote daily updates that were distributed across the organization.

The updates covered topics such as driving and electrical hazards, along with personal protective equipment needed for employees returning to their flooded homes. Some of those workers walked through water in their yards and into open manholes or swimming pools.

Worden’s goal was simple: “Just keeping up with the hazards and being able to communicate that,” he said. “It gets people information that’s consistently being updated, but it also prevents complacency.” In the aftermath of a severe storm, conditions are constantly changing, making communication a critical piece in the recovery puzzle.

“It’s really at the forefront when we’re talking about protecting the health and safety of employees who are out there doing this work,” Lawver said. “It is imperative to have a communications plan going into it.”

FEMA’s Ready.gov website offers various tips on developing a crisis communication plan, including understanding all potential audiences. It also features a diagram of contact and information centers, as well as resources for communicating during a crisis.

Daily communications such as toolbox talks, safety huddles, briefings, etc., are a way to keep work crews updated and alert to changes in conditions.

“Do those consistently once the response has started,” Worden said. “The next day, there could be a new situation. In Harvey, the storm moved away, then it came back.”

Lawver said ensuring communications reach all employees in the language they understand best is a necessary step in the process. In addition, communicating roles and responsibilities for all workers can help alleviate confusion.

Out of their element

Photos: U.S. Department of Defense

Some workers travel long distances to assist after a storm. This is common in industries such as utilities. However, it can add to the preparation needed for those traveling from the upper Midwest to the Deep South, for example.

Madison grew up in Michigan but now lives in Texas. “The conversations around chiggers and snakes, those weren’t common,” he said of his home state. “We try to get everyone acclimated from a knowledge perspective about what they may see.”

The preparation for work crews far from home also includes information about equipment, PPE and what they may experience in an unfamiliar environment.

“It’s really important to anticipate where it is you’re going and also understand some of those things that are endemic to that area,” said Lawver, who warned of working in hot or cold environments without acclimatization, as well as putting in long shifts and workweeks.

Madison added: “They know the job, but they may not be cognizant or competent around the environment they’re working in.”

This often calls for sending digital training materials to contractors, vendors and others who will be assisting.

“We’re sending everything from COVID policies to heat exhaustion hydration tables, lightning policies to switching/tagging/grounding processes,” Madison said. “We do our best to inform and make those individuals who are coming into our network knowledgeable of the rules, requirements and local hazards.”

Small employers, big issue

A severe storm often can be more troublesome for small and medium-sized employers who don’t have the resources of a larger organization. Employers with small safety teams should approach storm recovery and return to work just as large employers do.

Keeping up with weather and travel conditions is something Worden does regularly as part of a municipal team. Government agencies that can provide that information are invaluable during a recovery period.

“Can your workforce get to work?” Worden asked. “If you’re a facility or a manufacturer, especially if you’re a smaller company, there’s a pretty good chance you’ll have to proactively reach out to those organizations and request that information.

“It’s a good idea to find those points of contact and build those bridges early.”