Disaster Recovery Journal Fall 2024

Strategizing Business Resilience By STACI SAINT-PREUX I n an era of increasing climate unpre dictability, businesses recognize the importance of proactive risk manage ment. Extreme heat poses a significant threat to businesses. They can lead to increased energy demand, causing spikes in energy costs and potential power out ages. Heat waves can also disrupt trans portation networks, affecting supply chains and delivery of goods and services. They can create hazardous conditions for outdoor works, leading to health risks and decreased productivity. By leveraging the following risk management strategies, business can anticipate these challenges. Risk Assessments In the face of escalating extreme heat and wildfire risks, businesses can under take comprehensive risk assessments to safeguard their employees and assets. These assessments involve identifying potential vulnerabilities, such as facilities located in wildfire-prone areas or outdoor operations exposed to extreme heat. Private weather companies can provide these risk assessments for each asset with detailed reports outlining potential weather threats specific to their locations and operations. This allows businesses to understand their exposure to these risks and take proactive measures. With this knowledge businesses can develop targeted strategies to mitigate these specific risks. Leveraging Weather Intelligence for Extreme Heat and Wildfire Risk Mitigation

For instance, they could invest in heat resistant infrastructure or establish emergency evacuation plans for areas at elevated risk of wildfires or adjust work ing hours for outdoor workers exposed to extreme heat. By conducting these risk assessments businesses can enhance their resilience to heat waves and wildfires, pro tecting both their people and their bottom line. Site-Specific Forecasts Site-specific forecasts provided by pri vate weather companies can be a game changer for businesses looking to mitigate risks from heatwaves and wildfires. These forecasts offer granular, location-specific data that can help businesses understand the potential impact of extreme weather events on their specific assets. Whether it is a manufacturing plant, a retail store, or an outdoor event venue, site-specific forecasts can provide valuable insights into how excessive heat, or wildfires could affect operations at each individual loca tion. This enables businesses to develop

tailored strategies for each site, enhancing their overall resilience. In line with their risk mitigation strat egies, businesses can use these forecasts to plan and prepare for potential disrup tions. For example, if extreme heat is pre dicted at a particular site, businesses can take measures such as scheduling work during cooler hours, ensuring adequate hydration facilities for workers, or even planning for temporary shutdowns if nec essary. Similarly, if a site is at risk from wildfires, businesses can plan for poten tial evacuations, secure critical assets, and arrange for backup resources. By integrat ing site-specific forecasts into their strate gic planning, businesses can ensure they are well-prepared to handle the challenges posed by extreme heat events. New Technology Advancements in weather technology present new opportunities for businesses to enhance their risk mitigation strategies. Innovative tools such as real-time weather tracking systems, advanced predictive

26 DISASTER RECOVERY JOURNAL | FALL 2024