Disaster Recovery Journal Fall 2024

models, and AI-powered risk analysis can provide businesses with unprecedented insights into potential weather threats. Real-time tracking allows businesses to monitor weather conditions continuously, enabling them to respond swiftly when heat waves or wildfires occur. Predictive models can forecast these events with

increasing accuracy, giving businesses more time to prepare. AI-powered risk analysis can assess the potential impact of these events on a business’s operations, helping to inform mitigation strategies. By harnessing these technologies, businesses can stay one step ahead of the weather, protecting their employees, assets, and

operations from the risks posed by severe weather events. Preventative Safety Measures The safety of employees and the pro tection of assets are paramount for any business facing the threats of extreme heat and wildfires. For employee safety, businesses can implement several preventative measures. These can include heat safety training programs that educate employees about the signs of heat-related illnesses and the importance of staying hydrated. Adjusting work schedules to avoid the hottest parts of the day, providing cooling vests and other protective gear, and ensuring ade quate rest periods can also help protect employees from extreme heat. In wildfire prone areas, businesses can conduct regu lar fire drills, provide fire safety training, and establish clear evacuation procedures to ensure employee safety. When it comes to protecting assets, businesses can invest in heat and fire resistant materials for buildings and infra structure. They can also install advanced fire detection and suppression systems. Regular maintenance and inspection of these systems are crucial to ensure they function effectively when needed. Businesses can also develop a compre hensive asset protection plan that includes measures such as off-site storage of criti cal data, insurance coverage, and contin gency plans for business continuity in the event of a disaster. By proactively implementing these safety and preventive measures, busi nesses can significantly mitigate the risks posed by extreme heat and wildfires, ensuring the safety of their employees and the protection of their assets. v

Staci Saint-Preux is an industry manager and meteorologist for StormGeo. As part of the sales team, she has a crucial role in serving current and prospective clients in the retail, healthcare, and midstream oil

& gas industries. Prior to her time at StormGeo, Saint Preux worked as a flight planner and meteorologist for a private aviation company in Houston. With a degree and background in meteorology, Saint-Preux understands the importance of accurate weather data and forecasting and knows the value of having a team of weather experts on your side.

28 DISASTER RECOVERY JOURNAL | FALL 2024