The weather ahead: Help human services organizations manage storm risk
Extreme weather is a serious risk for operations in all regions of the country during virtually all times of the year. In 2024, for instance, a severe cold wave gripped nearly the entire country in January, and soon after in February tornadoes struck communities as far north as Wisconsin and Michigan.
These examples underscore the volatility of weather patterns and the need to prepare and plan for damaging, disruptive events.
Damage from extreme weather can be a matter of not if, but when – and severe storms are increasing in frequency and severity. Storms that cause more than $1 billion in damages are becoming a more regular occurrence, and last year there was a record 28 such events (the previous high point of 22 events was in 2020).1
In 2023, severe convective storms alone resulted in over $54 billion in damages – more than half the $94.4 billion cost of all disasters combined. In 2024, there have been 11 billion-dollar events so far.
For human services organizations, understanding and preparing for these risks is critical in order to protect lives, property, and continuity of operations. Human services organizations can face specific risks, depending on their mission. Food spoilage, merchandise damage, specialized equipment, and damage to property and fleets are just some of the risks they face.
Weather risks:
- Severe convective storms – Severe storms and their byproducts such as hail, tornadoes and straight-line winds can cause extensive property damage. Windows, doors, roof coverings, HVAC equipment, and vehicle fleets can all be at risk of damage. Electrical equipment and systems are also vulnerable to severe storms due to lightning. A recent report from the Triple-I stated that claims due to lightning rose nearly 14% last year with an average cost of $17,513.2
- Extreme temperatures – Heat and cold can be silent killers. For those who support the homeless population, extreme temperatures can be an especially serious situation for the people they support. Air conditioned spaces and cooling centers are vital during heat waves and heated spaces can save lives during cold waves. In hot conditions where air conditioning may not be available, fans that can move a large volume of air should be provided. Water and cooling stations should also be provided in outdoor settings during hot conditions.
- Flooding – In areas where flooding could be a concern, operations should take care to protect structures, equipment, and goods from being damaged or destroyed. Operations such as thrift stores or food banks, for example, could face losing their inventory to flood waters and could risk their mission to support under-served populations.
- Wildfire – Similar to the threat faced by floods, plans should be in place to mitigate the potential for loss of life, damage to property, and operational disruptions. Wildfires can spread quickly with little or no warning, so special attention should be taken during hot, dry conditions in areas where there is fire risk.
In addition to the direct impacts of weather, there are also ripple effects that should be considered. These challenges, which can linger well after the storm has passed, can include:
- Displaced workers or volunteers due to impassable roads or evacuation orders
- Supply chain disruption
- Disrupted operations
By incorporating resilience to extreme weather into their operational strategy, human services organizations can mitigate potential damage. Even simple maintenance tasks such as cleaning gutters, sealing windows, and securing signage can help limit storm damage.
Going further, investing in resilient structural components like upgraded roofing materials and fortified windows can significantly reduce the potential for damage.
A comprehensive business continuity plan also is a key tool in weather preparation. Such a plan can help identify areas of risk and outline steps to mitigate the impact of extreme weather events. Regular reviews and updates of these plans ensure they remain relevant as the organization evolves and weather patterns change.
Risk management resources
Nationwide Loss Control Services offers resources and guidance to help organizations understand and plan for severe weather threats. These resources include:
Storms may be inevitable, but how we prepare and respond is within our control. Share risk management resources to help make sure organizations are ready.