Last week, devastating flash floods swept through Texas’ Hill Country, causing immense damage and so far claiming the lives of over 115 people, and more than 170 missing. While rescue efforts are still underway in the Lone Star State, both North Carolina and New Mexico are also experiencing flooding this week. More regions may face these kinds of extreme events this summer.
With recent proposed cuts to and potential phase-out of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), it's more important than ever to understand what they can do to support employees before, during, and after disaster.
Today, we’re sharing tips from the National Commission on Climate and Workforce Health about preparing for disaster and what to do once it hits. Here's what you’ll find:
❤️🩹 Tips to support employees during an emergency
🔍 A free resource to help HR and company leadership prepare for heat, smoke, storms, and other health threats to employees
☀️ An invitation to an employer briefing on the evolving heat policy landscape
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Ways To Support Texans
Looking for ways to support communities affected by flooding or find local resources? Here are a few articles to help:
How Companies Can Support Employees When Disasters Hit
In our changing climate, faster and fiercer storms are becoming the new normal. It's up to businesses to protect their workers in the face of more frequent and unpredictable disasters. Here are a few steps you can take:
1. Create Communication Channels
Your employees trust you to share accurate, up-to-date information. Create or link to a locally relevant centralized hub for storm-related resources, including emergency contacts, evacuation routes, and local assistance programs, and update it as more resources become available.
2. Proactively Talk to Managers
Your team may be spread out, with some affected by disasters while others are not. Keep managers informed of weather events that could disrupt work and offer guidance on managing absences.
3. Set Up an Emergency Relief Fund
Establish a company-sponsored fund to provide quick financial assistance to affected employees. This can cover immediate expenses like temporary housing, food and water, or essential supplies.
4. Provide Remote Access to Health Care
Work with your insurance provider to ensure employees can access pharmacy benefits, even if displaced. Also, offer access to virtual care and telehealth services so employees can access care wherever they are. Make sure your benefits include mental health services.
5. Enable 401(k) Hardship Withdrawals
Coordinate with your 401(k) plan administrator to allow affected employees to access their savings through hardship withdrawals if needed.
6. Be Flexible
Offering additional paid time off, remote work options, and flexible schedules to give employees time to focus on recovery or family needs. In some cases, extended leave may be required for people severely impacted by a storm.
7. Promote Your Benefits
Invest in employee assistance programs (EAPs) and remind employees how services like counseling or financial aid can help them recover after a natural disaster.
Get up to speed on the evolving heat policy landscape, from OSHA regulations to state-level readiness. Hear how companies can stay ahead, support public health, and prepare their people and operations for extreme weather.
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The Health Action Alliance is a unique collaboration between leading business, communications, and public health organizations to help employers navigate evolving health challenges, improve the health of workers, and engage with public health partners to build stronger, healthier communities. Founded in 2021 by the Ad Council, Business Roundtable, CDC Foundation, the de Beaumont Foundation, and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, HAA's network now includes more than 10,000 employers nationwide, reaching a quarter of U.S. workers.
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