Planning and Executing a Comprehensive and Flexible Response to Severe Weather at Operations Sites

Before, during, and after a natural disaster strikes, facilities should have a plan in place to for a comprehensive and flexible response to protect staff and critical assets. As the costs associated with more frequent severe weather events continue to rise, investments in hazard mitigation and emergency planning will prove to be financially beneficial.A successful response to severe weather depends on thorough planning and groundwork. Preparing for severe weather includes engaging stakeholders, site evaluation s, drafting an emergency procedures plan, training on-site personnel, and implementing mitigation measures. Planning for potential hazards is an integral part of disaster preparedness and a comprehensive risk management program.This article outlines a number of lessons learned at operations sites that have experienced severe weather. Preemptive planning will maintain infrastructure integrity, improve operator safety, secure business continuity, and protect the environment when a hazard event occurs.