Over the past year, the U.S. has faced an unprecedented number of natural disasters. Last July, the west coast experienced one of the most destructive wildfire seasons ever recorded in the western United States, resulting in $32 billion in damages. August’s derecho brought strong winds and tornadoes across the midwestern United States, resulting in billions in damages. This past February, a major winter storm caused a power crisis in Texas, resulting in more than 100 deaths and almost 200 billion dollars in damages while crippling the state’s energy infrastructure. More recently, monster wildfires in Oregon and elsewhere on the West Coast have been massive enough to force pollution all the way to Manhattan.
NACD members and Affiliates recognize the importance of preparing for the possible devastation that a natural disaster can bring. Working with chemicals daily, chemical distributors have a particular responsibility – not only to our businesses and the industry, but also to the communities where we operate – to ensure our facilities are substantially safeguarded in a natural disaster. In addition to considerable structural damages, natural disasters can cause delays in the supply chains, intensifying material shortages and increasing costs to consumers and businesses.
Every year around this time, we remind members of our Natural Disaster Resource Center. It has proven to be a valuable resource for chemical distributors with facilities in a named storm’s path. But, as the past year has shown us, being prepared isn’t just for distributors with operations in areas more susceptible to hurricanes – preparedness for other natural disasters across the country is equally important.
Fortunately, the information offered in the Natural Disaster Resource Center isn’t just useful for hurricane preparation; many of the resources apply to emergency preparedness and response useful in any natural disaster scenario.
In addition to state information, some of the valuable federal resources include:
Using these resources in conjunction with the Responsible Distribution preparedness planning, any chemical distributor can develop a comprehensive preparedness plan for hurricanes or any natural disaster. Once you have a plan, make sure to review and update your plan regularly and keep employees abreast of any changes. Doing so will help prepare your facility for a disaster at a moment’s notice and ensure that all employees know what actions need to be taken.
We recognize how damaging the consequences can be if one is unprepared for a natural disaster. Lives and property are at stake. We must never underestimate the impact of these dangerous events. NACD stands ready to support our members and communities in any way we can to prepare and respond in times of need.
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