Safety First: Major Storms

When it comes to major storms like hurricanes, the aftermath can be as devastating as the event itself. The generation of significant amounts of waste exacerbates environmental concerns and poses grave public health risks.

A robust preparedness strategy is imperative to ensure resilience and effective recovery efforts in these situations. Here are some tips to prepare for major storms:

1. Emergency preparedness and disaster debris management plans play a pivotal role in mitigating the adverse effects of storms. These plans need to be thoroughly reviewed and updated regularly to align with evolving risks and best practices. It is vital to involve all stakeholders, including team members and staff, in these preparatory measures to ensure a coordinated response.
2. One of the fundamental steps in storm preparedness is to review emergency response plans with the entire team. This ensures everyone understands their roles and responsibilities during and after the storm.
3. Ensuring the safety of team members and staff is one of the most important parts of emergency planning. Relocating them to secure locations ahead of the storm's arrival is paramount.
4. Facility preparedness is another crucial aspect of storm readiness. Installing safeguards such as sandbags and reinforcing structures can help minimize damage. Moreover, securing hazardous waste and other potentially harmful materials is imperative to prevent further environmental contamination. Proper storage and containment of these materials are essential to mitigate the risks of spillage or leakage.
5. Effective communication with residents is key to ensuring their safety and cooperation during and after the storm. Informing them about changes to waste collection schedules, facility closures, and urging them to stay off the roads can help prevent accidents and facilitate cleanup efforts. Providing clear guidance on reporting debris in public areas can streamline post-storm cleanup operations.
6. Developing a comprehensive plan for cleaning up debris post-storm is essential for restoring normalcy in affected communities. This plan should align with the community's disaster debris management strategy, if one exists, and leverage partnerships with local agencies for efficient waste recovery initiatives.
7. Ensuring team members are well-trained and equipped to protect themselves and their colleagues is non-negotiable. Additionally, implementing safety measures to safeguard facilities against storm damage is essential for continuity of operations.

Above all, prioritizing worker safety is paramount during storm events. In this regard, organizations like the Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA) play a crucial role in supporting communities in their storm preparedness efforts. Through advocacy, education, and resource-sharing, SWANA empowers local governments and waste management professionals to safeguard against the impacts of major storms and enhance overall resilience.

Proactive preparedness measures are indispensable for mitigating the environmental and public health risks posed by major storms. By following these guidelines and leveraging partnerships with relevant stakeholders, communities can better withstand the challenges brought forth by major storms and speed up recovery and rebuilding.

OSHA has an Emergency Preparedness and Response webpage with resources to protect workers responding to hurricanes, wildfires, tornadoes, floods, and other natural disasters.