The National Hurricane Center warned Texas residents and businesses that it expects Hurricane Harvey to become a major hurricane before it reaches the middle Texas coastline sometime late Friday evening.
As employees worry about protecting their families and homes, business leaders must also protect their assets—which, of course, include their workers.
Here is a list of SHRM Emergency Response resources (some member-protected) to help HR professionals guide their businesses and employees through preparing and recovering from natural disasters. Articles answer questions such as how to pay employees during emergency situations, keep employees safe and protect business assets.
A checklist from law firm Ogletree Deakins details what employers need to do to get ready when a hurricane is in the forecast.
It's important to remember that meeting the needs of employees during a disaster is a monumental task, and learning how to communicate with employees during a crisis is important for every employer.
These government resources for responding to disaster can help employers get back to business once authorities have announced it is safe to do so:
- Disaster Assistance.gov. Details the kinds of assistance available and reduces the number of forms to file to receive assistance.
- State Offices and Agencies of Emergency Management. Direct contact information for emergency management offices in your state.
- Tax Relief in Disaster Situations--IRS.gov. The latest information on which localities can apply for tax relief following a disaster in their area.
- Redcross.org. Has a "safe and well" list where employees can let family, supervisors and co-workers know where they are.
- Flood Recovery. Visit this OSHA.gov page for flood preparedness and response advice.
- Hurricane Preparedness. Visit this OSHA.gov page for hurricane preparedness and response advice.
Beth Mirza is senior editor for HR News. She reports on Business Leadership, Safety & Security and other HR issues. Prior to coming to SHRM in 2001, Beth worked for community newspapers in Northern Virginia. Follow her on Twitter @BethMirza.
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