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Press announcement

Preparing for Hurricane Season 2024

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1 June marks the start of hurricane season in the United States, and it is predicted to be an “extremely active” season. Increased activity is expected as El Niño conditions give way to La Niña, causing warmer ocean temperatures and less wind shear in the Atlantic, which are conducive to tropical cyclone formation. In preparation for this year’s hurricane season, International SOS advises organisations to remain vigilant in anticipation of these potentially destructive natural disasters.

Josh Dozor, General Manager of Medical and Security Assistance at International SOS, states
Amidst an anticipated volatile hurricane season in the U.S., it's crucial for organisations to prioritise readiness. Preparation and employee communications are imperative as this season could disrupt operations and resilience, impacting both employees and organisational continuity.
The National Oceanic Atmospheric Association releases its predictions in late May; however, several organisations have already released reports on what can be expected as we approach the upcoming hurricane season. A recent study from Colorado State University predicts 23 named storms for 2024, the highest prediction since their studies started in 1995.
Dozor adds
Due to a warmer than average season, we can expect at least one major hurricane to make landfall, which would make 2024 an active season with potential lasting impacts. Hurricanes are not exclusive to the United States coastline and the Caribbean as the impacts such as extensive flooding are experienced far inland. All of these communities should have plans in place to prepare their personnel, infrastructure, and supply chain needs.

International SOS’ 2024 Risk Outlook report stated that 62% of businesses have identified natural disasters as the primary threat likely to affect both their operations and staff; coming in second to extreme weather conditions, which 72% of organisations listed as a top threat. The effect of hurricanes on businesses can have negative consequences and may result in delays to orders, chain-supply complications, and general distaste from consumers towards an organisation. It’s important for leaders to have thorough plans in place to avoid any complications and ensure their businesses run smoothly and their employees are safe, even in the midst of a natural disaster.

Julian Moro, Senior Vice President and Regional Security Director of International SOS, said

Since this hurricane season is expected to be more active than previous years, organisations need to take the precautions necessary to ensure business continuity and employee safety. There are plenty of resources available that can help businesses formulate full-fledged plans, inclusive of procedures like evacuation and relocation measures so that their workforces have the tools and knowledge they need to stay safe during any potential natural disaster.

International SOS has been providing security and health expertise for more than 35 years, safeguarding organisations with the right support to alleviate complications in the face of disaster.

Some steps organisations can take to best prepare for these situations include:
  1. Identify locations and facilities based on the probabilities of hurricane impact using historical geographic data.
  2. Educate your workforce on the necessary supplies required for hurricane shelter-in-place or evacuation, to include food, water, personal protective equipment (PPE), sanitisers and disinfectants.
  3. Be prepared to suspend operations at, and travel to, at-risk locations for periods of a week or more.
  4. Assess evacuation options to include shelter and transport. Where evacuation options are limited, identify shelter-in-place plans.
  5. Establish appropriate thresholds for determining when to evacuate or relocate personnel and have a clear structure in place to communicate these measures throughout your organisation.
  6. Account for access disruption to include enabling employees to have the capability and equipment to work remotely/from home. Anticipate potential disruption to power and communications.
  7. Develop pre-scripted messages and test means of mass notification to ensure functionality of messaging prior to an emergency.
  8. Consider a table-top exercise to test your organisation's crisis management and business continuity plans, reinforce roles and responsibilities, and identify any areas for improvement ahead of time.
About the International SOS Group of Companies
The International SOS Group of Companies is in the business of saving lives and protecting your global workforce from health and security threats. Wherever you are, we deliver customised health, security risk management and wellbeing solutions to fuel your growth and productivity. In the event of extreme weather, an epidemic or a security incident, we provide an immediate response providing peace of mind. Our innovative technology and medical and security expertise focus on prevention, offering real-time, actionable insights and on-the-ground quality delivery. We help protect your people, and your organisation's reputation, as well as support your compliance reporting needs. By partnering with us, organisations can fulfil their Duty of Care responsibilities, while empowering business resilience, continuity, and sustainability.

Founded in 1985, the International SOS Group, headquartered in London & Singapore, is trusted by over 9,000 organisations. This includes the majority of the Fortune Global 500. As well as mid-size enterprises, governments, educational institutions, and NGOs. Nearly 12,000 multi-cultural security, medical, logistics and digital experts stand with you to provide support & assistance from over 1,200 locations in 90 countries, 24/7, 365 days. Between them, International SOS employees speak nearly 100 languages and dialects in our Assistance Centres, Clinics, and offices.

To protect your workforce, we are at your fingertips: www.internationalsos.com