A Tough Lesson in Disaster Preparation

Yet another hurricane season has left a broad swath of America’s coast in recovery mode following a once-in-a-generation storm, and wildfires are devastating California. The disasters remind the rest of us how fortunate we are to be safe. They remind government agencies about the importance of preparedness. And they remind employers about the importance of risk managers. Disaster response is part of the job description for risk managers, of course, but that doesn’t make it any easier to suddenly be the most important person at the company in the exact moment that the situation is at its least predictable and most frenetic. Lives are in danger, homes are being inundated or burned, entire communities are scrambling for safety — and you’re the person who is supposed to have answers and a plan.