Red Cross’s Preparations for Hurricanes and Other Disasters during COVID-19 Demonstrate the Importance of Advance Planning

An article from Bloomberg discusses how the Red Cross is preparing for hurricane season during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Red Cross has already responded to disasters in the time of COVID-19, such as tornadoes that touched down outside Chattanooga, Tennessee in early March. The foundation for the Red Cross’s responses during COVID-19 actually began taking shape well before these and other twisters. “We’ve been working since late January to adjust our protocols on the day-to-day events like house fires,” said Trevor Riggen, senior vice president of Disaster Cycle Services at the Red Cross. One of the things the Red Cross has done is to reduce the number of points of contact with disaster survivors, helping to ensure it has enough protective gear for front-line staff that needed to have close interactions. Additionally, shelter meals will be served individually instead of cafeteria style and disinfectant cleanings will be frequent. The Red Cross says it has 750 kits for shelters that include goggles, masks, gloves, and gowns as well as hand sanitizers, thermometers, and supplies for a hand washing station. “This is definitely not business as usual,” says Riggen, “but we are operating.” All of this goes to show that when faced with the possibility of having to respond unusual circumstances, advance planning is critical to put your organization in the best position for success should adverse situations arise and to minimize disruptions to service and customers. Read the article at Bloomberg.