Builders’ Guide to Keeping Job Sites and Communities Prepared

September is National Preparedness Month, an annual federal initiative to raise awareness and equip individuals, businesses and communities with the tools they need to prepare for disasters. The Federal Emergency Management Agency has designated this year's theme as "Preparedness Starts at Home."

For home builders and contractors, "home" goes beyond where you live. It may include your business, employees or current projects. This year's theme encourages builders to engage their teams and clients to prepare before disaster strikes.

Preparedness may start at home, but it extends to the job site. Here is a list of essential preparedness steps adapted for those in the residential construction industry:

• Know your risk. Disasters can strike anywhere, anytime. Identify the hazards most likely to affect your operations by conducting an all-hazards assessment. Consider site-specific factors such as common regional disasters, proximity to coastlines or forests, terrain and seasonal weather patterns. Ready.gov offers businesses hazard-specific resources that can be adapted for your crews and projects. Additionally, NAHB's Disaster Preparedness Checklist features ways to secure your job site ahead of severe weather.
  
  
• Make a business continuity plan. Just as families need an emergency plan, it is recommended businesses draft a Continuity of Operations Plan. These plans outline how your business will communicate, protect assets and resume work safely after a disaster. Through this planning process, you will consider critical operations, equipment or facilities, employee safety, cash flow disruptions, and how and when you will communicate with your stakeholders. A solid plan can protect your business and build trust in times of crisis.
  
  
• Build an emergency supply kit. Disasters can strike fast. Keep emergency kits in vehicles, offices or job sites stocked with necessities such as water, nonperishable food, first aid, headlamps, batteries, chargers, tools, gloves and key documents in a waterproof holder. These supplies help keep team members safe and operations steady until conditions improve. For a full list of recommended items in your emergency kit, visit NAHB's Disaster Preparedness Newsletter.
  
  
• Get involved in your community. When disasters cause destruction in communities, builders are often among the first to respond in stabilizing homes and rebuilding, but it takes a village. Use your local home builders association to build connections with fellow builders, contractors and suppliers. Expanding your network before disaster strikes ensures you have trusted support and resources when it matters most.

For more information, guides and resources on preparing for natural disasters, visit nahb.org/disaster.