Last week, devastating flash floods swept through Texas’s Hill Country, causing immense damage throughout the region and so far claiming the lives of over 80 people, with dozens more missing. While rescue efforts are still underway in the Lone Star State, North Carolina now faces heavy rains and flooding, with the possibility of tornadoes from Tropical Depression Chantal. More regions may face these kinds of extreme events this summer.

With recent proposed cuts and potential phase-out to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), business preparation and involvement in post-disaster recovery efforts are more important than ever. 

Looking for ways to support communities affected by flooding or find local resources? Here are a few articles to help:

• How to Help the Texas Flood Victims
• Disaster 101: Your guide to extreme weather preparation, relief, and recovery (Some resources available in Spanish/Algunos recursos disponibles en español)
• Resources for Texans affected by flooding: Find shelter, supplies and assistance

How Companies Can Support Employees Once Disasters Hit

The impacts of disasters are becoming more frequent and unpredictable as storms expand quickly and dangerously due to climate change. While businesses must consider a range of potential impacts to their operations, supply chain, and properties during such events, the Health Action Alliance is here to help businesses also prepare and respond to workforce health risks.  Here are a few steps you can take: 

1. Create Communication Channels

Your employees trust you to share accurate, up-to-date information. Create or link out to a locally-relevant centralized hub for storm-related resources, including emergency contacts, evacuation routes, and local assistance programs, and update it as more resources become available. Be sure to include tips on helping your team avoid consumer scams, which often increase after a disaster. 

2. Proactively Talk to Managers

Your team may be spread out, with some affected by disasters while others are not. Keep managers informed of weather events that could disrupt work and offer guidance on managing absences.

3. Set Up an Emergency Relief Fund

Establish a company-sponsored fund to provide quick financial assistance to affected employees. This can cover immediate expenses like temporary housing, food and water, or essential supplies. 

4. Provide Remote Access to Health Care

Work with your insurance provider to ensure employees can access pharmacy benefits, even if displaced. Also, offer access to virtual care and telehealth services so employees can access care wherever they are. Make sure your benefits include mental health services.

5. Enable 401(k) Hardship Withdrawals

Coordinate with your 401(k) plan administrator to allow affected employees to access their savings through hardship withdrawals if needed.

6. Be Flexible

Offering additional paid time off, remote work options, and flexible schedules to give employees time to focus on recovery or family needs. In some cases, extended leave may be required for people severely impacted by a storm. 

7. Promote Your Benefits

Invest in employee assistance programs (EAPs) and remind employees how services like counseling or financial aid can help them recover after a natural disaster.

8. Organize Volunteer Opportunities

Consider organizing company-wide volunteer opportunities to help the affected communities. 

Preparing for Climate-Related Threats to Health 

The National Commission on Climate and Workforce Health recently released Managing Extreme Weather and Climate Risks at Work — A Starter Guide. This four-step starter guide, crafted for HR leaders but applicable to any business leader, can help organizations prepare for heat, smoke, storms, and other health threats to employees. 

In the guide, you’ll find practical steps to help business leaders get started. Inside, you’ll find: 

Step 1: Assemble Your Team
Guidance on which departments and roles you'll need at the table.

Step 2: Assess Your Risk
How to identify your specific vulnerabilities based on where your employees are, what they do, and what health challenges they face.

Step 3: Make Your Plan
Key considerations for prevention, emergency preparedness, communications, benefits, and recovery.

Step 4: Prepare Your People
Ways to train employees and equip managers before a crisis hits.

HR professionals and other leaders who shape workforce health and safety can use this guide to help build safer workplaces and a more resilient workforce before, during, and after climate-driven disruptions. 

Extreme Heat & Workforce Health: Summer Event Series for Employers

‍Navigating Policy & Preparedness

📅 July 30, 2025

🕐 1-2 p.m. ET

Get up to speed on the evolving heat policy landscape, from OSHA regulations to state-level readiness. Hear how companies can stay ahead, support public health, and prepare their people and operations for extreme weather.

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