Tag: natural disasters

Recognizing the Resilience of FMs on World FM Day

On May 14, facilities managers across the globe get the credit they’re due on World FM Day. This year’s theme, “Resilience in Action: Thriving in a World of Change,” shines a spotlight on the unsung heroes who keep our built environments safe and efficient, no matter the challenge. Much of the facilities manager’s work goes […]

The ASCE Infrastructure Report Card Is Out: Three Takeaways for Facility Leaders

Editor’s note: This is a follow-up article to “The ASCE 2025 Report Card Is Coming: A Final Exam with No Quizzes,” published March 20. After four years of significant federal investments, most notably from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) has released its 2025 ASCE Report Card, revealing that America’s […]

The Business Case for Resilient Buildings in 2025

On the surface, 2025 has not shaped up to be an easy year for facilities managers. Economic uncertainty continues, and skilled labor shortages and budgetary restrictions are making it difficult to improve building performance. These challenges are especially prominent in older buildings with outdated systems and aging infrastructure. At the same time, external forces beyond […]

NFL and FEMA Partner to Use Stadiums as Disaster Response Centers

Stadiums and venues provide a central and accessible location to help communities respond to extreme weather crises, providing safe storage and shelter in times of need. With these events becoming more frequent, severe, and expensive, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and National Football League (NFL) are teaming up on a new program that will […]

How to Work with First Responders for Facility Emergencies

Two retired law enforcement officials believe facilities managers should work more closely with emergency responders to keep people, and the facilities they occupy, safe. Each with 33 years of law enforcement experience, Mark Wood, a retired chief executive police officer from the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department; and Jeri Williams, who retired after serving as the […]

Webinar Watch: FM NOW Sessions on Emergency Preparedness

On Wednesday, June 19, join your colleagues and expert panelists for our FM NOW: Emergency Preparedness virtual summit! This FREE event will include three back-to-back webinars covering business continuity planning, emergency responder coordination, and the importance of having mobile access to building information during an emergency. Can’t make it to the webinars? No worries! All […]

Top Tips to Prepare Your Business for the 2024 Hurricane Season

As June 1 marked the beginning of the Atlantic hurricane season, businesses must revisit and reinforce their storm preparedness strategies. The looming threat of severe weather calls for thorough planning to mitigate potential disruptions. Forecasters at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) anticipate an “above normal” hurricane season, projecting up to 25 named storms, 13 of […]

Fortifying Facilities Against Growing Wildfire Threats

It’s no secret that we’re experiencing a global uptick in extreme weather and natural disasters as a direct result of climate change. In fact, a study supported by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) found climate change to be the main driver of the increase in fire weather in the western U.S., pointing to […]

What’s Ahead for the 2024 Hurricane Season?

Hurricanes can cause major property damage and interrupt business operations. So, how many of these potentially dangerous storms should facilities managers expect (and prepare for) this year? The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has announced its outlook for the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, which spans from June 1 to Nov. 30. The agency predicts a high […]

How to Improve Business Continuity Through Employee Disaster Preparedness

Natural disasters are increasing in frequency and intensity, and areas that haven’t experienced disaster events in the past are now facing unprecedented levels of risk. In 2023 alone, the U.S. experienced a staggering 28 separate disaster events, each costing at least $1 billion in damage. This trend is expected to continue with record-setting wildfires, extreme […]