Transportation plays a key and invaluable role for company operations and is a vital element of emergency management. It provides the service that links companies to their suppliers, customers and employees. The consequences suffered when transportation services and infrastructure are impacted by a disaster are far reaching. An example of this was BC’s 2021 atmospheric river* which washed out highways and interrupted the distribution of goods and services.
Transportation services facilitate emergency response
In addition to transporting key supplies, resources and personnel and getting from A to B in the event of a disaster, transportation services also facilitate emergency response and recovery actions by first responders. Transportation infrastructure enables first responders to attend incident sites and allows for the movement of critical goods and supplies required post-emergency.
Lessons learned from recent events such as the BC’s 2021 atmospheric river and Turkey/Syria earthquake in February 2023, show that following a large-scale earthquake, uninterrupted access to critical transportation infrastructure such as airports, ports and railroads, is essential.
Prepare for disaster by knowing how and where to evacuate
Knowing in advance how and where to evacuate is vital in preparing for a disaster. By understanding where to obtain information related to evacuations and updates on your local government’s emergency management efforts (including the activation of disaster response routes), companies ensure their transportation and evacuation routes coordinate with the routes needed by first responders.
It's important to plan ahead and develop contingency plans to ensure there are alternative routes and means in obtaining critical goods and services. By considering transportation in your risk assessment and planning for transportation impacts in advance, companies can apply solutions proactively rather than reacting to disaster events.
When is the best time to prepare for emergencies?
The time to prepare for an emergency is now, before disaster strikes. And CCEM can help. Our emergency management and business continuity team bring a diversity of experience and expertise to the task. And we can customize a plan appropriate for your business and potential emergencies. Contact us today and let’s get the conversation started.
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