Natural disasters—like floods, hurricanes, wildfires, ice storms, and earthquakes—impact millions of families every year. In 2022, there were 15 weather/climate disaster events in the United States with losses exceeding $1 billion—leaving thousands of families without basic needs such as housing, electricity, food, and water.
While employers can’t change the course of mother nature, there are ways to help. Care Specialists can help with daily needs and major life events—and the unexpected chaos that can arise when natural disasters strike.
Lauren LeBlanc, a Care Specialist with over seven years of experience, puts her master’s degree in psychology from Southern Connecticut State University to good use by helping employees stay calm and getting them help in the face of a natural disaster. Employees who are in the path of a natural disaster can call for prevention and safety information including: safe evacuation routes, referrals to shelters—including pet-friendly shelters—and tips on how to prepare an emergency kit.
In the aftermath of a disaster, Care Specialists are at the ready around the clock to take calls and direct employees to shelters, temporary housing, and national relief organizations such as FEMA, American Red Cross, and United Way. They also help connect employees with insurance companies and contractors who can help with claims and repairs. It’s the Care Specialists’ job to provide employees with information on the resources they need to stay safe and recover.
Providing emergency resources during the Texas ice storm of 2021
When asked if she has a particular case that stands out to her, Lauren immediately recalls helping an employee in a desperate situation during the Texas ice storm of 2021.
- What happened? A winter ice storm devastated Texas in 2021, creating massive power outages across the state, and leaving thousands of people without power in below-freezing temperatures. During the midst of the storm, a man called and was connected to Lauren. His pipes were frozen, he had no heat, and he didn’t have access to a vehicle to get help. He had run out of firewood and had resorted to breaking down some of his furniture to keep a fire going. He called asking if someone could help him get firewood delivered to his home.
- How did we help? Lauren quickly researched resources in the area and was able to find a firewood supply store nearby that was able to deliver firewood to the man’s home that day. She also shared information about emergency shelters and resources in his area in case he needed additional help from relief organizations.
- The impact of Care: Lauren and her team’s work to find resources in the midst of a natural disaster potentially helped save a man’s life by providing him with quick access to much-needed resources.
Offering Care benefits is a win/win for employees and employers
Families impacted by natural disasters often have multifaceted needs. Many are temporarily displaced from their homes, others may have to totally rebuild, and in many cases, families need help finding temporary or new care arrangements for children, pets, or older loved ones so they can get back to work. It can be a long journey to recovery. Providing benefits, like access to Care Specialists, that help families prepare for the worst—and navigate the unknown—can have a significant impact on the overall well-being of your workforce.
