Hurricane risk reduction in the business sector

This tool provides a practical guide to reduce risks and prepare adequately for the hurricane season. By applying it, companies can implement preventive measures to protect their employees and assets and minimise operational disruptions. The checklist is available in English, French and Spanish.

In the business context, disaster risk reduction (DRR) is critical for the protection of businesses, their workers and communities. This practice is fundamental to increasing resilience, as it involves knowledge of the risks that can affect the organisation and its business, as well as the implementation of concrete actions to mitigate the conditions that increase the vulnerability of organisations. The collaboration between UNDRR and the ARISE networks in the Americas and Caribbean region, in particular with SpinGlobal, Ecored and the ARISE IntegraRSE network, has been instrumental in developing tools to support companies to be resilient, highlighting the importance of a proactive approach to risk management to ensure operational continuity and safety for all involved.

Facing the 2024 hurricane season, which is anticipated to be more active than normal according to NOAA forecasts, the Americas and Caribbean region faces high vulnerability. With an 85% chance of an above-normal season, 17-25 named storms are expected, of which 8-13 could become hurricanes, including 4-7 major hurricanes. These extreme weather events carry severe consequences in terms of loss of life, property damage and economic costs, underlining the urgent need for risk reduction, preparedness and mitigation in the region's communities and business sectors.