Prioritizing Mental Health During Catastrophe Seasons

Happy May! 

This month I wanted to touch on something that is talked about, but not always really focused on: mental health and well-being. Vague, I know, but with hurricane and fire season knocking on our doors, I thought now was a great time to discuss this. Not only is it important during our catastrophe seasons, but it is also extremely important in our day-to-day work. We face high-stress situations, we work long hours, we’re on the road, etc. 

I wanted to share a few different strategies for overall general mental health and focus on our two upcoming seasons. While there is some crossover these three areas, I think these are left open for you to customize them as you see fit.

General Mental Health Strategies

1. Psychosocial Training: Implement training workshops that include mental health education to reduce stigma and encourage supportive workplace relationships¹. 
2. Supportive Environment: Foster a workplace culture that prioritizes mental health, including regular check-ins and access to professional support².
3. Essential Elements: Enhance well-being by focusing on safety, calming, social connectedness, self-efficacy and hope for the future².
4. Accessible Mental Health Benefits: Make mental health resources easily accessible and encourage time off for emotional well-being³.

Fire Season Preparedness

1. Evacuation Plans: Ensure employees are aware of evacuation routes and shelter locations. Regularly practice these routes to reduce anxiety and improve readiness¹. 
2. Emergency Supplies: Provide essential items like NIOSH-approved respirators, food, water and medications. Create a safe space to keep wildfire smoke out, which can help reduce stress¹.  
3. Home Preparation: Encourage your employees to clear flammable materials around their homes and maintain defensible space. This proactive approach can alleviate worry and enhance their mental well-being¹. 
4. Stay Informed: Keep employees updated with fire alerts through the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and NOAA Weather Radio. Clear communication can reduce uncertainty and stress¹. 

Hurricane Season Preparedness

1. Make a Plan: Develop comprehensive emergency plans that include mental health support. Make sure your employees know emergency phone numbers, evacuation routes and shelter locations².
2. Emergency Supplies: Stock up on food, water, medications and important documents. Providing these essentials can help employees feel more secure and less anxious².
3. Understand Alerts: Educate employees on the difference between hurricane watches and warnings. Clear understanding can reduce fear and improve mental preparedness².
4. Home and Car Preparation: Assist employees in securing their homes and cars, and make sure they are ready for a storm. This can help reduce stress and promote a sense of control².

Not only is this key for you and your staff they are a tool to share with your customers and community. We are the first line of defense for most, but we can’t do our jobs without taking care of ourselves first. 

Before we head into one of the most chaotic times of the year, I will close with this: stay safe, check on your team and if you’re tired don’t be afraid to rest. 

Thank you for all you do, and as always, stay safe out there!

Warm regards,

Kayla McGowan
Editor-in-Chief, Restoration & Remediation
mcgowank@bnpmedia.com | 757-849-2461

References

1. Brooks, S. K., Dunn, R., Amlôt, R., Rubin, G. J., & Greenberg, N. (2019). Protecting the psychological wellbeing of staff exposed to disaster or emergency at work: A qualitative study. BMC Psychology. Available at: BMC Psychology.
2. Flynn, B. W., & Morganstein, J. C. (2020). Supporting Healthcare Professionals in Times of Disaster: Reflections on “At-Risk Employees”. ASPR TRACIE. Available at: ASPR TRACIE.
3. PBS NewsHour. (2022). High-stress jobs deteriorating Americans’ mental health. Available at: PBS NewsHour.