We Have a New Storm Indicator: Waffles

The status of the local Waffle House is an indicator to FEMA how badly an area has been hit by a storm, according to the Wall Street Journal on Thursday. Waffle House is leading the way in disaster recovery among our country’s biggest companies. They track hurricanes before even the media starts paying attention to them. They load up on supplies and equipment and send it where they think they might be impacted. Locals know that the Waffle House will back in business quicker than other businesses, especially other restaurants, in the area.

Different businesses need different types of disaster plans. Restaurants, like Waffle House, need generators, gas, water, ingredients and workers. In many corporate offices, employees can work from home in case of an emergency, anticipated or otherwise. Businesses like grocery stores and gas stations have completely different disaster plans because they are on the front lines of disaster preparation, especially forecasted weather related situations.   

Creating a disaster plan is often not on the radar of newer businesses. Planning and opening a business takes so much time and thought. The last thing a new business owner wants to think about is a disaster. Older, more established businesses that have never had to use a disaster plan should probably dust it off and see if it would still be relevant.

Do you have a disaster plan? If so, did you write it after you were impacted by a disaster or has your company always been prepared? Have you had to implement your disaster plan? If so, was the plan a good one? What did you change about your disaster plan after experiencing a disaster?