It has been challenging to focus on anything but the safely reopening of our country during the COVID-19 pandemic. Amidst COVID-19, we must note that June 1 marked the official start of the hurricane season for the Atlantic and Caribbean. Planning for hurricane season can add a whole new layer of anxiety; however, we need to remember it is critically vital as hurricane season peaks in just three short weeks.

On June 5, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) published the “COVID 19 Pandemic Operational Guidance for the 2020 Hurricane Season.” This 59-page document includes detailed information to help you safely prepare, evacuate if necessary, protecting yourself and others from COVID-19 while sheltering for severe storms, and recovery planning. A few general examples of considerations in your hurricane preparedness plan during this time include:

1. Do you have a plan to determine which personnel must be physically deployed to the field and how they will be protected?

2. Have you purchased and stockpiled medical-grade PPE and cloth face coverings for those who need it according to CDC guidelines?

3. Have you considered the extra time it may take to evacuate given the need for social distancing?

The oil and gas industry meets new challenges addressing FEMA’s guidance in their existing disaster and emergency response plans that followed the 2016 guidance published by the American Petroleum Institutes (API) “Oil and Natural Gas Industry Preparedness Handbook” and the 2014 National Petroleum Council's "Enhancing Emergency Preparedness for Natural Disasters." Some additional considerations for the energy industry include:

1. With the potential of decreased law enforcement availability, have you reviewed your contingency plans for on-site security?

2. Are damage assessments needed in your response? Can they be conducted virtually or with drones?

3. How long would it take to restore power in a COVID-19 environment, considering the potential for reduced available staffing?

The Bright Sky staff is available to work diligently with energy operators to provide a common-sense approach to address FEMA’s and the API’s guidance in their disaster and emergency response plans. If your business needs assistance in reviewing your existing disaster and emergency response plans, Bright Sky is happy to assist!

-Andreana and Kat