Building a Culture of Preparedness

Disaster Response
Published
Contact: Jonathan Falk
[email protected]
Director, Disaster Operations
(202) 266-8005

September is National Preparedness Month, a federal initiative to raise awareness and equip individuals, businesses and communities with the tools they need to prepare for disasters. The Federal Emergency Management Agency has designated this year’s theme as “Start a Conversation” to encourage discussions about preparedness measures early and openly to ensure safety and building resilience before disaster strikes. 

For builders and those in the residential building industry, these conversations are an opportunity to build a culture of preparedness throughout your organization.  

By integrating preparedness and mitigation throughout your business, you can transform disaster readiness from a yearly checklist into a core function that can drive your business forward, no matter the disaster that may arise.  

Here are a few recommended strategies for starting the conversation and building a culture of preparedness in your business:  

  • Review any current emergency action, continuity of operations (COOP) or disaster recovery plans. Update and edit existing plans to account for any changes in organizational structure, personnel, location or asset-based specifics. 
  • Set aside dedicated time to engage your employees, subcontractors and suppliers in a discussion regarding your disaster preparedness and safety plans. Ensure all those on the jobsite understand the plans, know where they can be found, and how they are implemented in the event of a disaster. 
  • Solicit feedback. Make sure all stakeholders feel empowered at all levels of the organization to share insights, ask questions, discuss potential risks, and offer suggestions. 
  • Train on any plans or processes. Consistent training throughout the year on your disaster plans will promote familiarity with the procedures listed and help to identify any areas of opportunity for further measures. 
  • Reach out proactively to those within your local network or home builders association before the imminent threat of a disaster to discuss potential synergies, strengthen local capacities, or provide needed information and resources.  

For more information, guides and resources on preparing for natural disasters, visit nahb.org/disaster

Subscribe to NAHBNow

Log in or create account to subscribe to notifications of new posts.

Log in to subscribe

Latest from NAHBNow

Awards

Oct 03, 2025

NAHB Awards Deadline Extended to Oct. 20

Interested applicants for NAHB’s prestigious award programs now have additional time to submit top projects and individuals for consideration. Don't miss your chance - apply by Monday, Oct. 20.

Sponsored Content

Oct 03, 2025

Fast Money, Fewer Headaches

Every week lost to underwriting is a week you’re not building, selling, or scaling. Delays push projects out of prime seasons, tighten cash flow, and leave crews idle. And when banks already move at their own pace, builders who aren’t prepared can get stuck at the back of the line.

View all

Latest Economic News

Economics

Oct 03, 2025

Supply-Side Cost Pressures Drove Housing as Inflation Leader in 2024

Though the rate of inflation peaked in June 2022, consumer prices continued to increase throughout 2023 and 2024 as inflation drove further price growth, according to 2024 CPI review from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Economics

Oct 02, 2025

Square Foot Prices Moderate in 2024

Median square foot prices for new single-family detached (SFD) homes started in 2024 grew modestly, according to NAHB’s analysis of the latest Survey of Construction (SOC) data. For custom, or contractor-built, homes, the median price was $166 per square foot of floor space, up slightly from $162 in 2023.

Economics

Oct 02, 2025

17% of NAHB Builders Built Age-Restricted Housing in 2024

Only 17% of NAHB builder members build age-restricted housing for people age 55 or older, according to 2024 Member Census. This is up two percentage points from the previous year. However, this share has remained within a narrow band (15%-17%) since the question was added to the member census in 2009.