How to Make Your Building More Resilient
Weather-related catastrophes are increasing in frequency and severity. In 2024 alone, natural disasters caused $368 billion in economic losses worldwide. With the cost of disasters rising, businesses must be ready to adapt and endure.
According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), over 40% of businesses never reopen after a disaster, and 25% of those that do fail within a year. Faced with these odds, business leaders are rethinking how they manage risks, starting with the facilities they operate in.
So, what makes a facility resilient? Resilience means being able to endure disruption and recover quickly. Enhancing structural resilience protects your physical assets and ensures business continuity when disaster strikes. This investment in preparedness could make the difference between quick recovery and permanent closure.
Assess your risks
Begin with a thorough risk assessment tailored to your location. Is your facility situated in a flood zone, tornado alley, seismic region or wildfire-prone area? Recognizing regional threats enables you to prioritize improvements that address your most probable disaster scenarios. Professional assessments can uncover structural vulnerabilities that may not be apparent to the untrained eye.
Develop a plan
Once you've assessed your risks, the next step is to develop an emergency response plan, which should include procedures to keep your staff safe and protect the building during a disaster. Ensure your plan is comprehensive and regularly updated to incorporate new insights or changing circumstances. Sites like Ready.gov offer valuable resources for creating a plan. You can also contact your state emergency management office for local information on shelters, evacuation routes and other essential services.
Additionally, make sure you have a business continuity plan in place to address how operations will continue after an event. The plan should outline essential processes, equipment, personnel and communication strategies and include steps to restore operations quickly.
Enhance energy resilience
Energy supplies ensure that critical building systems remain operating when disasters occur. Some to consider include:
- Backup generators: Conventional diesel or natural gas generators deliver reliable standby power during an outage.
- Battery storage: Advanced battery systems store excess energy that can be used during outages, providing clean, instantaneous backup power without the need for fuel.
- Renewable energy: Solar and wind energy systems offer an eco-friendly power solution and lower long-term operating costs.
- Combined heat and power systems: These systems generate electricity and thermal energy, optimizing energy use while minimizing downtime.
- Microgrids: By connecting energy sources into a local grid, microgrids provide resilience by reducing dependence on larger utility networks.
Implement resource conservation measures
A resilient building can operate more efficiently during an emergency if it uses fewer resources. Reducing energy and water consumption is key, as it extends the amount of time a building can run on backup systems. Energy efficiency upgrades to lighting and HVAC systems lower power demands, while energy management systems can be easily adjusted to conserve energy during a crisis. Water conservation measures, such as low-flow fixtures and smart irrigation practices, minimize water demand and ensure a stable supply even in a disaster scenario.
Upgrades to the building envelope, like better insulation, air sealing and high-performance windows, support energy savings and improve indoor comfort during extreme temperature events when HVAC systems are offline or operating at limited capacity.
Strengthen structural components
No amount of planning can compensate for a building that simply isn’t built to withstand hazards. Invest in upgrades that reduce the risk of damage and enhance occupant safety.
- Seismic reinforcement: Strengthen the foundation and structural elements to make the building less vulnerable to ground movement.
- Wind-resistant features: Install reinforced windows, roofs and doors to protect against high winds or storms.
- Flood mitigation: Elevate critical building systems, install flood barriers or improve drainage to minimize flood risks.
Resilience doesn't require perfection — it requires preparation. With thoughtful planning and a focus on the right upgrades, your facility can weather challenges, protect your people and support business continuity through whatever comes next.
Helping our customers be safe at home and at work is a top priority. Check out a collection of some tips at IndianaMichiganPower.com/Safety.
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