Severe weather used to have a season. Now, severe weather can happen at virtually any time of the year. Environmental (nonweather-related) factors may include an identifiable element in the physical, cultural, demographic, economic, political, regulatory, or technological environment that affects the survival, operations, and growth of an organization.

Camps need to be prepared. It is important that camp leadership take the time now, in the pre-season, to identify potential emergencies and establish (or update) plans to deal with them. These plans should include severe weather and other environmental factors.

As camps prepare emergency plans, some questions to consider include:

• What immediate action should be taken to protect campers/staff?
• Who, if anyone, should be called? Authorities? Camp families? Neighbors?
• What is the potential impact?
• What follow-up action is necessary?
• What communication strategy is in place?

Potential ACA Resources That May Help You Plan

• Severe Weather Season Is Now Year-Round — Preparing Your Camp
• Risk Management: Camp Management Liability — Evolving Risk
• Environmental Impairment Risk
• Risk Management: Business Interruption Insurance Traps and Gaps by Ed Schirick
• 2018 Public Policy Update: Cultural Exchange Program Visas, CPIA, Camps on Federal Lands
• Risk Management: Privacy and Security Risks by Ed Schirick
• Computer Network Security — Evolving Risks
• What If It Does Happen? Camp Security — Plans to Make and Actions to Take
• Risk Management: Severe Weather — Flood Risks by Ed Schirick
• Wildfire! By Rick Stryker
• Wildfire Evacuations Resource Page

Photo courtesy of Camp Wyonegoinc, Denmark, ME