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It is the third year FEMA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration are leading a campaign during National Severe Weather Preparedness Week, challenging individuals and businesses to improve the way they prepare and respond to severe weather. This year’s theme is Be a Force of Nature: Take the Next Step.

While a hurricane’s winds and rain are detrimental enough, the storm surge that follows generally causes most of the flood damage. A storm surge is created when a hurricane can be worse than the force of 120-mile-per-hour winds. This is bad news for the 4.2 million residents along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts and the $1.1 trillion of property that is vulnerable to severe flood damage. As if that isn’t bad enough, over half of the U.S.’s economic productivity is along coastal zones. While floods are unpredictable and unpreventable, you can prepare now to reduce resulting damage drives water ashore, and the impact of the waves in the future.

When it comes to moisture management, food industry experts work hard to keep humidity levels down in processing facilities when outdoor temperatures rise. Food-borne illnesses are more prevalent during the warmer, more humid months of the year because bacteria thrive and multiply in balmy conditions. The effects of warm, humid weather can have negative impacts on the quality of food, ultimately leading to a product that is not suitable for distribution or consumption. Take preventive action while the weather is still cool and avert a moisture crisis during the summer.

When the warm weather arrives, winter snow melts and spring rain follows. While this combination prompts nature to produce lush greenery, it also heightens the risk of flooding. Disaster preparedness plans should include steps to remedy water damage as soon as possible because quick action can save a company up to 40 percent on water damage restoration costs. To prevent further damage from ensuing, take action immediately after a disaster with these simple steps before professional help arrives.

With spring nearly here, hurricane season will soon follow. Up to 40 percent of businesses affected by a natural disaster never reopen, so don’t wait for the unthinkable to happen. Create a disaster preparedness plan today to ensure your business’ success in the future. Involve individuals that hold key roles within your organization and create a preparedness policy that aligns with the organization’s vision and goals. Ensure that the policy is proactively addressing recovery, but that also means testing and updating when necessary.