The 2023 Atlantic Hurricane Season is officially underway! Forecasters from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) are predicting a “near-normal” season this year, which starts June 1 and runs through November 30. NOAA forecast a range of 12 to 17 total named storms (winds of 39 mph or higher). Of those, 5 to 9 could become hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher), including 1 to 4 major hurricanes (category 3, 4 or 5; with winds of 111 mph or higher).
Mosaic has a comprehensive preparedness and response plan in place that establishes guidelines and requirements for monitoring and responding to severe weather. In addition, each site has a Hurricane/Severe Weather Plan that outlines specific actions to be taken before, during and after severe weather to ensure the safety of our people, reduce risks, secure our assets and guide recovery efforts.
Everything we do before, during and after a storm is guided by our priority protocol – protecting people first, then property, then production.
BEFORE: Preparations for hurricane season include reviewing lessons learned from the previous year, updating our preparedness and response plans, conducting Incident Command System drills, and completing inspections to ensure all test pumps, generators and other equipment needed in the event of severe weather are onsite and in proper working order.
DURING: The severity of the weather and location/distance from the site determines the condition under which the site operates. Incident Command Systems for our North America Business and at our sites are in place and ready for activation as needed to guide and coordinate our response. Sites coordinate with local governmental Emergency Operations Centers’ personnel and other state and federal regulatory agencies throughout the weather event. We follow contingency plans for excessive rainfall and water inventory management for the continued protection of our communities and the environment.
AFTER: Following a severe weather event, an assessment is completed that guides our recovery strategy from any storm-related impacts and directs resources to help ensure continued safe, responsible operations or start up following the weather event at the sites. We also provide support to impacted employees and local communities.
“Having a good plan in place is the key to being prepared, and that plan guides our efforts before, during and after a storm,” said Joe Alderdice, Sr. Manager, Health & Safety. “Safety is our top priority – safety for our employees, safety for our environment and safety for our communities.”
Watch the video below to learn more about how our plans guide preparedness efforts at our South Fort Meade facility.
