Comprehensive Health Services (CHS), an occupational health and wellness services company, recently announced the results of an internal study on hurricane fatigue associated with the 2004 series of Florida hurricanes illustrated a clear link between occupational health and wellness programs and the level of disaster preparedness and disaster mitigation.

The study investigated the social and emotional impact of the series of hurricanes within the framework of a business as a hurricane victim, made up of individuals who were also hurricane victims. The organization studied is an occupational health company that has one office located in Cape Canaveral on one of the barrier islands in Brevard County. Over 40 people, most residents of Brevard County and who lived in areas under mandatory evacuation during Hurricanes Frances and Jeanne, staff the company’s office. Company operations had to be interrupted while buildings and equipment were secured. The office and warehouse were under mandatory evacuation at least twice. Frances and Jeanne caused water damage to the building. Electricity was out for several days. In spite of all this, the business had to ensure that their customers did not suffer any interruption in service.

Since high employee stress levels have been shown to have a negative impact on company operations and profitability, occupational health and wellness programs strive to mitigate the effects of stress. Disaster preparedness - planning, practice and communication - benefits companies by decreasing both employee and management stress. Lower stress usually results in decreased lost hours of work, continuity of services, and decreased cost of recovery, as well as generates a higher level of employee loyalty and cooperation - before, during and after a crisis. Disaster preparedness sustains occupational health goals by addressing employee support in terms of the safety of the work location, as well as physical, mental and emotional considerations during times of crisis, particularly when employees are experiencing the disaster both at home and at work.

You can read the rest of the report results here.

Fast Facts on Disasters’ Impact on Small-Business from the NFIB

• While most disaster events are winter-storm related, the most destructive events individually are tornados, hurricanes and typhoons.
• Sixty-two percent of those struck by a natural disaster say the biggest problem caused was the loss of sales and customers; 18 percent say that the biggest problem was uninsured loses.
Read more about Small Business Hurricane Fast Facts

Pet owners need to be prepared for the 2005 hurricane season. Residents who must evacuate their homes prior to a disaster should plan in advance where to take their pets. Read more about Preparing Pets For A Hurricane

According to AM850, Emergency management officials across the state of Florida — the worst hit during the 2004 hurricane season — are all geared for the official start of the 2005 hurricane season which begins today. Experts are hoping to implement new plans and strategies learned from last years storms. Read more about The 2005 Hurricane Season Is Here

With the start of the 2005 hurricane season around the corner, Verizon Wireless’ team of “test men and women” are fine tuning the company’s network to maintain its reputation as provider of the nation’s most reliable wireless network when it really counts. Read more about Verizon Wireless Says They’re Ready for 2005 Hurricane Season

Hurricane victims who are part of a class-action lawsuit against state-backed Citizens Property Insurance Corp. notched a victory in Leon County Circuit Court on Thursday, Read more about Hurricane victims gain court victory against Citizens Property

Researchers analyze probability of hurricane-force winds in 35 East Coast, Gulf of Mexico cities

Hurricane-force winds are most likely to strike this year in Cape Hatteras, N.C., and Miami Beach and Naples, Fla., according to an analysis of coastal cities by a University of Central Florida professor and a Georgia researcher released today. Read more about Hurricane winds most likely to hit N.C., Florida cities

As the state of Florida urges residents to prepare for the hurricane season by enacting a tax-free shopping holiday on hurricane supplies, BJ’s Wholesale Club is making it easier for Floridians to save while stocking up on emergency necessities. Read more about BJ’s Wholesale Club Helps Florida Residents Stock up on Hurricane Supplies

What happens when there’s no electricity and a lot of fear? People cuddle up together — especially young couples. The result? Nine months after the rash of 2004 Florida Hurricanes, maternity departments are filled to capacity. Read more about Hurricane Baby Boom Crowds Local Hospitals

As June 1, the first day of hurricane season approaches, Department of Homeland Security Under Secretary and head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Michael D. Brown said more business owners need to know how to prepare their businesses for flooding. Read more about FEMA Program Urges Businesses to Be Prepared for Hurricanes