DISASTER READINESS CALENDAR
Do you want to build a resilient public garden that is prepared for all hazards? True business resilience means maintaining safe facilities, educating your workforce, investing in supplier relationships, and building community connections. Why? Being prepared can mitigate any hazards you face and decrease your overall costs of disruptions.
MAY
In May — and all year — don’t let tropical storms and hurricanes impact your business and garden plans. Preparedness is key!
Large portions of the U.S. are at risk for impacts from tropical storms and hurricanes.
It’s important that as a public garden or arboretum, you understand the potential risks involved and prepare your business accordingly.
In fact, 40% of small businesses won’t reopen after a natural disaster like a hurricane, and 25% more small businesses will close one year later. Preparing can mean the difference between your business closing or remaining open.
Get Hurricane Ready!
Start by checking out the Ready Business Program’s Hurricane Toolkit. Diving into this resource now can prepare you for the hurricane season, which runs June 1 to Nov. 30.
Use our DRI Hurricane Response Checklist to update your plan and discuss preparation with your team. It outlines recommended actions for each phase, from pre-landfall to mitigation planning.
When it comes to natural disasters, possible risks can change dramatically as the storm changes. Tropical storms and storm surges can cause just as much — if not more — damage than a hurricane. The US National Hurricane Center has updated its Hurricane Cone Graphics in 2026 to include inland tropical storm/hurricane watches and warnings, and has new storm surge products for Hawaii.
