In this episode of If Walls Could Talk, W&C Group Publisher Jill Bloom speaks with Steve Slepcevic, CEO of Strategic Response Partners. In this episode, Slepcevic discusses the best ways—both physically and mentally—the best practices for preparing for the next big storm front.

Top Preparation Tips for Extreme Weather Conditions

Steve Slepcevic discusses best practices for contractors to prepare for major storms. Slepcevic emphasizes the importance of having a comprehensive plan in place for individuals, families, and businesses, as well as maintaining proper communication tools like satellite phones. He also discusses the impact of weather phenomena like "bomb cyclones" on the West Coast and the need for proactive measures to manage water flow and prevent flooding.

As an expert of crisis management, there are important things all contractors need to know about preparing for storms, says Slepcevic.

In this business, the main thing is to have a plan. The main thing is to have your house in order with proper planning. You have no business going out to speak to anyone about planning unless you have yourself have your own system for the next big weather event. It requires a lot of attention. According to him, the priorities should be:

• The individual
• Family
• Business

What is going on in the West Coast called a “bomb cyclone”? The expression itself was originally a slang term used to describe an extratropical cyclone that strengthened quickly, a concept similar to a rapidly intensifying hurricane.

“If you look at the Northern California area, these are high mountains, so a lot of moisture is dumping down on these mountains. Aside from snow, which you’re really praying for, but if you have a tremendous amount of rain that can cause some flooding,” he said. “One of the things I found interesting is the salmon gates which are normally down, all those gates are open for the season. So if you have a system come in that‘s going to dump down, I’m hoping that these systems all the way up to Washington don’t get those devastating effects of Helene. They should be looking at things to mitigate that water flow. Or find ways to capture that water to redistribute during a drought.”

How many contractors have that type of communication? Very few, according to Slepcevic. “To have satellite phones is an inexpensive alternative and it greatly helps contractors to communicate internally to one another.”

Listen more for Slepcevic’s tips on how we should communicate during the big storm.