Updated October 4, 2026. This planning perspective replaces the original Hurricane Helene article and its unsupported impact statistics.

Weather disruption can affect a school or organization well beyond the immediate closure. Leadership teams need to understand how people, facilities, technology, transportation, vendors, and communications depend on one another.

Choose a realistic scenario. An extended power interruption, inaccessible building, disrupted transportation route, or unavailable vendor can reveal different gaps. Build the discussion around your institution’s actual dependencies.

Ask what must continue. Identify essential functions and the minimum resources needed to sustain them. Clarify who can authorize an alternative arrangement and how staff and families will receive accurate information.

Consider unequal capacity. An alternate operating model may place different demands on staff, students, families, and partner organizations. Ask what support and accessible communication will be needed.

Plan the return deliberately. Reopening decisions should consider readiness of facilities and systems, staff capacity, support coordination, and communication. Define review points so leaders can adjust as conditions change.

End the exercise with action. Record decisions, gaps, owners, and priorities. A useful tabletop creates a manageable improvement plan rather than a longer list of unassigned concerns.

Discuss a continuity exercise with AJ: [email protected] | (917) 565-7341.