Disaster Recovery and Sustainability

SEPTEMBER 2018 | IMPACTINGOURFUTURE.COM

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Disaster Recovery and Sustainability Michael Strahan highlights the outstanding relief efforts that are rebuilding his hometown of Houston.

INSIDE Prepaid payroll cards ensure employees receive paychecks in the aftermath of natural disasters.

ONLINE In the absence of political leadership, professionals are taking sustainability efforts into their own hands.

2 | IMPACTINGOURFUTURE.COM

in this issue

Low-maintenance, durable metal roofs are becoming the preferred choice for ecominded homeowners. Page 6

A panel of experts discusses disaster preparedness and the biggest threats post-storm communities face. Page 14

The ASPCA outlines ways you can get involved with your community's animal emergency operations plan. ONLINE

What The Climate Group Is Doing to Create Large-Scale Change

Why It’s Smart to Invest in Sustainable Water Heaters and HVAC Systems For most consumers, a hot shower and a climatecontrolled house are necessities more than luxuries.

But what happens when these systems break?

There’s no denying climate change is real. Yet still, corporations and governments are ignoring their real responsibility to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

“Most homeowners should think about what they would do if their water heater or air conditioning system breaks,” says Bill Alderson, director of marketing for Rheem, a manufacturer of heating and cooling, water heating and more.

“It’s inevitable any product in your home might go out, but these are two systems people really rely on.”

“The typical American home wastes around 12,000 gallons of water a year waiting for their water to get hot in the shower,” says Alderson. “Investing in a water heater is a more efficient way to warm up your H20.” The U.S. Department of Energy says the average water heater lasts 10 to 15 years and advises consumers to research new products now, before their current products fail.

Hire a contractor or HVAC specialist to do a “comfort analysis” to help determine problems, such as frequently running out of hot water. Then, invest in products that are both environmentally-friendly and good for your budget.

Annual maintenance can help extend the life of your products. Take for example, servicing a water heater: “If you’re in an area with different levels of water quality — you might get sediment built up in your water heater,” says Alderson. “For the first few years, that’s not a big issue.

But when you get to year five, you should have your water heater checked and drained.”

Finally, you can control energy use and costs by utilizing internet connectivity. Systems including water heaters and air conditions can be turned on or off and temperature can be remotely adjusted with an app.

K

eeping up with the news has become an exhausting pastime. The political turmoil of recent years brings with it a seemingly constant stream of debate and discussion. The latest tweet, scandal or data breach, all clamouring for our attention.

However, it’s important to recognize this day-to-day noise as a potential distraction from the longer term, more serious issues affecting our world.

Rising temps The heatwaves that affected much of the world this summer are just one of those issues. It took the mainstream news media a little too long to start referencing climate change in their coverage, but the message coming from the planet is clear, and needs to be heard.

If it seems daunting, that’s because it is. Even as engaged, concerned individuals, we can

Kristen Castillo

feel small and disenfranchised in the face of the monumental force of climate change. But we are not powerless. We can use collective action to enable real change.

together create an annual power demand that is equivalent to the electricity needs of Poland. Unsurprisingly, policy makers are interested in what they have to say.

A joint effort At The Climate Group, we work collaboratively with businesses to accelerate the clean energy transition. We aim to scale the uptake of energy efficiency measures, renewable energy, electric vehicles and LED lighting. The Climate Group also serves as secretariat for the Under2 Coalition, a partnership made up of 200 governments that is committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions in an effort to keep warming below 2°C (3.6°F).

We bring together powerful collaborators, whose scale can impact markets and policy. The 140 members of our RE100 campaign, who are committed to using 100 percent renewable electricity,

Join us Climate Week NYC is an opportunity to consolidate these efforts, demonstrate what business and political leaders are doing and bring important dialogue to the public.

This isn’t about congratulating ourselves. Showcasing change is only partly about celebrating what has been done — it’s also about asserting the importance of doing more.

This year is Climate Week NYC’s 10th anniversary. We’re in this for the long haul and ask you to join us to be part of climate history. n

Helen Clarkson, Chief Executive Officer, The Climate Group

Publishers Jennifer Mak, Madison Donovan, Virginia Nielsen Business Developer Stephanie King Managing Director Luciana Olson Designers Chris Espino, Jennifer Ledbury Copy Editor Erin Mathis Director of Sales Shannon Ruggiero Director of Business Development Jourdan Snyder Director of Product Faye Godfrey Content Strategist Mina Fanous Production Coordinator Josh Rosman Cover photo credit Jill Fritzo PR All photos are credited to Getty Images unless otherwise credited. This section was created by Mediaplanet and did not involve USA Today.

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Disaster Preparedness: 6 Things You Can Do Right Now

Disasters can disrupt a normal day anywhere in the world with little or no warning. Safety and survival often hinge on your level of emergency preparedness. munity will warn residents in the event of an emergency. Can everyone in your household recognize the sound of a tornado siren?

1. Stay in the know Be informed about the types of disasters and emergencies that might occur in your area. Stay connected to real-time news, whether via radio, TV or internet, and keep a charger for your cell phone on hand. Also, know how your com-

3. Map an escape route Devise an evacuation route or fire escape route in your home. Practice with your family members. Talk about places to meet such as the basement (during a tornado), yard (during a fire) or on high ground (during a flood).

2. Stock emergency kits Store a three-day supply of non-perishable food items and water in your home. In the trunk of your car, be sure to keep a properly inflated spare tire and a lug nut wrench, and, in the winter, add supplies such as a snow shovel, blanket and kitty litter for traction.

4. Focus on fire safety A working smoke alarm will double your chances for survival in the event of a fire. Know how to shut off utilities and use a fire extinguisher.

Also, put important documents in a fireproof safe or safety deposit box.

5. Don't drive in bad weather “Turn around, don’t drown” is a registered trademark slogan of the National Weather Service — and for good reason. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports more than half of all flood-related drownings occur when a vehicle is driven into hazardous flood water.

It takes just 12 inches of water to carry away a small car.

6. Get certified Consider learning first aid and CPR — life-saving skills that can

PHOTO: JON TYSON ON UNSPLASH

W

hether it is a gas explosion in the Texas Panhandle or a mudslide in Southern California, the common denominator is that uncommon occurrences shake our world.

While we might not know when hurricanes, floods or tornadoes will strike, we do know that they can happen almost anywhere.

During natural and man-made disasters, people are often injured or killed. To escape from harm, emergency preparedness is essential.

make you more confident in dealing with the unexpected.

The National Safety Council estimates your odds of dying in a cataclysmic storm at 1 in 63,679.

Work to improve your odds by taking steps to protect yourself and your loved ones. Ask these three

questions: What should I know?

What should I have on hand?

What should I do?

You may not always be able to predict disaster, but you can plan for safety. n Deborah Hersman, President and CEO, National Safety Council

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Overhead Investment: 5 Things Homeowners Need to Consider When Buying a Roof Fifty-eight percent of homeowners plan to renovate this year, including 43 percent who wanted to tackle outdoor projects like roofing.

1. Body "Treat the roof decision as a major purchase decision,” says Mark S. Graham, vice president of technical services for the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA).

“Typically, we like to choose roofing based on color and appearance but there are a lot of other things that go into it.” According to HomeAdvisor, a digital marketplace for homeowners, when installing a roof, most homeowners spend between $5,128 and $9,990, with the average price being $7,489.

2. Durability “There’s not a one-size-fits-all roof,” says Graham, who estimates an asphalt shingle roof could last 20 to 25 years, while a slate tile could last twice as long.

“The biggest bang for the buck for a homeowner on sustainability is to install a roof that’s going to last as long as possible,” he says.

Spend more on materials that will go the distance and whenever possible, buy products that can be upcycled. Durable roofing materials are generally heavier and stronger than their competitors.

Plus, they have longer warranties.

3. Fire and wind Building codes dictate minimum fire-resistant roofing classifications. Roofing materials are classified as A, B and C with class A products being the most fire-resistant. Wind resistance ratings are classified by wind speeds, and winds vary around the country.

For example, in the Central United States, winds can be 90 to 110 mph, while those of hurricane-coastal areas can be 150 to 190 mph. “It’s basically picking a product that has a fire classification of A, B or C or a wind classification that’s commensurate with the area of the country that you’re in,” says Graham. Some areas of the country where wildfires are more prevalent, such as California, have recently been reclassifying codes to require more fire-resistant roofing materials. The same is happening in areas where storm and wind events are more frequent.

4. Hail and ice Hail impact is a big concern in areas like Texas. Hail products are classified as 1, 2, 3 and 4, with class 4 being the most hail-resistant. In northern climates, ice damning, where ice forms along shingles, can cause damage. Roofers can add an ice and water shield to protect the roof.

5. Energy efficiency Adding attic insulation and ventilation are smart ways to boost energy efficiency and get warm, moist air out of the attic. The Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety created the FORTIFIED Home program, which uses fortified construction standards and methods to help strengthen homes from high winds, hurricanes and hail, as well as severe thunderstorms.

Find more roofing inform­ation on the NRCA’s consumer resource website: everybodyneedsaroof.com. n Kristen Castillo

PHOTO: ANDREJ LIŠAKOV ON UNSPLASH

If a new roof is on your list of projects, be sure to consider the following five factors:

PHOTO: BLAKE WHEELER

MEDIAPLANET | 7

How Innovative Roofing Solutions Can Reduce Smog and Cool Communities 3M, the company that prides itself on “creative solutions to the world’s problems,” is now taking on air quality, one rooftop at a time.

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or years, 3M has produced durable and colorful roofing granules that are used to make asphalt shingles.

They recently innovated two roofing products that are just as durable and colorful that could make a significant impact on both cooling communities and fighting smog.

“There are cool roofing solutions — things that can help with urban heat island mitigation — and then smog-reducing granules that can help be part of the solutions for air pollution,” says Maureen Tholen, a sustainability director for the company.

These roofing innovations are a game changer.

“The guys who brought you

Post-Its are thinking about your health also,” says Jonathan Parfrey, founder and executive director of Climate Resolve, a climate advocacy and environmental organization.

“With the roofing materials they’ve been innovating, you can be more comfortable in your home, safer in your home and doing your part for the environment.”

Cool down

The Environmental Protection Agency defines a “heat island” as a built-up area that’s hotter than nearby rural areas, noting a city with a million or more people can annually be 1.8–5.4°F warmer than surrounding areas. Temperatures are often over 20°F warmer in these areas at night than during the day.

Heat island impacts can include higher summertime peak energy demand, increased air pollution and more greenhouse gas emissions.

The City of Los Angeles has been

aggressive in targeting the problem. Their “Cool Roof” ordinance, which was implemented a few years ago, requires new roof installations and remodels to be solar reflective and thermal emitting.

The patented 3M™ Cool Roofing Granules reflect more sunlight, absorb less heat than a typical roof and can help consumers save on cooling costs year-round.

“You’re going to start making an impact,” says Tholen, noting the cumulative effect of cool roofs can really add up. “ Ever ybody c an do a l ittl e bit,” says Gregory B. Malarkey, senior vice president of Malarkey Roofing Products®, a company that turns the 3M granules into asphalt shingles.

The cooling granules can also prolong the life of the product.

“The number one thing that speeds the aging of the asphalt is elevated temperatures,” he says. “If

we can reduce the aging rate of the asphalt and protect it from the sun, we can create a shingle that will last longer and perform better.”

Smog fighter

Forty-one percent of Americans live in counties with unhealthy levels of ozone or particle pollution.

That’s according to the American Lung Association’s “State of the Air 2018” report, which ranks Los Angeles as the No. 1 city with the worst ozone pollution. That’s one of the cities where 3M™ Smog-Reducing Granules hope to make a big impact. While they look like typical shingles, there’s one major difference: the embedded technology can actively reduce smog.

“It’s sunlight driven,” says Tholen. “The coating on the granule will be activated by UV sunlight and can take smog that has landed on the roof and turn it into a water-soluble ion.”

3M sent the granules and shingles to Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory for evaluation. The testing validated the photocatalytic materials used can reduce smog and contribute to cleaner air.

Win-win

“People are really concerned about their health,” says Parfrey. “This is a way — just by choosing the right kind of roof — you can do things to protect your health. We think that’s a great win-win.”

Both types of shingles made from cool and smog-reducing granules are affordable and cost effective to implement.

Malarkey says the shingles are even more beneficial. “In 2018 we anticipate producing enough shingles to have the smog-fighting capacity of over 100,000 trees,” he says. n Kristen Castillo

8 | IMPACTINGOURFUTURE.COM

Michael Strahan on Houston's Rebuilding and Recovery When Hurricane Harvey struck, Strahan’s first thoughts were of his family and friends still in the area.

How did growing up in Houston affect your response to Hurricane Harvey?

Growing up in Houston made me feel more connected to the affected community. When it’s a place that you know, and are used to seeing look a certain way, seeing it in complete devastation is difficult. You want to help get it back to what it was as quickly as possible, or even make it better than what it was.

What recovery initiative are you most proud of?

I’m proud of all the small and large programs that have come together to help the city recover. Specifically, All Hands and Hearts — Smart Response, a U.S.-based non-profit that provides relief to residents in areas affected by natural disasters, stands out for their long-term commitment to help communities get back on track. In addition to the repair work they did on the Rhodes School, they provided support that went well beyond the initial rebuilding process.

What was the most inspiring part of the relief effort?

The most inspiring part of the relief effort was seeing the entire community come together to help everyone in need. The recovery process is still in progress, but the support for Houston has made the future of the city bright. ■

3 Qualities That Make Contemporary Metal Roofing the Ideal Sustainable Choice With extreme durability and added fire protection, modern metal roofs are proving to be smart, practical options for eco-conscious homeowners.

When people hear about metal roofs, they may think about the noisy, old-fashioned tin roofs of the early 20th century. But metal roofs have changed — and most people have no idea how much.

“Metal roofing has long been a favorite of agriculture, and is fast becoming a preference for residential use,” says Dale Walton, manager of residential product marketing for CertainTeed Roofing. “Thanks to modern manufacturing, we can take advantage of

the dynamic properties of metal and offer a variety of options.”

Metal roofing is increasingly becoming the choice for ecominded homeowners. And, because of its longevity (often lasting 50 years or more) and low maintenance needs, it has a much higher return on investment than traditional roofing. In addition, many metal roofs today are classified as cool roofing because of their high solar reflectivity — meaning a reduction in home cooling costs.

1. Durable “There’s no denying the durability of metal, and when you couple that durability with minimal maintenance and cool roof technology, you are hard-pressed to find a better roofing material option,” Walton says. “Plus, when the time does ultimately come to replace a metal roof, it can be recycled.”

Walton adds that metal roofing provides excellent hail protection and, when compared to roof types such as wood shake, is safer due to metal’s high resistance to fire.

These benefits can make a big difference in the price of insurance premiums in areas where hailstorms or wildfires are issues.

2. Quiet And that beloved cliché of rain

PHOTO: JILL FRITZO PR

What was your first thought when you heard about the devastation in Houston?

The first thing I remember thinking when I heard about the devastation in Houston was, “Are my family and friends OK?” It’s scary to think that so many people in your life are in the middle of one of the biggest disasters in history.

clanking against a tin roof? Walton advised that it doesn’t apply to today’s metal roofing.

“A contemporary metal roofing system, properly installed, is no louder than any other type of roof system. A solid deck under the roof, an insulated attic space and ventilation all play a role in reducing the acoustic transmission of the rain into the living space.”

3. Stylish When it comes to aesthetics, there are many options. The metal roofing frequently seen today, called “standing seam,” is constructed from flat vertical panels. This look, though, is often not complementary to modern or classical architecture. As a more fitting alternative, metal is stamped into

panels which mimic the color, dimensionality and texture of traditional roofing profiles such as wood shake, slate and barrel tile.

These architectural metal roofing designs are ideal for practically any building type.

“From a design perspective,there’s really nothing that metal cannot accomplish. We’ve seen it picturesquely top off homes inspired by Mediterranean villas, as well as revitalize aged church roofs with the stately look of slate. The appearance is so convincing that often people cannot tell architectural metal from the traditional roofing type which it replicates.” ■

Liane Bonin Starr

10 | IMPACTINGOURFUTURE.COM

Sustainability-Focused Classes Give Career-Seeking Grads a Leg Up Leaders in higher education agree on the importance of integrating sustainability into lesson plans.

Why is sustainability a focus for your program?

Dean McFarlin, Ph.D. Dean, Duquesne University Palumbo Donahue School of Business

Blake E. Wentz, Ph.D. Department Chair, Civil, Architectural Engineering and Construction Management, Milwaukee School of Engineering

Dean McFarlin: Sustainability is intrinsic to Duquesne University. Introduced in 2007, our MBA Sustainable Business Practices program consistently ranks as one of the best in the world. We prepare students to see the world differently by challenging conventional thinking. Our students measure outcomes beyond the dollar and look at business practices from an integrated bottom line when solving environmental and social challenges.

Blake E. Wentz: Most projects today have sustainable, or green, components, which is why we focus many of our classroom and laboratory activities on sustain-

ability at the Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE). We believe it is beneficial for our students to make sure they are ready to handle these types of issues once they begin their careers.

Employers come to us seeking graduates with this type of education and experience.

How can a career in sustainability help prospective students?

DM: At Duquesne, we believe that responsible, ethical leadership in business creates a better society for all. Our students learn and understand the importance of integrating sustainability in all areas of business. Organizations hire Duquesne graduates because they’ve learned to iden-

tify opportunities that create value through cross-functional, sustainable business practices.

BW: The career opportunities are endless. At MSOE, you can get a degree in construction management, civil or mechanical engineering, or other types of engineering that can lead to a career in the sustainability field. Demand is high from construction and design firms for good, young talent, and 100 percent of the students graduating from my department have gotten high-paying jobs, and many received several offers.

How can sustainable professionals change our world?

DM: The next generation of lead-

ers want to work for successful companies that are finding creative solutions to the world’s environmental and social problems. Duquesne graduates are well prepared to develop innovative solutions for companies through hands-on consulting projects, global study trips, leadership development and capstone practicums.

BW: Sustainable professionals can change the way we live and work in buildings. Making a more sustainable building not only can help the environment by making the building more energy efficient, but these designs can make the people who use these buildings more productive. All of this will help take us to new levels in the future. n

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In just one year, students in Duquesne’s MBA Sustainable Business Practices program become leaders who challenge convention.

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MEDIAPLANET | 11

Corporations Turn to Regenerative Change for Long-Term Viability In the absence of national political leadership, professionals are boosting sustainability by making their businesses more regenerative.

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ow more than ever — in this time of ecological and social overshoot — corporate citizenship is on the rise.

Organizations no longer embrace sustainability simply to cater to consumers; they are integrating it into operations to improve products and long-term viability. And as the workforce moves away from siloed corporate social responsibility departments, more people are identifying as sustainability professionals.

The International Society of Sustainability Professionals (ISSP), "the world's leading association of sustainability professionals, recognizes anyone who spends 25 percent or more of their

time helping to make the world more resilient as a sustainability professional, regardless of the type of business a person works for or the title they hold. The association understands that it’s difficult for many to see the great changes happening at state and local levels, as well as in the private sector, and encourages people to be part of the global group working on the frontlines.

This exchange of knowledge happens among ISSP credential holders and members, and more importantly, across industries. The power of association is real. When people surround themselves with intellectually curious peers, and share experiences, objectives are

more likely to be achieved.

From improving the sustainability of products we use in everyday life, to continually enhancing their company’s environmental and social performance, members of the ISSP are leading the world in a positive transition. Notable leaders include Manuel Ceja, an ISSP-certified sustainability professional, who is the family care sustainability leader at Procter and Gamble, as well as Shannon Tolliver, an ISSP sustainability associate, who is the social responsibility and environmental sustainability manager of White Castle. I myself am personally focused on the movement forward, as I provide

responsibly-sourced high-quality food in my position at HelloFresh.

The point is, we are stronger together. All levels of management must continue recruiting the next generation of sustainability pro-

fessionals if we are to invoke true, regenerative change and create a better world for everyone. n Jeff Yorzyk, Associate Director of Sustainability, HelloFresh, President, ISSP Board

BUILD A SUSTAINABLE CAREER At MSOE we provide students pursuing construction management, architectural, civil and mechanical engineering degrees with the foundation necessary for building a strong career in sustainability.

With small class sizes, expert faculty-mentors and applicationoriented labs, students learn the new technologies that are making today’s buildings more sustainable and energy efficient.

Change the way we live and work in buildings. Learn more at msoe.edu/buildacareer.

12 | IMPACTINGOURFUTURE.COM

Your Invitation to a Climate-Smart American Workforce As climate change grows more pressing, organizations are seeking out training on the matter to guide future objectives.

Y

ear after year, Americans have seen an increasing number of devastating natural disasters ravaging the economies, infrastructure and health of their local communities.

As a result, Fortune 500 companies, government agencies and higher education institutions have spent the past two decades establishing business units responsible for implementing sustainability strategies, as well as climate change and resilience initiatives.

Organizations like the Association of Climate Change Officers (ACCO) were established to standardize related practices and advance their occupations.

Plans for a safer future ACCO isn’t just looking at new occupations coming into place,

though. The association also needs to institutionalize climate change into decision-making and planning activities into every industry that critically intersects with climate change. For example, if water infrastructure professionals don’t account for disasters and likely climate scenarios in their design and maintenance, then whole communities could suffer severe disruptions that could ultimately cripple economies and public health.

ACCO’s initiatives have already made real change. In the past two years, 27 Colorado cities and counties have passed laws that require some of their elected officials, city and county managers, and senior staff to undergo annual climate change training. In May, the state of Maryland announced the launch of the nation’s first state-adminis-

Daniel M. Kreeger Executive Director, Association of Climate Change Officers

tered climate change academy.

Finally, in recent years, Fort Lauderdale, Florida required every city employee to participate in a twohour training session provided by the CLEO Institute. Several thousand private sector professionals have leveraged ACCO’s training resources since 2015.

Professional opportunities Climate change competencies will make you a better job candidate across a number of professions. More than ever, employers are seeing and measuring the value of providing this specific training to their personnel, as well as requiring this knowledge of job candidates. States and credentialing bodies will eventually move to adopt related licensing requirements for architecture, planning and critical infrastructure given their work has a substantial public risk associated with them.

Whether you are in school, or have been in the workforce for decades, you can seize a competitive advantage by developing these competencies. Organizations with exposures to environmental regulation, physical risks and chang-

ing markets resulting from climate change will be increasingly looking for you. Universities have already established sustainability, environmental management and climate change programs, and these programs will soon be integrated with programs in business, public policy, architecture, civil engineering and economics.

Do you want a healthy, prosperous and secure America? If yes, you will be among the many Americans building a climate-smart workforce, helping us to overcome this challenge. If not, you might just see your next job opportunity go to someone else. n

Daniel M. Kreeger, Executive Director, Association of Climate Change Officers

To assist in the recovery effort, please donate to our disaster relief partner Save the Children at savethechildren.org

75% OF AMERICANS WISHED THEY WERE MORE PREPARED* With another active hurricane season, it is a reminder that disaster can strike at any time, that’s why we want to help you to be prepared.

Visit cummins.com/prep for our weather preparedness tips ****This random double-opt in survey was conducted by OnePoll, a market research company and corporate member of ESOMAR and adheres to the MRS code of conduct. For more information about OnePoll’s research in the media, navigate to their portfolio here: http://www.onepoll.com/in-the-media/

MEDIAPLANET | 13

How Business Leaders Are Advocating for a Healthier Planet Profit-driven corporations are slowly shifting their focus from the future of their bottom lines to the future of the environment.

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or more than 50 years, business schools and business leaders have formally analyzed what business owes society and the environment. And today, leaders in corporate social responsibility (CSR) are all-in, making it core to their business. They integrate social and environmental responsibility into everything they do.

Companies like Patagonia and Eileen Fisher are proving that firms can be successful — even super-successful — by taking corporate responsibility seriously. It’s clearly not just feel-good PR or a marketing spin for them. It drives everything they do. It is an authentic part of the company’s DNA and connection with their stakeholders.

And now these companies and many more like them are going beyond setting a good CSR example. They’re bravely encouraging other firms to get on board. Every new adherent helps improve our society and environment, and also helps make the CSR trend a social norm — a practice others can feel comfortable adopting.

Braver yet, today’s CSR business leaders are breaking the old taboo against mentioning politics. They’re advocating for public policies that foster — instead of discourage — care for people and the planet, as well as profits. That’s good news, because firms that want to do good are up against a longer than 40-year tradition of profit-taking at all costs and policymaking that ignores certain policies for the sake of political donations.

Business leaders are used to meeting challenges, and those on the forefront of corporate responsibility today have found their role in the solution. They are supporting legislation and other policy changes by signing letters and op-eds, making speeches at trade shows, meeting with policy makers and testifying in state houses and on Capitol Hill. More than walking the talk, they are pushing for policy changes that will make business the powerful force for good that Americans know it can be. n

Hammad Atassi, CEO, American Sustainable Business Council

14 | IMPACTINGOURFUTURE.COM

Flashlights, Microchips and Apps, Oh My! Do your family members have all the tools they need to be disaster ready?

What is one of the biggest risks when it comes to a disaster?

Dr. Craig Galbraith: Experiencing a disaster can be stressful and cause panic, making it difficult to properly care for all family members. Even during the best of times it can be challenging to remember the specifics of your pets’ medical needs and

necessary care supplies, so lack of preparation may put pet owners in a compromising position during a time of distress. To avoid missteps, it’s best to outline a disaster plan well in advance.

Alex Haro: The biggest risk for families is losing access to necessary, everyday things like utilities, water or communication channels. That’s why it’s critical to have

a plan in place for how to react to a disaster before one strikes.

Tom Beckett: The biggest dangers for people in the first 48 hours of a major disaster are: a lack of effective communication and situational awareness, a lack of food and shelter and a lack of visibility, which can stop people from moving about a changed landscape or successfully signaling for help.

Why is it important for families and businesses to have a disaster plan?

CG: Having a disaster plan ensures that all things necessary for your pets’ health and safety will be available to you at a moment’s notice, allowing a family to focus on their own immediate needs for care and well-being.

AH: When you feel prepared, you

take a lot of the anxiety and fear out of an already high-stress situation. During an unexpected disaster, having a sense of control becomes super important.

TB: You cannot wait until you know you are going to crash your car to start putting your seat belt on. Disasters and emergencies, by definition, are unexpected. Having a plan in place, reviewing it

Some things aren’t worth waiting for...

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MEDIAPLANET | 15

annually with family members or fellow staff members at your workplace and assigning specific tasks for each participant is crucial to minimizing risk during a disaster or weather-related emergency.

What are your top three tips for disaster preparedness?

CG: 1. Microchip­— Ensure that all pets are implanted with an RFID microchip, a permanent form of identification. Register their microchip with 24 PetWatch and keep your contact information up-to-date so you can be reunited with your pet’s finder.

2. Assemble a kit — Assemble an evacuation kit for all pets, including a supply of food and water, cage or carrier, copies of veterinary medical records, medications (with instructions), first aid kit, list of emergency contacts and familiar items your pet can use for comfort.

Dr. Craig Galbraith Veterinary Advisor, Pethealth Inc.

Tom Beckett CEO, Dorcy International, Inc.

Alex Haro Co-founder and CTO, Life360

“You cannot wait until you know you are going to crash your car to start putting your seat belt on.” ­— Tom Beckett

3. Talk with a neighbor — Develop and practice a disaster plan with written instructions for a neighbor to care for your pets in case a disaster strikes when you are not home or are unable to return to your home.

AH: 1. Have a plan — The first thing you should do is sit down with your family and make a plan.

Yes, it’s a scary thing to talk about, but having a plan ensures that you can help yourself and others.

2. Utilize tech — Prepare yourself with the right tools. In addition to getting an emergency kit, you can also look to tech for help.

Download a comprehensive app before disaster strikes, like the

Life360 app. The app not only gives you the location of your loved ones, but you can also see other vital stats, like the status of their battery life. Through the app, you can also contact emergency services and get help with things like roadside assistance.

3. Sign up for alerts — Many cities now have text-based notification systems that will provide you with city updates during and after a disaster. They will even text you if there is a major traffic disruption.

TB: 1. Tune in — Have a portable radio to get updates from local authorities and first responders.

2. Stock up — Have at least a threeday supply of food and water on hand as well as something to protect the body from the elements.

3. Prep for darkness — Always have at least two portable lighting devices with spare batteries on hand. n

Help Them Find Their Way Home When Mother Nature wields her worst, protect your pets with a registered microchip Hurricanes, fires, floods, tornadoes and earthquakes can force you to evacuate your home in a panic which can mean leaving beloved pets behind, or even losing them in the chaos. Every year, millions of lost pets are picked up by a local Humane Society in hopes of rehoming them with their owners. In the event you are separated from your cat or dog, microchipping can help identify them and get them safely back in your arms.

Did you know that one third of family pets go missing every year? The 24PetWatch Lost Pet Recovery Team reunites over 3,000 pets and owners each month in North America, and offers complimentary lost pet recovery services when you call-in to register or visit any Petco Grooming Salon. However, 40 per cent of microchipped pets are not registered with a lost pet recovery database. It’s important to register your pet once the microchip is implanted and keep your contact information up to date!

Microchipping is the implanting of a rice-sized, radio-frequency identification device (RFID) below the skin between your pet’s shoulder blades. It’s a relatively painless procedure. Your pet won’t even know it’s there! And although it can’t tell you where your pet is, like a GPS, it does allow you to store your most up to date contact information to connect you with your pet’s finder.

Unlike a collar or a tag, a microchip is a permanent ID for your cat or dog that cannot be removed or lost, and it’s very affordable. Take advantage of a special $19 all-inclusive microchip service, performed by a local veterinarian, available at any Petco store that features Vetco, mobile vaccination clinics, or a PetVet hospital – until November 17th. Visit petco.com/veterinary-services to find your convenient location.

When it comes to protecting your pets, a microchip can be the difference between lost and found. Register your pet today to get complimentary Lost Pet Recovery Services from 24PetWatch.

Call 1-833-461-8752 to get your pet home safely ¨

It’s the Difference Between Lost and Found Visit a Vetco or PetVet location to microchip your pet for less than $20, PLUS register with 24PetWatch at 1-833-461-8752 to get free Lost Pet Recovery Services

16 | IMPACTINGOURFUTURE.COM

When Natural Disasters Strike, How Do Employees Get Paid?

When most Americans live paycheck-to-paycheck, a ”hurricane-delay” isn’t a valid excuse for letting employees go broke. Prepaid payroll cards ensure workers are paid quickly and conveniently in challenging times.

W

hen Hurricanes Harvey and Irma devastated the Southern United States in the summer of 2017, workplaces closed for days, and even weeks, due to the damage.

Both events significantly hampered the local economies.

Compared to calendar weeks of the previous year, poststorm spending plummeted 59 percent in the Houston area and 55.7 percent across the state of Florida, according to First Data’s SpendTrend report. And while workplaces reopened shortly after, many employees still couldn’t return to work due to damaged vehicles, closed roadways or because their neighborhoods were evacuated.

Pay delay Given low workplace accessibility, it’s no surprise that employers experienced significant difficulties in paying their employees. Even for employees with direct deposit, it took the funds days to clear. But with more than three-quar-

ters of Americans living paycheck-to-paycheck, according to a 2017 study by CareerBuilder, it was essential that people receive their wages on time — especially in a crisis.

During this critical post-disaster period, prepaid payroll cards were actually the fastest and most convenient solution for employees. The core function of prepaid card programs that differentiates them from other payment types is the ability to issue funds instantly — something even direct deposit can’t do.

A sound solution Prepaid payroll cards help companies plan ahead for natural disasters and ensure employees still receive paychecks, regardless of what Mother Nature brings. Implementing a prepaid card program before disaster strikes can benefit businesses and their employees alike, especially with hurricane season in full swing, wildfires ravaging the American West and snowstorms coming sooner than we think.

For example, prior to Hurricane Harvey and Hurricane Irma, several businesses wanted to provide their employees with emergency funds to help them through difficult times.

With proper forethought, some businesses proactively enrolled individuals in prepaid card programs so they could get funds once the storm struck.

The ability to issue funds immediately to employees helps affected employees pay for food, housing and other essentials so they can feel supported and prepared for a return to work — while also building workforce morale.

Prepaid cards should be seriously considered by any company looking to bolster their disaster preparedness plans.

Ensuring timely payroll delivery is essential to protect a business’ most valuable asset — ­ its employees. n

Barry McCarthy, Executive Vice President and Head of Network and Security Solutions, First Data

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Money Matters Ensure employees receive their hard-earned pay… even when disaster strikes.

We know paying employees when a disaster strikes is no easy task. With Money Network, you can pay participating employees their wages directly and instantly*—something paper checks or direct deposit can’t do.

Money Network works hard to deliver $20B in payroll funds annually to the 2.9M cardholders using its electronic payroll delivery service.

Timely payroll delivery is essential to protect your most valuable asset—your employees.

Choose a leader.

Money Network.

For more information, visit MoneyNetwork.com/Learnmore * Instant funding capability available when leveraging Money Network Corporate Funding Account for employee payments. © 2018 Money Network Financial, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of First Data Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

18 | IMPACTINGOURFUTURE.COM

Using Data to Determine Property Damage Costs Ever wonder who’s behind those postdisaster billion-dollar figures you hear on the news?

How do these analytics play a role after a disaster?

Catastrophe loss analytics play a large role immediately after a disaster occurs, spanning the time until traditional surveying and response resources can develop a complete picture of what happened. There are many industries and organizations that use post-event catastrophe analytics, from insurers seeking to serve their policy holders with sufficiently funded claim payment resources to oil and gas companies who will react to reports of damaged refining facilities to adjust prices.

After a disaster, how do you evaluate the impact to the housing industry and economic recovery?

First, we monitor material and labor costs around the affected areas. Second, we look for labor and housing supply indicators in an effort to identify demand surge. Demand surge is the spike in cost of materials, labor or contract bids during reconstruction phases. One aspect of this analysis is to help stabilize an insurance carrier’s book of business by separating normative construction cost increases from temporary surge spikes and assisting insurers in producing accurate insuredto-value numbers Howard Botts, Ph.D., Chief Scientist, CoreLogic

PHOTO: JILL FRITZO PR

How can data and analytics aid in disaster response?

CoreLogic provides comprehensive and granular data and analytics to help the insurance and real estate industries better understand commercial and residential property risk. In action, this means businesses and individuals should do all they can with this data to understand what will happen before a catastrophe allowing you, your family and your business time to engage proactively in protective activities.

Bethenny Frankel Is Bringing Aid to Victims of Natural Disasters The reality star is no stranger to the harsh realities that disaster-affected communities face.

What inspired you to establish the “B Strong: Disaster Relief” initiative?

Necessity.

Why is it important to ensure that women in particular have access to real-time emergency assistance during a crisis?

Disaster relief affects everyone. Every age, race and gender — disaster doesn’t discriminate.

When organizing your relief efforts, what were a few challenges you faced?

Each disaster and its needs are completely different, so each time it’s like starting a brand-new pop up business.

Oftentimes, you have to learn a new language or skill set. Some places have no clean water or electricity. In others, people are trapped in their homes. If it’s a hot climate, generators, respirators and dialysis machines can break down. If it’s a volcano, the air quality can be affected.

And if it’s an earthquake, people can be trapped under rubble. Also, every person’s needs are different. So while you’re trying to assess a disaster as a whole, you’re also keeping an ear out for people’s specific needs. Twitter and Instagram have been phenomenal tools for that communication. Additionally, cash cards give people dignity and the freedom to purchase what they need, and also help support post-disaster economies ­— but they can only be given out

once the emergency phase has passed.

During your relief trips to Puerto Rico, can you tell us about one inspiring person that stood out to you amongst the relief efforts?

A woman named Gloria Cruz. Her home was filled with mud up to her calves and she and her husband had to wait for nine days, rationing water and insulin. When she was rescued she had a smile on her face, thankful to be alive. Also, there were these three women, about my age, that pulled their car over to beg for water. I gave them $1,200 dollars and they started sobbing uncontrollably. I have thousands of stories that I will keep with me forever, and use as lessons for my daughter. n

Environmental

& Natural Resources Law & Policy LLM

19

#

U.S. News & World Report

law.du.edu/llm

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