Surviving Typhoon Season: Business Continuity & Crisis Communication Tips
Key Takeaways
- Proactive planning is essential: Business continuity plans should be updated and activated well in advance of the extreme weather event season startss, accounting for potential disruptions to power, supply chains, and building access.
- Clear roles minimise confusion: Assigning responsibilities in advance ensures faster decision-making and a more coordinated response during crises.
- Multiple communication channels matter: Relying on a single mode of communication increases risk. Redundant and accessible tools help teams stay informed even when infrastructure is compromised.
- Post-storm follow-up is part of resilience: Quick assessments, staff check-ins, and transparent updates after an incident are just as critical as preparation, supporting faster recovery and organisational stability.
Introduction
Typhoon season in Southeast Asia is becoming less predictable and more disruptive. While Singapore faces lower exposure than some neighbours, intense rain, strong winds, and localised flooding still pose serious risks to business operations. For organisations managing critical infrastructure, even brief disruptions can have long-term impacts.
This article outlines essential strategies for surviving typhoon season, including supporting business continuity, protecting personnel, and maintaining clear communication throughout.
Is Your Business Continuity Plan Sufficient for Surviving Typhoon Season?
Business continuity plans should be reviewed and updated well before the storm season begins. Operational backups, remote access procedures, emergency contacts, and alternate work sites must all be current and tested. Supply chain vulnerabilities are often overlooked, yet delivery delays and restricted site access are common following severe rain or wind damage.
Plans must also cover extended power outages and limited access to buildings. If your facility has a history of water ingress, consider whether it is adequately prepared, this must include knowing how to engage flood restoration services companies like BELFOR.
Most importantly, the company emergency response team should be on a standby to activate the Business Continuity Plan (BCP) upon certainly the facility is likely to be affected by the typhoon. Even when the path is uncertain, early action is critical for surviving typhoon events with minimal disruption.
Have You Clearly Defined Crisis Roles and Responsibilities?
When a crisis unfolds, clarity becomes essential. Every employee should understand their role, including who decides when to suspend operations, who conducts safety checks, and who communicates with internal and external stakeholders.
Defining these responsibilities in advance helps avoid delays and conflicting instructions. This applies across the organisation, from leadership to operations, facilities, and communications teams. A clear structure enables faster, more coordinated responses that align with your business continuity goals.
It’s also essential that your facilities team is prepared to address immediate hazards, such as water ingress. Securing a vendor in advance for urgent flood water removal can prevent escalation, minimise damage, and support a quicker recovery.
Is Your Communication System Built for Disruption?
A single communication channel is rarely sufficient during a crisis. Power outages or mobile network failures can quickly cut off access. To maintain contact, businesses need multiple, reliable methods for reaching employees, vendors, and field teams.
SMS alerts, cloud-based platforms, and messaging apps offer real-time updates when emails fail. A functioning landline remains a valuable backup in case mobile signals are unavailable. Also, battery banks are required to keep mobile phones running. Built-in redundancy isn’t excessive. It’s essential for maintaining coordination when conditions are at their most unpredictable.
Are Your Messages Timely, Aligned, and Easy to Understand?
In a crisis, inconsistent messaging can lead to confusion, delays, and wasted effortsa loss of trust. It’s essential to define not only what to communicate but also when and how. Appointing a lead communicator ensures consistent updates across internal teams, external partners, and clients.
Prepare message templates in advance for scenarios like office closures, service disruptions, or safety instructions. This reduces response time and helps prevent miscommunication when decisions need to be made quickly.
Language should be clear and direct, avoiding technical jargon or ambiguity. During high-stress situations, well-timed and consistent communication plays a critical role in surviving typhoon conditions and maintaining operational stability.
Are You Managing Recovery Effectively After the Storm?
The end of the storm is not the end of the risk. A timely and coordinated post-incident response is critical for restoring operations and preventing long-term disruption. This includes assessing structural integrity, verifying the safety of utilities, and inspecting essential systems and equipment to ensure their proper functioning.
Staff wellbeing also requires attention. Employees may be personally affected and require time, support, and clear guidance to return to work safely. Transparent communication during this stage reinforces organisational resilience and helps rebuild trust.
Residual moisture can introduce further risks, particularly in enclosed or poorly ventilated areas. If dampness is left untreated, mould growth is very likely to develop, affecting both health and equipment. Engaging professional mould removal services can help restore a safe and compliant working environment, allowing for the resumption of full operations.
Resilience Starts with Preparation and Clear Communication
Surviving typhoon season requires more than a reactive approach. It demands forward planning, defined responsibilities, and reliable communication before, during, and after the event. Businesses that take these steps are better positioned to protect their teams, maintain continuity, and recover with confidence.
At BELFOR, we support organisations by providing specialist disaster recovery and decontamination services. Whether you’re strengthening your preparedness or managing the aftermath, our team is here to help you restore operations safely and efficiently.
Contact us today to review your recovery strategy and stay ready for the challenges ahead.
