In 2024, FEMA declared 90 major disasters across the U.S., nearly double the annual average. From wildfires in Hawaii to hurricanes in Florida, flooding in California to winter storms in Texas, extreme weather is no longer the exception. It’s the new normal.
And 2025 is already on track for more disruption. NOAA is predicting an above-normal Atlantic hurricane season, driven by record-warm ocean temperatures.
Behind the headlines and statistics are real families whose lives are thrown into chaos, many of them your employees. The question isn’t if a disaster will strike, it’s when. And when it does, how will you help your workforce prepare, respond, and recover?
Disasters upend people’s lives (and work)
The numbers tell a staggering story:
- 11 million people in the U.S. had to relocate last year due to hurricanes, floods, and wildfires
- 8.9 million acres were scorched by wildfires in 2024, up from 2.7 million in 2023
But what those numbers don’t capture is what happens the morning after: schools closed, homes damaged, routines shattered. An employee may be trying to work remotely with no wifi, managing insurance calls from a hotel room, or scrambling to find a safe place for their pet.
These aren’t hypotheticals. These are the realities your workforce could face, and they affect everything from productivity to mental health to long-term retention.
Practical help, not just policy
After a disaster, employees are left asking:
- Where can I find a shelter that takes pets?
- Is there child care near my temporary housing?
- Who can help clean up my home?
- How do I get in touch with my doctor if the clinic is closed?
When employers provide benefits that help answer these questions, they’re doing more than offering support; they’re giving employees a path forward. And that support pays off. Employees with access to real help could be more likely to stay engaged and feel a deeper loyalty to their employer.
That’s where Care Specialists come in.
24/7 support: our Care Specialists
Care Specialists are trained professionals (real people, not chatbots) who offer one-on-one support to help employees navigate life’s toughest moments. Whether it’s a sudden disaster or everyday stress, they connect employees to resources, answer logistical questions, and lighten the load.
Employees save an average of 19 hours when using a Care Specialist, according to a 2024 Care survey. And satisfaction is high: 89% of employees who use the service say they’re happy with the help they received (2024 CSAT).
When disaster strikes, Care Specialists shift into high gear. Here’s how they help:
Before a disaster:
- Connect employees to local and national emergency contacts
- Locate shelters (including pet-friendly options) and hospitals
- Help prepare homes by referring to home services and contractors
After a disaster:
- Find shelters, boarding facilities, and food/water distribution points
- Connect to home repair contractors and clean-up crews
- Help secure alternate housing and child care
- Refer to helpful resources in the community
… And all of this support is just a phone call away.
Help your employees weather any storm
Whether it’s a wildfire, flood, hurricane, or blizzard, Care Specialists are there with calm, personalized help when your employees need it most. It’s a benefit that meets the moment, one that helps your team feel supported through uncertainty.
Because when life gets upended, care can’t wait.
Get in touch to learn more about how Care Specialists can be part of your benefits strategy.
