Storms, Staff & Split-Second Decisions

You can’t stop the storm—but you can control how your facility responds.

When extreme weather hits, facility teams are under pressure to act fast, protect people, and keep operations moving. Power goes out. Systems fail. Plans are tested. And when things fall apart, it’s usually not because of the storm—it’s because of missed communication, inaccessible information, or delayed decision-making.

This blog is based on our webinar, Storm-Ready Facilities: Proactive Strategies to Protect People, Property, and Operations, which focused on specific steps teams can take to reduce risk and protect infrastructure.

Emergencies Are About People, Not Just Buildings

Dr. Walter Lamar, Associate VP of Facilities at the University of Miami, said it best:

“You can’t have a successful emergency plan unless you understand the human element.”

Facility emergencies aren’t just technical problems—they’re people problems.

• One department evacuates early—another waits.
• Same warning, but teams respond differently.
• Emergency info is locked in a filing cabinet—or worse, lost on a former employee’s laptop.

That’s why Lamar described emergency management as a social science. Infrastructure is critical—but human behavior drives outcomes.

Language Affects Response Time

Did you know the way a message is phrased can impact how fast people respond?

Behavioral economist Keith Chen’s research showed that in languages with no future tense (like Mandarin or German), people are more likely to prepare early. In languages like English or French, the future can feel more distant—leading to delays.

The takeaway for facility teams: how messages are delivered—and how they’re received—can change everything.

“It’s not always about the data,” said Lamar. “It’s about how the message lands—and how quickly people take action.”

In multilingual environments, even small language nuances can impact safety. A storm warning that feels urgent in one language may come across as less serious in another.

Facility Teams Are First in, Last Out

While others wait for help, you are already working—locating shut-offs, opening doors, supporting staff, and coordinating with emergency services. But if you don’t have fast access to critical facility data, every step gets harder.

Here’s what we know works in real-life storm scenarios:

• Mobile access to emergency plans and building data
• Instant sharing with first responders
• Clear checklists for pre- and post-storm actions
• Fast coordination across departments

“It’s not just about making it through the storm,” said David Trask, National Director at ARC Facilities. “It’s about how quickly you can bounce back—and how safely.”

ARC Facilities: Built for the Pressure of Real Emergencies

We help facility teams shift from reactive to proactive by putting critical building information in the palm of your hand:

• Emergency shut-off locations
• Evacuation maps and emergency procedures
• Shareable access for first responders
• Maintenance and recovery checklists

When every minute matters, searching through binders can slow you down—or put lives at risk. Even if the network’s down or your team is spread across multiple sites, ARC Facilities gives you a digital command center—right on your phone or tablet.

Emergency Planning Isn’t About Panic—It’s About Precision

In high-stakes moments, speed comes from preparation.

The best emergency teams know this: clear communication, fast access, and team coordination save lives.

With ARC Facilities, you can:

• Reduce downtime
• Avoid costly mistakes
• Lead with confidence before, during, and after a storm

“Facility managers are the backbone of emergency response,” said Dr. Lamar. “You’re not just protecting buildings—you’re protecting people.”