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As severe winter weather becomes an increasingly common threat across the United States, the need for comprehensive winter preparation is paramount. Winter storms, snow, ice, and extreme cold can result in widespread damage, and 2023 was no exception. With a La Niña climate pattern in 2024-2025, worse is likely to come. Establishing a relief fund that aid employees after these events has become essential for a swift recovery, offering financial support to affected individuals.
Understanding the Growing Threat of Winter Storms
Winter storms are some of the most destructive natural events, impacting communities nationwide. In 2023, severe weather events devastated parts of the U.S., causing not only disruption but significant loss and damage. The NOAA’s Winter Outlook for 2024-2025 indicates that La Niña is expected to drive more severe winter weather across the northern U.S., while the South is expected to be warmer and drier. According to the National Centers for Environmental Information, extreme winter weather caused billions of dollars in damages in recent years.
For instance, Winter Storm Elliott of December 2022 caused nearly $5.5 billion in damages, making it one of the costliest winter storms. In early 2024, the Central, Southern, and Northeastern Winter Storm and Cold Wave from January 14th to January 18th caused over $1.9 billion in damage, while the Northwest Winter Storm from January 12th to January 14th resulted in $1.7 billion. Since 1980, the average annual economic cost from severe winter weather is nearly $2.5 billion. With such devastation in mind, it’s clear that preparing for winter involves more than staying informed — it calls for financial readiness through targeted relief funds.
Why Employee Relief Funds are Essential for Winter Storms
Preparation for the winter season includes both infrastructural adjustments and financial readiness. Here's where relief funds come into play:
- Rapid Response: Employee relief funds provide financial assistance to affected individuals and their families, enabling them to address urgent needs like food, shelter, and medical aid.
- Long-Term Recovery: Besides addressing immediate concerns, relief funds contribute to long-term recovery, helping those impacted rebuild.
Investing in winter storm preparedness is a proactive approach to preparing for the winter season. Moreover, the growing frequency of natural disasters underscores the need for robust relief funds to provide financial assistance for your employees and team members who may be impacted.
The winter weather forecast predicts challenging times ahead. However, with strategic preparation of relief funds, organizations can better brace themselves against the harsh realities of winter storms, ensuring a swift and effective recovery in their communities.
How Establishing a Relief Fund With EAF Can Help Your Organization Support Employees in Need
If you’re interested in making sure your team members are taken care of, but are unsure about how to launch an employee relief fund, we’re here to help!
In the aftermath of severe weather, a disaster, or personal hardship, your organization needs the ability to help impacted team members rebuild and recover from the potentially devastating impact. A relief fund can boost morale and allow your employees to donate and contribute directly to the support of fellow team members. Establishing a relief fund can alleviate the stress that disasters and hardship put on those within your organization and allow them to stay focused on recovering from the event.
If your organization is interested in launching a relief fund, consider establishing a fund with EAF today. As a financial first responder, we’re resourceful and fearless in ensuring that financial assistance reaches individuals in need, no matter the unique circumstances involved.
By establishing a fund with us today, your organization can assist members of your team affected by natural disasters and other hardships. Relief fund grants can help impacted individuals pull through difficult times and start on the path toward recovery. If you’d like to learn more about how your organization can help your team during crises, you can review additional information about how a fund works or contact us today. We look forward to helping you make a difference for those who need it most!
Author: Emergency Assistance Foundation Team
