VIDEO: Top Preparation Tips for Extreme Weather Conditions

Steve Slepcevic discusses the best means of preparing for extreme weather conditions on how to get things in order

By Steve Slepcevic, Jill Bloom, Executive Director, Roofing Contractor

Preparing for storms is part of the business when it comes to roofing, but just how prepared are you and your company for severe weather?

In this episode of the Best of Success podcast, RC Publisher Jill Bloom speaks with Steve Slepcevic, CEO of Strategic Response Partners, to discern the best ways to prepare for the next big storm front.

Roofing Contractor presents The Best of Success Podcast Show

Is Your Disaster Response Plan in Place?

Roofing contractors do their community a service by providing safe and dry shelter. But what happens when your business isn’t ready for the next big storm? Steve Slepcevic, CEO of Strategic Response Partners, shares what contractors can do to prepare for severe weather events so they’re ready to roll.

Strategic Response Partners is a network of experts who specialize in crisis management. When it comes to working in severe weather, there are important things contractors need to know, says Slepcevic, but among the most important is having a plan in place ahead of time.

“Being in a state of readiness, to serve your community, don’t be reactionary when that stuff comes. Pull the plan out and say, ‘Hey, we did this, we drilled it, and we’re ready to serve our community,” he says,

According to Slepcevic, the priorities for creating a plan should be:

The individual
Family
Business

Bringing it to the contractor level, he said preparing for a storm is similar to how contractors have to deal with supply chain disruptions.

“Have a bigger stock of materials that’s sitting on your yard, not necessarily in the supply yard, right? Because if you've noticed, everything that we've bought earlier, costs just keep going up, right? I mean, between both past administrations, over $8 trillion has been printed … inflation's here, right?” he said. “Stock [your] warehouses up, get a little more material.”

By having the supplies in hand, says Slepcevic, you not only know you’re prepared to take on jobs but can plan ahead to secure supplies as soon as a storm starts brewing.

“You know it’s going to happen, you know we’re going to have a need for it,” he said. “That [Category 5 hurricane’s] going to tear roofs off. You’re waiting until you get the orders? No, order it now before it hits.”

Listen more for Slepcevic’s tips on how we should communicate during the big storm by viewing the video here or listening to the podcast.

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Steve Slepcevic, with over 35 years of expertise in disaster management, emergency response, and global security, is a transformational leader known for delivering rapid solutions, safeguarding critical infrastructure, and leading recovery efforts in high-risk environments.

Jill Bloom is the innovative Executive Director of Roofing Contractor, Walls & Ceilings, Building Enclosure, Roofing Supply Pro, and the highly regarded Best of Success event. With a deep commitment to advancing the roofing, construction, and building enclosure industries, Jill oversees a robust portfolio of publications, podcasts, and events that empower professionals with knowledge, inspiration, and connections.

Her brands deliver exceptional value across multiple platforms, including:

Techos y Más, the Spanish-language newsletter of Roofing Contractor.
Safety Advisor, a newsletter focused on critical resources for jobsite safety.
Thermal Talk, a newsletter focused on insights and news for the insulation contractor.
eRock, a leading newsletter for drywall contractors.
The Enclosure Experts podcast, offering architects deep insights into building enclosure technologies.
If Walls Could Talk, a podcast dedicated to exploring trends and innovations for the wall and ceiling contractor.
The Best of Success Podcast, providing thought leadership and practical advice for roofing professionals.

Jill’s passion for professional development and fostering industry connections is exemplified by the Best of Success event, a premier gathering of contractors, suppliers, and thought leaders for unmatched education and networking.