Disaster and Emergency Preparedness

Convenience stores are beacons in their communities, providing much-needed food and fuel to first responders and residents before, during and after an emergency or disaster.

Latest News

April 1, 2021

Mondelēz Shares Safety Strategies During Health Crisis

The goals: Keep people healthy and meet increased consumer demands.

March 22, 2021

Japanese C-Stores Prepare for Disasters

Lessons learned from the 2011 earthquake help retailers map out a plan for keeping the doors open.

March 4, 2021

Senate Moves Ahead With Stimulus Package

A $15 federal minimum wage is not included.

March 4, 2021

States Begin Lifting Pandemic Restrictions

Health officials advise a cautious approach to ending mask mandates and capacity limits.

Contact

If you have a question about disaster preparedness, relief and recovery, please contact:

Carolyn Schnare
Director, Strategic Initiatives
(703) 518-4248
cschnare@convenience.org

If you have a question about disaster preparedness or waivers, contact:

Paige Anderson
Director, Government Relations
(703) 518-4221
panderson@convenience.org

NACS Resources

Coronavirus Resources
The health and safety of the convenience retail community is our highest priority. The NACS team is actively monitoring the coronavirus situation, keeping in touch with local, state and federal agencies, health experts, employment law firms, event venue partners, retailers and suppliers as conditions evolve.

Emergency Planning Resources
The NACS Convenience Store Emergency Planning and Job Aids are customizable and include a plan evaluation document and Job Aids of tasks and checklists for specific functions that store employees perform during emergency and disaster planning and recovery. The Job Aids can also be used as on-boarding training, refresher training or immediate training when emergency conditions approach.

Additional Resources

American Red Cross
NACS has partnered with the Red Cross to advance community giving and disaster relief programs for NACS member companies. Learn other ways to help. The Red Cross also has information on disaster preparedness.

Download the FEMA mobile app (available in English and Spanish) for a customizable checklist of emergency supplies, directions to open shelters and recovery centers, disaster survival tips and weather alerts from the National Weather Service.

Occupational Safety & Health Administration
OSHA offers emergency preparedness and response information on how to prepare and train for emergencies and hazards.

Small Business Administration
This administration covers topics on preparing for a disaster, creating a disaster plan and making a supply kit.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
The CDC offers resources for natural disasters and severe weather, including checklists. The CDC also has planning guidelines for community virus mitigation strategies in the case of a flu pandemic.

"Enhancing Emergency Preparedness for Natural Disasters: Government and Oil and Natural Gas Industry Actions to Prepare, Respond, and Recover" provides advice on how the oil and natural gas industry and government can better prepare for and respond to significant disruptions to oil and natural gas supply chains caused by natural disasters, such as hurricanes, earthquakes, floods, etc.

NACS Magazine

Community Stores
September 2018
Two convenience store chains—QMart and High’s—mobilized their employees and the community to support two tragedies.

Connect with a Cause
May 2018
NACS and the American Red Cross have teamed up to advance community giving and disaster relief programs for NACS member companies with the launch of a retailer in-store Customer Donation Kit.

After the Storms
December 2017
A trifecta of hurricanes ravaged the United States and Puerto Rico, testing the fuel infrastructure and the convenience industry, which emerged as a beacon of hope to affected communities.

When Mother Nature Strikes
May 2017
Retailers affected by hurricanes want to stay open, but when disruptions occur, retailers are susceptible to changes in product availability and volatile wholesale prices.

Podcast and Videos

Preparing for Disaster
The Red Cross helps people during and after emergencies and disasters to get back on their feet as soon as possible. Learn how to prepare yourself, your business and your customers before chaos strikes.

Working with the Red Cross in Times of Crisis
We share ideas for what NACS members can do to support relief organizations before, during and after a crisis.

Stories from Houston’s Hurricane Harvey
Hurricane Harvey devastated parts of Texas and Louisiana in September 2017. The staff at Texas Food and Fuel Association (TFFA) and its members worked tirelessly for days and weeks to prepare and provide recovery resources for fuel retailers in Texas who suffered damages.

Partner with the Red Cross
In search of donations of money, goods and gratitude, hear how you can make a difference and get involved with the Red Cross.