FEMA Posts Reopening Considerations Regarding COVID-19

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recently published guidance to assist public and private sector organizations resume normal operations while maintaining safety procedures for employees and customers, reports the National Propane Gas Association (NPGA). The FEMA website guidance at https://www.fema.gov/news-release/2020/04/30/planning-considerations-organizations-reconstituting-operations-during-covid emphasizes that each operation should determine the best reopening procedures for the organization. It is recommended that organizations develop plans that gradually return employees in a staggered approach and continue to enable telework. Additionally, it recommends that reopening plans should include flexibility to adjust for potential resurgence of COVID-19 in different regions.

The FEMA advisory encourages organizations to develop reopening plans in consideration of state and local limitations, such as closed schools and limited public transportation. In addition, some states may continue stay-at-home orders that limit resumption of normal operations for some divisions of organizations. The guidance also identifies steps for private sector operations to initiate prior to reopening, such as contacting vendors and suppliers to plan services for gradual or staggered reopening. FEMA lists a series of questions for organizations to assess in reopening plans, such as staffing, communications, logistical needs, sanitation requirements, etc.

SOURCE: The Weekly Propane Newsletter, May 14, 2020. Weekly Propane Newsletter subscribers receive all the latest posted and spot prices from major terminals and refineries around the U.S. delivered to inboxes every week. Receive a center spread of posted prices with hundreds of postings updated each week, along with market analysis, insightful commentary, and much more not found elsewhere.