Hurricane Ida: Brace for the storm

Hurricane Ida landed Sunday in New Orleans and quickly laid claim as one of the most powerful storms ever to hit the U.S. All of New Orleans’ power was knocked out, which during a time of intense heat in the region impacts residents’ essential access to air conditioning. Roofs were blown off buildings, and widespread destruction came in the storm’s path. Ida, a category four storm, landed on the same day Katrina made landfall 16 years earlier, causing widespread flooding in a region with more than two million inhabitants.

Watch the weather and keep your fleet safe

The safety of your fleet should be your number one priority during natural disasters like Hurricane Ida. Fleets in the path of the storm can stay up-to-date with the latest weather updates via local news or NOAA Weather Radio. Once the storm hits, stay off the roads. Do not drive around barricades. Emphasize to your drivers that almost half of all flood fatalities occur in vehicles, and a mere two feet of water can sweep away a car, truck, or SUV.

Have a communication plan with your fleet drivers

If you don’t already have an emergency communication plan in place, create one now. Make sure your drivers have an emergency contingency plan, including where they should go if they are caught in the storm.

Stay updated on Hurricane Ida and keep your fleet updated

These resources provide up-to-the-minute information on Hurricane Ida:

• National Hurricane Center
• The Weather Channel
• CNN

Get relief from Hurricane Ida

If you are caught in an area impacted by the hurricane, avail yourself of these relief services:

• Red Cross Response Information
• FEMA Response Information

WEX Fleet resources during a natural disaster

• Get the latest fuel prices and closest service stations at your fingertips with WEX Connect, which helps drivers find fuel and service stations available in the local area. Download the mobile app through the App Store or Google Play.
• Access your account 24 hours a day by logging in online or downloading the Fleet SmartHub mobile app to track spending, make payments, and manage your cards. Download the mobile app through the App Store or Google Play.
• Check out the WEX Fleet blog for additional information and insights on best managing the ongoing impact a natural disaster or fluctuations in fuel prices.
• How to Prepare Your Fleet for a Natural Disaster 
• 4 Ways to Adapt to Changing Fuel Prices
• Follow us on Social Media @WEXFleet

Resources: 
AP News
CNN
The New York Times