I recently read an article about this summer’s predicted weather patterns. Apparently, El Niño may bring severe heat, storms, flooding, and wildfires across much of the country.
That immediately made me think about one of my veterinary practice clients who was directly in the path of Hurricane Helene as it moved through the mountains of North Carolina.
Thankfully, no one on her team was injured, and the practice building remained standing. But more than a foot of water flooded the first floor, damaging walls, flooring, furniture, and equipment. The city treatment plant had been damaged, so there was no water for cleanup. They also had no power and no internet.
What would you do?
Watching the devastation unfold from the coast of South Carolina, I frantically called her phone to make sure she was safe. It took a day and a half for her to respond.
When she finally did, she told me everyone was physically OK, but the destruction was overwhelming. All she could do was cry. After offering condolences, I assured her she would be Ok. It just takes putting one foot in front of the other.
So, I started asking questions.
- Do you have power? — No
- Do you have any water? — No
- Have you called your insurance company? — No
- Can people get there to help you? — Yes
- Is it safe to be in the building? — Yes
Having lived through a fire in our family restaurant and worked three days in the dark after Hurricane Hugo hit North Carolina, I had some experience to offer.
The very first thing I told her was:
Call your insurance agent immediately.
During a regional disaster, everyone is trying to reach adjusters at the same time. Getting in line early matters. Because she called quickly after getting back into the building, her claim was processed much faster than many others in the area.
Then we began evaluating where to start.
Floodwater brings mud, debris, and contamination, but much of that can be removed with hard work and elbow grease. The greater danger is moisture trapped inside walls and flooring, which quickly leads to mold.
My next advice was simple:
Cut the drywall above the flood line and start drying the building as quickly as possible.
As soon as power was restored, they gathered every fan they could find and began the drying process. Fortunately, the practice had terrazzo flooring, so there was no need to tear out saturated carpet or laminate.
Because the building had a second floor, I advised them to immediately move all technical equipment and any salvageable medical supplies upstairs to protect them from additional moisture damage.
Then came the hard part:
Shovels. Buckets. Brooms. Long exhausting hours.
Without internet access, communication with clients became another major obstacle. Fortunately, Starlink became available, allowing the practice to reconnect and reassure clients they were safe and working toward reopening to support the community.
Another fortunate break was that their local practice server survived the flood. They had not been backing up data off-site, and that could have been catastrophic. Make sure you have a valid backup!
This is one reason that cloud-based PIMS systems are so important. One nearby veterinary practice was completely washed away in the storm, yet they were still able to recover all their client and patient data because it was securely stored in the cloud.
Because of quick action, teamwork, and determination, this practice reopened just eight days later.
They worked from a tent in the parking lot to care for injured animals in the community. They even partnered with a food truck so local residents, many still without power or running water, could get a hot meal while seeking care for their pets.
Today, a year and a half later, the practice has a new roof and new lobby furniture. Parts of the walls are still open because finding contractors after a disaster remains incredibly difficult. The drywall will be replaced with special waterproof sheetrock… just in case.
But the business is growing.
More importantly, the team bonded through an experience they will never forget. They survived it together.
In the middle of a crisis, it is difficult to think clearly. Emotions take over. Exhaustion sets in. Decisions become harder.
Having an outside advisor during a disaster can be a lifeline. Even more important is having a preparedness plan before disaster strikes.
No one wants to imagine their business flooding, burning, or being destroyed by a tornado. But these things do happen.
Preparation matters.
I encourage every veterinary practice to review emergency readiness resources and develop a disaster response strategy now—not later.
Helpful resources include:
We were also able to help this practice access assistance through a Not One More Vet (NOMV) grant, along with other small grants and recovery loans that supported rebuilding efforts and improvements.
Learning what resources are available should be part of every practice’s emergency preparedness strategy.
Because when disaster comes, the time to plan has already passed.
Let’s be ready. El Niño is coming.
