KRESS Employment Screening, a Houston-based company, has the families of those affected by Hurricane Harvey in our thoughts and hearts. The city’s recovery is in its beginning stages, but we are confident our city is strong and will rebuild. This week’s Weekend Roundup covers a few things employers should know regarding natural disasters.
Help Those Affected Most by Hurricane Harvey
More than 10,000 Houstonians and residents from surrounding areas flocked to the George R. Brown convention center after their homes were overtaken by high water. The American Red Cross is working around the clock at the convention center and other shelters to provide those in need with hot meals and a dry place to sleep. You can provide help and hope to Houstonians affected by Hurricane Harvey by making a donation to the American Red Cross here.
Checklist for Employers During and After Hurricane Harvey
Natural disasters can have a devastating effect on employees. Communication is disrupted, employees miss days or weeks of work, and anxiety is at a high. Benefit News has a checklist for employers providing a few things to think about when it comes to helping employees as well as managing legal consequences of natural disasters. If your workplace was not hit by Hurricane Harvey, consider this checklist the beginning of a strategy to prepare your business for future natural disasters.
Are Employees Eligible for Leave During a Natural Disaster?
Natural disasters raise many issues for employers. One of these issues is whether employers have an obligation to provide a leave of absence to employees under laws such as the Family and Medical Leave Act. SHRM covers the basics of this to help you navigate the FMLA during times of natural disasters.
Hurricane Harvey Tax Extension
Currently the extension applies to the 18 counties in Texas that the Federal Emergency Management Agency has determined need assistance: Aransas, Bee, Brazoria, Calhoun, Chambers, Fort Bend, Galveston, Goliad, Harris, Jackson, Kleberg, Liberty, Matagorda, Nueces, Refugio, San Patricio, Victoria and Wharton.
To receive more updates on Hurricane Harvey’s impact on Texas businesses, sign up for our monthly newsletter.