AFLA Conference Archives-Storm-Ready: Fleet Resilience in Unpredictable Waters

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The video transcript features a panel discussion on disaster preparedness for fleets, emphasizing that disasters—whether natural or human-caused—can disrupt operations instantly. Moderator Chris Brown introduces panelists Erin Gilchrist, Tracy Richman, and Adam Seifert, who discuss the importance of not just having a disaster plan but cultivating a preparedness mindset centered on people, especially driver safety.<br /><br />Key topics include the increasing frequency of disasters, the necessity of a comprehensive plan involving planning, preparing, practicing, and performing, and the critical role of organizational culture and accountability. Panelists stress partnering with fleet management companies (FMCs) for risk assessment, leveraging data and technology for real-time situational awareness, and maintaining contingency budgets to enable swift responses.<br /><br />They highlight challenges like over-reliance on technology, the complexity of electric vehicle integration, and under-planning for rare but impactful "edge case" events. The importance of practicing plans to build muscle memory and reduce fear during crises is underscored.<br /><br />Post-disaster after-action reviews are encouraged to identify vulnerabilities and improve future responses. The discussion also covers communication tools like telematics and emergency notification systems, advocating for transparency and driver engagement.<br /><br />The session concludes with practical advice: regularly practice emergency plans through drills and checks, involve all organizational levels despite busy schedules, and foster cross-departmental collaboration to enhance fleet resilience and driver safety during disasters.

Asset Subtitle

Moderator:Chris Brown, Bobit Media
Speakers: Erin Gilchrist, Fleet Unfiltered Consulting; Tracy Richmond, Element;
Adam Seifert, Inspiration Fleet

Meta Tag

Location Marco Island, FL

Year 2025

Keywords

2025

Marco Island, FL

disaster preparedness

fleet management

driver safety

emergency planning

organizational culture

risk assessment

telematics

electric vehicle challenges

after-action review