As you begin to prepare for another hurricane season, I urge you to consider making changes in your giving patterns for disasters.

First, plan ahead. Set aside money now for planning and recovery, as well as immediate relief. Your efforts before and after a disaster could make a big difference in the amount of destruction and the numbers of deaths that occur.

Second, think holistically. How can your employees and skill sets—as well as your cash & products—make a difference?

Third, support prevention and mitigation efforts. Just reacting isn’t sustainable and it isn’t strategic. The future of our communities will require creative thinking about prevention, mitigation, and adaptability.

Read the full article about the 2018 hurricane season by Robert G. Ottenhoff at Center for Disaster Philanthropy.