A rare superstorm hit Cleveland, Ohio in 2024, exposing critical gaps in facilities director Nico Viola’s well developed emergency plan. After the storm passed, Holden Forests and Gardens arboretum was left without power, access to fuel and reliable communication. In a conversation with chief editor of Facilities Maintenance Decisions Dave Lubach at NFMT East in Charlotte, Viola explains how even the most prepared organizations can be caught off guard be extreme weather events.
From overlooked insurance clauses to infrastructure that failed at the worst possible moment, Viola offers lessons that are practical, costly and highly relevant to every sector of facilities management.
Viola is quick to assure everyone that it’s not just about being prepared, but what to look at when there are high-pressure events and how to fix it. Facility professionals will gain a deeper understanding of how to stress-test emergency plans, avoid costly oversights and build true resilience into their operations.
