Public sector fleets are consistently called on to respond quickly and effectively when disasters strike, whether it's a wildfire threatening infrastructure, a hurricane disrupting supply chains, or a snowstorm shutting down major corridors. 

A spotlight session at this year's NAFA Institute & Expo will offer an in-depth look at how fleet operations can better prepare for and respond to these kinds of emergencies.

“Fleet Emergency Preparedness: Best Practices and Case Studies” will go beyond theory to explore how fleet operations have responded in real-world emergencies. 

Fleet Emergency Preparedness: Best Practices and Case Studies

Scheduled for Monday, April 28, from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. as part of the Food for Thought Luncheon series, the session will feature firsthand accounts of how agencies navigated fires, floods, blizzards, hurricanes, and tornadoes—scenarios that pushed their teams, equipment, and logistics to the limit.

The session will highlight practical approaches to risk mitigation, the development of scalable emergency response protocols, and strategies for maintaining fleet continuity when infrastructure is compromised. 

Speakers will present detailed examples of what worked, what didn't, and what changes were made post-incident to strengthen future readiness, including:

• Identifying key best practices for fleet preparedness in the face of extreme weather events.

• Analyzing case studies to understand the practical application of emergency response strategies.

• Understanding the role of communication and technology in coordinating fleet responses during emergencies.

The session, lead by Larissa Clinard, CAFM, director of fleet and logistics, J.F. Ahern Co., will also feature the following speakers: 

• Dave Persad, CAFM, CEM, Director of Fleet Management & Mobility, City of Boynton Beach

• Nicholas Bradshaw, Director of Fleet Services, City of Knoxville

• Clinton Bench, Director, Fleet & Transit, UCLA Transportatio

Contribute to the 2025 Fleet Disaster Preparation Special Report

As hurricane season approaches, the editorial teams at Bobit Business Media (BBM) are producing a cross-brand special report examining how fleets prepare for and respond to disasters. This report will span vocational, public, private, and other fleet sectors.

We’re seeking contributions from fleet professionals, suppliers, and subject-matter experts. Whether it’s a firsthand account, a customer success story, or practical guidance, your insights can help inform and prepare fleets nationwide. 

The report will be published online and featured in print across BBM titles — including Work Truck, Automotive Fleet, Government Fleet, Heavy Duty Trucking, and others — from June through August.

Topics include (but aren’t limited to):

• Storm preparation and recovery

• Fueling strategies and communications planning

• FEMA reimbursement and financial continuity

• Insurance guidance and staff accountability

• If you have relevant experience or can connect us with someone who does, we’d like to hear from you. Please contact the editorial team by April 18, 2025, to take part in this industry-wide initiative.