As I write this, 2026’s first Atlantic hurricane season forecasts have started to arrive – and for the first time in a long while, the news looks promising: They’re all calling for a “below normal” season.
That said, we here at ALAN aren’t ready to let down our guard just yet.
In fact, we’re practicing, training and creating game plans much like several athletes and coaches are preparing for one of this summer’s other anticipated events – the FIFA World Cup.
Part of this mindset is based on recent occurrences, because 2026 has already been full of disruptions like multiple tornadoes in the Southeast and Midwest, the emerging Ebola crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the Iran War’s effects on cargo that ordinarily would move through the Strait of Hormuz.
And part of it is based on a clear-eyed look ahead. We know, for example, that even though there may not be many hurricanes this season, there are likely to be at least a couple, and even one is all it takes to turn a community and its residents lives’ upside down. We also know that happy events like our country’s upcoming 250th birthday and the World Cup matches (which will take place in 11 different U.S. cities) have a way of creating their own potential disruptions, especially in terms of traffic and extra visitors, both of which could hamper evacuation, rescue and relief efforts if a disaster happens to hit during these celebrations or games.
All of these things have us feeling extra determined – and committed to working harder than ever to help nonprofits and businesses become more “Logistics Ready” by:
- Preparing a soon-to-be-released analysis about many of the events I’ve just mentioned – and how they could affect supply chains and the disaster ecosystem
- Hosting disaster training and awareness conversations with businesses, government agencies and nonprofits
- And educating the next generation of supply chain professionals.
It’s not QUITE as relaxing as working on our tans, hanging out by the lake or cheering for Team USA (we hope) in the FIFA finals. But we wouldn’t have it any other way – because year in and year out, we truly get a kick out of the work we do and the difference it makes.
Thank you for making that possible.
Kathy