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Our hearts are with the communities facing devastating wildfires and power outages. We would also like to take a moment to express our gratitude to the courageous men and women tirelessly fighting fires across California. We have opened our phone lines to all California businesses during this time of crisis, at no charge. If your business has been impacted by the fires and you have HR questions, please call our HR Support Team at 800-399-5331. We're available Monday-Friday, 8 am–5 pm.

Our hearts and thoughts are with our Southern California residents currently facing devastating wildfires and power outages. While Summer and Fall in the Golden State historically bring high winds and fire danger, it feels unexpected to experience this devastation in the cold month of January. At CEA, we get many questions from employers about handling issues relating to ongoing wildfire threats. Many of our employers also want to know how to show empathy and compassion to employees affected by natural disasters.

In many areas, this summer has broken temperature records, creating raging fires in California, and hurricanes in other parts of the nation. From an HR compliance perspective, there are employee rights that California businesses should consider, as well as options to assist employees when a natural disaster impacts your staff.

As the wildfires rage in Northern California, we continue to see the destruction of many homes and communities. Once an immediate crisis has passed, people are left holding a lot of emotions. Survivors have rebuilding to do and are now expected to adapt to a “new normal” both at home and at work. Throw in COVID and things are getting strained for many. How should an employer handle employee workplace issues, such as time off and requests for leaves of absence in a way that supports their workers and allows them to run their business efficiently?

A historic lightning siege has caused more than 367 new fires in recent days, Chief Jeremy Rahn, a Cal Fire Spokesman said at a recent news conference. As the raging wildfires in Northern California double in size, we are now seeing the destruction of many homes and communities. Once an immediate crisis has passed, people are left holding a lot of emotions. Survivors have rebuilding to do and are now expected to adapt to a "new normal" both at home and at work.

Is this the "new normal?" Fall in the Golden State has always brought high winds and high fire danger, but the situation has worsened in recent years. Once again, California is facing fast-burning wildfires that are destroying homes and communities. But now, power outages are hitting hundreds of thousands of customers in California and having a severe impact on individuals and businesses.

How should employers handle the power outages across California? Find out how to pay your employees by classification and how to plan ahead for natural disasters.

Many California employers have been impacted by recent wildfires. If there is a fire in the region, employees may be exposed to unhealthy air. Cal/OSHA Standards Board recently approved an emergency regulation to protect workers from hazards related to wildfire smoke.