Preparing for Wilma's Arrival
Well before hurricane warnings were posted for southern Florida, the Raytheon Emergency Response team — composed of company business leaders, Communications and Human Resources leads, and on-site operations teams — was braced for the arrival of Hurricane Wilma. The Category 3 storm, the third major hurricane to strike the U.S. mainland during the 2005 season, made landfall in the U.S. on the coast of Florida Monday morning, Oct. 24. The storm moved quickly across the Florida peninsula, dropped several inches of rain and brought 100 mph winds.

Since early last week Raytheon's Incident Response Teams, representing all businesses, have been actively working to ensure the safety of company employees and the security of company facilities in the Gulf Coast area. On Tuesday, Oct.18, emergency teams and preparation plans were activated for all Raytheon sites in the projected path of the storm, including business operations on the west and southern coasts of Florida.

Initiating Response Plans in Advance
When Wilma made her approach toward Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula, Raytheon employees at Florida business locations began receiving ongoing communications via e-mail, Web communications and a publicized 800-number regarding the status of the storm and the company's emergency plans. On Sunday, Oct. 23, Raytheon Aircraft Company decided to shut down its West Palm Beach and Tampa facilities for both evening shifts and the following business day. The Tampa facility did not incur any damage as a result of Hurricane Wilma and returned to normal business operations second shift Monday. In addition, Raytheon Technical Services Company decided to close its Orlando and Patrick Air Force Base sites for the duration of Monday. While Raytheon's Network Centric Systems business closed its Largo and St. Petersburg facilities on Sunday evening, these sites remained open for business on Monday. However, employees were asked to use their best judgment to determine when they could safely report to work.

Raytheon Employees Reach Out
During the past two months, Raytheon's employees have demonstrated an unparalleled level of professionalism and collaboration in response to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Within 24 hours after Hurricane Rita, a Raytheon team — led by the manager of an Integrated Defense Systems employee posted in Saudi Arabia — worked quickly to bring supplies to the employee's affected family members in Louisiana. And in support of employees affected by Hurricane Katrina, a team of Raytheon Human Resources and health professionals traveled to the Gulf Coast to provide both emotional support and direct assistance. In the weeks ahead, teams will continue to work closely with on-site business leaders to assist any employees, customers and communities affected as a result of Hurricane Wilma.

As difficult as this hurricane season has been, the outpouring of support by Raytheon employees for the victims of these disasters has been truly heartening. Since Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf Coast in late August, Raytheon and its employees have donated generously to hurricane-related disaster relief — through corporate grants, employee giving, corporate matching contributions and grants from the Raytheon Employee Disaster Relief Fund.

Raytheon employees wishing to assist with relief efforts related to this year's hurricanes and any future storms may click here.

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