Lessons from the Maui Wildfire: Building Resilience in Facilities
In a gripping episode of Facilities in Focus podcast, host Mackenna Moralez is joined by Maureen Roskoski, Vice President of FEA, who recounts her real-life experience surviving the devastating 2023 Maui wildfires and shares key lessons for for building resilience in facilities.
What was meant to be a vacation quickly turned into a life-threatening situation. With power lines down, cell service lost, and no clear evacuation guidance, Maureen found herself stranded and surrounded by chaos. But as a facilities professional, she drew upon her emergency planning expertise to stay calm and make smart decisions in the absence of real-time information or support.
“Facility managers are often the first responders before the fire and police arrive,” Maureen says in the episode.
“They need to be ready to tackle challenges—from evacuations to managing critical infrastructure.”
Key Lessons for Facility Managers
This episode is more than just a personal story—it’s a wake-up call for the facilities community. Maureen’s firsthand account reinforces several critical takeaways:
1. Disaster Can Strike Without Warning
The Maui wildfire escalated rapidly, leaving many without guidance. Facility managers must plan for the unexpected, including breakdowns in communication, transportation, and basic services.
2. Preparedness Starts Before the Emergency
Training, drills, and continuity plans aren’t optional—they’re essential. Maureen stresses that facility teams should be familiar with emergency protocols before a crisis hits, not during.
3. You May Be the First Responder
In many facilities, staff will look to the facility manager before police or fire crews arrive. That means knowing evacuation routes, securing critical systems, and making fast, confident decisions under pressure.
4. Resilience Planning Is No Longer Optional
Climate change is making wildfires, storms, and floods more frequent and intense. Facility leaders must prioritize long-term risk assessment and investment in resilient infrastructure.
5. Turn Experience into Strategy
Maureen’s experience highlights the importance of learning from real events—not just hypotheticals. Every facility should update their plans based on current disaster trends and emerging risks.
A Call to Action
This conversation isn’t just about survival—it’s about leadership. Maureen Roskoski’s story is a reminder that facility managers are on the front lines of safety and resilience. They have the knowledge, tools, and responsibility to protect their organizations when disaster strikes.
Listen to the full episode of Facilities in Focus to gain actionable insights on building resilience in facilities and strengthen your emergency preparedness strategy.
Maureen wrote an article detailing her experience in FacilitiesNet, which you can read here.
