September is National Preparedness Month, a nationwide initiative launched by the Federal Emergency Management Agency ( FEMA ) after 9/11 to encourage Americans to prioritize safety and disaster readiness. For businesses—especially those in construction, development, or field-based industries—this month is a critical reminder: Are you truly prepared for severe weather? With hurricane season peaking in September and extreme weather events becoming more frequent and intense, having a solid emergency response plan isn’t optional—it’s essential. 2024: A Wake-Up Call for Emergency Preparedness Last year has been one for the record books when it comes to natural disasters. Just look at the data: Tornadoes broke records in six states: New York (32), Ohio (74), Oklahoma (152), West Virginia (20), Iowa (125), and Illinois (142). Hurricane Beryl became one of the earliest Category 5 storms ever recorded, part of a hurricane season that brought 18 named storms, with seven forming after September—another new record. Even traditionally "safe" regions weren’t spared. In a single hour, five tornadoes touched down in Pennsylvania, highlighting a new trend of severe weather events reaching areas like New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. These aren’t outliers—they're the new norm. And they underscore a simple truth: Every business needs a safety plan. Key Questions: Is Your Job Site Ready? As unpredictable weather events grow more common, now is the time to evaluate your emergency protocols. Ask yourself: Do your employees know where to go during a severe storm? Are you aware of post-storm hazards like downed power lines, gas leaks, or structural damage? Is your job site equipped to handle flooding, a fire, or high winds? How are your workers protected during cleanup operations? Do your workers know first aid and CPR? If you’re not confident in your answers, you’re not alone—and that’s exactly why National Preparedness Month exists. Don’t Wait for the Storm: Let Elk Help You Prepare Elk Environmental Services , one of our affiliates, has a Health & Safety Team specializing in custom emergency preparedness planning that meets all local, state, and federal compliance standards. Whether you're building a safety plan from the ground up or revising an outdated one, they are can guide you every step of the way. Schedule Your Safety Consultation Today Preparedness isn’t just good policy—it’s good business. Protect your team, your job sites, and your peace of mind. Schedule a safety consultation with Ed Clemas or Jamie Caron today to get started.

On Saturday, August 23rd, employees and their families gathered for a fantastic Empire Group Family Fun Day at Knoebels Amusement Resort in Elysburg, PA. This year's event was a big hit, with over 120 attendees coming together for a day filled with fun, food, and excitement.

It was a memorable evening at the Berks County Fairgrounds in Leesport for this year’s Northern Berks County National Night Out! With clear skies and great energy in the air, the community came together for an unforgettable night of connection, fun, and celebration.

In times of crisis, reliability isn’t just a virtue—it’s a necessity. While qualities like loyalty and honesty are essential to any great company, when an environmental emergency strikes, the trait that matters most is the ability to act fast and effectively. That’s where Elk Environmental Services, an affiliate of Empire Group, truly stands out. Why Reliability Matters in Environmental Emergencies Whether it’s a fuel spill, chemical leak, or contaminated soil, environmental accidents require immediate attention. The company that responds quickly and knows exactly what to do is the one you’ll remember—and the one you’ll call again. Elk Environmental Services offers 24/7 emergency spill response that goes beyond showing up fast. Their highly trained, experienced team is equipped to handle the unexpected with precision, care, and cost-effectiveness.

As summer heats up, we're taking a moment to look back at some of the exciting projects completed by Empire Group affiliates. It’s been a season of meaningful work, from upgrading primary wire for street lamps to overseeing the demolition of a community pool. Each project has brought unique challenges—and rewarding outcomes. Here’s a look at a few highlights from the season so far.

In today's business landscape, prioritizing safety in the workplace is paramount. Too often, we witness unfortunate incidents stemming from negligence, whether it's mishandling chemicals or unsafe ladder use. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 5,283 workplace fatalities in 2023, a 3.7% decrease from the previous year. Non-fatal work-related injuries and illnesses also dropped by 8.4% to 2.6 million cases. Despite some progress, we cannot rest on our laurels. One way to boost safety awareness is through National Safety Month. Workplace Safety Has Evolved Over the past five decades, workplace safety has significantly evolved since the enactment of the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSH Act) in 1970. However, advancements in technology have required businesses to adapt and improve their safety practices. In 1996, the National Safety Council (NSC) launched National Safety Month to raise awareness and reduce preventable work-related illnesses, injuries, and fatalities. Held in June, the event aligns with a seasonal rise in heat-related incidents (e.g., heat stress) and construction-related roadway hazards. National Safety Month's Focus Areas Each National Safety Month, the National Safety Council highlights key safety topics to promote awareness and prevention. For 2025, the weekly themes include: Week 1: Continuous Improvement Week 2: Employee Engagement Week 3: Roadway Safety Week 4: Wellbeing By addressing these themes, organizations can proactively tackle common safety concerns to create a safer work environment. Empire Group’s Commitment to Safety At Empire Group, safety stands as our top priority. We've implemented numerous processes and systems to ensure a methodical, controlled, and comprehensive approach to every project across our affiliated companies. This includes personal protective equipment for each team member, equipment training, and rigorous safety protocols designed to minimize risk and ensure compliance with industry standards. Through our affiliate Elk Environmental Services, you’ll find over 40 health and safety training courses led by experienced OSHA-authorized outreach trainers. They can customize trainings to meet your company’s specific needs, such as scheduling a training for second shift or conducting a training at a venue of your choice. Also, Elk’s safety team conducts safety audits and job hazard analyses to proactively identify and address potential issues before they become incidents. Workplace safety is a shared responsibility that demands continuous effort and accountability. National Safety Month serves as a reminder of the importance of prioritizing safety in all facets of work. By actively engaging with the designated themes and investing in comprehensive training, organizations can cultivate a culture that protects employees and fosters productivity.

Industrial and manufacturing operations rely on clean, functional storage tanks to run safely, efficiently, and in compliance with environmental regulations. Elk Environmental Services, one of our affiliates, understands the high stakes involved—and they are ready to help facilities across the Mid-Atlantic region manage those risks before they become costly problems. From preventing equipment damage to ensuring regulatory compliance, here’s why proactive tank cleaning is essential for your facility’s long-term success. Keep Your Facility Running: Reduce Downtime with Routine Tank Cleaning Over time, storage tanks naturally accumulate sludge, sediment, and debris—especially in high-demand industrial environments. Left unchecked, this buildup: Restricts flow rates Reduces storage capacity Increases wear on pumps and processing systems Causes unplanned shutdowns and equipment failures Routine tank cleaning services from Elk Environmental helps keep your tanks operating at peak performance. Elk’s trained crews ensure that tanks are free from blockages and buildup, enabling more accurate inspections and helping you spot potential issues before they escalate. By minimizing the risk of emergency repairs, they help clients avoid production delays and lost revenue. Regulatory Compliance Starts with Clean Tanks Storage tanks often contain regulated materials such as chemicals, fuels, or wastewater. Even trace residues left in a tank can result in: Hazardous chemical reactions Fires or spills Environmental contamination Penalties from the EPA, OSHA, and state agencies like the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP) Elk Environmental helps you stay compliant with storage tank cleaning services that meet or exceed federal and state standards. Their confined space entry (CSE) trained crews follow OSHA 29 CFR 1910.120 guidelines and offer CSE rescue support for clients and contractors alike. Extend the Life of Your Storage Tanks Tanks are a major capital investment, and regular cleaning is essential to preserving their lifespan. The materials stored inside—especially corrosive substances—can lead to: Interior wall corrosion Pitting and structural degradation Premature tank failure By removing harmful residues on a routine basis, Elk Environmental helps industrial clients extend the functional life of their tanks and reduce long-term costs. Clean tanks also help improve energy efficiency, since pumps can move liquids with less resistance—saving money on utilities and system maintenance. Elk Environmental’s Full-Service Tank Cleaning Solutions What sets Elk apart is their comprehensive, turnkey approach. From initial assessment to disposal and documentation, they manage every step of the storage tank maintenance process: Vacuum truck services Sludge removal and disposal Tank closure and decommissioning Soil remediation (if needed) Regulatory reporting and documentation Whether you’re maintaining an active tank or planning a permanent closure, Elk ensures full compliance and peace of mind. As a PADEP -certified AMR and UMR contractor, they are listed in the Pennsylvania Registry of Storage Tank Certified Companies. In today’s competitive industrial landscape, proactive tank maintenance isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. Don’t wait for a leak, shutdown, or inspection failure to realize the importance of proactive tank cleaning. Contact Elk Environmental Services to learn more about their storage tank management services. Ask about their brand-new Powervac 5300 Wet & Dry vactor!

Every May, National Electrical Safety Month serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of preventing electrical hazards in the workplace. Sponsored by the Electrical Safety Foundation International ( ESFI ), this annual campaign focuses on educating employers and workers about the steps they can take to avoid electrical-related injuries, fatalities, and property damage. Why Electrical Safety Matters More Than Ever Electrical hazards are a serious threat across industries. Each year, the United States sees approximately 4,000 workplace electrical accidents , resulting in more than $1 million in financial losses for employers. These incidents are not only costly—they're often preventable. Understanding the dangers of electricity and implementing safety protocols is critical to reducing risks on the job. Whether you're in construction, manufacturing, healthcare, or an office setting, electrical safety should be a top priority. Spotlight for 2025: Lithium-Ion Battery Safety This year’s National Electrical Safety Month theme focuses on the safe use and handling of lithium-ion batteries—a technology now widely used in: Power tools Mobile and wearable devices Medical equipment Electric vehicles While convenient and powerful, lithium-ion batteries can ignite or explode if damaged, overcharged, or improperly disposed of. Proper storage, usage, and recycling practices are essential to avoid workplace fires and injuries. Instead of putting them in the your household trash can, you should take them to a household hazardous waste collection event or a recycling center. Three Simple Ways to Prevent Electrical Injuries at Work Keeping your team safe starts with awareness—and the right precautions. Here are three key safety practices every workplace should follow: Use Grounded Outlets and Surge Protectors Avoid overloading outlets and ensure all electrical equipment is plugged into grounded power sources. Inspect and Handle Power Cords with Care Never press, twist, or stretch cords. Damaged cords are a leading cause of electrical fires and injuries. De-Energize Equipment During Maintenance Always follow lockout/tagout procedures to ensure equipment is safe to handle before maintenance or repair work begins. Compliance Training That Saves Lives Elk Environmental Services , part of the Empire Group, is your trusted partner in creating a safe, compliant work environment. Elk’s experienced OSHA-authorized outreach trainers provide comprehensive training programs, including: Electrical Safety Training NFPA 70E Compliance Programs Let us help your company meet safety standards and reduce risk across the board. Contact Ed Clemas or Jamie Caron today at elktraining@esreading.com to explore Elk’s safety training options and keep your workforce protected and in full compliance.

Spring is here—and with it comes the hum of construction equipment, the scent of fresh soil, and the flurry of activity that signals the start of construction season. But before you break ground, there's one essential step that could save lives, protect infrastructure, and prevent costly damage: safe digging. Each April, the Common Ground Alliance designates National Safe Digging Month, a nationwide campaign launched in 2007 to raise awareness about the importance of underground utility safety. As temperatures rise and outdoor projects ramp up, now is the perfect time to spotlight the invisible network beneath our feet. Why Safe Digging Matters More Than Ever Did you know that the U.S. is home to over 20 million miles of underground utilities? That’s enough to circle the Earth more than 800 times. Hidden below our feet are power lines, pipelines, telecommunications cables, water mains, and sewer systems—all essential to daily life and public safety. However, their invisibility is precisely what makes them so vulnerable. Each year, more than 400,000 utility strikes occur in the U.S., posing serious risks to public safety, causing service outages, and racking up billions in repair and legal costs. One Call Can Save Lives: Call 8-1-1 Before You Dig Whether you're a homeowner planting a tree or a utility contractor preparing to install primary wire for streetlamps, calling 8-1-1 before you dig is not just smart—it's the law in many states. This free service connects you to local utility companies who will mark the location of buried lines so you can dig safely and confidently. By taking a few simple steps—planning your dig, calling 8-1-1, and waiting for utilities to be marked—you’re helping protect your team, your project timeline, and your community. Don’t Cut Corners, Cut Risk National Safe Digging Month serves as a timely reminder that knowledge is power and prevention is key. As you gear up for spring construction projects, make safety your foundation. Take the time to understand what lies beneath, follow safe digging practices, and always call before you dig. We can help you stay safe! Elk Environmental Services , one of our affiliates, offers a variety of safety training courses. Their OSHA-authorized outreach trainers can help you and your team stay safe and avoid utility damage with our OSHA 10- and 30-hour construction trainings and trenching and excavation training. Contact Jamie Caron today at jamiec@elkenv.com for more information.