Hurricane preparedness for businesses

If your business is located in a hurricane region, don’t wait to act. Take these necessary steps to mitigate against loss and damage before hurricane season even starts.

Climate change is a reality and its effects can be seen by an increased frequency and severity of natural catastrophes, including hurricanes. A hurricane is a severe tropical storm that forms in the North Atlantic Ocean, the Northeast Pacific Ocean, or the South Pacific Ocean. Hurricanes need warm tropical oceans, moisture, and light winds above them. If the right conditions last long enough, a hurricane can produce violent winds, incredible waves, torrential rains, and floods.

When is hurricane season?

Hurricane season runs from June 1st to November 30th. Don’t get caught off guard. Advances in technology and weather tracking have made it easier to detect these storms before they make landfall. Proper preparation and action steps can help reduce damage and potential loss of life dramatically.

How to prepare your property and equipment for a hurricane

To help protect your property in the event of a hurricane, preparation is key. Below are a few tips to help prepare your property and equipment before a hurricane occurs.   

• Establish or review an Emergency Action Plan that considers prevention, warning, emergency response, evacuation criterion, facility shut down, disaster recovery, and key personnel. 
• Designate an Emergency Coordinator and Emergency Action Team with an operating command center. 
• Review your Emergency Action Plan with the local emergency management office and know your community evacuation plan. 
• Confirm that you receive the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) radiofrequency. The National Weather Service uses NOAA to deliver critical information and storm updates. 
• Detail communication procedures for employees, suppliers, vendors, contractors, and clients. Maintain a current list of key contacts with phone numbers and addresses. 
• Secure and brace outside storage tanks, sheds, and other structures. 
• Cover water-sensitive equipment with plastic or tarps. 
• Use plywood (min. 5/8”) or shutters to protect doors and windows. 
• Understand critical facility utility needs, particularly energy. Identify and perform preventative maintenance on backup resources such as generators. 
• Stock non-perishable food, first-aid supplies, and drinking water. 
• Create an emergency evacuation kit for employees and their families. 
• Identify alternative types of transportation in the area and establish a relationship with rental companies. 
• Provide cellular or satellite phones to essential personnel. 
• Inspect roofs and flashing to ensure they are secured. 
• Trim trees and shrubbery, safely, avoiding electrical lines and excessive heights. 
• Clear loose and clogged rain gutters and downspouts. Check drain pumps. 
• Review your insurance policies to determine if you have adequate flood and wind insurance.