EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLANNING BLOG

Corporate Hurricane Preparedness - Are you Ready?

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Basic steps every company should take to prepare for the onset of hurricane season?

• Is you company located in an evacuation (susceptible by wind and surge) or contingency zone (susceptible by wind)? Identify evacuation routes and mitigate geographical location.
• If your business is located in an evacuation zone, hire an engineering firm to inspect the building and foundation to determine if the structure could withstand the forces of hurricane winds and waves. If the building and its foundation are not structurally able to withstand severe wind and water, then you should plan to evacuate it completely during a hurricane - it is probably not safe for any person to remain in the facility.
• Outline and train staff on specific Hurricane preparedness tasks that protect your facility, how they will be accomplished, and the individuals/teams that will perform them.

• Identify essential business records that should be removed from the facility and determine where the alternate location. Back up computer records, download copies, and move these with other essential records.
• Verify employee contact information and alternate contact information.  Provide a way for employees to gain information about their location and status or recovery efforts.
• Review of internal and external equipment and furnishing.  How will you protect them? Create a process and identify steps in your plan to protect or remove major items.
• Anchor portable buildings.
• Ensure rooftop equipment and rooftop composition (gravel composite or shingles) are securely fastened. 
• Train staff how to turn off the electrical power, water, gas, and other utility services within your building at main switches.
• Obtain emergency equipment, such as battery-operated radios, flashlights, lighting and additional batteries. Prepare to be without utilities for at least 72 hours.
• Compile a disaster kit and cleaning supplies. FEMA provides guidance on a basic list of needs.
• Be prepared to secure windows and brace doors. If possible, obtain plywood and lumber before hurricane season begins. Precut wood to size, mark each panel/piece to identify location, and store it until needed.

These are just a few basic concepts to get you started in preparing your company's hurricane plan. Your local emergency management agency and FEMA have additional tips for Hurricane Preparedness.

For more tips and best practices on designing a crisis management program, download our Free Best Practices Guide.