Hurricanes are dangerous. They can destroy cities – businesses, homes, and life, making emergency preparation for the Atlantic hurricane season especially important.
The good thing about hurricanes is that we can prepare for them. We have the technology to monitor and track storms – even down to the minute!
While the storm itself may cause immense damage upon landfall, at least we have the time to prepare – and get the best possible outcome.
Preparing for the Atlantic Hurricane Season
Meteorologists let us know well in advance when a storm may be headed our way. This is when it is time to purchase things such as:
- Water
- Non-perishable food items
- Gas
- Generators
- Flashlights
- Batteries
- Prescriptions filled
But, what about businesses? How do they prepare?
Businesses require so much more intricate planning when it comes to hurricanes. The time to get prepared is now. Here are your tips for preparing for this Atlantic hurricane season.
1. Make Your Plan Known
Creating a plan will only be effective if you share this plan. In other words, let your employees know what the procedure will be for hurricane preparation at every step along the way. And, don’t wait until a storm is coming to do so. Here’s why.
Making a hurricane plan as part of the employee handbook, for instance, means that everyone is aware at all times what the procedures will be. Be sure to have a full understanding of the different categories of storms and any additional steps that will be taken for each.
If there are any questions, they can be asked well in advance. And, because sometimes a new set of eyes sees things we may not, having others learn the plan may result in more effective or efficient solutions.
Sharing the plan early means you have time to make changes or corrections to preserve your business in the best possible way. Not to mention, it will leave you with the best financial and operational outcome.
2. Before the Storm
Before the storm comes, you will want to make sure that you have everything you will need to carry out your plan. Don’t wait to get this done. Preparation is putting your plan into action.
- Gather any necessary supplies that you will need during and/or after the storm so that your business may function. For instance, you may want to purchase a generator so that you can have the power to run machines, computers, lights, and such after the storm passes. Of course, don’t forget you’ll need gas to run the generator!
- Take into consideration that your place of business may no longer be functional. If this is the case, you are going to need to set up a temporary location. This can be done in a temporary disaster relief tent. Be sure to purchase this in advance so that you may have access to it immediately following the storm.
- If your building because uninhabitable and you find yourself and your employees working from a temporary tent structure, you will want to make sure work can occur in the smoothest manner. In other words, if you cannot access things inside your building – be prepared to have your own outside.
- Monitor the weather with your local and national meteorologists or the NOAA hurricane tracking app from your cellular device.
- Be sure all employees know what to expect and how to make contact after the storm passes.
- Backup your computer systems and protect any important documents. Not only should you seek protection for the wind that hurricanes can bring, but also protection from water.
Before the storm comes, it is always a good idea to speak to your insurance agent to make sure your coverages are in place and up to date. However, waiting too close to the storm, you may find you are too late to make changes if needed.
3. During the Storm
When the storm is upon you, there is not much for you to actually do. After all, this is why you prepared so well and followed your plan. It got you ready and protected – so now all you can do is wait out the storm.
Again, be sure to monitor the weather with your local and national meteorologists. And, if your television or cable service is no longer working, you should be able to monitor via your cellular data.
It is important to know where the storm is so you don’t find yourself in the eye, for example, and think it has moved on. This can have fatal outcomes.
4. After the Storm
Once the storm moves out of your area, it is time to put your plan into practice. Please note that you should never head out to your place of business until given the thumbs up from authorities that the roads are safe for travel.
- Check the physical location of your business. If there is any damage, get your tent set up right away. This should happen quickly as you have had these plans prepared well in advance.
- Reach out to your employees to let them know the status of the work situation.
- Get your supplies and generator up and running.
The faster you can get moving after a storm, the faster your business will be functioning again. And, depending on your line of work, people may be relying on your availability.
5. Re-Building After Disaster
Sometimes terrible things happen, especially during the Atlantic hurricane season. You may not be fearful of the impending storm, but these hurricanes have been known to devastate areas before. And, it can happen to you. If so, make sure your preparedness plan allows you the perseverance to re-build.
Investing in the temporary tent structure means that your employees will have a place to go to work each day – not only keeping your company running, but also reducing the impact a loss of income can bring. That is just how important it is for you to be prepared and keep things functional.
Conclusion
Are you ready for even more good news? Developing a plan early means that you are prepared whether a storm comes or not.
No storm came your way this year? Great! But, before you know it, Atlantic hurricane season will be back next year – and guess who is already prepared? You are.