Hurricane Tips

It is Hurricane season and South Florida businesses need no reminder. To further add to the ever present threat we had a reminder this week of how quickly things can change. Fortunately, this time it was for better. Tropical Storm Chantal was forecasted to hit Florida but the storm dissipated in the Caribbean before it ever became a serious threat. Nevertheless, this is a great opportunity to offer some hurricane tips to our fellow business owners.

 

Tropical storms and hurricanes are as much as a concern for businesses as they are for residential homes.

As the hurricane season ramps up, theSouth Florida Business Journal put together some tips from Broward County on preparing your business prior to the arrival of a hurricane.

The following steps should be taken by businesses prior to the arrival of a storm:

• Cover all glass windows and doors with shutters, paneling or other protective material, such as plywood or masonite.

• Safeguard company records or make updates and secure in a bank or an internet cloud.

• Move important documents away from windows. Those on the first floor should be placed on tables or otherwise raised off the floor in the event the first floor becomes flooded by either increased tidal action or excessive rainfall.

• Use large plastic bags to protect items such as computers from water damage. It is advisable to have a supply of heavy sheeting, air conditioning duct tape and some sandbags set aside for securing first-floor doorways against flood water.

• Take before and after pictures of the business or plant to aid in insurance or tax credit claims after the storm.

If closing the business/plant during the emergency:

• Advise local law enforcement if the business will be empty of people or if security guards will be on site. If guards are to remain on site, their safety should be provided for.

• Shut down all incoming power, electric, gas and water lines. Before restoring service, check all utilities. If there is a question about the condition of the utilities, call the appropriate company.

• Disconnect all electrical appliances and equipment such as typewriters, copiers, coffee makers, electric clocks, calculators, etc. so they do not create excessive surge when electric power is restored.

• Protect all vent hoods, exhaust louvers, etc. from wind and rain.

• Service and test the building’s emergency power generator under load to make sure it is operating. Check out all equipment, utilities, fire equipment and first aid materials. Repair and replace faulty items as necessary.

• Check drains on the roof of the building to ensure they are clear and able to drain off the heavy rain, which usually accompanies a hurricane. Clogged roof drains could cause the roof to collapse from the weight of accumulated water, or cause damage to the interior of the building if water on the roof becomes deep enough to cover vent pipes and run down inside the building.

• Secure or bring inside any potted plants or other decorative objectives that could be blown about by the hurricane force winds.

• Check storage yard for materials that might be blown around. Secure items that cannot be brought inside.

• Dumpsters can be secured by lashing two or more together with rope or chains and chocking the wheels. They might also be secured to a tree or telephone pole, if available.

• Relocate empty railroad cars, if possible.