How to Prepare Your Business for Hurricane Season
Florida is well-known for its many perks, such as warm weather all year and lots of tourist attractions to visit. However, one aspect of Florida is undesirable: hurricanes. These natural disasters are such a fact of life in the Sunshine State that you need to prepare not only your home, but your business, as well.
Insurance is already challenging enough with the likelihood of hurricane damage so high. Do your part to help minimize the harm and increase the success of your insurance claims with these tips from the National Hurricane Survival Initiative.
Exterior Property Protection
The first step is to protect your property on the outside. Start with inspecting your roof for durability, eliminating hazards such as tree branches and debris and covering windows with shutters or plywood. Place sandbags in areas that tend to flood.
Interior Property Protection
Next, secure items inside the building. Anchor furniture to the wall, and put straps around or attach Velcro to electronics. Back up computers, place important documents in waterproof containers and move or put away fragile and valuable items. Secure or move tanks and heaters, and turn off utilities before the storm hits. Make sure you have the information for vital contacts, such as your business insurance provider or suppliers, to notify after the hurricane passes.
Emergency Supplies
While you should stay on top of the weather and evacuate when necessary, sometimes, storms can hit faster than you can realize or react. In case a hurricane comes while you and/or employees are still at work, have emergency kits on hand with the following provisions:
Three-day supply of food and water
Flares and whistles
Flashlights and batteries
Basic tool kit, gloves and duct tape
Blankets and pillows
Plastic bags, garbage bags and tarps
Battery-operated radio
First-aid kit and emergency medical information
Make sure you train all staff on what to do in a hurricane to avoid further injuries from panicking and making mistakes. Check emergency kits regularly to ensure everything works, and replace food and water as necessary.