The season of natural hazards is once again upon us. We are hearing about severe storms, tornados, hurricanes and flooding throughout our country almost daily. Now is the time for businesses of all types to review natural hazard preparedness guidelines so they don’t get caught ill prepared for these severe events. SterlingRisk provides guides to help you prepare and respond to these events. In addition, information on preparing for natural hazards can be found at the Disaster Safety website disastersafety.org.
Don’t let your business get caught ill prepared for severe natural hazards and weather events!
Prepare Your Business
Now is the time for businesses of all types to review hurricane preparedness guidelines so they don’t get caught ill prepared for these severe natural hazards. Below are some quick tips to consider when we know a hurricane is approaching:
- Notify staff of possible flooding and high winds.
- Is a telephone tree available if building power is lost?
- Inspect doors, windows, roof drains, roof flashing – any quick repairs needed?
- Check emergency supplies – flashlights, cellphones and chargers, tarps, PPE (boots and gloves).
- Remove / relocate flood and air-borne debris from the perimeter area – pallets, trash container, furniture, etc.?
- Can temporary barriers be created and installed – sandbags, flood barriers, plywood for windows? Don’t overlook roof openings and skylights.
- Do fork-lift trucks need to be relocated (e.g. onto a trailer to take them to higher ground)?
- Do the chargers need to be protected (e.g. elevated, or raised higher off the ground)?
- Are there opportunities to raise stock higher – to upper tiers of racks, or on stacked pallets on the floor?
- Are “spare parts” (e.g. fuses, motors, filters) available and raised above flood water height?
- Are computers and data back-up medial raised above flood water height?
- Should we / can we halt incoming deliveries until after the storm passes?
- Do we need to move vehicles and outdoor storage trailers to higher ground?
- Check fire detection, fire-suppression and security alarm systems – are these in proper working condition?
Conclusion
Hurricane season is nearing, so it is vital to ensure your business is properly prepared. Use the below resources to get ready and review what actions you need to take if a storm impacts you. For additional risk management resources, contact us today.
Industry Specialist
Steven Markowitz
Director of Risk Control
Steve serves as Vice President / Director of Loss Control, developing and delivering loss control programs for clients and overseeing loss control activities provided by insurance carriers. He advises clients on how to reduce risk in traditional lines of business as well as emerging areas such as workplace violence preparedness, cyber liability and natural disaster planning.
P | 516-773-8717
E | SMarkowitz@sterlingrisk.com
