When a hurricane watch is in effect, do you know what steps you should take to protect your business? The actions you take throughout every stage of the hurricane are crucial for reducing risks of damage to your company.
72 hours prior to a hurricane:
Event preparations
- Check roof, drains and piping; clear debris
- Check floor drams and sumps; clear debris
- Check storm water basins/gates; clear debris
- Ensure integrity of roof flashing, windows and window latches
- Use plywood to protect from flying objects
- Test backup power; top off fuel in generators
- Assemble supplies for emergency crews and emergency repairs
- Protect vital records and secure backups
- Inspect fire prevention equipment
- Move all vehicles to higher ground
Jobsite preparations
- Photograph the entire project site and keep these photographs in a safe location
- Bring all jobsite files, small office equipment and tools into the main office or temporarily relocate them to a safe location
- Postpone delivery of materials that cannot be adequately protected
- 聽Band all loose materials on the site and secure to floors and columns
- Clean the site of loose debris, tools and materials
- Empty and secure all trash containers and remove trash from the site
- Cover all openings with plywood/shutters
- Power down energized buildings
- Lower all cranes
- Ensure that hoist platforms are on the ground and all towers are securely in place
- Alert all subcontractors and suppliers that the project site will be closed and off limits
During the hurricane:
Emergency response
- Patrol the site continuously, if it鈥檚 safe to do so
- Search for any sustained damage
- Check for leaks and impairment to fire systems
- Shut off any valves where pipes have broken
- Watch for flooding; use sandbags when necessary
- Complete any emergency repairs that are possible and safe to perform
- Watch for reverse winds after the eye of the storm has passed
After the hurricane:
Emergency recovery
- Conduct roll call of all on-premises personnel
- Assess damage
- Check for safety hazards (downed trees, branches, power lines, leaking gas, blocked drains)
- Photograph and document damage
- Make temporary repairs
- Begin salvage operations
By taking these steps to proactively prepare for a hurricane, damage may be less impactful during and after the hurricane. To ensure you have the right coverage for hurricane season and beyond, or for assistance developing a disaster preparedness plan, talk to today.
