Tips for Hurricane Season

Hurricane season kicked off June 1^st and although it’s expected to be fairly average season, your plan should be anything but average!

BE PREPARED! Know the facts, make a plan, audit your supplies, and inspect your property.  Here’s some tips:

At your Facility:

• Build your crisis team; include OEM and a record management team member. Call the next meeting to review your plan. Add to the agenda: Communication (i.e. who is trained to update your website?), Personnel Changes (what gaps could they represent?), and roles and responsibilities.
• Schedule a meeting with your insurance professional such as those from the Academy West commercial property insurance services to review coverage, new flood maps (floodsmart.gov), limitations & exclusions.  Understand and practice thorough documentation for property losses.
• Initiate a group text tree and practice drill.
• Back up data and customize your “Go Kit” of essential items and records.
• Conduct inspections of utilities, perimeter, HVAC, sewage system, roof and timber roof trusses.  Make adjustments to seasonalize for your building’s health and safety such as roof replacement or repair. For your HVAC needs, consider to look for reputable residential or commercial HVAC services like Lieber Mechanical – HVAC services that does AC repair in Tampa, FL or AC repair in Decatur, GA to do a thorough inspection.
• Prior to and after impact, rally your team, secure your support resources and record everything.  Government help and adjusters are delayed in large scale events.
• Apply your leadership and prioritize a Culture of Preparedness at Home and Office.  Make Preparedness Sustainable. Commit to regularly scheduled meetings and drills with your crisis team in advance.

Back at Home:

• Put together a disaster supply kit, including a flashlight, batteries, cash, first aid supplies, and copies of your critical information if you need to evacuate.
• Know where to go. If you are ordered to evacuate, know the local hurricane evacuation route(s) to take and have a plan for where you can stay. Contact your local emergency management agency for more information.
• If you are not in an area that is advised to evacuate and you decide to stay in your home, plan for adequate supplies in case you lose power and water for several days and you are not able to leave due to flooding or blocked roads.
• Make a family emergency communication plan.
• Many communities have text or email alerting systems for emergency notifications. To find out what alerts are available in your area, search the Internet with your town, city, or county name and the word “alerts.”
• Hurricane winds can cause trees and branches to fall, so trim or remove damaged trees and limbs to keep you and your property safe.
• Secure loose rain gutters and downspouts, and clear any clogged areas or debris to prevent water damage to your property. You may also consider having a new gutter installation and roof replacement. Contact contractors that do roof repair in Deer Park, TX for inspection.