If your business is in an area prone to hurricanes, don’t let 2022’s slow start let you become complacent. To help you prepare for future storms, keep the following information and resources on hand in case you need them.
Be Prepared
To ensure the safety of your staff and customers, we recommend developing an emergency response plan for use before, during, and after the hurricane. The plan should include:
- Monitor local news and weather reports.
- Prepare an evacuation plan.
- Stock up on emergency supplies.
- Protect your property.
- Collect and safeguard critical documents and records.
Communicate to your Employees
Have a communication system in place to update employees on any changes. Make them aware of the emergency response plan to know exactly what to expect before the weather hits.
Stay Aware of Weather Conditions
Your emergency response may vary depending on the severity of the hurricane. Stay informed of weather conditions to help decide if you should stay or evacuate.
Download our Pre-Storm Checklist
Follow this checklist to ensure you are taking every precaution: Pre-Storm Checklist. We advise hanging this in a place that is easily accessible, so if you decide to evacuate, you can refer to this list before closing up the store. For additional information on preparing for a storm, we’ve put together these helpful resources for you to refer to:
- https://www.ready.gov/hurricanes
- https://www.ready.gov/sites/default/files/2020-03/fema_how-to-prepare-for-hurricane.pdf
- https://www.ready.gov/sites/default/files/2020-09/business_emergency-response-plans.pdf
File a Claim as Soon as Possible
As soon as possible, document any damages by taking photos and video. Also, retain all records of costs associated with board up and mitigation.
