subject: Hurricane Preparation Checklist for Business [print this page] Hurricane Safety is as important for homeowners as it is for business owners. As part of our Hurricane Preparation for Business Series, here is a general checklist of what to do before during and after a disaster:
1. Know Your Risk. Check your hurricane evacuation level and FEMA flood maps to determine if your business location is vulnerable to storm surge or freshwater flooding. Have your building(s) inspected by a licensed professional to find out if your workplace is vulnerable to hurricane force winds and what is recommended to retrofit.
2. Take the Necessary Precautions. If a storm threatens, secure your building. Cover windows. Cover and move furniture/equipment to a secured area.
3. Always Protect Your Data with Backup Files. If dependent on data processing, consider an alternate site. Make provisions for alternate communications and power.
4. Make Plans To Work With Limited Cash, No Water, Sewer or Power for Two Weeks. Store emergency supplies at the office.
5. Protect Your Employees. Employee Safety comes first! Prepare, distribute and discuss your business hurricane plan for recovery. Consider providing shelter to employees and their families and helping employees with supplies after the storm. Establish a rendezvous point and time for employees in case damage is severe and communications are disrupted. Establish a call-down procedure for warning and post-storm communication. Provide photo ID's and a letter of authorization to enter the building.
6. Contact Your Customers & Suppliers and share your communications and recovery plan in advance. Prepare a list of vendors to provide disaster recovery services.
7. Review Your Insurance Coverage. Have your business appraised at least every five years. Inventory, document and photograph equipment, supplies and workplace. Have copies of insurance policies and customer service/home numbers. Obtain Business Interruption Insurance. Consider "Accounts Receivable" and "Valuable Papers" coverage and "Income Destruction" insurance. If you have a Business Owners Protection Package (BOPP), check the co-insurance provisions. Check with your insurance provider to check if flood damage requires separate coverage.
8. After the Storm: Use caution before entering your business. Check for power lines, gas leaks and structural damage. If any electrical equipment is wet, contact an electrician. Prepare loss information for insurance claims and get independent estimates of damages. Take picture before cleanup. Minimize additionalWater Damage Tampa
Even though there is advanced warning when it comes to hurricanes, when it comes to your business, the sooner you put a sytem in place, the better it will be.
Hurricane Preparation Checklist for Business
By: Jon H
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