Being safe during a Named Storm means before, during and after a hurricane. Before a named hurricane approaches your operating area, please take a few moments to create a plan that will help you, your employees, and customers prepare for and cope with extreme weather conditions.
The following list of important items may also be reviewed for additional protection of property and life in advance of a hurricane or severe windstorm.
Last-minute Hurricane preparation
If your operation lies within the predicted path of a hurricane, and you have only one or two days to secure your facility, the following bulleted list of items may be included in your preparations for the storm:
• Inspect and make last-minute emergency repairs to roof flashing, drains and gutters.
• Ensure storm drains near the building and roof drains are clear of any debris.
• Cover windows with hurricane shutters or plywood to reduce the chances of breaking.
• Inside, relocate vulnerable equipment such as computers and machinery, and stock away from windows and cover them with tarpaulins and/or waterproof covers.
• Locate up-to-date building plans and specifications – especially roof construction details, and relocate them to a safe area. These may help facilitate any repairs.
• As much as possible, relocate materials off the floor onto pallets or wood 2 x 4s, or ship them out of the facility to help reduce water damage.
• Protect/relocate vital records.
• Strap or otherwise anchor roof-mounted HVAC units and exhaust vents.
• Have cash on hand for possible post-hurricane needs.
• Ensure above-ground tanks are filled with product or water.
• Check backup emergency generators and communication devices (radios, cell phones, etc.).
• Ensure all sprinkler valves are operational.
If your operation will be hit by a severe windstorm, the following additional items should be included in your emergency response:
• Shut down processes that depend on outside power in an orderly manner.
• Isolate, neutralize or remove any chemicals that can react violently with each other.
• Turn off the natural gas supply to the facility.
• Shut down all non-critical and non-essential electrical equipment.
• If possible, disconnect the main electrical feed(s) to the facility to prevent a potential fire caused by short-circuiting of damaged equipment.