Preparing for Hurricane Season

The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season is forecast to feature well above the historical average number of tropical storms, hurricanes, major hurricanes, and direct U.S. impacts.

The following tips will help you get prepared in the event of a storm this season.

The effects of even a small tropical storm can leave tornadic, strong wind and flood damage hundreds of miles inland from the coast. Properties not located in an official flood zone are most often just as susceptible to damage.

Although the Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30, the peak is usually August to October. Now is the time for 3 R's: Review, Reassess, and Readjust your business preparedness and disaster response plan. Keep it simple: use the guidance below to outline your plan and preparations, as well are your response and actions during the aftermath. What should be part of the plan?

Your Plan Should Include:

• Up-to-date contact information and communication procedures/protocols/notifications
  
  • Employees and staff
  • Local emergency agencies/remediation vendors
  • Claim reporting contacts
  • Designated
• A list of activities to be performed in advance of a storm:
  
  • Communication on website/postings on buildings
  • Shutdown of utilities (electrical, water, gas)
  • Identify and order emergency supplies such as plywood, sandbags, mops, brooms, tarpaulins, waterproof containers, etc.
  • Identify key equipment, supplies, and vital records that need to be relocated, protected, and moved away from windows and doors
  • Test equipment such as backup power, generators, sump pumps, etc.
  • Ensure fuel-fired equipment tanks are full

Outside of the Building

• Check windows and open areas for signs of rot and opportunities to repair, enclose, or protect from wind and water
• Check the roof covering, flashing, and roof drains. Make all necessary repairs securing any loose items and clean drains for the best chance of water diversion
• Check the premises for items that need to be removed to prevent airborne destruction (benches, unreinforced parapets, decorative facades, unsecured mechanical equipment, chairs, loose tree limbs, statutes, etc.)
• Close and latch exterior doors and windows, board and brace large windows and doors
• Deploy flood barricades and other protective measures when the National Weather Service issues a local Storm Watch at least 24 hours in advance of anticipated landfall. Early deployment is the best policy

Inside the Building

• Relocate furniture and equipment away from windows and doors
• Raise or relocate equipment and furniture
• Tarp and cover items
• Move paper records to waterproof bins to relocate off-premises or elevated levels