The most important aspect of any preparation plan is communication. Make sure key members of your team are on the same page before the storm so that, when it comes time to execute, your plan will go smoothly. Use these guidelines in combination with your own preparedness plan:
- Establish or review an Emergency Action Plan that considers prevention, emergency response, evacuation criterion, disaster recovery and key personnel.
- Designate an Emergency Coordinator and Emergency Action Team. Schedule meetings and drills to ensure members know their roles and responsibilities.
- Review your Emergency Action Plan with local authorities and know your community safety plan.
- Confirm that you can tune into the local NOAA radio frequency to receive critical information and storm updates.
- Maintain a current list of telephone numbers and addresses for key contacts. Keep a copy accessible offsite, and provide cellular and satellite phones to essential personnel.
- Ensure alternative provisions remote data transmissions.
- Inspect roofs and flashings to ensure they are properly secure.
- Trim trees and shrubbery. Clear loose and clogged rain gutters and downspouts and check drain pumps.
- Secure or brace outside storage tanks, sheds and other structures.
- Maintain a supply of plastic or tarps to cover water-sensitive equipment.
- Buy plywood (min. 1/2 inch) or shutters to protect doors and windows.
- Ensure proper working conditions and supplies for emergency equipment, such as flashlights and battery-powered radios, drills and saws.
- Stock non-perishable food, first-aid supplies, drinking water and batteries. Keep them in waterproof containers.
- Purchase NIOSH-approved disposable N-95 respirators for working with moldy or damp materials.
- Create an emergency evacuation kit for employees and their families including first-aid, baby food and diapers, cards, games, books, toiletries, battery-powered radio, flashlights, extra batteries, blankets or sleeping bags, identification and valuable papers.