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Pre-Season Preparedness
- o Compile an Emergency Contact List with 24-hour telephone contact numbers for essential employees.
- o Identify vital records and make back-up copies and/or transfer them to microfilm. Identify a safe storage area within the facility where records can be relocated, if necessary. This area should be above ground level and away from windows and exterior walls, which may leak. In a one-story facility, file cabinets and boxes may be placed on pallets up off the floor. Consider moving vital records off-site, particularly if the business is in a storm surge vulnerable area.
- o Determine responsibility for maintaining the facility. Ensure that the following items are addressed:
- · Inventory and repair hurricane shutters, if available.
· Patch roofs and caulk windows.
· Check security and flood lighting.
· Identify lightweight items stored outside that may be blown around in the wind.
· Identify emergency power requirements and determine if generator is available. If the facility must be operational during a hurricane and a generator is not available, rent or purchase a generator. Test generator monthly during the hurricane season.
· Determine if computer support will be available for primary/critical computer users who need to remain operational during a hurricane.
· Verify that communications equipment is operational.
- o Determine the type and amount of hurricane emergency supplies necessary. All emergency supplies should be clearly marked and stored in a secure area that is accessible in an emergency. Recommended supplies include:
- · A battery operated radio or TV (test reception in building).
· A battery operated NOAA Weather Alert Radio, to monitor 24 hour weather information.
· One flashlight per person working during the hurricane.
· Extra batteries for radios and flashlights.
· First-aid kit.
· Emergency tool kit, if necessary.
· Food and water supplies for staff assigned to the facility during the hurricane. Be sure to include utensils.
- o Provide employees with hurricane preparedness information.
- o Prepare a list of vendors critical to your daily operations and their telephone numbers. Consider including a back-up vendor outside the area.
- o Prepare a list of vendors who can assist in the recovery of your business such as: recovery of water-soaked papers, debris removal, moving companies, warehouse space, computer hot-site, generator rental etc.
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