Hurricane Tips

• Review your property insurance with your insurance agent. Take photographs or make a video of your business establishment, both inside and outside.
• Determine and establish a written Hurricane Preparedness Plan for your business and its contents. Coordinate this plan with local and state officials. Specify the conditions under which the plan will be implemented.
• Test your plan and review it annually. Establish an employee-training program of your Hurricane Plan.
• Make plans for protection of your computer files, including an off-site back-up system to secure and safely store data.
• Protect corporate records, keeping duplicates at an alternate location.
• Well in advance, acquire emergency protective equipment and supplies. Heavy plastic sheeting, duct tape, sandbags, emergency generator, chain saw and large pieces of plywood will help protect your property.
• As storms approach, remember to bring in display racks and other objects, such as trashcans that might cause damage if airborne. Remove outdoor signs, especially those that swing or are portable.
• Move merchandise, equipment or furniture away from windows or skylights. Elevate boxes or equipment, if possible.
• Turn off electricity and disconnect all electrical appliances and equipment (except for refrigeration equipment), in case there is a power outage. An ensuing power surge, once power is restored, could be damaging to connected equipment.
• Inform all employees on when and how you will notify them to report back to work.
• Develop an employee identification system, such as picture ID badges. This may help employees gain access to the area after a hurricane.
• If possible, make arrangements to pay employees in cash. It may be several days before banking institutions are operational.