Hurricanes and tropical storms continue to get stronger year over year. Organizations that operate in hurricane prone areas should develop plans to address the potential impact on operations and personnel before, during and after a storm. A thorough plan and preparation can lessen the impact and allow for a faster return to normal operations. Here are some steps to follow to get ready:
Hurricane Preparedness: Before the storm
Have a designated team to observe, track and communicate severe weather information to your organization. This allows for clear communication rather than having too many channels open at the same time, which can lead to confusion and misunderstandings.
Create a staged plan to address possible impacts: Hurricanes usually develop slowly and are notorious for changing paths. Using a staged plan will allow your organization to be flexible as weather information is updated.
Gather employee contact information and create a communication plan to reach out after the storm. Employees may be affected by the storm directly or indirectly and may need some help to identify and locate resources. A call tree may be helpful but be conscious that employees may have decided or been forced to evacuate and that members of the call tree may be affected themselves.
Coordinate with other business units in the area and those immediately outside of the storm path to transfer operational tasks and/or share resources and support.
Establish Memorandums of Understanding with vendors and suppliers for critical needs.
Purchase and store materials and make arrangements for equipment. Having a supply of plastic sheeting to cover fixed equipment from wind driven rain; coordinating with your IT department on how to protect data and equipment and communicating to employees on how to leave their workstation prior to closing will help protect company assets and make a return to operations easier.
For construction and outdoor projects, work with suppliers, vendors and subcontractors to secure scaffolding, cranes, and other large equipment. Remove or secure wind screens, tarps, and temporary fencing and watch for anticipated flood areas.
Hurricane Preparedness: During the storm
If possible, the core emergency management team should continue to communicate, discuss and adjust plans based on real time data.
Follow instructions from the authorities, including evacuation orders.
Don’t go out or into the storm, including during the passing of the eye. Hazards such as downed power lines, floods, chemical spills, etc. may be present. Damage assessments should be made once areas are deemed safe by the authorities.
Hurricane Preparedness: After the storm
Check in on your staff and employees. Get a feel for who needs assistance and take this into account as you plan your return to operations.
When safe to do so, perform a damage assessment of your projects and facilities.
Develop and communicate a plan to return to full operations.
Conduct a debriefing or assessment to review the plan and its implementation. Are there opportunities for improvement?
Additional considerations
Damage to infrastructure may impact on your ability to communicate with your staff and employees.
Roads may be washed out, flooded, or closed making it difficult for you and/or employees to reach your facilities or projects, even when the location itself may be free from damage.
Additional Resources
Preparation and response
Federal Emergency Management Agency
American Red Cross
Occupational Safety and Health Administration
Weather Monitoring
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Mike's Weather Page
The Bilingual Safety Guy, LLC can help with your hurricane preparedness planning. We are a full-service safety consulting firm focusing on Program Development and Management, Site/Facility Audits, Training, and Leadership Development. Visit our website at www.thebilingualsafetyguy.com for more information on our services.
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