How to Hurricane-Proof Your Business

Be prepared. Hurricane season is June 1 to Nov. 30

If a 120-mph hurricane destroys your business next week, will you and your employees be caught off guard? Or will you survive? “A business continuity plan is important,” says John M. Cummings III, public information officer for the Department of Emergency Management. “It will determine how quickly businesses can get back on their feet.” Hurricane season kicks off June 1 and ends Nov. 30. Here are ways to prepare:

1 Talk to your employees

Does your company have an emergency plan? If not, create one immediately and make sure employees know pre- and post-hurricane procedures. Annually update your company’s phone tree, and give wallet-size copies to key employees. Provide employees with handouts, training and checklists so they can make emergency plans for their families, too. Consider using your business/warehouse/office as an evacuation shelter for employees’ families. Your company will recover faster if employees are not worried about their loved ones.

2 Review your coverage

If you rent space from a landlord, find out if his or her insurance policy covers hurricanes. If you operate your business from home, review your homeowners’ insurance. Small-business owners typically don’t have hurricane insurance due to high costs. Shop around and get quotes anyway; there are ways to finance premiums. If your business is located in a low-lying coastal area, consider buying flood insurance, available through the federally funded National Flood Insurance Program. Do not procrastinate. Build a relationship now with your existing (or a new) insurance agent so that when a hurricane hits, you know what to expect.

3 Secure your business

If you haven’t done so already, invest in computer-data protection specific to your company’s needs. Also consider alternative power, such as battery-powered lights, portable pumps and generators. Before the hurricane arrives, physically secure your business. Store and tie down loose equipment. Fuel up and park company cars in secured places. Turn up refrigerators to prevent food spoilage, or, depending on your business, shut off gas, water and power switches prior to evacuation. Don’t have storm shutters? Secure windows with lumber or tape to prevent shattered glass.

4 Protect yourself and your family

Review emergency procedures annually with your spouse and children. In case family members get lost in a hurricane, appoint an out-of-town contact for everyone to call, and designate an emergency gathering place. Always have survival kits stored and packed with at least three days’ worth of water and nonperishable food, medicine, tools, cash, clothes and other personal items. Keep an extra bag in each family member’s car. Replace the kits’ food, water and medicine at least once a year. Prearrange pet care. Emergency shelters do not accept animals.

5 Heed the warnings

Never underestimate hurricanes, which clock winds of more than 74 mph. The National Weather Service issues a hurricane watch when it anticipates dangerous rains, surf and winds within 36 hours. A warning is issued when the conditions are likely to occur within 24 hours. Prepare to evacuate if you’re in a high-risk area, such as near a body of water.

SOURCES: American Red Cross, Civil Defense Agency, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Hawaii Insurance Consultants (AIG Hawaii)

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