Hurricane Safety 2024

Hurricane season normally runs from June 1 to November 30. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National Weather Service forecasters predict above-normal hurricane activity for 2024 hurricane season.

Due to near-record warm ocean temperatures and La Nina conditions in the Pacific, reduced Atlantic trade winds, and less wind shear, all combine to favor increased tropical storm formation. La Nina conditions are more probable to Atlantic hurricane activity.

Forecasts are educated predictions. Below are some of the more recent predictions and outcomes. This shows that NOAA is fairly close to their predictions.

 
 
 

Preparedness:  Probably do not need to explain the importance of being prepared before an event; however, this serves as a reminder to be prepared. You never know what the extent of damage from a storm or hurricane might be. Being prepared gives you a much better chance of surviving, reducing cost, and getting your business back up and running.  Preparedness should start before hurricane season approaches and not when a hurricane is approaching.

  • Supplies: Waiting until last minute to have supplies on hand is usually a losing proposition. Develop a list of supplies you may need for protection of your business from wind and water and have them on-hand at the beginning of hurricane season. If possible, purchase more of the hard-to-get items such as building materials, generators, and other products and store them to make them readily available.

  • Evacuation Plans: One of the most important decisions to make is whether to stay in place or go. Part of the decision will depend on local authorities, which may require evacuation of a certain area.  You should consider plans well ahead of storms as to how your company will react in either situation. When deciding to evacuate, it is best to not wait too long. Delayed decisions may either prevent or slow down the process of evacuation and may prevent the ability to get hotel rooms if necessary.

  • Contractors/Utility Companies: Contact vendors and contractors to prepare for post-storm expectations and services. Develop networks, communication, and necessary agreements, with vendors for any supplies that may be needed before and/or after a hurricane. Building relationships with vendors is vital to get back up and running.

  • Protection of Personnel/Customers:  If a hurricane is approaching make appropriate decisions to protect your employees and customers. It is recommended to close well before a storm arrives  to keep everyone safe.

  • Protection of Items Outside of Store: Protect items outside from high winds such as awnings, tables, chairs, merchandise, carts, etc. Bring as much of the objects inside as possible before the storm.

  • Window Protection:  Board up windows to protect them from being broken from high winds or objects that may blow into them from trees or other objects in the area.

  • Merchandise Protection:

    • Power Outage - Losing power can have a major impact of keeping food safe in the event of a power loss.

      • Have back-up power capabilities, such as with a permanent or portable generator. Be safe and follow the generator’s instructions. Do not operate inside a building due to carbon monoxide developed from exhaust from the generator.

      • Remove products from display cases, get products off the floor and store them on solid shelving units.

      • Cover items with cardboard, plastic, Styrofoam, or insulated blankets to extend the life of product in hope that that the power gets restored quickly after the storm.

  • Flooding – Hurricanes can bring with it a lot of rain and possible flooding. Be prepared to have sandbags to protect the building from flooding.

  • Vehicle Protection – If you are in a location prone to flooding, move vehicles to a location, if possible, to protect them from wind and flooding.

  • Property Security: Develop plans for securing property before vacating. Ensure all computer files are backed up and any other paper files are well protected.

  • Customer Notification: Develop a system to notify customers if your business is going to be shut down and when you will be re-opening.

  • After the storm – When safe to do so, conduct a thorough survey of all property, including the roof, HVAC, awnings, gutters/downspouts, signs, siding, etc. If there is damage to the roof have contractors that can respond to help minimize damage and make repairs as soon as possible.

Stay Safe!
UIP Team

 
Edin Nadarevic