Every year we all hear about hurricane preparedness. Everyone seems to focus on houses, but what about businesses? Sure, we all need to make sure that our homes are in order if a storm rolls through, but businesses are big parts of our lives and our society as well. If they shut down we won’t be as organized as a community to receive emergency supplies or to get back to normal life once the cleanup efforts are done. While we want you to always be prepared, now is the time to make a plan if you aren’t ready. Between August and October Florida sees 78% of its tropical storms and over 90% of its Category 3 and 4 hurricanes. Statistically speaking, if we are going to get hit this year it is coming soon.

Protect Your Employees

People make your business run. Without your staff you would not get very much done. Plan for them when a hurricane is coming. Do you have an employee hurricane policy? You need to let your staff know what constitutes a required work day when inclement weather strikes and what does not. Also, who will be responsible to oversee clean-up efforts at your place of business after a storm passes? Will you have power available for these people to get back to work? If not, is there any point in coming back to work until the utility company gets it together?

Safeguard Your Building

Hurricanes damage buildings. Both wind and water damage can destroy your office. In rented spaces, talk to the property manager about getting routine maintenance, like roof inspections or tree trimming, done before a major storm threatens. If your company owns the building, you’ll be responsible for hurricane preparations.

• Make sure trees are trimmed. If you don’t you may return to work and find that part of that majestic oak tree out front is now a decoration in your office. Either trim the trees yourself or call your landlord.
• Move important files and electronics to interior rooms that are elevated (if possible). Windows break and wind makes sure that water gets inside. Plan to protect your documents, computers and servers.
• If your building is in a flood zone you may also want to locate a temporary work space. It can be anywhere that you and your staff can work from. Having planned this in advance will pay off if hurricane damage is severe.

Anticipate Your Customers’ Needs

It doesn’t matter what kind of business you run; customers will need service regardless of weather. Make sure that you will be prepared to communicate with them before and after the storm. Let them know in advance that severe weather may slow you down a bit, but that you will be there for them. You might even want to tell them how you have an emergency standby system that will let you operate after the storm passes. Not only will you show them that you know how to plan, but you will also prove that you are dedicated to getting the job done. After the storm update them on your status as soon as you can accurately do so. Let them know that you will be getting back to work and that they are not forgotten. While many will understand that you are dealing with a natural disaster, the truth is that they all won’t.

Prepare Your Generator

You know we had to do it; after all, this is a generator blog. Think about it, though.  How will you get anything done after the storm without power? The utility company will have a mess on their hands with knocked down power lines and blown transformers. Their first priority will be restoring power to emergency service providers and residences, and not necessarily your business. You will likely be on your own for a couple days, that is unless you call us.

• Give your generator a dry run to make sure it’s working.
• Ensure that the automatic transfer switch is set to turn the generator on when the utility power goes out.  If you are at the office when the storm strikes, you won’t want to head to work to flip the generator switch.
• Have you been keeping up with service? If not there’s still time to have an expert come get things in order for you.

Hopefully we have a hurricane-free season. No one wants a storm to disrupt our lives. Regardless, make sure that your business is ready for the worst. If you don’t it will surely cost you later.