Prepping for Hurricane: 3 Tips to Keep Your Business Safe

It’s hurricane season again. If your business is in a hurricane-prone area, it’s important that you prepare for this natural disaster to keep your employees, customers, and property safe. The best time to prepare is now. There are several things you can do to help minimize damage in the event of a storm. Here’s what you need to do before during and after a hurricane.

1. Before the Hurricane

Even before hurricane season begins, you can prepare your property and your employees for a potential storm.

• Make sure all employee contact information is accurate and up-to-date.
• Protect important documents in waterproof and fireproof containments, or make digital copies that can be accessed remotely.
• Prepare a readiness and evacuation plan and ensure all employees are familiar with it.

When a storm is approaching, pay attention to weather reports so you know what to expect and when. Review the readiness and evacuation plan with your employees so everyone knows what to do when the time comes.

• Board up any windows and secure doors.
• Clean floor drains and catch basins.
• Check sump pumps.
• Anchor down and fill up any above-ground tanks you may have.
• If you don’t already own one, purchase a natural gas powered generator and make sure it is full.
• Safely shut down all flammable and electric equipment.

2. During the Hurricane

Obey all precautions from your city officials. If they ask you to evacuate, please do so. If you are not required to evacuate, stay home with your family and stay safe. Do not return to your city or business until the storm has passed and city officials say it is safe to do so.

3. After the Hurricane

Once the storm has ended, contact all employees to ensure their safety. When you visit your business property, bring a recovery team that includes qualified personnel for electrical, plumping, mechanical, and fire services. You may have employees that can assist with debris clean up.

Walk around the property and make a list of tasks to be completed. Prioritize tasks according to danger level.

• Assess the electricity first and deploy used portable generators if needed.
• Check for structural damage before entering the building.
• If safe enough to do so, enter the property and assess fire protection equipment, critical production equipment, and valuable stock for running your business.

Once the initial review is complete, you’ll have a better idea of what needs to be done, in what order, and who can help.

Contact Us

If you’re now realizing that you need a natural gas backup generator or used generator for your business, Swift Equipment is here to help. We offer a variety of used generators for sale and can help you select the right one for your business needs. Please call us today at +1-866-571-0044, send an email to sales@swiftequipment.com, or fill out our contact form. We’ll be happy to speak with you and answer any questions you may have.