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If under an
evacuation order, all businesses located east of the Intracoastal
Waterway must evacuate.
BEFORE
The following steps should be taken by businesses, large and small,
prior to the arrival of a hurricane:
- Cover all glass
windows and doors on at least the first floor of the building with
shutters, paneling or other protective material, such as plywood or
masonite.
- Make multiple
backups of critical computer data and store them off premises. Keep
checks, purchase orders, financial records, property and vehicle
titles off the premises as well.
- Move important
documents away from windows. Those on the first floor should be
placed on tables or otherwise raised off the floor in the event the
first floor becomes flooded by either increased tidal action or
excessive rainfall.
- Unplug and wrap
all electronics including computers in large plastic bags to protect
against water damage. It is advisable to have a supply of heavy
sheeting, air conditioning duct tape and some sandbags set aside for
securing first floor doorways against flood water. Store electronics
off the floor, in locations that are high and dry.
- Take before and
after pictures of business/plant to aid in insurance or tax credit
claims after the storm.
- Evaluate your
short-term and long-term energy needs, and whether your company
needs a generator. If so, stock fuel for it.
- Fill the tanks of
company vehicles.
- Make sure
employee emergency contact information is up to date, and that you
have an employee communication plan in place.
- Create a
clear-cut hurricane policy for employees and post it in advance.
- Allow your
employees adequate time to secure their homes and make personal
preparations when a storm is approaching.
If closing the
business/plant during the emergency:
- Advise local law
enforcement if the business will be empty of people or if security
guards will be on site. If guards are to remain on site, their
safety should be provided for. They should have adequate shelter,
communications, food and water.
- Shut down all
incoming power, electric, gas and water lines. Before restoring
service, check all utilities. If there is a question about the
condition of the utilities, call the appropriate company.
- Disconnect all
electrical appliances and equipment such as typewriters, copiers,
coffee makers, electric clocks, calculators, etc. so they do not
create excessive surge when electric power is restored.
- Protect all vent
hoods, exhaust louvers, etc. from wind and rain.
- Service and test
the building's emergency power generator under load to make sure it
is operating. Check out all equipment, utilities, fire equipment and
first aid materials. Repair and replace faulty items as necessary.
- Check drains on
the roof of the building to ensure they are clear and able to drain
off the heavy rain which usually accompanies a hurricane. Clogged
roof drains could cause the roof to collapse from weight of
accumulated water, or cause damage to the interior of the building
if water on the roof becomes deep enough to cover vent pipes and run
down inside the building.
- Secure or bring
inside any potted plants or other decorative objectives which could
be blown about by the hurricane force winds.
- Check storage
yard for materials that might be blown around. Secure items that
cannot be brought inside.
- Dumpsters (large
trash containers) can be secured by lashing two or more together
with rope or chains and chocking the wheels. They might also be
secured to a tree or telephone pole, if available.
- Relocate empty
railroad cars, if possible.
- Prepare a
portable hurricane kit that you can take with you once you've
secured your business. This could include copies of essential
documents, a battery-powered radio, batteries, a hard-line
telephone, a laptop, camera, and anything else essential to keep
your business running
AFTER:
After an emergency:
- The Broward
County Office of Economic Development has established a network of
disaster relief facilities identified as Business Recovery Centers.
The Centers are designed to provide services including disaster
recovery information and access to financial assistance programs.
Centers will become operational at the onset of a disaster recovery.
- When the storm
has passed, make temporary repairs to prevent looting or any further
damage.
Use our
Online Storm Panel Estimator Tool to buy Panels online. Simply
enter your window measurements, get a price on your new hurricane
shutters, and make your purchase. It's that easy!
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