Introduction
A hurricane is a tropical storm with winds above 75mph. These things pack a punch. They’re powerful storms that can cause havoc for facilities and businesses. Not only will they disrupt operations but they put lives at risk. For facility professionals, getting ready for hurricanes isn’t just smart, it’s critical.
With hurricane Milton about to hit Florida I thought I’d write about what you need to do before, during, and after a hurricane. I’ll walk you though what I think are the key steps to protect your buildings, equipment, and most importantly, the people.
Having a plan is step one. But it's not enough to just write it down and file it away. You need to review, update, and refine your approach regularly. That way, when a storm comes, you're not scrambling at the last minute.
Pre-Hurricane Preparation
Staying ahead of hurricanes starts long before a storm appears on the radar.
If you're in a storm-prone area, especially Florida, Texas, Louisiana, North Carolina, or South Carolina, you need a specific Hurricane Action Plan. This can be part of your broader Emergency Action Plan, Business Continuity Plan, or Inclement Weather Plan. The key is to have an official procedure somewhere.
Start by pulling out last year's plan. Read it over with fresh eyes. Does it still make sense? Have things changed? Look at what worked well in past storms. Keep those parts. But be honest about what fell short. Those are the areas to fix.
Next, go through your contact list. Are all the names and numbers still good? Add new team members. Remove folks who've left. Double-check emergency numbers for local authorities.
Once you've made your updates, share the new plan. Get feedback from your team. They might spot things you missed.
Remember, a good plan evolves. It's not set in stone. By updating it each year, you keep it useful and relevant. Treat your Hurricane Action Plan like any other controlled document - review it yearly and make it part of your continuous improvement process. No two hurricanes are the same, so your plan should be flexible enough to adapt to different scenarios.
Early Warning Response
When a hurricane might be heading your way, every hour counts. Having a clear procedure that kicks in as soon as you get word of a potential storm is key.
Start your hurricane protocol the moment forecasts show a storm could hit your area. Don't wait until it's certain. Early action gives you more time to prepare.
Get your team together. This might be a quick call or meeting. Make sure everyone knows a storm might be coming.
Next, assign tasks. Who's checking supplies? Who's contacting vendors? Who's in charge of building prep? Get these jobs rolling right away.
Communication is crucial from this point on. Set up regular check-ins with your team. This could be daily meetings or update emails. Keep everyone in the loop.
Don't forget to reach out to leadership and other departments. They need to know what's happening and how it might affect operations.
Start watching official weather updates closely. Assign someone to track the storm's path and report any changes.
Begin gathering important documents and backing up data. You don't want to be scrambling for these at the last minute incase the power or cellular service is lost. Print hard copies or save procedures and documents to you phones.
Check your emergency supplies. Do you have enough food, water, and first aid items? If not, restock now while there's still time.
Remember, it's better to be over-prepared than caught off guard. Even if the storm changes course, you'll have sharpened your response skills.
By acting early, you give yourself the best chance to weather the storm safely and get back to normal operations quickly.
Building and Grounds Preparation
Check your buildings from top to bottom. Look for weak spots in the roof, walls, and foundation. Fix what you can. If you can't fix something in time, at least note it so you can keep an eye on it during the storm.
Clean out gutters and drains. You don't want water backing up and causing more damage. Make sure downspouts direct water away from buildings.
Take a walk around your grounds. Trim any dead or weak branches from trees. These can become dangerous in high winds.
Secure outdoor equipment. Bring in what you can. If you can't move something, tie it down. This includes trash cans, signs, and any loose equipment.
Put up your hurricane shutters or board up windows. If you use plywood, make sure it's thick enough - at least 5/8 inch.
Move important equipment to higher ground if you're in a flood-prone area. This might mean upper floors or raised platforms.
Get rid of potential flying objects. Look for anything that could become a missile in high winds. This includes items on roofs, construction materials, or unsecured equipment. Either bring these inside or tie them down securely.
Test your backup power systems. Make sure generators have fuel and are working properly.
Set up sandbags if you're in a flood-prone area. Focus on doorways and other openings where water might get in.
Take photos of your property before the storm hits. This can help with insurance claims later if needed.
Remember, thorough prep work now can save you a lot of headaches later. It's all about minimizing potential damage and keeping your facility as safe as possible.
During the Hurricane
When the storm hits, your main job is to stay safe and keep others safe.
Stay inside. Don't go out until officials say it's okay. Even if things seem calm, you might be in the eye of the storm.
Keep watching weather updates. Use a battery-powered radio if the power goes out. Know what's happening with the storm.
Follow your emergency plan. This is why you made it. Stick to it.
Keep talking to your team. Use your backup communication methods if regular phones don't work. Check in often.
Stay away from windows and doors. Move to interior rooms on lower floors if you can. Avoid the top floor in case the roof gets damaged.
Be ready for power outages. Turn off major appliances to prevent damage from power surges when electricity comes back on.
If flooding starts, move to higher ground in your building. Don't use elevators.
Listen for unusual noises. Cracking or popping sounds could mean the building is under stress.
If part of your building gets damaged, don't try to fix it during the storm. It's too dangerous. Just focus on keeping people safe.
Keep your emergency kit close. You might need it.
Don't use candles for light. They're a fire risk. Use flashlights instead.
If you have to run a generator, keep it outside and away from windows. Carbon monoxide is dangerous.
Remember, your safety and the safety of others is the top priority. Everything else can be dealt with after the storm passes.
Immediate Post-Hurricane Actions and Long-Term Recovery
Once the storm passes, it's time to get your facility back on track. Here's what to do:
Safety First
Wait for the all-clear from officials before going outside. Watch out for dangers like downed power lines, broken glass, or unstable structures. Don't wade through floodwater - it might be contaminated or hiding hazards.
Check In
Make sure all your people are okay. Use your emergency contact system to reach out to staff.
Assess the Damage
Walk through your facility. Take photos and notes of all damage. This helps with insurance claims and planning repairs.
Address Urgent Issues
Look for safety hazards first. Shut off damaged utilities. If you smell gas, leave immediately and call the gas company. Start pumping out flooded areas to prevent more water damage.
Document Everything
Keep detailed records of all damage and your recovery efforts. This helps with insurance claims and future planning.
Start Clean-Up
Begin clearing debris and salvaging what you can. Wear proper safety gear - gloves, boots, and masks if needed.
Contact Your Insurance
Get in touch with your insurance company right away. They'll guide you through the claims process.
Communicate
Keep stakeholders informed about your status and recovery plans. This includes staff, leadership, and key clients or partners.
Long-Term Recovery
As you move into long-term recovery:
Review and Update
Look at how your hurricane plan worked. What went well? What needs to change? Update your plan based on what you learned.
Rebuild Stronger
As you repair, think about how to make your facility more resilient. This might mean upgrading building materials or systems.
Plan for the Future
Consider long-term improvements to protect against future storms. This could include better drainage, stronger structures, or new backup systems.
Keep Learning
Stay informed about new hurricane preparedness strategies. Attend workshops or trainings to keep your skills sharp.
Remember, recovery is a process. It takes time. But with careful planning and action, you can get your facility back to normal - and be better prepared for next time.
Conclusion
Getting ready for hurricanes isn't a one-time task. It's an ongoing process that needs your attention year-round.
We've covered a lot of ground - from early planning to post-storm recovery. The key takeaways?
- Have a solid plan and keep it updated.
- Prepare your buildings and grounds well before a storm hits.
- Know what to do when a hurricane is on its way.
- Stay safe during the storm.
- Act quickly but carefully after it passes.
Remember, your main goals are to keep people safe and get your facility back up and running as soon as possible.
Every hurricane is different. Your plans need to be flexible enough to handle various scenarios. And after each storm or close call, take time to review and improve your approach.
By staying on top of hurricane preparedness, you're not just protecting your facility. You're also showing leadership and responsibility. That's what being a top-notch facility professional is all about.
Stay safe out there, and keep planning ahead. The effort you put in now could make all the difference when the next big storm comes your way.