Are You Prepared for a Hurricane

6/13/2019 (Permalink)

This NOAA satellite image shows Hurricane Florence making landfall in NC. (Photo by NOAA via Getty Images)

It's getting to be that time of year again, and every family and business needs a plan of action in case another storm comes through. As most of us are still recovering from Hurricane Florence, it's hard to believe that Hurricane Season is upon us again. Your plan should include an emergency supply kit, personal information, important documents, evacuation plans with escape routes, and a communication plan with emergency contact information. 

Your personal written plan should include all pertinent and proper information and be easily accessible. It should include a designated meeting place for family members, a list of family contacts, emergency phone numbers, an inventory of valuable household goods, and any important documents. You should also have a first aid kit, and a disaster supply kit that is well equipped with enough food, water, bedding, clothing, toiletries, pet items, tools and batteries to last several days. It should also include flashlights, battery operated radios, children's activities, matches, and a plastic container for important documents. Make sure your cars gas tank is filled up, and you have enough cash on hand. 

A family communication plan is an important part of being prepared when an emergency occurs, because family members may be at work or school. Some key items to include for family members are, out of town contacts and email addresses. Having an out of town contact enables families to have one key person to check in with when local communication is affected or disabled. Email addresses will provide another form of communication electronically if phone lines are affected. All family members should carry emergency contact cards with pertinent information and phone numbers in case of a disaster. 

Businesses also need to take precautions when preparing for a hurricane. They should be aware of how their company functions and what materials, equipment, and procedures they need in order to operate their business. Businesses need to plan what to do in case their office is not accessible, develop a plan to run their business from a different location, and identify operations critical to survival and recovery. Statistics show that 50% of businesses that are impacted by a disaster never re-open. We are here to make sure that isn't the case for you. 

The best action a family or business can take is making the preparation before a storm is brewing, and before it is too late. Ask us about more tips for making a family emergency communication plan and an important emergency supply kit checklist. Also, we can set your business up with a customized Emergency Readiness Profile at no cost to you by simply calling us at 910-319-0600.