6 Hurricane Preparation Tips for Businesses

2/5/2022 (Permalink)

Keep computer files backed up on an external hard drive or cloud in case of an emergency.

Storm Tips For Businesses

For six months each year, businesses in and near coastal communities, such as Spring Hill, TN, are vulnerable to hurricane damage. Unlike other severe storms, hurricanes rarely occur unexpectedly. As a result, business owners usually have ample time to safeguard their property. Following six key measures can help every commercial organization prepare for these potentially devastating storms.

1. Shield Windows

During a hurricane, high winds can send debris flying, leaving glass doors and windows vulnerable to shattering. For this reason, it’s imperative that you shield these structures with plywood or shutters.

2. Trim Trees

Tree limbs near your building can also damage infrastructure. To alleviate this concern, you should keep landscaping neatly trimmed and routinely remove dead branches.

3. Raise Important Equipment

Significant rainfall can cause flooding. To prepare for this possibility and avert catastrophic water damage, you should elevate essential equipment, such as vital components of your HVAC system.

4. Erect Sandbag Barricade

Flooding can be an extremely destructive form of hurricane damage for numerous reasons. In addition to damaging equipment, severe water inundation can also saturate carpets, drywall and insulation, increasing the risk of mold contamination. To minimize these risks and help divert water away from your building, you can erect a sandbag barricade.

5. Protect Electronic Equipment

Protecting computers, printers and other electronic equipment may also be a priority. To shield these devices from water damage, you should turn them off, unplug every cord and wire and then wrap the unit in plastic.

6. Backup Important Documents

Important documents may not survive the storm. Because of this risk, you should safely store backup copies of employee files, legal documents and financial records offsite. You can also attempt to salvage onsite documents by placing them inside waterproof containers.