A large part of the United States is in the potential path of hurricanes. That is why facility managers throughout the country should be informed about the potential risks and prepare themselves.
One of the best things you can do is prepare in advance for hurricane risks and to act on those plans when alerted by emergency officials.
What are Hurricanes?
Hurricanes are huge storm systems that form over ocean waters and then move toward land. Possible dangers from hurricanes include:
- Powerful winds
- Heavy rainfall
- Storm surges
- Coastal and inland flooding
- Rip currents
- Tornadoes
- Landslides
Make an Evacuation Plan
The chief reason people have to evacuate during hurricanes is storm surge, a rise in water generated by a storm’s winds that can reach heights well over 20 feet and span hundreds of miles, according to the National Hurricane Center.
To protect your structures and staff, you should find out if you live in a hurricane evacuation area. Local governments provide the public with information about evacuation areas and evacuation plans. Review this information in advance.
Assess Your Readiness
To properly assess your hurricane readiness, ask yourself these questions:
Can your organization operate without any of the following: computers, copier, fax machine, files, inventory, or special equipment?
Can your organization operate without any of the following: gas, power, water, internet, or telecommunications?
To learn more about your facility’s potential hurricane risk, contact MaintenX.
