Hurricane Season

FEMA Urges Residents To Get Ready For Hurricane Season

With just over a month until the beginning of the 2021 Atlantic hurricane season on June 1, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) urges Americans to ensure their families, homes and businesses are prepared for the risks associated with hurricanes and tropical storms. Individuals and families are encouraged to have a family communications plan and get a kit with essential items like non-perishable food, bottled water, spare batteries, a can opener and specialty items like spare eyeglasses.

As hurricanes and tropical storms move inland, the high winds are often accompanied by torrential rains that increase the likelihood of flooding. Residents should know their risks, and invest in flood insurance to protect their homes and property. There is typically a 30 day waiting period before a policy takes effect, so the time to act is now.

“As hurricane season approaches, FEMA is coordinating with state and local officials to ensure that all communities along the coast are prepared to respond,” said FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate. “But we can only be as prepared as the public, and so it’s important that everyone take steps now to help keep their family safe in the event of a hurricane or other emergency. These steps include making a family communications plan, putting together an emergency kit, staying informed of risks and weather forecasts in your area.”

What Are You Doing to protect you business?

You could be one accident, catastrophe or act of nature away from losing your business. Do you have an Emergency Action Plan in place if something happens during business hours? Is everyone aware of their role during an emergency? Do you have a plan in pace to help you get back to business after a crisis? How will you communicate with your employees to let them know that you plan to open up. Have you protected your information offsite?

If a medical emergency occurred in your facility do you have responders in place to help the victim whether it is from an industrial accident or someone suffering from sudden cardiac arrest. Do you have a automated external defibrillator (AED)? Is you first aid station properly stocked for any foreseeable emergency in your facility?

If you need more information about this you can see past articles including Preparedness and National Preparedness for ideas on helping your business survive the storm.