Suggestions For Preparing Your Establishment For Hurricane Season

December 16, 2021 Nick Nahid

Many of our clients are business owners so hurricane season is always on the mind. Here's a list of what to do when a hurricane is approaching, as well as things you can do in the event of one.

The Beginning of Hurricane Season

Make sure you review your insurance policies to ensure they are current and accurate.
Make sure to take updated photos of your restaurant as well as a complete inventory. You should include everything: every area, every piece, equipment, furniture, electronics, and food.
Instruct your employees to form an emergency team. In the event of a storm hitting your area, pick employees to be leaders and contact persons.
Make sure your generator is working properly. We don't recommend purchasing gas in the middle of hurricane season. Gas can become spoiled, just like food.
Make an emergency planning document and make sure to review it each year. All employees should be made aware of the emergency plan. Prepare a checklist of what to do in an emergency situation.
You should ensure that you have current contact information for all employees. Establish calling protocols and a phone tree.
Use a communication platform that only your employees have access to, if you don't have one already. You can configure your communications platform to restrict access to employees, such as Slack and Facebook. This is a great way to inform the whole team about any emergency information.
A list of trusted numbers such as a tree service, electrician or restoration company, handyman and others, can be compiled. You won't be alone in need of these trades if a storm strikes. You'll be a priority if you are the first to ask for help.

A Storm Is Coming

Bring all outside furniture inside.
All electronics and appliances must be unplugged.
Turn off the main water supply.
If possible, elevate items that are susceptible to water damage off the ground at least 18 inches.
Use a tarp to cover wood surfaces and other items that are susceptible to water damage.
Get rid of important business records and valuables.
You can save important business data to USB drives. It can be stored in a Ziploc bag in two places. Perhaps at home or with a trusted worker. It is less likely that it will be destroyed if it is stored in two places than if it is kept in one.
Clear out ice bins and ice machines.
Reduce food supply. Consider donating food to local shelters or emergency services if you are in urgent need of evacuation.
Place small appliances, computers, and other items in plastic garbage bags. in plastic garbage bags. These items are less likely to be damaged if the roof leaks if they're properly protected.
Buy gas if you own a generator and keep it in a cool, ventilated area.
Check that gutters are free of obstructions and flowing away from your building.

The Beginning of Hurricane Season

Make sure you review your insurance policies to ensure they are current and accurate.

Make sure to take updated photos of your restaurant as well as a complete inventory. You should include everything: every area, every piece, equipment, furniture, electronics, and food.

Instruct your employees to form an emergency team. In the event of a storm hitting your area, pick employees to be leaders and contact persons.

Make sure your generator is working properly. We don't recommend purchasing gas in the middle of hurricane season. Gas can become spoiled, just like food.

Make an emergency planning document and make sure to review it each year. All employees should be made aware of the emergency plan. Prepare a checklist of what to do in an emergency situation.

You should ensure that you have current contact information for all employees. Establish calling protocols and a phone tree.

Use a communication platform that only your employees have access to, if you don't have one already. You can configure your communications platform to restrict access to employees, such as Slack and Facebook. This is a great way to inform the whole team about any emergency information.

A list of trusted numbers such as a tree service, electrician or restoration company, handyman and others, can be compiled. You won't be alone in need of these trades if a storm strikes. You'll be a priority if you are the first to ask for help.

A Storm Is Coming

Bring all outside furniture inside.

All electronics and appliances must be unplugged.

Turn off the main water supply.

If possible, elevate items that are susceptible to water damage off the ground at least 18 inches.

Use a tarp to cover wood surfaces and other items that are susceptible to water damage.

Get rid of important business records and valuables.

You can save important business data to USB drives. It can be stored in a Ziploc bag in two places. Perhaps at home or with a trusted worker. It is less likely that it will be destroyed if it is stored in two places than if it is kept in one.

Clear out ice bins and ice machines.

Reduce food supply. Consider donating food to local shelters or emergency services if you are in urgent need of evacuation.

Place small appliances, computers, and other items in plastic garbage bags. in plastic garbage bags. These items are less likely to be damaged if the roof leaks if they're properly protected.

Buy gas if you own a generator and keep it in a cool, ventilated area.

Check that gutters are free of obstructions and flowing away from your building.