Knowing that your office is in the path of severe weather can cause you to rush around in a panic. However, that need not be the case when you know what is headed your way and what to do about it.
According to Ready.gov, it's suggested that you start preparing in advance by keeping the following supplies on hand in case any employees are unable to leave the office:
- Batteries
- Blankets and sleeping bags
- First aid kit
- Flashlights
- Food and water
You may also want to consider adding more insulation to your pipes to prevent freezing and checking the condition of your roof at the start of each winter season.
Floods can occur due to heavy rains, melting snow, dam overflows, or coastal storms. If you are able to, consider allowing employees to leave the office in advance and work remotely. If your business and employees do get caught in a flood, advise everyone in your building to seek high ground. Do not allow anyone to leave the building until you get the all-clear. Attempting to drive or walk-through floodwaters is dangerous, and people can drown in as little as six inches of water.
As with all types of severe weather, creating an emergency response plan is critical. We also recommend obtaining a flood zone map to determine if the physical location of your business is in a flood zone. If so, you must obtain a flood insurance policy to help protect life and property.
If you do business in a coastal state like Florida or California, pay extra attention to the weather forecast regarding hurricanes and earthquakes. Working from your emergency plan, start by shuttering doors and windows to prevent injuries from flying debris. You should have an emergency kit on hand that includes flashlights and batteries, along with the supplies listed for severe winter weather. Installing impact-resistant film on all windows before a severe weather event can significantly reduce damage and injuries.
Funnel-like in appearance, tornadoes can deliver winds up to 200 miles per hour. Your tornado preparedness plan should include identifying safe places to take shelter. Be sure to stay away from windows and doors. The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) also recommends developing an accountability system to determine who is in the building and their precise location until the emergency passes.
