Before this weekend, there was some speculation from weather forecasters that the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast could experience an extreme weather event in Hermine similar to that of Hurricane Sandy. Although it looks like those along the Delaware and New Jersey beaches were mostly spared besides some minor flooding, other areas, including Florida and some parts of the South, experienced heavy flooding and damage. Parts of the Northeast including Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard had a Tropical Storm Warning in effect on Monday as well.
Hermine may have been the first major storm of the Atlantic Hurricane Season, but it certainly will not be the last. In fact, there are roughly three months left in the hurricane season, and forecasters had expected a stronger season than in several years’ past – at least one as strong as the one that included Sandy. Therefore, it might be too early to say that homeowners and businesses have gotten off easy this season, making preparation extremely important.
Staying Prepared for a Hurricane and Subsequent Flooding
So what can you do to safeguard against an extreme weather event like a hurricane? In regard to individuals, the National Hurricane Center does recommend that households have an emergency supply kit that includes food rations, emergency gear, flashlights, and a first aid kit. For businesses, owners should probably have several emergency kits available as well, and they should have an emergency response system in place too. So what do we mean by an emergency response system? Here are several things to keep in mind:
Power Generation
In the event that the lights go out in the area, one of the smartest things to do is invest in a generator. Obviously, for some businesses, a generator might be too expensive to buy outright, making a generator rental a better option. In addition to that, generator rental providers like Carrier Rental Systems, can also provide a turn-key solution that includes set-up and take-down as well as ongoing support. This can ensure the job is done right and operations are restored in the event of an emergency.
Moisture Removal
In addition to high winds and strong rain, one major concern all business owners should have is flooding. Depending on the business’s location, flooding may be a real issue that must be dealt with. Even slight flooding could potentially cause extreme damage, making the grounds dangerous and difficult to clean up. Investing in moisture removal and mold remediation is an important part of any emergency response system as water damage from flooding and mold growth can have terrible long-term effects.
Employee Safety and Training
Every business owner should have training in place to help employees know what to do in the event of a weather emergency like a hurricane. This includes safe evacuation, where to go if it’s dangerous to leave the building, and setting up a phone tree, so everyone is on the same page and will know if the office is closed or what to do when a storm is approaching. By implementing a training program, owners and management can help ensure all employees are safe.