Local Government and Small Business Hurricane Checklist

Source: American Red Cross
http://www.redcross.org/services/disaster/0,1082,0_606_,00.html

When the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Hurricane Center issues a hurricane watch or a hurricane warning, use the advance warning to begin taking the following action to protect your local government infrastructure or small business.

Impending Hurricane or Severe Windstorm

  1. Map the windstorm front and stay up-to-date on the storm's progress.
  2. Backup all data on servers and personal computers. If the backup site is within the area that may be affected by the storm, take backup tapes with you in the evacuation.
  3. Shut down operations that depend on outside power sources in an orderly manner, following established procedures.
  4. Turn off all non-critical devices such as server monitors and workstations and other non-essential electrical equipment.
  5. Check the integrity of the Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS). Move the UPS to the highest level possible above the floor.
  6. Inspect and make emergency repairs to drains, gutters and flashing.
  7. Strap or anchor to the roof deck support assembly (e.g., the joists) all roof-mounted equipment such as HVAC units and exhaust vents.
  8. Check/maintain all necessary backup equipment, such as emergency generators and communication devices.
  9. Protect/relocate vital records.
  10. Install windstorm shutters/plywood over windows and doors.
  11. Take the following steps so that items outdoors will not blow away or cause damage:
    • Remove all loose debris
    • Anchor or relocate all nonessential equipment to a safe indoor location
    • Secure storage of flammable liquid drums, or move them to a sheltered area (but never into main facility areas)
    • Anchor all portable buildings (e.g., trailers) to the ground
    • Secure large cranes and other heavy equipment
    • Make sure outdoor signs are properly braced
  12. Inspect all fire protection equipment, such as sprinkler control valves and fire pumps.
  13. Ensure that the employees who volunteered to stay on site have proper supplies and equipment (drinkable water, nonperishable food, medical, flashlights, walkie-talkies).
  14. Have cash on hand for post-windstorm needs, such as buying food and supplies, or paying employees and contractors.
  15. Repair and fill above-ground tanks with water.
  16. Fill fuel tanks of generators, fire pumps, and all company-owned vehicles.
  17. Clean out drains and catch basins.
  18. Protect computers, machinery, and stock with tarpaulins and waterproof covers.
  19. Remove as many goods as possible from the floor, or ship them out of the facility.
  20. Isolate, neutralize, or remove from the site any chemicals that can react violently with each other.
  21. Shut off gas to minimize fire loss.
  22. Protect or shut off other possible flame sources.
  23. Disconnect the main electrical feeds to the facility, if possible, to prevent a potential fire caused by short-circuiting of damaged equipment.

During the Storm

* Emergency response personnel should stay at the facility only if safe to do so.

  1. Patrol the property continuously and watch for roof leaks, pipe breakage, fire or structural damage. During the height of a windstorm, personnel should remain in a place that has been identified as safe from wind and flood.
  2. Constantly monitor any equipment that must remain on line.
  3. During power failure, turn off electrical switches to prevent reactivation before necessary checks are completed.

After the Storm

  1. Secure the site.
  2. Survey for damage.
  3. Survey for safety hazards such as live wires, leaking gas or flammable liquids, poisonous gases, and damage to foundations or underground piping.
  4. Repair damage to the automatic sprinkler system and get it back in service as soon as possible.
  5. Call in key personnel and notify contractors to start repairs. Make sure safety systems are fully implemented before work is allowed to begin. This means controlling smoking and other open flame sources. Require contractors to share responsibility for establishing fire-safe conditions before and during the job.
  6. Begin salvage as soon as possible to prevent further damage:
    • cover broken windows and torn roof coverings immediately
    • separate damaged goods, but beware of accumulating too much combustible debris inside a building
  7. Clean roof drains and remove debris from roof to prevent drainage problems.
  8. Visually check any open bus bars, conductors and exposed insulators before restarting main electrical distribution systems.