Establish a working plan and have it in place in case of a hurricane.
BE PREPARED TO:
- SAFEGUARD COMPANY RECORDS AND IMPORTANT PAPERS
A. Make duplicates to take with you, to overnight express to a branch office, or to put in a bank.
B. Move all records away from windows, preferably into a room without any windows.
C. If you are on the first floor, place valuable papers, records, files, etc. one to two feet off the floor (in case of flooding).
D. If possible, cover with large plastic bags or vinyl sheeting for additional security.
E. In the event of an extended building closure, arrangements should be made to remove files and key equipment prior to the storm’s landfall.
- DISCONNECT ALL ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES AND EQUIPMENT
A. Backup, shut down and unplug computers. Take backup discs with you, or overnight express to a branch office or put in a bank.
B. Unplug copiers, FAX machines, coffee pots, microwaves, and all other electric or electronic equipment to prevent damage due to power surges, blown transformers, etc.
C. Clean out refrigerators, including icemakers or freezer compartments. Take all food to the building dumpster. DO NOT leave food in wastebaskets, or any part of your office!
- CLEAR OFF THE TOPS OF DESKS, TABLES, FILE CABINETS, ETC.
A. Put papers, pens, pencils, calculators, and ALL items on the tops of desks and other furniture in drawers, closets or some other place where they will not be blown away in case a window breaks. Remember, even a small plant can become a projectile in hurricane-force winds!
B. Computers, terminals, keyboards, etc. should be stored in a room with no windows, if possible. Remember to close and latch the door after you store your valuables!
- LOWER ALL BLINDS, AND CLOSE THEM
A. Lower all blinds, or close verticals. Put slats in the closed position. DO NOT TAPE WINDOWS.
B. If possible, put folded towels inside the bottom of any doors you may have which go to balconies, or the building exterior.
C. Make sure doors to balconies (if applicable) are closed TIGHT and LOCKED!
- EXTERIOR OF STOREFRONTS
A. Remove all outdoor tables, chairs, planters, trash containers, etc, and secure in a safe interior location.
B. Remove any hanging planters or other loose items outside and secure inside.
C. Storefront windows; remove interior displays, signage, etc, and install hurricane shutters or plywood panels covering the entire window. Ensure plywood panels are installed according to proper protocols. Please remember that you are responsible for repairing any damage done to the exterior of the building by screws, nails, etc. After the storm has passed and the All Clear has been given, please remove your shutters in a timely manner.
- MAKE SURE ALL EMPLOYEES LEAVE
A. Check your Company policy, and clarify with your employees their status DURING AND AFTER the storm.
B. Who will be the substitute supervisor (if needed); who do they call (including two alternates) after the storm in case your business phone lines are not in operation; etc.
C. Make sure everyone leaves as quickly as the office is secured. Appoint one person to check the office to make sure EVERY employee has safely left the building.
- TURN OUT ALL LIGHTS AND LOCK THE DOOR(S) TO YOUR SUITE.
Remember that building personnel will not be available to assist Tenants as they will be preparing the building for closure, including securing and shutting all building systems down. Please plan accordingly to prepare and secure your individual offices. Please do not return to the building after a severe storm until the “all clear” has been announced and the property management office has said it is safe to do so.
YOU MAY HEAR THE STATUS OF YOUR BUILDING BY CALLING (561) 340-1298. The building will be locked and remain locked until power is restored, and all systems are functioning properly.
