Dear fellow Hanoverians:
Here is Part Three of our hurricane preparedness tips series from Fire
Chief Jeffrey Blanchard. If you missed Parts One and Two, just go to
the “Around Town on the Web” archives (how-to directions appear at
the bottom of every ATOTW e-mail). This e-blast is targeted to our
business community, and also comes from the Massachusetts Emergency
Management Agency. Regardless of whether your business is here in
Hanover or elsewhere, this is good information for all business
owners. Thanks again, Jeff!
*“Our business community should be aware of the potential of
hurricane damage here in the Commonwealth,” said Massachusetts
Emergency Management Agency Director Kurt Schwartz. “Every business
owner should prepare or review their own Preparedness and Recovery
Plan. ‘Business as usual’ will not happen without good
planning.”*
· Review your property insurance with your insurance agent. Take
photographs or make a video of your business establishment, both
inside and outside.
· Determine and establish a written Hurricane Preparedness Plan for
your business and its contents. Coordinate this plan with local and
state officials. Specify the conditions under which the plan will be
implemented.
· Test your plan, reviewing it annually. Establish an
employee-training program on your Hurricane Plan.
· Make plans for protection of your computer files, including an
off-site back-up system to secure and safely store data.
· Protect corporate records, keeping duplicates at an alternate
location.
· Well in advance, acquire emergency protective equipment and
supplies. Heavy plastic sheeting, duct tape, sandbags, emergency
generator, chain saw and large pieces of plywood will help protect
your property.
· As storms approach, remember to bring in display racks and other
objects, such as trashcans that might cause damage if airborne. Remove
outdoor signs, especially those that swing or are portable.
· Move merchandise, equipment or furniture away from windows or
skylights. Elevate boxes or equipment, if possible.
· Turn off electricity and disconnect all electrical appliances and
equipment (except for refrigeration equipment), in case there is a
power outage. An ensuing power surge, once power is restored, could be
damaging to connected equipment.
· Inform all employees on when and how you will notify them to report
back to work.
· Develop an employee identification system, such as picture ID
badges. This may help employees gain access to the area after a
hurricane.
· If possible, make arrangements to pay employees in cash. It may be
several days before banking institutions are operational.
The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) is the state
agency responsible for coordinating federal, state, local, voluntary
and private resources during emergencies and disasters in the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts. MEMA provides leadership to: develop
plans for effective response to all hazards, disasters or threats;
train emergency personnel to protect the public; provide information
to the citizenry; and assist individuals, families, businesses and
communities to mitigate against, prepare for, and respond to and
recover from emergencies, both natural and manmade. For additional
information about MEMA and Hurricane Preparedness, go to
http://www.mass.gov/mema
. Follow MEMA updates on /Facebook/ and /Twitter/.
For “Around Town on the Web”,
Cathy H-B
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