Dear fellow Hanoverians:
\nHere is Part Three of our hurricane preparedness tips series from Fire
\nChief Jeffrey Blanchard. If you missed Parts One and Two, just go to
\nthe \u201cAround Town on the Web\u201d archives (how-to directions appear at
\nthe bottom of every ATOTW e-mail). This e-blast is targeted to our
\nbusiness community, and also comes from the Massachusetts Emergency
\nManagement Agency. Regardless of whether your business is here in
\nHanover or elsewhere, this is good information for all business
\nowners. Thanks again, Jeff!
\n*\u201cOur business community should be aware of the potential of
\nhurricane damage here in the Commonwealth,\u201d said Massachusetts
\nEmergency Management Agency Director Kurt Schwartz. \u201cEvery business
\nowner should prepare or review their own Preparedness and Recovery
\nPlan. \u2018Business as usual\u2019 will not happen without good
\nplanning.\u201d*
\n\u00b7 Review your property insurance with your insurance agent. Take
\nphotographs or make a video of your business establishment, both
\ninside and outside. <\/p>\n
\u00b7 Determine and establish a written Hurricane Preparedness Plan for
\nyour business and its contents. Coordinate this plan with local and
\nstate officials. Specify the conditions under which the plan will be
\nimplemented.<\/p>\n
\u00b7 Test your plan, reviewing it annually. Establish an
\nemployee-training program on your Hurricane Plan.<\/p>\n
\u00b7 Make plans for protection of your computer files, including an
\noff-site back-up system to secure and safely store data.<\/p>\n
\u00b7 Protect corporate records, keeping duplicates at an alternate
\nlocation.<\/p>\n
\u00b7 Well in advance, acquire emergency protective equipment and
\nsupplies. Heavy plastic sheeting, duct tape, sandbags, emergency
\ngenerator, chain saw and large pieces of plywood will help protect
\nyour property.<\/p>\n
\u00b7 As storms approach, remember to bring in display racks and other
\nobjects, such as trashcans that might cause damage if airborne. Remove
\noutdoor signs, especially those that swing or are portable. <\/p>\n
\u00b7 Move merchandise, equipment or furniture away from windows or
\nskylights. Elevate boxes or equipment, if possible.<\/p>\n
\u00b7 Turn off electricity and disconnect all electrical appliances and
\nequipment (except for refrigeration equipment), in case there is a
\npower outage. An ensuing power surge, once power is restored, could be
\ndamaging to connected equipment.<\/p>\n
\u00b7 Inform all employees on when and how you will notify them to report
\nback to work.<\/p>\n
\u00b7 Develop an employee identification system, such as picture ID
\nbadges. This may help employees gain access to the area after a
\nhurricane.<\/p>\n
\u00b7 If possible, make arrangements to pay employees in cash. It may be
\nseveral days before banking institutions are operational.
\nThe Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) is the state
\nagency responsible for coordinating federal, state, local, voluntary
\nand private resources during emergencies and disasters in the
\nCommonwealth of Massachusetts. MEMA provides leadership to: develop
\nplans for effective response to all hazards, disasters or threats;
\ntrain emergency personnel to protect the public; provide information
\nto the citizenry; and assist individuals, families, businesses and
\ncommunities to mitigate against, prepare for, and respond to and
\nrecover from emergencies, both natural and manmade. For additional
\ninformation about MEMA and Hurricane Preparedness, go to
\nhttp:\/\/www.mass.gov\/mema
\n. Follow MEMA updates on \/Facebook\/ and \/Twitter\/.<\/p>\n
For “Around Town on the Web”,
\nCathy H-B<\/p>\n
—
\n“Around Town on the Web” (“ATOTW”) is a community service that has been
\nprovided to self-selected residents of the Town of Hanover since the spring
\nof 2004.
\nFor submission guidelines and answers to frequently asked questions about
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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 \u201cAround Town on the Web\u201d archives (how-to directions appear at the … Continue reading