Hurricane season begins June 1st and ends on November 30th. While the office building is structurally designed to minimize hurricane damage, it is wise for all occupants to be well prepared as well as keenly aware of the hurricane emergency procedures.
There are two designations placed on a Hurricane:
- WATCH
- WARNING.
A Hurricane WATCH indicates weather conditions are right for a hurricane. A Hurricane WARNING indicates that at hurricane has been sighted in the immediate area.
Businesses face many hurdles in recovering from hurricanes. A key to survival is looking ahead and planning for recovery before a hurricane strikes. The following checklist identifies areas that can reduce the impact of a hurricane by enabling your company to continue normal business operations.
As part of our hurricane preparedness, we ask that you take a moment to review the following:
HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS
Precautionary measures should be taken to protect life and property during severe weather conditions.
- Make agreements with vendors and suppliers to assure continued business or identify alternate sources in the event your normal vendors are unable to function after a hurricane.
- Develop and maintain inventories for critical supplies, equipment and employee skills.
- Develop a plan for informing clients, the general public and the media about company operations following a hurricane.
- Store duplicates of vital company records and important documents off-site.
- Take steps to “hurricane proof” your computer facility and equipment.
- Establish contracts with engineers and suppliers to survey damage and perform clean up following a hurricane.
- Develop a plan for business restoration including securing alternate work sites for personnel, restoring damaged utility systems, and controlling access to company facilities.
- Develop alternate marketing strategies for your products or for moving into other markets under post hurricane conditions.
- Create post-hurricane financing and investment strategies to protect corporate assets.
- Make sure your bank is informed about your disaster contingency planning to assure quick response to your post-hurricane needs.
- Review existing inter-company mutual aid agreements to establish what needs might be following a hurricane.
- Review your insurance policy to ensure it provides adequate coverage.
- Complete the attached Tenant Contact Sheet and forward to the Building Management Office.
IN THE EVENT OF A HURRICANE WATCH
Once the National Weather Service announces a Hurricane Watch, a hurricane will usually strike within 24 to 36 hours. At this time, an emergency plan of action should be a priority.
- Pay close attention to official announcements from the National Hurricane Center.
- Review hurricane preparedness plan for your office and update contact information.
- Your hurricane preparedness plans should include arrangements to possibly close your office within a short period of time after a Hurricane Warning is issued.
IN THE EVENT OF A HURRICANE WARNING
Once the National Weather Service announces a Hurricane Warning, a hurricane will usually strike within 24 hours.
- Your hurricane preparedness plans should include arrangements to close your office within a short period after a Hurricane Warning is issued.
- If a Hurricane Warning is issued during business hours, communication from the Office of the Building will be made to all tenants and visitors of building operations.
- If a Hurricane Warning is issued after business hours, management will contact one person listed on the Tenant Contact Sheet with building operating information. You can also confirm what time the building will be closed by calling the security desk at 305-373-5912.
- Move computers and important files to a secured interior room, away from windows.
- Close all interior doors.
- Notify security once your office has been closed.
- No one will be allowed to re-enter the building, if the building has been evacuated by the Office of the Building.
- Once the building has been evacuated, it will be closed until local authorities give an “All Clear”.
- Due to storm surges, and any other unexpected occurrences we recommend that you do not leave your vehicle in the parking garage. We will not be responsible for damages.
AFTER A HURRICANE
- If the building was closed, the building will be re-opened to the public shortly after the Hurricane Warning is lifted and after the building is declared safe by local authorities.
- You will be able to determine if the building is open or closed by calling our toll free Emergency Hot Line at 1-800-285-2973. The operator will have information regarding building operations. This information will be updated by management periodically. You may also leave a message for Building Management.
- Use caution when entering into your office. Notify management immediately of any structural damages at 305-384-7170 or on the Emergency Hot Line.
The following SUPPLIES will be necessary to protect and sustain your employees in the event that a hurricane leaves you temporarily stranded in the office building:
- Food – stock your office with non-perishable and easy-to-store food products such as dehydrated foods and food bars.
- Water – keep at least a three-day supply of purified water. It is recommended that you stock two quarts of water per day, per employee.
- Emergency Lighting – flashlights & light sticks.
- Batteries – keep a fresh supply
- Medical – keep a well-stocked First Aid Kit. Choose kits designed to treat injuries such as heavy bleeding, shock and broken bones.
- Blankets – lightweight fire and shock retardant emergency blankets.
- Radios – portable transistor radios with extra batteries and two-way radios.
- Fire Extinguisher
- Medications – persons on medication should keep a 72-hour supply in their desk.
Additional Supplies to Consider
- Heavy work gloves
- Hard Hats & Goggles
- Work shoes
- Dust masks
- Water purification tablets
- Sleeping bags & Cots
- Eating utensils
- Instant ice pack
- Pre-moistened towelettes