RONKONKOMA, N.Y. — Recognizing that the 2014 hurricane season has begun and will last through November, insurance program administrator Irving Weber Associates and its Fabricare Advantage Program offer these reminders for ways that drycleaning businesses can be prepared in the event of a major storm:
IN PREPARATION
- Maintain a phone list of your employees and provide copies to key staff members.
- Keep flashlights, extra batteries, a first-aid kit and a tool kit on hand.
- Determine safe evacuation routes inland.
- If you have a voice mail system, designate one remote number for which to record messages for employees. Provide this number to all employees.
- Unplug any unnecessary electrical devices.
- Inspect and, where possible, repair drains, gutters and flashing.
- Arrange for programmable call forwarding for your main business line. If you are unable to get to your store, you can call in and reprogram the phones to ring elsewhere.
- Give store keys and alarm codes to a trusted employee who lives close to the store, so they can reach the store quickly during an emergency if you cannot.
- Test your emergency lights.
- Fill gas tanks and generator.
- Back up computer data daily. Keep backup tapes off-site.
- Use UL-listed surge protectors and battery backup systems. They will add protection for sensitive equipment and help prevent a computer crash if the power goes out.
- Protect/relocate important documents: insurance policy, bank information, etc.
- Install windstorm shutter/plywood over windows and doors.
- Inspect outside of property to secure items that could blow away: chairs, tables, etc.
- Be sure to have cash on hand.
- Remove all items possible from floor.
- Shut off natural gas supply.
- Stay informed about weather updates, watches or warnings.
EMERGENCY ACTION PLAN—POWER OUTAGE
- Notify your utility company of the power outage. Obtain any information known about the cause and expected length of the outage.
- Once a power outage has occurred, all compressors and related equipment should be turned off individually. When power is restored, turn on compressors and related equipment in the same manner to minimize the possibility of an “end rush” that could blow the main fuses.
AFTER THE STORM
- Listen to weather stations to be sure that storm has passed.
- Wait until area is declared safe before entering.
- Survey for safety hazards such as live wires, leaking gas, flammable liquids, etc.
- As soon as possible, begin salvage/repair: Cover broken windows and torn roof coverings; separate damaged goods, but beware of accumulating too much combustible debris inside the building.
- Clean roof drains.
Irving Weber Associates, Ronkonkoma, N.Y., has been providing insurance services since 1946. It can be reached at 800-243-1811, [email protected].
Have a question or comment? E-mail our editor Dave Davis at [email protected].