Hurricane Preparation

You can't prevent, but you can prepare!

While hurricane paths are somewhat unpredictable we do have sufficient warning to allow for proper preparation prior to its arrival.  The Texas Gulf Coast area has been fortunate.  For more than fourteen (14) years no hurricane hit this area of the United States coastline, only high winds and rain from tropical storms until 2005.  However, as history has proven, we should have contingency plans in place in order to adequately prepare for the inevitable. 

Hurricanes hit the Texas Gulf Coast area over the past 56 years with the following frequency:

In 1983 Hurricane Alicia killed 21 people and left an estimated 1.2 billion dollars in damage in the wake of its path. In September of 2005 the Texas Gulf Coast area experienced its most devastating hurricane in modern times. Hurricane Rita hit the Texas and Louisiana Coastline causing an estimated 10 billion dollars in damage to the Gulf Coast area.
 
It is fair to say that the Texas Gulf Coast area has been lucky not to have experienced more of nature’s most violent catastrophes.  The amount of damage a company may have is unknown.  The extent of loss is proportionate to the level of preparedness. 

Here are a few steps that should be taken in preparation for a hurricane:

Maintain current copies of the area community hurricane preparedness plan from the emergency management office of the Red Cross. Prepare for a communication plan/network with key production and management personnel, weather stations, and local fire and police departments. Plan for battery powered backup systems, emergency lighting, flashlights, etc Have First Aid kits well stocked and an ample supply of bottled drinking water stored Ensure that all employees know the evacuation routes and exits Ensure that any and all trailers on premises are well secured and tied down Ensure that an ample supply of rain gear and boots are available Prepare to have ample supply of food, drinking water, blankets and cots for personnel who must remain on site. Have battery-operated radio(s) and/or TV(s) for monitoring official storm status reports.

For more information on preparing your company for hurricanes and other contingencies, contact Hamilton Consulting Services, Inc.

Additional factors specific to your facility may be recommended in your Risk Assessment or Emergency/Contingency Plan.