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Before the Storm

Good preparation makes storms and outages more bearable. Having a plan can also limit the impact on you, your family and your business, while also keeping everyone safe.

Prep Your Home

Storms can cause major damage to your home, costing you thousands to repair. Brace your home for possible storms now with these simple tricks and tips.

  • Charge your smart devices prior to the storm if you have advance warning.
  • Purchase a battery-operated charger and keep it fully charged at all times.
  • Stay aware. Watch for approaching storms and tune into a weather radio for 24/7 updates from the National Weather Service.
  • Check the weather forecast before heading outdoors or on the roads. Postpone outdoor activities when thunderstorms are forecasted.
  • Outdoor pets should be brought inside before the storm hits.
  • Take safe shelter immediately inside a sturdy building, away from windows, doors and electrical appliances.
  • Avoid contact with conductors of electricity, appliances, metal objects and water.
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Outage Alerts

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Prep Your Business

A Severe Weather Plan can help you be as ready as possible for approaching severe weather. Make sure everyone in your business, especially your leadership team, understands the Severe Weather Plan.

Take Precautions

If a storm threatens, secure your building, cover windows and move equipment/furniture to a secured area.

Protect Data

If your business depends on data processing, consider an alternate site and make provisions for alternate communications and power.

Plan for Supplies

Be prepared to work with limited supplies of cash, and be without water, sewer or power for at least two weeks. Store supplies at the office.

Know Your Risk

  • Check your hurricane evacuation level and FEMA flood maps to determine if your business location is vulnerable to storm surge or freshwater flooding.
  • Have your building(s) inspected by a licensed professional to find out if your workplace is vulnerable to hurricane force winds and what is recommended to retrofit.

Protect Employees

  • Employee safety comes first! Prepare, distribute and follow your business severe weather plan for recovery.
  • Consider providing shelter to employees and their families and helping with supplies after a storm.
  • Establish a rendezvous point and time for employees in case communications are disrupted.
  • Establish a call-down procedure for warning and post-storm communications.
  • Provide photo IDs and a letter of authorization to enter the building.

Contact Customers and Suppliers

  • Share your communications and recovery plan in advance.
  • Prepare a list of vendors to provide disaster recovery services.

Review Insurance Coverage

  • Have your business appraised at least every five years.
  • Inventory, document and photograph equipment, supplies and workplace.
  • Have copies of insurance policies and customer service/home numbers.
  • Take out Business Interruption Insurance.
  • Consider Accounts Receivable and Valuable Papers Coverage and Income Destruction Insurance. If you have Business Owners Protection Package (BOPP), check co-insurance provisions.

NOTE: Flood damage requires separate coverage and is not covered under other insurance programs.

Ready Your Car

Storms don’t always affect us at the most convenient time. You may be at work or your kids may be at school when the weather starts to deteriorate. Prepare your vehicle now in case you find yourself stuck in the middle of severe or icy conditions. 

  • Check antifreeze levels.
  • Check ignition system and clean battery terminals.
  • Get a brake checkup.
  • Air filters and fuel – Use additives to keep water out of your fuel system. Keep a full tank of gas to prevent the fuel line from freezing, and in case you get trapped on the road.
  • Perform heater and defroster maintenance.
  • Check your headlights/taillights and hazard blinkers.
  • Oil – See if your car manufacturer recommends thinner weight oil.
  • Check thermostat.
  • Check your wipers and wiper fluid.
  • Check tire tread to ensure grip. Most winter conditions can be managed with all-weather radials.
  • Prepare a mobile emergency supply kit.

Mobile Emergency Supply Kit

Road conditions are extremely hazardous during severe weather. If you must drive or find yourself unexpectedly caught in hazardous conditions, be prepared with these emergency supplies: 

  • Cell phone charger
  • First aid kit
  • Jumper cables
  • Flares
  • Full tank of gas
  • Tow rope
  • Tire chains or snow tires
  • Bag of sand or cat litter
  • Shovel, ice scraper, snow brush
  • Blanket
  • Boots, gloves, warm clothes
  • Flashlight
  • Water, snacks
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Build Your Emergency Supply Kit

Prepare for inclement weather and a potential storm outage with our list of supplies, designed to get you through three days without electricity or running water.

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