Disaster Recovery: 10 Steps to Help You Prepare for the Next Storm Part 1

This is the first blog of a 4 part series…

Disaster and unexpected incidents can happen. It’s a combination of bad luck, individual circumstances, and timing. Ideally, your operations run smoothly year-round. But, even in the face of disaster or accidents, putting your facility back to working order after a major storm doesn’t have to be a daunting task.

According to meteorologists, the 2017 Atlantic hurricane season was among the top 10 all-time most active seasons on record, thanks to a stretch of long-lived, destructive hurricanes from mid-August through September. After facing so many major storms last year, it is vital, now more than ever, that facility managers prepare for natural disasters and have a recovery plan in place.

Facility professionals wear many hats before and after storms, tornadoes, and other natural disasters, most notably during hurricane season. They are responsible for keeping customers and employees safe by protecting assets in hundreds or even thousands of locations. Facility managers have to anticipate, avoid or accommodate damage done by severe weather, as well as think through the eventualities and have a preparedness plan and a decisive course of action in place.

1. Determine Structural Safety

To begin your road to recovery, it’s important to perform a visual inspection before employees enter any structure after a hurricane or a natural disaster event. It’s important to check for damage to structural elements of the building as they may have been weakened by standing water or during debris removal. Emergency repairs may be necessary to secure the structural elements including walls, ceilings, and roof. If necessary, board any broken windows and salvage undamaged items. If there is serious structural damage, contact local officials before entering and report downed power lines or gas leaks.

2. Inspect Tools Before Use

Tools should be examined to ensure they are in good condition before use. If using a ladder, ensure a steady and solid placement location, and use tie-off procedures if adequate guardrails are not present. When in doubt, wait to perform work at heights until adequate lifts, scaffolding, and other equipment become available.

If gasoline, diesel generators or compressors are in use, they should be placed to allow adequate venting of exhaust gases out of the work area to minimize creating a carbon monoxide exposure.