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Universal Insurance has developed a series of educational videos that are designed to help you create a safer salon environment. Topics include: “How to Avoid Overexposure to UV Light” and “How to Prevent Water Damage in Your Salon.”
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These videos are available at uitanning.com, and we encourage you and your staff to take just a few minutes and view them.
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This month, we’re addressing how to prepare for tornadoes and severe weather.
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Tornadoes and severe weather have the potential to create significant injury, property damage, and business interruption. While there is new technology in forecasting that yields increased warning times, tornadoes can still strike without much warning; so, it is critical to prepare in advance and create plans for mitigating damage.
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Here are some suggested tips and actions to consider taking, before, during and after a tornado strikes.
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Preparing for Tornado/Severe Weather Season
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Identify Your Safe-Zone: If your business does not have a secure safe-room or tornado shelter, identify the most secure and structurally-stable area of the business where you can ride out the storm. Check with neighboring businesses and public buildings; they may offer shelters.
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Create an Emergency First Aid Kit: Your kit should include bandages, gauze, medical adhesive tape, antiseptics, liquid soap, eye wash, scissors, matches or lighter, pain relievers, antibiotic creams, etc.
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Create an Emergency Response Pack: This should include flashlights, batteries, storm radio, bottled water, dried/sealed foods, zip-lock bags, ponchos, blankets, breathing masks, protective eyewear, protective gloves, etc.
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Fire Extinguishers: Your business should have at least two and they should be checked to ensure they are operable. Verify that the locking pin is intact and the tamper seal is unbroken. Check the pressure gauge and lift the extinguisher to ensure that it is full. Remember to train your entire team on how and when to use the fire extinguisher.
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Prepare Your Business: You should be backing up all computer files; a cloud-based storage center seems to be the best option. Keep enough cash on hand to handle day-to-day business operations; credit card systems may not function during severe weather. Store important papers and documents in a secure area. Ensure that all inventories are kept high and dry.
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Prepare Your Equipment: If severe weather appears imminent, you may consider shutting off or disconnecting power to your equipment, computers, etc. Adding surge protectors in advance is also an excellent way to limit damage.
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- Anticipate loss of electrical power and other utilities and consider emergency generators, alternative fuels, etc.
- Review the structural integrity of buildings and structures, including rotted wood, rusted metal, physical damage, loose/missing fasteners,
etc. Replace or repair damaged components. If you don’t own your building, it’s important to know what is your responsibility. - Review and evaluate the wind resistance of each structure, signage, etc., and implement improvements.
- Inspect roof coverings, perimeter flashings, gutters, drains, ventilators and other roof-mounted equipment.
- Check for weak door and window latches and hardware.
- Identify and consider removing any large trees which may fall and damage buildings or structures. If you are not responsible for the landscaping, contact your landlord.
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Watch for tornado danger signs
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- Dark, often greenish clouds – a phenomenon caused by hail
- Wall cloud – an isolated lowering of the base of a thunderstorm
- Cloud of debris
- Large hail
- Funnel cloud – a visible rotating extension of the cloud base
- Roaring noise
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NOTE: Do not open windows. This may actually make things worse by giving wind and rain a greater chance of getting inside.
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Suggested Actions to Take After a Tornado/Severe Weather
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- Listen to the news or weather radio for updated information and further instructions.
- Damage should be surveyed and, as soon as possible, notify the local fire department and/or police departments of fire protection impairments.
- Report damage to insurance companies as soon as possible and provide as much detail as possible. It is helpful to have before-and-after pictures.
- Survey for safety hazards such as downed electrical wires, leaking gas or flammable liquids, damage to underground piping, etc. Notify the appropriate utilities as soon as possible.
- Take measures to temporarily repair areas in order to prevent further damage.
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We encourage you and your staff to take just a few minutes and view our safety videos at uitanning.com.
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For more information, give Team Universal a call!
