Hurricanes, tornados, blizzards, thunderstorms and torrential rain can wreak havoc on your business. Sooner or later, regardless of where you’re located, Mother Nature will pay you an unwelcome visit. To help protect yourself, your staff and customers, as well as assets and operations, here are several tips for putting a proactive plan in place:
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Actions to Take Now
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- Building & Structures: Review the structural integrity of each building, and replace or repair any rotted wood, rusted metal, physical damage, loose/missing fasteners, etc. Inspect roof coverings, perimeter flashings, gutters, drains, ventilators and other roof-mounted equipment. Inspect exterior wall coverings for attachment, damage and weather-tightness.
- Fire Protection: Ensure that all fire protection equipment is serviced and operational – fire extinguishers, smoke alarms, etc.
- Emergency Equipment: Assemble emergency communication equipment including cell phones, two-way radios, etc. Make sure emergency lighting is operational and battery backups functioning.
- Designate Safe Areas: Identify areas inside your business or nearby where you, your staff and customers can seek shelter in the event of a major storm.
- Emergency Supplies & First Aid: Assemble a 1-2-day supply of bottled water and sealed food items, as well as a well-stocked first aid kit, flashlights and extra batteries.
- Video & Photo Record of Business Contents, Interior & Exterior: Create a time-and-date-stamped video record of your salon’s contents on a room-by-room basis. This should include documenting all equipment, inventory, computers, windows, furniture and fixtures. Demonstrate the working and physical condition of all equipment, as well as the condition of interior and exterior walls, ceilings, roof, shingles, signage, etc.
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Actions to Take When a Storm is Imminent
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- You need to be proactive to protect yourself, employees and customers. You also need to protect your equipment, inventory, computers, files and data.
- Make sure everyone is safe and secure. Allow non-essential staff and customers to leave only if weather conditions permit and local authorities have deemed it safe to travel.
- Shut-off power to salon and spa equipment where possible and ensure that surge protectors are functioning properly.
- All spray-tan systems should be equipped with shut-off valves to water and drainage systems. Ensure that all valves are in the “off” position and that water is not flowing to the systems.
- Back-up all data on computers and turn them off, when possible.
- Ensure that paper files are secure, high and dry.
- If you have security cameras, be sure that all are operational and can record all activities before, during and after the storms.
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Sooner or later, regardless of where you’re located, Mother Nature will pay you an unwelcome visit.
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After the Storm
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- Remain in a safe, secure place until the storms have passed and local authorities advise that it is safe to move about the area.
- Survey for safety hazards such as downed electrical wires, leaking gas or flammable liquids, poisonous gasses, damage to foundation or underground piping, etc.
- Do not turn on breakers or attempt to restore power to any equipment or devices if power lines are down and/or wires and power cords are exposed near water.
- When safe to attempt, document all damage via video and photos with time-and-date stamps.
- To prevent further damage, call designated key personnel and emergency contractors to coordinate and start repairs and cleanup as soon as possible.
- Remove standing water in buildings, yard areas, etc.
- Clean and dry equipment with most critical objects receiving priority.
- Consider dehumidification of most areas, especially moisture-sensitive equipment.
- Inspect all electrical equipment including exposed insulators, bus bars, and conductors before energizing electrical distribution systems and equipment.
- Repair and return to service as soon as possible all fire protection including sprinklers, water supplies, extinguishing systems, alarms, etc
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Insurance Coverage
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If damage has occurred, contact your insurance provider as soon as possible to begin the claim process. And, as always, feel free to call us if you have questions.
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