Hurricanes, tornados, blizzards, thunderstorms and torrential rains can wreak havoc on your business. Regardless of where your salon is located, sooner or later Mother Nature will pay you an unwelcome visit. To help protect yourself, your staff and your customers, as well as assets and operations, here are tips and suggestions to put a proactive plan in place:
Actions to Take Now
- Building and Structures
Review the structural integrity, including rotted wood, rusted metal, physical damage, loose/missing fasteners, etc. Replace or repair all damaged, missing or compromised components. 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. This includes fire extinguishers, smoke alarms, etc. - Emergency Equipment
Make arrangements for several forms of emergency communications including cell phones, two-way radios, etc. Make sure your emergency lighting is operational and battery backups functioning. - Designate Safe Areas
Identify areas inside your business or nearby where you, your staff and your customers can seek shelter in the event of a major storm. - Emergency Supplies & First Aid
Your business should have on hand 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 & Photographic Record of Business Contents, Interior & Exterior
Create a time-and-date-stamped video of your salon’s contents conducted on a room-by-room and area-by-area basis. Document all equipment, inventory, computers, windows, furniture and fixtures. Demonstrate the working and physical condition of all equipment. In addition, document the condition of all interior and exterior walls, ceilings, roof, shingles, signage, etc.
When a Storm is Imminent
To protect yourself, employees and customers, you need to be proactive. 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 permits and local authorities deem it safe.
- Cut power to salon and spa equipment where possible and ensure that surge protectors are functioning.
- All spray-tan systems should have shut-off valves for water and drainage systems. Ensure that valves are in the off position and water is not flowing to the systems.
- Back-up all computer data. Power computers down when possible.
- Ensure that paper files are secure, high and dry.
- Be sure that security cameras are operational and capable of recording before, during and after the storms.
Action After the Storm
- 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 foundations or underground piping, etc.
- Do not touch or step on downed or exposed wires, power cords, etc. If wires are down or exposed, contact the local fire department for instructions on how to proceed.
- Do not turn on breakers or attempt to restore power to equipment or devices if power lines are down and / or wires and power cords are exposed or near water.
- When safe to attempt, clean roof drains, storm drains, retention ponds, etc. and remove any debris.
- When safe to attempt, document all damage via videos and photos. Be sure to electronically stamp date and time.
- Contact designated key personnel and emergency contractors to coordinate and start repairs and cleanup. Begin cleanup as soon as possible to prevent further damage.
- Cover broken windows and damaged roofs.
- Make temporary repairs to prevent further damage. 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 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.
Insurance Coverage
If damage has occurred, contact your insurance provider as soon as possible to begin the claim process.
