The Atlantic hurricane season kicks off on June 1, and NOAA has predicted a busy season for 2020. According to the official weather agency, there is a 60% chance of an above-normal season, which is an indication of more dangerous activity, including up to 19 named storms, as many as ten hurricanes, and up to six major hurricanes.
If you own, rent, or manage commercial property, having a hurricane bearing down on your building is cause for concern. The time to prepare is well before Jim Cantore shows up in your town with a rain jacket and microphone. As you put together a disaster plan for the approaching hurricane season, here are some steps you can take to protect your commercial property and its tenants from harm and financial ruin.
1. Review Property Insurance With Your Agent Concerning Hurricane Coverage.
At least once per year, sit down with your commercial insurance agent to review your coverage. Verify your Named Storm deductibles and understand how they will be applied. You should do this even for buildings and projects under construction or renovation.
2. Stockpile The Emergency Supplies You Need As Hurricane Season Approaches.
Supplies will be essential to sustain your and your staff if you are temporarily stranded at your location during a storm. Some of the items that you should include in your disaster kit are:
- Water – Create a stockpile of at least a three-day supply of water, with a recommendation of two quarts of purified water per employee, per day.
- Food – Have a collection of non-perishable food such as dehydrated foods and food bars.
- Emergency lights – These include flashlights, light sticks, and flares.
- Radios – Some transistor radios and two-way radios are a good idea to get news reports and stay in touch.
- Blankets – Consider some shock retardant and lightweight fire emergency blankets.
- Batteries – Ensure you have plenty of extra batteries on hand.
- Medical – Put together a First Aid kit that can treat hurricane-related injuries such as broken bones, hypothermia, and heavy bleeding.
3. Keep A List Of Important Phone Numbers Available In Case Of Emergency.
Ensure your tenants have an updated list of emergency contact numbers, including different ways to reach you during a shutdown. Also, make sure you have a list of these numbers:
- Emergency Services: 911
- Federal Disaster Assistance: 1-800-621-FEMA (3362)
- Hurricane Helpline: 1-800-227-8676
- American Red Cross (Evacuation Resources: 1-800-975-7585
- Contact and Find Loved Ones (Red Cross): 1-877-LOVED-1S (568-3317)
- Your local emergency management agency.
4. Activate Your Disaster Plan As Soon As A Hurricane Watch Is Posted.
You should have preparations in place to potentially shut down your facility when a Hurricane Watch is posted. Avoid waiting until a Hurricane Warning is issued, as there may not be enough time to get everything done and keep people safe. Any actions you can complete that won’t interrupt ongoing business, such as storing on-site furniture, should take priority.
Caldwell Commercial is proud to be your trusted partner for commercial real estate in Charleston, SC. With more than 80 years of combined experience, our commercial realtors and property managers deliver superior leasing & sales, owner representation, development, and property management services to highly-satisfied clients. Contact us today to learn more about how our services can satisfy your needs.
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