Virginia Governor Ralph Northam has declared a state of emergency in anticipation for Hurricane Florence. Additionally, Governor Northam has issued mandatory evacuations for some coastal Virginia residents. Please take the time to use the Virginia Hurricane Evacuation Zone Lookup Tool to be sure you know which zone you live in should further evacuations be ordered.
Due to the uncertainty of the storm’s path, it is important for all Virginians to prepare for potential high winds and flooding. It is equally important for businesses to review their emergency response plans and prepare accordingly.
BUSINESS PREPARATIONS
Here are five ways your business can prepare ahead of Hurricane Florence:
- Finalize Your Emergency Contact List
During disasters, communication with employees, suppliers, and customers is essential. Make sure you have the phone numbers, email addresses, or social media contact information for your key business contacts. Communicate with your employees your plan for yourself and your business before and after the storm and ensure they know how to get in contact with you.
- Encourage Your Employees to Prepare
As you get yourself personally prepared for the disaster, make sure your employees know what steps they can take to prepare as well. This includes making sure they have their own family emergency plan and are stocked up on basic disaster supplies including food and water, a flashlight, batteries, chargers, cash, and first aid supplies.
- Back up Your Data Off-Site
Ensure there is an updated backup of all crucial data related to your business—located somewhere outside the business. This could either be on an external hard drive or through cloud storage. This will help ensure nothing is lost if there is damage to your business.
- Review Insurance Policies
After a disaster is not the time to familiarize yourself with your company’s insurance plan. Review your plan now and what will be needed to file a claim—so that if you need to file it after a disaster strikes, you’ll be ready.
- Secure Facilities
If your business has a physical storefront or buildings, you’ll want to protect it similar to how you would your personal property. Consider your inventory, equipment, and technology, where it is located, and if it can be moved or sheltered.
Preparing now will help you recover later. The US Chamber Foundation has resources for businesses of all sizes to prepare ahead of the storm. The US Chamber’s Disaster Help Desk for Business (1-888-MY-BIZ-HELP) can give your business guidance on how to prepare ahead of Hurricane Florence making landfall.
For businesses to be prepared, it is important to have an evacuation plan in place. Have your employees know the procedure of what to do in the event of an emergency. If employees are unable evacuate, have supplies at the ready such as water bottles, batteries, etc (A full list of supplies can be found here: http://www.vaemergency.gov/emergency-kit/).
REVIEW EMERGENCY GUIDES
The Virginia Department of Emergency Management has developed a Virginia Hurricane Evacuation Guide, which provides helpful tips for Virginians on hurricane preparedness, including an emergency supplies checklist, evacuation tips, and a list of recovery resources. Please take the time NOW to review this information and prepare for Florence.
PREPARE FOR POWER OUTAGES:
Dominion Energy customers can report outages at 1-866-DOM-HELP (1-866-366-4357). In addition to reporting your outages:
- Turn off major appliances such as air conditioners, water heaters and stoves.
- Unplug TVs, stereos, microwaves and computers to prevent damage during possible overloads.
- Leave a lamp or light on so you’ll know when power is restored.
Stay away from any downed lines. Always assume the lines are energized and make sure to report them by calling 866-366-4357.
Virginians should follow the direction of local officials and stay tuned to their local media for the latest on the storm as it approaches the Commonwealth.
