▸ Ask your local emergency management office if your facility is located in a flood plain. Find out the history of flooding in your area. Determine the elevation of your facility in relation to streams, rivers, and dams.
▸ Learn about community evacuation plans from your local emergency management office.
▸ Establish facility shutdown procedures. Make plans for assisting employees who may need transportation.
▸ Purchase a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration weather radio with a warning alarm tone and battery backup. Listen for flood watches and warnings.
▸ Get information about flood insurance from your insurance carrier. Regular property and casualty insurance does not cover flooding.
If a hurricane or other major weather event is being forecast, consider taking these actions ahead of time:
▸ Clear out areas with extensive glass frontage as much as possible. If you have shutters, use them; otherwise, use precut plywood to board up doors and windows.
▸ Remove outdoor hanging signs.
▸ Bring inside or secure any objects that might become airborne and cause damage in strong winds.
▸ Store as much equipment as high as possible off the floor, especially goods that could be in short supply after the storm.
▸ Move equipment that cannot be stored away from glass and cover it with tarpaulins or heavy plastic.
▸ Place sandbags in spaces where water could enter.
▸ Move papers from lower drawers to cabinet tops.