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Prepare For Hurricane Season Tampa Bay

Tampa homeowners, Tampa renters and Tampa businesses: Prepare for 2008 hurricane season

As several states recover from the destruction and loss of life caused by recent tornadoes, floods and wildfires, Floridians prepare for the Atlantic hurricane season, which begins today and runs through November.

Disaster preparedness for businesses should include:

• A solid emergency response plan. Business owners should designate a contact person to communicate with other employees, customers and vendors. Ask an out-of-state friend or family member to be your “post-disaster” point of contact – a person to call to provide information on your safety and whereabouts.
• Adequate insurance. Businesses should consider “business interruption insurance,” which helps cover operating costs during the post-disaster shutdown period. Flood insurance is essential. To find out more about the National Flood Insurance Program, visit the Web site at www.floodsmart.gov. 
• Making copies of important records. It’s a good idea to back up vital records and information saved on computer hard drives, and store that information at a distant offsite location. Computer data should be backed up routinely. Copies of important documents and CDs should be stored in fireproof safe deposit boxes offsite.
• Protection of windows, doors and roofing. Installing impact-resistant window and door systems, or simple plywood shutters installed before the storm hits, can enhance their ability to resist impacts from wind-borne debris. Hire a professional to evaluate your roof to make sure it can weather a major storm.
• A “Disaster Survival Kit.” The kit should include a flashlight, a portable radio, extra batteries, a first-aid kit, non-perishable packaged and canned food, bottled water, a basic tool kit, plastic bags, cash, and a disposable camera to take pictures of the property damage after the storm.

June 1, 2008 by Marc Vitorillo. Data is believed to be reliable, but not guaranteed. Login for current updates.