Although Matthew didn’t quite make it to Jamaica, we are still not out of the loop just yet. Remember the Hurricane season will expire November 30th and even then we never know when the next weather phenomena will happen.

It’s all well and good to get our homes ready for a hurricane but how do workplaces prepare for the onset of this natural disaster? The best time to prepare for a hurricane is always before it happens. It is even more important to pay special attention to warnings and other alerts; this will not only prevent possible damages but will help lessen the burden of dealing with hurricane-related disruption to your business in the aftermath. Here are a few tips to be mindful of as you prepare business places for a hurricane:

1. Make sure there is a fully thought out plan. This plan must be in writing, reviewed yearly and should look at policies and procedures for employee’s safety regarding hurricanes. It should also be clear about the business’ continuity and contingency plans in the face of damage to the facilities and has a section that has clear provisions for dealing with employees, customers and vendors.

2. Procedures must be determined and individual responsibilities must be clear. The person(s) required to be onsite in the days surrounding the threat of a hurricane as well as their function to be carried out must be known. There should be known areas of accountability and responsibility as well how emergency response duties should be effectively carried out.

3. It is good to coordinate with others. Knowing the plan of other businesses in the area as well as police, fire brigade, hospitals and utility companies might come in handy. It is also helpful to communicate with suppliers, shippers and other persons you do business with regularly.

4. Ensure employees are adequately prepared. Employees must be aware of the hurricane plan and understand their roles, responsibilities and what is expected of them.

5. Review your plans annually. Whatever changes that might take place in the business or the community it serves which may affect your hurricane plan, do the assessments make the necessary changes each year.