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Business Hurricane Prep as a Storm Approaches Landfall
When a storm is on the way, make every minute count to prepare. There are critical steps you can take——like closing interior doors and installing hurricane shutters—to reduce damage to your business.
Begin Last-Minute Prep!
When a storm appears to be approaching landfall, follow these last-minute steps to help reduce damage to your business.
Last-minute Hurricane Prep & Recovery
Quick, last-minute actions you can take and steps to recover quickly.
STAY INFORMED OF CHANGING WEATHER CONDITIONS
1) Ensure 3 ways to receive weather information and alerts.
- Find a reliable source for hurricane updates. Pay attention to hurricane forecasts from the National Hurricane Center (NHC). Follow the NHC on Facebook or X and tune in to local news often. For impacts to your local area, follow your local National Weather Service (NWS) office.
- Purchase a NOAA weather radio, preferably one with a hand crank.
- Enable wireless emergency alerts on your cell phone. Check your wireless service provider’s website to find out how to do this for your specific phone type.
Note: Geographical maps are used to communicate critical weather information. Know where you are on a map and know your county name.
![1 - 3 Ways Warnings](https://ibhs1.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/1-3-Ways-Warnings-4-300x251.jpeg)
WHEN A HURRICANE WATCH HAS BEEN ISSUED, TAKE LAST MINUTE STEPS TO PREPARE BEFORE THE STORM ARRIVES
2) Activate your emergency hurricane business plan.
- Your team is activating the plan with communication.
- Begin last-minute building preparations.
- Allow time for employees that may need time to prepare their homes as well.
![Businessman examining papers at table Unrecognizable businessman examining papers at table. Manager with ballpoint pen filling business papers. Close-up of male hands working at desk. Analyzing documents concept](https://ibhs1.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2-Activate-Emergency-Plan.jpg)
3) Install your hurricane shutters.
- Place hurricane shutters over all the windows.
- Plywood should only be used in place of shutters as a last-minute resort when tropical weather is imminent. If plywood must be used, be sure it’s at least ¾ inch thick. Additionally, taping windows provides no protection and should NOT be done.
![3- Install hurricane shutters 3- Install hurricane shutters](https://ibhs1.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/3-Install-hurricane-shutters-1-500x350.jpg)
4) Secure outdoor items.
- Move outdoor items such as patio seating, signage, planters, inventory, and wood pallets indoors.
![Outdoors restaraunt Outdoors restaraunt](https://ibhs1.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/4.-Business-Patio-Furniture-1-500x350.jpg)
5) Check and clear your gutters and drainage.
- Ensure gutters and downspouts are secured to the building with gutter straps.
- Clean all roof drains, gutters, and downspouts free of tree debris.
- Ensure downspouts divert water at least 3 feet away from the foundation.
![Cleaning the gutter from autumn leaves before winter season. Roof gutter cleaning process. Cleaning the gutter from autumn leaves before winter season. Roof gutter cleaning process.](https://ibhs1.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/5-Clean-gutters-1-500x350.jpg)
6) Close all commercial doors, personnel doors & windows, including interior doors.
- Close rollup, garage, and overhead doors all the way.
- Initiate wind locks if available.
- Close all exterior windows and doors to keep the wind and rain out.
- Close all interior doors to compartmentalize pressure from the wind if it gets inside your building.
![Industrial warehouse An industrial warehouse with eight large yellow drive-in doors for big trucks.](https://ibhs1.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/6-Close-commercial-doors-500x350.jpg)
WHEN A HURRICANE EVACUATION ORDER IS ISSUED, ACT IMMEDIATELY
7) Evacuate, communicate, and stay safe.
- Follow instructions and evacuate immediately if authorities tell you to do so.
- Communicate the evacuation information to employees.
![Hurricane Evacuation Route A sign leads hurricane evacuees to safety.](https://ibhs1.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/7-Evacuate-1-500x350.jpg)