It's best to prepare your business and employees for an emergency or power outage before the situation occurs. Follow these simple steps to keep you and your co-workers safe in the event of an emergency.

For Your Employees and Co-workers

• Develop, post and review emergency plans, including evacuation routes and special medical needs.
• Designate safe areas where employees should go during a storm. Interior hallways and rooms with no windows are the best locations.
• Create a communication plan with your employees, including pre-arranged meeting points in case of telephone or cell phone outages.
• Maintain up-to-date contact information for all your employees.
• Establish procedures for warning your employees of severe weather.
• Have a plan for post-storm communications.

 
For Your Facility

• Review your storm insurance with your insurance agent. Give your agent appropriate emergency contact information.
• Photograph or videotape your building or office before and after a major storm. Store these records in a safe place.
• Make multiple back-ups to computer files and data. Store these records in a safe place.
• Turn off all computers and unplug all lamps, radios and equipment in case of a power surge.
• Prepare for your short-term and long-term energy needs. Consider installing a generator if necessary.
• If available, park your vehicles in safe, protected areas, such as a covered garage.
• Be sure electronic devices - pagers, cell phones, laptops and other devices - have fresh batteries.
• Lock drawers and file cabinets.