• 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.