In the wake of Hurricane Harvey, the Houston area was hit with flooding from the heavy rains, winds and a lack of resources. As a result, natural disasters are on everyone’s minds these days, especially with Hurricane Irma looming a little over a week later.

The unsettling thing about natural disasters like these is that there is no trajectory that is matter-of-fact: they happen, and we have no choice but to deal with the aftermath. 

From flash floods and tornadoes to wildfires and hurricanes, a natural disaster can hit anywhere; since most people spend more time at work than at home, it is important to make sure you are aware of the emergency procedures at your workplace. 

The American Society of Safety Engineers recommends these five basic steps for hurricane disruptions at your workplace:

Develop a Comprehensive Plan. An effective hurricane survival plan should be written down and reviewed annually. For many companies, an Emergency Action Plan is required by OSHA, so hurricane planning can be considered as a part of the EAP planning and review each year. This plan should address policies and procedures for employee safety regarding hurricanes, business continuity and contingency plans in the face of damage to the business’ facilities, policies for dealing with employees, customers and vendors, etc. OSHA suggests that some of the key elements of an effective plan are:

• Conditions that will activate the plan;

• Chain of command;

• Emergency functions and who will perform them;

• Specific evacuation procedures, including routes and exits;

• Procedures for accounting for personnel, customers and visitors;

• Equipment for personnel.

Determine procedures and individual crisis management responsibilities. Identify which personnel are required to be on-site in the days surrounding a hurricane, as well as which personnel are essential to business function, whether required on-site or not. Be sure to communicate areas of accountability and responsibility for key personnel and how to perform their emergency-response duties effectively.

Coordinate with others. Understand the hurricane-response plans of other businesses in your area as well as police, fire department, hospitals and utility companies. It is also helpful to communicate with suppliers, shippers and others with whom you regularly do business.

Prepare employees. Communicate your hurricane plan with your personnel; ensure understanding of roles, responsibilities and expectations for every employee.

Review emergency plans annually. Assess changes in your business or to the community that may affect your hurricane response plan and make the necessary changes each year.

Don’t wait. It is better to act early and respond to a disaster before it actually happens. 

LaShaunda Jordan is The Valdosta Daily Times business reporter. Email business ideas to her at lashaunda.jordan@gaflnews.com.

LaShaunda Jordan is a reporter with The Valdosta Daily Times. She can be contacted at (229)244-3400 ext. 1257.