We're all a-twitter (pun intended) here in Charleston now that hurricane season appears to be bearing down on us. Here are some reminders to get ready for a hit, (though Hanna is likely not it.)
- Make a list of the things you must do in the event of an actual emergency and keep it handy this time of year. Some of the below may help.
- Assemble a quick kit for your office, complete with plastic, blank DVD-R's, scissors, twine or string, tape, a Sharpie and any other items needed for quick security of your area. Keep it on hand throughout hurricane season.
- Back up your computer either remotely or to portable disks/drives that you can take with you in the event you leave.
- Store any important documents or other information in a location that is impervious to fire, flood and wind. As an alternative, you can make copies of these documents and/or scan them electronically. Then, you can assemble them in one place for easy transport.
- Do not leave any sensitive items that could be damaged by water on the floor.
- Take important information, like insurance policies and emergency contacts, with you.
- Cover any items on your desk with plastic and secure it.
- If you work with others, establish a contact tree with decision makers at the top. Provide detailed contact information, including mobile phone numbers, in case power and land line telephone service is interrupted. Once a decision about evacuation is made, information about work closures and return to work can be conveyed quickly with each person responsible for calling one or two co-workers with news.
- Practice your hurricane routine with a hurricane drill.
It never hurts to be prepared. Take time now to prepare for an actual emergency before it is upon you. Without the stress, the process will be easy and will pave the way for less confusion when nature inevitably strikes out.
Be safe this hurricane season.
1 comment:
Good advice Andra!
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