If under an evacuation order, all businesses located east of the Intracoastal Waterway must evacuate.

BEFORE THE STORM

The following steps should be taken by businesses, large and small, prior to the arrival of a hurricane:

• Cover all glass windows and doors on at least the first floor of the building with shutters, paneling or other protective material, such as plywood or masonite.
• Make multiple backups of critical computer data and store them off premises. Keep checks, purchase orders, financial records, property and vehicle titles off the premises as well.
• Move important documents away from windows. Those on the first floor should be placed on tables or otherwise raised off the floor in the event the first floor becomes flooded by either increased tidal action or excessive rainfall.
• Unplug and wrap all electronics including computers in large plastic bags to protect against water damage. It is advisable to have a supply of heavy sheeting, air conditioning duct tape and some sandbags set aside for securing first floor doorways against flood water. Store electronics off the floor, in locations that are high and dry.
• Take before and after pictures of business/plant to aid in insurance or tax credit claims after the storm.
• Evaluate your short-term and long-term energy needs, and whether your company needs a generator. If so, stock fuel for it.
• Fill the tanks of company vehicles.
• Make sure employee emergency contact information is up to date, and that you have an employee communication plan in place.
• Create a clear-cut hurricane policy for employees and post it in advance.
• Allow your employees adequate time to secure their homes and make personal preparations when a storm is approaching.

If closing the business/plant during the emergency:

• Advise local law enforcement if the business will be empty of people or if security guards will be on site. If guards are to remain on site, their safety should be provided for. They should have adequate shelter, communications, food and water.
• Shut down all incoming power, electric, gas and water lines. Before restoring service, check all utilities. If there is a question about the condition of the utilities, call the appropriate company.
• Disconnect all electrical appliances and equipment such as typewriters, copiers, coffee makers, electric clocks, calculators, etc. so they do not create excessive surge when electric power is restored.
• Protect all vent hoods, exhaust louvers, etc. from wind and rain.
• Service and test the building's emergency power generator under load to make sure it is operating. Check out all equipment, utilities, fire equipment and first aid materials. Repair and replace faulty items as necessary.
• Check drains on the roof of the building to ensure they are clear and able to drain off the heavy rain which usually accompanies a hurricane. Clogged roof drains could cause the roof to collapse from weight of accumulated water, or cause damage to the interior of the building if water on the roof becomes deep enough to cover vent pipes and run down inside the building.
• Secure or bring inside any potted plants or other decorative objectives which could be blown about by the hurricane force winds.
• Check storage yard for materials that might be blown around. Secure items that cannot be brought inside.
• Dumpsters (large trash containers) can be secured by lashing two or more together with rope or chains and chocking the wheels. They might also be secured to a tree or telephone pole, if available.
• Relocate empty railroad cars, if possible.
• Prepare a portable hurricane kit that you can take with you once you've secured your business. This could include copies of essential documents, a battery-powered radio, batteries, a hard-line telephone, a laptop, camera, and anything else essential to keep your business running

AFTER THE STORM

After an emergency:

• The Broward County Office of Economic Development has established a network of disaster relief facilities identified as Business Recovery Centers. The Centers are designed to provide services including disaster recovery information and access to financial assistance programs. Centers will become operational at the onset of a disaster recovery.
• When the storm has passed, make temporary repairs to prevent looting or any further damage.

Updated May 25, 2006