What should you do to prepare your business for hurricane season? Here are things to know
Hurricane season officially begins Wednesday — there’s already been some early activity in the Gulf of Mexico — and it’s time for Lafayette businesses to start preparing for potential storms.
It’s expected to be an above-average season, and the Lafayette Economic Development Authority says it’s imperative for businesses to get ready .
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“Communities in South Louisiana are known for our resiliency following storms and natural disasters,” said LEDA President and CEO Mandi D. Mitchell said in a release. “You can increase your business’ chance of success following a natural disaster by developing a Disaster Preparedness Plan now. Having a plan will provide for the safety of your employees and customers, protect important business assets, and help your business resume operations more expediently in the aftermath of a storm.
“When individual businesses are able to continue operations, it improves the community’s ability to recover,” Mitchell said.
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Here’s some advice LEDA is offering ahead of the hurricane season:
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Know what types of emergencies might impact your area
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Assess how your business functions internally and externally
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Know that your employees and co-workers are the business’ most important and valuable asset
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Think about the basics of survival first: fresh water, food, clean air and warmth
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Shelter-in-place or evacuate; plan for both possibilities
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Fire is the most common of all business disasters
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Include people from all levels in emergency planning
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Practice emergency plans
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Encourage employees and their families to get a kit, make a plan and stay informed
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Detail how you will be in contact with employees, customers and others during and after a disaster
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Know that people who have experienced a disaster may have special recovery needs
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Meet with your insurance provider to review current coverage
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Prepare for extended utility outages during and after a disaster
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Take steps to secure physical assets like facilities, buildings and plants
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Conduct a room-by-room walk-through to determine what needs to be secured
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Assess the HVAC system to improve indoor air quality
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Protect your data and IT systems
More information can be found at GetAGamePlan.org. LEDA is also maintaining a hurricane resources webpage throughout the season at lafayette.org/hurricane.
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This article originally appeared on Lafayette Daily Advertiser: LEDA offers tips for Lafayette businesses as hurricane season begins
