Wind & Water

According to the Institute for Business and Home Safety estimates, at least 25% of businesses never reopen after a local disaster. The increased visibility of Homeland Security has focused attention on terrorism, but there are just as many threats from weather, fire, and water damage. Use these tips and links to augment your internal sources for accessing, preparing, and handling threats to your building operation.

Every year, hurricanes, tornadoes and floods disrupt hundreds of thousands of lives. More over, some of these events have long-lasting effects. People are seriously injured, some killed, and property damage runs into the billions of dollars. If q hurricane, tornado or flood strikes your community, local government agencies and disaste-relief organizations try to help you. Local responders, however, may not be able to reach you immediately, or they may need to focus their efforts elsewhere. You need to be ready as well.

Being prepared and understanding what to do can reduce fear, anxiety and losses that accompany these events. You should be ready to evacuate your building, take refuge in a public shelter and know how to care for of basic medical needs.

As a building owner, you can prepare for these events and their effects. Start by learning whether hurricanes, tornadoes or floods are a risk in your area. Check with your local emergency management office.

The following information includes general guidelines for preparedness and safety. Because emergency response protocols may very from state to state, it is recommended that you contact your local emergency management office, health department, or American Red Cross chapter.

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