Storms and hurricanes are expected in a big country like the United States. It’s estimated that, on average, 14 named storms and seven hurricanes hit the country annually.
The severity of these storms varies. However, the cost can go from a few million to billions. The costliest storm was Hurricane Katrina which cost the country over $160 billion in damages. The thousands of dollars caused by these storms can lead to bankruptcy for individual businesses.
As an entrepreneur, it’s essential to be prepared for anything. This includes storms. Whether it’s a severe thunderstorm, blizzard, or tornado, you need to have a plan to keep your business running smoothly. Here are five ways to prepare your office for a storm.
Make renovations
Renovations are crucial if you want your office to survive a calamity. So here are some upgrades and additions you need to have for your office.
Door Closer
Strong winds can inevitably open and damage closed doors. This is why you should invest in a reliable surface-mounted door closer. This kind of closer will keep your doors shut no matter how intense the winds are. Additionally, it’s great for protecting your office from break-ins. It does this by ensuring that the doors are shut at all times.
Reinforced Glass
Windows are the most vulnerable part of your office during storms. They can quickly be shattered by flying debris. To avoid this, you should consider upgrading your windows to reinforced glass. This type of glass is impact-resistant and can withstand strong winds and flying debris.
Windbreakers
If your office is susceptible to damage from strong winds, it’s good to have some windbreakers around it. Here are some great windbreakers for your office:
- Walls: There is no better windbreaker than exterior walls. These walls can protect your office from high winds and flying debris.
- Trees: Planting trees around your office can also help break the wind. You should choose deciduous trees because they lose their leaves in winter. This way, they won’t block the sun during winter storms.
- Fences: A fence is another excellent windbreaker. It can significantly reduce the wind speed around your office.
Hurricane-Proof Your Office
If you live in an area prone to hurricanes, you need to take extra steps to hurricane-proof your office. Here are some tips:
Install Hurricane Shutters
Hurricane shutters are a must if you want to protect your office from hurricanes. These shutters can significantly reduce the damage caused by high winds and flying debris.
There are different types of hurricane shutters. The most common are accordion shutters, roll-down shutters, and Bahama shutters.
Trim Trees and Shrubs
Trees and shrubs can quickly become flying projectiles during a hurricane. This is why you need to trim them regularly. You should also remove any dead branches. These can fall and damage your office during a storm.
Back up Your Data
In today’s digital world, data is everything. That’s why it’s so important to back up your data regularly. But you also need to ensure that your backup system is reliable and that multiple copies are stored in different locations (e.g., onsite, offsite, and in the cloud). If one copy is lost or damaged, you’ll still have others to fall back on.
Invest in Generator Power
A generator can keep your office running smoothly during a power outage by providing backup power for things like lights, computers, and printers. Investing in a generator that is the right size for your needs is essential, and your employees can efficiently operate that. Be sure to test it regularly to ensure it’s in working order.
Stock up on Supplies
When a storm hits, it’s often difficult to get out and about due to downed trees or power lines. That’s why it’s important to stock up on essential supplies like food, water, and first-aid supplies ahead of time. You should also have plenty of batteries in case of a power outage. And don’t forget about pet supplies if you have any furry friends in the office!
Have a Communication Plan
In the event of a storm, you need to have a communication plan to stay in touch with your employees and clients. This might include email, text messages, or even social media platforms like Twitter or Facebook. Make sure everyone knows how they can stay informed and who they need to contact if they can’t reach you directly.
While no one likes thinking about storms, it’s essential to be prepared for them, especially if you’re an entrepreneur responsible for running a business. By following these five tips, you can rest assured knowing that you’ve done everything possible to keep your office running smoothly during severe weather conditions.
