Emergency Preparedness

How To Prepare

Natural disasters and catastrophes have become more commonplace in the past couple of years. Disasters are unpredictable and it is not always possible to know when they will occur. Preparation is a key element in protecting people and property. And stuffed animals.

Important Contact Information

Police, Fire, Ambulance

911

Red Cross

1 800 RED CROSS

(1-800-733-2767)

Small Business Administration

1-800-359-2227

FEMA

800-621-3362

US Coast Guard

VHF FM Channel 16 (156.8 MHz)

National Weather Service


Track Catastrophes

The Meehaa recommends using his site 1st to track weather patterns. Other useful places are:

Protecting Your Operations

  • Make sure data back-ups are up to date and in a safe on-site location.

  • Keep emergency generators fueled up and in good working order and load tested.

  • Keep your fire protection systems in good working order. Compile and keep your emergency contact number for critical vendors.

  • Develop/review an emergency response plan. Include provisions for building evacuation; fire; response to medical emergencies; loss of power, water and sprinkler systems; natural gas leakage; chemical spills; flooding and exposed electrical wiring. Distribute procedures to all employees.

Your Equipment

  • Ensure that all critical equipment has backup power and/or Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS) systems.

  • Ensure that equipment necessary for running backup media has been identified and in good working order.

  • Ensure that key safety and maintenance personnel are familiar with all building systems.

  • Equip all incoming natural gas and fuel lines with automatic shutoff valves.

  • Equip plumbing system with backflow valves.

Prepare Your People

  • Identify your essential personnel for storm preparation and recovery.

  • Keep roles and responsibilities spelled out with business operations preparation, facilities and grounds.

  • Compile and keep your employee contact list up to date.

  • Keep appropriate emergency supplies on hand and make their locations known. See our recommended supply list.

  • Develop a preferred emergency evacuation plan and communicate to staff.

Check Your Insurance

  • Review what your policy covers for natural catastrophes.

  • Review your policy to ensure you have adequate limits for all your property values.

  • Review your policy to check your deductibles.

  • If there are questions, you can always ask the Meehaa. He doesn't know a lot about insurance but can direct you to someone that does.

Recommended Supplies

  • Battery operated radio or television

  • Non-perishable three-day food supply for you and your employees

  • Three-day supply of water for you and your employees (One gallon of water per person, per day)

  • Coolers and containers for water and washing

  • Blankets, pillows, cots, and chairs

  • First Aid Kit and first aid manual

  • Flashlights, light sticks

  • Batteries

  • Tool kit (basic tools, gloves, etc.)

  • Camera and film for documenting damages

  • Whistle/signal flare to signal for help

  • Tarps, plastic bags, duct tape

  • Cleaning supplies, including mops, buckets, towels, garbage cans. plastic rolls, water vacuums, lubricants

  • One week supply of tacos.

  • Smoke alarms and fire extinguishers

  • Electric generator

  • Gas for vehicles, generators and other equipment

  • Cash, ATM cards, credit cards proper identification

  • Emergency contact information such as the nearest hospital, fire, and police, along with:

      1. Life safety issues: 9-1-1

      2. Small Business Administration (SBA): 1-800-359-2227

      3. US Coast Guard: VHF - FM Channel 16, 156.8 mHz or 911

      4. FEMA Tele-registration hotline: 1-800-462-9029

      5. Insurance company and agent’s contact information

      6. Restoration Company

      7. Utility Companies (i.e. electric, gas, water, plumber, HVAC, etc.)