Hurricanes can pose a threat to your safety and cause severe damage to your property. Follow these tips to ensure taht you are storm ready.

Safety at Work 

Working around electricity can be dangerous. Here are some tips to keep you safe at work. 

How To Stay Storm Ready At Work

Before the Storm

  1. Carry out a full inspection of your business. Ensure all doors and windows can fasten securely. Check your business' electrical system, including electrical cords, surge protectors, power plugs and outlets. Keep tools such as a hammer, saw, ladder, extra nails and lumber for makeshift repairs, if needed during the season.
  2. Confirm that your business insurance plan is up to date and you are fully covered for events such as flooding and property damage. Now is also a good time to check your auto insurance plan.
  3. Hurricane winds can cause trees and branches to fall. Trim or remove damaged trees and limbs to keep you and your property safe. Contact us at 626-9000 to report trees which have power lines running through them.
  4. Prepare an emergency supply kit. This kit should include a first aid supplies, surgical alcohol, essential medication, prescription medication, battery operated flashlight, extra batteries, rain gear and a non-electric can opener.
  5. Know the difference between Hurricane Watches and Warnings. A hurricane watch is issued when there is a threat of hurricane conditions within 24-36 hours. A hurricane warning is issued when hurricane conditions (winds of 74 miles per hour or greater, or dangerously high water and rough seas) are expected in 24 hours or less.

During the Storm

  1. Do not attempt to go outdoors to remove fallen tree branches or debris from around the business during a storm or hurricane.
  2. Turn your fridge and freezer to their coldest settings; this will help keep food fresh longer in the event of a power outage. Limit the number of trips to your freezer/fridge to maintain the cold settings for as long as possible. Do not overstock your refrigerator or freezer.
  3. Turn off your circuit breaker's main switch when winds reach high speeds, if there are severe lightning conditions, or if water gets into your business. This will protect your electrical circuits and equipment from damage. Make sure family members know where the main breaker is located in case you need to turn off the power.

After the Storm

  1. Do not touch fallen or hanging wires, or anything which might be in contact with them. Stay clear of puddles where downed wires may have landed. A seemingly harmless wire may still be energized. 
  2. Do not connect generators directly to workplace wiring unless a licensed, qualified electrician has installed an appropriate transfer switch. Without the proper transfer switch, power provided by the generator can "backfeed" along the power lines, creating a significant electrocution hazard for anyone coming in contact with the lines, including linemen making necessary repairs.
  3. Never operate a generator inside your office or in any other enclosed—or even partially enclosed—area. Generators very quickly produce carbon monoxide, which can easily enter your workplace. Place the generator on a dry surface under an open, canopy-like structure. Do not operate generators in wet conditions or where there is standing water.