Greater Wilmington Business Journal
HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS GUIDE
SPONSORS’ CONTENT
Page 9
2022 HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS GUIDE SPONSORS’ CONTENT BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE GREATER WILMINGTON BUSINESS JOURNAL
BY FRITTS CAUSBY
Similar to the annual onslaught of summertime heat, humidity and insects, the 2022 Atlantic hurricane season is almost certain to have a pesky, negative impact on our region. The numbers don’t lie—in fact the Atlantic basin is expected to see 19 named storms this year, five over the average. The data, which was published in a recent report by Colorado State University’s Tropical Meteorology Project team, predicts that four of the 19 could become major hurricanes, defined as a Category 3 or higher. In any year when an aboveaverage hurricane season is predicted, many rush to blame global warming for the increased number of storms. This is a common misconception, however, it is widely accepted that global warming is making hurricanes more intense. To simplify what the experts are saying, global warming results in warmer sea water, not just at the surface but deep into the water column. This gives hurricanes more energy to draw from, resulting in a faster intensification than in previous years. Also, sea level rise makes the impact of storm surges more dangerous. Even a small increase in sea levels has the potential to make the impact from a Category 1
storm similar to that of a Category 2. Add to that the overwhelming amount of anecdotal evidence showing that storms produce more rain now than in prior years, an idea currently being vetted by the experts, and the result is that our region will almost certainly feel some sort of negative impact from a storm in the near-term. Those who remember Hurricane Florence, which dumped almost three feet of rain on our state, breaking all previous records, may wonder what could be done if something similar happened again. Whether or not there is any silver lining to all of this is up for debate, but for this year, there is at least comfort in the fact that new forecasting technology being rolled out should help to aid in planning and preparation. This tech, the Advanced Dvorak Technique, uses satellite imagery to measure storm intensity. The promise is that, with full-resolution imagery from weather satellites, forecasters will be able to better identify the eye in the hurricanes, resulting in a more accurate prediction of their future travel. All of this dovetails with the notion that, for many individuals and business owners, preparation is the only recourse. Failing to plan is a risky proposition. According to data compiled by the US Department of Labor and the Federal Emergency
2022 HURRICANE PREP GUIDE PREPARING FOR THE HURRICANE SEASON AS A BUSINESS OWNER · HOW CAN LOCAL BUSINESSES PREPARE · SMALL BUSINESS ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS · STATUS OF COMMUNITY RESOURCES · HOW TO CREATE A HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS PLAN · BUSINESS CONTINUITY PLANS · SMALL BUSINESS CHECKLIST
STAY SAFE THIS HURRICANE SEASON
Page 10
SPONSORS’ CONTENT
Management Association, around 40 percent of small businesses will never reopen after a storm, 25 percent will close a year later, and 75 percent of businesses without a continuity plan will shutter their doors after three years. Avoiding major devastation requires preparing before the threat of a hurricane is even on the radar. With that in mind, here are some ideas and recommendations to help business owners prepare.
HOW TO PREPARE YOUR BUSINESS
Preparations for hurricane season should be a priority for business owners this time of year. A critical first step for business owners to take is to develop evacuation and communication plans for employees and customers. This includes businesses with remote employees, as they should also be notified of any plans.and customers. This includes businesses with remote employees, as they should also be notified of any plans. When asked about the importance of hurricane preparation, Steven Still, Director of New Hanover County Emergency Management, stated that, “To be #ReadyNHC, we encourage business owners, and all residents to take three steps toward allhazards preparation: Make a Plan, Build a Kit and Stay Informed.” The county’s emergency
HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS GUIDE
management team advises business owners to first identify the level of risk they may have in an emergency situation. It’s vital to perform an honest assessment about how your business could be impacted by a storm and the possible recovery steps that would be necessary after the event. Understanding the needs of your business and how to help employees navigate a natural disaster situation are also important items to consider. Having the best possible plan for business preparations is essential, because doing something in the middle of a crisis can often result in costly mistakes. After you have a plan in place, it is critical to make sure your resources and supplies are easy to access. Business owners who need assistance with planning for emergencies can contact New Hanover County Emergency Management to schedule a consultation. This is just one of many resources the emergency management team offers business owners.
SMALL BUSINESS ASSISTANCE
In the event a hurricane results in a federal disaster, the Small Business Administration (SBA) typically provides opportunities for businesses to apply for low interest loans. These loans are designed to help business owners recover from damages and/or loss
Greater Wilmington Business Journal of income. Disaster unemployment benefits become an option if a hurricane is declared as a major disaster. One type of available disaster assistance is the SBA Business Physical Disaster Loan, which covers repairs or replacements of real estate, inventory, supplies, machinery and equipment. Another critical financial tool available to business owners is the SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL), set up to help businesses cover working capital needed to fulfill routine financial obligations. “In the past, the county has also used emergency funding to create grants and forgivable loans businesses can apply for to mitigate emergencies,” added Still. “Resources can change depending on the emergency, so sign up for Emergency News at ReadyNHC.com to get information as it becomes available.” Business owners could possibly take further comfort from the words of Natalie English, President and CEO of the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce, who added that, “Historically, the state of North Carolina’s Department of Commerce has introduced grant opportunities following natural disasters to help qualifying business owners access relief funds to accelerate their recovery.”
Greater Wilmington Business Journal
STATUS OF COMMUNITY RESOURCES
HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS GUIDE
Of course, the impact of the pandemic is still having an impact on supply chains and inflation, both locally and nationally. Fortunately, New Hanover County is not currently experiencing significant resource shortages. However, while some supply chain shortages have diminished, there are still pressures leading to increased prices and empty shelves. In recognition of these pressures, New Hanover County Emergency Management officials have pre-positioned many resources to ensure a swift recovery. Supply chain pressures may not impact New Hanover County, but an impact on residents is highly probable. For businesses and households, being proactive about building an emergency kit and stocking up on necessities is imperative. Building a kit and implementing a plan well in advance can help to avoid dealing with crowds of shoppers buying last-minute supplies as the immediate threat of a hurricane looms.
CREATING A HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS PLAN An essential component of any hurricane preparedness plan for a business should
be focused on keeping everyone safe and ensuring the continued operations of the business, even if that means offsite. Analyzing the risks and developing a plan can help to remedy the stress and panic that result in an emergency. For disaster resistance and recovery, business owners should make sure that they not only have a plan in place, but that they follow it in practice. With preparedness toolkits, plan templates and information to help create a plan and build a kit, Ready. gov/business is an excellent resource for businesses owners. As with many other types of weather emergencies, being informed about tools and resources to aid in the creation of a proper emergency plan is paramount. In response to the devastation brought on by Hurricane Florence, New Hanover County formed the Business Emergency Operations Center (BEOC) in partnership with the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce. This is a resource that was designed to address business concerns following disasters. To find out more about the BEOC, call 910-762-2611 or email businesseoc@wilmingtonchamber.org.
BUSINESS CONTINUITY PLANS Many larger businesses have Business
SPONSORS’ CONTENT
Page 11
Continuity Plans or Disaster Recovery Plans already in place. Small business owners need to follow this example and develop a plan of their own, to create a clear outline of any steps their business should take to prepare for and respond to a disaster. The good news is that resources for developing a Business Continuity Plan are readily available and some are complimentary. Finding resources for plan development and/or disaster preparations may be as simple as taking advantage of the US Chamber Foundation’s Resilience in a Box program, which is available at www. USChamberFoundation.org/ResilienceBox. This toolkit includes a five-minute quiz to help businesses assess their readiness in the event of a natural disaster. Additionally, the Department of Homeland Security offers plan resources at www.Ready. Gov/Business-ContinuityPlan. Locally, New Hanover County Emergency Management has an array of offerings for business owners seeking to develop a plan. Along with the New Hanover Disaster Coalition, their team is available to advise business owners on the proper way to develop a plan. Supporting the development of disaster plans for all business owners is one of many ways local emergency management teams serve the community. To find out more, visit www.ReadyNHC.com.
Page 12
SPONSORS’ CONTENT
HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS GUIDE
Greater Wilmington Business Journal
10 STEPS TO PREPARE YOUR FACILITY FOR HEAVY STORMS
1 2 3 4 5 6
Be sure to check that your roof, gutters and roof drains are clear of items that could damage the roof or block the flow of water rapidly draining off the building. Be sure the roof vent covers are in place and firmly affixed. Fasten down any loose/damaged parapet covers.
Conduct a walk-through looking at the ceilings in the building—note existing stained areas so they can be checked for new leaks and compared to stains that are visible after the storm.
Be sure windows are properly closed and drip caps are in position over exposed doors.
Install plastic and other safety items where heavy rains tend to back up into the facility.
Be sure that site drains outside the building are all free of debris and ready for operation.
7 8 9 10
Go around the building and fasten any loose siding elements.
Take loose site decorations and site furniture indoors or gather it and use chains or cables to bind the items together and fasten them to something solid.
Remove loose hanging dead limbs around the building (live limbs that can touch the building should be trimmed away in late winter every year.)
Schedule quarterly Disaster Preparedness & Contingency Planning—DPCP exercises. This should involve your staff and vendors who should be on a prearranged list of vetted partners who you would be contacting for/during an emergency event. This helps prepare all individuals that would be involved from all ends, from the vendors to your building personnel and/or clients, to experience what actually happens or could happen during an emergency situation
Rick Jones
SERVICE DEPARTMENT MANAGER
Rick Jones has worked at Highland Roofing for six years as the Service Department Manager where he leads Highland Roofing Company’s repair and maintenance team. He and the teams he leads have worked on many prominent, landmark facilities throughout eastern North Carolina.
COMMERCIAL ROOFING DONE RIGHT! A family-owned and operated business with offices in Wilmington and Raleigh, NC
Contact us today at 910-798-0155 highlandroofingcompany.com
Greater Wilmington Business Journal
HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS GUIDE
SPONSORS’ CONTENT
Page 13
SMALL BUSINESS CHECKLIST For some business owners creating a disaster plan can be overwhelming but with the copious resources available from government and non-profit organizations creating a plan is simple. Find online resources to develop your plan today by visiting New Hanover County Government, N.C. Department of Commerce, Federal Emergency Management Administration, Small Business and Technology Development Center, and the Carolina Small Business Development Fund.
RESOURCES: www.ready.gov/business www.ready.gov/business-continuity-plan www.uschamberfoundation.org/Resilience-Box www.readynhc.com CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE
BEFORE THE STORM HOME WATCH ⬤ NC
licensed & insured Home Inspector watching your property
⬤ Regular ⬤ Ability ⬤ Local
weekly or monthly visits to your coastal investment
to more quickly respond to emergency situations and alarms
resource for owners of vacation properties or second homes
STORM MANAGEMENT ⬤ Assurance ⬤ Shutter
your property is prepared in advance of major weather events
systems in place and loose items like furniture and grills secured
⬤ Post-storm
inspection to identify any damage for insurance claims
SentryHomeSolutions.com | 910.742.8782 | Greg@SentryHomeSolutions.com
Page 14
SPONSORS’ CONTENT
HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS GUIDE
Greater Wilmington Business Journal
SMALL BUSINESS CHECKLIST CREATE BOTH RECOVERY AND EMERGENCY PLANS Focusing on the development of an immediate-need emergency plan is vital but businesses also need to create plans that detail next steps for after the event. Think about how your business will get up and running after a disaster and make sure to clearly communicate the plan to employees.
SAFEGUARD BUSINESS RECORDS AND FILES Consider making it a habit to regularly back-up important electronic files, such as billing and payroll records, supplier lists, and customer databases. Make sure to make paper copies of vital documents and store them in a secure, safe place off-site.
MAINTAIN INVENTORY OF ASSETS AND EQUIPMENT Document these important parts of your business in writing and with photographs. This information will need to be regularly updated and electronically backedup in order to implement your recovery plan.
STORE MINIMAL INVENTORY ON SITE Each business will have a different need in this situation but the common suggestion is to store only three to five days worth of inventory on site. If this is set in place and the worst-case scenario does occur, only a small amount of inventory will perish.
COMMUNICATE CLEARLY WITH EMPLOYEES Establish which employees will be able to report to work after a disaster. Help your staff understand your business emergency plan and provide them resources to establish their own personal emergency plan. Providing guidance and time for your employees to develop their own family disaster plans ensure we all stay safe.
IDENTIFY EQUIPMENT VULNERABLE TO DAMAGE Take into consideration the location of large equipment that could become damaged. Is it near a window where high wind could break glass and create damage? Do you have things located near pipes or a hot water tank which could possible burst and create a water leak on or near the equipment? Take measures to move or raise equipment as needed in order to minimize damage.
Greater Wilmington Business Journal
HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS GUIDE
SPONSORS’ CONTENT
Page 15
Spiffy Extended Logo Guidelines 1. There should be no
TM
inside or outside circle. 2. There should only be a
®
after the word Spiffy. 3. It should not say Mobile Car Wash & Detailing
CONVENIENT, TRUSTED, PROFESSIONAL, GREEN 3 1 2
Recommended formats: *.AI, *.PDF, *.EPS,
A LOW COST, HIGH IMPACT WORKPLACE AMENITY.
*.JPEG, *.PNG Spiffy Blue
Note:
PMS 287,
The Spiffy Extended logo should be used when presenting Spiffy to audiences that are new to our brand like conference attendees and cold sales prospects.
STEP Reverse #1 Full-Color Logo
Schedule your Spiffy using the website, phone, or our iPhone/ Android app
STEP #2 We come to you with power and water & all we need is your keys
R-19, G-66, B-112 HEX #134270
STEPReverse #3 One-Color logo Digitally track, rate, and pay for each service
Download the app | GetSpiffy.com | (844) 438-7743
4 Cape Fear Water and Sewer Authority provides Lower wholesale regional water from the Cape Fear River at the Kings Bluff Pump Station behind Lock and Dam #1 in Bladen County. Bladen, Brunswick, Columbus, New Hanover and Pender Counties comprise our five-county service area.
The Mission of the LCFWASA is to assist in providing water and related services that enhance the quality of life in the region. Originally, created as the Wilmington-New Hanover County Water and Sewer Authority in 1970, we took our current name in 1971. In 1984, the Kings Bluff Pump Station was placed into service and expanded in 2008. A 60-inch parallel intake was installed in 2011. The 54-inch parallel transmission line has been completed and has increased capacity from 45 to 80 million gallons-a-day without any equipment upgrades. Brunswick County Utilities and Cape Fear Public Utilities constructed this line which is now part of the LCFWASA system. There are plans underway now to parallel the last 10-mile section of line to give the Authority true and complete redundancy. This is a great move to keep the region prepared for Emergency Conditions. The Kings Bluff Pump Station has not been out of service for 18 years, surviving a line break during Hurricane Matthew and severe flooding during Hurricane Florence. www.lcfwasa.org
HEATING & COOLING WE SPECIALIZE IN RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL INSTALLATION, REPAIR & SERVICE
24 HOUR SERVICE 910.777.3539 TWO LOCATIONS TO BETTER SERVE YOU: 3306 Kitty Hawk Road Wilmington, NC 28403
3181 George II Highway Southport, NC 28461
www.SALTAIRINC.com